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Wai HA, Svobodova E, Herrera NR, Douglas AGL, Holloway JW, Baralle FE, Baralle M, Baralle D. Tailored antisense oligonucleotides designed to correct aberrant splicing reveal actionable groups of mutations for rare genetic disorders. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01292-1. [PMID: 39085356 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective translation of rare disease diagnosis knowledge into therapeutic applications is achievable within a reasonable timeframe; where mutations are amenable to current antisense oligonucleotide technology. In our study, we identified five distinct types of abnormal splice-causing mutations in patients with rare genetic disorders and developed a tailored antisense oligonucleotide for each mutation type using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers with or without octa-guanidine dendrimers and 2'-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate. We observed variations in treatment effects and efficiencies, influenced by both the chosen chemistry and the specific nature of the aberrant splicing patterns targeted for correction. Our study demonstrated the successful correction of all five different types of aberrant splicing. Our findings reveal that effective correction of aberrant splicing can depend on altering the chemical composition of oligonucleotides and suggest a fast, efficient, and feasible approach for developing personalized therapeutic interventions for genetic disorders within short time frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Htoo A Wai
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Eliska Svobodova
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Romero Herrera
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew G L Douglas
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - John W Holloway
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Francisco E Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Fondazione Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Diana Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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2
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Tang PCT, Zhang YY, Li JSF, Chan MKK, Chen J, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang D, Leung KT, To KF, Tang SCW, Lan HY, Tang PMK. LncRNA-Dependent Mechanisms of Transforming Growth Factor-β: From Tissue Fibrosis to Cancer Progression. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8030036. [PMID: 35736633 PMCID: PMC9227532 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a crucial pathogenic mediator of inflammatory diseases. In tissue fibrosis, TGF-β regulates the pathogenic activity of infiltrated immunocytes and promotes extracellular matrix production via de novo myofibroblast generation and kidney cell activation. In cancer, TGF-β promotes cancer invasion and metastasis by enhancing the stemness and epithelial mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. However, TGF-β is highly pleiotropic in both tissue fibrosis and cancers, and thus, direct targeting of TGF-β may also block its protective anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive effects, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in TGF-β-driven tissue fibrosis and cancer progression with a high cell-type and disease specificity, serving as an ideal target for therapeutic development. In this review, the mechanism and translational potential of TGF-β-associated lncRNAs in tissue fibrosis and cancer will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China;
| | - Jane Siu-Fan Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Jiaoyi Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (J.C.); (S.C.-W.T.)
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China;
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Sydney Chi-Wai Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (J.C.); (S.C.-W.T.)
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
- Correspondence:
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3
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Delivery of Oligonucleotides: Efficiency with Lipid Conjugation and Clinical Outcome. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020342. [PMID: 35214074 PMCID: PMC8879684 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides have shifted drug discovery into a new paradigm due to their ability to silence the genes and inhibit protein translation. Importantly, they can drug the un-druggable targets from the conventional small-molecule perspective. Unfortunately, poor cellular permeability and susceptibility to nuclease degradation remain as major hurdles for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutic agents. Studies of safe and effective delivery technique with lipid bioconjugates gains attention to resolve these issues. Our review article summarizes the physicochemical effect of well-studied hydrophobic moieties to enhance the cellular entry of oligonucleotides. The structural impacts of fatty acids, cholesterol, tocopherol, and squalene on cellular internalization and membrane penetration in vitro and in vivo were discussed first. The crucial assays for delivery evaluation within this section were analyzed sequentially. Next, we provided a few successful examples of lipid-conjugated oligonucleotides advanced into clinical studies for treating patients with different medical backgrounds. Finally, we pinpointed current limitations and outlooks in this research field along with opportunities to explore new modifications and efficacy studies.
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4
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Repkova M, Levina A, Ismagilov Z, Mazurkova N, Mazurkov O, Zarytova V. Effective Inhibition of Newly Emerged A/H7N9 Virus with Oligonucleotides Targeted to Conserved Regions of the Virus Genome. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:436-442. [PMID: 34665651 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly emerged highly pathogenic A/H7N9 viruses with pandemic potential are effectively transmitted from birds to humans and require the development of novel antiviral drugs. For the first time, we studied the in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against A/H7N9 of oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs), which were delivered into the cells in the proposed TiO2-based nanocomposites (TiO2∼ODN). The highest inhibition of A/H7N9 in vitro (∼400-fold) and efficient, sequence-specific, and dose-dependent protection (up to 100%) of A/H7N9-infected mice was revealed when ODN was targeted to the conserved terminal 3'-noncoding region of viral (-)RNA. After the treatment with ODN, the virus titer values in the lungs of mice decreased by several orders of magnitude. The TiO2∼ODN nanocomposite did not show toxicity in mice under the treatment conditions. The proposed approach for effective inhibition of the A/H7N9 can be tested against other viruses, for example, new emerging influenza viruses and coronaviruses with pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Repkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Asya Levina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Zinfer Ismagilov
- Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Mazurkova
- FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg Mazurkov
- FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentina Zarytova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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5
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Jbara A, Siegfried Z, Karni R. Splice-switching as cancer therapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 59:140-148. [PMID: 34217945 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In light of recent advances in RNA splicing modulation as therapy for specific genetic diseases, there is great optimism that this approach can be applied to treatment of cancer as well. Dysregulation of alternative RNA splicing is a common aberration detected in many cancers and thus, provides an attractive target for therapeutics. Here, we present and compare two promising approaches that are currently being investigated to manipulate alternative splicing and their potential use in therapy. The first strategy makes use of splice-switching oligonucleotides, whereas the second strategy uses CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat Cas (CRISPR-associated) technology. We will discuss both the challenges and limitations of these technologies and progress being made to implement splice-switching as a potential cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Jbara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Zahava Siegfried
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Rotem Karni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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6
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Han Z, Chen C, Christiansen A, Ji S, Lin Q, Anumonwo C, Liu C, Leiser SC, Meena, Aznarez I, Liau G, Isom LL. Antisense oligonucleotides increase Scn1a expression and reduce seizures and SUDEP incidence in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/558/eaaz6100. [PMID: 32848094 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz6100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is an intractable developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused largely by de novo variants in the SCN1A gene, resulting in haploinsufficiency of the voltage-gated sodium channel α subunit NaV1.1. Here, we used Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output (TANGO) technology, which modulates naturally occurring, nonproductive splicing events to increase target gene and protein expression and ameliorate disease phenotype in a mouse model. We identified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that specifically increase the expression of productive Scn1a transcript in human cell lines, as well as in mouse brain. We show that a single intracerebroventricular dose of a lead ASO at postnatal day 2 or 14 reduced the incidence of electrographic seizures and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in the F1:129S-Scn1a +/- × C57BL/6J mouse model of DS. Increased expression of productive Scn1a transcript and NaV1.1 protein was confirmed in brains of treated mice. Our results suggest that TANGO may provide a unique, gene-specific approach for the treatment of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Han
- Stoke Therapeutics Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Chunling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Sophina Ji
- Stoke Therapeutics Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Qian Lin
- Stoke Therapeutics Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Charles Anumonwo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chante Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Meena
- Stoke Therapeutics Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | | | - Gene Liau
- Stoke Therapeutics Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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7
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Perrone D, Marchesi E, Preti L, Navacchia ML. Modified Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids via Click Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition for Pharmacological Applications. Molecules 2021; 26:3100. [PMID: 34067312 PMCID: PMC8196910 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The click azide = alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click chemistry) has become the approach of choice for bioconjugations in medicinal chemistry, providing facile reaction conditions amenable to both small and biological molecules. Many nucleoside analogs are known for their marked impact in cancer therapy and for the treatment of virus diseases and new targeted oligonucleotides have been developed for different purposes. The click chemistry allowing the tolerated union between units with a wide diversity of functional groups represents a robust means of designing new hybrid compounds with an extraordinary diversity of applications. This review provides an overview of the most recent works related to the use of click chemistry methodology in the field of nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids for pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Perrone
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Elena Marchesi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity National Research Council, 40129 Bologna, Italy
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8
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Oligonucleotide-Based Therapies for Renal Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030303. [PMID: 33809425 PMCID: PMC8001091 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing every year and represents a great cost for public healthcare systems, as the majority of these diseases are progressive. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies. Oligonucleotide-based drugs are emerging as novel and promising alternatives to traditional drugs. Their expansion corresponds with new knowledge regarding the molecular basis underlying CKD, and they are already showing encouraging preclinical results, with two candidates being evaluated in clinical trials. However, despite recent technological advances, efficient kidney delivery remains challenging, and the presence of off-targets and side-effects precludes development and translation to the clinic. In this review, we provide an overview of the various oligotherapeutic strategies used preclinically, emphasizing the most recent findings in the field, together with the different strategies employed to achieve proper kidney delivery. The use of different nanotechnological platforms, including nanocarriers, nanoparticles, viral vectors or aptamers, and their potential for the development of more specific and effective treatments is also outlined.
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9
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Doxakis E. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for movement disorders. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2656-2688. [PMID: 32656818 DOI: 10.1002/med.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities of movement and posture. They are broadly divided into akinetic and hyperkinetic syndromes. Until now, no effective symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies have been available. However, since many of these disorders are monogenic or have some well-defined genetic component, they represent strong candidates for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. ASO therapies are based on the use of short synthetic single-stranded ASOs that bind to disease-related target RNAs via Watson-Crick base-pairing and pleiotropically modulate their function. With information arising from the RNA sequence alone, it is possible to design ASOs that not only alter the expression levels but also the splicing defects of any protein, far exceeding the intervention repertoire of traditional small molecule approaches. Following the regulatory approval of ASO therapies for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2016, there has been tremendous momentum in testing such therapies for other neurological disorders. This review article initially focuses on the chemical modifications aimed at improving ASO effectiveness, the mechanisms by which ASOs can interfere with RNA function, delivery systems and pharmacokinetics, and the common set of toxicities associated with their application. It, then, describes the pathophysiology and the latest information on preclinical and clinical trials utilizing ASOs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 7. It concludes with issues that require special attention to realize the full potential of ASO-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Way CM, Lima Cunha D, Moosajee M. Translational readthrough inducing drugs for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1762489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Way
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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11
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Kim TW, Papagiannis C, Capaldi D, McPherson AK, Mahdi F, Luu N, Rodriguez AA, Hoffmaster C, Serota D, Henry SP. Impurity Qualification Toxicology Study for a 2'-O-Methoxyethyl-Modified Antisense Inhibitor in Mice. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 30:14-21. [PMID: 31687889 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Safety assessment of drug impurities is a routine part of the drug development process. For oligonucleotide-based drugs, impurities can arise from impurities in starting materials, as by-products of the manufacturing process or from degradation, and are generally structurally similar to the parent oligonucleotide. To study the potential impact of impurities, a representative batch of a 2'-O-methoxyethyl (MOE) antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was compared to batches of drug that were enriched with nine of the common impurities encountered with the chemical class. Mice were treated for 3 months with weekly subcutaneous injection of 10 or 30 mg/kg. The impurity content of the parent batch was 0.25%-2.5% of total drug substance. The enriched impurity mixtures contained from 3% to 10% of the various impurities. The expected common class effects were observed at the 30 mg/kg/week dose level in hematology, serum chemistry, and histopathology. However, there were no differences between the representative batch of material and those enriched with impurities. Based on these data, common oligonucleotide impurity studies do not appear to contribute to the overall toxicology profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Won Kim
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | | | | | | | - Farah Mahdi
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | - Nhuy Luu
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
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12
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Pitout I, Flynn LL, Wilton SD, Fletcher S. Antisense-mediated splice intervention to treat human disease: the odyssey continues. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31164976 PMCID: PMC6534073 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18466.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent approvals of oligonucleotide analogue drugs to alter gene expression have been welcomed by patient communities but not universally supported. These compounds represent a class of drugs that are designed to target a specific gene transcript, and they include a number of chemical entities to evoke different antisense mechanisms, depending upon the disease aetiology. To date, oligonucleotide therapeutics that are in the clinic or at advanced stages of translation target rare diseases, posing challenges to clinical trial design, recruitment and evaluation and requiring new evaluation paradigms. This review discusses the currently available and emerging therapeutics that alter exon selection through an effect on pre-mRNA splicing and explores emerging concerns over safety and efficacy. Although modification of synthetic nucleic acids destined for therapeutic application is common practice to protect against nuclease degradation and to influence drug function, such modifications may also confer unexpected physicochemical and biological properties. Negatively charged oligonucleotides have a strong propensity to bind extra- and intra-cellular proteins, whereas those analogues with a neutral backbone show inefficient cellular uptake but excellent safety profiles. In addition, the potential for incorporation of chemically modified nucleic acid monomers, yielded by nuclease degradation of exogenous oligonucleotides, into biomolecules has been raised and the possibility not entirely discounted. We conclude with a commentary on the ongoing efforts to develop novel antisense compounds and enhance oligonucleotide delivery in order to further improve efficacy and accelerate implementation of antisense therapeutics for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Perron Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Perron Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Perron Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
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13
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Dong A, Ghiaccio V, Motta I, Guo S, Peralta R, Freier SM, Watt A, Damle S, Ikawa Y, Jarocha D, Chappell M, Stephanou C, Delbini P, Chen C, Christou S, Kleanthous M, Smith-Whitley K, Manwani D, Casu C, Abdulmalik O, Cappellini MD, Rivella S, Breda L. 2'-O-methoxyethyl splice-switching oligos correct splicing from IVS2-745 β-thalassemia patient cells restoring HbA production and chain rebalance. Haematologica 2019; 106:1433-1442. [PMID: 32439726 PMCID: PMC8094087 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.226852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a disorder caused by altered hemoglobin protein synthesis which affects individuals worldwide. Severe forms of the disease, left untreated, can result in death before the age of 3 years.1 The standard of care consists of chronic and costly palliative treatment by blood transfusion combined with iron chelation. This dual approach suppresses anemia and reduces iron-related toxicities in patients. Allogeneic bone marrow transplant is an option, but limited by the availability of a highly compatible hematopoietic stem cell donor. While gene therapy is being explored in several trials, its use is highly limited to developed regions with centers of excellence and well-established healthcare systems. 2 Hence, there remains a tremendous unmet medical need to develop alternative treatment strategies for b-thalassemia.3 Occurrence of aberrant splicing is one of the processes that affects b-globin synthesis in b-thalassemia. The (C>G) IVS2-745 is a splicing mutation within intron 2 of the b-globin (HBB) gene. It leads to an aberrantly spliced mRNA that incorporates an intron fragment. This results in an in-frame premature termination codon that inhibits b-globin production. Here, we propose the use of uniform 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) splice switching oligos (SSO) to reverse this aberrant splicing in the pre-mRNA. With these SSO we show aberrant to wild-type splice switching. This switching leads to an increase of adult hemoglobin up to 80% in erythroid cells from patients with the IVS2-745 HBB mutation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a restoration of the balance between b-like- and α-globin chains, and up to an 87% reduction in toxic heme aggregates. While examining the potential benefit of 2'-MOE-SSO in a mixed sickle-thalassemic phenotypic setting, we found reduced sickle hemoglobin synthesis and sickle cell formation due to HbA induction. In summary, 2'-MOE-SSO are a promising therapy for forms of b-thalassemia caused by mutations leading to aberrant splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Dong
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Valentina Ghiaccio
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Irene Motta
- University of Milan - Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Andy Watt
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | - Yasuhiro Ikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Danuta Jarocha
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Maxwell Chappell
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Coralea Stephanou
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paola Delbini
- University of Milan - Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Connie Chen
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York
| | - Soteroula Christou
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kim Smith-Whitley
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Carla Casu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Osheiza Abdulmalik
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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14
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Chernikov IV, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Current Development of siRNA Bioconjugates: From Research to the Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:444. [PMID: 31105570 PMCID: PMC6498891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting via RNA interference mechanisms are able to recognize a homologous mRNA sequence in the cell and induce its degradation. The main problems in the development of siRNA-based drugs for therapeutic use are the low efficiency of siRNA delivery to target cells and the degradation of siRNAs by nucleases in biological fluids. Various approaches have been proposed to solve the problem of siRNA delivery in vivo (e.g., viruses, cationic lipids, polymers, nanoparticles), but all have limitations for therapeutic use. One of the most promising approaches to solve the problem of siRNA delivery to target cells is bioconjugation; i.e., the covalent connection of siRNAs with biogenic molecules (lipophilic molecules, antibodies, aptamers, ligands, peptides, or polymers). Bioconjugates are "ideal nanoparticles" since they do not need a positive charge to form complexes, are less toxic, and are less effectively recognized by components of the immune system because of their small size. This review is focused on strategies and principles for constructing siRNA bioconjugates for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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15
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Kim TW, Papagiannis CN, Zwick LS, Engelhardt JA, Hoffmaster CM, Post NM, Matson JE, Hsiao JA, Burel SA, Henry SP. Comparison of the Class Effects of Antisense Oligonucleotides in CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic and CD-1 Mice. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 47:82-92. [PMID: 30585133 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318813143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The 6-month Tg.rasH2 mouse carcinogenicity model provides an acceptable alternative to the 2-year carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice. However, key questions related to the use of this model for testing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) include the similarity in the biologic response between mouse strains and the feasibility of using data from the CD-1 mouse to set doses and dose schedules for a Tg.rasH2 carcinogenicity study. To evaluate the potential strain differences, four distinct 2'- O-(2-methoxyethyl) ASOs were administered to CByB6F1 (wild type), Tg.rasH2 (hemizygous), and CD-1 mice. There were no meaningful differences in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, or serum chemistry and hematology parameters. Histopathology evaluation indicated little to no difference in the spectrum or magnitude of changes present. The cytokine/chemokine response was also not appreciably different between the strains. This was consistent with the similarity in ASO concentration in the liver between the mouse strains tested. As the class effects of the ASOs were not meaningfully different between CD-1, CByB6F1, or Tg.rasH2 mice, data from nonclinical studies in CD-1 mice can be used for dose selection and expectation of effect in the Tg.rasH2 mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Won Kim
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Noah M Post
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Jill A Hsiao
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
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16
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Janas MM, Harbison CE, Perry VK, Carito B, Sutherland JE, Vaishnaw AK, Keirstead ND, Warner G. The Nonclinical Safety Profile of GalNAc-conjugated RNAi Therapeutics in Subacute Studies. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 46:735-745. [PMID: 30139307 PMCID: PMC6249674 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318792537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are the most clinically advanced oligonucleotide-based platforms. A number of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNAs (GalNAc-siRNAs), also referred to as RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, are currently in various stages of development, though none is yet approved. While the safety of ASOs has been the subject of extensive review, the nonclinical safety profiles of GalNAc-siRNAs have not been reported. With the exception of sequence differences that confer target RNA specificity, GalNAc-siRNAs are largely chemically uniform, containing limited number of phosphorothioate linkages, and 2’-O-methyl and 2’-deoxy-2’-fluoro ribose modifications. Here, we present the outcomes of short-term (3–5 week) rat and monkey weekly repeat-dose toxicology studies of six Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry GalNAc-siRNAs currently in clinical development. In nonclinical studies at supratherapeutic doses, these molecules share similar safety signals, with histologic findings in the organ of pharmacodynamic effect (liver), the organ of elimination (kidney), and the reticuloendothelial system (lymph nodes). The majority of these changes are nonadverse, partially to completely reversible, correlate well with pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution, and often reflect drug accumulation. Furthermore, all GalNAc-siRNAs tested to date have been negative in genotoxicity and safety pharmacology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja M Janas
- 1 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Carole E Harbison
- 1 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this work
| | | | - Brenda Carito
- 1 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Garvin Warner
- 1 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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