1
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Tang Q, Khvorova A. RNAi-based drug design: considerations and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:341-364. [PMID: 38570694 PMCID: PMC11144061 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00912-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
More than 25 years after its discovery, the post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism termed RNAi is now transforming pharmaceutical development, proved by the recent FDA approval of multiple small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs that target the liver. Synthetic siRNAs that trigger RNAi have the potential to specifically silence virtually any therapeutic target with unprecedented potency and durability. Bringing this innovative class of medicines to patients, however, has been riddled with substantial challenges, with delivery issues at the forefront. Several classes of siRNA drug are under clinical evaluation, but their utility in treating extrahepatic diseases remains limited, demanding continued innovation. In this Review, we discuss principal considerations and future directions in the design of therapeutic siRNAs, with a particular emphasis on chemistry, the application of informatics, delivery strategies and the importance of careful target selection, which together influence therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - 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.
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2
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Chowdhury S, Sais D, Donnelly S, Tran N. The knowns and unknowns of helminth-host miRNA cross-kingdom communication. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:176-191. [PMID: 38151361 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.003] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that oversee gene modulation. They are integral to cellular functions and can migrate between species, leading to cross-kingdom gene suppression. Recent breakthroughs in helminth genome studies have sparked curiosity about helminth RNA regulators and their ability to regulate genes across species. Growing data indicate that helminth miRNAs have a significant impact on the host's immune system. Specific miRNAs from helminth parasites can merge with the host's miRNA system, implying that parasites could exploit their host's regulatory machinery and function. This review highlights the role of cross-kingdom helminth-derived miRNAs in the interplay between host and parasite, exploring potential routes for their uptake, processing, and consequences in host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Chowdhury
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Dayna Sais
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nham Tran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Sparmann A, Vogel J. RNA-based medicine: from molecular mechanisms to therapy. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114760. [PMID: 37728251 PMCID: PMC10620767 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of human diseases. While early research faced setbacks, it established the basis for breakthroughs in RNA-based drug design that culminated in the extraordinarily fast development of mRNA vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We have now reached a pivotal moment where RNA medicines are poised to make a broad impact in the clinic. In this review, we present an overview of different RNA-based strategies to generate novel therapeutics, including antisense and RNAi-based mechanisms, mRNA-based approaches, and CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing. Using three rare genetic diseases as examples, we highlight the opportunities, but also the challenges to wide-ranging applications of this class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Sparmann
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA‐based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)WürzburgGermany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA‐based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)WürzburgGermany
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB)University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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4
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Ferreira D, Santos-Pereira C, Costa M, Afonso J, Yang S, Hensel J, McAndrews KM, Longatto-Filho A, Fernandes R, Melo JB, Baltazar F, Moreira JN, Kalluri R, Rodrigues LR. Exosomes modified with anti-MEK1 siRNA lead to an effective silencing of triple negative breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 154:213643. [PMID: 37778291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogenous disease not sensitive to endocrine or HER2 therapy and standardized treatment regimens are still missing. Therefore, development of novel TNBC treatment approaches is of utmost relevance. Herein, the potential of MAPK/ERK downregulation by RNAi-based therapeutics in a panel of mesenchymal stem-like TNBC cell lines was uncovered. Our data revealed that suppression of one of the central nodes of this signaling pathway, MEK1, affects proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, that may be explained by the reversion of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype, which is facilitated by the MMP-2/MMP-9 downregulation. Moreover, an exosome-based system was successfully generated for the siRNA loading (iExoMEK1). Our data suggested absence of modification of the physical properties and general integrity of the iExoMEK1 comparatively to the unmodified counterparts. Such exosome-mediated downregulation of MEK1 led to a tumor regression accompanied by a decrease of angiogenesis using the chick chorioallantoic-membrane model. Our results highlight the potential of the targeting of MAPK/ERK cascade as a promising therapeutic approach against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Ferreira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cátia Santos-Pereira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marta Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Julieta Afonso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sujuan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Janine Hensel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Adhemar Longatto-Filho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM 14), Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University, S. Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Fernandes
- HEMS-Histology and Electron Microscopy Service, IBMC/I3S, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana B Melo
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João N Moreira
- CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra-University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA; School of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ligia R Rodrigues
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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5
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Ranjbar S, Zhong XB, Manautou J, Lu X. A holistic analysis of the intrinsic and delivery-mediated toxicity of siRNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115052. [PMID: 37567502 PMCID: PMC10543595 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are among the most promising therapeutic platforms in many life-threatening diseases. Owing to the significant advances in siRNA design, many challenges in the stability, specificity and delivery of siRNA have been addressed. However, safety concerns and dose-limiting toxicities still stand among the reasons for the failure of clinical trials of potent siRNA therapies, calling for a need of more comprehensive understanding of their potential mechanisms of toxicity. This review delves into the intrinsic and delivery related toxicity mechanisms of siRNA drugs and takes a holistic look at the safety failure of the clinical trials to identify the underlying causes of toxicity. In the end, the current challenges, and potential solutions for the safety assessment and high throughput screening of investigational siRNA and delivery systems as well as considerations for design strategies of safer siRNA therapeutics are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Ranjbar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - José Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Xiuling Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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6
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Sequence determinant of small RNA production by DICER. Nature 2023; 615:323-330. [PMID: 36813957 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing relies on specific and efficient processing of double-stranded RNA by Dicer, which yields microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)1,2. However, our current knowledge of the specificity of Dicer is limited to the secondary structures of its substrates: a double-stranded RNA of approximately 22 base pairs with a 2-nucleotide 3' overhang and a terminal loop3-11. Here we found evidence pointing to an additional sequence-dependent determinant beyond these structural properties. To systematically interrogate the features of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), we carried out massively parallel assays with pre-miRNA variants and human DICER (also known as DICER1). Our analyses revealed a deeply conserved cis-acting element, termed the 'GYM motif' (paired G, paired pyrimidine and mismatched C or A), near the cleavage site. The GYM motif promotes processing at a specific position and can override the previously identified 'ruler'-like counting mechanisms from the 5' and 3' ends of pre-miRNA3-6. Consistently, integrating this motif into short hairpin RNA or Dicer-substrate siRNA potentiates RNA interference. Furthermore, we find that the C-terminal double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of DICER recognizes the GYM motif. Alterations in the dsRBD reduce processing and change cleavage sites in a motif-dependent fashion, affecting the miRNA repertoire in cells. In particular, the cancer-associated R1855L substitution in the dsRBD strongly impairs GYM motif recognition. This study uncovers an ancient principle of substrate recognition by metazoan Dicer and implicates its potential in the design of RNA therapeutics.
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7
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Chen MJ, Gatignol A, Scarborough RJ. The discovery and development of RNA-based therapies for treatment of HIV-1 infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:163-179. [PMID: 36004505 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2117296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-term control of HIV-1 infection can potentially be achieved using autologous stem cell transplants with gene-modified cells. Non-coding RNAs represent a diverse class of therapeutic agents including ribozymes, RNA aptamers and decoys, small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, and U1 interference RNAs that can be designed to inhibit HIV-1 replication. They have been engineered for delivery as drugs to complement current HIV-1 therapies and as gene therapies for a potential HIV-1 functional cure. AREAS COVERED This review surveys the past three decades of development of these RNA technologies with a focus on their efficacy and safety for treating HIV-1 infections. We describe the mechanisms of each RNA-based agent, targets they have been developed against, efforts to enhance their stability and efficacy, and we evaluate their performance in past and ongoing preclinical and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION RNA-based technologies are among the top candidates for gene therapies where they can be stably expressed for long-term suppression of HIV-1. Advances in both gene and drug delivery strategies and improvements to non-coding RNA stability and antiviral properties will cooperatively drive forward progress in improving drug therapy and engineering HIV-1 resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Chen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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8
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Szczesniak I, Baliga-Gil A, Jarmolowicz A, Soszynska-Jozwiak M, Kierzek E. Structural and Functional RNA Motifs of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A Virus as a Target of Viral Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021232. [PMID: 36674746 PMCID: PMC9860923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the influenza A virus (IAV) causes seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Both viruses lead to widespread infection and death. SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus are RNA viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 genome is an approximately 30 kb, positive sense, 5' capped single-stranded RNA molecule. The influenza A virus genome possesses eight single-stranded negative-sense segments. The RNA secondary structure in the untranslated and coding regions is crucial in the viral replication cycle. The secondary structure within the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus has been intensively studied. Because the whole of the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus replication cycles are dependent on RNA with no DNA intermediate, the RNA is a natural and promising target for the development of inhibitors. There are a lot of RNA-targeting strategies for regulating pathogenic RNA, such as small interfering RNA for RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, catalytic nucleic acids, and small molecules. In this review, we summarized the knowledge about the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus propagation by targeting their RNA secondary structure.
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9
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Moreno PMD, Cortinhas J, Martins AS, Pêgo AP. Engineering a Novel Self-Assembled Multi-siRNA Nanocaged Architecture with Controlled Enzyme-Mediated siRNA Release. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:56483-56497. [PMID: 36519952 PMCID: PMC9801385 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) chemical and structural design space has evolved since its original definitions. Although this has led to the development of RNAi molecules that are starting to address the issues of silencing efficiency and delivery to target organs and cells, there is an on-going interest to improve upon their properties to attain wider therapeutic applicability. Taking advantage of the flexibility given by DNA and RNA structural and chemical properties, we here investigated unconventional RNAi encoding structures, designated by caged-siRNA structures (CsiRNAs), to explore novel features that could translate into advantageous properties for cellular delivery and intracellular activity. Using the principles of controlled nucleic acid self-assembly, branched DNA-RNA hybrid intermediates were formed, ultimately leading to the assembly of a "closed" structure encompassing multiple RNAi units. The RNAi active regions are further triggered by an encoded RNAse H-mediated release mechanism, while the overall structure possesses easily addressable anchors for hybridization-based functionalization with active biological moieties. We confirmed the production of correct structures and demonstrated that the encoded RNAi sequences maintain gene silencing activity even within this novel unconventional nanoarchitecture, aided by the intracellularly triggered RNAse H release mechanism. With this design, functionalization is easily achieved with no negative effects on the silencing activity, warranting further development of these novel molecular structures as a multi-RNAi platform for therapeutic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. D. Moreno
- i3S
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Cortinhas
- i3S
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana S. Martins
- i3S
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade
de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Pêgo
- i3S
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade
de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Abosalha AK, Boyajian J, Ahmad W, Islam P, Ghebretatios M, Schaly S, Thareja R, Arora K, Prakash S. Clinical pharmacology of siRNA therapeutics: current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1327-1341. [PMID: 36251525 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2136166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for post-transcriptional downregulation of multiple genes for various therapies. Naked siRNA molecules are surrounded by several barriers that tackle their optimum delivery to target tissues such as limited cellular uptake, short circulation time, degradation by endonucleases, glomerular filtration, and capturing by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). AREAS COVERED This review provides insights into studies that investigate various siRNA-based therapies, focusing on the mechanism, delivery strategies, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics of naked and modified siRNA molecules. The clinical pharmacology of currently approved siRNA products is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Few siRNA-based products have been approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies after approximately twenty years following its discovery due to the associated limitations. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of siRNA therapeutics are highly restricted by several obstacles, resulting in rapid clearance of siRNA-based therapeutic products from systemic circulation before reaching the cytosol of targeted cells. The siRNA therapeutics however are very promising in many diseases, including gene therapy and SARS-COV-2 viral infection. The design of suitable delivery vehicles and developing strategies toward better pharmacokinetic parameters may solve the challenges of siRNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Khaled Abosalha
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.,Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Jacqueline Boyajian
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Waqar Ahmad
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Paromita Islam
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Merry Ghebretatios
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Sabrina Schaly
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Thareja
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Karan Arora
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Satya Prakash
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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11
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Nedorezova DD, Dubovichenko MV, Belyaeva EP, Grigorieva ED, Peresadina AV, Kolpashchikov DM. Specificity of oligonucleotide gene therapy (OGT) agents. Theranostics 2022; 12:7132-7157. [PMID: 36276652 PMCID: PMC9576606 DOI: 10.7150/thno.77830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide gene therapy (OGT) agents (e. g. antisense, deoxyribozymes, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas) are promising therapeutic tools. Despite extensive efforts, only few OGT drugs have been approved for clinical use. Besides the problem of efficient delivery to targeted cells, hybridization specificity is a potential limitation of OGT agents. To ensure tight binding, a typical OGT agent hybridizes to the stretch of 15-25 nucleotides of a unique targeted sequence. However, hybrids of such lengths tolerate one or more mismatches under physiological conditions, the problem known as the affinity/specificity dilemma. Here, we assess the scale of this problem by analyzing OGT hybridization-dependent off-target effects (HD OTE) in vitro, in animal models and clinical studies. All OGT agents except deoxyribozymes exhibit HD OTE in vitro, with most thorough evidence of poor specificity reported for siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9. Notably, siRNA suppress non-targeted genes due to (1) the partial complementarity to mRNA 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR), and (2) the antisense activity of the sense strand. CRISPR/Cas9 system can cause hundreds of non-intended dsDNA breaks due to low specificity of the guide RNA, which can limit therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 by ex-vivo formats. Contribution of this effects to the observed in vivo toxicity of OGT agents is unclear and requires further investigation. Locked or peptide nucleic acids improve OGT nuclease resistance but not specificity. Approaches that use RNA marker dependent (conditional) activation of OGT agents may improve specificity but require additional validation in cell culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria D. Nedorezova
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail V. Dubovichenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina P. Belyaeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina D. Grigorieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Arina V. Peresadina
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, International Institute SCAMT, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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12
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The Effect of Dicer Knockout on RNA Interference Using Various Dicer Substrate Small Interfering RNA (DsiRNA) Structures. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030436. [PMID: 35327991 PMCID: PMC8952432 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are artificial molecules used to silence genes of interest through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, mediated by the endoribonuclease Dicer. Dicer-substrate small interfering RNAs (DsiRNAs) are an alternative to conventional 21-mer siRNAs, with an increased effectiveness of up to 100-fold compared to traditional 21-mer designs. DsiRNAs have a novel asymmetric design that allows them to be processed by Dicer into the desired conventional siRNAs. DsiRNAs are a useful tool for sequence-specific gene silencing, but the molecular mechanism underlying their increased efficacy is not precisely understood. In this study, to gain a deeper understanding of Dicer function in DsiRNAs, we designed nicked DsiRNAs with and without tetra-loops to target a specific mRNA sequence, established a Dicer knockout in the HCT116 cell line, and analyzed the efficacy of various DsiRNAs on RNAi-mediated gene silencing activity. The gene silencing activity of all DsiRNAs was reduced in Dicer knockout cells. We demonstrated that tetra-looped DsiRNAs exhibited increased efficacy for gene silencing, which was mediated by Dicer protein. Thus, this study improves our understanding of Dicer function, a key component of RNAi silencing, which will inform RNAi research and applications.
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13
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Pennemann FL, Mussabekova A, Urban C, Stukalov A, Andersen LL, Grass V, Lavacca TM, Holze C, Oubraham L, Benamrouche Y, Girardi E, Boulos RE, Hartmann R, Superti-Furga G, Habjan M, Imler JL, Meignin C, Pichlmair A. Cross-species analysis of viral nucleic acid interacting proteins identifies TAOKs as innate immune regulators. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7009. [PMID: 34853303 PMCID: PMC8636641 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell intrinsic antiviral response of multicellular organisms developed over millions of years and critically relies on the ability to sense and eliminate viral nucleic acids. Here we use an affinity proteomics approach in evolutionary distant species (human, mouse and fly) to identify proteins that are conserved in their ability to associate with diverse viral nucleic acids. This approach shows a core of orthologous proteins targeting viral genetic material and species-specific interactions. Functional characterization of the influence of 181 candidates on replication of 6 distinct viruses in human cells and flies identifies 128 nucleic acid binding proteins with an impact on virus growth. We identify the family of TAO kinases (TAOK1, -2 and -3) as dsRNA-interacting antiviral proteins and show their requirement for type-I interferon induction. Depletion of TAO kinases in mammals or flies leads to an impaired response to virus infection characterized by a reduced induction of interferon stimulated genes in mammals and impaired expression of srg1 and diedel in flies. Overall, our study shows a larger set of proteins able to mediate the interaction between viral genetic material and host factors than anticipated so far, attesting to the ancestral roots of innate immunity and to the lineage-specific pressures exerted by viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike L Pennemann
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Assel Mussabekova
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Urban
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Line Lykke Andersen
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Teresa Maria Lavacca
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Cathleen Holze
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Lila Oubraham
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Yasmine Benamrouche
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Enrico Girardi
- CeMM - Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rasha E Boulos
- Computer Science and Mathematics Department, School of Arts and Science, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Rune Hartmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Structural Biology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM - Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Habjan
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carine Meignin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany.
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14
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Jang B, Jang H, Kim H, Kim M, Jeong M, Lee GS, Lee K, Lee H. Protein-RNA interaction guided chemical modification of Dicer substrate RNA nanostructures for superior in vivo gene silencing. J Control Release 2021; 343:57-65. [PMID: 34763005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dicer substrate RNA is an alternative gene silencing agent to canonical siRNA. Enhanced in vitro gene silencing can be achieved with RNA substrates by facilitating Ago loading of dsRNA after Dicer processing. However, the in vivo use of Dicer substrate RNA has been hindered by its instability and immunogenicity in the body due to the lack of proper chemical modification in the structure. Here, we report a universal chemical modification approach for Dicer substrate RNA nanostructures by optimizing protein-RNA interactions in the RNAi pathway. Proteins involved in the RNAi pathway were utilized for evaluating their recognition and binding of substrate RNA. It was found that conventional chemical modifications could severely affect the binding and processing of substrate RNA, consequently reducing RNAi activity. Protein-RNA interaction guided chemical modification was introduced to RNA nanostructures, and their gene silencing activity was assessed. The optimized RNA nanostructures showed excellent binding and processability with RNA binding proteins and offered the enhancement of in vivo EC50 up to 1/8 of its native form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsook Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Michaela Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeong Seok Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Wang P, Zhou Y, Richards AM. Effective tools for RNA-derived therapeutics: siRNA interference or miRNA mimicry. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8771-8796. [PMID: 34522211 PMCID: PMC8419061 DOI: 10.7150/thno.62642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The approval of the first small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug Patisiran by FDA in 2018 marks a new era of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNA), an important post-transcriptional gene regulator, are also the subject of both basic research and clinical trials. Both siRNA and miRNA mimics are ~21 nucleotides RNA duplexes inducing mRNA silencing. Given the well performance of siRNA, researchers ask whether miRNA mimics are unnecessary or developed siRNA technology can pave the way for the emergence of miRNA mimic drugs. Through comprehensive comparison of siRNA and miRNA, we focus on (1) the common features and lessons learnt from the success of siRNAs; (2) the unique characteristics of miRNA that potentially offer additional therapeutic advantages and opportunities; (3) key areas of ongoing research that will contribute to clinical application of miRNA mimics. In conclusion, miRNA mimics have unique properties and advantages which cannot be fully matched by siRNA in clinical applications. MiRNAs are endogenous molecules and the gene silencing effects of miRNA mimics can be regulated or buffered to ameliorate or eliminate off-target effects. An in-depth understanding of the differences between siRNA and miRNA mimics will facilitate the development of miRNA mimic drugs.
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16
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Winkle M, El-Daly SM, Fabbri M, Calin GA. Noncoding RNA therapeutics - challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:629-651. [PMID: 34145432 PMCID: PMC8212082 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 750] [Impact Index Per Article: 250.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancers, as well as many other diseases. Over the past decade, substantial effort has been made towards the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, employing mostly antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, with several gaining FDA approval. However, trial results have so far been ambivalent, with some studies reporting potent effects whereas others demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity. Alternative entities such as antimiRNAs are undergoing clinical testing, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are gaining interest. In this Perspective, we discuss key challenges facing ncRNA therapeutics - including issues associated with specificity, delivery and tolerability - and focus on promising emerging approaches that aim to boost their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Winkle
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medical Research Division - Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences - National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
- The RNA Interference and Non-codingRNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Pasquier C, Robichon A. Computational search of hybrid human/SARS-CoV-2 dsRNA reveals unique viral sequences that diverge from those of other coronavirus strains. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07284. [PMID: 34179538 PMCID: PMC8219292 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the RNAi/Dicer/Ago system in degrading RNA viruses has been elusive in mammals in the past, which has prompted authors to think that interferon (IFN) synthesis is essential in this clade, relegating the RNAi defense strategy against viral infection as an accessory function. However, recent publications highlight the existence of abundant viral small interference and micro RNAs (VsiRNAs and VmiRNAs) in both cell-line and whole organism based experiments, indicating a contribution of these molecules in host responses and/or viral replication. We explore the theoretical possibility that RNAi triggered by SARS-CoV-2 might degrade some host transcripts in the opposite direction, although this hypothesis seems counterintuitive. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was therefore computationally searched for exact intrapairing within the viral RNA and exact hybrid pairing with the human transcriptome over a minimum of 20 bases in length. Minimal segments of 20-base lengths of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found based on the theoretical matching with existing complementary strands in the human host transcriptome. Few human genes potentially annealing with SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including mitochondrial deubiquitinase USP30, the subunit of ubiquitin protein ligase complex FBXO21 and two long noncoding RNAs, were retrieved. The hypothesis that viral-originated RNAi might mediate degradation of host transcriptome messages was corroborated by published high throughput sequencing of RNA from infected tissues and cultured cells, clinical observation and phylogenetic comparative analysis, indicating a strong specificity of these SARS-CoV-2 hybrid pairing sequences for human genomes.
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18
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Forbes TA, Brown BD, Lai C. Therapeutic RNA interference: A novel approach to the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:2525-2538. [PMID: 34022071 PMCID: PMC9291495 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural biological pathway that inhibits gene expression by targeted degradation or translational inhibition of cytoplasmic mRNA by the RNA induced silencing complex. RNAi has long been exploited in laboratory research to study the biological consequences of the reduced expression of a gene of interest. More recently RNAi has been demonstrated as a therapeutic avenue for rare metabolic diseases. This review presents an overview of the cellular RNAi machinery as well as therapeutic RNAi design and delivery. As a clinical example we present primary hyperoxaluria, an ultrarare inherited disease of increased hepatic oxalate production which leads to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones. In the most common form of the disease (Type 1), end‐stage kidney disease occurs in childhood or young adulthood, often necessitating combined kidney and liver transplantation. In this context we discuss nedosiran (Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and lumasiran (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals), which are both novel RNAi therapies for primary hyperoxaluria that selectively reduce hepatic expression of lactate dehydrogenase and glycolate oxidase respectively, reducing hepatic oxalate production and urinary oxalate levels. Finally, we consider future optimizations advances in RNAi therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Forbes
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Sajid MI, Moazzam M, Kato S, Yeseom Cho K, Tiwari RK. Overcoming Barriers for siRNA Therapeutics: From Bench to Bedside. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E294. [PMID: 33036435 PMCID: PMC7600125 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway possesses immense potential in silencing any gene in human cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can efficiently trigger RNAi silencing of specific genes. FDA Approval of siRNA therapeutics in recent years garnered a new hope in siRNA therapeutics. However, their therapeutic use is limited by several challenges. siRNAs, being negatively charged, are membrane-impermeable and highly unstable in the systemic circulation. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the extracellular barriers, including enzymatic degradation of siRNAs by serum endonucleases and RNAases, rapid renal clearance, membrane impermeability, and activation of the immune system. Besides, we have thoroughly described the intracellular barriers such as endosomal trap and off-target effects of siRNAs. Moreover, we have reported most of the strategies and techniques in overcoming these barriers, followed by critical comments in translating these molecules from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Sajid
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (S.K.); (K.Y.C.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Moazzam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Shun Kato
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (S.K.); (K.Y.C.)
| | - Kayley Yeseom Cho
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (S.K.); (K.Y.C.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (S.K.); (K.Y.C.)
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20
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Pasquier C, Robichon A. Computational prediction of miRNA/mRNA duplexomes at the whole human genome scale reveals functional subnetworks of interacting genes with embedded miRNA annealing motifs. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 88:107366. [PMID: 32861159 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfect annealing between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was computationally searched at a broad scale in the human genome to determine whether theoretical pairing is restrictively represented in functional subnetworks or is randomly distributed. Massive RNA interference (RNAi) pairing motifs in genes constitute a remarkable subnetwork that displays highly genetically and biochemically interconnected genes. These analyses show unexpected repertoires of genes defined by their congruence in comatching with miRNAs at numerous sites and by their interconnection based on protein/protein interactions or proteins regulating the activity of others. This offers insights into the putatively coregulated homeostasis of large networks of genes by RNAi, whereas other networks seem to be independent of this regulatory mode. Genes accordingly defined by theoretical RNAi pairing cluster mainly in subnetworks related to cellular, metabolic and developmental processes and their regulation. Indeed, genes harboring numerous potential sites of hybridization with miRNAs are highly enriched with GO terms depicting the abovementioned processes and are grouped in a subnetwork of genes that are significantly more highly connected than they would be according to a random distribution. The significant number of interacting genes that present numerous potential comatches with miRNAs suggests that they may be under the control of the integrative and concerted action of multiple miRNAs.
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21
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Putri DS, Berkebile ZW, Mustafa HJ, Fernández-Alarcón C, Abrahante JE, Schleiss MR, Bierle CJ. Cytomegalovirus infection elicits a conserved chemokine response from human and guinea pig amnion cells. Virology 2020; 548:93-100. [PMID: 32838950 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects the chorioamnion, but whether these infections cause fetal membrane dysfunction remains poorly understood. We sought to assess whether guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) infects amnion-derived cells in vitro, compare the inflammatory response of amnion cells to GPCMV and HCMV, and determine if GPCMV infects the amnion in vivo. We found that GPCMV replicates in primary guinea pig amnion derived cells and HPV16 E6/E7-transduced amniotic epithelial cells (AEC[E6/E7]s). HCMV and GPCMV infection of amnion cells increased the transcription of the chemokines CCL5/Ccl5, CXCL8/Cxcl8, and CXCL10/Cxcl10. Myd88-knockdown decreased Ccl5 and Cxc8 transcription in GPCMV-infected AEC[E6/E7]s. GPCMV was detected in the guinea pig amnion after primary maternal infection, revealing that guinea pigs are an appropriate model to study fetal membrane physiology after cytomegalovirus infection. As inflammation is known to cause fetal membrane weakening, the amnion's response to cytomegalovirus infection may cause preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dira S Putri
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Zachary W Berkebile
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Hiba J Mustafa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Claudia Fernández-Alarcón
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Juan E Abrahante
- Informatics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Mark R Schleiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Craig J Bierle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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22
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Arnold AE, Smith LJ, Beilhartz GL, Bahlmann LC, Jameson E, Melnyk RA, Shoichet MS. Attenuated diphtheria toxin mediates siRNA delivery. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/18/eaaz4848. [PMID: 32917630 PMCID: PMC7195190 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz4848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxins efficiently deliver cargo to cells by binding to cell surface ligands, initiating endocytosis, and escaping the endolysosomal pathway into the cytoplasm. We took advantage of this delivery pathway by conjugating an attenuated diphtheria toxin to siRNA, thereby achieving gene downregulation in patient-derived glioblastoma cells. We delivered siRNA against integrin-β1 (ITGB1)-a gene that promotes invasion and metastasis-and siRNA against eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit b (eIF-3b)-a survival gene. We demonstrated mRNA downregulation of both genes and the corresponding functional outcomes: knockdown of ITGB1 led to a significant inhibition of invasion, shown with an innovative 3D hydrogel model; and knockdown of eIF-3b resulted in significant cell death. This is the first example of diphtheria toxin being used to deliver siRNAs, and the first time a toxin-based siRNA delivery strategy has been shown to induce relevant genotypic and phenotypic effects in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Arnold
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura J Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Greg L Beilhartz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura C Bahlmann
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Jameson
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roman A Melnyk
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Chernikov IV, Gladkikh DV, Karelina UA, Meschaninova MI, Ven’yaminova AG, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Trimeric Small Interfering RNAs and Their Cholesterol-Containing Conjugates Exhibit Improved Accumulation in Tumors, but Dramatically Reduced Silencing Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081877. [PMID: 32325757 PMCID: PMC7221888 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol derivatives of nuclease-resistant, anti-MDR1 small-interfering RNAs were designed to contain a 2’-OMe-modified 21-bp siRNA and a 63-bp TsiRNA in order to investigate their accumulation and silencing activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that increasing the length of the RNA duplex in such a conjugate increases its biological activity when delivered using a transfection agent. However, the efficiency of accumulation in human drug-resistant KB-8-5 cells during delivery in vitro in a carrier-free mode was reduced as well as efficiency of target gene silencing. TsiRNAs demonstrated a similar biodistribution in KB-8-5 xenograft tumor-bearing SCID mice with more efficient accumulation in organs and tumors than cholesterol-conjugated canonical siRNAs; however, this accumulation did not provide a silencing effect. The lack of correlation between the accumulation in the organ and the silencing activity of cholesterol conjugates of siRNAs of different lengths can be attributed to the fact that trimeric Ch-TsiRNA lags mainly in the intercellular space and does not penetrate sufficiently into the cytoplasm of the cell. Increased accumulation in the organs and in the tumor, by itself, shows that using siRNA with increased molecular weight is an effective approach to control biodistribution and delivery to the target organ.
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24
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C1orf35 contributes to tumorigenesis by activating c-MYC transcription in multiple myeloma. Oncogene 2020; 39:3354-3366. [PMID: 32103167 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clinically and biologically heterogenous event that accounts for approximately 10% of all hematological malignancies. Chromosome 1 open reading frame 35 (C1orf35) is a gene cloned and identified in our laboratory from a MM cell line (GenBank: AY137773), but little is known about its function. In the current study, we have confirmed that C1orf35 is a candidate oncogene, and it can promote cell cycle progression from G1 to S. Later, we found that C1orf35 is able to affect the cell proliferation by modulating the expression of c-MYC (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog), and the oncogenic property of C1orf35 can be rescued by c-MYC inhibition. Herein, we found positive association between C1orf35 and c-MYC in MM patients and in MM cell lines. The correlation analysis of the genes coamplified in MM patients from GEO datasets showed a correlation between C1orf35 and c-MYC, and the expression data of different stages of plasma cell neoplasm acquired from GEO datasets showed that the expression of C1orf35 increase with the progression of the disease. This indicates that C1orf35 may play a role in the disease progression. Moreover, C1orf35 can modulate c-MYC expression and rescue c-MYC transcription inhibited by Act D. Finally, we have shown that C1orf35 activates c-MYC transcription by binding to the i-motif of Nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 (NHE III1) in the c-MYC promoter. Not only does our current study advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis and therapeutic landscape of MM, but also of other cancer types and diseases that are initiated with deregulated c-MYC transcription.
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25
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Pasquier C, Agnel S, Robichon A. Transcriptome-wide-scale-predicted dsRNAs potentially involved in RNA homoeostasis are remarkably excluded from genes with no/very low expression in all developmental stages. RNA Biol 2020; 17:554-570. [PMID: 31971862 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1717154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) refers to a conserved posttranscriptional mechanism for the degradation of RNA by short dsRNAs. A genome-wide analysis of mRNAs that are complementary to RNAs of variable length that are transcribed from the full transcriptome and susceptible to being loaded onto Argonaute type 2 was performed through computational searches in the Drosophila model. We report the segments of RNAs that are complementary to mRNAs originating from introns, the exons of mRNAs and lncRNAs as a potential source of siRNAs. A full catalogue of the mRNAs that fulfill these criteria is presented, along with the quantification of multiple annealing. The catalogue was assessed for biological validation using three published lists: two for Ago2-associated RNAs and one for dsRNAs isolated from a crude extract. A broad spectrum of mRNAs were found to theoretically form intermolecular segmental dsRNAs, which should qualify them as Dicer/Ago2 substrates if they exist in vivo. These results suggest a genome-wide scale of mRNA homoeostasis via RNAi metabolism and could extend the known roles of canonical miRNAs and hairpin RNAs. The distribution of the genes for which transcripts are engaged in intermolecular segmental pairing is largely lacking in the gene collections defined as showing no expression in each individual developmental stage from early embryos to adulthood. This trend was also observed for the genes showing very low expression from the 8-12-hour embryonic to larval stage 2. This situation was also suggested by the 3 lists generated with minimal 20-, 25- and 30-base pairing lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Pasquier
- Laboratoire d'informatique, signaux et système (I3S) CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Sandra Agnel
- Agrobiotech Institute (ISA)INRA, CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Alain Robichon
- Agrobiotech Institute (ISA)INRA, CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur, Sophia Antipolis, France
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26
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Bartoszewski R, Sikorski AF. Editorial focus: understanding off-target effects as the key to successful RNAi therapy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2019; 24:69. [PMID: 31867046 PMCID: PMC6902517 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-019-0196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the first RNA interference (RNAi) drug (ONPATTRO (patisiran)) on the market, we witness the RNAi therapy field reaching a critical turning point, when further improvements in drug candidate design and delivery pipelines should enable fast delivery of novel life changing treatments to patients. Nevertheless, ignoring parallel development of RNAi dedicated in vitro pharmacological profiling aiming to identify undesirable off-target activity may slow down or halt progress in the RNAi field. Since academic research is currently fueling the RNAi development pipeline with new therapeutic options, the objective of this article is to briefly summarize the basics of RNAi therapy, as well as to discuss how to translate basic research into better understanding of related drug candidate safety profiles early in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Bartoszewski
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksander F. Sikorski
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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27
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Yu X, Fang X, Xiao H, Zhao Z, Maak S, Wang M, Yang R. The effect of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 on triglyceride synthesis in bovine preadipocytes. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:257-264. [PMID: 31807636 PMCID: PMC6859912 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-257-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 (ACSL5)
is a member of the acyl coenzyme A (CoA) long-chain synthase families (ACSLs), and it
plays a key role in fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we proved an association
between the ACSL5 gene and triglyceride metabolism at the cellular
level in cattle. pBI-CMV3-ACSL5 and pGPU6/GFP/Neo-ACSL5 plasmids were
constructed and transfected into bovine preadipocytes by electroporation. The expression
level of ACSL5 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. The
triglyceride content was detected by a triglyceride kit. The results indicated that the
expression level of ACSL5 mRNA and protein in the
pBI-CMV3-ACSL5-transfected group was significantly increased compared with those
in the control group. Furthermore, the pGPU6/GFP/Neo-ACSL5-transfected group was
significantly decreased compared with those in the control group. A cell triglyceride
test showed that overexpression or silencing of the ACSL5 gene could affect
synthesis of cellular triglycerides. This study investigated the mechanism of ACSL on
bovine fat deposition, and also provides a new candidate gene for meat quality traits in
beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Xibi Fang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Hang Xiao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China.,College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, P. R. China
| | - Steffen Maak
- Institute of Muscle Biology and Growth, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, 18196, Germany
| | - Mengyan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
| | - Runjun Yang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun 130062, P. R. China
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28
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway regulates mRNA stability and translation in nearly all human cells. Small double-stranded RNA molecules can efficiently trigger RNAi silencing of specific genes, but their therapeutic use has faced numerous challenges involving safety and potency. However, August 2018 marked a new era for the field, with the US Food and Drug Administration approving patisiran, the first RNAi-based drug. In this Review, we discuss key advances in the design and development of RNAi drugs leading up to this landmark achievement, the state of the current clinical pipeline and prospects for future advances, including novel RNAi pathway agents utilizing mechanisms beyond post-translational RNAi silencing.
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29
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Chemical modulation of siRNA lipophilicity for efficient delivery. J Control Release 2019; 307:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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30
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Current Aspects of siRNA Bioconjugate for In Vitro and In Vivo Delivery. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24122211. [PMID: 31200490 PMCID: PMC6631009 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on siRNA delivery have seen intense growth in the past decades since siRNA has emerged as a new class of gene therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases. siRNA bioconjugate, as one of the major delivery strategies, offers the potential to enhance and broaden pharmacological properties of siRNA, while minimizing the heterogeneity and stability-correlated toxicology. This review summarizes the recent developments of siRNA bioconjugate, including the conjugation with antibody, peptide, aptamer, small chemical, lipidoid, cell-penetrating peptide polymer, and nanoparticle. These siRNA bioconjugate, either administrated alone or formulated with other agents, could significantly improve pharmacokinetic behavior, enhance the biological half-life, and increase the targetability while maintaining sufficient gene silencing activity, with a concomitant improvement of the therapeutic outcomes and diminishment of adverse effects. This review emphasizes the delivery application of these siRNA bioconjugates, especially the conjugation strategy that control the integrity, stability and release of siRNA bioconjugates. The limitations conferred by these conjugation strategies have also been covered.
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31
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Raja MAG, Katas H, Amjad MW. Design, mechanism, delivery and therapeutics of canonical and Dicer-substrate siRNA. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 14:497-510. [PMID: 32104477 PMCID: PMC7032099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), canonical small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been recognized to trigger sequence-specific gene silencing. Despite the benefits of siRNAs as potential new drugs, there are obstacles still to be overcome, including off-target effects and immune stimulation. More recently, Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) has been introduced as an alternative to siRNA. Similarly, it also is proving to be potent and target-specific, while rendering less immune stimulation. DsiRNA is 25–30 nucleotides in length, and is further cleaved and processed by the Dicer enzyme. As with siRNA, it is crucial to design and develop a stable, safe, and efficient system for the delivery of DsiRNA into the cytoplasm of targeted cells. Several polymeric nanoparticle systems have been well established to load DsiRNA for in vitro and in vivo delivery, thereby overcoming a major hurdle in the therapeutic uses of DsiRNA. The present review focuses on a comparison of siRNA and DsiRNA on the basis of their design, mechanism, in vitro and in vivo delivery, and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Abdul Ghafoor Raja
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haliza Katas
- Centre for Drug Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Wahab Amjad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 73211, Saudi Arabia
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32
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Efficient Inhibition of Avian and Seasonal Influenza A Viruses by a Virus-Specific Dicer-Substrate Small Interfering RNA Swarm in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01916-18. [PMID: 30463970 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01916-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are viral pathogens that cause epidemics and occasional pandemics of significant mortality. The generation of efficacious vaccines and antiviral drugs remains a challenge due to the rapid appearance of new influenza virus types and antigenic variants. Consequently, novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of IAV infections are needed, given the limitations of the presently available antivirals. Here, we used enzymatically produced IAV-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules and Giardia intestinalis Dicer for the generation of a swarm of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. The siRNAs target multiple conserved genomic regions of the IAVs. In mammalian cells, the produced 25- to 27-nucleotide-long siRNA molecules are processed by endogenous Dicer into 21-nucleotide siRNAs and are thus designated Dicer-substrate siRNAs (DsiRNAs). We evaluated the efficacy of the above DsiRNA swarm at preventing IAV infections in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. The replication of different IAV strains, including avian influenza H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, was significantly inhibited by pretransfection of the cells with the IAV-specific DsiRNA swarm. Up to 7 orders of magnitude inhibition of viral RNA expression was observed, which led to a dramatic inhibition of IAV protein synthesis and virus production. The IAV-specific DsiRNA swarm inhibited virus replication directly through the RNA interference pathway although a weak induction of innate interferon responses was detected. Our results provide direct evidence for the feasibility of the siRNA strategy and the potency of DsiRNA swarms in the prevention and treatment of influenza, including the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.IMPORTANCE In spite of the enormous amount of research, influenza virus is still one of the major challenges for medical virology due to its capacity to generate new variants, which potentially lead to severe epidemics and pandemics. We demonstrated here that a swarm of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, including more than 100 different antiviral RNA molecules targeting the most conserved regions of the influenza A virus genome, could efficiently inhibit the replication of all tested avian and seasonal influenza A variants in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. The wide antiviral spectrum makes the virus-specific siRNA swarm a potentially efficient treatment modality against both avian and seasonal influenza viruses.
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33
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Campillo-Davo D, Fujiki F, Van den Bergh JMJ, De Reu H, Smits ELJM, Goossens H, Sugiyama H, Lion E, Berneman ZN, Van Tendeloo V. Efficient and Non-genotoxic RNA-Based Engineering of Human T Cells Using Tumor-Specific T Cell Receptors With Minimal TCR Mispairing. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2503. [PMID: 30464762 PMCID: PMC6234959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of T cells with tumor specific T-cell receptors (TCR) is a promising strategy to redirect their specificity against cancer cells in adoptive T cell therapy protocols. Most studies are exploiting integrating retro- or lentiviral vectors to permanently introduce the therapeutic TCR, which can pose serious safety issues when treatment-related toxicities would occur. Therefore, we developed a versatile, non-genotoxic transfection method for human unstimulated CD8+ T cells. We describe an optimized double sequential electroporation platform whereby Dicer-substrate small interfering RNAs (DsiRNA) are first introduced to suppress endogenous TCR α and β expression, followed by electroporation with DsiRNA-resistant tumor-specific TCR mRNA. We demonstrate that double sequential electroporation of human primary unstimulated T cells with DsiRNA and TCR mRNA leads to unprecedented levels of transgene TCR expression due to a strongly reduced degree of TCR mispairing. Importantly, superior transgenic TCR expression boosts epitope-specific CD8+ T cell activation and killing activity. Altogether, DsiRNA and TCR mRNA double sequential electroporation is a rapid, non-integrating and highly efficient approach with an enhanced biosafety profile to engineer T cells with antigen-specific TCRs for use in early phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Campillo-Davo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fumihiro Fujiki
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Johan M J Van den Bergh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans De Reu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien L J M Smits
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Division of Clinical Biology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Haruo Sugiyama
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eva Lion
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Zwi N Berneman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Division of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Viggo Van Tendeloo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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34
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Jang B, Kim B, Kim H, Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Colas M, Jeong H, Jeong EH, Lee K, Lee H. Enzymatic Synthesis of Self-assembled Dicer Substrate RNA Nanostructures for Programmable Gene Silencing. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:4279-4284. [PMID: 29863365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b01267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatic synthesis of RNA nanostructures is achieved by isothermal rolling circle transcription (RCT). Each arm of RNA nanostructures provides a functional role of Dicer substrate RNA inducing sequence specific RNA interference (RNAi). Three different RNAi sequences (GFP, RFP, and BFP) are incorporated within the three-arm junction RNA nanostructures (Y-RNA). The template and helper DNA strands are designed for the large-scale in vitro synthesis of RNA strands to prepare self-assembled Y-RNA. Interestingly, Dicer processing of Y-RNA is highly influenced by its physical structure and different gene silencing activity is achieved depending on its arm length and overhang. In addition, enzymatic synthesis allows the preparation of various Y-RNA structures using a single DNA template offering on demand regulation of multiple target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsook Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Marion Colas
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris , Université Paris Descartes , Paris 75006 , France
| | - Hansaem Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ewha Womans University , Seoul 03760 , Republic of Korea
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35
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Jovanović KK, Roche-Lestienne C, Ghobrial IM, Facon T, Quesnel B, Manier S. Targeting MYC in multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2018; 32:1295-1306. [PMID: 29467490 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0036-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell tumor marked by clonal evolution and preceded by a premalignant stage, which progresses via molecular pathway deregulation, including MYC activation. This activation relates to translocation or gain of the MYC locus and deregulation of upstream pathways such as IRF4, DIS3/LIN28B/let-7, or MAPK. Precision medicine is an approach to predict more accurately which treatment strategies for a particular disease will work in which groups of patients, in contrast to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. The knowledge of mechanisms responsible for MYC deregulation in MM enables identification of vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets in MYC-driven tumors. MYC can be targeted directly or indirectly, by interacting with several of its functions in cancer. Several such therapeutic strategies are evaluated in clinical trials in MM. In this review, we describe the mechanism of MYC activation in MM, the role of MYC in cancer progression, and the therapeutic options to targeting MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Roche-Lestienne
- IRCL, INSERM UMR-S1172, Univ. Lille, Lille, France.,Institute of Medical Genetics, Univ. Lille, CHU, Lille, France
| | - I M Ghobrial
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T Facon
- Department of Hematology, Univ. Lille,, CHU, Lille, France
| | - B Quesnel
- IRCL, INSERM UMR-S1172, Univ. Lille, Lille, France.,Department of Hematology, Univ. Lille,, CHU, Lille, France
| | - S Manier
- IRCL, INSERM UMR-S1172, Univ. Lille, Lille, France. .,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Hematology, Univ. Lille,, CHU, Lille, France.
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36
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Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. RNA Interference Therapies for an HIV-1 Functional Cure. Viruses 2017; 10:E8. [PMID: 29280961 PMCID: PMC5795421 DOI: 10.3390/v10010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 drug therapies can prevent disease progression but cannot eliminate HIV-1 viruses from an infected individual. While there is hope that elimination of HIV-1 can be achieved, several approaches to reach a functional cure (control of HIV-1 replication in the absence of drug therapy) are also under investigation. One of these approaches is the transplant of HIV-1 resistant cells expressing anti-HIV-1 RNAs, proteins or peptides. Small RNAs that use RNA interference pathways to target HIV-1 replication have emerged as competitive candidates for cell transplant therapy and have been included in all gene combinations that have so far entered clinical trials. Here, we review RNA interference pathways in mammalian cells and the design of therapeutic small RNAs that use these pathways to target pathogenic RNA sequences. Studies that have been performed to identify anti-HIV-1 RNA interference therapeutics are also reviewed and perspectives on their use in combination gene therapy to functionally cure HIV-1 infection are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Scarborough
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0G4, Canada.
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0G4, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0G4, Canada.
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37
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Katas H, Thian Sian T, Abdul Ghaf M. Topical Temperature-sensitive Gel Containing DsiRNA-chitosan Nanoparticles for Potential Treatment of Skin Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3923/tmr.2017.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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38
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Parlea L, Puri A, Kasprzak W, Bindewald E, Zakrevsky P, Satterwhite E, Joseph K, Afonin KA, Shapiro BA. Cellular Delivery of RNA Nanoparticles. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2016; 18:527-47. [PMID: 27509068 PMCID: PMC6345529 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.6b00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanostructures can be programmed to exhibit defined sizes, shapes and stoichiometries from naturally occurring or de novo designed RNA motifs. These constructs can be used as scaffolds to attach functional moieties, such as ligand binding motifs or gene expression regulators, for nanobiology applications. This review is focused on four areas of importance to RNA nanotechnology: the types of RNAs of particular interest for nanobiology, the assembly of RNA nanoconstructs, the challenges of cellular delivery of RNAs in vivo, and the delivery carriers that aid in the matter. The available strategies for the design of nucleic acid nanostructures, as well as for formulation of their carriers, make RNA nanotechnology an important tool in both basic research and applied biomedical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Parlea
- Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Anu Puri
- Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Wojciech Kasprzak
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Eckart Bindewald
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Paul Zakrevsky
- Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Emily Satterwhite
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kenya Joseph
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte North Carolina 28223, United States
- The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Bruce A. Shapiro
- Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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39
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Ganesh S, Koser ML, Cyr WA, Chopda GR, Tao J, Shui X, Ying B, Chen D, Pandya P, Chipumuro E, Siddiquee Z, Craig K, Lai C, Dudek H, Monga SP, Wang W, Brown BD, Abrams MT. Direct Pharmacological Inhibition of β-Catenin by RNA Interference in Tumors of Diverse Origin. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:2143-54. [PMID: 27390343 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is among the most frequently altered signaling networks in human cancers. Despite decades of preclinical and clinical research, efficient therapeutic targeting of Wnt/β-catenin has been elusive. RNA interference (RNAi) technology silences genes at the mRNA level and therefore can be applied to previously undruggable targets. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) represent an elegant solution for the delivery of RNAi-triggering oligonucleotides to disease-relevant tissues, but have been mostly restricted to applications in the liver. In this study, we systematically tuned the composition of a prototype LNP to enable tumor-selective delivery of a Dicer-substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) targeting CTNNB1, the gene encoding β-catenin. This formulation, termed EnCore-R, demonstrated pharmacodynamic activity in subcutaneous human tumor xenografts, orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors, disseminated hematopoietic tumors, genetically induced primary liver tumors, metastatic colorectal tumors, and murine metastatic melanoma. DsiRNA delivery was homogeneous in tumor sections, selective over normal liver and independent of apolipoprotein-E binding. Significant tumor growth inhibition was achieved in Wnt-dependent colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma models, but not in Wnt-independent tumors. Finally, no evidence of accelerated blood clearance or sustained liver transaminase elevation was observed after repeated dosing in nonhuman primates. These data support further investigation to gain mechanistic insight, optimize dose regimens, and identify efficacious combinations with standard-of-care therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2143-54. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Ganesh
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Wendy A Cyr
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Junyan Tao
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Xue Shui
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bo Ying
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Dongyu Chen
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Purva Pandya
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Kevin Craig
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Chengjung Lai
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Henryk Dudek
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Weimin Wang
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bob D Brown
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marc T Abrams
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Bégin-Lavallée V, Midavaine É, Dansereau MA, Tétreault P, Longpré JM, Jacobi AM, Rose SD, Behlke MA, Beaudet N, Sarret P. Functional inhibition of chemokine receptor CCR2 by dicer-substrate-siRNA prevents pain development. Mol Pain 2016; 12:12/0/1744806916653969. [PMID: 27306408 PMCID: PMC4956154 DOI: 10.1177/1744806916653969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that the C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2, or monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) acts as a neuromodulator in the central nervous system through its binding to the C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). Notably, it is well established that the CCL2/CCR2 axis plays a key role in neuron-glia communication as well as in spinal nociceptive transmission. Gene silencing through RNA interference has recently emerged as a promising avenue in research and drug development, including therapeutic management of chronic pain. In the present study, we used 27-mer Dicer-substrate small interfering RNA (DsiRNA) targeting CCR2 and assessed their ability to reverse the nociceptive behaviors induced by spinal CCL2 injection or following intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. RESULTS To this end, we first developed high-potency DsiRNAs designed to target different sequences distributed across the rat CCR2 (rCCR2) messenger RNA. For optimization, methyl groups were added to the two most potent DsiRNA candidates (Evader and M7 2'-O-methyl modified duplexes) in order to improve in vivo duplex stability and to reduce potential immunostimulatory activity. Our results demonstrated that all modified candidates formulated with the cell-penetrating peptide reagent Transductin showed strong RNAi activity following intrathecal delivery, exhibiting >50% rCCR2 knockdown in lumbar dorsal root ganglia. Accordingly, we found that these DsiRNA duplexes were able to reduce spinal microglia activation and were effective at blocking CCL2-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Along with similar reductions of rCCR2 messenger RNA, both sequences and methylation patterns were similarly effective in inhibiting the CCL2 nociceptive action for the whole seven days testing period, compared to mismatch DsiRNA. DsiRNAs against CCR2 also reversed the hypernociceptive responses observed in the complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory chronic pain model. CONCLUSION Altogether, these results validate CCR2 as a an appropriate molecular target for pain control and demonstrate that RNAi-based gene therapy represent an highly specific alternative to classical pharmacological approaches to treat central pathologies such as chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Bégin-Lavallée
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Philippe Sarret, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Élora Midavaine
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Marc-André Dansereau
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal Tétreault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Scott D Rose
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc, Coralville, IA, USA
| | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies Inc, Coralville, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas Beaudet
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Liu P, Long P, Huang Y, Sun F, Wang Z. CXCL12/CXCR4 axis induces proliferation and invasion in human endometrial cancer. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:1719-1729. [PMID: 27186295 PMCID: PMC4859900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since that we have previously found CXCL12/CXCR4, an important biological axis is highly transcribed in several cancer cells. We aim to investigate whether CXCL12/CXCR4 axis regulates critical processes in neoplastic transformation that affects endometrial cancer cell biology. METHODS The expression levels of CXCR4 were analyzed in human normal endometrial tissue, simple hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer cells by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum CXCL12 was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line. To study the biological function of CXCL12/CXCR4 in endometrial cancer, short interfering RNA silencing of CXCR4 was established to analyze the roles of CXCL12/CXCR4 in proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of Ishikawa cells in vitro. RESULTS The expression level of CXCR4 in endometrial cancer tissue was higher as compared to atypical hyperplasia, simple hyperplasia and normal cycling endometrium cells. Ishikawa cells secreted CXCL12 spontaneously and continuously for 96 hrs in culture. The proliferation, migration and invasion of Ishikawa cells was significantly induced, and the apoptosis was significantly reduced by CXCL12 in combination with CXCR4. Moreover, CXCR4 silencing could significantly antagonize all these functions. CONCLUSIONS CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of endometrial cancer, indicating that CXCR4 could be the target for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Ping Long
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Fengyi Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
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Samanta S, Balasubramanian S, Rajasingh S, Patel U, Dhanasekaran A, Dawn B, Rajasingh J. MicroRNA: A new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2016; 26:407-19. [PMID: 27013138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and hypertension are the most common heart-related diseases that affect both the heart and the blood vessels. Multiple independent risk factors have been shown to be responsible for cardiovascular diseases. The combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation keeps these risk factors in check and helps maintain homeostasis. The dynamic monolayer endothelial cell integrity and cell-cell communication are the fundamental mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis. Recently, it has been revealed that small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a critical role in regulation of genes involved in either posttranscriptional or pretranslational modifications. They also control diverse biological functions like development, differentiation, growth, and metabolism. Among ncRNAs, the short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied, but their specific functions remain largely unknown. In recent years, miRNAs are efficiently studied as one of the important candidates for involvement in most biological processes and have been implicated in many human diseases. Thus, the identification and the respective targets of miRNAs may provide novel molecular insight and new therapeutic strategies to treat diseases. This review summarizes the recent developments and insight on the role of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease prognosis, diagnostic and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheli Samanta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Sathyamoorthy Balasubramanian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sheeja Rajasingh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Urmi Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | | | - Buddhadeb Dawn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Johnson Rajasingh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.
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Alagia A, Eritja R. siRNA and RNAi optimization. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:316-29. [PMID: 26840434 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery and examination of the posttranscriptional gene regulatory mechanism known as RNA interference (RNAi) contributed to the identification of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the comprehension of its enormous potential for clinical purposes. Theoretically, the ability of specific target gene downregulation makes the RNAi pathway an appealing solution for several diseases. Despite numerous hurdles resulting from the inherent properties of siRNA molecule and proper delivery to the target tissue, more than 50 RNA-based drugs are currently under clinical testing. In this work, we analyze the recent literature in the optimization of siRNA molecules. In detail, we focused on describing the most recent advances of siRNA field aimed at optimize siRNA pharmacokinetic properties. Special attention has been given in describing the impact of RNA modifications in the potential off-target effects (OTEs) such as saturation of the RNAi machinery, passenger strand-mediated silencing, immunostimulation, and miRNA-like OTEs as well as to recent developments on the delivery issue. The novel delivery systems and modified siRNA provide significant steps toward the development of reliable siRNA molecules for therapeutic use. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:316-329. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1337 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Alagia
- Chemical and Biomolecular Nanotechnology, CIBER-BBN, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Chemical and Biomolecular Nanotechnology, CIBER-BBN, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
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Lennox KA, Behlke MA. Cellular localization of long non-coding RNAs affects silencing by RNAi more than by antisense oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:863-77. [PMID: 26578588 PMCID: PMC4737147 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in mammalian cells. Some have important functions and their dysregulation can contribute to a variety of disease states. However, most lncRNAs have not been functionally characterized. Complicating their study, lncRNAs have widely varying subcellular distributions: some reside predominantly in the nucleus, the cytoplasm or in both compartments. One method to query function is to suppress expression and examine the resulting phenotype. Methods to suppress expression of mRNAs include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA interference (RNAi). Antisense and RNAi-based gene-knockdown methods vary in efficacy between different cellular compartments. It is not known if this affects their ability to suppress lncRNAs. To address whether localization of the lncRNA influences susceptibility to degradation by either ASOs or RNAi, nuclear lncRNAs (MALAT1 and NEAT1), cytoplasmic lncRNAs (DANCR and OIP5-AS1) and dual-localized lncRNAs (TUG1, CasC7 and HOTAIR) were compared for knockdown efficiency. We found that nuclear lncRNAs were more effectively suppressed using ASOs, cytoplasmic lncRNAs were more effectively suppressed using RNAi and dual-localized lncRNAs were suppressed using both methods. A mixed-modality approach combining ASOs and RNAi reagents improved knockdown efficacy, particularly for those lncRNAs that localize to both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Lennox
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Mark A Behlke
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Coralville, IA 52241, USA
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Braun FCM, van den Brandt J, Thomas S, Lange S, Schrank J, Gand C, Przybylski GK, Schmoeckel K, Bröker BM, Schmidt CA, Grabarczyk P. In Vivo Silencing of A20 via TLR9-Mediated Targeted SiRNA Delivery Potentiates Antitumor Immune Response. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135444. [PMID: 26327508 PMCID: PMC4556692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A20 is an ubiquitin-editing enzyme that ensures the transient nature of inflammatory signaling pathways induced by cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1 or pathogens via Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. It has been identified as a negative regulator of dendritic cell (DC) maturation and attenuator of their immunostimulatory properties. Ex vivo A20-depleted dendritic cells showed enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules, which resulted in hyperactivation of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and inhibition of regulatory T cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that a synthetic molecule consisting of a CpG oligonucleotide TLR9 agonist linked to A20-specific siRNAs silences its expression in TLR9+ mouse dendritic cells in vitro and in vivo. In the B16 mouse melanoma tumor model, silencing of A20 enhances the CpG-triggered induction of NFκB activity followed by elevated expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12. This leads to potentiated antitumor immune responses manifested by increased numbers of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells, high levels of tumor cell apoptosis and delayed tumor growth. Our findings confirm the central role of A20 in controlling the immunostimulatory potency of DCs and provide a strategy for simultaneous A20 silencing and TLR activation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane C. M. Braun
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jens van den Brandt
- Central Core & Research Facility of Laboratory Animals, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sören Thomas
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Lange
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Juliane Schrank
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Claudia Gand
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Grzegorz K. Przybylski
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katrin Schmoeckel
- Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Barbara M. Bröker
- Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian A. Schmidt
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Clinic of Internal Medicine C, Department of Molecular Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Effective inhibition of HIV-1 production by short hairpin RNAs and small interfering RNAs targeting a highly conserved site in HIV-1 Gag RNA is optimized by evaluating alternative length formats. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:5297-305. [PMID: 26077260 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00949-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously identified a target site in HIV-1 RNA that was particularly accessible to a ribozyme and a short hairpin RNA (shRNA). To design small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting this site, we evaluated the effects of siRNAs with different lengths on HIV-1 production. The potency and efficacy of these siRNAs were dependent on the length of their intended sense strand with trends for symmetrical and asymmetrical formats that were similar. Although a typical canonical format with a 21-nucleotide (nt) sense strand was effective at inhibiting HIV-1 production, Dicer substrate siRNAs (dsiRNAs) with the longest lengths (27 to 29 nucleotides) were the most effective. Induction of double-stranded RNA immune responses and effects on cell viability were not detected in cells transfected with different siRNAs, suggesting that the differences observed were not related to indirect effects on HIV-1 production. For the corresponding shRNA designs, a different trend in potency and efficacy against HIV-1 production was observed, with the most effective shRNAs having stem lengths from 20 to 27 bp. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating different designs to identify the best siRNA and shRNA formats for any particular target site and provide a set of highly effective molecules for further development as drug and gene therapies for HIV-1 infection.
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47
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Bobbin ML, Burnett JC, Rossi JJ. RNA interference approaches for treatment of HIV-1 infection. Genome Med 2015; 7:50. [PMID: 26019725 PMCID: PMC4445287 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-015-0174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is a chronic and debilitating disease that cannot be cured with current antiretroviral drugs. While combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) can potently suppress HIV-1 replication and delay the onset of AIDS, viral mutagenesis often leads to viral escape from multiple drugs. In addition to the pharmacological agents that comprise cART drug cocktails, new biological therapeutics are reaching the clinic. These include gene-based therapies that utilize RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of viral or host mRNA targets that are required for HIV-1 infection and/or replication. RNAi allows sequence-specific design to compensate for viral mutants and natural variants, thereby drastically expanding the number of therapeutic targets beyond the capabilities of cART. Recent advances in clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the promise of RNAi therapeutics, reinforcing the concept that RNAi-based agents might offer a safe, effective, and more durable approach for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, there are challenges that must be overcome in order for RNAi therapeutics to reach their clinical potential. These include the refinement of strategies for delivery and to reduce the risk of mutational escape. In this review, we provide an overview of RNAi-based therapies for HIV-1, examine a variety of combinatorial RNAi strategies, and discuss approaches for ex vivo delivery and in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L Bobbin
- Irell & Manella School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 USA
| | - John C Burnett
- Irell & Manella School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 USA ; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 9101 USA
| | - John J Rossi
- Irell & Manella School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 USA ; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 9101 USA
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48
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Evaluation of canonical siRNA and Dicer substrate RNA for inhibition of hepatitis C virus genome replication--a comparative study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117742. [PMID: 25705875 PMCID: PMC4338191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently establishes persistent infections in the liver, leading to the development of chronic hepatitis and, potentially, to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at later stages. The objective of this study was to test the ability of five Dicer substrate siRNAs (DsiRNA) to inhibit HCV replication and to compare these molecules to canonical 21 nt siRNA. DsiRNA molecules were designed to target five distinct regions of the HCV genome - the 5' UTR and the coding regions for NS3, NS4B, NS5A or NS5B. These molecules were transfected into Huh7.5 cells that stably harboured an HCV subgenomic replicon expressing a firefly luciferase/neoR reporter (SGR-Feo-JFH-1) and were also tested on HCVcc-infected cells. All of the DsiRNAs inhibited HCV replication in both the subgenomic system and HCVcc-infected cells. When DsiRNAs were transfected prior to infection with HCVcc, the inhibition levels reached 99.5%. When directly compared, canonical siRNA and DsiRNA exhibited similar potency of virus inhibition. Furthermore, both types of molecules exhibited similar dynamics of inhibition and frequencies of resistant mutants after 21 days of treatment. Thus, DsiRNA molecules are as potent as 21 nt siRNAs for the inhibition of HCV replication and may provide future approaches for HCV therapy if the emergence of resistant mutants can be addressed.
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Parmar MB, Aliabadi HM, Mahdipoor P, Kucharski C, Maranchuk R, Hugh JC, Uludağ H. Targeting Cell Cycle Proteins in Breast Cancer Cells with siRNA by Using Lipid-Substituted Polyethylenimines. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:14. [PMID: 25763370 PMCID: PMC4329877 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell cycle proteins are key regulators of cell cycle progression whose deregulation is one of the causes of breast cancer. RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous mechanism to regulate gene expression and it could serve as the basis of regulating aberrant proteins including cell cycle proteins. Since the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a main barrier for implementation of RNAi therapy, we explored the potential of a non-viral delivery system, 2.0 kDa polyethylenimines substituted with linoleic acid and caprylic acid, for this purpose. Using a library of siRNAs against cell cycle proteins, we identified cell division cycle protein 20 (CDC20), a recombinase RAD51, and serine–threonine protein kinase CHEK1 as effective targets for breast cancer therapy, and demonstrated their therapeutic potential in breast cancer MDA-MB-435, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7 cells with respect to another well-studied cell cycle protein, kinesin spindle protein. We also explored the efficacy of dicer-substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) against CDC20, RAD51, and CHEK1, where a particular DsiRNA against CDC20 showed an exceptionally high inhibition of cell growth in vitro. There was no apparent effect of silencing selected cell cycle proteins on the potency of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. The efficacy of DsiRNA against CDC20 was subsequently assessed in a xenograft model, which indicated a reduced tumor growth as a result of CDC20 DsiRNA therapy. The presented study highlighted specific cell cycle protein targets critical for breast cancer therapy, and provided a polymeric delivery system for their effective down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj B Parmar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada ; School of Pharmacy, Chapman University , Irvine, CA , USA
| | - Parvin Mahdipoor
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Robert Maranchuk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Judith C Hugh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada ; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
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50
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McDonagh P, Sheehy PA, Norris JM. Combination siRNA therapy against feline coronavirus can delay the emergence of antiviral resistance in vitro. Vet Microbiol 2014; 176:10-8. [PMID: 25596968 PMCID: PMC7117502 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Combination siRNA treatment highly effective at inhibiting replication of FCoV in vitro. Antiviral resistance rapidly emerges with single or dual combination siRNA treatment. Combination treatment with three siRNAs significantly delayed the emergence of resistance. Dicer substrate siRNAs provide equivalent or enhanced efficacy compared to canonical siRNAs.
Virulent biotypes of feline coronavirus (FCoV), commonly referred to as feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), can result in the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a typically fatal immune mediated disease for which there is currently no effective antiviral treatment. We previously reported the successful in vitro inhibition of FIPV replication by synthetic siRNA mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in an immortalised cell line (McDonagh et al., 2011). A major challenge facing the development of any antiviral strategy is that of resistance, a problem which is particularly acute for RNAi based therapeutics due to the exquisite sequence specificity of the targeting mechanism. The development of resistance during treatment can be minimised using combination therapy to raise the genetic barrier or using highly potent compounds which result in a more rapid and pronounced reduction in the viral replication rate, thereby reducing the formation of mutant, and potentially resistant viruses. This study investigated the efficacy of combination siRNA therapy and its ability to delay or prevent viral escape. Virus serially passaged through cells treated with a single or dual siRNAs rapidly acquired resistance, with mutations identified in the siRNA target sites. Combination therapy with three siRNA prevented viral escape over the course of five passages. To identify more potent silencing molecules we also compared the efficacy, in terms of potency and duration of action, of canonical versus Dicer-substrate siRNAs for two previously identified effective viral motifs. Dicer-substrate siRNAs showed equivalent or better potency than canonical siRNAs for the target sites investigated, and may be a more appropriate molecule for in vivo use. Combined, these data inform the potential therapeutic application of antiviral RNAi against FIPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip McDonagh
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Building B14, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul A Sheehy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Building B19, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Norris
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Building B14, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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