1
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Mars JC, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KL. eIF4E orchestrates mRNA processing, RNA export and translation to modify specific protein production. Nucleus 2024; 15:2360196. [PMID: 38880976 PMCID: PMC11185188 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2360196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E acts as a multifunctional factor that simultaneously influences mRNA processing, export, and translation in many organisms. Its multifactorial effects are derived from its capacity to bind to the methyl-7-guanosine cap on the 5'end of mRNAs and thus can act as a cap chaperone for transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we describe the multifactorial roles of eIF4E in major mRNA-processing events including capping, splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, nuclear export and translation. We discuss the evidence that eIF4E acts at two levels to generate widescale changes to processing, export and ultimately the protein produced. First, eIF4E alters the production of components of the mRNA processing machinery, supporting a widescale reprogramming of multiple mRNA processing events. In this way, eIF4E can modulate mRNA processing without physically interacting with target transcripts. Second, eIF4E also physically interacts with both capped mRNAs and components of the RNA processing or translation machineries. Further, specific mRNAs are sensitive to eIF4E only in particular mRNA processing events. This selectivity is governed by the presence of cis-acting elements within mRNAs known as USER codes that recruit relevant co-factors engaging the appropriate machinery. In all, we describe the molecular bases for eIF4E's multifactorial function and relevant regulatory pathways, discuss the basis for selectivity, present a compendium of ~80 eIF4E-interacting factors which play roles in these activities and provide an overview of the relevance of its functions to its oncogenic potential. Finally, we summarize early-stage clinical studies targeting eIF4E in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clément Mars
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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2
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Weissenboeck F, Klöcker N, Špaček P, Hüwel S, Rentmeister A. Stabilized 5' Cap Analogue for Optochemical Activation of mRNA Translation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12810-12816. [PMID: 38524462 PMCID: PMC10955689 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The 5' cap is a distinguishing feature of transcripts made by polymerase II and characterized by an N7-methylated guanosine (m7G) linked to the first transcribed nucleotide by a 5'-5' triphosphate bridge. It stabilizes eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a crucial role in translation initiation. Its importance in mRNA processing, translation, and turnover makes the 5' cap a privileged structure for engineering by non-natural modifications. A photocleavable group at the 5' cap of guanosine was recently used to mute translation of exogenous mRNAs. Its removal by light enabled direct control of protein production at the posttranscriptional level. Modifications in the triphosphate bridge impede degradation by specific decapping enzymes and maintain translation. Here, we combined 5' cap modifications at different positions and investigated how they impact 5' cap-dependent processes in distinct manners. We synthesized 5' cap analogues with a photocleavable group at the N2-position of m7G in addition to a medronate in the triphosphate bridge to obtain a photoactivatable 5' cap analogue featuring a methylene group between the β and γ phosphates. The resulting Medronate-FlashCap transiently or permanently impeded distinct crucial interactions of the 5' cap required for translation and degradation. We show that the Medronate-FlashCap is compatible with in vitro transcription to generate muted mRNA and that light can be used to activate translation in cells. After light-induced removal of the photocleavable group, the Medronate-FlashCap remained stable against degradation by the decapping enzyme DcpS. The additional methylene group renders the 5' cap resistant to DcpS, while maintaining the interaction with cap-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Petr Špaček
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sabine Hüwel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
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3
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Zhang H, Vandesompele J, Braeckmans K, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Nucleic acid degradation as barrier to gene delivery: a guide to understand and overcome nuclease activity. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:317-360. [PMID: 38073448 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00194f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is on its way to revolutionize the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases, by transferring nucleic acids to correct a disease-causing gene in the target cells of patients. In the fight against infectious diseases, mRNA-based therapeutics have proven to be a viable strategy in the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Although a growing number of gene therapies have been approved, the success rate is limited when compared to the large number of preclinical and clinical trials that have been/are being performed. In this review, we highlight some of the hurdles which gene therapies encounter after administration into the human body, with a focus on nucleic acid degradation by nucleases that are extremely abundant in mammalian organs, biological fluids as well as in subcellular compartments. We overview the available strategies to reduce the biodegradation of gene therapeutics after administration, including chemical modifications of the nucleic acids, encapsulation into vectors and co-administration with nuclease inhibitors and discuss which strategies are applied for clinically approved nucleic acid therapeutics. In the final part, we discuss the currently available methods and techniques to qualify and quantify the integrity of nucleic acids, with their own strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyang Zhang
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Zhou Z, Li X. Research progress in mRNA drug modification and delivery systems. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:439-450. [PMID: 37643978 PMCID: PMC10495253 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0101] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has shown tremendous potential in disease prevention and therapy. The clinical application requires mRNA with enhanced stability and high translation efficiency, ensuring it not to be degraded by nucleases and targeting to specific tissues and cells. mRNA immunogenicity can be reduced by nucleotide modification, and translation efficiency can be enhanced by codon optimization. The 5´ capping structure and 3´ poly A increase mRNA stability, and the addition of 5' and 3' non-translational regions regulate mRNA translation initiation and protein production. Nanoparticle delivery system protects mRNA from degradation by ubiquitous nucleases, enhances mRNA concentration in circulation and assists it cytoplasmic entrance for the purpose of treatment and prevention. Here, we review the recent advances of mRNA technology, discuss the methods and principles to enhance mRNA stability and translation efficiency; summarize the requirements involved in designing mRNA delivery systems with the potential for industrial translation and biomedical application. Furthermore, we provide insights into future directions of mRNA therapeutics to meet the needs for personalized precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA.
| | - Xin Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Center for RNA Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
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5
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Liu Y, Li Y, Hu Q. Advances in saRNA Vaccine Research against Emerging/Re-Emerging Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1142. [PMID: 37514957 PMCID: PMC10383046 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although conventional vaccine approaches have proven to be successful in preventing infectious diseases in past decades, for vaccine development against emerging/re-emerging viruses, one of the main challenges is rapid response in terms of design and manufacture. mRNA vaccines can be designed and produced within days, representing a powerful approach for developing vaccines. Furthermore, mRNA vaccines can be scaled up and may not have the risk of integration. mRNA vaccines are roughly divided into non-replicating mRNA vaccines and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of saRNA vaccines, and discuss future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to combat emerging/re-emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Yuncheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Qinxue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
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6
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Wojtczak BA, Bednarczyk M, Sikorski PJ, Wojtczak A, Surynt P, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Synthesis and Evaluation of Diguanosine Cap Analogs Modified at the C8-Position by Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling: Discovery of 7-Methylguanosine-Based Molecular Rotors. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37209102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications of the mRNA cap structure can enhance the stability, translational properties, and half-life of mRNAs, thereby altering the therapeutic properties of synthetic mRNA. However, cap structure modification is challenging because of the instability of the 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge and N7-methylguanosine. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction between boronic acid and halogen compound is a mild, convenient, and potentially applicable approach for modifying biomolecules. Herein, we describe two methods to synthesize C8-modified cap structures using the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. Both methods employed phosphorimidazolide chemistry to form the 5',5'-triphosphate bridge. However, in the first method, the introduction of the modification via the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at the C8 position occurs postsynthetically, at the dinucleotide level, whereas in the second method, the modification was introduced at the level of the nucleoside 5'-monophosphate, and later, the triphosphate bridge was formed. Both methods were successfully applied to incorporate six different groups (methyl, cyclopropyl, phenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, and 1-pyrene) into either the m7G or G moieties of the cap structure. Aromatic substituents at the C8-position of guanosine form a push-pull system that exhibits environment-sensitive fluorescence. We demonstrated that this phenomenon can be harnessed to study the interaction with cap-binding proteins, e.g., eIF4E, DcpS, Nudt16, and snurportin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej A Wojtczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojtczak
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Surynt
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Liu A, Wang X. The Pivotal Role of Chemical Modifications in mRNA Therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901510. [PMID: 35912117 PMCID: PMC9326091 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After over a decade of development, mRNA has recently matured into a potent modality for therapeutics. The advantages of mRNA therapeutics, including their rapid development and scalability, have been highlighted due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in which the first two clinically approved mRNA vaccines have been spotlighted. These vaccines, as well as multiple other mRNA therapeutic candidates, are modified to modulate their immunogenicity, stability, and translational efficiency. Despite the importance of mRNA modifications for harnessing the full efficacy of mRNA drugs, the full breadth of potential modifications has yet to be explored clinically. In this review, we survey the field of mRNA modifications, highlighting their ability to tune the properties of mRNAs. These include cap and tail modifications, nucleoside substitutions, and chimeric mRNAs, each of which represents a component of mRNA that can be exploited for modification. Additionally, we cover clinical and preclinical trials of the modified mRNA platform not only to illustrate the promise of modified mRNAs but also to call attention to the room for diversifying future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
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8
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Huff AL, Jaffee EM, Zaidi N. Messenger RNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy: progress promotes promise. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e156211. [PMID: 35289317 PMCID: PMC8920340 DOI: 10.1172/jci156211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition due to their unprecedented success rate in protecting against a deadly virus. This international success is underscored by the remarkable versatility, favorable immunogenicity, and overall safety of the mRNA platform in diverse populations. Although mRNA vaccines have been studied in preclinical models and patients with cancer for almost three decades, development has been slow. The recent technological advances responsible for the COVID-19 vaccines have potential implications for successfully adapting this vaccine platform for cancer therapeutics. Here we discuss the lessons learned along with the chemical, biologic, and immunologic adaptations needed to optimize mRNA technology to successfully treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Huff
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Pack SM, Peters PJ. SARS-CoV-2-Specific Vaccine Candidates; the Contribution of Structural Vaccinology. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:236. [PMID: 35214693 PMCID: PMC8877865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine production has taken us by storm. We aim to fill in the history of concepts and the work of pioneers and provide a framework of strategies employing structural vaccinology. Cryo-electron microscopy became crucial in providing three-dimensional (3D) structures and creating candidates eliciting T and B cell-mediated immunity. It also determined structural changes in the emerging mutants in order to design new constructs that can be easily, quickly and safely added to the vaccines. The full-length spike (S) protein, the S1 subunit and its receptor binding domain (RBD) of the virus are the best candidates. The vaccine development to cease this COVID-19 pandemic sets a milestone for the pan-coronavirus vaccine's designing and manufacturing. By employing structural vaccinology, we propose that the mRNA and the protein sequences of the currently approved vaccines should be modified rapidly to keep up with the more infectious new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J. Peters
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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10
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Ouranidis A, Vavilis T, Mandala E, Davidopoulou C, Stamoula E, Markopoulou CK, Karagianni A, Kachrimanis K. mRNA Therapeutic Modalities Design, Formulation and Manufacturing under Pharma 4.0 Principles. Biomedicines 2021; 10:50. [PMID: 35052730 PMCID: PMC8773365 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the quest for a formidable weapon against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA therapeutics have stolen the spotlight. mRNA vaccines are a prime example of the benefits of mRNA approaches towards a broad array of clinical entities and druggable targets. Amongst these benefits is the rapid cycle "from design to production" of an mRNA product compared to their peptide counterparts, the mutability of the production line should another target be chosen, the side-stepping of safety issues posed by DNA therapeutics being permanently integrated into the transfected cell's genome and the controlled precision over the translated peptides. Furthermore, mRNA applications are versatile: apart from vaccines it can be used as a replacement therapy, even to create chimeric antigen receptor T-cells or reprogram somatic cells. Still, the sudden global demand for mRNA has highlighted the shortcomings in its industrial production as well as its formulation, efficacy and applicability. Continuous, smart mRNA manufacturing 4.0 technologies have been recently proposed to address such challenges. In this work, we examine the lab and upscaled production of mRNA therapeutics, the mRNA modifications proposed that increase its efficacy and lower its immunogenicity, the vectors available for delivery and the stability considerations concerning long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ouranidis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vavilis
- Laboratory of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Mandala
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Davidopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Stamoula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Catherine K Markopoulou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Karagianni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Kachrimanis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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11
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Kim SC, Sekhon SS, Shin WR, Ahn G, Cho BK, Ahn JY, Kim YH. Modifications of mRNA vaccine structural elements for improving mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Mol Cell Toxicol 2021; 18:1-8. [PMID: 34567201 PMCID: PMC8450916 DOI: 10.1007/s13273-021-00171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background mRNA vaccines hold great potential as therapeutic techniques against viral infections due to their efficacy, safety,
and large-scale production. mRNA vaccines offer flexibility in development as any protein can be produced from
mRNA without altering the production or application process. Objective This review highlights the iterative optimization of mRNA vaccine structural elements that impact the type,
specificity, and intensity of immune responses leading to higher translational potency and intracellular stability. Results Modifying the mRNA structural elements particularly the 5′ cap, 5′-and 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs), the coding region, and polyadenylation tail help reduce the excessive mRNA immunogenicity and consistently improve its
intracellular stability and translational efficiency. Conclusion Further studies regarding mRNA-structural elements and their optimization are needed to create new opportunities
for engineering mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Chang Kim
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Simranjeet Singh Sekhon
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644 South Korea
| | - Woo-Ri Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644 South Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 South Korea
| | - Gna Ahn
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 South Korea
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Ahn
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644 South Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 South Korea
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644 South Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 South Korea
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12
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Exosomes for mRNA delivery: a novel biotherapeutic strategy with hurdles and hope. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:20. [PMID: 33691652 PMCID: PMC7945253 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00683-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, therapeutic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as a highly promising new class of drugs for protein replacement therapies. Due to the recent developments, the incorporation of modified nucleotides in synthetic mRNAs can lead to maximizing protein expression and reducing adverse immunogenicity. Despite these stunning improvements, mRNA therapy is limited by the need for the development of safe and efficient carriers to protect the mRNA integrity for in vivo applications. Recently, leading candidates for in vivo drug delivery vehicles are cell-derived exosomes, which have fewer immunogenic responses. In the current study, the key hurdles facing mRNA-based therapeutics, with an emphasis on recent strategies to overcoming its immunogenicity and instability, were highlighted. Then the immunogenicity and toxicity of exosomes derived from various cell sources were mentioned in detail. Finally, an overview of the recent strategies in using exosomes for mRNA delivery in the treatment of multiple diseases was stated.
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13
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Ahammad I, Lira SS. Designing a novel mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: An immunoinformatics approach. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:820-837. [PMID: 32599237 PMCID: PMC7319648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the deadly virus behind COVID-19, the disease that went on to ravage the world and caused the biggest pandemic 21st century has witnessed so far. On the face of ongoing death and destruction, the urgent need for the discovery of a vaccine against the virus is paramount. This study resorted to the emerging discipline of immunoinformatics in order to design a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Various immunoinformatics tools were utilized to predict T and B lymphocyte epitopes. The epitopes were channeled through a filtering pipeline comprised of antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and cytokine inducibility evaluation with the goal of selecting epitopes capable of generating both T and B cell-mediated immune responses. Molecular docking simulation between the epitopes and their corresponding MHC molecules was carried out. 13 epitopes, a highly immunogenic adjuvant, elements for proper sub-cellular trafficking, a secretion booster, and appropriate linkers were combined for constructing the vaccine. The vaccine was found to be antigenic, almost neutral at physiological pH, non-toxic, non-allergenic, capable of generating a robust immune response and had a decent worldwide population coverage. Based on these parameters, this design can be considered a promising choice for a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19, has caused the biggest pandemic 21st century has witnessed so far. Here, immunoinformatics was used for designing a muti-epitope mRNA vaccine against the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Through stringent selection of T and B cell epitopes and other necessary elements, a vaccine was constructed in silico. Proposed mechanism of its synthesis, delivery and action has also been presented. The vaccine was found to be immunogenic, almost neutral, non-toxic, non-allergenic and has a decent worldwide coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaque Ahammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
| | - Samia Sultana Lira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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14
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Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kubacka D, Ratajczak T, Nowis D, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. The identity and methylation status of the first transcribed nucleotide in eukaryotic mRNA 5' cap modulates protein expression in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1607-1626. [PMID: 31984425 PMCID: PMC7038993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
7-Methylguanosine 5' cap on mRNA is necessary for efficient protein expression in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies revealed structural diversity of endogenous mRNA caps, which carry different 5'-terminal nucleotides and additional methylations (2'-O-methylation and m6A). Currently available 5'-capping methods do not address this diversity. We report trinucleotide 5' cap analogs (m7GpppN(m)pG), which are utilized by RNA polymerase T7 to initiate transcription from templates carrying Φ6.5 promoter and enable production of mRNAs differing in the identity of the first transcribed nucleotide (N = A, m6A, G, C, U) and its methylation status (±2'-O-methylation). HPLC-purified mRNAs carrying these 5' caps were used to study protein expression in three mammalian cell lines (3T3-L1, HeLa and JAWS II). The highest expression was observed for mRNAs carrying 5'-terminal A/Am and m6Am, whereas the lowest was observed for G and Gm. The mRNAs carrying 2'-O-methyl at the first transcribed nucleotide (cap 1) had significantly higher expression than unmethylated counterparts (cap 0) only in JAWS II dendritic cells. Further experiments indicated that the mRNA expression characteristic does not correlate with affinity for translation initiation factor 4E or in vitro susceptibility to decapping, but instead depends on mRNA purity and the immune state of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ratajczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Cheng MSQ, Su MXX, Wang MXN, Sun MZY, Ou TM. Probes and drugs that interfere with protein translation via targeting to the RNAs or RNA-protein interactions. Methods 2019; 167:124-133. [PMID: 31185274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is critical to cell survival and translation regulation is essential to post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. Disorders of this process, particularly through RNA-binding proteins, is associated with the development and progression of a number of diseases, including cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of protein synthesis are intricate, making it difficult to find a drug that interferes with this process. Chemical probes are useful in elucidating the structures of RNA-protein complex and molecular mechanism of biological events. Moreover, some of these chemical probes show certain therapeutic benefits and can be further developed as leading compounds. Here, we will briefly review the general process and mechanism of protein synthesis, and emphasis on chemical probes in examples of probing the RNA structural changes and RNA-protein interactions. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of these probes is also discussed to give a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miss Sui-Qi Cheng
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Xiao-Xuan Su
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Miss Xiao-Na Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Zhi-Yin Sun
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou University City, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Efficient reduction of synthetic mRNA induced immune activation by simultaneous delivery of B18R encoding mRNA. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:40. [PMID: 31168319 PMCID: PMC6509845 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of synthetic modified messenger RNA (mRNA) is a promising approach for the treatment of a variety of diseases and vaccination. In the past few years, different modifications of synthetic mRNA were applied to render the mRNA more stable and less immunogenic. However, the repeated application of synthetic mRNA still requires the suppression of immune activation to avoid cell death and to allow a sufficient production of exogenous proteins. Thus, the addition of type I interferon (IFN) inhibiting recombinant protein B18R is often required to avoid IFN response. In this study, the ability of B18R encoding mRNA to prevent the immune response of cells to the delivered synthetic mRNA was analyzed. The co-transfection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mRNA transfected fibroblasts with B18R encoding mRNA over 7-days resulted in comparable cell viability and eGFP protein expression as in the cells transfected with eGFP mRNA and incubated with B18R protein. Using qRT-PCR, significantly reduced expression of interferon-stimulated gene Mx1 was detected in the cells transfected with B18R mRNA and stimulated with IFNβ compared to the cells without B18R mRNA transfection. Thereby, it was demonstrated that the co-transfection of synthetic mRNA transfected cells with B18R encoding mRNA can reduce the IFN response-related cell death and thus, improve the protein expression.
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17
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Non-viral Delivery of Zinc Finger Nuclease mRNA Enables Highly Efficient In Vivo Genome Editing of Multiple Therapeutic Gene Targets. Mol Ther 2019; 27:866-877. [PMID: 30902585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been shown that engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) can be packaged into adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and delivered intravenously into mice, non-human primates, and most recently, humans to induce highly efficient therapeutic genome editing in the liver. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are synthetic delivery vehicles that enable repeat administration and are not limited by the presence of preexisting neutralizing antibodies in patients. Here, we show that mRNA encoding ZFNs formulated into LNP can enable >90% knockout of gene expression in mice by targeting the TTR or PCSK9 gene, at mRNA doses 10-fold lower than has ever been reported. Additionally, co-delivering mRNA-LNP containing ZFNs targeted to intron 1 of the ALB locus with AAV packaged with a promoterless human IDS or FIX therapeutic transgene can result in high levels of targeted integration and subsequent therapeutically relevant levels of protein expression in mice. Finally, we show repeat administration of ZFN mRNA-LNP after a single AAV donor dose results in significantly increased levels of genome editing and transgene expression compared to a single dose. These results demonstrate LNP-mediated ZFN mRNA delivery can drive highly efficient levels of in vivo genome editing and can potentially offer a new treatment modality for a variety of diseases.
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18
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Denzinger M, Link A, Kurz J, Krauss S, Thoma R, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Krajewski S. Keratinocyte Growth Factor Modified Messenger RNA Accelerating Cell Proliferation and Migration of Keratinocytes. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:335-347. [PMID: 30376406 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) plays a central role in wound healing as it induces cell proliferation and motility. The use of growth factors such as KGF is therefore viewed as a promising approach in wound therapy, although effective application remains a major problem because of inactivation and the resulting short half-life of applied growth factors in wound beds. Therefore, the rational of this study was to develop and investigate an innovative strategy to improve wound healing using an in vitro-transcribed modified KGF messenger RNA (mRNA). After transfection of cells, we evaluated the effects of the produced KGF protein on cell migration and reepithelialization of keratinocytes using a scratch assay. The results demonstrate that KGF-mRNA-transfected cells exhibited a high KGF protein release that is sufficient to significantly improve reepithelialization in the performed scratch assays. Transfection with growth factor mRNA therefore seems to be a promising therapeutic strategy, especially for difficult wounds, as it leads to a temporary increase of growth factor expression in the treated wound area without interfering with the DNA of the nucleus, as seen in gene therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Denzinger
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany.,2 Department of Plastic Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Antonia Link
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julia Kurz
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Krauss
- 2 Department of Plastic Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Robert Thoma
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Krajewski
- 1 Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
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19
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Wojtczak BA, Sikorski PJ, Fac-Dabrowska K, Nowicka A, Warminski M, Kubacka D, Nowak E, Nowotny M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. 5'-Phosphorothiolate Dinucleotide Cap Analogues: Reagents for Messenger RNA Modification and Potent Small-Molecular Inhibitors of Decapping Enzymes. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:5987-5999. [PMID: 29676910 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b02597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The 5' cap consists of 7-methylguanosine (m7G) linked by a 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge to messenger RNA (mRNA) and acts as the master regulator of mRNA turnover and translation initiation in eukaryotes. Cap analogues that influence mRNA translation and turnover (either as small molecules or as part of an RNA transcript) are valuable tools for studying gene expression, which is often also of therapeutic relevance. Here, we synthesized a series of 15 dinucleotide cap (m7GpppG) analogues containing a 5'-phosphorothiolate (5'-PSL) moiety (i.e., an O-to-S substitution within the 5'-phosphoester) and studied their biological properties in the context of three major cap-binding proteins: translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and two decapping enzymes, DcpS and Dcp2. While the 5'-PSL moiety was neutral or slightly stabilizing for cap interactions with eIF4E, it significantly influenced susceptibility to decapping. Replacing the γ-phosphoester with the 5'-PSL moiety (γ-PSL) prevented β-γ-pyrophosphate bond cleavage by DcpS and conferred strong inhibitory properties. Combining the γ-PSL moiety with α-PSL and β-phosphorothioate (PS) moiety afforded first cap-derived hDcpS inhibitor with low nanomolar potency. Susceptibility to Dcp2 and translational properties were studied after incorporation of the new analogues into mRNA transcripts by RNA polymerase. Transcripts containing the γ-PSL moiety were resistant to cleavage by Dcp2. Surprisingly, superior translational properties were observed for mRNAs containing the α-PSL moiety, which were Dcp2-susceptible. The overall protein expression measured in HeLa cells for this mRNA was comparable to mRNA capped with the translation augmenting β-PS analogue reported previously. Overall, our study highlights 5'-PSL as a synthetically accessible cap modification, which, depending on the substitution site, can either reduce susceptibility to decapping or confer superior translational properties on the mRNA. The 5'-PSL-analogues may find application as reagents for the preparation of efficiently expressed mRNA or for investigation of the role of decapping enzymes in mRNA processing or neuromuscular disorders associated with decapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej A Wojtczak
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Kaja Fac-Dabrowska
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Anna Nowicka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Elzbieta Nowak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw , 4 Ks. Trojdena Street , 02-109 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw , 4 Ks. Trojdena Street , 02-109 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
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20
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Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) homeostasis is dynamically modulated in response to changing physiological conditions. Tight regulation of RNA abundance through both transcription and degradation determines the amount, timing, and location of protein translation. This balance is of particular importance in neurons, which are among the most metabolically active and morphologically complex cells in the body. As a result, any disruptions in RNA degradation can have dramatic consequences for neuronal health. In this chapter, we will first discuss mechanisms of RNA stabilization and decay. We will then explore how the disruption of these pathways can lead to neurodegenerative disease.
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21
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Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Moon YS, Lee HJ, Lee K, Lee H. Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2017; 156:172-193. [PMID: 29197748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yae Seul Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Warminski M, Sikorski PJ, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Applications of Phosphate Modification and Labeling to Study (m)RNA Caps. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:16. [PMID: 28116583 PMCID: PMC5396385 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0106-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cap is a natural modification present at the 5' ends of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which because of its unique structural features, mediates essential biological functions during the process of gene expression. The core structural feature of the mRNA cap is an N7-methylguanosine moiety linked by a 5'-5' triphosphate chain to the first transcribed nucleotide. Interestingly, other RNA 5' end modifications structurally and functionally resembling the m7G cap have been discovered in different RNA types and in different organisms. All these structures contain the 'inverted' 5'-5' oligophosphate bridge, which is necessary for interaction with specific proteins and also serves as a cleavage site for phosphohydrolases regulating RNA turnover. Therefore, cap analogs containing oligophosphate chain modifications or carrying spectroscopic labels attached to phosphate moieties serve as attractive molecular tools for studies on RNA metabolism and modification of natural RNA properties. Here, we review chemical, enzymatic, and chemoenzymatic approaches that enable preparation of modified cap structures and RNAs carrying such structures, with emphasis on phosphate-modified mRNA cap analogs and their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
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23
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Ziemniak M, Mugridge JS, Kowalska J, Rhoads RE, Gross JD, Jemielity J. Two-headed tetraphosphate cap analogs are inhibitors of the Dcp1/2 RNA decapping complex. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 22:518-29. [PMID: 26826132 PMCID: PMC4793208 DOI: 10.1261/rna.055152.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dcp1/2 is the major eukaryotic RNA decapping complex, comprised of the enzyme Dcp2 and activator Dcp1, which removes the 5' m(7)G cap from mRNA, committing the transcript to degradation. Dcp1/2 activity is crucial for RNA quality control and turnover, and deregulation of these processes may lead to disease development. The molecular details of Dcp1/2 catalysis remain elusive, in part because both cap substrate (m(7)GpppN) and m(7)GDP product are bound by Dcp1/2 with weak (mM) affinity. In order to find inhibitors to use in elucidating the catalytic mechanism of Dcp2, we screened a small library of synthetic m(7)G nucleotides (cap analogs) bearing modifications in the oligophosphate chain. One of the most potent cap analogs, m(7)GpSpppSm(7)G, inhibited Dcp1/2 20 times more efficiently than m(7)GpppN or m(7)GDP. NMR experiments revealed that the compound interacts with specific surfaces of both regulatory and catalytic domains of Dcp2 with submillimolar affinities. Kinetics analysis revealed that m(7)GpSpppSm(7)G is a mixed inhibitor that competes for the Dcp2 active site with micromolar affinity. m(7)GpSpppSm(7)G-capped RNA undergoes rapid decapping, suggesting that the compound may act as a tightly bound cap mimic. Our identification of the first small molecule inhibitor of Dcp2 should be instrumental in future studies aimed at understanding the structural basis of RNA decapping and may provide insight toward the development of novel therapeutically relevant decapping inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Ziemniak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S Mugridge
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert E Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
| | - John D Gross
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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24
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The mRNA cap-binding protein Cbc1 is required for high and timely expression of genes by promoting the accumulation of gene-specific activators at promoters. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:405-19. [PMID: 26775127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The highly conserved Saccharomyces cerevisiae cap-binding protein Cbc1/Sto1 binds mRNA co-transcriptionally and acts as a key coordinator of mRNA fate. Recently, Cbc1 has also been implicated in transcription elongation and pre-initiation complex (PIC) formation. Previously, we described Cbc1 to be required for cell growth under osmotic stress and to mediate osmostress-induced translation reprogramming. Here, we observe delayed global transcription kinetics in cbc1Δ during osmotic stress that correlates with delayed recruitment of TBP and RNA polymerase II to osmo-induced promoters. Interestingly, we detect an interaction between Cbc1 and the MAPK Hog1, which controls most gene expression changes during osmostress, and observe that deletion of CBC1 delays the accumulation of the activator complex Hot1-Hog1 at osmostress promoters. Additionally, CBC1 deletion specifically reduces transcription rates of highly transcribed genes under non-stress conditions, such as ribosomal protein (RP) genes, while having low impact on transcription of weakly expressed genes. For RP genes, we show that recruitment of the specific activator Rap1, and subsequently TBP, to promoters is Cbc1-dependent. Altogether, our results indicate that binding of Cbc1 to the capped mRNAs is necessary for the accumulation of specific activators as well as PIC components at the promoters of genes whose expression requires high and rapid transcription.
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25
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Wojtczak BA, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Lukaszewicz M, Honcharenko M, Smith CIE, Strömberg R, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J. Clickable trimethylguanosine cap analogs modified within the triphosphate bridge: synthesis, conjugation to RNA and susceptibility to degradation. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra25684d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphate-modified m3G cap analogs were synthesized, conjugated to RNA using “click chemistry”, and studied for susceptibility to hNUDT16 enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Warsaw
- Poland
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Warsaw
- Poland
| | | | - C. I. Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine
- Karolinska Institutet
- Karolinska University Hospital
- Sweden
| | - Roger Strömberg
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition
- Karolinska Institutet
- Sweden
| | | | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies
- University of Warsaw
- 02-089 Warsaw
- Poland
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26
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Park HJ, Ko HL, Jung SY, Jo HB, Nam JH. The Characteristics of RNA Vaccine; its Strengths and Weaknesses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4167/jbv.2016.46.3.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jung Park
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hae Li Ko
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Jung
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Han-Byeol Jo
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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27
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Rhoads RE. Synthetic mRNA: Production, Introduction into Cells, and Physiological Consequences. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1428:3-27. [PMID: 27236789 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3625-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have made it possible to synthesize mRNA in vitro that is relatively stable when introduced into mammalian cells, has a diminished ability to activate the innate immune response against exogenous (virus-like) RNA, and can be efficiently translated into protein. Synthetic methods have also been developed to produce mRNA with unique investigational properties such as photo-cross-linking, fluorescence emission, and attachment of ligands through click chemistry. Synthetic mRNA has been proven effective in numerous applications beneficial for human health such as immunizing patients against cancer and infections diseases, alleviating diseases by restoring deficient proteins, converting somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells to use in regenerative medicine therapies, and engineering the genome by making specific alterations in DNA. This introductory chapter provides background information relevant to the following 20 chapters of this volume that present protocols for these applications of synthetic mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71130-3932, USA.
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28
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Korneeva NL, Song A, Gram H, Edens MA, Rhoads RE. Inhibition of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)-interacting Kinase (MNK) Preferentially Affects Translation of mRNAs Containing Both a 5'-Terminal Cap and Hairpin. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3455-67. [PMID: 26668315 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.694190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAPK-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1 and MNK2) are activated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) or p38 in response to cellular stress and extracellular stimuli that include growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. Modulation of MNK activity affects translation of mRNAs involved in the cell cycle, cancer progression, and cell survival. However, the mechanism by which MNK selectively affects translation of these mRNAs is not understood. MNK binds eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) and phosphorylates the cap-binding protein eIF4E. Using a cell-free translation system from rabbit reticulocytes programmed with mRNAs containing different 5'-ends, we show that an MNK inhibitor, CGP57380, affects translation of only those mRNAs that contain both a cap and a hairpin in the 5'-UTR. Similarly, a C-terminal fragment of human eIF4G-1, eIF4G(1357-1600), which prevents binding of MNK to intact eIF4G, reduces eIF4E phosphorylation and inhibits translation of only capped and hairpin-containing mRNAs. Analysis of proteins bound to m(7)GTP-Sepharose reveals that both CGP and eIF4G(1357-1600) decrease binding of eIF4E to eIF4G. These data suggest that MNK stimulates translation only of mRNAs containing both a cap and 5'-terminal RNA duplex via eIF4E phosphorylation, thereby enhancing the coupled cap-binding and RNA-unwinding activities of eIF4F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadejda L Korneeva
- From the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, and
| | - Anren Song
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, and
| | - Hermann Gram
- the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Forum 1, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert E Rhoads
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, and
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Ziemniak M, Kowalska J, Lukaszewicz M, Zuberek J, Wnek K, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J. Phosphate-modified analogues of m(7)GTP and m(7)Gppppm(7)G-Synthesis and biochemical properties. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:5369-81. [PMID: 26264844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and biochemical properties of 17 new mRNA cap analogues are reported. Six of these nucleotides are m(7)GTP derivatives, whereas 11 are 'two headed' tetraphosphate dinucleotides based on a m(7)Gppppm(7)G structure. The compounds contain either a boranophosphate or phosphorothioate moiety in the nucleoside neighbouring position(s) and some of them possess an additional methylene group between β and γ phosphorus atoms. The compounds were prepared by divalent metal chloride-mediated coupling of an appropriate m(7)GMP analogue with a given P(1),P(2)-di(1-imidazolyl) derivative. The analogues were evaluated as tools for studying cap-dependent processes in a number of biochemical assays, including determination of affinity to eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis, and translational efficiency in vitro. The results indicate that modification in the phosphate chain can increase binding to cap-interacting proteins and provides higher resistance to degradation. Furthermore, modified derivatives of m(7)GTP were found to be potent inhibitors of cap-dependent translation in cell free systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Ziemniak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wnek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland; Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
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30
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Zytek M, Kowalska J, Lukaszewicz M, Wojtczak BA, Zuberek J, Ferenc-Mrozek A, Darzynkiewicz E, Niedzwiecka A, Jemielity J. Towards novel efficient and stable nuclear import signals: synthesis and properties of trimethylguanosine cap analogs modified within the 5',5'-triphosphate bridge. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 12:9184-99. [PMID: 25296894 DOI: 10.1039/c4ob01579g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap is present at the 5' end of several small nuclear and nucleolar RNAs. Recently, it has been reported that the TMG cap is a potential nuclear import signal for nucleus-targeting therapeutic nucleic acids and proteins. The import is mediated by recognition of the TMG cap by the snRNA transporting protein, snurportin1. This work describes the synthesis and properties of a series of dinucleotide TMG cap (m3(2,2,7)GpppG) analogs modified in the 5',5'-triphosphate bridge as tools to study TMG cap-dependent biological processes. The bridge was altered at different positions by introducing either bridging (imidodiphosphate, O to NH and methylenebisphosphonate, O to CH2) or non-bridging (phosphorothioate, O to S and boranophosphate, O to BH3) modifications, or by elongation to tetraphosphate. The stability of novel analogs in blood serum was studied to reveal that the α,β-bridging O to NH substitution (m3(2,2,7)GppNHpG) confers the highest resistance. Short RNAs capped with analogs containing α,β-bridging (m3(2,2,7)GppNHpG) or β-non-bridging (m3(2,2,7)GppSpG D2) modifications were resistant to decapping pyrophosphatase, hNudt16. Preliminary studies on binding by human snurportin1 revealed that both O to NH and O to S substitutions support this binding. Due to favorable properties in all three assays, m3(2,2,7)GppNHpG was selected as a promising candidate for further studies on the efficiency of the TMG cap as a nuclear import signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Zytek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland.
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31
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Michel T, Kankura A, Salinas Medina ML, Kurz J, Behring A, Avci-Adali M, Nolte A, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Krajewski S. In Vitro Evaluation of a Novel mRNA-Based Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. Nucleic Acid Ther 2015; 25:235-44. [PMID: 26125662 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In single-gene disorders, like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a gene mutation causes missing or dysfunctional protein synthesis. This, in turn, can lead to serious complications for the patient affected. Furthermore, single-gene disorders are associated with severe early-onset conditions and necessitate expensive lifelong care. Until nowadays, therapeutic treatment options are still limited, cost-intensive, or lack effectiveness. For these reasons, we aim to develop a novel mRNA-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of single-gene disorders, such as AATD, which is based on the induction of de novo synthesis of the functional proteins. Therefore, an alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) encoding mRNA was generated by in vitro transcription. After in vitro delivery of the mRNA to different cells, protein expression and functionality, as well as adverse effects and mRNA serum stability, were analyzed. Our results show that the AAT mRNA-transfected cells express the AAT protein in high amounts within the first 24 h. Moreover, the expressed AAT protein is highly functional, since the activity of elastase is significantly inhibited. Our data also show that mRNA concentrations up to 1 μg per 150,000 cells have no adverse effects on cell viability and immune activation. Furthermore, the encapsulated AAT encoding mRNA is stable and functional in human serum for up to 30 min. Overall, the proposed project provides an innovative, highly promising, and safe therapeutic approach and, thus, promises a novel progress in the treatment of single-gene disorders, whereby affected patients could greatly benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Michel
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna Kankura
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martha L Salinas Medina
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julia Kurz
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Behring
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Nolte
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Krajewski
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany
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Vallazza B, Petri S, Poleganov MA, Eberle F, Kuhn AN, Sahin U. Recombinant messenger RNA technology and its application in cancer immunotherapy, transcript replacement therapies, pluripotent stem cell induction, and beyond. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 6:471-99. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH; Mainz Germany
- TRON gGmbH; Mainz Germany
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33
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Kowalska J, Wypijewska del Nogal A, Darzynkiewicz ZM, Buck J, Nicola C, Kuhn AN, Lukaszewicz M, Zuberek J, Strenkowska M, Ziemniak M, Maciejczyk M, Bojarska E, Rhoads RE, Darzynkiewicz E, Sahin U, Jemielity J. Synthesis, properties, and biological activity of boranophosphate analogs of the mRNA cap: versatile tools for manipulation of therapeutically relevant cap-dependent processes. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:10245-64. [PMID: 25150148 PMCID: PMC4176373 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified mRNA cap analogs aid in the study of mRNA-related processes and may enable creation of novel therapeutic interventions. We report the synthesis and properties of 11 dinucleotide cap analogs bearing a single boranophosphate modification at either the α-, β- or γ-position of the 5',5'-triphosphate chain. The compounds can potentially serve either as inhibitors of translation in cancer cells or reagents for increasing expression of therapeutic proteins in vivo from exogenous mRNAs. The BH3-analogs were tested as substrates and binding partners for two major cytoplasmic cap-binding proteins, DcpS, a decapping pyrophosphatase, and eIF4E, a translation initiation factor. The susceptibility to DcpS was different between BH3-analogs and the corresponding analogs containing S instead of BH3 (S-analogs). Depending on its placement, the boranophosphate group weakened the interaction with DcpS but stabilized the interaction with eIF4E. The first of the properties makes the BH3-analogs more stable and the second, more potent as inhibitors of protein biosynthesis. Protein expression in dendritic cells was 2.2- and 1.7-fold higher for mRNAs capped with m2 (7,2'-O)GppBH3pG D1 and m2 (7,2'-O)GppBH3pG D2, respectively, than for in vitro transcribed mRNA capped with m2 (7,3'-O)GpppG. Higher expression of cancer antigens would make mRNAs containing m2 (7,2'-O)GppBH3pG D1 and m2 (7,2'-O)GppBH3pG D2 favorable for anticancer immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wypijewska del Nogal
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew M Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janina Buck
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Andreas N Kuhn
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Mainz, Germany TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malwina Strenkowska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziemniak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Robert E Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Mainz, Germany TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
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34
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Abstract
The 7mG (7-methylguanosine cap) formed on mRNA is fundamental to eukaryotic gene expression. Protein complexes recruited to 7mG mediate key processing events throughout the lifetime of the transcript. One of the most important mediators of 7mG functions is CBC (cap-binding complex). CBC has a key role in several gene expression mechanisms, including transcription, splicing, transcript export and translation. Gene expression can be regulated by signalling pathways which influence CBC function. The aim of the present review is to discuss the mechanisms by which CBC mediates and co-ordinates multiple gene expression events.
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35
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Abstract
Cap analogs are chemically modified derivatives of the unique cap structure present at the 5´ end of all eukaryotic mRNAs and several non-coding RNAs. Until recently, cap analogs have served primarily as tools in the study of RNA metabolism. Continuing advances in our understanding of cap biological functions (including RNA stabilization, pre-mRNA splicing, initiation of mRNA translation, as well as cellular transport of mRNAs and snRNAs) and the consequences of the disruption of these processes - resulting in serious medical disorders - have opened new possibilities for pharmaceutical applications of these compounds. In this review, the medicinal potential of cap analogs in areas, such as cancer treatment (including eIF4E targeting and mRNA-based immunotherapy), spinal muscular atrophy treatment, antiviral therapy and the improvement of the localization of nucleus-targeting drugs, are highlighted. Advances achieved to date, challenges, plausible solutions and prospects for the future development of cap analog-based drug design are described.
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36
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Wypijewska del Nogal A, Surleac MD, Kowalska J, Lukaszewicz M, Jemielity J, Bisaillon M, Darzynkiewicz E, Milac AL, Bojarska E. Analysis of decapping scavenger cap complex using modified cap analogs reveals molecular determinants for efficient cap binding. FEBS J 2013; 280:6508-27. [PMID: 24119043 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Decapping scavenger (DcpS) assists in precluding inhibition of cap-binding proteins by hydrolyzing cap species remaining after mRNA 3'→5' degradation. Its significance was reported in splicing, translation initiation and microRNA turnover. Here we examine the structure and binding mode of DcpS from Caenorhabditis elegans (CeDcpS) using a large collection of chemically modified methylenebis(phosphonate), imidodiphosphate and phosphorothioate cap analogs. We determine that CeDcpS is a homodimer and propose high accuracy structural models of apo- and m(7) GpppG-bound forms. The analysis of CeDcpS regioselectivity uncovers that the only site of hydrolysis is located between the β and γ phosphates. Structure-affinity relationship studies of cap analogs for CeDcpS reveal molecular determinants for efficient cap binding: a strong dependence on the type of substituents in the phosphate chain, and reduced binding affinity for either methylated hydroxyl groups of m(7) Guo or an extended triphosphate chain. Docking analysis of cap analogs in the CeDcpS active site explains how both phosphate chain mobility and the orientation in the cap-binding pocket depend on the number of phosphate groups, the substituent type and the presence of the second nucleoside. Finally, the comparison of CeDcpS with its well known human homolog provides general insights into DcpS-cap interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wypijewska del Nogal
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Poland
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37
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Honcharenko M, Zytek M, Bestas B, Moreno P, Jemielity J, Darzynkiewicz E, Smith CIE, Strömberg R. Synthesis and evaluation of stability of m3G-CAP analogues in serum-supplemented medium and cytosolic extract. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:7921-8. [PMID: 24184216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Increased efficiency in splice-correction (splice-switching) has been shown by use of a synthetic RNA 5'-end nuclear localization signal composed of an m3G-CAP. Use of the m3G-CAP as an NLS signal for therapeutic compounds in vivo is likely to require additional stability towards enzymatic degradation. For this reason introduction of stabilizing modifications into the triphosphate bridge may be beneficial. Here we report on synthesis of three m3G-CAP derivatives with a 'native' (m3GpppAOMe) as well as with a methylenephosphonate stabilized triphosphate bridge (m3GpCH2ppAOMe, m3GppCH2pAOMe) and the investigation of the enzymatic stability of these compounds in 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (FBS) and cytosolic extract from HeLa cells, thus mimicking in vivo conditions. Our results indicate that introduction of methylene group between the β and γ phosphates in m3GpCH2ppAOMe improves to some extent stability of this analogue in 10% serum but does not prolong life of this compound in the cytosolic extract. In contrast the stabilization introduced between α and β phosphates in m3GppCH2pAOMe offers threefold longer life in 10% serum and almost complete protection in cytosolic extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Honcharenko
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.
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38
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Grudzien-Nogalska E, Kowalska J, Su W, Kuhn AN, Slepenkov SV, Darzynkiewicz E, Sahin U, Jemielity J, Rhoads RE. Synthetic mRNAs with superior translation and stability properties. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 969:55-72. [PMID: 23296927 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-260-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The translational efficiency and stability of synthetic mRNA in both cultured cells and whole animals can be improved by incorporation of modified cap structures at the 5'-end. mRNAs are synthesized in vitro by a phage RNA polymerase transcribing a plasmid containing the mRNA sequence in the presence of all four NTPs plus a cap dinucleotide. Modifications in the cap dinucleotide at the 2'- or 3'-positions of m(7)Guo, or modifications in the polyphosphate chain, can improve both translational efficiency and stability of the mRNA, thereby increasing the amount and duration of protein expression. In the context of RNA-based immunotherapy, the latter is especially important for antigen production and presentation by dendritic cells. Protocols are presented for synthesis of modified mRNAs, their introduction into cells and whole animals, and measurement of their translational efficiency and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Grudzien-Nogalska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lousisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
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Song MG, Bail S, Kiledjian M. Multiple Nudix family proteins possess mRNA decapping activity. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:390-9. [PMID: 23353937 PMCID: PMC3677249 DOI: 10.1261/rna.037309.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA decapping is an important contributor to gene expression and is a critical determinant of mRNA decay. The recent demonstration that mammalian cells harbor at least two distinct decapping enzymes that preferentially modulate a subset of mRNAs raises the intriguing possibility of whether additional decapping enzymes exist. Because both known decapping proteins, Dcp2 and Nudt16, are members of the Nudix hydrolase family, we set out to determine whether other members of this family of proteins also contain intrinsic RNA decapping activity. Here we demonstrate that six additional mouse Nudix proteins--Nudt2, Nudt3, Nudt12, Nudt15, Nudt17, and Nudt19--have varying degrees of decapping activity in vitro on both monomethylated and unmethylated capped RNAs. The decapping products from Nudt17 and Nudt19 were analogous to Dcp2 and predominantly generated m⁷GDP, while cleavage by Nudt2, Nudt3, Nudt12, and Nudt15 was more pleiotropic and generated both m⁷GMP and m⁷GDP. Interestingly, all six Nudix proteins as well as both Dcp2 and Nudt16 could hydrolyze the cap of an unmethylated capped RNA, indicating that decapping enzymes may be less constrained for the presence of the methyl moiety. Investigation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nudix proteins revealed that the yeast homolog of Nudt3, Ddp1p, also possesses decapping activity in vitro. Moreover, the bacterial Nudix pyrophosphohydrolase RppH displayed RNA decapping activity and released m⁷GDP product comparable to Dcp2, indicating that decapping is an evolutionarily conserved activity that preceded mammalian cap formation. These findings demonstrate that multiple Nudix family hydrolases may function in mRNA decapping and mRNA stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megerditch Kiledjian
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8082, USA
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40
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Su W, Slepenkov SV, Slevin MK, Lyons SM, Ziemniak M, Kowalska J, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J, Marzluff WF, Rhoads RE. mRNAs containing the histone 3' stem-loop are degraded primarily by decapping mediated by oligouridylation of the 3' end. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:1-16. [PMID: 23188809 PMCID: PMC3527721 DOI: 10.1261/rna.034470.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metazoan replication-dependent histone mRNAs are only present in S-phase, due partly to changes in their stability. These mRNAs end in a unique stem-loop (SL) that is required for both translation and cell-cycle regulation. Previous studies showed that histone mRNA degradation occurs through both 5'→3' and 3'→5' processes, but the relative contributions are not known. The 3' end of histone mRNA is oligouridylated during its degradation, although it is not known whether this is an essential step. We introduced firefly luciferase reporter mRNAs containing the histone 3' UTR SL (Luc-SL) and either a normal or hDcp2-resistant cap into S-phase HeLa cells. Both mRNAs were translated, and translation initially protected the mRNAs from degradation, but there was a lag of ∼40 min with the uncleavable cap compared to ∼8 min for the normal cap before rapid decay. Knockdown of hDcp2 resulted in a similar longer lag for Luc-SL containing a normal cap, indicating that 5'→3' decay is important in this system. Inhibition of DNA replication with hydroxyurea accelerated the degradation of Luc-SL. Knockdown of terminal uridyltransferase (TUTase) 4 but not TUTase 3 slowed the decay process, but TUTase 4 knockdown had no effect on destabilization of the mRNA by hydroxyurea. Both Luc-SL and its 5' decay intermediates were oligouridylated. Preventing oligouridylation by 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) addition to the mRNA slowed degradation, in the presence or absence of hydroxyurea, suggesting oligouridylation initiates degradation. The spectrum of oligouridylated fragments suggests the 3'→5' degradation machinery stalls during initial degradation, whereupon reuridylation occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
| | - Sergey V. Slepenkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
| | - Michael K. Slevin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Shawn M. Lyons
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Marcin Ziemniak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland 02-089
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland 02-089
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland 02-089
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland 02-089
| | - William F. Marzluff
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Robert E. Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
- Corresponding authorE-mail
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41
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Ziemniak M, Szabelski M, Lukaszewicz M, Nowicka A, Darzynkiewicz E, Rhoads RE, Wieczorek Z, Jemielity J. Synthesis and evaluation of fluorescent cap analogues for mRNA labelling. RSC Adv 2013; 3. [PMID: 24273643 DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42769b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the synthesis and properties of five dinucleotide fluorescent cap analogues labelled at the ribose of the 7-methylguanosine moiety with either anthraniloyl (Ant) or N-methylanthraniloyl (Mant), which have been designed for the preparation of fluorescent mRNAs via transcription in vitro. Two of the analogues bear a methylene modification in the triphosphate bridge, providing resistance against either the Dcp2 or DcpS decapping enzymes. All these compounds were prepared by ZnCl2-mediated coupling of a nucleotide P-imidazolide with a fluorescently labelled mononucleotide. To evaluate the utility of these compounds for studying interactions with cap-binding proteins and cap-related cellular processes, both biological and spectroscopic features of those compounds were determined. The results indicate acceptable quantum yields of fluorescence, pH independence, environmental sensitivity, and photostability. The cap analogues are incorporated by RNA polymerase into mRNA transcripts that are efficiently translated in vitro. Transcripts containing fluorescent caps but unmodified in the triphosphate chain are hydrolysed by Dcp2 whereas those containing a α-β methylene modification are resistant. Model studies exploiting sensitivity of Mant to changes of local environment demonstrated utility of the synthesized compounds for studying cap-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Ziemniak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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42
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Schlake T, Thess A, Fotin-Mleczek M, Kallen KJ. Developing mRNA-vaccine technologies. RNA Biol 2012; 9:1319-30. [PMID: 23064118 DOI: 10.4161/rna.22269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines combine desirable immunological properties with an outstanding safety profile and the unmet flexibility of genetic vaccines. Based on in situ protein expression, mRNA vaccines are capable of inducing a balanced immune response comprising both cellular and humoral immunity while not subject to MHC haplotype restriction. In addition, mRNA is an intrinsically safe vector as it is a minimal and only transient carrier of information that does not interact with the genome. Because any protein can be expressed from mRNA without the need to adjust the production process, mRNA vaccines also offer maximum flexibility with respect to development. Taken together, mRNA presents a promising vector that may well become the basis of a game-changing vaccine technology platform. Here, we outline the current knowledge regarding different aspects that should be considered when developing an mRNA-based vaccine technology.
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Wypijewska A, Bojarska E, Lukaszewicz M, Stepinski J, Jemielity J, Davis RE, Darzynkiewicz E. 7-methylguanosine diphosphate (m(7)GDP) is not hydrolyzed but strongly bound by decapping scavenger (DcpS) enzymes and potently inhibits their activity. Biochemistry 2012; 51:8003-13. [PMID: 22985415 DOI: 10.1021/bi300781g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Decapping scavenger (DcpS) enzymes catalyze the cleavage of a residual cap structure following 3' → 5' mRNA decay. Some previous studies suggested that both m(7)GpppG and m(7)GDP were substrates for DcpS hydrolysis. Herein, we show that mononucleoside diphosphates, m(7)GDP (7-methylguanosine diphosphate) and m(3)(2,2,7)GDP (2,2,7-trimethylguanosine diphosphate), resulting from mRNA decapping by the Dcp1/2 complex in the 5' → 3' mRNA decay, are not degraded by recombinant DcpS proteins (human, nematode, and yeast). Furthermore, whereas mononucleoside diphosphates (m(7)GDP and m(3)(2,2,7)GDP) are not hydrolyzed by DcpS, mononucleoside triphosphates (m(7)GTP and m(3)(2,2,7)GTP) are, demonstrating the importance of a triphosphate chain for DcpS hydrolytic activity. m(7)GTP and m(3)(2,2,7)GTP are cleaved at a slower rate than their corresponding dinucleotides (m(7)GpppG and m(3)(2,2,7)GpppG, respectively), indicating an involvement of the second nucleoside for efficient DcpS-mediated digestion. Although DcpS enzymes cannot hydrolyze m(7)GDP, they have a high binding affinity for m(7)GDP and m(7)GDP potently inhibits DcpS hydrolysis of m(7)GpppG, suggesting that m(7)GDP may function as an efficient DcpS inhibitor. Our data have important implications for the regulatory role of m(7)GDP in mRNA metabolic pathways due to its possible interactions with different cap-binding proteins, such as DcpS or eIF4E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wypijewska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-089, Poland
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Rydzik AM, Kulis M, Lukaszewicz M, Kowalska J, Zuberek J, Darzynkiewicz ZM, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J. Synthesis and properties of mRNA cap analogs containing imidodiphosphate moiety--fairly mimicking natural cap structure, yet resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:1699-710. [PMID: 22316555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We describe synthesis and properties of eight dinucleotide mRNA 5' cap analogs containing imidodiphosphate moiety within 5',5'-tri- or tetraphosphate bridge (NH-analogs). The compounds were obtained by coupling an appropriate nucleoside 5'-imidodiphosphate with nucleotide P-imidazolide mediated by divalent metal chloride in anhydrous DMF. To evaluate the novel compounds as tools for studying cap-dependent processes, we determined their binding affinities for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, susceptibilities to decapping pyrophosphatase DcpS and, for non-hydrolysable analogs, binding affinities to this enzyme. The results indicate that the O to NH substitution in selected positions of oligophosphate bridge ensures resistance to enzymatic decapping and suggest that interactions of NH-analogs with cap binding proteins fairly mimic interactions of unmodified parent compounds. Finally, we identified NH-analogs as potent inhibitors of cap-dependent translation in cell free system, and evaluated their utility as reagents for obtaining 5' capped mRNAs in vitro to be rather moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Rydzik
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw, Poland
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45
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Chiluiza D, Bargo S, Callahan R, Rhoads RE. Expression of truncated eukaryotic initiation factor 3e (eIF3e) resulting from integration of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) causes a shift from cap-dependent to cap-independent translation. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:31288-96. [PMID: 21737453 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.267294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) at the common integration site Int6 occurs in the gene encoding eIF3e, the p48 subunit of translation initiation factor eIF3. Integration is at any of several introns of the Eif3e gene and causes the expression of truncated Eif3e mRNAs. Ectopic expression of the truncated eIF3e protein resulting from integration at intron 5 (3e5) induces malignant transformation, but by an unknown mechanism. Because eIF3e makes up at least part of the binding site for eIF4G, we examined the effects of 3e5 expression on protein synthesis. We developed an NIH3T3 cell line that contains a single copy of the 3e5 sequence at a predetermined genomic site. Co-immunoprecipitation indicated diminished binding of eIF3 to eIF4G, signifying a reduction in recruitment of the mRNA-unwinding machinery to the 43 S preinitiation complex. Cell growth and overall protein synthesis were decreased. Translation driven by the eIF4G-independent hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry sequence (HCV IRES) in a bicistronic mRNA was increased relative to cap-dependent translation. Endogenous mRNAs encoding XIAP, c-Myc, CYR61, and Pim-1, which are translated in a cap-independent manner, were shifted to heavier polysomes whereas mRNAs encoding GAPDH, actin, L32, and L34, which are translated in a cap-dependent manner, were shifted to lighter polysomes. We propose that expression of 3e5 diminishes eIF4G interaction with eIF3 and causes abnormal gene expression at the translational level. The correlation between up-regulation of cap-independent translation and MMTV-induced tumorigenesis contrasts with the well established model for malignant transformation involving up-regulation of highly cap-dependent translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chiluiza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106, USA
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46
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Su W, Slepenkov S, Grudzien-Nogalska E, Kowalska J, Kulis M, Zuberek J, Lukaszewicz M, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J, Rhoads RE. Translation, stability, and resistance to decapping of mRNAs containing caps substituted in the triphosphate chain with BH3, Se, and NH. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2011; 17:978-88. [PMID: 21447710 PMCID: PMC3078746 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2430711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Decapping is an essential step in multiple pathways of mRNA degradation. Previously, we synthesized mRNAs containing caps that were resistant to decapping, both to dissect the various pathways for mRNA degradation and to stabilize mRNA for more sustained protein expression. mRNAs containing an α-β CH(2) group are resistant to in vitro cleavage by the decapping enzyme hDcp2 but poorly translated. mRNAs containing an S substitution at the β-phosphate are well translated but only partially resistant to hDcp2. We now describe seven new cap analogs substituted at the β-phosphate with BH(3) or Se, or substituted at either the α-β or β-γ O with NH. The analogs differ in affinity for eIF4E and efficiency of in vitro incorporation into mRNA by T7 RNA polymerase. Luciferase mRNAs capped with these analogs differ in resistance to hDcp2 hydrolysis in vitro, translational efficiency in rabbit reticulocyte lysate and in HeLa cells, and stability in HeLa cells. Whereas mRNAs capped with m(2)(7,2'-O)Gpp(S)pG were previously found to have the most favorable properties of translational efficiency and stability in mammalian cells, mRNAs capped with m(7)Gpp(BH3)pm(7)G are translated with the same efficiency but are more stable. Interestingly, some mRNAs exhibit a lag of up to 60 min before undergoing first-order decay (t(1/2) ≅ 25 min). Only mRNAs that are efficiently capped, resistant to decapping in vitro, and actively translated have long lag phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA
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47
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Song MG, Li Y, Kiledjian M. Multiple mRNA decapping enzymes in mammalian cells. Mol Cell 2010; 40:423-32. [PMID: 21070968 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2010.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of RNA degradation plays an important role in the control of gene expression. One mechanism of eukaryotic mRNA decay proceeds through an initial deadenylation followed by 5' end decapping and exonucleolytic decay. Dcp2 is currently believed to be the only cytoplasmic decapping enzyme responsible for decapping of all mRNAs. Here we report that Dcp2 protein modestly contributes to bulk mRNA decay and surprisingly is not detectable in a subset of mouse and human tissues. Consistent with these findings, a hypomorphic knockout of Dcp2 had no adverse consequences in mice. In contrast, the previously reported Xenopus nucleolar decapping enzyme, Nudt16, is an ubiquitous cytoplasmic decapping enzyme in mammalian cells. Like Dcp2, Nudt16 also regulates the stability of a subset of mRNAs including a member of the motin family of proteins involved in angiogenesis, Angiomotin-like 2. These data demonstrate mammalian cells possess multiple mRNA decapping enzymes, including Nudt16 to regulate mRNA turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Gen Song
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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48
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Li Y, Kiledjian M. Regulation of mRNA decapping. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2010; 1:253-65. [PMID: 21935889 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Decapping is a critical step in the control of mRNA stability and the regulation of gene expression. Two major decapping enzymes involved in mRNA turnover have been identified, each functioning in one of the two exonucleolytic mRNA decay pathways in eukaryotic cells. The Dcp2 protein cleaves capped mRNA and initiates 5' to 3' degradation; the scavenger decapping enzyme, DcpS, hydrolyzes the cap structure generated by the 3' to 5' decay pathway. Consistent with the important role of decapping in gene expression, cap hydrolysis is exquisitely controlled by multiple regulators that influence association with the cap and the catalytic step. In this review, we will discuss the functions of the two different decapping enzymes, their regulation by cis-elements and trans-factors, and the potential role of the decapping enzymes in human neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA
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49
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Kuhn AN, Diken M, Kreiter S, Selmi A, Kowalska J, Jemielity J, Darzynkiewicz E, Huber C, Türeci O, Sahin U. Phosphorothioate cap analogs increase stability and translational efficiency of RNA vaccines in immature dendritic cells and induce superior immune responses in vivo. Gene Ther 2010; 17:961-71. [PMID: 20410931 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination with in vitro transcribed RNA coding for tumor antigens is considered a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy and has already entered human clinical testing. One of the basic objectives for development of RNA as a drug is the optimization of immunobioavailability of the encoded antigen in vivo. By analyzing the effect of different synthetic 5' mRNA cap analogs on the kinetics of the encoded protein, we found that m(2)(7,2'-O)Gpp(S)pG (beta-S-ARCA) phosphorothioate caps, in particular the D1 diastereoisomer, profoundly enhance RNA stability and translational efficiency in immature but not mature dendritic cells. Moreover, in vivo delivery of the antigen as beta-S-ARCA(D1)-capped RNA species is superior for protein expression and for efficient priming and expansion of naïve antigen-specific T cells in mice. Our findings establish 5' mRNA cap analogs as yet another module for tuning immunopharmacological properties of recombinant antigen-encoding RNA for vaccination purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Kuhn
- Division of Translational and Experimental Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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50
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Strenkowska M, Kowalska J, Lukaszewicz M, Zuberek J, Su W, Rhoads RE, Darzynkiewicz E, Jemielity J. Towards mRNA with superior translational activity: synthesis and properties of ARCA tetraphosphates with single phosphorothioate modifications. NEW J CHEM 2010; 34:993-1007. [PMID: 20711517 PMCID: PMC2918917 DOI: 10.1039/b9nj00644c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We describe the chemical synthesis and preliminary biophysical and biochemical characterization of a series of mRNA 5' end (cap) analogs designed as reagents for obtaining mRNA molecules with augmented translation efficiency and stability in vivo and as useful tools to study mRNA metabolism. The analogs share three structural features: (i) 5',5'- bridge elongated to tetraphosphate to increase their affinity to translation initiation factor eIF4E (ii) a single phosphorothioate modification at either the α, β, γ or δ-position of the tetraphosphate to decrease their susceptibility to enzymatic degradation and/or to modulate their interaction with specific proteins and (iii) a 2'-O-methyl group in the ribose of 7-methylguanosine, characteristic to Anti-Reverse Cap Analogs (ARCAs), which are incorporated into mRNA during in vitro transcription exclusively in the correct orientation. The dinucleotides bearing modified tetraphosphate bridge were synthesized by ZnCl(2) mediated coupling between two mononucleotide subunits with isolated yields of 30-65%. The preliminary biochemical results show that mRNAs capped with new analogs are 2.5-4.5 more efficiently translated in a cell free system than m(7)GpppG-capped mRNAs, which makes them promising candidates for RNA-based therapeutic applications such as gene therapy and anti-cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malwina Strenkowska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Robert E. Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Fax: 48 22 5540771; Tel: 48 22 5540774
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