1
|
Seyhan AA. Trials and Tribulations of MicroRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1469. [PMID: 38338746 PMCID: PMC10855871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the link between microRNAs (miRNAs) and a myriad of human diseases, particularly various cancer types, has generated significant interest in exploring their potential as a novel class of drugs. This has led to substantial investments in interdisciplinary research fields such as biology, chemistry, and medical science for the development of miRNA-based therapies. Furthermore, the recent global success of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic has further revitalized interest in RNA-based immunotherapies, including miRNA-based approaches to cancer treatment. Consequently, RNA therapeutics have emerged as highly adaptable and modular options for cancer therapy. Moreover, advancements in RNA chemistry and delivery methods have been pivotal in shaping the landscape of RNA-based immunotherapy, including miRNA-based approaches. Consequently, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a resurgence of interest in incorporating RNA-based immunotherapies and miRNA therapeutics into their development programs. Despite substantial progress in preclinical research, the field of miRNA-based therapeutics remains in its early stages, with only a few progressing to clinical development, none reaching phase III clinical trials or being approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several facing termination due to toxicity issues. These setbacks highlight existing challenges that must be addressed for the broad clinical application of miRNA-based therapeutics. Key challenges include establishing miRNA sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity towards their intended targets, mitigating immunogenic reactions and off-target effects, developing enhanced methods for targeted delivery, and determining optimal dosing for therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Additionally, the limited understanding of the precise functions of miRNAs limits their clinical utilization. Moreover, for miRNAs to be viable for cancer treatment, they must be technically and economically feasible for the widespread adoption of RNA therapies. As a result, a thorough risk evaluation of miRNA therapeutics is crucial to minimize off-target effects, prevent overdosing, and address various other issues. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of miRNAs for various diseases is evident, and future investigations are essential to determine their applicability in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yehia AM, Elsakka EGE, Abulsoud AI, Abdelmaksoud NM, Elshafei A, Elkhawaga SY, Ismail A, Mokhtar MM, El-Mahdy HA, Hegazy M, Elballal MS, Mohammed OA, El-Husseiny HM, Midan HM, El-Dakroury WA, Zewail MB, Abdel Mageed SS, Moustafa YM, Mostafa RM, Elkady MA, Doghish AS. Decoding the role of miRNAs in multiple myeloma pathogenesis: A focus on signaling pathways. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154715. [PMID: 37517169 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that has been extensively studied in recent years, with researchers increasingly focusing on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression in MM. Several non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to regulate MM pathogenesis signaling pathways. These pathways might regulate MM development, apoptosis, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. They are Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53 and KRAS. This review highlights the impending role of miRNAs in MM signaling and their relationship with MM therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amr Mohamed Yehia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elsayed G E Elsakka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elshafei
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Y Elkhawaga
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Mohamed Mokhtar
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maghawry Hegazy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bisha University, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein M El-Husseiny
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Elqaliobiya 13736, Egypt; Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai Cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Dakroury
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Moataz B Zewail
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed A Elkady
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kagan D, Batabyal A, Lukowiak K. Remember the poke: microRNAs are required for long-term memory formation following operant conditioning in Lymnaea. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2023; 209:403-410. [PMID: 36622417 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-022-01604-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in learning and memory formation by controlling the expression of genes through epigenetic processes. Although miRNAs unquestionably play a role in memory, past literature focusing on whether miRNAs play key roles in the consolidation of associative long-term memory in Lymnaea contained confounding variables. Using operant conditioning of aerial respiratory behaviour, we investigated long-term memory (LTM) formation after injection of poly-L-lysine (PLL), an inhibitor of Dicer-mediated miRNA biogenesis, in Lymnaea stagnalis. Homeostatic breathing experiments were also performed to test whether PLL affects breathing. Homeostatic breathing was significantly suppressed 45 min but not 24 h after PLL injection. The operant conditioning procedure involved two 30-min training sessions separated by 1 h to cause LTM. Using this operant conditioning procedure, LTM formation was significantly impaired when snails were injected with PLL 15 min after the second training session. In contrast, when snails were injected with PLL 24 h before the first training session, LTM formation was not impaired. These results are consistent with past literature and highlight an important role for miRNAs in LTM formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kagan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Anuradha Batabyal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ken Lukowiak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mauro M, Berretta M, Palermo G, Cavalieri V, La Rocca G. The Multiplicity of Argonaute Complexes in Mammalian Cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:1-9. [PMID: 35667689 PMCID: PMC9827513 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonautes (AGOs) are a highly conserved family of proteins found in most eukaryotes and involved in mechanisms of gene regulation, both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Among other functions, AGO proteins associate with microRNAs (miRNAs) to mediate the post-transcriptional repression of protein-coding genes. In this process, AGOs associate with members of the trinucleotide repeat containing 6 protein (TNRC6) family to form the core of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), the effector machinery that mediates miRNA function. However, the description of the exact composition of the RISC has been a challenging task due to the fact the AGO's interactome is dynamically regulated in a cell type- and condition-specific manner. Here, we summarize some of the most significant studies that have identified AGO complexes in mammalian cells, as well as the approaches used to characterize them. Finally, we discuss possible opportunities to exploit what we have learned on the properties of the RISC to develop novel anti-cancer therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is the molecular machinery that mediates miRNA function in mammals. Studies over the past two decades have shed light on important biochemical and functional properties of this complex. However, many aspects of this complex await further elucidation, mostly due to technical limitations that have hindered full characterization. Here, we summarize some of the most significant studies on the mammalian RISC and discuss possible sources of biases in the approaches used to characterize it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Mauro
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (M.M.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.B.); Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiani, GORI ONLUS, Pordenone, Italy (M.B.); Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania Italy (G.P.); Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy (V.C.); and Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (G.L.R.)
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (M.M.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.B.); Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiani, GORI ONLUS, Pordenone, Italy (M.B.); Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania Italy (G.P.); Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy (V.C.); and Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (G.L.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Palermo
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (M.M.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.B.); Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiani, GORI ONLUS, Pordenone, Italy (M.B.); Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania Italy (G.P.); Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy (V.C.); and Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (G.L.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (M.M.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.B.); Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiani, GORI ONLUS, Pordenone, Italy (M.B.); Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania Italy (G.P.); Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy (V.C.); and Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (G.L.R.)
| | - Gaspare La Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (M.M.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.B.); Gruppo Oncologico Ricercatori Italiani, GORI ONLUS, Pordenone, Italy (M.B.); Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania Italy (G.P.); Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy (V.C.); and Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (G.L.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kehn-Hall K, Bradfute SB. Understanding host responses to equine encephalitis virus infection: implications for therapeutic development. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1551-1566. [PMID: 36305549 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2141224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV) are mosquito-borne New World alphaviruses that cause encephalitis in equids and humans. These viruses can cause severe disease and death, as well as long-term severe neurological symptoms in survivors. Despite the pathogenesis and weaponization of these viruses, there are no approved therapeutics for treating infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the molecular pathogenesis of these viruses, discuss host-pathogen interactions needed for viral replication, and highlight new avenues for drug development with a focus on host-targeted approaches. EXPERT OPINION Current approaches have yielded some promising therapeutics, but additional emphasis should be placed on advanced development of existing small molecules and pursuit of pan-encephalitic alphavirus drugs. More research should be conducted on EEEV and WEEV, given their high lethality rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
MiRNAs in Lung Cancer: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potential. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071610. [PMID: 35885514 PMCID: PMC9322918 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the dominant emerging factor in cancer-related mortality around the globe. Therapeutic interventions for lung cancer are not up to par, mainly due to reoccurrence/relapse, chemoresistance, and late diagnosis. People are currently interested in miRNAs, which are small double-stranded (20–24 ribonucleotides) structures that regulate molecular targets (tumor suppressors, oncogenes) involved in tumorigeneses such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis via post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA. Many studies suggest the emerging role of miRNAs in lung cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Therefore, it is necessary to intensely explore the miRNOME expression of lung tumors and the development of anti-cancer strategies. The current review focuses on the therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential of numerous miRNAs in lung cancer.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yardım-Akaydin S, Karahalil B, Nacak Baytas S. New therapy strategies in the management of breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1755-1762. [PMID: 35337961 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths after lung cancer, is the most common cancer type among women worldwide. BC comprises multiple subtypes based on molecular properties. Depending on the type of BC, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the current systemic treatment options along with conventional chemotherapy. Several new molecular targets, miRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been discovered over the past few decades and are powerful potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review advanced therapeutics as new players in BC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevgi Yardım-Akaydin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330-Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bensu Karahalil
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330-Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sultan Nacak Baytas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330-Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kagan D, Batabyal A, Rivi V, Lukowiak K. A change in taste: The role of MicroRNAs in altering hedonic value. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274208. [PMID: 34989810 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms associated with neophobia, and anhedonia remain largely unknown. Neuropsychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia are associated with excessive fear and anhedonia and have been linked to microRNA 137. We hypothesized that microRNAs (miRNAs) in the snail Lymnaea stagnalis are important for regulating feeding behaviour through either preventing neophobia or establishing hedonic value. To test these hypotheses, we used an injection of Poly-L-Lysine (PLL) to inhibit miRNA biogenesis and observed its effects on feeding behaviour. We repeated these experiments with pre-exposure to novel stimuli capable of eliciting neophobia to disentangle the processes predicted to regulate feeding behaviour. Next, we exposed snails to food stimuli of high hedonic value after PLL injection to reset their hedonic value for that food. Finally, we consolidated our results with previous research by examining the effect of PLL injection on a one trial appetitive classical conditioning procedure (1TT) to induce long term memory (LTM). We found that miRNAs are likely not required for preventing neophobia. Moreover, we discovered that snails experienced anhedonia in response to inhibition of miRNA biogenesis, resulting in diminished feeding behaviour for food stimuli with a previously high hedonic value. Snails showed diminished feeding behaviour for multiple food stimuli of high hedonic value post 1TT with PLL injection. This finding suggested that PLL causes anhedonia rather than an impairment of LTM formation following the 1TT procedure. This is the first evidence suggesting that inhibiting the biogenesis of miRNAs contributes to anhedonia in Lymnaea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kagan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Anuradha Batabyal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Veronica Rivi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ken Lukowiak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nguyen LD, Chau RK, Krichevsky AM. Small Molecule Drugs Targeting Non-Coding RNAs as Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:2005. [PMID: 34946953 PMCID: PMC8701955 DOI: 10.3390/genes12122005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the enormous burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) on patients, caregivers, and society, only a few treatments with limited efficacy are currently available. While drug development conventionally focuses on disease-associated proteins, RNA has recently been shown to be druggable for therapeutic purposes as well. Approximately 70% of the human genome is transcribed into non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs, which can adopt diverse structures and cellular functions. Many ncRNAs are specifically enriched in the central nervous system, and their dysregulation is implicated in ADRD pathogenesis, making them attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we first detail why targeting ncRNAs with small molecules is a promising therapeutic strategy for ADRD. We then outline the process from discovery to validation of small molecules targeting ncRNAs in preclinical studies, with special emphasis on primary high-throughput screens for identifying lead compounds. Screening strategies for specific ncRNAs will also be included as examples. Key challenges-including selecting appropriate ncRNA targets, lack of specificity of small molecules, and general low success rate of neurological drugs and how they may be overcome-will be discussed throughout the review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna M. Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.D.N.); (R.K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang M, Weng T, Zhang W, Zhang M, He X, Han C, Wang X. The Roles of Non-coding RNA in the Development and Regeneration of Hair Follicles: Current Status and Further Perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720879. [PMID: 34708037 PMCID: PMC8542792 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alopecia is a common problem that affects almost every age group and is considered to be an issue for cosmetic or psychiatric reasons. The loss of hair follicles (HFs) and hair caused by alopecia impairs self-esteem, thermoregulation, tactile sensation and protection from ultraviolet light. One strategy to solve this problem is HF regeneration. Many signalling pathways and molecules participate in the morphology and regeneration of HF, such as Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog, bone morphogenetic protein and Notch. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs and long ncRNAs, have significant modulatory roles in HF development and regeneration via regulation of these signalling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the status and future prospects of ncRNAs in HF regeneration and could prompt novel ncRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Trauma and Burn of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Weng
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Trauma and Burn of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Trauma and Burn of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Manjia Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie He
- Department of General Practice, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunmao Han
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Trauma and Burn of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingang Wang
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Trauma and Burn of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marchetti C, De Felice F, Romito A, Iacobelli V, Sassu CM, Corrado G, Ricci C, Scambia G, Fagotti A. Chemotherapy resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer: Mechanisms and emerging treatments. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:144-166. [PMID: 34464704 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a fatal malignancy because most patients experience recurrent disease, which is resistant to chemotherapy. The outcomes for patients with platinum-resistant OC are poor, response rates to further chemotherapy are low and median survival is lower than 12 months. The complexity of platinum-resistant OC, which comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases, is indeed far from being completely understood. Therefore, comprehending tumors' biological behaviour to identify reliable biomarkers, which may predict responses to therapies, is a demanding challenge to improve OC management. In the age of precision medicine, efforts to overcome platinum resistance in OC represent a dynamic and vast field in which innovative drugs and clinical trials rapidly develop. This review will present the exceptional biochemical environment implicated in OC and highlights mechanisms of chemoresistance. Furthermore, innovative molecules and new therapeutic opportunities are presented, along with currently available therapies and ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marchetti
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
| | - Francesca De Felice
- Division of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy; Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Romito
- Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
| | - Valentina Iacobelli
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department Woman and Child Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Maria Sassu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Polyclinic Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Caterina Ricci
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department Woman and Child Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Department Woman and Child Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fu Z, Wang L, Li S, Chen F, Au-Yeung KKW, Shi C. MicroRNA as an Important Target for Anticancer Drug Development. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:736323. [PMID: 34512363 PMCID: PMC8425594 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.736323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become the second greatest cause of death worldwide. Although there are several different classes of anticancer drugs that are available in clinic, some tough issues like side-effects and low efficacy still need to dissolve. Therefore, there remains an urgent need to discover and develop more effective anticancer drugs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation or reducing the stability of mRNA. An abnormal miRNA expression profile was found to exist widely in cancer cell, which induces limitless replicative potential and evading apoptosis. MiRNAs function as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressors during tumor development and progression. It was shown that regulation of specific miRNA alterations using miRNA mimics or antagomirs can normalize the gene regulatory network and signaling pathways, and reverse the phenotypes in cancer cells. The miRNA hence provides an attractive target for anticancer drug development. In this review, we will summarize the latest publications on the role of miRNA in anticancer therapeutics and briefly describe the relationship between abnormal miRNAs and tumorigenesis. The potential of miRNA-based therapeutics for anticancer treatment has been critically discussed. And the current strategies in designing miRNA targeting therapeutics are described in detail. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of miRNA-based therapy are conferred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Chen Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nowak I, Sarshad AA. Argonaute Proteins Take Center Stage in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040788. [PMID: 33668654 PMCID: PMC7918559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The dysregulation of RNA interference (RNAi) has often been observed in cancers, where the main focus of research has been on the small RNA molecules directing RNAi. In this review, we focus on the activity of Argonaute proteins, central components of RNAi, in tumorigenesis, and also highlight their potential applications in grading tumors and anti-cancer therapies. Abstract Argonaute proteins (AGOs) play crucial roles in RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) formation and activity. AGOs loaded with small RNA molecules (miRNA or siRNA) either catalyze endoribonucleolytic cleavage of target RNAs or recruit factors responsible for translational silencing and target destabilization. miRNAs are well characterized and broadly studied in tumorigenesis; nevertheless, the functions of the AGOs in cancers have lagged behind. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of AGOs in tumorigenesis, highlighting canonical and non-canonical functions of AGOs in cancer cells, as well as the biomarker potential of AGO expression in different of tumor types. Furthermore, we point to the possible application of the AGOs in development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Nowak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aishe A. Sarshad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Clinico-Pathological Importance of miR-146a in Lung Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020274. [PMID: 33578944 PMCID: PMC7916675 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a well-known malignant tumor of the respiratory tract, which has caused a significant level of damage to human health in the 21st century. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are tiny, non-coding RNA stem-loop structures with a length of roughly 20–25 nucleotides that function as powerful modulators of mRNA and protein products of a gene. miRNAs may modulate many biological processes involving growth, differentiation, proliferation, and cell death and play a key role in the pathogenesis of various types of malignancies. Several accumulating pieces of evidence have proven that miRNA, especially miR-146a, are crucial modulators of innate immune response sequences. A novel and exciting cancer research field has involved miRNA for the detection and suppression of cancer. However, the actual mechanism which is adopted by these miRNA is still unclear. miRNAs have been used as a cancer-associated biomarker in several studies, suggesting their altered expression in various cancers compared to the normal cells. The amount of expression of miRNA can also be used to determine the stage of the disease, aiding in early detection. In breast, pancreatic, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and gastric cancer, cancer cell proliferation and metastasis has been suppressed by miR-146a. Changes in miR-146a expression levels have biomarker importance and possess a high potential as a therapeutic target in lung cancer. It retards epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes the therapeutic action of anticancer agents in lung cancer. Studies have also suggested that miR-146a affects gene expression through different signaling pathways viz. TNF-α, NF-κB and MEK-1/2, and JNK-1/2. Further research is required for understanding the molecular mechanisms of miR-146a in lung cancer. The potential role of miR-146a as a diagnostic marker of lung cancer must also be analyzed. This review summarizes the tumor-suppressing, anti-inflammatory, and antichemoresistive nature of miR-146a in lung cancer.
Collapse
|
15
|
Sonoda Y, Kano F, Murata M. Applications of cell resealing to reconstitute microRNA loading to extracellular vesicles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2900. [PMID: 33536479 PMCID: PMC7859222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are cargo carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are associated with cell–cell interactions. The response to the cellular environment, such as disease states, genetic/metabolic changes, or differences in cell type, highly regulates cargo sorting to EVs. However, morphological features during EV formation and secretion involving miRNA loading are unknown. This study developed a new method of EV loading using cell resealing and reconstituted the elementary miRNA-loading processes. Morphology, secretory response, and cellular uptake ability of EVs obtained from intact and resealed HeLa cells were comparable. Exogenously added soluble factors were introduced into multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) and their subsequent secretion to the extracellular region occurred in resealed HeLa cells. In addition, miRNA transport to MVEs and miRNA encapsulation to EVs followed a distinct pathway regulated by RNA-binding proteins, such as Argonaute and Y-box binding protein 1, depending on miRNA types. Our cell-resealing system can analyze disease-specific EVs derived from disease model cells, where pathological cytosol is introduced into cells. Thus, EV formation in resealed cells can be used not only to create a reconstitution system to give mechanistic insight into EV encapsulation but also for applications such as loading various molecules into EVs and identifying disease-specific EV markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Sonoda
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Fumi Kano
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Masayuki Murata
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan. .,Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leroux AC, Bartels E, Winter L, Mann M, Otte K, Zehe C. Transferability of miRNA-technology to bioprocessing: Influence of cultivation mode and media. Biotechnol Prog 2020; 37:e3107. [PMID: 33300297 PMCID: PMC8244005 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The biopharmaceutical industry strives for improvement of their production processes. In recent years, miRNAs have been shown to positively impact the production capacity of recombinant CHO cells, especially with regard to difficult to express proteins. Effective and reliable gene regulation of process relevant target genes by miRNAs is a prerequisite for integrating them into the toolbox of industrial cell engineering strategies. However, most studies rely on transient transfection of miRNA mimics; there is low standardization in evaluation of miRNA function and little knowledge on transferability of effects found during transient expression to stable expression during industry relevant fed‐batch cultivation. In order to provide more insight into this topic, we used the pcDNA6.2 vector for stable miRNA overexpression during batch and fed‐batch cultivation in CHO DG44 cells, optimized the vector, and compared the miRNA levels and effects with those achieved by transfection of miRNA mimics. We found that miR‐1 downregulated TWF1 mRNA in different recombinant CHO DG44 clones in a dose‐dependent manner during transient batch cultivation. Cells stably overexpressing miR‐1 also showed a TWF1 mRNA downregulation when cultivated in batch mode using in‐house medium 1. However, when the cells stably overexpressing miR‐1 were cultivated in fed‐batch mode using in‐house medium 2. Consequently, a change of cultivation mode and medium seems to have an impact on target gene regulation by miRNA. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance to standardize miRNA evaluations and test miRNAs in the final application environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Cathrin Leroux
- Product Development, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany.,Advanced Biotech Applications Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Bartels
- Product Development, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany.,Operations, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luise Winter
- Product Development, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany.,Upstream Process Development, Rentschler Biopharma, Laupheim, Germany
| | - Melanie Mann
- Product Development, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kerstin Otte
- Biology, Cell- and Molecular Biology, Biberach University of Applied Sciences, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Christoph Zehe
- Advanced Biotech Applications Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Cellca GmbH, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hashemi A, Gorji-Bahri G. MicroRNA: Promising Roles in Cancer Therapy. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1186-1203. [PMID: 32310047 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200420101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that act as one of the main regulators of gene expression. They are involved in maintaining a proper balance of diverse processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in normal cells. Cancer biology can also be affected by these molecules by modulating the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Thus, miRNA based anticancer therapy is currently being developed either alone or in combination with chemotherapy agents used in cancer management, aiming at promoting tumor regression and increasing cure rate. Access to large quantities of RNA agents can facilitate RNA research and development. In addition to currently used in vitro methods, fermentation-based approaches have recently been developed, which can cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents with proper folding needed for the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Nevertheless, a major challenge in translating preclinical studies to clinical for miRNA-based cancer therapy is the efficient delivery of these agents to target cells. Targeting miRNAs/anti-miRNAs using antibodies and/or peptides can minimize cellular and systemic toxicity. Here, we provide a brief review of miRNA in the following aspects: biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs, the role of miRNAs in cancer as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, the potential of using miRNAs as novel and promising therapeutics, miRNA-mediated chemo-sensitization, and currently utilized methods for the in vitro and in vivo production of RNA agents. Finally, an update on the viral and non-viral delivery systems is addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilar Gorji-Bahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harumoto T, Sato A, Takayama Y, Miyagi H, Saito JI, Shinohara F. Structure-guided screening strategy combining surface plasmon resonance with nuclear magnetic resonance for identification of small-molecule Argonaute 2 inhibitors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236710. [PMID: 32735606 PMCID: PMC7394379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute (AGO) proteins are the key component of the RNA interference machinery that suppresses gene expression by forming an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) with microRNAs (miRNAs). Each miRNA is involved in various cellular processes, such as development, differentiation, tumorigenesis, and viral infection. Thus, molecules that regulate miRNA function are expected to have therapeutic potential. In addition, the biogenesis of miRNA is a multistep process involving various proteins, although the complete pathway remains to be elucidated. Therefore, identification of molecules that can specifically modulate each step will help understand the mechanism of gene suppression. To date, several AGO2 inhibitors have been identified. However, these molecules were identified through a single screening method, and no studies have specifically evaluated a combinatorial strategy. Here, we demonstrated a combinatorial screening (SCR) approach comprising an in silico molecular docking study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, focusing on the strong binding between the 5'-terminal phosphate of RNA and the AGO2 middle (MID) domain. By combining SPR and NMR, we identified binding modes of amino acid residues binding to AGO2. First, using a large chemical library (over 6,000,000 compounds), 171 compounds with acidic functional groups were screened using in silico SCR. Next, we constructed an SPR inhibition system that could analyze only the 5'-terminal binding site of RNA, and nine molecules that strongly bound to the AGO2 MID domain were selected. Finally, using NMR, three molecules that bound to the desired site were identified. The RISC inhibitory ability of the “hit” compounds was analyzed in human cell lysate, and all three hit compounds strongly inhibited the binding between double-stranded RNA and AGO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshimasa Harumoto
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Machida-shi, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Atsuko Sato
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Nagaizumi-cho, Suntou-gun, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayama
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Nagaizumi-cho, Suntou-gun, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hikaru Miyagi
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Machida-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Saito
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Nagaizumi-cho, Suntou-gun, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Shinohara
- Research Functions Unit, R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Humphries BA, Wang Z, Yang C. MicroRNA Regulation of the Small Rho GTPase Regulators-Complexities and Opportunities in Targeting Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1092. [PMID: 32353968 PMCID: PMC7281527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The small Rho GTPases regulate important cellular processes that affect cancer metastasis, such as cell survival and proliferation, actin dynamics, adhesion, migration, invasion and transcriptional activation. The Rho GTPases function as molecular switches cycling between an active GTP-bound and inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound conformation. It is known that Rho GTPase activities are mainly regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs), GDP dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs) and guanine nucleotide exchange modifiers (GEMs). These Rho GTPase regulators are often dysregulated in cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a large family of small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate protein-coding gene expression, have been shown to play important roles in cancer metastasis. Recent studies showed that miRNAs are capable of directly targeting RhoGAPs, RhoGEFs, and RhoGDIs, and regulate the activities of Rho GTPases. This not only provides new evidence for the critical role of miRNA dysregulation in cancer metastasis, it also reveals novel mechanisms for Rho GTPase regulation. This review summarizes recent exciting findings showing that miRNAs play important roles in regulating Rho GTPase regulators (RhoGEFs, RhoGAPs, RhoGDIs), thus affecting Rho GTPase activities and cancer metastasis. The potential opportunities and challenges for targeting miRNAs and Rho GTPase regulators in treating cancer metastasis are also discussed. A comprehensive list of the currently validated miRNA-targeting of small Rho GTPase regulators is presented as a reference resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brock A. Humphries
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 1095 V A Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 1095 V A Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Van Meter EN, Onyango JA, Teske KA. A review of currently identified small molecule modulators of microRNA function. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 188:112008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.112008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
21
|
Yan H, Liang FS. miRNA inhibition by proximity-enabled Dicer inactivation. Methods 2019; 167:117-123. [PMID: 31077820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as master regulators of biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been implicated in many human diseases. Driven by the key biological roles and the therapeutic potential, developing methods for miRNA regulation has become an intense research area. Due to favorable pharmacological properties, small molecule-based miRNA inhibition emerges as a promising strategy and significant progresses have been made. However, it remains challenging to regulate miRNA using small molecules because of the inherent difficulty in RNA targeting and inhibition. Herein we outline the workflow of generating bifunctional small molecule inhibitors blocking miRNA biogenesis through proximity-enabled inactivation of Dicer, an enzyme required for the processing of precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) into mature miRNA. By conjugating a weak Dicer inhibitor with a pre-miRNA binder, the inhibitor can be delivered to the Dicer processing site associated with the targeted pre-miRNA, and as a result inhibiting Dicer-mediated pre-miRNA processing. This protocol can be applicable in producing bifunctional inhibitors for different miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fan R, Xiao C, Wan X, Cha W, Miao Y, Zhou Y, Qin C, Cui T, Su F, Shan X. Small molecules with big roles in microRNA chemical biology and microRNA-targeted therapeutics. RNA Biol 2019; 16:707-718. [PMID: 30900502 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1593094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Aberrant miRNA expression or function have close links with various human diseases. Therefore, therapeutic treatments with disease-associated miRNAs as targets are emerging. However, the intracellular miRNA networks are extremely complicated and poorly understood, which thus hinder the development of miRNA-targeted therapeutics. Small molecules that are able to regulate endogenous miRNAs hold great potential in both elucidation of miRNA networks and treatment of miRNA-related diseases. Herein, we summarize current strategies for discovery of small molecule modifiers of miRNAs, and we highlight aspects of miRNA cellular biology elucidated by using these small molecules and miRNA-targeted therapeutics realized by these small molecules. We envision that this area will expand dramatically in the near future and will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of miRNA-involved cellular processes and development of therapeutic agents for miRNA-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rengen Fan
- a Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Chaocheng Xiao
- b Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Xinqiang Wan
- c Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Wenzhang Cha
- a Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Yufeng Miao
- d Department of Medical Oncology , Wuxi Third People's Hospital , Wuxi , China
| | - Yong Zhou
- a Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Chenglin Qin
- a Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| | - Ting Cui
- e Department of Cardiology, The Third People's Hospital of Yancheng , Yancheng , China
| | - Fenglian Su
- f School of Medical University, Xuzhou , Xuzhou , China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- g Department of Geraeology, Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng , China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Almenar-Pérez E, Sánchez-Fito T, Ovejero T, Nathanson L, Oltra E. Impact of Polypharmacy on Candidate Biomarker miRNomes for the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Striking Back on Treatments. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11030126. [PMID: 30889846 PMCID: PMC6471415 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11030126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are diseases of unknown etiology presenting complex and often overlapping symptomatology. Despite promising advances on the study of miRNomes of these diseases, no validated molecular diagnostic biomarker yet exists. Since FM and ME/CFS patient treatments commonly include polypharmacy, it is of concern that biomarker miRNAs are masked by drug interactions. Aiming at discriminating between drug-effects and true disease-associated differential miRNA expression, we evaluated the potential impact of commonly prescribed drugs on disease miRNomes, as reported by the literature. By using the web search tools SM2miR, Pharmaco-miR, and repoDB, we found a list of commonly prescribed drugs that impact FM and ME/CFS miRNomes and therefore could be interfering in the process of biomarker discovery. On another end, disease-associated miRNomes may incline a patient’s response to treatment and toxicity. Here, we explored treatments for diseases in general that could be affected by FM and ME/CFS miRNomes, finding a long list of them, including treatments for lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting ME/CFS patients at a higher rate than healthy population. We conclude that FM and ME/CFS miRNomes could help refine pharmacogenomic/pharmacoepigenomic analysis to elevate future personalized medicine and precision medicine programs in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloy Almenar-Pérez
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Teresa Sánchez-Fito
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Tamara Ovejero
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Lubov Nathanson
- Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
| | - Elisa Oltra
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
- Unidad Mixta CIPF-UCV, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zheng XF, Liu KX, Wang XM, Zhang R, Li X. MicroRNA‑192 acts as a tumor suppressor in colon cancer and simvastatin activates miR‑192 to inhibit cancer cell growth. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:1753-1760. [PMID: 30628692 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with colon cancer. In the present study, a novel tumor suppressive microRNA, miR‑192, was demonstrated to be markedly downregulated in colon cancer cells compared with normal colon cells. By overexpressing miR‑192 in colon cancer HCT‑116 cells, the results of the present study revealed that miR‑192 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics were used to determine the target gene of miR‑192 and Ras‑related protein Rab‑2A (RAB2A) was identified as a downstream target of miR‑192. Following the determination of the role of the miR‑192‑RAB2A pathway in colon cancer, small molecules that may regulate miR‑192 were screened and the results demonstrated that simvastatin is an activator of miR‑192. Furthermore, simvastatin upregulated miR‑192 and inhibited the expression of downstream targets of miR‑192, which subsequently led to suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study identified a novel colon cancer cell suppressor, as well as a small‑molecule activator of the tumor suppressor miR‑192, which may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Zheng
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Kun-Xiang Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Mei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Iansante V, Dhawan A, Masmoudi F, Lee CA, Fernandez-Dacosta R, Walker S, Fitzpatrick E, Mitry RR, Filippi C. A New High Throughput Screening Platform for Cell Encapsulation in Alginate Hydrogel Shows Improved Hepatocyte Functions by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Co-encapsulation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:216. [PMID: 30140676 PMCID: PMC6095031 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation has emerged as an alternative to liver transplant for liver disease. Hepatocytes encapsulated in alginate microbeads have been proposed for the treatment of acute liver failure, as they are able to provide hepatic functions while the liver regenerates. Furthermore, they do not require immunosuppression, as the alginate protects the hepatocytes from the recipient's immune cells. Mesenchymal stromal cells are very attractive candidates for regenerative medicine, being able to differentiate into cells of the mesenchymal lineages and having extensive proliferative ability. When co-cultured with hepatocytes in two-dimensional cultures, they exert a trophic role, drastically improving hepatocytes survival and functions. In this study we aimed to (i) devise a high throughput system (HTS) to allow testing of a variety of different parameters for cell encapsulation and (ii) using this HTS, investigate whether mesenchymal stromal cells could have beneficial effects on the hepatocytes when co-encapsulated in alginate microbeads. Using our HTS platform, we observed some improvement of hepatocyte behavior with MSCs, subsequently confirmed in the low throughput analysis of cell function in alginate microbeads. Therefore, our study shows that mesenchymal stromal cells may be a good option to improve the function of hepatocytes microbeads. Furthermore, the platform developed may be used for HTS studies on cell encapsulation, in which several conditions (e.g., number of cells, combinations of cells, alginate modifications) could be easily compared at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Iansante
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fatma Masmoudi
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Lee
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raquel Fernandez-Dacosta
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Walker
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emer Fitzpatrick
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ragai R Mitry
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Céline Filippi
- Dhawan Lab at Mowat Labs, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen C, Zhou Y, Wang J, Yan Y, Peng L, Qiu W. Dysregulated MicroRNA Involvement in Multiple Sclerosis by Induction of T Helper 17 Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1256. [PMID: 29915595 PMCID: PMC5994557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Growing evidence has proven that T helper 17 (Th17) cells are one of the regulators of neuroinflammation mechanisms in MS disease. Researchers have demonstrated that some microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with disease activity and duration, even with different MS patterns. miRNAs regulate CD4+ T cells to differentiate toward various T cell subtypes including Th17 cells. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of miRNAs in MS pathophysiology by regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th17 cells, and potential miRNA targets for current disease-modifying treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Yan
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
van Zyl B, Tang D, Bowden NA. Biomarkers of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer: what can we use to improve treatment. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R303-R318. [PMID: 29487129 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has poor survival rates due to a combination of diagnosis at advanced disease stages and disease recurrence as a result of platinum chemotherapy resistance. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most common ovarian cancer subtype, is conventionally treated with surgery and paclitaxel/carboplatin combination chemotherapy. Initial response rates are 60-80%, but eventually the majority of patients become platinum-resistant with subsequent relapses. Extensive research on individual biomarkers of platinum resistance has revealed many potential targets for the development new treatments. While this is ongoing, there are also epigenetic, DNA repair, genome and immune changes characterised in platinum-resistant HGSOC that can be targeted with current therapies. This review discusses biomarkers of platinum chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer with a focus on biomarkers that are targetable with alternative treatment combinations to those currently used. After decades of research focused on elucidating the biological cause of platinum resistance, future research needs to focus on using this knowledge to overcome resistance for patients with ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda van Zyl
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denise Tang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nikola A Bowden
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The Challenges and Opportunities in the Clinical Application of Noncoding RNAs: The Road Map for miRNAs and piRNAs in Cancer Diagnostics and Prognostics. Int J Genomics 2018; 2018:5848046. [PMID: 29854719 PMCID: PMC5952559 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5848046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Discoveries on nonprotein-coding RNAs have induced a paradigm shift in our overall understanding of gene expression and regulation. We now understand that coding and noncoding RNA machinery work in concert to maintain overall homeostasis. Based on their length, noncoding RNAs are broadly classified into two groups—long (>200 nt) and small noncoding RNAs (<200 nt). These RNAs perform diverse functions—gene regulation, splicing, translation, and posttranscriptional modifications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are two classes of small noncoding RNAs that are now classified as master regulators of gene expression. They have also demonstrated clinical significance as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for several diseases, including cancer. Despite these similarities, both these RNAs are generated through contrasting mechanisms, and one of the aims of this review is to cover the distance travelled since their discovery and compare and contrast the various facets of these RNAs. Although these RNAs show tremendous promise as biomarkers, translating the findings from bench to bedside is often met with roadblocks. The second aim of this review therefore is to highlight some of the challenges that hinder application of miRNA and piRNA as in guiding treatment decisions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Korneev SA, Vavoulis DV, Naskar S, Dyakonova VE, Kemenes I, Kemenes G. A CREB2-targeting microRNA is required for long-term memory after single-trial learning. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3950. [PMID: 29500383 PMCID: PMC5834643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although single-trial induced long-term memories (LTM) have been of major interest in neuroscience, how LTM can form after a single episode of learning remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that the removal of molecular inhibitory constraints by microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in this process. To test this hypothesis, first we constructed small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) cDNA libraries from the CNS of Lymnaea stagnalis subjected to a single conditioning trial. Then, by next generation sequencing of these libraries, we identified a specific pool of miRNAs regulated by training. Of these miRNAs, we focussed on Lym-miR-137 whose seed region shows perfect complementarity to a target sequence in the 3' UTR of the mRNA for CREB2, a well-known memory repressor. We found that Lym-miR-137 was transiently up-regulated 1 h after single-trial conditioning, preceding a down-regulation of Lym-CREB2 mRNA. Furthermore, we discovered that Lym-miR-137 is co-expressed with Lym-CREB2 mRNA in an identified neuron with an established role in LTM. Finally, using an in vivo loss-of-function approach we demonstrated that Lym-miR-137 is required for single-trial induced LTM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A Korneev
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.
| | - Dimitris V Vavoulis
- RDM Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Oxford, Clifton, BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Souvik Naskar
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Varvara E Dyakonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Ildikó Kemenes
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - György Kemenes
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cha W, Fan R, Miao Y, Zhou Y, Qin C, Shan X, Wan X, Cui T. MicroRNAs as novel endogenous targets for regulation and therapeutic treatments. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:396-408. [PMID: 30108932 PMCID: PMC6072415 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00285h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have been identified as key endogenous biomolecules that are able to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The abnormal expression or function of miRNAs has been demonstrated to be closely related to the occurrence or development of various human diseases, including cancers. Regulation of these abnormal miRNAs thus holds great promise for therapeutic treatments. In this review, we summarize exogenous molecules that are able to regulate endogenous miRNAs, including small molecule regulators of miRNAs and synthetic oligonucleotides. Strategies for screening small molecule regulators of miRNAs and recently reported small molecules are introduced and summarized. Synthetic oligonucleotides including antisense miRNA oligonucleotides and miRNA mimics, as well as delivery systems for these synthetic oligonucleotides to enter cells, that regulate endogenous miRNAs are also summarized. In addition, we discuss recent applications of these small molecules and synthetic oligonucleotides in therapeutic treatments. Overall, this review aims to provide a brief synopsis of recent achievements of using both small molecule regulators and synthetic oligonucleotides to regulate endogenous miRNAs and achieve therapeutic outcomes. We envision that these regulators of endogenous miRNAs will ultimately contribute to the development of new therapies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Cha
- Department of General Surgery , Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng 224001 , China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery , Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng 224001 , China
| | - Yufeng Miao
- Department of Medical Oncology , Wuxi Third People's Hospital , Wuxi 214000 , China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of General Surgery , Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng 224001 , China
| | - Chenglin Qin
- Department of General Surgery , Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng 224001 , China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geraeology , Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital , Yancheng 224001 , China .
| | - Xinqiang Wan
- Department of Clinical Medicine , Nantong University Xinglin College , Nantong 226000 , China .
| | - Ting Cui
- Department of Cardiology , The Third People's Hospital of Yancheng , Yancheng 224001 , China .
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Brustikova K, Sedlak D, Kubikova J, Skuta C, Solcova K, Malik R, Bartunek P, Svoboda P. Cell-Based Reporter System for High-Throughput Screening of MicroRNA Pathway Inhibitors and Its Limitations. Front Genet 2018. [PMID: 29535760 PMCID: PMC5835079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs repressing gene expression. They contribute to many physiological processes and pathologies. Consequently, strategies for manipulation of the miRNA pathway are of interest as they could provide tools for experimental or therapeutic interventions. One of such tools could be small chemical compounds identified through high-throughput screening (HTS) with reporter assays. While a number of chemical compounds have been identified in such high-throughput screens, their application potential remains elusive. Here, we report our experience with cell-based HTS of a library of 12,816 chemical compounds to identify miRNA pathway modulators. We used human HeLa and mouse NIH 3T3 cell lines with stably integrated or transiently expressed luciferase reporters repressed by endogenous miR-30 and let-7 miRNAs and identified 163 putative miRNA inhibitors. We report that compounds relieving miRNA-mediated repression via stress induction are infrequent; we have found only two compounds that reproducibly induced stress granules and relieved miRNA-targeted reporter repression. However, we have found that this assay type readily yields non-specific (miRNA-independent) stimulators of luciferase reporter activity. Furthermore, our data provide partial support for previously published miRNA pathway modulators; the most notable intersections were found among anthracyclines, dopamine derivatives, flavones, and stilbenes. Altogether, our results underscore the importance of appropriate negative controls in development of small compound inhibitors of the miRNA pathway. This particularly concerns validation strategies, which would greatly profit from assays that fundamentally differ from the routinely employed miRNA-targeted reporter assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Brustikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sedlak
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Kubikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ctibor Skuta
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Solcova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Malik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Bartunek
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Petrovic N, Ergun S. miRNAs as Potential Treatment Targets and Treatment Options in Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 22:157-168. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-017-0314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
33
|
Small molecule-mediated induction of miR-9 suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointima formation after balloon injury. Oncotarget 2017; 8:93360-93372. [PMID: 29212155 PMCID: PMC5706801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathologic proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exacerbate cardiovascular disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as endogenous inhibitors of protein synthesis, are expected to modulate pathologic proliferation of VSMCs. Here we report that both platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) targeting miR-9 and a small molecule that increases miR-9 can inhibit the serum-induced proliferation of VSMCs. First, based on miRNA-target prediction databases and empirical data, we have selected miR-9 as a potent anti-proliferative miRNA in VSMCs. Further examination indicated that miR-9 directly targets PDGFR disrupting downstream signaling cascades, and this resulted in inhibition of VSMC proliferation and migration. Exogenous delivery of miR-9 inhibited VSMC proliferation in vitro, and a small molecule that increased miR-9 expression also inhibited neointima formation following balloon injury in vivo. We provide evidence of miRNA-mediated modulation of VSMC proliferation and further demonstrate that small molecule-mediated regulation of miRNA targeting a key regulator of VSMC proliferation is a viable therapeutic strategy for treating vascular disease involving pathologic VSMC proliferation such as restenosis.
Collapse
|
34
|
Aiello S, Rocchetta F, Longaretti L, Faravelli S, Todeschini M, Cassis L, Pezzuto F, Tomasoni S, Azzollini N, Mister M, Mele C, Conti S, Breno M, Remuzzi G, Noris M, Benigni A. Extracellular vesicles derived from T regulatory cells suppress T cell proliferation and prolong allograft survival. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11518. [PMID: 28912528 PMCID: PMC5599553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that rat allogeneic DC, made immature by adenoviral gene transfer of the dominant negative form of IKK2, gave rise in-vitro to a unique population of CD4+CD25− regulatory T cells (dnIKK2-Treg). These cells inhibited Tcell response in-vitro, without needing cell-to-cell contact, and induced kidney allograft survival prolongation in-vivo. Deep insight into the mechanisms behind dnIKK2-Treg-induced suppression of Tcell proliferation remained elusive. Here we document that dnIKK2-Treg release extracellular vesicles (EV) riched in exosomes, fully accounting for the cell-contact independent immunosuppressive activity of parent cells. DnIKK2-Treg-EV contain a unique molecular cargo of specific miRNAs and iNOS, which, once delivered into target cells, blocked cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis. DnIKK2-Treg-EV-exposed T cells were in turn converted into regulatory cells. Notably, when administered in-vivo, dnIKK2-Treg-EV prolonged kidney allograft survival. DnIKK2-Treg-derived EV could be a tool for manipulating the immune system and for discovering novel potential immunosuppressive molecules in the context of allotransplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sistiana Aiello
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Rocchetta
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Lorena Longaretti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvia Faravelli
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Todeschini
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Linda Cassis
- Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Susanna Tomasoni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Nadia Azzollini
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marilena Mister
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Conti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Matteo Breno
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialyisis Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialyisis, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Ricerche Trapianti Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Functional association of cellular microtubules with viral capsid assembly supports efficient hepatitis B virus replication. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10620. [PMID: 28878350 PMCID: PMC5587681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses exploit host factors and environment for their efficient replication. The virus-host interaction mechanisms for achieving an optimal hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication have been largely unknown. Here, a single cell cloning revealed that HepAD38 cells, a widely-used HBV-inducible cell line, contain cell clones with diverse permissiveness to HBV replication. The HBV permissiveness was impaired upon treatment with microtubule inhibitor nocodazole, which was identified as an HBV replication inhibitor from a pharmacological screening. In the microtubule-disrupted cells, the efficiency of HBV capsid assembly was remarkably decreased without significant change in pre-assembly process. We further found that HBV core interacted with tubulin and co-localized with microtubule-like fibriforms, but this association was abrogated upon microtubule-disassembly agents, resulting in attenuation of capsid formation. Our data thus suggest a significant role of microtubules in the efficient capsid formation during HBV replication. In line with this, a highly HBV permissive cell clone of HepAD38 cells showed a prominent association of core-microtubule and thus a high capacity to support the capsid formation. These findings provide a new aspect of virus-cell interaction for rendering efficient HBV replication.
Collapse
|
36
|
Identification of aminosulfonylarylisoxazole as microRNA-31 regulators. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182331. [PMID: 28783765 PMCID: PMC5544221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of small-molecule regulators of microRNAs remains challenging, but a few have been reported. Herein, we describe small-molecule inhibitors of miR-31, a tumor-associated microRNA (miRNA), identified by high-throughput screening using a cell-based reporter assay. Aminosulfonylarylisoxazole compounds exhibited higher specificity for miR-31 than for six other miRNAs, i.e., miR-15a, miR-16, miR-21, miR-92a-1, miR-146a, and miR-155, and increased the expression of miR-31 target genes. The down-regulation of mature miR-31 was observed, while its precursor form increased following treatment with the compounds. Thus, the compounds may target the processing of pre-miR-31 into mature miR-31 and thereby inhibit the production of mature miR-31.
Collapse
|
37
|
Gong W, Huang Y, Xie J, Wang G, Yu D, Sun X. Genome-wide identification of novel microRNAs from genome sequences using computational approach in the mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris). RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162017040161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
38
|
Approaches for the Discovery of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting microRNAs. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
39
|
Lauschke VM, Vorrink SU, Moro SML, Rezayee F, Nordling Å, Hendriks DFG, Bell CC, Sison-Young R, Park BK, Goldring CE, Ellis E, Johansson I, Mkrtchian S, Andersson TB, Ingelman-Sundberg M. Massive rearrangements of cellular MicroRNA signatures are key drivers of hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Hepatology 2016; 64:1743-1756. [PMID: 27532775 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocytes are dynamic cells that, upon injury, can alternate between nondividing differentiated and dedifferentiated proliferating states in vivo. However, in two-dimensional cultures, primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) rapidly dedifferentiate, resulting in loss of hepatic functions that significantly limits their usefulness as an in vitro model of liver biology, liver diseases, as well as drug metabolism and toxicity. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms and stalling of the dedifferentiation process would be highly beneficial to establish more-accurate and relevant long-term in vitro hepatocyte models. Here, we present comprehensive analyses of whole proteome and transcriptome dynamics during the initiation of dedifferentiation during the first 24 hours of culture. We report that early major rearrangements of the noncoding transcriptome, hallmarked by increased expression of small nucleolar RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and ribosomal genes, precede most changes in coding genes during dedifferentiation of PHHs, and we speculated that these modulations could drive the hepatic dedifferentiation process. To functionally test this hypothesis, we globally inhibited the miRNA machinery using two established chemically distinct compounds, acriflavine and poly-l-lysine. These inhibition experiments resulted in a significantly impaired miRNA response and, most important, in a pronounced reduction in the down-regulation of hepatic genes with importance for liver function. Thus, we provide strong evidence for the importance of noncoding RNAs, in particular, miRNAs, in hepatic dedifferentiation, which can aid the development of more-efficient differentiation protocols for stem-cell-derived hepatocytes and broaden our understanding of the dynamic properties of hepatocytes with respect to liver regeneration. CONCLUSION miRNAs are important drivers of hepatic dedifferentiation, and our results provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms behind liver regeneration and possibilities to inhibit dedifferentiation in vitro. (Hepatology 2016;64:1743-1756).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker M Lauschke
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sabine U Vorrink
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabrina M L Moro
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemah Rezayee
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Nordling
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Delilah F G Hendriks
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine C Bell
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rowena Sison-Young
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Kevin Park
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher E Goldring
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ewa Ellis
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Johansson
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Souren Mkrtchian
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommy B Andersson
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Innovative Medicines, DMPK, AstraZeneca R&D, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) provide a unique mechanism of gene regulation and play a key role in different pathologies ranging from metabolic diseases to cancer. miRNAs can impact biological function as either suppressors of gene expression when their expression levels are enhanced in a disease state or they can cause upregulation of gene expression when their expression levels are reduced. Therefore both gain- and loss-of- function strategies are needed to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. miRNA research first focused on inhibition of single miRNAs using oligonucleotide inhibitors. However, more recent approaches explore the potential to deliver oligonucleotides to mimic miRNA expression or to employ small molecules to increase or inhibit miRNA function. Although we need to know more about the potential side effects and tissue specific delivery systems, these studies provide grounds to further exploit miRNAs as novel therapeutic targets in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Krützfeldt
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition, University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Competence Center Personalized Medicine, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shah MY, Ferrajoli A, Sood AK, Lopez-Berestein G, Calin GA. microRNA Therapeutics in Cancer - An Emerging Concept. EBioMedicine 2016; 12:34-42. [PMID: 27720213 PMCID: PMC5078622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionarily conserved class of small, regulatory non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate protein coding gene and other non-coding transcripts expression. miRNAs have been established as master regulators of cellular processes, and they play a vital role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Further, widespread deregulation of microRNAs have been reported in several cancers, with several microRNAs playing oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Based on these, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this review, we have focused on the roles of miRNAs in tumorigenesis, the miRNA-based therapeutic strategies currently being evaluated for use in cancer, and the advantages and current challenges to their use in the clinic. miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the specific tissue/cancer targets. miRNAs can be used as drugs or can be targets for drugs. Clinical trials using miRNA mimetics or anti-miRNAs as therapeutic targets are currently underway and show promising results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maitri Y Shah
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics and Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Small-molecule approaches toward the targeting of oncogenic miRNAs: roadmap for the discovery of RNA modulators. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:803-16. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are a recently discovered class of small noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression. The deregulation of miRNAs levels has been linked to the development of various cancers where oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed and tumor suppressor miRNAs are underexpressed. Here we report the three main strategies developed in order to discover small-molecule drugs able to selectively interfere with oncogenic miRNAs: the high throughput screening of large libraries of compounds, the focused screening of small libraries of molecules that are known to be able to interact with RNA thus being supposed modulators of miRNAs pathway and the design of small molecules based on the secondary structure of targeted RNA and/or three-dimensional structure of enzymes involved in miRNAs pathway.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lee SY, Lee S, Choi E, Ham O, Lee CY, Lee J, Seo HH, Cha MJ, Mun B, Lee Y, Yoon C, Hwang KC. Small molecule-mediated up-regulation of microRNA targeting a key cell death modulator BNIP3 improves cardiac function following ischemic injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23472. [PMID: 27008992 PMCID: PMC4806297 DOI: 10.1038/srep23472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic ablation of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), an essential regulator of cardiac cell death, is an effective way to prevent cardiac cell death triggered by pathologic conditions. However, currently there exists no known means, such as inhibitors, to down-regulate BNIP3 in mature heart. Here, we report that a small molecule inducer of microRNA-182 (miR-182) suppressed ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiac cell death by down-regulating BNIP3. We first selected miR-182 as a potent BNIP3-targeting miRNA based on miRNA-target prediction databases and empirical data. The subsequent screening of small molecules for inducing miR-182 expression identified Kenpaullone as a hit compound. Both exogenous miR-182 and Kenpaullone significantly suppressed hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte death in vitro. To investigate the effect of changing substituents of Kenpaullone on miR-182 expression, we synthesized 9 derivatives of Kenpaullone. Among these derivatives, compound 5 showed significantly improved ability to induce miR-182 expression. The results of the in vivo study showed that compound 5 significantly improved heart function following I/R-injury in rats. Our study provides strong evidence that the small molecule-mediated up-regulation of miRNAs is a viable strategy to down-regulate target proteins with no known chemical inhibitor and that compound 5 may have potential to prevent I/R-inflicted cardiac cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Yeon Lee
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Seahyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhyun Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Onju Ham
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Youn Lee
- Department of Integrated Omics for Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Lee
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Hee Seo
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohyun Mun
- Department of Chemistry, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheesoon Yoon
- Department of Cardiovascular &Thoracic Surgery, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Chul Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-701, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Xia T, Li J, Cheng H, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Small-Molecule Regulators of MicroRNAs in Biomedicine. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:375-81. [PMID: 26450362 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have been implicated in the development of various human diseases, including cancer. The regulatory networks of miRNAs play a vital role not only in normal physiology but also in pathology and may represent novel targets for drug discovery. Regulation of miRNAs and the elucidation of miRNA networks will advance miRNA-targeted research but are challenging due to a shortage of appropriate tools. Using different assay systems, diverse small molecules with unique miRNA regulatory activity have been identified. These bioactive small molecules not only showed regulation on different miRNAs but revealed previously unknown miRNA networks. Treatment of cancer both in vitro and in vivo with small-molecule regulators of miRNAs has demonstrated their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss assay systems for the identification of small-molecule regulators of miRNAs and reported small molecules, and discuss their applications as probes and candidate drug leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wen D, Danquah M, Chaudhary AK, Mahato RI. Small molecules targeting microRNA for cancer therapy: Promises and obstacles. J Control Release 2015; 219:237-247. [PMID: 26256260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of miRNAs is critically implicated in cancer initiation and progression. Therapeutic approaches focused on regulating miRNAs are therefore a promising approach for treating cancer. Antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA sponges, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems are being investigated as tools for regulating miRNAs. Despite the accruing insights in the use of these tools, delivery concerns have mitigated clinical application of such systems. In contrast, little attention has been given to the potential of small molecules to modulate miRNA expression for cancer therapy. In these years, many researches proved that small molecules targeting cancer-related miRNAs might have greater potential for cancer treatment. Small molecules targeting cancer related miRNAs showed significantly promising results in different cancer models. However, there are still several obstacles hindering the progress and clinical application in this area. This review discusses the development, mechanisms and application of small molecules for modulating oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs). Attention has also been given to screening technologies and perspectives aimed to facilitate clinical translation for small molecule-based miRNA therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Michael Danquah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive., Chicago, IL 60628, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Naro Y, Thomas M, Stephens MD, Connelly CM, Deiters A. Aryl amide small-molecule inhibitors of microRNA miR-21 function. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015. [PMID: 26220158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single stranded RNA molecules of ∼22 nucleotides that negatively regulate gene expression. MiRNAs are involved in fundamental cellular processes, such as development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. MiRNA misregulation has been linked to various human diseases, most notably cancer. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), a well-established oncomiR, is significantly overexpressed in many types of human cancers, thus rendering miR-21 a potential therapeutic target. Using a luciferase-based reporter assay under the control of miR-21 expression, a high-throughput screen of >300,000 compounds led to the discovery of a new aryl amide class of small-molecule miR-21 inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies resulted in the development of four aryl amide derivatives as potent and selective miR-21 inhibitors. The intracellular levels of various miRNAs in HeLa cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR revealing specificity for miR-21 inhibition over other miRNAs. Additionally, preliminary mechanism of action studies propose a different mode of action compared to previously reported miR-21 inhibitors, thus affording a new chemical probe for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Naro
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Meryl Thomas
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Matthew D Stephens
- North Carolina State University, Department of Chemistry, Campus Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Colleen M Connelly
- North Carolina State University, Department of Chemistry, Campus Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Simonson B, Das S. MicroRNA Therapeutics: the Next Magic Bullet? Mini Rev Med Chem 2015; 15:467-74. [PMID: 25807941 DOI: 10.2174/1389557515666150324123208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short noncoding 18-25 nucleotide long RNA which bind and inhibit mRNA. Currently, there are over 1000 known human microRNAs, and microRNAs control over 50% of mammalian protein coding genes. MicroRNAs can be overexpressed or repressed in different diseases and inhibition or replacement of microRNAs is a promising area of study for therapeutics. Here we review the current knowledge of microRNA therapy, and discuss ways in which they can be utilized. We also discuss different methods of delivery of miRNA, and current clinical trials of microRNA-based therapies for disease. Finally we discuss the current limitations in the field, and how these limitations are being overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, CLS 907, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bose D, Nahar S, Rai MK, Ray A, Chakraborty K, Maiti S. Selective inhibition of miR-21 by phage display screened peptide. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:4342-52. [PMID: 25824952 PMCID: PMC4417150 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are nodal regulators of gene expression and deregulation of miRNAs is causally associated with different diseases, including cancer. Modulation of miRNA expression is thus of therapeutic importance. Small molecules are currently being explored for their potential to downregulate miRNAs. Peptides have shown to have better potency and selectivity toward their targets but their potential in targeting and modulating miRNAs remain unexplored. Herein, using phage display we found a very selective peptide against pre-miR-21. Interestingly, the peptide has the potential to downregulate miR-21, by binding to pre-miR-21 and hindering Dicer processing. It is selective towards miR-21 inside the cell. By antagonising miR-21 function, the peptide is able to increase the expression of its target proteins and thereby increase apoptosis and suppress cell proliferation, invasion and migration. This peptide can further be explored for its anti-cancer activity in vivo and may be even extended to clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debojit Bose
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India
| | - Smita Nahar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India
| | - Manish Kumar Rai
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India
| | - Arjun Ray
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India
| | - Kausik Chakraborty
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR. Mathura Road, Delhi 110020, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001, India National Chemical Laboratory, CSIR, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shortridge MD, Varani G. Structure based approaches for targeting non-coding RNAs with small molecules. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 30:79-88. [PMID: 25687935 PMCID: PMC4416997 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The increasing appreciation of the central role of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) in chronic and degenerative human disease makes them attractive therapeutic targets. This would not be unprecedented: the bacterial ribosomal RNA is a mainstay for antibacterial treatment, while the conservation and functional importance of viral RNA regulatory elements has long suggested they would constitute attractive targets for new antivirals. Oligonucleotide-based chemistry has obvious appeals but also considerable pharmacological limitations that are yet to be addressed satisfactorily. Recent studies identifying small molecules targeting non-coding RNAs may provide an alternative approach to oligonucleotide methods. Here we review recent work investigating new structural and chemical principles for targeting RNA with small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Shortridge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box 351700, Seattle 98195, USA
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box 351700, Seattle 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Qiu L, Tan EK, Zeng L. microRNAs and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 888:85-105. [PMID: 26663180 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-22671-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that through imperfect base-pairing with complementary sequences of target mRNA molecules, typically cleave target mRNA, causing subsequent degradation or translation inhibition. Although an increasing number of studies have identified misregulated miRNAs in the neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which suggests that alterations in the miRNA regulatory pathway could contribute to disease pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological implications of misregulated miRNA expression and the regulation of the key genes involved in NDDs remain largely unknown. In this chapter, we provide evidence of the function and regulation of miRNAs and their association with the neurological events in NDDs. This will help improve our understanding of how miRNAs govern the biological functions of key pathogenic genes in these diseases, which potentially regulate several pathways involved in the progression of neurodegeneration. Additionally, given the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of miRNAs, we discuss current clinical challenges to developing miRNA-based therapeutics for NDDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Qiu
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Eng King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, SGH Campus, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders program, Duke-National University of Singapore, Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders program, Duke-National University of Singapore, Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|