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Ward C, Beharry A, Tennakoon R, Rozik P, Wilhelm SDP, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Mechanisms and Delivery of tRNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7976-8008. [PMID: 38801719 PMCID: PMC11212642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) therapeutics will provide personalized and mutation specific medicines to treat human genetic diseases for which no cures currently exist. The tRNAs are a family of adaptor molecules that interpret the nucleic acid sequences in our genes into the amino acid sequences of proteins that dictate cell function. Humans encode more than 600 tRNA genes. Interestingly, even healthy individuals contain some mutant tRNAs that make mistakes. Missense suppressor tRNAs insert the wrong amino acid in proteins, and nonsense suppressor tRNAs read through premature stop signals to generate full length proteins. Mutations that underlie many human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diverse rare genetic disorders, result from missense or nonsense mutations. Thus, specific tRNA variants can be strategically deployed as therapeutic agents to correct genetic defects. We review the mechanisms of tRNA therapeutic activity, the nature of the therapeutic window for nonsense and missense suppression as well as wild-type tRNA supplementation. We discuss the challenges and promises of delivering tRNAs as synthetic RNAs or as gene therapies. Together, tRNA medicines will provide novel treatments for common and rare genetic diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Ward
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Aruun Beharry
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rasangi Tennakoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter Rozik
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sarah D. P. Wilhelm
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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2
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Strandgren C, Wiman KG. Therapeutic targeting of TP53 nonsense mutations in cancer. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10719. [PMID: 38863730 PMCID: PMC11165251 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene occur with high prevalence in a wide range of human tumors. A significant fraction of these mutations (around 10%) are nonsense mutations, creating a premature termination codon (PTC) that leads to the expression of truncated inactive p53 protein. Induction of translational readthrough across a PTC in nonsense mutant TP53 allows the production of full-length protein and potentially restoration of normal p53 function. Aminoglycoside antibiotics and a number of novel compounds have been shown to induce full-length p53 in tumor cells carrying various TP53 nonsense mutations. Full-length p53 protein generated by translational readthrough retains the capacity to transactivate p53 target genes and trigger tumor cell death. These findings raise hopes for efficient therapy of TP53 nonsense mutant tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klas G Wiman
- Karolinska Institutet, Departement of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Gilad O, Muller C, Kupfer SS. Chemoprevention in Inherited Colorectal Cancer Syndromes. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2024; 37:172-179. [PMID: 38606042 PMCID: PMC11006448 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770384] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer prevention in hereditary gastrointestinal predisposition syndromes relies primarily on intensive screening (e.g., colonoscopy) or prophylactic surgery (e.g., colectomy). The use of chemopreventive agents as an adjunct to these measures has long been studied both in the general population and in hereditary cancer patients, in whom the risk of malignancy, and therefore the potential risk reduction, is considerably greater. However, to date only few compounds have been found to be effective, safe, and tolerable for widespread use. Furthermore, many of the studies involving these rare syndromes suffer from small sample sizes, heterogeneous patient cohorts, short follow-up duration, and lack of standardized endpoints, creating challenges to draw generalizable conclusion regarding efficacy. The following review summarizes the current data on various chemopreventive compounds used in Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis in addition to several agents that are currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophir Gilad
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Charles Muller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sonia S. Kupfer
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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4
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Kolakada D, Campbell AE, Galvis LB, Li Z, Lore M, Jagannathan S. A system of reporters for comparative investigation of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e34. [PMID: 38375914 PMCID: PMC11014337 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a network of pathways that degrades transcripts that undergo premature translation termination. In mammals, NMD can be divided into the exon junction complex (EJC)-enhanced and EJC-independent branches. Fluorescence- and luminescence-based reporters have long been effective tools to investigate NMD, yet existing reporters largely focus on the EJC-enhanced pathway. Here, we present a system of reporters for comparative studies of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced NMD. This system also enables the study of NMD-associated outcomes such as premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough and truncated protein degradation. These reporters are compatible with fluorescence or luminescence-based readouts via transient transfection or stable integration. Using this reporter system, we show that EJC-enhanced NMD RNA levels are reduced by 2- or 9-fold and protein levels are reduced by 7- or 12-fold compared to EJC-independent NMD, depending on the reporter gene used. Additionally, the extent of readthrough induced by G418 and an NMD inhibitor (SMG1i), alone and in combination, varies across NMD substrates. When combined, G418 and SMG1i increase readthrough product levels in an additive manner for EJC-independent reporters, while EJC-enhanced reporters show a synergistic effect. We present these reporters as a valuable toolkit to deepen our understanding of NMD and its associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kolakada
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amy E Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laura Baquero Galvis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Zhongyou Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mlana Lore
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sujatha Jagannathan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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5
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Vishy CE, Thomas C, Vincent T, Crawford DK, Goddeeris MM, Freedman BS. Genetics of cystogenesis in base-edited human organoids reveal therapeutic strategies for polycystic kidney disease. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:537-553.e5. [PMID: 38579684 PMCID: PMC11325856 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.005] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), microscopic tubules expand into macroscopic cysts. Among the world's most common genetic disorders, PKD is inherited via heterozygous loss-of-function mutations but is theorized to require additional loss of function. To test this, we establish human pluripotent stem cells in allelic series representing four common nonsense mutations, using CRISPR base editing. When differentiated into kidney organoids, homozygous mutants spontaneously form cysts, whereas heterozygous mutants (original or base corrected) express no phenotype. Using these, we identify eukaryotic ribosomal selective glycosides (ERSGs) as PKD therapeutics enabling ribosomal readthrough of these same nonsense mutations. Two different ERSGs not only prevent cyst initiation but also limit growth of pre-formed cysts by partially restoring polycystin expression. Furthermore, glycosides accumulate in cyst epithelia in organoids and mice. Our findings define the human polycystin threshold as a surmountable drug target for pharmacological or gene therapy interventions, with relevance for understanding disease mechanisms and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Vishy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Chardai Thomas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Vincent
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel K Crawford
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 950 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | | | - Benjamin S Freedman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Plurexa, 1209 6th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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6
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Tuval A, Strandgren C, Heldin A, Palomar-Siles M, Wiman KG. Pharmacological reactivation of p53 in the era of precision anticancer medicine. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:106-120. [PMID: 38102383 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00842-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
p53, which is encoded by the most frequently mutated gene in cancer, TP53, is an attractive target for novel cancer therapies. Despite major challenges associated with this approach, several compounds that either augment the activity of wild-type p53 or restore all, or some, of the wild-type functions to p53 mutants are currently being explored. In wild-type TP53 cancer cells, p53 function is often abrogated by overexpression of the negative regulator MDM2, and agents that disrupt p53-MDM2 binding can trigger a robust p53 response, albeit potentially with induction of p53 activity in non-malignant cells. In TP53-mutant cancer cells, compounds that promote the refolding of missense mutant p53 or the translational readthrough of nonsense mutant TP53 might elicit potent cell death. Some of these compounds have been, or are being, tested in clinical trials involving patients with various types of cancer. Nonetheless, no p53-targeting drug has so far been approved for clinical use. Advances in our understanding of p53 biology provide some clues as to the underlying reasons for the variable clinical activity of p53-restoring therapies seen thus far. In this Review, we discuss the intricate interactions between p53 and its cellular and microenvironmental contexts and factors that can influence p53's activity. We also propose several strategies for improving the clinical efficacy of these agents through the complex perspective of p53 functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Tuval
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Angelos Heldin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Klas G Wiman
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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7
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Kolakada D, Campbell AE, Baquero Galvis L, Li Z, Lore M, Jagannathan S. A system of reporters for comparative investigation of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567061. [PMID: 38014198 PMCID: PMC10680754 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a network of pathways that degrades transcripts that undergo premature translation termination. In mammals, NMD can be divided into the exon junction complex (EJC)-enhanced and EJC-independent branches. Fluorescence- and luminescence-based reporters have long been effective tools to investigate NMD, yet existing reporters largely focus on the EJC-enhanced pathway. Here, we present a system of reporters for comparative studies of EJC-independent and EJC-enhanced NMD. This system also enables the study of NMD-associated outcomes such as premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough and truncated protein degradation. These reporters are compatible with fluorescence or luminescence-based readouts via transient transfection or stable integration. Using this reporter system, we show that EJC-enhanced NMD RNA levels are reduced by 2- or 9-fold and protein levels are reduced by 7- or 12-fold compared to EJC-independent NMD, depending on the reporter gene used. Additionally, the extent of readthrough induced by G418 and SMG1i, alone and in combination, varies across NMD substrates. When combined, G418 and SMG1i increase readthrough product levels in an additive manner for EJC-independent reporters, while EJC-enhanced reporters show a synergistic effect. We present these reporters as a valuable toolkit to deepen our understanding of NMD and its associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kolakada
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amy E. Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laura Baquero Galvis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Zhongyou Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mlana Lore
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sujatha Jagannathan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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8
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Wittenstein A, Caspi M, Rippin I, Elroy-Stein O, Eldar-Finkelman H, Thoms S, Rosin-Arbesfeld R. Nonsense mutation suppression is enhanced by targeting different stages of the protein synthesis process. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002355. [PMID: 37943958 PMCID: PMC10684085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs), as a result of splicing defects, insertions, deletions, or point mutations (also termed nonsense mutations), lead to numerous genetic diseases, ranging from rare neuro-metabolic disorders to relatively common inheritable cancer syndromes and muscular dystrophies. Over the years, a large number of studies have demonstrated that certain antibiotics and other synthetic molecules can act as PTC suppressors by inducing readthrough of nonsense mutations, thereby restoring the expression of full-length proteins. Unfortunately, most PTC readthrough-inducing agents are toxic, have limited effects, and cannot be used for therapeutic purposes. Thus, further efforts are required to improve the clinical outcome of nonsense mutation suppressors. Here, by focusing on enhancing readthrough of pathogenic nonsense mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene, we show that disturbing the protein translation initiation complex, as well as targeting other stages of the protein translation machinery, enhances both antibiotic and non-antibiotic-mediated readthrough of nonsense mutations. These findings strongly increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in nonsense mutation readthrough and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic targets for nonsense suppression to restore protein expression from a large variety of disease-causing mutated transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnon Wittenstein
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Caspi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Rippin
- The Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orna Elroy-Stein
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hagit Eldar-Finkelman
- The Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sven Thoms
- Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Medical School EWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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9
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Perriera R, Vitale E, Pibiri I, Carollo PS, Ricci D, Corrao F, Fiduccia I, Melfi R, Zizzo MG, Tutone M, Pace A, Lentini L. Readthrough Approach Using NV Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs): A Study of the Possible Off-Target Effects on Natural Termination Codons (NTCs) on TP53 and Housekeeping Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15084. [PMID: 37894764 PMCID: PMC10606485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015084] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations cause several genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, β-thalassemia, and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. These mutations induce the formation of a premature termination codon (PTC) inside the mRNA sequence, resulting in the synthesis of truncated polypeptides. Nonsense suppression therapy mediated by translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) is a promising approach to correct these genetic defects. TRIDs generate a ribosome miscoding of the PTC named "translational readthrough" and restore the synthesis of full-length and potentially functional proteins. The new oxadiazole-core TRIDs NV848, NV914, and NV930 (NV) showed translational readthrough activity in nonsense-related in vitro systems. In this work, the possible off-target effect of NV molecules on natural termination codons (NTCs) was investigated. Two different in vitro approaches were used to assess if the NV molecule treatment induces NTC readthrough: (1) a study of the translational-induced p53 molecular weight and functionality; (2) the evaluation of two housekeeping proteins' (Cys-C and β2M) molecular weights. Our results showed that the treatment with NV848, NV914, or NV930 did not induce any translation alterations in both experimental systems. The data suggested that NV molecules have a specific action for the PTCs and an undetectable effect on the NTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (E.V.); (P.S.C.); (D.R.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (R.M.); (M.G.Z.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (E.V.); (P.S.C.); (D.R.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (R.M.); (M.G.Z.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
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10
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Redhead C, Taye N, Hubmacher D. En route towards a personalized medicine approach: Innovative therapeutic modalities for connective tissue disorders. Matrix Biol 2023; 122:46-54. [PMID: 37657665 PMCID: PMC10529529 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.08.005] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue disorders can be caused by pathogenic variants (mutations) in genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Such disorders typically manifest during development or postnatal growth and result in significant morbidity and mortality. The development of curative treatments for connective tissue disorders is hampered in part by the inability of many mature connective tissues to efficiently regenerate. To be most effective, therapeutic strategies designed to preserve or restore tissue function will likely need to be initiated during phases of significant endogenous connective tissue remodeling and organ sculpting postnatally and directly target the underlying ECM protein mutations. With recent advances in whole exome sequencing, in-vitro and in-vivo disease modeling, and the development of mutation-specific molecular therapeutic modalities, it is now feasible to directly correct disease-causing mutations underlying connective tissue disorders and ameliorate their pathogenic consequences. These technological advances may lead to potentially curative personalized medicine approaches for connective tissue disorders that have previously been considered incurable. In this review, we highlight innovative therapeutic modalities including gene replacement, exon skipping, DNA/mRNA editing, and pharmacological approaches that were used to preserve or restore tissue function in the context of connective tissue disorders. Inherent to a successful application of these approaches is the need to deepen the understanding of mechanisms that regulate ECM formation and homeostasis, and to decipher how individual mutations in ECM proteins compromise ECM and connective tissue development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Redhead
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Nandaraj Taye
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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11
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Chiavetta RF, Titoli S, Barra V, Cancemi P, Melfi R, Di Leonardo A. Site-Specific RNA Editing of Stop Mutations in the CFTR mRNA of Human Bronchial Cultured Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10940. [PMID: 37446121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is reported that about 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients worldwide have nonsense (stop) mutations in the CFTR gene, which cause the premature termination of CFTR protein synthesis, leading to a truncated and non-functional protein. To address this issue, we investigated the possibility of rescuing the CFTR nonsense mutation (UGA) by sequence-specific RNA editing in CFTR mutant CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X human bronchial cells. We used two different base editor tools that take advantage of ADAR enzymes (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) to edit adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) within the mRNA: the REPAIRv2 (RNA Editing for Programmable A to I Replacement, version 2) and the minixABE (A to I Base Editor). Immunofluorescence experiments show that both approaches were able to recover the CFTR protein in the CFTR mutant cells. In addition, RT-qPCR confirmed the rescue of the CFTR full transcript. These findings suggest that site-specific RNA editing may efficiently correct the UGA premature stop codon in the CFTR transcript in CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X cells. Thus, this approach, which is safer than acting directly on the mutated DNA, opens up new therapeutic possibilities for CF patients with nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta F Chiavetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Titoli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cancemi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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12
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Li S, Li J, Shi W, Nie Z, Zhang S, Ma F, Hu J, Chen J, Li P, Xie X. Pharmaceuticals Promoting Premature Termination Codon Readthrough: Progress in Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:988. [PMID: 37371567 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060988] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 11% of all known gene lesions causing human genetic diseases are nonsense mutations that introduce a premature stop codon (PTC) into the protein-coding gene sequence. Drug-induced PTC readthrough is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hereditary diseases caused by nonsense mutations. To date, it has been found that more than 50 small-molecular compounds can promote PTC readthrough, known as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs), and can be divided into two major categories: aminoglycosides and non-aminoglycosides. This review summarizes the pharmacodynamics and clinical application potential of the main TRIDs discovered so far, especially some newly discovered TRIDs in the past decade. The discovery of these TRIDs brings hope for treating nonsense mutations in various genetic diseases. Further research is still needed to deeply understand the mechanism of eukaryotic cell termination and drug-induced PTC readthrough so that patients can achieve the greatest benefit from the various TRID treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juan Li
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Genetic Study of Hematopathy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenjing Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ziyan Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fengdie Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jun Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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13
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Guchhait S, Khononov A, Pieńko T, Belakhov V, Baasov T. Balancing Nonsense Mutation Readthrough and Toxicity of Designer Aminoglycosides for Treatment of Genetic Diseases. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:794-801. [PMID: 37312846 PMCID: PMC10258827 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
New derivatives of aminoglycosides with a side chain 1,2-aminoalcohol at the 5" position of ring III were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. The novel lead structure (compound 6), exhibiting substantially enhanced selectivity toward eukaryotic versus prokaryotic ribosome, high readthrough activity, and considerably lower toxicity than the previous lead compounds, was discovered. Balanced readthrough activity and toxicity of 6 were demonstrated in three different nonsense DNA-constructs underlying the genetic diseases, cystic fibrosis and Usher syndrome, and in two different cell lines, baby hamster kidney and human embryonic kidney cells. Molecular dynamics simulations within the A site of the 80S yeast ribosome demonstrated a remarkable kinetic stability of 6, which potentially determines its high readthrough activity.
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14
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Spelier S, van Doorn EPM, van der Ent CK, Beekman JM, Koppens MAJ. Readthrough compounds for nonsense mutations: bridging the translational gap. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:297-314. [PMID: 36828712 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of all pathological mutations are nonsense mutations that are responsible for several severe genetic diseases for which no treatment regimens are currently available. The most widespread strategy for treating nonsense mutations is by enhancing ribosomal readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) to restore the production of the full-length protein. In the past decade several compounds with readthrough potential have been identified. However, although preclinical results on these compounds are promising, clinical studies have not yielded positive outcomes. We review preclinical and clinical research related to readthrough compounds and characterize factors that contribute to the observed translational gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha Spelier
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline P M van Doorn
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis K van der Ent
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey M Beekman
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A J Koppens
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Metabolic Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, 3584, EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Manjunath LE, Singh A, Som S, Eswarappa SM. Mammalian proteome expansion by stop codon readthrough. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1739. [PMID: 35570338 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of a stop codon by translation machinery as a sense codon results in translational readthrough instead of termination. This recoding process, termed stop codon readthrough (SCR) or translational readthrough, is found in all domains of life including mammals. The context of the stop codon, local mRNA topology, and molecules that interact with the mRNA region downstream of the stop codon determine SCR. The products of SCR can have localization, stability, and function different from those of the canonical isoforms. In this review, we discuss how recent technological and computational advances have increased our understanding of the SCR process in the mammalian system. Based on the known molecular events that occur during SCR of multiple mRNAs, we propose transient molecular roadblocks on an mRNA downstream of the stop codon as a possible mechanism for the induction of SCR. We argue, with examples, that the insights gained from the natural SCR events can guide us to develop novel strategies for the treatment of diseases caused by premature stop codons. This article is categorized under: Translation > Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha E Manjunath
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Anumeha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Saubhik Som
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandeep M Eswarappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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16
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Recoding of Nonsense Mutation as a Pharmacological Strategy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030659. [PMID: 36979640 PMCID: PMC10044939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 11% of genetic human diseases are caused by nonsense mutations that introduce a premature termination codon (PTC) into the coding sequence. The PTC results in the production of a potentially harmful shortened polypeptide and activation of a nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. The NMD pathway reduces the burden of unproductive protein synthesis by lowering the level of PTC mRNA. There is an endogenous rescue mechanism that produces a full-length protein from a PTC mRNA. Nonsense suppression therapies aim to increase readthrough, suppress NMD, or are a combination of both strategies. Therefore, treatment with translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) and NMD inhibitors may increase the effectiveness of PTC suppression. Here we discuss the mechanism of PTC readthrough and the development of novel approaches to PTC suppression. We also discuss the toxicity and bioavailability of therapeutics used to stimulate PTC readthrough.
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17
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Nishikawa S, Iwakuma T. Drugs Targeting p53 Mutations with FDA Approval and in Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:429. [PMID: 36672377 PMCID: PMC9856662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53 (p53) promote cancer progression. This is mainly due to loss of function (LOS) as a tumor suppressor, dominant-negative (DN) activities of missense mutant p53 (mutp53) over wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53-independent oncogenic activities of missense mutp53 by interacting with other tumor suppressors or oncogenes (gain of function: GOF). Since p53 mutations occur in ~50% of human cancers and rarely occur in normal tissues, p53 mutations are cancer-specific and ideal therapeutic targets. Approaches to target p53 mutations include (1) restoration or stabilization of wtp53 conformation from missense mutp53, (2) rescue of p53 nonsense mutations, (3) depletion or degradation of mutp53 proteins, and (4) induction of p53 synthetic lethality or targeting of vulnerabilities imposed by p53 mutations (enhanced YAP/TAZ activities) or deletions (hyperactivated retrotransposons). This review article focuses on clinically available FDA-approved drugs and drugs in clinical trials that target p53 mutations and summarizes their mechanisms of action and activities to suppress cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeto Nishikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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18
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Lee NJ, Kang W, Kwon Y, Oh JW, Jung H, Seo M, Seol Y, Wi JB, Ban YH, Yoon YJ, Park JW. Chemo-enzymatic Synthesis of Pseudo-trisaccharide Aminoglycoside Antibiotics with Enhanced Nonsense Read-through Inducer Activity. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200497. [PMID: 36259357 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Aminoglycosides (AGs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Over the last two decades, studies have reported the potential of AGs in the treatment of genetic disorders caused by nonsense mutations, owing to their ability to induce the ribosomes to read through these mutations and produce a full-length protein. However, the principal limitation in the clinical application of AGs arises from their high toxicity, including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. In this study, five novel pseudo-trisaccharide analogs were synthesized by chemo-enzymatic synthesis by acid hydrolysis of commercially available AGs, followed by an enzymatic reaction using recombinant substrate-flexible KanM2 glycosyltransferase. The relationships between their structures and biological activities, including the antibacterial, nephrotoxic, and nonsense readthrough inducer (NRI) activities, were investigated. The absence of 1-N-acylation, 3',4'-dideoxygenation, and post-glycosyl transfer modifications on the third sugar moiety of AGs diminishes their antibacterial activities. The 3',4'-dihydroxy and 6'-hydroxy moieties regulate the in vitro nephrotoxicity of AGs in mammalian cell lines. The 3',4'-dihydroxy and 6'-methyl scaffolds are indispensable for the ex vivo NRI activity of AGs. Based on the alleviated in vitro antibacterial properties and nephrotoxicity, and the highest ex vivo NRI activity among the five compounds, a kanamycin analog (6'-methyl-3''-deamino-3''-hydroxykanamycin C) was selected as a novel AG hit for further studies on human genetic disorders caused by premature transcriptional termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Joon Lee
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Woongshin Kang
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Younghae Kwon
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Jae Wook Oh
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Hogwuan Jung
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Minsuk Seo
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Yurin Seol
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Jae Bok Wi
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Yeon Hee Ban
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, 08826, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Yeo Joon Yoon
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, 08826, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
| | - Je Won Park
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea.,School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, Korea University, 02841, Seoul (Republic of, Korea
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19
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Kawai S, Takashima S, Ando M, Shintaku S, Takeda S, Otake K, Ito Y, Fukui M, Yamamoto M, Shoji Y, Shirahase H, Kitao T. Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Triaryl Derivatives with Readthrough-Inducing Activity. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2023; 71:701-716. [PMID: 37661376 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c23-00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The readthrough mechanism, which skips the premature termination codon and restores the biosynthesis of the defective enzyme, is an emerging therapeutic tactic for nonsense mutation-related diseases, such as Hurler syndrome, a type of mucopolysaccharidosis. In the present study, novel triaryl derivatives were synthesized and their readthrough-inducing activities were evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay with a partial α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) DNA sequence containing the Q70X nonsense mutation found in Hurler syndrome and by measuring the enzyme activity of IDUA knockout cells transfected with the mutant IDUA gene. KY-516, a representative compound in which the meta position carboxyl group of the left ring of the clinically used ataluren was converted to the para position sulfamoylamino group, the central ring to triazole, and the right ring to cyanobenzene, exhibited the most potent readthrough-inducing activity in the Q70X/luciferase reporter assay. In Q70X mutant IDUA transgenic cells, KY-516 significantly increased enzyme activity at 0.1 µM. After the oral administration of KY-516 (10 mg/kg), the highest plasma concentration of KY-516 was above 5 µM in rats. These results indicate that KY-516, a novel triaryl derivative, exhibits potent readthrough-inducing activity and has potential as a therapeutic agent for Hurler syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Kawai
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Shunsuke Takashima
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Masafumi Ando
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Sayaka Shintaku
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Shigemitsu Takeda
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Kazuya Otake
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Yuma Ito
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Masaki Fukui
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Yoshimichi Shoji
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Hiroaki Shirahase
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
| | - Tatsuya Kitao
- Drug Discovery Research Department, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd
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20
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Bowling A, Eastman A, Merlo C, Lin G, West N, Patel S, Cutting G, Sharma N. Downstream Alternate Start Site Allows N-Terminal Nonsense Variants to Escape NMD and Results in Functional Recovery by Readthrough and Modulator Combination. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091448. [PMID: 36143233 PMCID: PMC9504986 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091448] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants that introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) have remained difficult to therapeutically target due to lack of protein product. Nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) targets PTC-bearing transcripts to reduce the potentially damaging effects of truncated proteins. Readthrough compounds have been tested on PTC-generating variants in attempt to permit translation through a premature stop. However, readthrough compounds have not proved efficacious in a clinical setting due to lack of stable mRNA. Here, we investigate N-terminal variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which have been shown to escape NMD, potentially through a mechanism of alternative translation initiation at downstream AUG codons. We hypothesized that N-terminal variants in CFTR that evade NMD will produce stable transcript, allowing CFTR function to be restored by a combination of readthrough and protein modulator therapy. We investigate this using two cell line models expressing CFTR-expression minigenes (EMG; HEK293s and CFBEs) and primary human nasal epithelial (NE) cells, and we test readthrough compounds G418 and ELX-02 in combination with CFTR protein modulators. HEK293 cells expressing the variants E60X and L88X generate CFTR-specific core glycosylated products that are consistent with downstream translation initiation. Mutation of downstream methionines at codons 150 and 152 does not result in changes in CFTR protein processing in cells expressing L88X-CFTR-EMG. However, mutation of methionine at 265 results in loss of detectable CFTR protein in cells expressing E60X, L88X, and Y122X CFTR-EMGs, indicating that downstream translation initiation is occurring at the AUG codon at position M265. In HEK293 stable cells harboring L88X, treatment with readthrough compounds alone allows for formation of full-length, but misfolded CFTR protein. Upon addition of protein modulators in combination with readthrough, we observe formation of mature, complex-glycosylated CFTR. In CFBE and NE cells, addition of readthrough ELX-02 and modulator therapy results in substantial recovery of CFTR function. Our work indicates that N-terminal variants generate stable CFTR transcript due to translation initiation at a downstream AUG codon. Thus, individuals with CF bearing 5′ nonsense variants that evade NMD are ideal candidates for treatment with clinically safe readthrough compounds and modulator therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Bowling
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alice Eastman
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christian Merlo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gabrielle Lin
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie West
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shivani Patel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Garry Cutting
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Durmaz YT, Shatadal A, Friend K. Geneticin reduces mRNA stability. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272058. [PMID: 35901009 PMCID: PMC9333311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) translation can lead to higher rates of mRNA decay, suggesting the ribosome plays a role in mRNA destruction. Furthermore, mRNA features, such as codon identities, which are directly probed by the ribosome, correlate with mRNA decay rates. Many amino acids are encoded by synonymous codons, some of which are decoded by more abundant tRNAs leading to more optimal translation and increased mRNA stability. Variable translation rates for synonymous codons can lead to ribosomal collisions as ribosomes transit regions with suboptimal codons, and ribosomal collisions can promote mRNA decay. In addition to different translation rates, the presence of certain codons can also lead to higher or lower rates of amino acid misincorporation which could potentially lead to protein misfolding if a substituted amino acid fails to make critical contacts in a structure. Here, we test whether Geneticin—G418, an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to promote amino acid misincorporation—affects mRNA stability. We observe that G418 decreases firefly luciferase mRNA stability in an in vitro translation system and also reduces mRNA stability in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). G418-sensitive mRNAs are enriched for certain optimal codons that contain G or C in the wobble position, arguing that G418 blunts the stabilizing effects of codon optimality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz T. Durmaz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Alankrit Shatadal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kyle Friend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Abreu RBV, Gomes TT, Nepomuceno TC, Li X, Fuchshuber-Moraes M, De Gregoriis G, Suarez-Kurtz G, Monteiro ANA, Carvalho MA. Functional Restoration of BRCA1 Nonsense Mutations by Aminoglycoside-Induced Readthrough. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935995. [PMID: 35837282 PMCID: PMC9273842 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935995] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 is a major tumor suppressor that functions in the accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks via homologous recombination (HR). Nonsense mutations in BRCA1 lead to inactive truncated protein products and are associated with high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These mutations generate premature termination codons (PTCs). Different studies have shown that aminoglycosides can induce PTC suppression by promoting stop codon readthrough and restoring full-length (FL) protein expression. The use of these compounds has been studied in clinical trials for genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with encouraging results. Here we show proof-of-concept data demonstrating that the aminoglycoside G418 can induce BRCA1 PTC readthrough and restore FL protein synthesis and function. We first demonstrate that G418 treatment restores BRCA1 FL protein synthesis in HCC1395, a human breast tumor cell line carrying the R1751X mutation. HCC1395 cells treated with G418 also recover HR DNA repair and restore cell cycle checkpoint activation. A set of naturally occurring BRCA1 nonsense variants encoding different PTCs was evaluated in a GFP C-terminal BRCA1 construct model and BRCA1 PTC readthrough levels vary depending on the stop codon context. Because PTC readthrough could generate FL protein carrying pathogenic missense mutations, variants representing the most probable acquired amino acid substitutions in consequence of readthrough were functionally assessed by a validated transcription activation assay. Overall, this is the first study that evaluates the readthrough of PTC variants with clinical relevance in the breast and ovarian cancer-predisposing gene BRCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata B. V. Abreu
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago T. Gomes
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thales C. Nepomuceno
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Xueli Li
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Alvaro N. A. Monteiro
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Marcelo A. Carvalho
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro—IFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Marcelo A. Carvalho,
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23
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Singhal R, Lukose R, Carr G, Moktar A, Gonzales-Urday AL, Rouchka EC, Vajravelu BN. Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Murine Myoblasts After Short Hairpin RNA-Mediated Dysferlin Silencing In Vitro: Microarray Profiling. JMIR BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:e33186. [PMID: 38935964 PMCID: PMC11135227 DOI: 10.2196/33186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are noncoding RNA transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length and are known to play a role in regulating the transcription of genes involved in vital cellular functions. We hypothesized the disease process in dysferlinopathy is linked to an aberrant expression of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). OBJECTIVE In this study, we compared the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles between wild-type and dysferlin-deficient murine myoblasts (C2C12 cells). METHODS LncRNA and mRNA expression profiling were performed using a microarray. Several lncRNAs with differential expression were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to understand the functional role of the differentially expressed mRNAs. Further bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the potential function, lncRNA-mRNA correlation, and potential targets of the differentially expressed lncRNAs. RESULTS We found 3195 lncRNAs and 1966 mRNAs that were differentially expressed. The chromosomal distribution of the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs was unequal, with chromosome 2 having the highest number of lncRNAs and chromosome 7 having the highest number of mRNAs that were differentially expressed. Pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated the involvement of several signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, Hippo, and pathways regulating the pluripotency of stem cells. The differentially expressed genes were also enriched for the GO terms, developmental process and muscle system process. Network analysis identified 8 statistically significant (P<.05) network objects from the upregulated lncRNAs and 3 statistically significant network objects from the downregulated lncRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Our results thus far imply that dysferlinopathy is associated with an aberrant expression of multiple lncRNAs, many of which may have a specific function in the disease process. GO terms and network analysis suggest a muscle-specific role for these lncRNAs. To elucidate the specific roles of these abnormally expressed noncoding RNAs, further studies engineering their expression are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Singhal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, KY IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Rachel Lukose
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gwenyth Carr
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Afsoon Moktar
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ana Lucia Gonzales-Urday
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eric C Rouchka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, KY IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Bathri N Vajravelu
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Bezzerri V, Lentini L, Api M, Busilacchi EM, Cavalieri V, Pomilio A, Diomede F, Pegoraro A, Cesaro S, Poloni A, Pace A, Trubiani O, Lippi G, Pibiri I, Cipolli M. Novel Translational Read-through-Inducing Drugs as a Therapeutic Option for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040886. [PMID: 35453634 PMCID: PMC9024944 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is one of the most commonly inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). In SDS, bone marrow is hypocellular, with marked neutropenia. Moreover, SDS patients have a high risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which in turn increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from an early age. Most SDS patients are heterozygous for the c.183-184TA>CT (K62X) SBDS nonsense mutation. Fortunately, a plethora of translational read-through inducing drugs (TRIDs) have been developed and tested for several rare inherited diseases due to nonsense mutations so far. The authors previously demonstrated that ataluren (PTC124) can restore full-length SBDS protein expression in bone marrow stem cells isolated from SDS patients carrying the nonsense mutation K62X. In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of a panel of ataluren analogues in restoring SBDS protein resynthesis and function both in hematological and non-hematological SDS cells. Besides confirming that ataluren can efficiently induce SBDS protein re-expression in SDS cells, the authors found that another analogue, namely NV848, can restore full-length SBDS protein synthesis as well, showing very low toxicity in zebrafish. Furthermore, NV848 can improve myeloid differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors, enhancing neutrophil maturation and reducing the number of dysplastic granulocytes in vitro. Therefore, these findings broaden the possibilities of developing novel therapeutic options in terms of nonsense mutation suppression for SDS. Eventually, this study may act as a proof of concept for the development of similar approaches for other IBMFS caused by nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Bezzerri
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Martina Api
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Ancona, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Elena Marinelli Busilacchi
- Hematology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (E.M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
- Zebrafish Laboratory, Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Pomilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Innovative in Medicina e Odontoiatria, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Anna Pegoraro
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Simone Cesaro
- Unit of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Antonella Poloni
- Hematology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (E.M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Innovative in Medicina e Odontoiatria, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-812-2293
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Baradaran-Heravi A, Bauer CC, Pickles IB, Hosseini-Farahabadi S, Balgi AD, Choi K, Linley DM, Beech DJ, Roberge M, Bon RS. Nonselective TRPC channel inhibition and suppression of aminoglycoside-induced premature termination codon readthrough by the small molecule AC1903. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101546. [PMID: 34999117 PMCID: PMC8808171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations, which occur in ∼11% of patients with genetic disorders, introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) that lead to truncated proteins and promote nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Aminoglycosides such as G418 permit PTC readthrough and so may be used to address this problem. However, their effects are variable between patients, making clinical use of aminoglycosides challenging. In this study, we tested whether TRPC nonselective cation channels contribute to the variable PTC readthrough effect of aminoglycosides by controlling their cellular uptake. Indeed, a recently reported selective TRPC5 inhibitor, AC1903, consistently suppressed G418 uptake and G418-induced PTC readthrough in the DMS-114 cancer cell line and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) patient-derived keratinocytes. Interestingly, the effect of AC1903 in DMS-114 cells was mimicked by nonselective TRPC inhibitors, but not by well-characterized inhibitors of TRPC1/4/5 (Pico145, GFB-8438) or TRPC3/6/7 (SAR7334), suggesting that AC1903 may work through additional or undefined targets. Indeed, in our experiments, AC1903 inhibited multiple TRPC channels including TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRPC4-C1, and TRPC5-C1, as well as endogenous TRPC1:C4 channels in A498 renal cancer cells, all with low micromolar IC50 values (1.8-18 μM). We also show that AC1903 inhibited TRPV4 channels, but had weak or no effects on TRPV1 and no effect on the nonselective cation channel PIEZO1. Our study reveals that AC1903 has previously unrecognized targets, which need to be considered when interpreting results from experiments with this compound. In addition, our data strengthen the hypothesis that nonselective calcium channels are involved in aminoglycoside uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Baradaran-Heravi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Claudia C Bauer
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Isabelle B Pickles
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sara Hosseini-Farahabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aruna D Balgi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kunho Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Deborah M Linley
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David J Beech
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michel Roberge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robin S Bon
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Monajemi H, M. Zain S. How stop codon pseudouridylation induces nonsense suppression. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2021.113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Baudu T, Parratte C, Perez V, Ancion M, Millevoi S, Hervouet E, Peigney A, Peixoto P, Overs A, Herfs M, Fraichard A, Guittaut M, Baguet A. The NMD Pathway Regulates GABARAPL1 mRNA during the EMT. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101302. [PMID: 34680418 PMCID: PMC8533616 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
EMT is a reversible cellular process that is linked to gene expression reprogramming, which allows for epithelial cells to undergo a phenotypic switch to acquire mesenchymal properties. EMT is associated with cancer progression and cancer therapeutic resistance and it is known that, during the EMT, many stress response pathways, such as autophagy and NMD, are dysregulated. Therefore, our goal was to study the regulation of ATG8 family members (GABARAP, GABARAPL1, LC3B) by the NMD and to identify molecular links between these two cellular processes that are involved in tumor development and metastasis formation. IHC experiments, which were conducted in a cohort of patients presenting lung adenocarcinomas, showed high GABARAPL1 and low UPF1 levels in EMT+ tumors. We observed increased levels of GABARAPL1 correlated with decreased levels of NMD factors in A549 cells in vitro. We then confirmed that GABARAPL1 mRNA was indeed targeted by the NMD in a 3′UTR-dependent manner and we identified four overlapping binding sites for UPF1 and eIF4A3 that are potentially involved in the recognition of this transcript by the NMD pathway. Our study suggests that 3′UTR-dependent NMD might be an important mechanism that is involved in the induction of autophagy and could represent a promising target in the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Baudu
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Chloé Parratte
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Valérie Perez
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Marie Ancion
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (M.H.)
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France;
| | - Eric Hervouet
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- DImaCell platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
- EPIGENEXP platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Anne Peigney
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- EPIGENEXP platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Paul Peixoto
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- EPIGENEXP platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Alexis Overs
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (M.H.)
| | - Annick Fraichard
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Michaël Guittaut
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- DImaCell platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Aurélie Baguet
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Institute, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (T.B.); (C.P.); (V.P.); (E.H.); (A.P.); (P.P.); (A.O.); (A.F.); (M.G.)
- DImaCell platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France
- Correspondence:
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Ataluren-Promising Therapeutic Premature Termination Codon Readthrough Frontrunner. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080785. [PMID: 34451881 PMCID: PMC8398184 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 12% of hereditary disease-causing mutations are in-frame nonsense mutations. The expression of genes containing nonsense mutations potentially leads to the production of truncated proteins with residual or virtually no function. However, the translation of transcripts containing premature stop codons resulting in full-length protein expression can be achieved using readthrough agents. Among them, only ataluren was approved in several countries to treat nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. This review summarizes ataluren’s journey from its identification, via first in vitro activity experiments, to clinical trials in DMD, cystic fibrosis, and aniridia. Additionally, data on its pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action are presented. The range of diseases with underlying nonsense mutations is described for which ataluren therapy seems to be promising. What is more, experiments in which ataluren did not show its readthrough activity are also included, and reasons for their failures are discussed.
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Ryumina II, Goryunov KV, Silachev DN, Shevtsova YA, Babenko VA, Marycheva NM, Kotalevskaya YY, Zubkov VV, Zubkov GT. Pathogenetic Therapy of Epidermolysis Bullosa: Current State and Prospects. Bull Exp Biol Med 2021; 171:109-121. [PMID: 34050833 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-021-05182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa is a severe hereditary disease caused by mutations in genes encoding cutaneous basement membrane proteins. These mutations lead to dermal-epidermal junction failure and, as a result, to disturbances in the morphological integrity of the skin. Clinically, it manifests in the formation of blisters on the skin or mucosa that in some cases can turn into non-healing chronic wounds, which not only impairs patient's quality of life, but also is a live-threatening condition. Now, the main approaches in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa are symptomatic therapy and palliative care, though they are little effective and are aimed at reducing the pain, but not to complete recovery. In light of this, the development of new treatment approaches aimed at correction of genetic defects is in progress. Various methods based on genetic engineering technologies, transplantation of autologous skin cells, progenitor skin cells, as well as hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells are studied. This review analyzes the pathogenetic methods developed for epidermolysis bullosa treatment based on the latest achievements of molecular genetics and cellular technologies, and discusses the prospects for the use of these technologies for the therapy of epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Ryumina
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - K V Goryunov
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - D N Silachev
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
- A. N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Yu A Shevtsova
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V A Babenko
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- A. N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N M Marycheva
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu Yu Kotalevskaya
- M. F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Zubkov
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - G T Zubkov
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Hosseini-Farahabadi S, Baradaran-Heravi A, Zimmerman C, Choi K, Flibotte S, Roberge M. Small molecule Y-320 stimulates ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis, and aminoglycoside-induced premature termination codon readthrough. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001221. [PMID: 33939688 PMCID: PMC8118496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature termination codons (PTC) cause over 10% of genetic disease cases. Some aminoglycosides that bind to the ribosome decoding center can induce PTC readthrough and restore low levels of full-length functional proteins. However, concomitant inhibition of protein synthesis limits the extent of PTC readthrough that can be achieved by aminoglycosides like G418. Using a cell-based screen, we identified a small molecule, the phenylpyrazoleanilide Y-320, that potently enhances TP53, DMD, and COL17A1 PTC readthrough by G418. Unexpectedly, Y-320 increased cellular protein levels and protein synthesis, measured by SYPRO Ruby protein staining and puromycin labeling, as well as ribosome biogenesis measured using antibodies to rRNA and ribosomal protein S6. Y-320 did not increase the rate of translation elongation and it exerted its effects independently of mTOR signaling. At the single cell level, exposure to Y-320 and G418 increased ribosome content and protein synthesis which correlated strongly with PTC readthrough. As a single agent, Y-320 did not affect translation fidelity measured using a luciferase reporter gene but it enhanced misincorporation by G418. RNA-seq data showed that Y-320 up-regulated the expression of CXC chemokines CXCL10, CXCL8, CXCL2, CXCL11, CXCL3, CXCL1, and CXCL16. Several of these chemokines exert their cellular effects through the receptor CXCR2 and the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 reduced cellular protein levels and PTC readthrough in cells exposed to Y-320 and G418. These data show that the self-limiting nature of PTC readthrough by G418 can be compensated by Y-320, a potent enhancer of PTC readthrough that increases ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis. They also support a model whereby increased PTC readthrough is enabled by increased protein synthesis mediated by an autocrine chemokine signaling pathway. The findings also raise the possibility that inflammatory processes affect cellular propensity to readthrough agents and that immunomodulatory drugs like Y-320 might find application in PTC readthrough therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hosseini-Farahabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Heravi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carla Zimmerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kunho Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephane Flibotte
- UBC/LSI Bioinformatics Facility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michel Roberge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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31
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Martins-Dias P, Romão L. Nonsense suppression therapies in human genetic diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4677-4701. [PMID: 33751142 PMCID: PMC11073055 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
About 11% of all human disease-associated gene lesions are nonsense mutations, resulting in the introduction of an in-frame premature translation-termination codon (PTC) into the protein-coding gene sequence. When translated, PTC-containing mRNAs originate truncated and often dysfunctional proteins that might be non-functional or have gain-of-function or dominant-negative effects. Therapeutic strategies aimed at suppressing PTCs to restore deficient protein function-the so-called nonsense suppression (or PTC readthrough) therapies-have the potential to provide a therapeutic benefit for many patients and in a broad range of genetic disorders, including cancer. These therapeutic approaches comprise the use of translational readthrough-inducing compounds that make the translational machinery recode an in-frame PTC into a sense codon. However, most of the mRNAs carrying a PTC can be rapidly degraded by the surveillance mechanism of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), thus decreasing the levels of PTC-containing mRNAs in the cell and their availability for PTC readthrough. Accordingly, the use of NMD inhibitors, or readthrough-compound potentiators, may enhance the efficiency of PTC suppression. Here, we review the mechanisms of PTC readthrough and their regulation, as well as the recent advances in the development of novel approaches for PTC suppression, and their role in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Martins-Dias
- Department of Human Genetics, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Romão
- Department of Human Genetics, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
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32
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Palma M, Lejeune F. Deciphering the molecular mechanism of stop codon readthrough. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:310-329. [PMID: 33089614 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of the stop codon by the translation machinery is essential to terminating translation at the right position and to synthesizing a protein of the correct size. Under certain conditions, the stop codon can be recognized as a coding codon promoting translation, which then terminates at a later stop codon. This event, called stop codon readthrough, occurs either by error, due to a dedicated regulatory environment leading to generation of different protein isoforms, or through the action of a readthrough compound. This review focuses on the mechanisms of stop codon readthrough, the nucleotide and protein environments that facilitate or inhibit it, and the therapeutic interest of stop codon readthrough in the treatment of genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Palma
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR9020 - U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Lejeune
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR9020 - U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
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Crawford DK, Vanlandingham P, Schneider S, Goddeeris MM. Intravitreal administration of small molecule read-through agents demonstrate functional activity in a nonsense mutation mouse model. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108274. [PMID: 33017612 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of nonsense mutations as a class within genetic diseases such as inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) presents an opportunity to develop a singular, common therapeutic agent for patients whose treatment options are otherwise limited. We propose a novel approach to addressing IRDs utilizing Eukaryotic Ribosome Selective Glycosides, ELX-01 and ELX-06, delivered to the eye by intravitreal (IVT) injection. We assessed read-through activity in vitro using a plasmid-based dual luciferase assay and in vivo in a mouse model of oculocutaneous albinism type 2. These models interrogate a naturally occurring R262X nonsense mutation in the OCA2 gene. ELX-01 and ELX-06 both produced a concentration-dependent increase in read-through of the OCA2 R262X mutation in the dual luciferase assay, with an effect at the top concentration which is superior to both gentamicin and G418. When testing both compounds in vivo, a single IVT injection produced a dose-dependent increase in melanin, consistent with compound read-through activity and functional restoration of the Oca2 protein. These results establish that ELX-01 and ELX-06 produce read-through of a premature stop codon in the OCA2 gene both in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo results suggest that these compounds can be dosed IVT to achieve read-through at the back of the eye. These data also suggest that ELX-01 or ELX-06 could serve as a common therapeutic agent across nonsense mutation-mediated IRDs and help to establish a target exposure range for development of a sustained release IVT formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Crawford
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 950 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | | | - Susan Schneider
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 950 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
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Pibiri I, Melfi R, Tutone M, Di Leonardo A, Pace A, Lentini L. Targeting Nonsense: Optimization of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole TRIDs to Rescue CFTR Expression and Functionality in Cystic Fibrosis Cell Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176420. [PMID: 32899265 PMCID: PMC7504161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop a severe form of the disease when the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is affected by nonsense mutations. Nonsense mutations are responsible for the presence of a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mRNA, creating a lack of functional protein. In this context, translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) represent a promising approach to correct the basic defect caused by PTCs. By using computational optimization and biological screening, we identified three new small molecules showing high readthrough activity. The activity of these compounds has been verified by evaluating CFTR expression and functionality after treatment with the selected molecules in cells expressing nonsense–CFTR–mRNA. Additionally, the channel functionality was measured by the halide sensitive yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) quenching assay. All three of the new TRIDs displayed high readthrough activity and low toxicity and can be considered for further evaluation as a therapeutic approach toward the second major cause of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (L.L.); Tel.: +39-091-238-97545 (I.P.); +39-091-238-97341 (L.L.)
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Centro di OncoBiologia Sperimentale (COBS), via San Lorenzo Colli, 90145 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (L.L.); Tel.: +39-091-238-97545 (I.P.); +39-091-238-97341 (L.L.)
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Nonsense Suppression Therapy: New Hypothesis for the Treatment of Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134672. [PMID: 32630050 PMCID: PMC7369780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of cancer-prone genetic diseases characterized by hypocellular bone marrow with impairment in one or more hematopoietic lineages. The pathogenesis of IBMFS involves mutations in several genes which encode for proteins involved in DNA repair, telomere biology and ribosome biogenesis. The classical IBMFS include Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS), Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA), Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). IBMFS are associated with high risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors. Unfortunately, no specific pharmacological therapies have been highly effective for IBMFS. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a cure for aplastic or myeloid neoplastic complications. However, it does not affect the risk of solid tumors. Since approximately 28% of FA, 24% of SCN, 21% of DBA, 20% of SDS, and 17% of DC patients harbor nonsense mutations in the respective IBMFS-related genes, we discuss the use of the nonsense suppression therapy in these diseases. We recently described the beneficial effect of ataluren, a nonsense suppressor drug, in SDS bone marrow hematopoietic cells ex vivo. A similar approach could be therefore designed for treating other IBMFS. In this review we explain in detail the new generation of nonsense suppressor molecules and their mechanistic roles. Furthermore, we will discuss strengths and limitations of these molecules which are emerging from preclinical and clinical studies. Finally we discuss the state-of-the-art of preclinical and clinical therapeutic studies carried out for IBMFS.
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Tutone M, Pibiri I, Perriera R, Campofelice A, Culletta G, Melfi R, Pace A, Almerico AM, Lentini L. Pharmacophore-Based Design of New Chemical Scaffolds as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs). ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:747-753. [PMID: 32435380 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) rescue the functional full-length protein expression in genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, caused by premature termination codons (PTCs). Small molecules have been developed as TRIDs to trick the ribosomal machinery during recognition of the PTC. Herein we report a computational study to identify new TRID scaffolds. A pharmacophore approach was carried out on compounds that showed readthrough activity. The pharmacophore model applied to screen different libraries containing more than 87000 compounds identified four hit-compounds presenting scaffolds with diversity from the oxadiazole lead. These compounds have been synthesized and tested using the Fluc reporter harboring the UGA PTC. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect and the expression of the CFTR protein were evaluated. These compounds, a benzimidazole derivative (NV2899), a benzoxazole derivative (NV2913), a thiazole derivative (NV2909), and a benzene-1,3-disulfonate derivative (NV2907), were shown to be potential new lead compounds as TRIDs, boosting further efforts to address the optimization of the chemical scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Perriera
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Ambra Campofelice
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Culletta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, viale Annunziata, 98168-Messina, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
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Crawford DK, Alroy I, Sharpe N, Goddeeris MM, Williams G. ELX-02 Generates Protein via Premature Stop Codon Read-Through without Inducing Native Stop Codon Read-Through Proteins. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:264-272. [PMID: 32376628 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.265595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ELX-02 is a clinical stage, small-molecule eukaryotic ribosomal selective glycoside acting to induce read-through of premature stop codons (PSCs) that results in translation of full-length protein. However, improved read-through at PSCs has raised the question of whether native stop codon (NSC) fidelity would be impacted. Here, we compare read-through by ELX-02 in PSC and NSC contexts. DMS-114 cells containing a PSC in the TP53 gene were treated with ELX-02 and tested for increased nuclear p53 protein expression while also monitoring two other proteins for NSC read-through. Additionally, blood samples were taken from healthy subjects pre- and post-treatment with ELX-02 (0.3-7.5 mg/kg). These samples were processed to collect white blood cells and then analyzed by western blot to identify native and potentially elongated proteins from NSC read-through. In a separate experiment, lymphocytes cultivated with vehicle or ELX-02 (20 and 100 μg/ml) were subjected to proteomic analysis. We found that ELX-02 produced significant read-through of the PSC found in TP53 mRNA in DMS-114 cells, resulting in increased p53 protein expression and consistent with decreased nonsense-mediated mRNA degradation. NSC read-through protein products were not observed in either DMS-114 cells or in clinical samples from subjects dosed with ELX-02. The number of read-through proteins identified by using proteomic analysis was lower than estimated, and none of the NSC read-through products identified with >2 peptides showed dose-dependent responses to ELX-02. Our results demonstrate significant PSC read-through by ELX-02 with maintained NSC fidelity, thus supporting the therapeutic utility of ELX-02 in diseases resulting from nonsense alleles. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: ELX-02 produces significant read-through of premature stop codons leading to full-length functional protein, demonstrated here by using the R213X mutation in the TP53 gene of DMS-114 cells. In addition, three complementary techniques suggest that ELX-02 does not promote read-through of native stop codons at concentrations that lead to premature stop codon read-through. Thus, ELX-02 may be a potential therapeutic option for nonsense mutation-mediated genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Alroy
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Neal Sharpe
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
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Wangen JR, Green R. Stop codon context influences genome-wide stimulation of termination codon readthrough by aminoglycosides. eLife 2020; 9:52611. [PMID: 31971508 PMCID: PMC7089771 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stop codon readthrough (SCR) occurs when the ribosome miscodes at a stop codon. Such readthrough events can be therapeutically desirable when a premature termination codon (PTC) is found in a critical gene. To study SCR in vivo in a genome-wide manner, we treated mammalian cells with aminoglycosides and performed ribosome profiling. We find that in addition to stimulating readthrough of PTCs, aminoglycosides stimulate readthrough of normal termination codons (NTCs) genome-wide. Stop codon identity, the nucleotide following the stop codon, and the surrounding mRNA sequence context all influence the likelihood of SCR. In comparison to NTCs, downstream stop codons in 3′UTRs are recognized less efficiently by ribosomes, suggesting that targeting of critical stop codons for readthrough may be achievable without general disruption of translation termination. Finally, we find that G418-induced miscoding alters gene expression with substantial effects on translation of histone genes, selenoprotein genes, and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AMD1). Many genes provide a set of instructions needed to build a protein, which are read by structures called ribosomes through a process called translation. The genetic information contains a short, coded instruction called a stop codon which marks the end of the protein. When a ribosome finds a stop codon it should stop building and release the protein it has made. Ribosomes do not always stop at stop codons. Certain chemicals can actually prevent ribosomes from detecting stop codons correctly, and aminoglycosides are drugs that have exactly this effect. Aminoglycosides can be used as antibiotics at low doses because they interfere with ribosomes in bacteria, but at higher doses they can also prevent ribosomes from detecting stop codons in human cells. When ribosomes do not stop at a stop codon this is called readthrough. There are different types of stop codons and some are naturally more effective at stopping ribosomes than others. Wangen and Green have now examined the effect of an aminoglycoside called G418 on ribosomes in human cells grown in the laboratory. The results showed how ribosomes interacted with genetic information and revealed that certain stop codons are more affected by G418 than others. The stop codon and other genetic sequences around it affect the likelihood of readthrough. Wangen and Green also showed that sequences that encourage translation to stop are more common in the area around stop codons. These findings highlight an evolutionary pressure driving more genes to develop strong stop codons that resist readthrough. Despite this, some are still more affected by drugs like G418 than others. Some genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis, result from incorrect stop codons in genes. Drugs that promote readthrough specifically in these genes could be useful new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R Wangen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Rachel Green
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
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39
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Serum starvation enhances nonsense mutation readthrough. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1695-1710. [PMID: 31786671 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01847-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Of all genetic mutations causing human disease, premature termination codons (PTCs) that result from splicing defaults, insertions, deletions, and point mutations comprise around 30%. From these mutations, around 11% are a substitution of a single nucleotide that change a codon into a premature termination codon. These types of mutations affect several million patients suffering from a large variety of genetic diseases, ranging from relatively common inheritable cancer syndromes to muscular dystrophy or very rare neuro-metabolic disorders. Over the past three decades, genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that certain antibiotics and other synthetic molecules can act as nonsense mutation readthrough-inducing drugs. These compounds bind a specific site on the rRNA and, as a result, the stop codon is misread and an amino acid (that may or may not differ from the wild-type amino acid) is inserted and translation occurs through the premature termination codon. This strategy has great therapeutic potential. Unfortunately, many readthrough agents are toxic and cannot be administered over the extended period usually required for the chronic treatment of genetic diseases. Furthermore, readthrough compounds only restore protein production in very few disease models and the readthrough levels are usually low, typically achieving no more than 5% of normal protein expression. Efforts have been made over the years to overcome these obstacles so that readthrough treatment can become clinically relevant. Here, we present the creation of a stable cell line system that constitutively expresses our dual-reporter vector harboring two cancer initiating nonsense mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. This system will be used as an improved screening method for isolation of new nonsense mutation readthrough inducers. Using these cell lines as well as colorectal cancer cell lines, we demonstrate that serum starvation enhances drug-induced readthrough activity, an observation which may prove beneficial in a therapeutic scenario that requires higher levels of the restored protein. KEY MESSAGES: Nonsense mutations affects millions of people worldwide. We have developed a nonsense mutation read-through screening tool. We find that serum starvation enhances antibiotic-induced nonsense mutation read-through. Our results suggest new strategies for enhancing nonsense mutation read-through that may have positive effects on a large number of patients.
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Abstract
Lafora disease is a severe, autosomal recessive, progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The disease usually manifests in previously healthy adolescents, and death commonly occurs within 10 years of symptom onset. Lafora disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in EPM2A or NHLRC1, which encode laforin and malin, respectively. The absence of either protein results in poorly branched, hyperphosphorylated glycogen, which precipitates, aggregates and accumulates into Lafora bodies. Evidence from Lafora disease genetic mouse models indicates that these intracellular inclusions are a principal driver of neurodegeneration and neurological disease. The integration of current knowledge on the function of laforin-malin as an interacting complex suggests that laforin recruits malin to parts of glycogen molecules where overly long glucose chains are forming, so as to counteract further chain extension. In the absence of either laforin or malin function, long glucose chains in specific glycogen molecules extrude water, form double helices and drive precipitation of those molecules, which over time accumulate into Lafora bodies. In this article, we review the genetic, clinical, pathological and molecular aspects of Lafora disease. We also discuss traditional antiseizure treatments for this condition, as well as exciting therapeutic advances based on the downregulation of brain glycogen synthesis and disease gene replacement.
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41
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Kariv R, Caspi M, Fliss-Isakov N, Shorer Y, Shor Y, Rosner G, Brazowski E, Beer G, Cohen S, Rosin-Arbesfeld R. Resorting the function of the colorectal cancer gatekeeper adenomatous polyposis coli. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:1064-1074. [PMID: 31283021 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
As a large number of cancers are caused by nonsense mutations in key genes, read-through of these mutations to restore full-length protein expression is a potential therapeutic strategy. Mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene initiate the majority of both sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancers (CRC) and around 30% of these mutations are nonsense mutations. Our goal was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of APC nonsense mutation read-through as a potential chemo-preventive therapy in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), an inherited CRC syndrome patients. Ten FAP patients harboring APC nonsense mutations were treated with the read-through inducing antibiotic erythromycin for 4 months. Endoscopic assessment of the adenomas was performed at baseline, after 4 and after 12 months. Adenoma burden was documented in terms of adenoma number, maximal polyp size and cumulative polyp size per procedure. Tissue samples were collected and subjected to molecular and genetic analyses. Our results show that in the majority of patients the treatment led to a decrease in cumulative adenoma burden, median reduction in cumulative adenoma size and median reduction in adenoma number. Molecular and genetic analyses of the adenomas revealed that the treatment led to a reduced number of somatic APC mutations, reduced cellular proliferation and restoration of APC tumor-suppressing activity. Together, our findings show that induced read-through of APC nonsense mutations leads to promising clinical results and should be further investigated to establish its therapeutic potential in FAP and sporadic CRCs harboring nonsense APC mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Kariv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Caspi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naomi Fliss-Isakov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yamit Shorer
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yarden Shor
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Rosner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Brazowski
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Beer
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, "Dana-Dwek" Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomi Cohen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, "Dana-Dwek" Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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42
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Balestra D, Branchini A. Molecular Mechanisms and Determinants of Innovative Correction Approaches in Coagulation Factor Deficiencies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123036. [PMID: 31234407 PMCID: PMC6627357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular strategies tailored to promote/correct the expression and/or processing of defective coagulation factors would represent innovative therapeutic approaches beyond standard substitutive therapy. Here, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and determinants underlying innovative approaches acting at DNA, mRNA and protein levels in inherited coagulation factor deficiencies, and in particular on: (i) gene editing approaches, which have permitted intervention at the DNA level through the specific recognition, cleavage, repair/correction or activation of target sequences, even in mutated gene contexts; (ii) the rescue of altered pre-mRNA processing through the engineering of key spliceosome components able to promote correct exon recognition and, in turn, the synthesis and secretion of functional factors, as well as the effects on the splicing of missense changes affecting exonic splicing elements; this section includes antisense oligonucleotide- or siRNA-mediated approaches to down-regulate target genes; (iii) the rescue of protein synthesis/function through the induction of ribosome readthrough targeting nonsense variants or the correction of folding defects caused by amino acid substitutions. Overall, these approaches have shown the ability to rescue the expression and/or function of potentially therapeutic levels of coagulation factors in different disease models, thus supporting further studies in the future aimed at evaluating the clinical translatability of these new strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Balestra
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Hamada K, Naito A, Hamaguchi Y, Kanesaki Y, Kasahara K, Taguchi A, Omura N, Hayashi Y, Usui T. Ubr1p-Cup9p-Ptr2p pathway involves in the sensitivity to readthrough compounds negamycin derivatives in budding yeast. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 83:1889-1892. [PMID: 31159660 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2019.1625263] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we found that dipeptide transporter Ptr2p is the putative transporter of read-through compounds (+)-negamycin derivatives TCP-126 and TCP-112, in budding yeast. Ptr2p expression and activity were correlated with the TCP-112 sensitivity, and dipeptide with high affinity to Ptr2p suppressed the TCP-112 activity. These results suggest that dipeptide transporter is one of the determinants of negamycin analogs sensitivity. Abbreviation: PTC: premature termination codon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Hamada
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akari Naito
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , Japan
| | - Yu Hamaguchi
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Yu Kanesaki
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Koji Kasahara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akihiro Taguchi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Noriko Omura
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Takeo Usui
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , Japan
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44
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Brasell EJ, Chu L, El Kares R, Seo JH, Loesch R, Iglesias DM, Goodyer P. The aminoglycoside geneticin permits translational readthrough of the CTNS W138X nonsense mutation in fibroblasts from patients with nephropathic cystinosis. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:873-881. [PMID: 30413946 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystinosis is an ultrarare disorder caused by mutations of the cystinosin (CTNS) gene, encoding a cystine-selective efflux channel in the lysosomes of all cells of the body. Oral therapy with cysteamine reduces intralysosomal cystine accumulation and slows organ deterioration but cannot reverse renal Fanconi syndrome nor prevent the eventual need for renal transplantation. A definitive therapeutic remains elusive. About 15% of cystinosis patients worldwide carry one or more nonsense mutations that halt translation of the CTNS protein. Aminoglycosides such as geneticin (G418) can bind to the mammalian ribosome, relax translational fidelity, and permit readthrough of premature termination codons to produce full-length protein. METHODS To ascertain whether aminoglycosides permit readthrough of the most common CTNS nonsense mutation, W138X, we studied the effect of G418 on patient fibroblasts. RESULTS G418 treatment induced translational readthrough of CTNSW138X constructs transfected into HEK293 cells and expression of full-length endogenous CTNS protein in homozygous W138X fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in intracellular cystine indicates that the CTNS protein produced is functional as a cystine transporter. Interestingly, similar effects were seen even in W138X compound heterozygotes. These studies establish proof-of-principle for the potential of aminoglycosides to treat cystinosis and possibly other monogenic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Brasell
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - LeeLee Chu
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Reyhan El Kares
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Paul Goodyer
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada. .,The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Québec, Canada. .,Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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45
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Lueck JD, Yoon JS, Perales-Puchalt A, Mackey AL, Infield DT, Behlke MA, Pope MR, Weiner DB, Skach WR, McCray PB, Ahern CA. Engineered transfer RNAs for suppression of premature termination codons. Nat Commun 2019; 10:822. [PMID: 30778053 PMCID: PMC6379413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature termination codons (PTCs) are responsible for 10–15% of all inherited disease. PTC suppression during translation offers a promising approach to treat a variety of genetic disorders, yet small molecules that promote PTC read-through have yielded mixed performance in clinical trials. Here we present a high-throughput, cell-based assay to identify anticodon engineered transfer RNAs (ACE-tRNA) which can effectively suppress in-frame PTCs and faithfully encode their cognate amino acid. In total, we identify ACE-tRNA with a high degree of suppression activity targeting the most common human disease-causing nonsense codons. Genome-wide transcriptome ribosome profiling of cells expressing ACE-tRNA at levels which repair PTC indicate that there are limited interactions with translation termination codons. These ACE-tRNAs display high suppression potency in mammalian cells, Xenopus oocytes and mice in vivo, producing PTC repair in multiple genes, including disease causing mutations within cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Premature termination codon suppression therapy could be used to treat a range of genetic disorders. Here the authors present a high-throughput cell-based assay to identify anticodon engineered tRNAs with high suppression activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Lueck
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Jae Seok Yoon
- CFFT Lab, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Lexington, 02421, MA, USA
| | | | - Adam L Mackey
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Daniel T Infield
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Marshall R Pope
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - William R Skach
- CFFT Lab, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Lexington, 02421, MA, USA.,Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Bethesda, 20814, MD, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Christopher A Ahern
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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46
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Valley HC, Bukis KM, Bell A, Cheng Y, Wong E, Jordan NJ, Allaire NE, Sivachenko A, Liang F, Bihler H, Thomas PJ, Mahiou J, Mense M. Isogenic cell models of cystic fibrosis-causing variants in natively expressing pulmonary epithelial cells. J Cyst Fibros 2018; 18:476-483. [PMID: 30563749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of approved drugs and developmental drug candidates for rare cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing variants of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) requires abundant material from relevant models. METHODS Isogenic cell lines harboring CFTR variants in the native genomic context were created through the development and utilization of a footprint-less, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing pipeline in 16HBE14o- immortalized bronchial epithelial cells. RESULTS Isogenic, homozygous cell lines for three CFTR variants (F508del and the two most common CF-causing nonsense variants, G542X and W1282X) were established and characterized. The F508del model recapitulates the known molecular pathology and pharmacology. The two models of nonsense variants (G542X and W1282X) are sensitive to Nonsense Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) and responsive to reference compounds that inhibit NMD and promote ribosomal readthrough. CONCLUSIONS We present a versatile, efficient gene editing pipeline that can be used to create CFTR variants in the native genomic context and the utilization of this pipeline to create homozygous cell models for the CF-causing variants F508del, G542X, and W1282X. The resulting cell lines provide a virtually unlimited source of material with specific pathogenic mutations that can be used in a variety of assays, including functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary C Valley
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Katherine M Bukis
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Alisa Bell
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Yi Cheng
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Eric Wong
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Nikole J Jordan
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Normand E Allaire
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Andrey Sivachenko
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Feng Liang
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Hermann Bihler
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Philip J Thomas
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA; University of Texas - Southwestern, UT Southwestern Medical Ctr., 6001 Forrest Park Rd ND12.126B, Dallas, TX 75390-9040, USA
| | - Jerome Mahiou
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Martin Mense
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFFT Lab, 44 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, USA.
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Sharma N, Evans TA, Pellicore MJ, Davis E, Aksit MA, McCague AF, Joynt AT, Lu Z, Han ST, Anzmann AF, Lam ATN, Thaxton A, West N, Merlo C, Gottschalk LB, Raraigh KS, Sosnay PR, Cotton CU, Cutting GR. Capitalizing on the heterogeneous effects of CFTR nonsense and frameshift variants to inform therapeutic strategy for cystic fibrosis. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007723. [PMID: 30444886 PMCID: PMC6267994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CFTR modulators have revolutionized the treatment of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) by improving the function of existing protein. Unfortunately, almost half of the disease-causing variants in CFTR are predicted to introduce premature termination codons (PTC) thereby causing absence of full-length CFTR protein. We hypothesized that a subset of nonsense and frameshift variants in CFTR allow expression of truncated protein that might respond to FDA-approved CFTR modulators. To address this concept, we selected 26 PTC-generating variants from four regions of CFTR and determined their consequences on CFTR mRNA, protein and function using intron-containing minigenes expressed in 3 cell lines (HEK293, MDCK and CFBE41o-) and patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed primary nasal epithelial cells. The PTC-generating variants fell into five groups based on RNA and protein effects. Group A (reduced mRNA, immature (core glycosylated) protein, function <1% (n = 5)) and Group B (normal mRNA, immature protein, function <1% (n = 10)) variants were unresponsive to modulator treatment. However, Group C (normal mRNA, mature (fully glycosylated) protein, function >1% (n = 5)), Group D (reduced mRNA, mature protein, function >1% (n = 5)) and Group E (aberrant RNA splicing, mature protein, function > 1% (n = 1)) variants responded to modulators. Increasing mRNA level by inhibition of NMD led to a significant amplification of modulator effect upon a Group D variant while response of a Group A variant was unaltered. Our work shows that PTC-generating variants should not be generalized as genetic 'nulls' as some may allow generation of protein that can be targeted to achieve clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Sharma
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Taylor A. Evans
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Pellicore
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Emily Davis
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Melis A. Aksit
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Allison F. McCague
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anya T. Joynt
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zhongzhu Lu
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sangwoo T. Han
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Arianna F. Anzmann
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anh-Thu N. Lam
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Abigail Thaxton
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalie West
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christian Merlo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura B. Gottschalk
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen S. Raraigh
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrick R. Sosnay
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Calvin U. Cotton
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Garry R. Cutting
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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48
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Friesen WJ, Johnson B, Sierra J, Zhuo J, Vazirani P, Xue X, Tomizawa Y, Baiazitov R, Morrill C, Ren H, Babu S, Moon YC, Branstrom A, Mollin A, Hedrick J, Sheedy J, Elfring G, Weetall M, Colacino JM, Welch EM, Peltz SW. The minor gentamicin complex component, X2, is a potent premature stop codon readthrough molecule with therapeutic potential. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206158. [PMID: 30359426 PMCID: PMC6201930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations, resulting in a premature stop codon in the open reading frame of mRNAs are responsible for thousands of inherited diseases. Readthrough of premature stop codons by small molecule drugs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to treat disorders resulting from premature termination of translation. The aminoglycoside antibiotics are a class of molecule known to promote readthrough at premature termination codons. Gentamicin consists of a mixture of major and minor aminoglycoside components. Here, we investigated the readthrough activities of the individual components and show that each of the four major gentamicin complex components representing 92–99% of the complex each had similar potency and activity to that of the complex itself. In contrast, a minor component (gentamicin X2) was found to be the most potent and active readthrough component in the gentamicin complex. The known oto- and nephrotoxicity associated with aminoglycosides preclude long-term use as readthrough agents. Thus, we evaluated the components of the gentamicin complex as well as the so-called “designer” aminoglycoside, NB124, for in vitro and in vivo safety. In cells, we observed that gentamicin X2 had a safety/readthrough ratio (cytotoxicity/readthrough potency) superior to that of gentamicin, G418 or NB124. In rodents, we observed that gentamicin X2 showed a safety profile that was superior to G418 overall including reduced nephrotoxicity. These results support further investigation of gentamicin X2 as a therapeutic readthrough agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Westley J. Friesen
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Briana Johnson
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jairo Sierra
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jin Zhuo
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Priya Vazirani
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Xiaojiao Xue
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Yuki Tomizawa
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Ramil Baiazitov
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Christie Morrill
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Hongyu Ren
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Suresh Babu
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Young-Choon Moon
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Art Branstrom
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Anna Mollin
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jean Hedrick
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Josephine Sheedy
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Gary Elfring
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Marla Weetall
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | | | - Ellen M. Welch
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
| | - Stuart W. Peltz
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, NJ, United States of America
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49
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Pibiri I, Lentini L, Melfi R, Tutone M, Baldassano S, Ricco Galluzzo P, Di Leonardo A, Pace A. Rescuing the CFTR protein function: Introducing 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as translational readthrough inducing drugs. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 159:126-142. [PMID: 30278331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene prematurely terminate translation of the CFTR mRNA leading to the production of a truncated protein that lacks normal function causing a more severe form of the cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. About 10% of patients affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs (TRIDs) such as PTC124. In this context we aimed to compare the activity of PTC124 with analogues differing in the heteroatoms position in the central heterocyclic core. By a validated protocol consisting of computational screening, synthesis and biological tests we identified a new small molecule (NV2445) with 1,3,4-oxadiazole core showing a high readthrough activity. Moreover, we evaluated the CFTR functionality after NV2445 treatment in CF model systems and in cells expressing a nonsense-CFTR-mRNA. Finally, we studied the supramolecular interactions between TRIDs and CFTR-mRNA to assess the biological target/mechanism and compared the predicted ADME properties of NV2445 and PTC124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Baldassano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Ricco Galluzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy; Centro di OncoBiologia Sperimentale (COBS), via San Lorenzo Colli, 90145, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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50
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Bezzerri V, Bardelli D, Morini J, Vella A, Cesaro S, Sorio C, Biondi A, Danesino C, Farruggia P, Assael BM, D'amico G, Cipolli M. Ataluren-driven restoration of Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome protein function in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome bone marrow cells. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:527-536. [PMID: 29285795 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited recessive disease mainly caused by mutations in the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) gene, which encodes for the homonymous protein SBDS, whose function still remains to be fully established. SDS affects several organs causing bone marrow failure, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal malformations, and cognitive disorders. About 15% of SDS patients develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and are at higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Deficiency in SBDS expression has been associated with increased apoptosis and lack of myeloid differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors. Importantly, most SDS patients carry nonsense mutations in SBDS. Since ataluren is a well-characterized small molecule inhibitor that can suppress nonsense mutations, here, we have assessed the efficacy of this drug in restoring SBDS expression in hematopoietic cells obtained from a cohort of SDS patients. Remarkably, we show that ataluren treatment readily restores SBDS protein expression in different cell types, particularly bone marrow stem cells. Furthermore, ataluren promotes myeloid differentiation in hematopoietic progenitors, reduces apoptotic rate in primary PBMCs, and brings mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation levels back to normal in both lymphoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). Since a specific therapy against SDS is currently lacking, these results provide the rationale for ataluren repurposing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donatella Bardelli
- Unit of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department; University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM; Italy
| | | | - Antonio Vella
- Unit of Immunology; Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona; Italy
| | - Simone Cesaro
- Unit of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona; Italy
| | | | - Andrea Biondi
- School of Medicine and Surgery; University of Milano-Bicocca; Italy
| | - Cesare Danesino
- Department of Molecular Medicine; University of Pavia; Italy
| | - Piero Farruggia
- Department of Oncology; ARNAS Ospedale Civico Palermo; Italy
| | - Baroukh Maurice Assael
- Department of Pulmonology; Adult CF center, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda; Policlinico Milano Italy
| | - Giovanna D'amico
- Unit of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department; University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM; Italy
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Cystic Fibrosis Center; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
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