1
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Jiang X, Zhan L, Tang X. RNA modifications in physiology and pathology: Progressing towards application in clinical settings. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111242. [PMID: 38851412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111242] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The potential to modify individual nucleotides through chemical means in order to impact the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic properties, and base pairing of RNA molecules is harnessed in the medical application of stable synthetic RNAs like mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules. These modifications are used to either increase or decrease the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, naturally occurring biochemical alterations of nucleotides play a role in regulating RNA metabolism and function, thereby modulating essential cellular processes. Research elucidating the mechanisms through which RNA modifications govern fundamental cellular functions in multicellular organisms has enhanced our comprehension of how irregular RNA modification profiles can lead to human diseases. Collectively, these fundamental scientific findings have unveiled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, offering new opportunities for therapeutic intervention and paving the way for a variety of innovative clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China
| | - Lijuan Zhan
- College of Pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian, Jiangsu 223005, China.
| | - Xiaozhu Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Li S, Liu Y, He M, Yang Y, He S, Hu H, Xiong M, Lyu Y. Mirror-Image DNA Nanobox for Enhancing Environment Resistance of Nucleic Acid Probes. ACS NANO 2024; 18:23104-23116. [PMID: 39146318 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Degradation and interference of the nucleic acid probes in complex biological environments like cytoplasm or body fluid can cause obvious false-positive signals and inefficient bioregulation in biosensing and biomedicine. To solve this problem, here, we proposed a universal strategy, termed L-DNA assembly mirror-image box-based environment resistance (L-AMBER), to protect nucleic acid probes from degradation and maintain their responsive activity in complex biological environments. Strand displacement reaction (SDR), aptamer, or DNAzyme-based D-DNA probes were encapsulated into an L-DNA box by using an L-D-L block DNA carrier strand to construct different kinds of L-AMBER probes. We proved that the L-DNA box could effectively protect the encapsulated D-DNA probes by shielding the interference of complex biological environments and only allowing small target molecules to enter for recognition. Compared with the D-AMBER probes, the L-AMBER probes can realize DNase I-assisted amplification detection of biological samples, low false-positive bioimaging, and highly efficient miRNA silence in living cells. Therefore, L-AMBER provided a universal and effective strategy for enhancing the resistance to environmental interference of nucleic acid probes in biosensing and biomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiquan Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Minze He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yani Yang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Shuoyao He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Haolan Hu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Mengyi Xiong
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yifan Lyu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Furong Laboratory, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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3
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Santiago MJ, Chinnapaiyan S, Panda K, Rahman MS, Ghorai S, Rahman I, Black SM, Liu Y, Unwalla HJ. Altered Host microRNAomics in HIV Infections: Therapeutic Potentials and Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8809. [PMID: 39201495 PMCID: PMC11354509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168809] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
microRNAs have emerged as essential regulators of health and disease, attracting significant attention from researchers across diverse disciplines. Following their identification as noncoding oligonucleotides intricately involved in post-transcriptional regulation of protein expression, extensive efforts were devoted to elucidating and validating their roles in fundamental metabolic pathways and multiple pathologies. Viral infections are significant modifiers of the host microRNAome. Specifically, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which affects approximately 39 million people worldwide and has no definitive cure, was reported to induce significant changes in host cell miRNA profiles. Identifying and understanding the effects of the aberrant microRNAome holds potential for early detection and therapeutic designs. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the impact of HIV on host microRNAome. We aim to review the cause-and-effect relationship between the HIV-induced aberrant microRNAome that underscores miRNA's therapeutic potential and acknowledge its limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Santiago
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.J.S.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Srinivasan Chinnapaiyan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Kingshuk Panda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Md. Sohanur Rahman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Suvankar Ghorai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Stephen M. Black
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.J.S.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Hoshang J. Unwalla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.J.S.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (S.C.); (K.P.); (M.S.R.); (S.G.); (S.M.B.)
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4
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Mejzini R, Caruthers MH, Schafer B, Kostov O, Sudheendran K, Ciba M, Danielsen M, Wilton S, Akkari PA, Flynn LL. Allele-Selective Thiomorpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides as a Therapeutic Approach for Fused-in-Sarcoma Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8495. [PMID: 39126066 PMCID: PMC11312655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene are associated with rare and aggressive forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As FUS-ALS is a dominant disease, a targeted, allele-selective approach to FUS knockdown is most suitable. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) are a promising therapeutic platform for treating such diseases. In this study, we have explored the potential for allele-selective knockdown of FUS. Gapmer-type AOs targeted to two common neutral polymorphisms in FUS were designed and evaluated in human fibroblasts. AOs had either methoxyethyl (MOE) or thiomorpholino (TMO) modifications. We found that the TMO modification improved allele selectivity and efficacy for the lead sequences when compared to the MOE counterparts. After TMO-modified gapmer knockdown of the target allele, up to 93% of FUS transcripts detected were from the non-target allele. Compared to MOE-modified AOs, the TMO-modified AOs also demonstrated reduced formation of structured nuclear inclusions and SFPQ aggregation that can be triggered by phosphorothioate-containing AOs. How overall length and gap length of the TMO-modified AOs affected allele selectivity, efficiency and off-target gene knockdown was also evaluated. We have shown that allele-selective knockdown of FUS may be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating FUS-ALS and demonstrated the benefits of the TMO modification for allele-selective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Marvin H. Caruthers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Balazs Schafer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Ondrej Kostov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Kavitha Sudheendran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Marija Ciba
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Mathias Danielsen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (M.H.C.); (B.S.); (O.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Steve Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Patrick Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (S.W.); (P.A.A.); (L.L.F.)
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
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5
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Li Q, Dong M, Chen P. Advances in structural-guided modifications of siRNA. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 110:117825. [PMID: 38954918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117825] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs: patisiran, givosiran, lumasiran, inclisiran, vutrisiran, and nedosiran, serving as compelling evidence of the promising potential of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. The successful implementation of siRNA therapeutics is improved through a combination of various chemical modifications and diverse delivery approaches. The utilization of chemically modified siRNA at specific sites on either the sense strand (SS) or antisense strand (AS) has the potential to enhance resistance to ribozyme degradation, improve stability and specificity, and prolong the efficacy of drugs. Herein, we provide comprehensive analyses concerning the correlation between chemical modifications and structure-guided siRNA design. Various modifications, such as 2'-modifications, 2',4'-dual modifications, non-canonical sugar modifications, and phosphonate mimics, are crucial for the activity of siRNA. We also emphasize the essential strategies for enhancing overhang stability, improving RISC loading efficacy and strand selection, reducing off-target effects, and discussing the future of targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; Research and Development Department, NanoPeptide (Qingdao) Biotechnology Ltd., Qingdao, China.
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Pu Chen
- Research and Development Department, NanoPeptide (Qingdao) Biotechnology Ltd., Qingdao, China; Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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6
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Le BT, Chen S, Veedu RN. Rational Design of Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides on a Mixed PO-PS Backbone for Splice-Switching Applications. Biomolecules 2024; 14:883. [PMID: 39062597 PMCID: PMC11274656 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070883] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are emerging as an attractive platform to treat various diseases. By specifically binding to a target mRNA transcript through Watson-Crick base pairing, ASOs can alter gene expression in a desirable fashion to either rescue loss of function or downregulate pathogenic protein expression. To be clinically relevant, ASOs are generally synthesized using modified analogs to enhance resistance to enzymatic degradation and pharmacokinetic and dynamic properties. Phosphorothioate (PS) belongs to the first generation of modified analogs and has played a vital role in the majority of approved ASO drugs, mainly based on the RNase H mechanism. In contrast to RNase H-dependent ASOs that bind and cleave target mature mRNA, splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) mainly bind and alter precursor mRNA splicing in the cell nucleus. To date, only one approved SSO (Nusinersen) possesses a PS backbone. Typically, the synthesis of PS oligonucleotides generates two types of stereoisomers that could potentially impact the ASO's pharmaco-properties. This can be limited by introducing the naturally occurring phosphodiester (PO) linkage to the ASO sequence. In this study, towards fine-tuning the current strategy in designing SSOs, we reported the design, synthesis, and evaluation of several stereo-random SSOs on a mixed PO-PS backbone for their binding affinity, biological potency, and nuclease stability. Based on the results, we propose that a combination of PO and PS linkages could represent a promising approach toward limiting undesirable stereoisomers while not largely compromising the efficacy of SSOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao T. Le
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (B.T.L.); (S.C.)
- ProGenis Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd., Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Suxiang Chen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (B.T.L.); (S.C.)
- Precision Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rakesh N. Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (B.T.L.); (S.C.)
- ProGenis Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd., Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Precision Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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7
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Bishani A, Meschaninova MI, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. The Impact of Chemical Modifications on the Interferon-Inducing and Antiproliferative Activity of Short Double-Stranded Immunostimulating RNA. Molecules 2024; 29:3225. [PMID: 38999177 PMCID: PMC11243415 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133225] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A short 19 bp dsRNA with 3'-trinucleotide overhangs acting as immunostimulating RNA (isRNA) demonstrated strong antiproliferative action against cancer cells, immunostimulatory activity through activation of cytokines and Type-I IFN secretion, as well as anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects in vivo. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance of chemical modifications (2'-F, 2'-OMe, PS, cholesterol, and amino acids) located at different positions within this isRNA to its ability to activate the innate immune system. The obtained duplexes were tested in vivo for their ability to activate the synthesis of interferon-α in mice, and in tumor cell cultures for their ability to inhibit their proliferation. The obtained data show that chemical modifications in the composition of isRNA have different effects on its individual functions, including interferon-inducing and antiproliferative effects. The effect of modifications depends not only on the type of modification but also on its location and the surrounding context of the modifications. This study made it possible to identify leader patterns of modifications that enhance the properties of isRNA: F2/F2 and F2_S/F2 for interferon-inducing activity, as well as F2_S5/F2_S5, F2-NH2/F2-NH2, and Ch-F2/Ch-F2 for antiproliferative action. These modifications can improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, as well as increase the specificity of isRNA action to obtain the desired effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena L. Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.B.); (M.I.M.); (M.A.Z.)
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8
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Chini A, Guha P, Rishi A, Obaid M, Udden SN, Mandal SS. Discovery and functional characterization of LncRNAs associated with inflammation and macrophage activation. Methods 2024; 227:1-16. [PMID: 38703879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging players in regulation of gene expression and cell signaling and their dysregulation has been implicated in a multitude of human diseases. Recent studies from our laboratory revealed that lncRNAs play critical roles in cytokine regulation, inflammation, and metabolism. We demonstrated that lncRNA HOTAIR, which is a well-known regulator of gene silencing, plays critical roles in modulation of cytokines and proinflammatory genes, and glucose metabolism in macrophages during inflammation. In addition, we recently discovered a series of novel lncRNAs that are closely associated with inflammation and macrophage activation. We termed these as long-noncoding inflammation associated RNAs (LinfRNAs). We are currently engaged in the functional characterization of these hLinfRNAs (human LinfRNAs) with a focus on their roles in inflammation, and we are investigating their potential implications in chronic inflammatory human diseases. Here, we have summarized experimental methods that have been utilized for the discovery and functional characterization of lncRNAs in inflammation and macrophage activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisankar Chini
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Prarthana Guha
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Ashcharya Rishi
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Monira Obaid
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Sm Nashir Udden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Subhrangsu S Mandal
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
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9
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Weiss A, Gilbert JW, Flores IVR, Belgrad J, Ferguson C, Dogan EO, Wightman N, Mocarski K, Echeverria D, Summers A, Bramato B, McHugh N, Furgal R, Yamada N, Cooper D, Monopoli K, Godinho BM, Hassler MR, Yamada K, Greer P, Henninger N, Brown RH, Khvorova A. RNAi-mediated silencing of SOD1 profoundly extends survival and functional outcomes in ALS mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599943. [PMID: 38979291 PMCID: PMC11230209 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition, with 20% of familial and 2-3% of sporadic cases linked to mutations in the cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. Mutant SOD1 protein is toxic to motor neurons, making SOD1 gene lowering a promising approach, supported by preclinical data and the 2023 FDA approval of the GapmeR ASO targeting SOD1, tofersen. Despite the approval of an ASO and the optimism it brings to the field, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic SOD1 modulation can be improved. Here, we developed a chemically stabilized divalent siRNA scaffold (di-siRNA) that effectively suppresses SOD1 expression in vitro and in vivo. With optimized chemical modification, it achieves remarkable CNS tissue permeation and SOD1 silencing in vivo. Administered intraventricularly, di-siRNASOD1 extended survival in SOD1-G93A ALS mice, surpassing survival previously seen in these mice by ASO modalities, slowed disease progression, and prevented ALS neuropathology. These properties offer an improved therapeutic strategy for SOD1-mediated ALS and may extend to other dominantly inherited neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - James W. Gilbert
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Jillian Belgrad
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elif O. Dogan
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kit Mocarski
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Monopoli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew R. Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Paul Greer
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nils Henninger
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester, MA, USA
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10
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Batistatou N, Kritzer JA. Comparing Cell Penetration of Biotherapeutics across Human Cell Lines. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1351-1365. [PMID: 38836425 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A major obstacle in biotherapeutics development is maximizing cell penetration. Ideally, assays would allow for optimization of cell penetration in the cell type of interest early in the drug development process. However, few assays exist to compare cell penetration across different cell types independent of drug function. In this work, we applied the chloroalkane penetration assay (CAPA) in seven mammalian cell lines as well as primary cells. Careful controls were used to ensure that data could be compared across cell lines. We compared the nuclear penetration of several peptides and drug-like oligonucleotides and saw significant differences among the cell lines. To help explain these differences, we quantified the relative activities of endocytosis pathways in these cell lines and correlated them with the penetration data. Based on these results, we knocked down clathrin in a cell line with an efficient permeability profile and observed reduced penetration of peptides but not oligonucleotides. Finally, we used small-molecule endosomal escape enhancers and observed enhancement of cell penetration of some oligonucleotides, but only in some of the cell lines tested. CAPA data provide valuable points of comparison among different cell lines, including primary cells, for evaluating the cell penetration of various classes of peptides and oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Batistatou
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joshua A Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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11
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Zhang X, Das T, Chao TF, Trinh V, Carmen-Orozco RP, Ling JP, Kalab P, Hayes LR. Multivalent GU-rich oligonucleotides sequester TDP-43 in the nucleus by inducing high molecular weight RNP complexes. iScience 2024; 27:110109. [PMID: 38989321 PMCID: PMC11233918 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic aggregation are hallmarks of TDP-43 proteinopathies. We recently demonstrated that binding to endogenous nuclear GU-rich RNAs sequesters TDP-43 in the nucleus by restricting its passive nuclear export. Here, we tested the feasibility of synthetic RNA oligonucleotide-mediated augmentation of TDP-43 nuclear localization. Using biochemical assays, we compared the ability of GU-rich oligonucleotides to engage in multivalent, RRM-dependent binding with TDP-43. When transfected into cells, (GU)16 attenuated TDP-43 mislocalization induced by transcriptional blockade or RanGAP1 ablation. Clip34nt and (GU)16 accelerated TDP-43 nuclear re-import after cytoplasmic mislocalization. RNA pulldowns confirmed that multivalent GU-oligonucleotides induced high molecular weight RNP complexes, incorporating TDP-43 and possibly other GU-binding proteins. Transfected GU-repeat oligos disrupted TDP-43 cryptic exon repression, likely by diverting TDP-43 from endogenous RNAs, except for Clip34nt that contains interspersed A and C. Thus, exogenous multivalent GU-RNAs can promote TDP-43 nuclear localization, though pure GU-repeat motifs impair TDP-43 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tanuza Das
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tiffany F. Chao
- Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltiomre, MD 21218, USA
| | - Vickie Trinh
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Jonathan P. Ling
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Petr Kalab
- Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltiomre, MD 21218, USA
| | - Lindsey R. Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Brain Science Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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12
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Matsubayashi T, Yoshioka K, Lei Mon SS, Katsuyama M, Jia C, Yamaguchi T, Hara RI, Nagata T, Nakagawa O, Obika S, Yokota T. Favorable efficacy and reduced acute neurotoxicity by antisense oligonucleotides with 2',4'-BNA/LNA with 9-(aminoethoxy)phenoxazine. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102161. [PMID: 38978695 PMCID: PMC11229412 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
An increasing number of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have been approved for clinical use. However, improvements of both efficacy and safety in the central nervous system (CNS) are crucial for the treatment with CNS diseases. We aimed to overcome the crucial issues by our development of various gapmer ASOs with a novel nucleoside derivative including a 2',4'-BNA/LNA with 9-(aminoethoxy)phenoxazine (BNAP-AEO). The various gapmer ASOs with BNAP-AEO were evaluated for thermal stability, in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and acute CNS toxicity. Thermal stability analysis of the duplexes with their complementary RNAs showed that ASOs with BNAP-AEO had a higher binding affinity than those without BNAP-AEO. In vitro assays, when transfected into neuroblastoma cell lines, demonstrated that ASOs with BNAP-AEO, had a more efficient gene silencing effect than those without BNAP-AEO. In vivo assays, involving intracerebroventricular injections into mice, revealed ASOs with BNAP-AEO potently suppressed gene expression in the brain. Surprisingly, the acute CNS toxicity in mice, as assessed through open field tests and scoring systems, was significantly lower for ASOs with BNAP-AEO than for those without BNAP-AEO. This study underscores the efficient gene-silencing effect and low acute CNS toxicity of ASOs incorporating BNAP-AEO, indicating the potential for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Matsubayashi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Su Su Lei Mon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Maho Katsuyama
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Chunyan Jia
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takao Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Rintaro Iwata Hara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Nishihamahoji, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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13
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Sorets AG, Schwensen KR, Francini N, Kjar A, Abdulrahman AM, Shostak A, Katdare KA, Schoch KM, Cowell RP, Park JC, Ligocki AP, Ford WT, Ventura-Antunes L, Hoogenboezem EN, Prusky A, Castleberry M, Michell DL, Miller TM, Vickers KC, Schrag MS, Duvall CL, Lippmann ES. Lipid-siRNA conjugate accesses a perivascular transport mechanism and achieves widespread and durable knockdown in the central nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.598079. [PMID: 38915549 PMCID: PMC11195074 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.598079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Short-interfering RNA (siRNA) has gained significant interest for treatment of neurological diseases by providing the capacity to achieve sustained inhibition of nearly any gene target. Yet, achieving efficacious drug delivery throughout deep brain structures of the CNS remains a considerable hurdle. We herein describe a lipid-siRNA conjugate that, following delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is transported effectively through perivascular spaces, enabling broad dispersion within CSF compartments and through the CNS parenchyma. We provide a detailed examination of the temporal kinetics of gene silencing, highlighting potent knockdown for up to five months from a single injection without detectable toxicity. Single-cell RNA sequencing further demonstrates gene silencing activity across diverse cell populations in the parenchyma and at brain borders, which may provide new avenues for neurological disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Sorets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katrina R. Schwensen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nora Francini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adam M. Abdulrahman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A. Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca P. Cowell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joshua C. Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander P. Ligocki
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William T. Ford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Alex Prusky
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark Castleberry
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danielle L. Michell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy M. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kasey C. Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew S. Schrag
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Craig L. Duvall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S. Lippmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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14
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Miller R, Paquette J, Barker A, Sapp E, McHugh N, Bramato B, Yamada N, Alterman J, Echeveria D, Yamada K, Watts J, Anaclet C, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A, Aronin N. Preventing acute neurotoxicity of CNS therapeutic oligonucleotides with the addition of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ in the formulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597639. [PMID: 38895198 PMCID: PMC11185713 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics (ASOs and siRNAs) have been explored for modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS), with several drugs approved and many in clinical evaluation. Administration of highly concentrated oligonucleotides to the CNS can induce acute neurotoxicity. We demonstrate that delivery of concentrated oligonucleotides to the CSF in awake mice induces acute toxicity, observable within seconds of injection. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) in awake mice demonstrated seizures. Using ion chromatography, we show that siRNAs can tightly bind Ca2+ and Mg2+ up to molar equivalents of the phosphodiester (PO)/phosphorothioate (PS) bonds independently of the structure or phosphorothioate content. Optimization of the formulation by adding high concentrations (above biological levels) of divalent cations (Ca2+ alone, Mg2+ alone, or Ca2+ and Mg2+) prevents seizures with no impact on the distribution or efficacy of the oligonucleotide. The data here establishes the importance of adding Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the formulation for the safety of CNS administration of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Joseph Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Alexandra Barker
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ellen Sapp
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Dimas Echeveria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Jonathan Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95618
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
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15
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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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16
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Carlesso A, Hörberg J, Deganutti G, Reymer A, Matsson P. Structural dynamics of therapeutic nucleic acids with phosphorothioate backbone modifications. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae058. [PMID: 38800826 PMCID: PMC11127634 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) offer ground-breaking possibilities for selective pharmacological intervention for any gene product-related disease. Therapeutic ASOs contain extensive chemical modifications that improve stability to enzymatic cleavage and modulate binding affinity relative to natural RNA/DNA. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation can provide valuable insights into how such modifications affect ASO conformational sampling and target binding. However, force field parameters for chemically modified nucleic acids (NAs) are still underdeveloped. To bridge this gap, we developed parameters to allow simulations of ASOs with the widely applied phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modification, and validated these in extensive all-atom MD simulations of relevant PS-modified NA systems representing B-DNA, RNA, and DNA/RNA hybrid duplex structures. Compared to the corresponding natural NAs, single PS substitutions had marginal effects on the ordered DNA/RNA duplex, whereas substantial effects of phosphorothioation were observed in single-stranded RNA and B-DNA, corroborated by the experimentally derived structure data. We find that PS-modified NAs shift between high and low twist states, which could affect target recognition and protein interactions for phosphorothioated oligonucleotides. Furthermore, conformational sampling was markedly altered in the PS-modified ssRNA system compared to that of the natural oligonucleotide, indicating sequence-dependent effects on conformational preference that may in turn influence duplex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carlesso
- Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Hörberg
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Anna Reymer
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pär Matsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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17
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Helmes E, Montgomery J, Alarcio G, Mendoza HG, Blea JA, Beal PA, Moeller BC. Non-Targeted Detection of Synthetic Oligonucleotides in Equine Serum Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5752. [PMID: 38891955 PMCID: PMC11172053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115752] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
There is great concern in equine sport over the potential use of pharmaceutical agents capable of editing the genome or modifying the expression of gene products. Synthetic oligonucleotides are short, single-stranded polynucleotides that represent a class of agents capable of modifying gene expression products with a high potential for abuse in horseracing. As these substances are not covered by most routine anti-doping analytical approaches, they represent an entire class of compounds that are not readily detectable. The nucleotide sequence for each oligonucleotide is highly specific, which makes targeted analysis for these agents problematic. Accordingly, we have developed a non-targeted approach to detect the presence of specific product ions that are not naturally present in ribonucleic acids. Briefly, serum samples were extracted using solid-phase extraction with a mixed-mode cartridge following the disruption of protein interactions to isolate the oligonucleotides. Following the elution and concentration steps, chromatographic separation was achieved utilizing reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Following an introduction to a Thermo Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization, analytes were detected utilizing a combination of full-scan, parallel reaction monitoring and all ion fragmentation scan modes. The limits of detection were determined along with the accuracy, precision, stability, recovery, and matrix effects using a representative 13mer oligonucleotide. Following method optimization using the 13mer oligonucleotide, the method was applied to successfully detect the presence of specific product ions in three unique oligonucleotide sequences targeting equine-specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Helmes
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Jacob Montgomery
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Gwendolyne Alarcio
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Herra G. Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.G.M.); (P.A.B.)
| | - Jeffrey A. Blea
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Peter A. Beal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.G.M.); (P.A.B.)
| | - Benjamin C. Moeller
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (J.M.); (G.A.)
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18
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Sarli SL, Fakih HH, Kelly K, Devi G, Rembetsy-Brown J, McEachern H, Ferguson C, Echeverria D, Lee J, Sousa J, Sleiman H, Khvorova A, Watts J. Quantifying the activity profile of ASO and siRNA conjugates in glioblastoma xenograft tumors in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4799-4817. [PMID: 38613388 PMCID: PMC11109979 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a universally lethal brain tumor that largely resists current surgical and drug interventions. Despite important advancements in understanding GBM biology, the invasiveness and heterogeneity of these tumors has made it challenging to develop effective therapies. Therapeutic oligonucleotides-antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNAs-are chemically modified nucleic acids that can silence gene expression in the brain. However, activity of these oligonucleotides in brain tumors remains inadequately characterized. In this study, we developed a quantitative method to differentiate oligonucleotide-induced gene silencing in orthotopic GBM xenografts from gene silencing in normal brain tissue, and used this method to test the differential silencing activity of a chemically diverse panel of oligonucleotides. We show that oligonucleotides chemically optimized for pharmacological activity in normal brain tissue do not show consistent activity in GBM xenografts. We then survey multiple advanced oligonucleotide chemistries for their activity in GBM xenografts. Attaching lipid conjugates to oligonucleotides improves silencing in GBM cells across several different lipid classes. Highly hydrophobic lipid conjugates cholesterol and docosanoic acid enhance silencing but at the cost of higher neurotoxicity. Moderately hydrophobic, unsaturated fatty acid and amphiphilic lipid conjugates still improve activity without compromising safety. These oligonucleotide conjugates show promise for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Sarli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Holly R McEachern
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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19
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Chen Z, Zhang Z, Liu S, Xiao Z, Luo Y, Pan X, Feng X, Xu L. Synthesis and evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides prodrug with G-quadruplex assembly and lysosome escape capabilities for oncotherapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107475. [PMID: 38772293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107475] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The applications of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in rare or common diseases treatment have garnered great attention in recent years. Nevertheless, challenges associated with stability and bioavailability still persist, hampering the efficiency of ASOs. This work presents an ASO prodrug with parallel G-quadruplex assembly and lysosome escape capabilities for oncotherapy. Our findings revealed that the end-assembled quadruplex structure effectively shielded the ASO from enzymatic degradation. Meanwhile, the conjugation of maleimide within the quadruplex enhanced cellular uptake, potentially offering an alternative cell entry mechanism that circumvents lysosome involvement. Notably, an optimized molecule, Mal2-G4-ASO, exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo. This work presents a promising avenue for enhancing the activity of nucleic acid drugs in oncotherapy and potentially other disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; China Medical University, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; China Medical University, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaochen Pan
- Beijing Easyresearch Technology Limited, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuesong Feng
- China Medical University, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
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20
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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 PMCID: PMC11250842 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] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [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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21
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Hanswillemenke A, Hofacker DT, Sorgenfrei M, Fruhner C, Franz-Wachtel M, Schwarzer D, Maček B, Stafforst T. Profiling the interactome of oligonucleotide drugs by proximity biotinylation. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:555-565. [PMID: 38233583 PMCID: PMC11062921 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Drug-ID is a novel method applying proximity biotinylation to identify drug-protein interactions inside living cells. The covalent conjugation of a drug with a biotin ligase enables targeted biotinylation and identification of the drug-bound proteome. We established Drug-ID for two small-molecule drugs, JQ1 and SAHA, and applied it for RNaseH-recruiting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Drug-ID profiles the drug-protein interactome de novo under native conditions, directly inside living cells and at pharmacologically effective drug concentrations. It requires minimal amounts of cell material and might even become applicable in vivo. We studied the dose-dependent aggregation of ASOs and the effect of different wing chemistries (locked nucleic acid, 2'-methoxyethyl and 2'-Fluoro) and ASO lengths on the interactome. Finally, we demonstrate the detection of stress-induced, intracellular interactome changes (actinomycin D treatment) with an in situ variant of the approach, which uses a recombinant biotin ligase and does not require genetic manipulation of the target cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michèle Sorgenfrei
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Fruhner
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mirita Franz-Wachtel
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boris Maček
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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22
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Baylot V, Le TK, Taïeb D, Rocchi P, Colleaux L. Between hope and reality: treatment of genetic diseases through nucleic acid-based drugs. Commun Biol 2024; 7:489. [PMID: 38653753 PMCID: PMC11039704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06121-9] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RD) affect a small number of people compared to the general population and are mostly genetic in origin. The first clinical signs often appear at birth or in childhood, and patients endure high levels of pain and progressive loss of autonomy frequently associated with short life expectancy. Until recently, the low prevalence of RD and the gatekeeping delay in their diagnosis have long hampered research. The era of nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies has revolutionized the landscape of RD treatment and new hopes arise with the perspectives of disease-modifying drugs development as some NA-based therapies are now entering the clinical stage. Herein, we review NA-based drugs that were approved and are currently under investigation for the treatment of RD. We also discuss the recent structural improvements of NA-based therapeutics and delivery system, which overcome the main limitations in their market expansion and the current approaches that are developed to address the endosomal escape issue. We finally open the discussion on the ethical and societal issues that raise this new technology in terms of regulatory approval and sustainability of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Baylot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - David Taïeb
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
| | - Laurence Colleaux
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINAM, ERL INSERM U 1326, CERIMED, Marseille, France
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23
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Croft LV, Fisher M, Barbhuiya TK, El-Kamand S, Beard S, Rajapakse A, Gamsjaeger R, Cubeddu L, Bolderson E, O'Byrne K, Richard D, Gandhi NS. Sequence- and Structure-Dependent Cytotoxicity of Phosphorothioate and 2'- O-Methyl Modified Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:143-155. [PMID: 38648015 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0056] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotides (SSOs) are a rapidly expanding class of therapeutics that comprises antisense oligonucleotides, microRNAs, and aptamers, with ten clinically approved molecules. Chemical modifications such as the phosphorothioate backbone and the 2'-O-methyl ribose can improve the stability and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic SSOs, but they can also lead to toxicity in vitro and in vivo through nonspecific interactions with cellular proteins, gene expression changes, disturbed RNA processing, and changes in nuclear structures and protein distribution. In this study, we screened a mini library of 277 phosphorothioate and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs, with or without mRNA complementarity, for cytotoxic properties in two cancer cell lines. Using circular dichroism, nucleic magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that phosphorothioate- and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs that form stable hairpin structures through Watson-Crick base pairing are more likely to be cytotoxic than those that exist in an extended conformation. In addition, moderate and highly cytotoxic SSOs in our dataset have a higher mean purine composition than pyrimidine. Overall, our study demonstrates a structure-cytotoxicity relationship and indicates that the formation of stable hairpins should be a consideration when designing SSOs toward optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Croft
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Fisher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tabassum Khair Barbhuiya
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Serene El-Kamand
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Samuel Beard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Rajapakse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Liza Cubeddu
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Emma Bolderson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Derek Richard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
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24
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He W, Belsham DD. RNA-Binding Protein Motifs Predict microRNA Secretion and Cellular Retention in Hypothalamic and Other Cell Types. Biomedicines 2024; 12:857. [PMID: 38672211 PMCID: PMC11048351 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040857] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) can be selectively secreted or retained, adding another layer to their critical role in regulating human health and disease. To date, select RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been proposed to be a mechanism underlying miRNA localization, but the overall relevance of RBPs in systematic miRNA sorting remains unclear. This study profiles intracellular and small extracellular vesicles' (sEVs) miRNAs in NPY-expressing hypothalamic neurons. These findings were corroborated by the publicly available sEV and intracellular miRNA profiles of white and brown adipocytes, endothelium, liver, and muscle from various databases. Using experimentally determined binding motifs of 93 RBPs, our enrichment analysis revealed that sEV-originating miRNAs contained significantly different RBP motifs than those of intracellularly retained miRNAs. Multiple RBP motifs were shared across cell types; for instance, RBM4 and SAMD4 are significantly enriched in neurons, hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, and endothelial cells. Homologs of both proteins physically interact with Argonaute1/2 proteins, suggesting that they play a role in miRNA sorting. Machine learning modelling also demonstrates that significantly enriched RBP motifs could predict cell-specific preferential miRNA sorting. Non-optimized machine learning modeling of the motifs using Random Forest and Naive Bayes in all cell types except WAT achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.77-0.84, indicating a high predictive accuracy. Given that the RBP motifs have a significant predictive power, these results underscore the critical role that RBPs play in miRNA sorting within mammalian cells and reinforce the importance of miRNA sequencing in preferential localization. For the future development of small RNA therapeutics, considering these RBP-RNA interactions could be crucial to maximize delivery effectiveness and minimize off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan He
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Denise D. Belsham
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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25
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Zhang X, Das T, Chao TF, Trinh V, Carmen R, Ling JP, Kalab P, Hayes LR. Multivalent GU-rich oligonucleotides sequester TDP-43 in the nucleus by inducing high molecular weight RNP complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.01.551528. [PMID: 37577513 PMCID: PMC10418175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
TDP-43 nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic aggregation are hallmarks of TDP-43 proteinopathies. We recently demonstrated that binding to endogenous nuclear GU-rich RNAs sequesters TDP-43 in the nucleus by restricting its passive nuclear export. Here, we tested the feasibility of synthetic RNA oligonucleotide-mediated augmentation of TDP-43 nuclear localization. Using biochemical assays, we compared the ability of GU-rich oligonucleotides to engage in multivalent, RRM-dependent binding with TDP-43. When transfected into cells, (GU)16 attenuated TDP-43 mislocalization induced by transcriptional blockade or RanGAP1 ablation. Clip34nt and (GU)16 accelerated TDP-43 nuclear re-import after cytoplasmic mislocalization. RNA pulldowns confirmed that multivalent GU-oligonucleotides induced high molecular weight RNP complexes, incorporating TDP-43 and possibly other GU-binding proteins. Transfected GU-repeat oligos disrupted TDP-43 cryptic exon repression, likely by diverting TDP-43 from endogenous RNAs, except for Clip34nt which contains interspersed A and C. Thus, exogenous multivalent GU-RNAs can promote TDP-43 nuclear localization, though pure GU-repeat motifs impair TDP-43 function.
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26
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Duan C, Kang M, Pan X, Gan Z, Huang V, Li G, Place RF, Li LC. Intrathecal administration of a novel siRNA modality extends survival and improves motor function in the SOD1 G93A ALS mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102147. [PMID: 38435120 PMCID: PMC10907209 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were the first modality to pioneer targeted gene knockdown in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). RNA interference (RNAi) is another mechanism of gene silencing in which short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) effectively degrade complementary transcripts. However, delivery to extrahepatic tissues like the CNS has been a bottleneck in the clinical development of RNAi. Herein, we identify potent siRNA duplexes for the knockdown of human SOD1 in which medicinal chemistry and conjugation to an accessory oligonucleotide (ACO) enable activity in CNS tissues. Local delivery via intracerebroventricular or intrathecal injection into SOD1G93A mice delayed disease progression and extended animal survival with superior efficacy compared with an ASO resembling tofersen in sequence and chemistry. Treatment also prevented disease-related declines in motor function, including improvements in animal mobility, muscle strength, and coordination. The ACO itself does not target any specific complementary nucleic acid sequence; rather, it imparts benefits conducive to bioavailability and delivery through its chemistry. The complete conjugate (i.e., siRNA-ACO) represents a novel modality for delivery of duplex RNA (e.g., siRNA) to the CNS that is currently being tested in the clinic for treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Duan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Moorim Kang
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaojie Pan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zubao Gan
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Vera Huang
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guanlin Li
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | - Long-Cheng Li
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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27
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Bäckström E, Bonetti A, Johnsson P, Öhlin S, Dahlén A, Andersson P, Andersson S, Gennemark P. Tissue pharmacokinetics of antisense oligonucleotides. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102133. [PMID: 38419941 PMCID: PMC10899043 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetics (PK) of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is characterized by rapid distribution from plasma to tissue and slow terminal plasma elimination driven by re-distribution from tissue. Quantitative understanding of tissue PK and RNA knockdown for various ASO chemistries, conjugations, and administration routes is critical for successful drug discovery. Here, we report concentration-time and RNA knockdown profiles for a gapmer ASO with locked nucleic acid ribose chemistry in mouse liver, kidney, heart, and lung after subcutaneous and intratracheal administration. Additionally, the same ASO with liver targeting conjugation (galactosamine-N-acetyl) is evaluated for subcutaneous administration. Data indicate that exposure and knockdown differ between tissues and strongly depend on administration route and conjugation. In a second study, we show that tissue PK is similar between the three different ribose chemistries locked nucleic acid, constrained ethyl and 2'-O-methoxyethyl, both after subcutaneous and intratracheal administration. Further, we show that the half-life in mouse liver may vary with ASO sequence. Finally, we report less than dose-proportional increase in liver concentration in the dose range of 3-30 μmol/kg. Overall, our studies contribute pivotal data to support design and interpretation of ASO in vivo studies, thereby increasing the probability of delivering novel ASO therapies to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Bäckström
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Bonetti
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Johnsson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Öhlin
- Business, Planning Operations, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Dahlén
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shalini Andersson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Gennemark
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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28
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Sergeeva O, Akhmetova E, Dukova S, Beloglazkina E, Uspenskaya A, Machulkin A, Stetsenko D, Zatsepin T. Structure-activity relationship study of mesyl and busyl phosphoramidate antisense oligonucleotides for unaided and PSMA-mediated uptake into prostate cancer cells. Front Chem 2024; 12:1342178. [PMID: 38501046 PMCID: PMC10944894 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1342178] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphorothioate (PS) group is a key component of a majority of FDA approved oligonucleotide drugs that increase stability to nucleases whilst maintaining interactions with many proteins, including RNase H in the case of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). At the same time, uniform PS modification increases nonspecific protein binding that can trigger toxicity and pro-inflammatory effects, so discovery and characterization of alternative phosphate mimics for RNA therapeutics is an actual task. Here we evaluated the effects of the introduction of several N-alkane sulfonyl phosphoramidate groups such as mesyl (methanesulfonyl) or busyl (1-butanesulfonyl) phosphoramidates into gapmer ASOs on the efficiency and pattern of RNase H cleavage, cellular uptake in vitro, and intracellular localization. Using Malat1 lncRNA as a target, we have identified patterns of mesyl or busyl modifications in the ASOs for optimal knockdown in vitro. Combination of the PSMA ligand-mediated delivery with optimized mesyl and busyl ASOs resulted in the efficient target depletion in the prostate cancer cells. Our study demonstrated that other N-alkanesulfonyl phosphoramidate groups apart from a known mesyl phosphoramidate can serve as an essential component of mixed backbone gapmer ASOs to reduce drawbacks of uniformly PS-modified gapmers, and deserve further investigation in RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Sergeeva
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - E. Akhmetova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - S. Dukova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - E. Beloglazkina
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. Uspenskaya
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. Machulkin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department for Biochemistry, People’s Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - D. Stetsenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - T. Zatsepin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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29
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Delaunay S, Helm M, Frye M. RNA modifications in physiology and disease: towards clinical applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:104-122. [PMID: 37714958 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of chemical modifications of single nucleotides to alter the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic surface and base pairing of RNA molecules is exploited for the clinical use of stable artificial RNAs such as mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules - to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, naturally occurring biochemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and function to modulate crucial cellular processes. Studies showing the mechanisms by which RNA modifications regulate basic cell functions in higher organisms have led to greater understanding of how aberrant RNA modification profiles can cause disease in humans. Together, these basic science discoveries have unravelled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, have provided new prospects for therapeutic manipulation and have led to a range of innovative clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Delaunay
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Frye
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany.
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30
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Neary MT, Mulder LM, Kowalski PS, MacLoughlin R, Crean AM, Ryan KB. Nebulised delivery of RNA formulations to the lungs: From aerosol to cytosol. J Control Release 2024; 366:812-833. [PMID: 38101753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.012] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade RNA-based therapies such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) have emerged as new and ground-breaking therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of many conditions from viral infection to cancer. Most clinically approved RNA therapies are parenterally administered which impacts patient compliance and adds to healthcare costs. Pulmonary administration via inhalation is a non-invasive means to deliver RNA and offers an attractive alternative to injection. Nebulisation is a particularly appealing method due to the capacity to deliver large RNA doses during tidal breathing. In this review, we discuss the unique physiological barriers presented by the lung to efficient nebulised RNA delivery and approaches adopted to circumvent this problem. Additionally, the different types of nebulisers are evaluated from the perspective of their suitability for RNA delivery. Furthermore, we discuss recent preclinical studies involving nebulisation of RNA and analysis in in vitro and in vivo settings. Several studies have also demonstrated the importance of an effective delivery vector in RNA nebulisation therefore we assess the variety of lipid, polymeric and hybrid-based delivery systems utilised to date. We also consider the outlook for nebulised RNA medicinal products and the hurdles which must be overcome for successful clinical translation. In summary, nebulised RNA delivery has demonstrated promising potential for the treatment of several lung-related conditions such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis, to which the mode of delivery is of crucial importance for clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Neary
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Piotr S Kowalski
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Abina M Crean
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Katie B Ryan
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland.
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31
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Zharkov TD, Markov OV, Zhukov SA, Khodyreva SN, Kupryushkin MS. Influence of Combinations of Lipophilic and Phosphate Backbone Modifications on Cellular Uptake of Modified Oligonucleotides. Molecules 2024; 29:452. [PMID: 38257365 PMCID: PMC10818405 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020452] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous types of oligonucleotide modifications have been developed since automated synthesis of DNA/RNA became a common instrument in the creation of synthetic oligonucleotides. Despite the growing number of types of oligonucleotide modifications under development, only a few of them and, moreover, their combinations have been studied widely enough in terms of their influence on the properties of corresponding NA constructions. In the present study, a number of oligonucleotides with combinations of 3'-end lipophilic (a single cholesteryl or a pair of dodecyl residues) and phosphate backbone modifications were synthesized. The influence of the combination of used lipophilic groups with phosphate modifications of various natures and different positions on the efficiency of cell penetration was evaluated. The obtained results indicate that even a couple of phosphate modifications are able to affect a set of oligonucleotide properties in a complex manner and can remarkably change cellular uptake. These data clearly show that the strategy of using different patterns of modification combinations has great potential for the rational design of oligonucleotide structures with desired predefined properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maxim S. Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.D.Z.); (O.V.M.); (S.A.Z.); (S.N.K.)
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32
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Nishina K, Yoshioka K, Yokota T, Hara RI. Comparison of interaction between antimiR and microRNA versus HDO-antimiR and microRNA by molecular dynamics simulation. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38205778 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2024.2302526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, we found DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide-based antimiR (HDO-antimiR) can more efficiently inhibit the target miRNA than conventional antimiR after its cellular uptake. But the mechanism of HDO-antimiR about the target-silencing is unknown. We here tried to elucidate the interaction mechanism of HDO-antimiR to miRNA using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. When interaction of the conventional antimiR or HDO-antimiR and the target miRNA was simulated, they combined with each other in various forms. In the hydrogen bond analyses, base site of the antimiR formed hydrogen bond with miRNA. On the other hand, phosphate site of the HDO-antimiR formed hydrogen bond with miRNA. These results suggested that there were differences about the binding mechanisms between antimiR and HDO-antimiR to the target miRNA. In particular, there was a difference in the binding site between antimiR and HDO-antimiR. Additionally, it was found that guanine in the miRNA is mainly involved in the binding to the antimiR or HDO-antimiR. MD simulation method is useful in understanding the mechanism of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Nishina
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rintaro Iwata Hara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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33
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Teodori L, Omer M, Kjems J. RNA nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and imaging. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-19. [PMID: 38555519 PMCID: PMC10984137 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2328440] [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] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA molecule plays a pivotal role in many biological processes by relaying genetic information, regulating gene expression, and serving as molecular machines and catalyzers. This inherent versatility of RNA has fueled significant advancements in the field of RNA nanotechnology, driving the engineering of complex nanoscale architectures toward biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and bioimaging. RNA polymers, serving as building blocks, offer programmability and predictability of Watson-Crick base pairing, as well as non-canonical base pairing, for the construction of nanostructures with high precision and stoichiometry. Leveraging the ease of chemical modifications to protect the RNA from degradation, researchers have developed highly functional and biocompatible RNA architectures and integrated them into preclinical studies for the delivery of payloads and imaging agents. This review offers an educational introduction to the use of RNA as a biopolymer in the design of multifunctional nanostructures applied to targeted delivery in vivo, summarizing physical and biological barriers along with strategies to overcome them. Furthermore, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of both small and larger RNA nanostructures, with a particular focus on imaging reagents and targeted cancer therapeutics in pre-clinical models and provide insights into the prospects of this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Teodori
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics towards Metabolic Diseases (RNA-META), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marjan Omer
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics towards Metabolic Diseases (RNA-META), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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34
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Faiad S, Laurent Q, Prinzen AL, Asohan J, Saliba D, Toader V, Sleiman HF. Impact of the Core Chemistry of Self-Assembled Spherical Nucleic Acids on their In Vitro Fate. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202315768. [PMID: 37905978 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315768] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs), such as mRNA, small interfering RNA or antisense oligonucleotides are extremely efficient tools to modulate gene expression and tackle otherwise undruggable diseases. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) can efficiently deliver small NATs to cells while protecting their payload from nucleases, and have improved biodistribution and muted immune activation. Self-assembled SNAs have emerged as nanostructures made from a single DNA-polymer conjugate with similar favorable properties as well as small molecule encapsulation. However, because they maintain their structure by non-covalent interactions, they might suffer from disassembly in biologically relevant conditions, especially with regard to their interaction with serum proteins. Here, we report a systematic study of the factors that govern the fate of self-assembled SNAs. Varying the core chemistry and using stimuli-responsive disulfide crosslinking, we show that extracellular stability upon binding with serum proteins is important for recognition by membrane receptors, triggering cellular uptake. At the same time, intracellular dissociation is required for efficient therapeutic release. Disulfide-crosslinked SNAs combine these two properties and result in efficient and non-toxic unaided gene silencing therapeutics. We anticipate these investigations will help the translation of promising self-assembled structures towards in vivo gene silencing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Faiad
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Quentin Laurent
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexander L Prinzen
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jathavan Asohan
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Saliba
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Violeta Toader
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St West, H3A 0B8, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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35
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Terada C, Oh K, Tsubaki R, Chan B, Aibara N, Ohyama K, Shibata MA, Wada T, Harada-Shiba M, Yamayoshi A, Yamamoto T. Dynamic and static control of the off-target interactions of antisense oligonucleotides using toehold chemistry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7972. [PMID: 38042877 PMCID: PMC10693639 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43714-0] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Off-target interactions between antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with state-of-the-art modifications and biological components still pose clinical safety liabilities. To mitigate a broad spectrum of off-target interactions and enhance the safety profile of ASO drugs, we here devise a nanoarchitecture named BRace On a THERapeutic aSo (BROTHERS or BRO), which is composed of a standard gapmer ASO paired with a partially complementary peptide nucleic acid (PNA) strand. We show that these non-canonical ASO/PNA hybrids have reduced non-specific protein-binding capacity. The optimization of the structural and thermodynamic characteristics of this duplex system enables the operation of an in vivo toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reaction, effectively reducing hybridization with RNA off-targets. The optimized BROs dramatically mitigate hepatotoxicity while maintaining the on-target knockdown activity of their parent ASOs in vivo. This technique not only introduces a BRO class of drugs that could have a transformative impact on the extrahepatic delivery of ASOs, but can also help uncover the toxicity mechanism of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Terada
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- JSPS Research Fellow (DC1), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaho Oh
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tsubaki
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Bun Chan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nozomi Aibara
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kaname Ohyama
- Department of Molecular Pathochemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masa-Aki Shibata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Takehiko Wada
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada-Shiba
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
- Cardiovascular Center, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Asako Yamayoshi
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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36
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Mazarei M, Shahabi Rabori V, Ghasemi N, Salehi M, Rayatpisheh N, Jahangiri N, Saberiyan M. LncRNA MALAT1 signaling pathway and clinical applications in overcome on cancers metastasis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4457-4472. [PMID: 37695391 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01179-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
In spite of its high mortality rate and difficulty in finding a cure, scientific advancements have contributed to a reduction in cancer-related fatalities. Aberrant gene expression during carcinogenesis emphasizes the importance of targeting the signaling networks that control gene expression in cancer treatment. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcribed RNA molecules that play a role in gene expression regulation, are a recent innovative therapeutic approach for diagnosing and treating malignancies. MALAT1, a well-known lncRNA, functions in gene expression, RNA processing, and epigenetic control. High expression levels of MALAT1 are associated with several human disorders, including metastasis, invasion, autophagy, and proliferation of cancer cells. MALAT1 affects various signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs), and this study aims to outline its functional roles in cancer metastasis and its interactions with cellular signaling pathways. Moreover, MALAT1 and its interactions with signaling pathways can be promising target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madineh Mazarei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Nazila Ghasemi
- Department of Biology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Salehi
- School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Najmeh Rayatpisheh
- School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Negin Jahangiri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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37
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Kim J. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches to Tackle KRAS Mutant Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16933. [PMID: 38069255 PMCID: PMC10707712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS are highly relevant to various cancers, driving persistent efforts toward the development of drugs that can effectively inhibit KRAS activity. Previously, KRAS was considered 'undruggable'; however, the recent advances in our understanding of RNA and nucleic acid chemistry and delivery formulations have sparked a paradigm shift in the approach to KRAS inhibition. We are currently witnessing a large wave of next-generation drugs for KRAS mutant cancers-nucleic acid-based therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the current progress in targeting KRAS mutant tumors and outline significant developments in nucleic acid-based strategies. We delve into their mechanisms of action, address existing challenges, and offer insights into the current clinical trial status of these approaches. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of the potential of nucleic acid-based strategies in the field of KRAS mutant cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Health Science and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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38
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Pfeiffer LS, Stafforst T. Precision RNA base editing with engineered and endogenous effectors. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1526-1542. [PMID: 37735261 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA base editing refers to the rewriting of genetic information within an intact RNA molecule and serves various functions, such as evasion of the endogenous immune system and regulation of protein function. To achieve this, certain enzymes have been discovered in human cells that catalyze the conversion of one nucleobase into another. This natural process could be exploited to manipulate and recode any base in a target transcript. In contrast to DNA base editing, analogous changes introduced in RNA are not permanent or inheritable but rather allow reversible and doseable effects that appeal to various therapeutic applications. The current practice of RNA base editing involves the deamination of adenosines and cytidines, which are converted to inosines and uridines, respectively. In this Review, we summarize current site-directed RNA base-editing strategies and highlight recent achievements to improve editing efficiency, precision, codon-targeting scope and in vivo delivery into disease-relevant tissues. Besides engineered editing effectors, we focus on strategies to harness endogenous adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes and discuss limitations and future perspectives to apply the tools in basic research and as a therapeutic modality. We expect the field to realize the first RNA base-editing drug soon, likely on a well-defined genetic disease. However, the long-term challenge will be to carve out the sweet spot of the technology where its unique ability is exploited to modulate signaling cues, metabolism or other clinically relevant processes in a safe and doseable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Pfeiffer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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39
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Li J, Luo S, Ouyang X, Wu G, Deng Z, He X, Zhao YL. Understanding base and backbone contributions of phosphorothioate DNA for molecular recognition with SBD proteins. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:29289-29302. [PMID: 37876253 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02820h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial DNA phosphorothioate (PT) modification provides a specific anchoring site for sulfur-binding proteins (SBDs). Besides, their recognition patterns include phosphate links and bases neighboring the PT-modified site, thereby bringing about genome sequence-dependent properties in PT-related epigenetics. Here, we analyze the contributions of the DNA backbone (phosphates and deoxyribose) and bases bound with two SBD proteins in Streptomyces pristinaespiralis and coelicolor (SBDSco and SBDSpr). The chalcogen-hydrophobic interactions remained constantly at the anchoring site while the adjacent bases formed conditional and distinctive non-covalent interactions. More importantly, SBD/PT-DNA interactions were not limited within the traditional "4-bp core" range from 5'-I to 3'-III but extended to upstream 5'-II and 5'-III bases and even 5''-I to 5''-III at the non-PT-modified complementary strand. From the epigenetic viewpoint, bases 3'-II, 5''-I, and 5''-III of SBDSpr and 3'-II, 5''-II, and 5''-III of SBDSco present remarkable differentiations in the molecular recognitions. From the protein viewpoint, H102 in SBDSpr and R191 in SBDSco contribute significantly while proline residues at the PT-bound site are strictly conserved for the PT-chalcogen bond. The mutual and make-up mutations are proposed to alter the SBD/PT-DNA recognition pattern, besides additional chiral phosphorothioate modifications on phosphates 5'-II, 5'-II, 3'-I, and 3'-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Shenggan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xingyu Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Geng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Zixin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xinyi He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yi-Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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40
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Hill AC, Becker JP, Slominski D, Halloy F, Søndergaard C, Ravn J, Hall J. Peptide Conjugates of a 2'- O-Methoxyethyl Phosphorothioate Splice-Switching Oligonucleotide Show Increased Entrapment in Endosomes. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40463-40481. [PMID: 37929104 PMCID: PMC10620785 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules that alter gene expression. However, their transport into appropriate cellular compartments is a limiting factor in their potency. Here, we synthesized splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) previously developed to treat the rare disease erythropoietic protoporphyria. Using chemical ligation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (CL-qPCR), we quantified the SSOs in cells and subcellular compartments following free uptake. To drive nuclear localization, we covalently conjugated nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides to a lead 2'-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate SSO using thiol-maleimide chemistry. The conjugates and parent SSO displayed similar RNA target-binding affinities. CL-qPCR quantification of the conjugates in cells and subcellular compartments following free uptake revealed one conjugate with better nuclear accumulation relative to the parent SSO. However, compared to the parent SSO, which altered the splicing of the target pre-mRNA, the conjugates were inactive at splice correction under free uptake conditions in vitro. Splice-switching activity could be conferred on the conjugates by delivering them into cells via cationic lipid-mediated transfection or by treating the cells into which the conjugates had been freely taken up with chloroquine, an endosome-disrupting agent. Our results identify the major barrier to the activity of the peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates as endosomal entrapment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Hill
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
(ETH Zürich), Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - J. Philipp Becker
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
(ETH Zürich), Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Daria Slominski
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
(ETH Zürich), Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - François Halloy
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
(ETH Zürich), Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | | | - Jacob Ravn
- Roche
Innovation Center Copenhagen (RICC), Hørsholm 2970, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
(ETH Zürich), Zürich 8093, Switzerland
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41
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Li Z, Tong F, Xiao L, Larson NR, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Immel-Brown JP, Bou-Assaf GM. Establishing stereochemical comparability in phosphorothioate oligonucleotides with nuclease P1 digestion coupled with LCMS analysis. Analyst 2023; 148:5361-5365. [PMID: 37755232 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01392h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Stereochemical comparability is critical for ensuring manufacturing consistency in therapeutic phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. Currently, analytical methods for this assessment are limited. We hereby report on a novel protocol capable of detecting a stereochemistry change in a single phosphorothioate linkage by employing nuclease P1 digestion of the oligonucleotide with subsequent LCMS analysis of the resulting fragments. The method proves valuable for establishing stereochemical comparability and for ensuring manufacturing consistency of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Li
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Fei Tong
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Li Xiao
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nicholas R Larson
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Yueheng Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Jonas P Immel-Brown
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - George M Bou-Assaf
- Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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42
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Berman CL, Antonsson M, Batkai S, Bosgra S, Chopda GR, Driessen W, Foy J, Hassan C, Hu XS, Jang HG, Meena , Sanseverino M, Thum T, Wang Y, Wild M, Wu JT. OSWG Recommended Approaches to the Nonclinical Pharmacokinetic (ADME) Characterization of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:287-305. [PMID: 37590469 PMCID: PMC10561745 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0011] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This white paper summarizes the recommendations of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group for the characterization of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of oligonucleotide (ON) therapeutics in nonclinical studies. In general, the recommended approach is similar to that for small molecule drugs. However, some differences in timing and/or scope may be warranted due to the greater consistency of results across ON classes as compared with the diversity among small molecule classes. For some types of studies, a platform-based approach may be appropriate; once sufficient data are available for the platform, presentation of these data should be sufficient to support development of additional ONs of the same platform. These recommendations can serve as a starting point for nonclinical study design and foundation for discussions with regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sieto Bosgra
- Independent Consultant, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Girish R. Chopda
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Meena
- Stoke Therapeutics, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Thomas Thum
- Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Formerly of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Martin Wild
- Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jing-Tao Wu
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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43
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Pontarelli A, Wilds CJ. C5-Propynyl modified 2'-fluoroarabinonucleic acids form stable duplexes with RNA that are RNase H competent. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:7437-7446. [PMID: 37667655 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01297b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The clinical success of the antisense approach for the treatment of genetic disorders is indisputably the result of chemical modifications along the oligonucleotide (ON) scaffold, which impart desirable properties including high RNA affinity, nuclease stability and improved drug delivery. While effective, many modifications are not capable of eliciting an RNase H response limiting their application in antisense systems. To contribute to the structural design and inventory of nucleoside analogues with favorable antisense properties, herein we describe the synthesis of C5-propynyl-2'-fluoroarabinonucleic acids (FANAP). Incorporation of individual and multiple uridine (FaraUP) and cytidine (FaraCP) inserts into ONs revealed, both stabilized duplexes formed with RNA. In contrast, these modifications demonstrated a negligible (FaraUP) or reduced (FaraCP) effect on DNA binding. Moreover, modified ONs containing these analogues supported E. coli RNase H cleavage of RNA with an altered cleavage pattern observed relative to controls. Moreover, a 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-O-MOE) gapmer with a FANAP core was able to elicit RNA cleavage at an increased rate compared to C5-propynyl-arabinonucleic acids (ANAP). Enzymatic hydrolysis of these gapmers was assessed with nuclease S1 digestion and revealed greater stability of ANAP compared to FANAP. These results suggest C5-propynyl ANA/FANA modifications demonstrate promising potential for the design of therapeutic ONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Pontarelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - Christopher J Wilds
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.
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44
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Pollak AJ, Zhao L, Crooke ST. Characterization of cooperative PS-oligo activation of human TLR9. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:832-844. [PMID: 37675184 PMCID: PMC10477407 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Single-stranded phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-oligos) can activate TLR9, leading to an innate immune response. This can occur with PS-oligos containing unmethylated CpG sites, the canonical motif, or PS-oligos that do not contain those motifs (non-CpG). Structural evidence shows that TLR9 contains two PS-oligo binding sites, and recent data suggest that synergistic cooperative activation of TLR9 can be achieved by adding two separate PS-oligos to cells, each engaging with a separate site on TLR9 to enhance TLR9 activation as a pair. Here, we demonstrate and characterize this cooperativity phenomenon using PS-oligos in human cell lines, and we introduce several novel PS-oligo pairs (CpG and non-CpG pairs) that show cooperative activation. Indeed, we find that cooperative PS-oligos likely bind at different sites on TLR9. Interestingly, we find that PS-oligos that generate little TLR9 activation on their own can prime TLR9 to be activated by other PS-oligos. Finally, we determine that previous models of TLR9 activation cannot be used to fully explain data from systems using human TLR9 and PS-oligos. Overall, we reveal new details of TLR9 activation, but we also find that more work needs to be done to determine where certain PS-oligos are binding to TLR9.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luyi Zhao
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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45
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Mangla P, Vicentini Q, Biscans A. Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: An Outlook on Chemical Strategies to Improve Endosomal Trafficking. Cells 2023; 12:2253. [PMID: 37759475 PMCID: PMC10527716 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182253] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics is undeniable as more than 15 drugs have been approved to treat various diseases in the liver, central nervous system (CNS), and muscles. However, achieving effective delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to specific tissues still remains a major challenge, limiting their widespread use. Chemical modifications play a crucial role to overcome biological barriers to enable efficient oligonucleotide delivery to the tissues/cells of interest. They provide oligonucleotide metabolic stability and confer favourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. This review focuses on the various chemical approaches implicated in mitigating the delivery problem of oligonucleotides and their limitations. It highlights the importance of linkers in designing oligonucleotide conjugates and discusses their potential role in escaping the endosomal barrier, a bottleneck in the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mangla
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
| | - Quentin Vicentini
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Karolinska Institute, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 431 38 Gothenburg, Sweden; (P.M.); (Q.V.)
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46
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Borsa BA, Hernandez LI, Jiménez T, Tellapragada C, Giske CG, Hernandez FJ. Therapeutic-oligonucleotides activated by nucleases (TOUCAN): A nanocarrier system for the specific delivery of clinical nucleoside analogues. J Control Release 2023; 361:260-269. [PMID: 37541593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.057] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside analogues have been in clinical use since 1960s and they are still used as the first therapeutic option for several cancers and viral infections, due to their high therapeutic efficacy. However, their wide clinical acceptance has been limited due to their high toxicity and severe side effects to patients. Herein, we report on a nanocarrier system that delivers nucleosides analogues in a target-specific manner, making nucleoside-based therapeutics safer and with the possibility to be used in other human conditions. This system, named, Therapeutic OligonUCleotides Activated by Nucleases" (TOUCAN) combines: i) the recognition power of oligonucleotides as substrates, ii) the use of nucleases as enzymatic biomarkers and iii) the clinical efficacy of nucleoside analogues, in a single approach. As a proof-of-concept, we report on a TOUCAN that is activated by a specific nuclease produced by bacteria and releases a therapeutic nucleoside, floxuridine. We demonstrate, for the first time, that, by incorporating a therapeutic nucleoside analogue into oligonucleotide probes, we can specifically inhibit bacterial growth in cultures. In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was selected as the targeted bacteria and the TOUCAN strategy successfully inhibited its growth with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.62 to 40 mg/L across all tested strains. Moreover, our results indicate that the intravenous administration of TOUCANs at a dose of 20 mg/kg over a 24-h period is a highly effective method for treating bacterial infections in a mouse model of pyomyositis. Importantly, no signs of toxicity were observed in our in vitro and in vivo studies. This work can significantly impact the current management of bacterial infections, laying the grounds for the development of a different class of antibiotics. Furthermore, it can provide a safer delivery platform for clinical nucleoside therapeutics in any human conditions, such as cancer and viral infection, where specific nuclease activity has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris A Borsa
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Linköping, Sweden; Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Sweden; Nucleic Acid Technologies Laboratory (NAT-Lab), Linköping, Sweden
| | - Luiza I Hernandez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Sweden; SOMAprobes, Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Tania Jiménez
- SOMAprobes, Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Chaitanya Tellapragada
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian G Giske
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank J Hernandez
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Linköping, Sweden; Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Sweden; Nucleic Acid Technologies Laboratory (NAT-Lab), Linköping, Sweden.
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47
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Buthelezi LA, Pillay S, Ntuli NN, Gcanga L, Guler R. Antisense Therapy for Infectious Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2119. [PMID: 37626929 PMCID: PMC10453568 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pose a significant global health challenge, with 1.6 million reported deaths in 2021, making it the most fatal disease caused by a single infectious agent. The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases adds to the urgency of finding effective and safe intervention therapies. Antisense therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are short, chemically modified, single-stranded deoxyribonucleotide molecules complementary to their mRNA target. Due to their designed target specificity and inhibition of a disease-causing gene at the mRNA level, antisense therapy has gained interest as a potential therapeutic approach. This type of therapy is currently utilized in numerous diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders. Currently, there are limited but steadily increasing studies available that report on the use of ASOs as treatment for infectious diseases. This review explores the sustainability of FDA-approved and preclinically tested ASOs as a treatment for infectious diseases and the adaptability of ASOs for chemical modifications resulting in reduced side effects with improved drug delivery; thus, highlighting the potential therapeutic uses of ASOs for treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lwanda Abonga Buthelezi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Shandre Pillay
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Noxolo Nokukhanya Ntuli
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Lorna Gcanga
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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48
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McCartan R, Khorkova O, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Front Genet 2023; 14:1250276. [PMID: 37662844 PMCID: PMC10468602 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1250276] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics (NBTs) are an emerging class of drugs with potential for the treatment of a wide range of central nervous system conditions. To date, pertaining to CNS indications, there are two commercially available NBTs and a large number of ongoing clinical trials. However, these NBTs are applied directly to the brain due to very low blood brain barrier permeability. In this review, we outline recent advances in chemical modifications of NBTs and NBT delivery techniques intended to promote brain exposure, efficacy, and possible future systemic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn McCartan
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Olga Khorkova
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- OPKO Health, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
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49
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Kaviani S, Fakih HH, Asohan J, Katolik A, Damha MJ, Sleiman HF. Sequence-Controlled Spherical Nucleic Acids: Gene Silencing, Encapsulation, and Cellular Uptake. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:265-276. [PMID: 37196168 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can predictably alter RNA processing and control protein expression; however, challenges in the delivery of these therapeutics to specific tissues, poor cellular uptake, and endosomal escape have impeded progress in translating these agents into the clinic. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanoparticles with a DNA external shell and a hydrophobic core that arise from the self-assembly of ASO strands conjugated to hydrophobic polymers. SNAs have recently shown significant promise as vehicles for improving the efficacy of ASO cellular uptake and gene silencing. However, to date, no studies have investigated the effect of the hydrophobic polymer sequence on the biological properties of SNAs. In this study, we created a library of ASO conjugates by covalently attaching polymers with linear or branched [dodecanediol phosphate] units and systematically varying polymer sequence and composition. We show that these parameters can significantly impact encapsulation efficiency, gene silencing activity, SNA stability, and cellular uptake, thus outlining optimized polymer architectures for gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Kaviani
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jathavan Asohan
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Adam Katolik
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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50
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Udu-Ituma S, Adélaïde J, Le TK, Omabe K, Finetti P, Paris C, Guille A, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Rocchi P, Chaffanet M. ZNF703 mRNA-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide Blocks Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1930. [PMID: 37514116 PMCID: PMC10384502 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The luminal B molecular subtype of breast cancers (BC) accounts for more than a third of BCs and is associated with aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis. The use of endocrine therapy in BC treatment has significantly contributed to the decrease in the number of deaths in recent years. However, most BC patients with prolonged exposure to estrogen receptor (ER) selective modulators such as tamoxifen develop resistance and become non-responsive over time. Recent studies have implicated overexpression of the ZNF703 gene in BC resistance to endocrine drugs, thereby highlighting ZNF703 inhibition as an attractive modality in BC treatment, especially luminal B BCs. However, there is no known inhibitor of ZNF703 due to its nuclear association and non-enzymatic activity. Here, we have developed an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against ZNF703 mRNA and shown that it downregulates ZNF703 protein expression. ZNF703 inhibition decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Combined with cisplatin, the anti-cancer effects of ZNF703-ASO9 were improved. Moreover, our work shows that ASO technology may be used to increase the number of targetable cancer genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Udu-Ituma
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Department of Biology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki P.M.B. 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - José Adélaïde
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Kenneth Omabe
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Clément Paris
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Guille
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Max Chaffanet
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
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