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Sabrina Haque U, Kohut M, Yokota T. Comprehensive review of adverse reactions and toxicology in ASO-based therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: From FDA-approved drugs to peptide-conjugated ASO. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 7:100182. [PMID: 38983605 PMCID: PMC11231654 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. This results in the absence or dysfunction of the dystrophin protein, leading to muscle weakness, loss of ambulation, respiratory issues, and cardiac complications, often leading to premature death. Recently, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated exon skipping has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for DMD. Notably, the FDA has conditionally approved four ASO therapies for DMD, with numerous others in various stages of clinical development, indicating the growing interest and potential in this field. To enhance ASO-based therapies, researchers have explored the novel concept of conjugating peptides to the phosphorodiamidate morpholino backbone (PMO) of ASOs, leading to the development of peptide-conjugated PMOs (PPMOs). These PPMOs have demonstrated significantly improved pharmacokinetic profiles, potentially augmenting their therapeutic effectiveness. Despite the optimism surrounding ASOs and PPMOs, concerns persist regarding their efficacy and safety. To comprehensively evaluate these therapies, it is imperative to expand patient populations in clinical trials and conduct thorough investigations into the associated risks. This article provides a comprehensive review and discussion of the available data pertaining to adverse reactions and toxicology associated with FDA-approved ASO drugs for DMD. Furthermore, it offers insights into the emerging category of peptide-conjugated ASO drugs those are clinical and preclinical trials, shedding light on their potential benefits and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Sabrina Haque
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Melissa Kohut
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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Gerrits T, Dijkstra KL, Bruijn JA, Scharpfenecker M, Bijkerk R, Baelde HJ. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated terminal intron retention of endoglin: A potential strategy to inhibit renal interstitial fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167186. [PMID: 38642778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
TGF-β is considered an important cytokine in the development of interstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. The TGF-β co-receptor endoglin (ENG) tends to be upregulated in kidney fibrosis. ENG has two membrane bound isoforms generated via alternative splicing. Long-ENG was shown to enhance the extent of renal fibrosis in an unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model, while short-ENG inhibited renal fibrosis. Here we aimed to achieve terminal intron retention of endoglin using antisense-oligo nucleotides (ASOs), thereby shifting the ratio towards short-ENG to inhibit the TGF-β1-mediated pro-fibrotic response. We isolated mRNA from kidney biopsies of patients with chronic allograft disease (CAD) (n = 12) and measured total ENG and short-ENG mRNA levels. ENG mRNA was upregulated 2.3 fold (p < 0.05) in kidneys of CAD patients compared to controls, while the percentage short-ENG of the total ENG mRNA was significantly lower (1.8 fold; p < 0.05). Transfection of ASOs that target splicing regulatory sites of ENG into TK173 fibroblasts led to higher levels of short-ENG (2 fold; p < 0.05). In addition, we stimulated these cells with TGF-β1 and measured a decrease in upregulation of ACTA2, COL1A1 and FN1 mRNA levels, and protein expression of αSMA, collagen type I, and fibronectin. These results show a potential for ENG ASOs as a therapy to reduce interstitial fibrosis in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Gerrits
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Kyra L Dijkstra
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Anthonie Bruijn
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marion Scharpfenecker
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hans J Baelde
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
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3
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Yeoh YQ, Amin A, Cuic B, Tomas D, Turner BJ, Shabanpoor F. Efficient systemic CNS delivery of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide with a blood-brain barrier-penetrating ApoE-derived peptide. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116737. [PMID: 38749176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders by modulating gene expression with high selectivity and specificity. However, the poor permeability of ASO across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) diminishes its therapeutic success. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of BBB-penetrating peptides (BPP) derived from either the receptor-binding domain of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or a transferrin receptor-binding peptide (THR). The BPPs were conjugated to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) that are chemically analogous to the 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (MOE)-modified ASO approved by the FDA for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The BPP-PMO conjugates significantly increased the level of full-length SMN2 in the patient-derived SMA fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner with minimal to no toxicity. Furthermore, the systemic administration of the most potent BPP-PMO conjugates significantly increased the expression of full-length SMN2 in the brain and spinal cord of SMN2 transgenic adult mice. Notably, BPP8-PMO conjugate showed a 1.25-fold increase in the expression of full-length functional SMN2 in the brain. Fluorescence imaging studies confirmed that 78% of the fluorescently (Cy7)-labelled BPP8-PMO reached brain parenchyma, with 11% uptake in neuronal cells. Additionally, the BPP-PMO conjugates containing retro-inverso (RI) D-BPPs were found to possess extended half-lives compared to their L-counterparts, indicating increased stability against protease degradation while preserving the bioactivity. This delivery platform based on BPP enhances the CNS bioavailability of PMO targeting the SMN2 gene, paving the way for the development of systemically administered neurotherapeutics for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qi Yeoh
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Azin Amin
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Brittany Cuic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Doris Tomas
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley J Turner
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Fazel Shabanpoor
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Thomas BJ, Guldenpfennig C, Daniels MA, Burke DH, Porciani D. Multiplexed In Vivo Screening Using Barcoded Aptamer Technology to Identify Oligonucleotide-Based Targeting Reagents. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:109-124. [PMID: 38752363 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2024.0010] [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] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent FDA approvals of mRNA vaccines, short-interfering RNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides highlight the success of oligonucleotides as therapeutics. Aptamers are excellent affinity reagents that can selectively label protein biomarkers, but their clinical application has lagged. When formulating a given aptamer for in vivo use, molecular design details can determine biostability and biodistribution; therefore, extensive postselection manipulation is often required for each new design to identify clinically useful reagents harboring improved pharmacokinetic properties. Few methods are available to comprehensively screen such aptamers, especially in vivo, constituting a significant bottleneck in the field. In this study, we introduce barcoded aptamer technology (BApT) for multiplexed screening of predefined aptamer formulations in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate this technology by simultaneously investigating 20 aptamer formulations, each harboring different molecular designs, for targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cells and tumors. Screening in vitro identified a 45 kDa bispecific formulation as the best cancer cell targeting reagent, whereas screening in vivo identified a 30 kDa monomeric formulation as the best tumor-specific targeting reagent. The multiplexed analysis pipeline also identified biodistribution phenotypes shared among formulations with similar molecular architectures. The BApT approach we describe here has the potential for broad application to fields where oligonucleotide-based targeting reagents are desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Thomas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caitlyn Guldenpfennig
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark A Daniels
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Donald H Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Porciani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Hainzl S, Trattner L, Liemberger B, Bischof J, Kocher T, Ablinger M, Nyström A, Obermayer A, Klausegger A, Guttmann-Gruber C, Wally V, Bauer JW, Hofbauer JP, Koller U. Splicing Modulation via Antisense Oligonucleotides in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:761. [PMID: 38255836 PMCID: PMC10815346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent an emerging therapeutic platform for targeting genetic diseases by influencing various aspects of (pre-)mRNA biology, such as splicing, stability, and translation. In this study, we investigated the potential of modulating the splicing pattern in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient cells carrying a frequent genomic variant (c.425A > G) that disrupts splicing in the COL7A1 gene by using short 2'-O-(2-Methoxyethyl) oligoribo-nucleotides (2'-MOE ASOs). COL7A1-encoded type VII collagen (C7) forms the anchoring fibrils within the skin that are essential for the attachment of the epidermis to the underlying dermis. As such, gene variants of COL7A1 leading to functionally impaired or absent C7 manifest in the form of extensive blistering and wounding. The severity of the disease pattern warrants the development of novel therapies for patients. The c.425A > G variant at the COL7A1 exon 3/intron 3 junction lowers the efficiency of splicing at this junction, resulting in non-functional C7 transcripts. However, we found that correct splicing still occurs, albeit at a very low level, highlighting an opportunity for intervention by modulating the splicing reaction. We therefore screened 2'-MOE ASOs that bind along the COL7A1 target region ranging from exon 3 to the intron 3/exon 4 junction for their ability to modulate splicing. We identified ASOs capable of increasing the relative levels of correctly spliced COL7A1 transcripts by RT-PCR, sqRT-PCR, and ddPCR. Furthermore, RDEB-derived skin equivalents treated with one of the most promising ASOs exhibited an increase in full-length C7 expression and its accurate deposition along the basement membrane zone (BMZ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Lisa Trattner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Bernadette Liemberger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Michael Ablinger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Astrid Obermayer
- Core Facility of Electron Microscopy, Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS Salzburg), 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Johann W. Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.H.); (L.T.); (B.L.); (J.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (A.K.); (C.G.-G.); (V.W.); (J.P.H.)
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Pavlova N, Traykovska M, Penchovsky R. Targeting FMN, TPP, SAM-I, and glmS Riboswitches with Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides for Completely Rational Antibacterial Drug Development. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1607. [PMID: 37998809 PMCID: PMC10668854 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111607] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drug resistance has emerged as a significant challenge in contemporary medicine due to the proliferation of numerous bacterial strains resistant to all existing antibiotics. Meanwhile, riboswitches have emerged as promising targets for discovering antibacterial drugs. Riboswitches are regulatory elements in certain bacterial mRNAs that can bind to specific molecules and control gene expression via transcriptional termination, prevention of translation, or mRNA destabilization. By targeting riboswitches, we aim to develop innovative strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and enhance the efficacy of antibacterial treatments. This convergence of challenges and opportunities underscores the ongoing quest to revolutionize medical approaches against evolving bacterial threats. For the first time, this innovative review describes the rational design and applications of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides as antibacterial agents targeting four riboswitches selected based on genome-wide bioinformatic analyses. The antisense oligonucleotides are coupled with the cell-penetrating oligopeptide pVEC, which penetrates Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and specifically targets glmS, FMN, TPP, and SAM-I riboswitches in Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. The average antibiotic dosage of antisense oligonucleotides that inhibits 80% of bacterial growth is around 700 nM (4.5 μg/mL). Antisense oligonucleotides do not exhibit toxicity in human cell lines at this concentration. The results demonstrate that these riboswitches are suitable targets for antibacterial drug development using antisense oligonucleotide technology. The approach is fully rational because selecting suitable riboswitch targets and designing ASOs that target them are based on predefined criteria. The approach can be used to develop narrow or broad-spectrum antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains for a short time. The approach is easily adaptive to new resistance using targeting NGS technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Penchovsky
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Haque US, Yokota T. Enhancing Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutic Delivery with DG9, a Versatile Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Cells 2023; 12:2395. [PMID: 37830609 PMCID: PMC10572411 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192395] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide-based (ASO) therapeutics have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of human disorders. Charge-neutral PMOs have promising biological and pharmacological properties for antisense applications. Despite their great potential, the efficient delivery of these therapeutic agents to target cells remains a major obstacle to their widespread use. Cellular uptake of naked PMO is poor. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) appear as a possibility to increase the cellular uptake and intracellular delivery of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Among these, the DG9 peptide has been identified as a versatile CPP with remarkable potential for enhancing the delivery of ASO-based therapeutics due to its unique structural features. Notably, in the context of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), DG9 has shown promise in enhancing delivery while maintaining a favorable toxicity profile. A few studies have highlighted the potential of DG9-conjugated PMOs in DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), displaying significant exon skipping/inclusion and functional improvements in animal models. The article provides an overview of a detailed understanding of the challenges that ASOs face prior to reaching their targets and continued advances in methods to improve their delivery to target sites and cellular uptake, focusing on DG9, which aims to harness ASOs' full potential in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Sabrina Haque
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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8
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Nakevska Z, Yokota T. Challenges and future perspective of antisense therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: A review. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151326. [PMID: 37295266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common genetic cause of infantile death, is caused by a mutation in the survival of motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), leading to the death of motor neurons and progressive muscle weakness. SMN1 normally produces an essential protein called SMN. Although humans possess a paralogous gene called SMN2, ∼90% of the SMN it produces is non-functional. This is due to a mutation in SMN2 that causes the skipping of a required exon during splicing of the pre-mRNA. The first treatment for SMA, nusinersen (brand name Spinraza), was approved by the FDA in 2016 and by the EMU in 2017. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy that alters the splicing of SMN2 to make functional full-length SMN protein. Despite the recent advancements in antisense oligonucleotide therapy and SMA treatment development, nusinersen is faced with a multitude of challenges, such as intracellular and systemic delivery. In recent years, the use of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) in antisense therapy has gained interest. These are antisense oligonucleotides conjugated to cell-penetrating peptides such as Pips and DG9, and they have the potential to address the challenges associated with delivery. This review focuses on the historic milestones, development, current challenges, and future perspectives of antisense therapy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorica Nakevska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada; The Friends of Garret Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, 8812 112 St., Edmonton AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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9
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Preußner M, Smith HL, Hughes D, Zhang M, Emmerichs AK, Scalzitti S, Peretti D, Swinden D, Neumann A, Haltenhof T, Mallucci GR, Heyd F. ASO targeting RBM3 temperature-controlled poison exon splicing prevents neurodegeneration in vivo. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17157. [PMID: 36946385 PMCID: PMC10165353 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly prevalent in the aging population, yet no disease-modifying treatments are currently available. Increasing the expression of the cold-shock protein RBM3 through therapeutic hypothermia is remarkably neuroprotective. However, systemic cooling poses a health risk, strongly limiting its clinical application. Selective upregulation of RBM3 at normothermia thus holds immense therapeutic potential. Here we identify a poison exon within the RBM3 gene that is solely responsible for its cold-induced expression. Genetic removal or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated manipulation of this exon yields high RBM3 levels independent of cooling. Notably, a single administration of ASO to exclude the poison exon, using FDA-approved chemistry, results in long-lasting increased RBM3 expression in mouse brains. In prion-diseased mice, this treatment leads to remarkable neuroprotection, with prevention of neuronal loss and spongiosis despite high levels of disease-associated prion protein. Our promising results in mice support the possibility that RBM3-inducing ASOs might also deliver neuroprotection in humans in conditions ranging from acute brain injury to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Preußner
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heather L Smith
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Hughes
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Min Zhang
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Emmerichs
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Scalzitti
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diego Peretti
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dean Swinden
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Neumann
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Omiqa Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Haltenhof
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Omiqa Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanna R Mallucci
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Florian Heyd
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Aslesh T, Erkut E, Ren J, Lim KRQ, Woo S, Hatlevig S, Moulton HM, Gosgnach S, Greer J, Maruyama R, Yokota T. DG9-conjugated morpholino rescues phenotype in SMA mice by reaching the CNS via a subcutaneous administration. JCI Insight 2023; 8:160516. [PMID: 36719755 PMCID: PMC10077475 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160516] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated (AO-mediated) therapy is a promising strategy to treat several neurological diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, limited delivery to the CNS with AOs administered intravenously or subcutaneously is a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate a single subcutaneous administration of cell-penetrating peptide DG9 conjugated to an AO called phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) reached the CNS and significantly prolonged the median survival compared with unconjugated PMO and R6G-PMO in a severe SMA mouse model. Treated mice exhibited substantially higher expression of full-length survival of motor neuron 2 in both the CNS and systemic tissues compared with nontreated and unmodified AO-treated mice. The treatment ameliorated the atrophic musculature and improved breathing function accompanied by improved muscle strength and innervation at the neuromuscular junction with no signs of apparent toxicity. We also demonstrated DG9-conjugated PMO localized in nuclei in the spinal cord and brain after subcutaneous injections. Our data identify DG9 peptide conjugation as a powerful way to improve the efficacy of AO-mediated splice modulation. Finally, DG9-PMO is a promising therapeutic option to treat SMA and other neurological diseases, overcoming the necessity for intrathecal injections and treating body-wide tissues without apparent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Ren
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Susan Hatlevig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Hong M Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Simon Gosgnach
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Greer
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Medical Genetics, and
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11
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Jo SJ, Chae SU, Lee CB, Bae SK. Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Approved RNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010746. [PMID: 36614189 PMCID: PMC9821128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-mediated drugs are a rapidly growing class of therapeutics. Over the last five years, the list of FDA-approved RNA therapeutics has expanded owing to their unique targets and prolonged pharmacological effects. Their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) have important clinical im-plications, but their pharmacokinetic properties have not been fully understood. Most RNA therapeutics have structural modifications to prevent rapid elimination from the plasma and are administered intravenously or subcutaneously, with some exceptions, for effective distribution to target organs. Distribution of drugs into tissues depends on the addition of a moiety that can be transported to the target and RNA therapeutics show a low volume of distribution because of their molecular size and negatively-charged backbone. Nucleases metabolize RNA therapeutics to a shortened chain, but their metabolic ratio is relatively low. Therefore, most RNA therapeutics are excreted in their intact form. This review covers not only ADME features but also clinical pharmacology data of the RNA therapeutics such as drug-drug interaction or population pharmacokinetic analyses. As the market of RNA therapeutics is expected to rapidly expand, comprehensive knowledge will contribute to interpreting and evaluating the pharmacological properties.
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12
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Tomkiewicz TZ, Nieuwenhuis SE, Cremers FPM, Garanto A, Collin RWJ. Correction of the Splicing Defect Caused by a Recurrent Variant in ABCA4 (c.769-784C>T) That Underlies Stargardt Disease. Cells 2022; 11:3947. [PMID: 36552712 PMCID: PMC9777113 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease is an inherited retinal disease caused by biallelic mutations in the ABCA4 gene, many of which affect ABCA4 splicing. In this study, nine antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) were designed to correct pseudoexon (PE) inclusion caused by a recurrent deep-intronic variant in ABCA4 (c.769-784C>T). First, the ability of AONs to skip the PE from the final ABCA4 mRNA transcript was assessed in two cellular models carrying the c.769-784C>T variant: a midigene assay using HEK293T cells and patient-derived fibroblasts. Based on the splicing-correcting ability of each individual AON, the three most efficacious AONs targeting independent regions of the PE were selected for a final assessment in photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs). The final analysis in the PPC model confirmed high efficacy of AON2, -5, and -7 in promoting PE exclusion. Among the three AONs, AON2 is chosen as the lead candidate for further optimization, hereby showcasing the high potential of AONs to correct aberrant splicing events driven by deep-intronic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Z. Tomkiewicz
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara E. Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans P. M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Departments of Pediatrics, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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13
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Grimm NB, Lee JT. Selective Xi reactivation and alternative methods to restore MECP2 function in Rett syndrome. Trends Genet 2022; 38:920-943. [PMID: 35248405 PMCID: PMC9915138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The human X-chromosome harbors only 4% of our genome but carries over 20% of genes associated with intellectual disability. Given that they inherit only one X-chromosome, males are more frequently affected by X-linked neurodevelopmental genetic disorders than females. However, despite inheriting two X-chromosomes, females can also be affected because X-chromosome inactivation enables only one of two X-chromosomes to be expressed per cell. For Rett syndrome and similar X-linked disorders affecting females, disease-specific treatments have remained elusive. However, a cure may be found within their own cells because every sick cell carries a healthy copy of the affected gene on the inactive X (Xi). Therefore, selective Xi reactivation may be a viable approach that would address the root cause of various X-linked disorders. Here, we discuss Rett syndrome and compare current approaches in the pharmaceutical pipeline to restore MECP2 function. We then focus on Xi reactivation and review available methods, lessons learned, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas-Benedikt Grimm
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Kreda SM. Oligonucleotide-based therapies for cystic fibrosis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 66:102271. [PMID: 35988291 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In the clinically successful era of CFTR modulators and Theratyping, 10-20% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop disease due to CFTR mutations that remain undruggable. These individuals produce low levels of CFTR mRNA and/or not enough protein to be rescued with modulator drugs. Alternative therapeutic approaches to correct the CFTR defect at the mRNA level using nucleic acid technologies are currently feasible; e.g., oligonucleotides platforms, which are being rapidly developed to correct genetic disorders. Drug-like properties, great specificity, and predictable off-target effects by design make oligonucleotides a valuable approach with fewer clinical and ethical challenges than genomic editing strategies. Together with personalized and precision medicine approaches, oligonucleotides are ideal therapeutics to target CF-causing mutations that affect only a few individuals resilient to modulator therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia M Kreda
- Marsico Lung Institute / Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA.
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15
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Bege M, Borbás A. The Medicinal Chemistry of Artificial Nucleic Acids and Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080909. [PMID: 35893733 PMCID: PMC9330994 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a central role in human biology, making them suitable and attractive tools for therapeutic applications. While conventional drugs generally target proteins and induce transient therapeutic effects, nucleic acid medicines can achieve long-lasting or curative effects by targeting the genetic bases of diseases. However, native oligonucleotides are characterized by low in vivo stability due to nuclease sensitivity and unfavourable physicochemical properties due to their polyanionic nature, which are obstacles to their therapeutic use. A myriad of synthetic oligonucleotides have been prepared in the last few decades and it has been shown that proper chemical modifications to either the nucleobase, the ribofuranose unit or the phosphate backbone can protect the nucleic acids from degradation, enable efficient cellular uptake and target localization ensuring the efficiency of the oligonucleotide-based therapy. In this review, we present a summary of structure and properties of artificial nucleic acids containing nucleobase, sugar or backbone modifications, and provide an overview of the structure and mechanism of action of approved oligonucleotide drugs including gene silencing agents, aptamers and mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Bege
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Molecular Recognition and Interaction Research Group, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anikó Borbás
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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16
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Sergeeva OV, Shcherbinina EY, Shomron N, Zatsepin TS. Modulation of RNA Splicing by Oligonucleotides: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:123-138. [PMID: 35166605 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of RNA splicing causes many diseases and disorders. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to correct aberrant alternative splicing events for the treatment of cancers and hereditary diseases, including gene therapy and redirecting splicing, using small molecules or splice switching oligonucleotides (SSO). Significant advances in the chemistry and pharmacology of nucleic acid have led to the development of clinically approved SSO drugs for the treatment of spinal muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of SSO action with emphasis on "less common" approaches to modulate alternative splicing, including bipartite and bifunctional SSO, oligonucleotide decoys for splice factors and SSO-mediated mRNA degradation via AS-NMD and NGD pathways. We briefly discuss the current progress and future perspectives of SSO therapy for rare and ultrarare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Noam Shomron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Restoring SMN Expression: An Overview of the Therapeutic Developments for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030417. [PMID: 35159227 PMCID: PMC8834523 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common genetic causes of infant death. It is characterized by progressive weakness of the muscles, loss of ambulation, and death from respiratory complications. SMA is caused by the homozygous deletion or mutations in the survival of the motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Humans, however, have a nearly identical copy of SMN1 known as the SMN2 gene. The severity of the disease correlates inversely with the number of SMN2 copies present. SMN2 cannot completely compensate for the loss of SMN1 in SMA patients because it can produce only a fraction of functional SMN protein. SMN protein is ubiquitously expressed in the body and has a variety of roles ranging from assembling the spliceosomal machinery, autophagy, RNA metabolism, signal transduction, cellular homeostasis, DNA repair, and recombination. Motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord are extremely susceptible to the loss of SMN protein, with the reason still being unclear. Due to the ability of the SMN2 gene to produce small amounts of functional SMN, two FDA-approved treatment strategies, including an antisense oligonucleotide (AON) nusinersen and small-molecule risdiplam, target SMN2 to produce more functional SMN. On the other hand, Onasemnogene abeparvovec (brand name Zolgensma) is an FDA-approved adeno-associated vector 9-mediated gene replacement therapy that can deliver a copy of the human SMN1. In this review, we summarize the SMA etiology, the role of SMN, and discuss the challenges of the therapies that are approved for SMA treatment.
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18
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Michaels WE, Pena-Rasgado C, Kotaria R, Bridges RJ, Hastings ML. Open reading frame correction using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114886119. [PMID: 35017302 PMCID: PMC8784102 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114886119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CFTR gene mutations that result in the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs) are common in cystic fibrosis (CF). This mutation type causes a severe form of the disease, likely because of low CFTR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression as a result of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, as well as the production of a nonfunctional, truncated CFTR protein. Current therapeutics for CF, which target residual protein function, are less effective in patients with these types of mutations due in part to low CFTR protein levels. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), designed to induce skipping of exons in order to restore the mRNA open reading frame, have shown therapeutic promise preclinically and clinically for a number of diseases. We hypothesized that ASO-mediated skipping of CFTR exon 23 would recover CFTR activity associated with terminating mutations in the exon, including CFTR p.W1282X, the fifth most common mutation in CF. Here, we show that CFTR lacking the amino acids encoding exon 23 is partially functional and responsive to corrector and modulator drugs currently in clinical use. ASO-induced exon 23 skipping rescued CFTR expression and chloride current in primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from a homozygote CFTR-W1282X patient. These results support the use of ASOs in treating CF patients with CFTR class I mutations in exon 23 that result in unstable CFTR mRNA and truncations of the CFTR protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wren E Michaels
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Cecilia Pena-Rasgado
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Rusudan Kotaria
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Robert J Bridges
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064;
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL 60064;
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19
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Bao CH, Guo L. Retracted: miR-27b-3p Inhibits Invasion, Migration and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer by Targeting RUNX1 and Activation of the Hippo Signaling Pathway. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:864-873. [PMID: 34238170 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210707095833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The article entitled “miR-27b-3p Inhibits Invasion, Migration and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer by Targeting RUNX1 and Activation of the Hippo Signaling Pathway”, by Chen-Hui Bao and Lin Guo, has been retracted on the request of the Author in light of the changes to the University’s promotion policy, due to which the article needs further content. Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused. Kindly see Bentham Science Policy on Article retraction at the link https://benthamscience.com/journals/anti-canceragents-in-medicinal-chemistry/editorial-policies/ Bentham Science Disclaimer: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure, or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hui Bao
- Department of General surgery, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang City 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of General surgery, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang City 110004, Liaoning Province, China
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20
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Wang J, Bai J, OuYang S, Wang H, Jin Y, Peng X, Ge X, Jiao H, Zou J, He C, Xiao P, Song F, Qu Y. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting the SMN2 promoter region enhance SMN2 expression in spinal muscular atrophy cell lines and mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1635-1650. [PMID: 34888619 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by homozygous deletions or mutations in survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1). Currently, the primary therapeutic strategy for SMA is to increase the level of SMN via correcting SMN2 splicing (nusinersen and risdiplam). However, some patients with SMA do not respond to such treatments, thereby warranting a need to develop new therapeutic strategies. We have previously reported that SMN2 expression is epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation levels of the SMN2 promoter region. In the present study, we determined that methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) may bind to this critical promoter region (nt-167 to 43). Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO-P1 and ASO-P2) were designed to target the key methylation sites in the SMN2 promoter region, which enhanced the overall transcription and functional protein expression levels in the SMA cell lines. These results were similar to those observed in nusinersen-treated SMA cells. Moreover, a combined treatment of ASO-P1 and ASO-NUS in SMA cell lines further increases fl-SMN2 transcript and SMN protein levels. The delivery of ASO-P1 to the central nervous system of severe SMA mice corrected the molecular, pathological, and functional phenotypes of this disease and increased survival rates. Our findings suggest that the key methylation regions in the SMN2 promoter region may be a novel therapeutic target for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Jinli Bai
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Shijia OuYang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Yuwei Jin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyin Peng
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Xiushan Ge
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Hui Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Jizhen Zou
- Department of pathology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Cai He
- Department of pathology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Department of pathology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Fang Song
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
| | - Yujin Qu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China
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21
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Grabowska-Pyrzewicz W, Want A, Leszek J, Wojda U. Antisense oligonucleotides for Alzheimer's disease therapy: from the mRNA to miRNA paradigm. EBioMedicine 2021; 74:103691. [PMID: 34773891 PMCID: PMC8602003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a particular therapeutic challenge because its aetiology is very complex, with dynamic progression from preclinical to clinical stages. Several potential therapeutic targets and strategies were tested for AD, in over 2000 clinical trials, but no disease-modifying therapy exists. This failure indicates that AD, as a multifactorial disease, may require multi-targeted approaches and the delivery of therapeutic molecules to the right place and at the right disease stage. Opportunities to meet the challenges of AD therapy appear to come from recent progress in knowledge and methodological advances in the design, synthesis, and targeting of brain mRNA and microRNA with synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Several types of ASOs allow the utilisation of different mechanisms of posttranscriptional regulation and offer enhanced effects over alternative therapeutics. This article reviews ASO-based approaches and targets in preclinical and clinical trials for AD, and presents the future perspective on ASO therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioleta Grabowska-Pyrzewicz
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrew Want
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wybrzeże Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Wojda
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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22
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Thomsen G, Burghes AHM, Hsieh C, Do J, Chu BTT, Perry S, Barkho B, Kaufmann P, Sproule DM, Feltner DE, Chung WK, McGovern VL, Hevner RF, Conces M, Pierson CR, Scoto M, Muntoni F, Mendell JR, Foust KD. Biodistribution of onasemnogene abeparvovec DNA, mRNA and SMN protein in human tissue. Nat Med 2021; 27:1701-1711. [PMID: 34608334 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01483-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease resulting from survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) deletion/mutation. Onasemnogene abeparvovec (formerly AVXS-101) is a gene therapy that restores SMN production via one-time systemic administration. The present study demonstrates widespread biodistribution of vector genomes and transgenes throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs, after intravenous administration of an AAV9-mediated gene therapy. Two symptomatic infants with SMA1 enrolled in phase III studies received onasemnogene abeparvovec. Both patients died of respiratory complications unrelated to onasemnogene abeparvovec. One patient had improved motor function and the other died shortly after administration before appreciable clinical benefit could be observed. In both patients, onasemnogene abeparvovec DNA and messenger RNA distribution were widespread among peripheral organs and in the CNS. The greatest concentration of vector genomes was detected in the liver, with an increase over that detected in CNS tissues of 300-1,000-fold. SMN protein, which was low in an untreated SMA1 control, was clearly detectable in motor neurons, brain, skeletal muscle and multiple peripheral organs in treated patients. These data support the fact that onasemnogene abeparvovec has effective distribution, transduction and expression throughout the CNS after intravenous administration and restores SMN expression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | | | - Janet Do
- Novartis Gene Therapies, Bannockburn, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vicki L McGovern
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Conces
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher R Pierson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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23
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Pandey M, Ojha D, Bansal S, Rode AB, Chawla G. From bench side to clinic: Potential and challenges of RNA vaccines and therapeutics in infectious diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 81:101003. [PMID: 34332771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The functional and structural versatility of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) makes them ideal candidates for overcoming the limitations imposed by small molecule-based drugs. Hence, RNA-based biopharmaceuticals such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNA mimics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), aptamers, riboswitches, and CRISPR-Cas9 are emerging as vital tools for the treatment and prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Some of the major challenges to overcome in the area of RNA-based therapeutics have been the instability of single-stranded RNAs, delivery to the diseased cell, and immunogenicity. However, recent advancements in the delivery systems of in vitro transcribed mRNA and chemical modifications for protection against nucleases and reducing the toxicity of RNA have facilitated the entry of several exogenous RNAs into clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, their production, delivery, current advancements, and future translational potential in treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Divya Ojha
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Ambadas B Rode
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
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24
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Ottesen EW, Luo D, Singh NN, Singh RN. High Concentration of an ISS-N1-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide Causes Massive Perturbation of the Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168378. [PMID: 34445083 PMCID: PMC8395096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) located within Survival Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) intron 7 is the target of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), nusinersen (Spinraza), which is currently being used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic disease associated with infant mortality. The discovery of ISS-N1 as a promising therapeutic target was enabled in part by Anti-N1, a 20-mer ASO that restored SMN2 exon 7 inclusion by annealing to ISS-N1. Here, we analyzed the transcriptome of SMA patient cells treated with 100 nM of Anti-N1 for 30 h. Such concentrations are routinely used to demonstrate the efficacy of an ASO. While 100 nM of Anti-N1 substantially stimulated SMN2 exon 7 inclusion, it also caused massive perturbations in the transcriptome and triggered widespread aberrant splicing, affecting expression of essential genes associated with multiple cellular processes such as transcription, splicing, translation, cell signaling, cell cycle, macromolecular trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and innate immunity. We validated our findings with quantitative and semiquantitative PCR of 39 candidate genes associated with diverse pathways. We also showed a substantial reduction in off-target effects with shorter ISS-N1-targeting ASOs. Our findings are significant for implementing better ASO design and dosing regimens of ASO-based drugs.
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25
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Hammond SM, Sergeeva OV, Melnikov PA, Goli L, Stoodley J, Zatsepin TS, Stetsenko DA, Wood MJA. Mesyl Phosphoramidate Oligonucleotides as Potential Splice-Switching Agents: Impact of Backbone Structure on Activity and Intracellular Localization. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:190-200. [PMID: 33989066 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 2'-deoxy and novel 2'-O-methyl and 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2'-MOE) oligonucleotides with internucleotide methanesulfonyl (mesyl, μ) or 1-butanesulfonyl (busyl, β) phosphoramidate groups has been synthesized for evaluation as potential splice-switching oligonucleotides. Evaluation of their splice-switching activity in spinal muscular atrophy patient-derived fibroblasts revealed no significant difference in splice-switching efficacy between 2'-MOE mesyl oligonucleotide and the corresponding phosphorothioate (nusinersen). Yet, a survival study with model neonatal mice has shown the antisense 2'-MOE mesyl oligonucleotide to be inferior to nusinersen at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg. A reason for their lower activity in vivo as ascertained by cellular uptake study by fluorescent confocal microscopy in HEK293 cell line could possibly be ascribed to compromised endosomal release and/or nuclear uptake of the 2'-OMe or 2'-MOE μ- and β-oligonucleotides compared to their phosphorothioate analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Hammond
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Melnikov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Larissa Goli
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Stetsenko
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Tomkiewicz TZ, Suárez-Herrera N, Cremers FPM, Collin RWJ, Garanto A. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Rescue of Aberrant Splicing Defects Caused by 15 Pathogenic Variants in ABCA4. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094621. [PMID: 33924840 PMCID: PMC8124656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of novel intronic variants in the ABCA4 locus has contributed significantly to solving the missing heritability in Stargardt disease (STGD1). The increasing number of variants affecting pre-mRNA splicing makes ABCA4 a suitable candidate for antisense oligonucleotide (AON)-based splicing modulation therapies. In this study, AON-based splicing modulation was assessed for 15 recently described intronic variants (three near-exon and 12 deep-intronic variants). In total, 26 AONs were designed and tested in vitro using a midigene-based splice system. Overall, partial or complete splicing correction was observed for two variants causing exon elongation and all variants causing pseudoexon inclusion. Together, our results confirm the high potential of AONs for the development of future RNA therapies to correct splicing defects causing STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Z. Tomkiewicz
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.T.); (N.S.-H.); (F.P.M.C.); (R.W.J.C.)
| | - Nuria Suárez-Herrera
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.T.); (N.S.-H.); (F.P.M.C.); (R.W.J.C.)
| | - Frans P. M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.T.); (N.S.-H.); (F.P.M.C.); (R.W.J.C.)
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.T.); (N.S.-H.); (F.P.M.C.); (R.W.J.C.)
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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27
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Shimo T, Nakatsuji Y, Tachibana K, Obika S. Design and In Vitro Evaluation of Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides Bearing Locked Nucleic Acids, Amido-Bridged Nucleic Acids, and Guanidine-Bridged Nucleic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073526. [PMID: 33805378 PMCID: PMC8037388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our group previously developed a series of bridged nucleic acids (BNAs), including locked nucleic acids (LNAs), amido-bridged nucleic acids (AmNAs), and guanidine-bridged nucleic acids (GuNAs), to impart specific characteristics to oligonucleotides such as high-affinity binding and enhanced enzymatic resistance. In this study, we designed a series of LNA-, AmNA-, and GuNA-modified splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) with different lengths and content modifications. We measured the melting temperature (Tm) of each designed SSO to investigate its binding affinity for RNA strands. We also investigated whether the single-stranded SSOs formed secondary structures using UV melting analysis without complementary RNA. As a result, the AmNA-modified SSOs showed almost the same Tm values as the LNA-modified SSOs, with decreased secondary structure formation in the former. In contrast, the GuNA-modified SSOs showed slightly lower Tm values than the LNA-modified SSOs, with no inhibition of secondary structures. We also evaluated the exon skipping activities of the BNAs in vitro at both the mRNA and protein expression levels. We found that both AmNA-modified SSOs and GuNA-modified SSOs showed higher exon skipping activities than LNA-modified SSOs but each class must be appropriately designed in terms of length and modification content.
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28
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Savini G, Asteggiano C, Paoletti M, Parravicini S, Pezzotti E, Solazzo F, Muzic SI, Santini F, Deligianni X, Gardani A, Germani G, Farina LM, Bergsland N, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Berardinelli A, Bastianello S, Pichiecchio A. Pilot Study on Quantitative Cervical Cord and Muscular MRI in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Promising Biomarkers of Disease Evolution and Treatment? Front Neurol 2021; 12:613834. [PMID: 33854470 PMCID: PMC8039452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.613834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Nusinersen is a recent promising therapy approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare disease characterized by the degeneration of alpha motor neurons (αMN) in the spinal cord (SC) leading to progressive muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Muscle and cervical SC quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) has never been used to monitor drug treatment in SMA. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate whether qMRI can provide useful biomarkers for monitoring treatment efficacy in SMA. Methods: Three adult SMA 3a patients under treatment with nusinersen underwent longitudinal clinical and qMRI examinations every 4 months from baseline to 21-month follow-up. The qMRI protocol aimed to quantify thigh muscle fat fraction (FF) and water-T2 (w-T2) and to characterize SC volumes and microstructure. Eleven healthy controls underwent the same SC protocol (single time point). We evaluated clinical and imaging outcomes of SMA patients longitudinally and compared SC data between groups transversally. Results: Patient motor function was stable, with only Patient 2 showing moderate improvements. Average muscle FF was already high at baseline (50%) and progressed over time (57%). w-T2 was also slightly higher than previously published data at baseline and slightly decreased over time. Cross-sectional area of the whole SC, gray matter (GM), and ventral horns (VHs) of Patients 1 and 3 were reduced compared to controls and remained stable over time, while GM and VHs areas of Patient 2 slightly increased. We found altered diffusion and magnetization transfer parameters in SC structures of SMA patients compared to controls, thus suggesting changes in tissue microstructure and myelin content. Conclusion: In this pilot study, we found a progression of FF in thigh muscles of SMA 3a patients during nusinersen therapy and a concurrent slight reduction of w-T2 over time. The SC qMRI analysis confirmed previous imaging and histopathological studies suggesting degeneration of αMN of the VHs, resulting in GM atrophy and demyelination. Our longitudinal data suggest that qMRI could represent a feasible technique for capturing microstructural changes induced by SMA in vivo and a candidate methodology for monitoring the effects of treatment, once replicated on a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Savini
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Asteggiano
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Paoletti
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Parravicini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Pezzotti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Solazzo
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Shaun I Muzic
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Santini
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Xeni Deligianni
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Alice Gardani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Germani
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lisa M Farina
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Niels Bergsland
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States.,IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Russell Square, London, United Kingdom.,Brain Connectivity Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Bastianello
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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29
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Xiong H, Veedu RN, Diermeier SD. Recent Advances in Oligonucleotide Therapeutics in Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3295. [PMID: 33804856 PMCID: PMC8036554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have achieved increased survival rates for many types of cancer over the past decades. However, cancer recurrence and/or metastasis to distant organs remain major challenges, resulting in a large, unmet clinical need. Oligonucleotide therapeutics, which include antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, and aptamers, show promising clinical outcomes for disease indications such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, familial amyloid neuropathies, and macular degeneration. While no approved oligonucleotide drug currently exists for any type of cancer, results obtained in preclinical studies and clinical trials are encouraging. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics in oncology, review current clinical trials, and discuss associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Rakesh N. Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia;
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah D. Diermeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
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30
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Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Aburto MR, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. Advances in the Design of (Nano)Formulations for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA: Focus on the Central Nervous System. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1491-1506. [PMID: 33734715 PMCID: PMC8824433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged
as one of the most powerful
therapeutic options used for the modulation of gene/protein expression
and gene editing with the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the delivery of nucleic acids to the central nervous system
(CNS), in particular by the systemic route, remains a major hurdle.
This review will focus on the strategies for systemic delivery of
therapeutic nucleic acids designed to overcome these barriers. Pathways
and mechanisms of transport across the blood–brain barrier
which could be exploited for delivery are described, focusing in particular
on smaller nucleic acids including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Approaches used to enhance delivery
including chemical modifications, nanocarrier systems, and target
selection (cell-specific delivery) are critically analyzed. Learnings
achieved from a comparison of the successes and failures reported
for CNS delivery of ASOs versus siRNA will help identify opportunities
for a wider range of nucleic acids and accelerate the clinical translation
of these innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique C P Mendonça
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Ayse Kont
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodriguez Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
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31
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Fuchs A, Riegler S, Ayatollahi Z, Cavallari N, Giono LE, Nimeth BA, Mutanwad KV, Schweighofer A, Lucyshyn D, Barta A, Petrillo E, Kalyna M. Targeting alternative splicing by RNAi: from the differential impact on splice variants to triggering artificial pre-mRNA splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1133-1151. [PMID: 33406240 PMCID: PMC7826280 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates multiple transcript and protein isoforms from a single gene and controls transcript intracellular localization and stability by coupling to mRNA export and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent mechanism to modulate gene expression. However, its interactions with alternative splicing are poorly understood. We used artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs, also termed shRNAmiR) to knockdown all splice variants of selected target genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that splice variants, which vary by their protein-coding capacity, subcellular localization and sensitivity to NMD, are affected differentially by an amiRNA, although all of them contain the target site. Particular transcript isoforms escape amiRNA-mediated degradation due to their nuclear localization. The nuclear and NMD-sensitive isoforms mask RNAi action in alternatively spliced genes. Interestingly, Arabidopsis SPL genes, which undergo alternative splicing and are targets of miR156, are regulated in the same manner. Moreover, similar results were obtained in mammalian cells using siRNAs, indicating cross-kingdom conservation of these interactions among RNAi and splicing isoforms. Furthermore, we report that amiRNA can trigger artificial alternative splicing, thus expanding the RNAi functional repertoire. Our findings unveil novel interactions between different post-transcriptional processes in defining transcript fates and regulating gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Fuchs
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Stefan Riegler
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria.,Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna 1190, Austria
| | - Zahra Ayatollahi
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Nicola Cavallari
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Luciana E Giono
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Barbara A Nimeth
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna 1190, Austria
| | - Krishna V Mutanwad
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna 1190, Austria
| | | | - Doris Lucyshyn
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna 1190, Austria
| | - Andrea Barta
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Ezequiel Petrillo
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Kalyna
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna 1190, Austria
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32
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Eilers W, Cleasby M, Foster K. Development of antisense-mediated myostatin knockdown for the treatment of insulin resistance. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1604. [PMID: 33452345 PMCID: PMC7810755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass and its inhibition represents a promising strategy for the treatment of muscle disorders and type 2 diabetes. However, there is currently no clinically effective myostatin inhibitor, and therefore novel methods are required. We evaluated the use of antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) to reduce myostatin expression in skeletal muscle and measured their effects on muscle mass and glucose uptake. C57/Bl6 mice received intramuscular or intravenous injections of anti-myostatin PMOs. Repeated intramuscular administration lead to a reduction in myostatin transcript levels (~ 20–40%), and an increase in muscle mass in chow and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, but insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was reduced in PMO-treated muscles of HFD-fed mice. Five weekly intravenous administrations of 100 nmol PMO did not reduce myostatin expression, and therefore had no significant physiological effects. Unexpectedly, exon skipping levels were higher after intramuscular administration of PMO in HFD- than chow-fed mice. These results suggest that a modest PMO-induced reduction in myostatin transcript levels is sufficient to induce an increase in muscle mass, but that a greater degree of inhibition may be required to improve muscle glucose uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Eilers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| | - Mark Cleasby
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Keith Foster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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33
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Ham KA, Aung-Htut MT, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Nonsequential Splicing Events Alter Antisense-Mediated Exon Skipping Outcome in COL7A1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207705. [PMID: 33081018 PMCID: PMC7590164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COL7A1 gene encodes homotrimer fibrils essential for anchoring dermal and epidermal layers, and pathogenic mutations in COL7A1 can cause recessive or dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. As a monogenic disease gene, COL7A1 constitutes a potential target for antisense oligomer-mediated exon skipping, a therapy applicable to a growing number of other genetic disorders. However, certain characteristics of COL7A1: many exons, low average intron size, and repetitive and guanine-cytosine rich coding sequence, present challenges to the design of specific and effective antisense oligomers. While targeting COL7A1 exons 10 and 73 for excision from the mature mRNA, we discovered that antisense oligomers comprised of 2′-O-methyl modified bases on a phosphorothioate backbone and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers produced similar, but distinctive, splicing patterns including excision of adjacent nontargeted exons and/or retention of nearby introns in some transcripts. We found that the nonsequential splicing of certain introns may alter pre-mRNA processing during antisense oligomer-mediated exon skipping and, therefore, additional studies are required to determine if the order of intron removal influences multiexon skipping and/or intron retention in processing of the COL7A1 pre-mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A. Ham
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - May Thandar Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Michaels WE, Bridges RJ, Hastings ML. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated correction of CFTR splicing improves chloride secretion in cystic fibrosis patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7454-7467. [PMID: 32520327 PMCID: PMC7367209 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, encoding an anion channel that conducts chloride and bicarbonate across epithelial membranes. Mutations that disrupt pre-mRNA splicing occur in >15% of CF cases. One common CFTR splicing mutation is CFTR c.3718-2477C>T (3849+10 kb C>T), which creates a new 5′ splice site, resulting in splicing to a cryptic exon with a premature termination codon. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy to block aberrant splicing. We test an ASO targeting the CFTR c.3718-2477C>T mutation and show that it effectively blocks aberrant splicing in primary bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells from CF patients with the mutation. ASO treatment results in long-term improvement in CFTR activity in hBE cells, as demonstrated by a recovery of chloride secretion and apical membrane conductance. We also show that the ASO is more effective at recovering chloride secretion in our assay than ivacaftor, the potentiator treatment currently available to these patients. Our findings demonstrate the utility of ASOs in correcting CFTR expression and channel activity in a manner expected to be therapeutic in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wren E Michaels
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Robert J Bridges
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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Transport Oligonucleotides-A Novel System for Intracellular Delivery of Antisense Therapeutics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163663. [PMID: 32796768 PMCID: PMC7464317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological activity of antisense oligonucleotides (asON), especially those with a neutral backbone, is often attenuated by poor cellular accumulation. In the present proof-of-concept study, we propose a novel delivery system for asONs which implies the delivery of modified antisense oligonucleotides by so-called transport oligonucleotides (tON), which are oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to asON conjugated with hydrophobic dodecyl moieties. Two types of tONs, bearing at the 5′-end up to three dodecyl residues attached through non-nucleotide inserts (TD series) or anchored directly to internucleotidic phosphate (TP series), were synthesized. tONs with three dodecyl residues efficiently delivered asON to cells without any signs of cytotoxicity and provided a transfection efficacy comparable to that achieved using Lipofectamine 2000. We found that, in the case of tON with three dodecyl residues, some tON/asON duplexes were excreted from the cells within extracellular vesicles at late stages of transfection. We confirmed the high efficacy of the novel and demonstrated that MDR1 mRNA targeted asON delivered by tON with three dodecyl residues significantly reduced the level of P-glycoprotein and increased the sensitivity of KB-8-5 human carcinoma cells to vinblastine. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of lipophilic oligonucleotide carriers and shows they are potentially capable of intracellular delivery of any kind of antisense oligonucleotides.
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Winkelsas AM, Fischbeck KH. Nucleic acid therapeutics in neurodevelopmental disease. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:112-116. [PMID: 32623324 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics allow sequence-based targeting of mutation-harboring genes. They can be used to increase the expression and function of disease genes or to decrease the expression of toxic gene products. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and gene-replacement therapies have received FDA approval, and in vivo gene editing applications are currently under development. Special consideration should be given to target engagement in neurons and amelioration of neurological phenotypes. Here we discuss the uses and limitations of different nucleic acid therapeutics, highlighting examples in the clinical and pre-clinical application of these modalities for the treatment of neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey M Winkelsas
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth H Fischbeck
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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Singh RN, Seo J, Singh NN. RNA in spinal muscular atrophy: therapeutic implications of targeting. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:731-743. [PMID: 32538213 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1783241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by low levels of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein due to deletions of or mutations in the SMN1 gene. Humans carry another nearly identical gene, SMN2, which mostly produces a truncated and less stable protein SMNΔ7 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. Elevation of SMN upon correction of SMN2 exon 7 splicing and gene therapy have been proven to be the effective treatment strategies for SMA. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes existing and potential SMA therapies that are based on RNA targeting.We also discuss the mechanistic basis of RNA-targeting molecules. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) was the first major step towards developing the currently approved antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO)-directed therapy (SpinrazaTM) based on the correction of exon 7 splicing of the endogenous SMN2pre-mRNA. Recently, gene therapy (Zolgensma) has become the second approved treatment for SMA. Small compounds (currently in clinical trials) capable of restoring SMN2 exon 7 inclusion further expand the class of the RNA targeting molecules for SMA therapy. Endogenous RNA targets, such as long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, microRNAs and ribonucleoproteins, could be potentially exploited for developing additional SMA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University , Ames, IA, USA
| | - Joonbae Seo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University , Ames, IA, USA
| | - Natalia N Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University , Ames, IA, USA
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