1
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Lu T, Zhang C, Li Z, Wei Y, Sadewasser A, Yan Y, Sun L, Li J, Wen Y, Lai S, Chen C, Zhong H, Jiménez MR, Klar R, Schell M, Raith S, Michel S, Ke B, Zheng H, Jaschinski F, Zhang N, Xiao H, Bachert C, Wen W. Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-specific antisense oligonucleotides reduce infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 154:1044-1059. [PMID: 38909634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.06.007] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Spike protein mutation severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to decreased protective effect of various vaccines and mAbs, suggesting that blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting host factors would make the therapy more resilient against virus mutations. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as many other coronaviruses. Downregulation of ACE2 expression in the respiratory tract may prevent viral infection. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be rationally designed on the basis of sequence data, require no delivery system, and can be administered locally. OBJECTIVE We sought to design ASOs that can block SARS-CoV-2 by downregulating ACE2 in human airway. METHODS ACE2-targeting ASOs were designed using a bioinformatic method and screened in cell lines. Human primary nasal epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface and humanized ACE2 mice were used to detect the ACE2 reduction levels and the safety of ASOs. ASO-pretreated nasal epithelial cells and mice were infected and then used to detect the viral infection levels. RESULTS ASOs reduced ACE2 expression on mRNA and protein level in cell lines and in human nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, they efficiently suppressed virus replication of 3 different SARS-CoV-2 variants in human nasal epithelial cells. In vivo, ASOs also downregulated human ACE2 in humanized ACE2 mice and thereby reduced viral load, histopathologic changes in lungs, and increased survival of mice. CONCLUSIONS ACE2-targeting ASOs can effectively block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study provides a new approach for blocking SARS-CoV-2 and other ACE2-targeting virus in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengqi Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Yan Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangxi Hospital Division of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Nanning, China
| | - Yihui Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shimin Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Richard Klar
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Monika Schell
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefanie Raith
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sven Michel
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Bixia Ke
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huanying Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Nan Zhang
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Haipeng Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Claus Bachert
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany; Upper Airways Research Laboratory, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Weiping Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Otorhinolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Otolaryngology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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2
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McDowall S, Aung-Htut M, Wilton S, Li D. Antisense oligonucleotides and their applications in rare neurological diseases. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1414658. [PMID: 39376536 PMCID: PMC11456401 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1414658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases affect almost 500 million people globally, predominantly impacting children and often leading to significantly impaired quality of life and high treatment costs. While significant contributions have been made to develop effective treatments for those with rare diseases, more rapid drug discovery strategies are needed. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides can modulate target gene expression with high specificity through various mechanisms determined by base sequences and chemical modifications; and have shown efficacy in clinical trials for a few rare neurological conditions. Therefore, this review will focus on the applications of antisense oligonucleotides, in particular splice-switching antisense oligomers as promising therapeutics for rare neurological diseases, with key examples of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Challenges and future perspectives in developing antisense therapeutics for rare conditions including target discovery, antisense chemical modifications, animal models for therapeutic validations, and clinical trial designs will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon McDowall
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - May Aung-Htut
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Steve Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Dunhui Li
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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3
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Barker SJ, Thayer MB, Kim C, Tatarakis D, Simon MJ, Dial R, Nilewski L, Wells RC, Zhou Y, Afetian M, Akkapeddi P, Chappell A, Chew KS, Chow J, Clemens A, Discenza CB, Dugas JC, Dwyer C, Earr T, Ha C, Ho YS, Huynh D, Lozano EI, Jayaraman S, Kwan W, Mahon C, Pizzo M, Robles-Colmenares Y, Roche E, Sanders L, Stergioulis A, Tong R, Tran H, Zuchero Y, Estrada AA, Gadkar K, Koth CMM, Sanchez PE, Thorne RG, Watts RJ, Sandmann T, Kane LA, Rigo F, Dennis MS, Lewcock JW, DeVos SL. Targeting the transferrin receptor to transport antisense oligonucleotides across the mammalian blood-brain barrier. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi2245. [PMID: 39141703 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are promising therapeutics for treating various neurological disorders. However, ASOs are unable to readily cross the mammalian blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore need to be delivered intrathecally to the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we engineered a human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) binding molecule, the oligonucleotide transport vehicle (OTV), to transport a tool ASO across the BBB in human TfR knockin (TfRmu/hu KI) mice and nonhuman primates. Intravenous injection and systemic delivery of OTV to TfRmu/hu KI mice resulted in sustained knockdown of the ASO target RNA, Malat1, across multiple mouse CNS regions and cell types, including endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. In addition, systemic delivery of OTV enabled Malat1 RNA knockdown in mouse quadriceps and cardiac muscles, which are difficult to target with oligonucleotides alone. Systemically delivered OTV enabled a more uniform ASO biodistribution profile in the CNS of TfRmu/hu KI mice and greater knockdown of Malat1 RNA compared with a bivalent, high-affinity TfR antibody. In cynomolgus macaques, an OTV directed against MALAT1 displayed robust ASO delivery to the primate CNS and enabled more uniform biodistribution and RNA target knockdown compared with intrathecal dosing of the same unconjugated ASO. Our data support systemically delivered OTV as a potential platform for delivering therapeutic ASOs across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mai B Thayer
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chaeyoung Kim
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Rebekah Dial
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Yinhan Zhou
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kylie S Chew
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johann Chow
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jason C Dugas
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Timothy Earr
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Connie Ha
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne S Ho
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Huynh
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Wanda Kwan
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cathal Mahon
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Elysia Roche
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Sanders
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Raymond Tong
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hai Tran
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Y Zuchero
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kapil Gadkar
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ryan J Watts
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Lesley A Kane
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Dennis
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Sarah L DeVos
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Miller R, Paquette J, Barker A, Sapp E, McHugh N, Bramato B, Yamada N, Alterman J, Echeveria D, Yamada K, Watts J, Anaclet C, DiFiglia M, Khvorova A, Aronin N. Preventing acute neurotoxicity of CNS therapeutic oligonucleotides with the addition of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ in the formulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597639. [PMID: 38895198 PMCID: PMC11185713 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics (ASOs and siRNAs) have been explored for modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS), with several drugs approved and many in clinical evaluation. Administration of highly concentrated oligonucleotides to the CNS can induce acute neurotoxicity. We demonstrate that delivery of concentrated oligonucleotides to the CSF in awake mice induces acute toxicity, observable within seconds of injection. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) in awake mice demonstrated seizures. Using ion chromatography, we show that siRNAs can tightly bind Ca2+ and Mg2+ up to molar equivalents of the phosphodiester (PO)/phosphorothioate (PS) bonds independently of the structure or phosphorothioate content. Optimization of the formulation by adding high concentrations (above biological levels) of divalent cations (Ca2+ alone, Mg2+ alone, or Ca2+ and Mg2+) prevents seizures with no impact on the distribution or efficacy of the oligonucleotide. The data here establishes the importance of adding Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the formulation for the safety of CNS administration of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Joseph Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Alexandra Barker
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ellen Sapp
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Julia Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Dimas Echeveria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Jonathan Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95618
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, 114 16 Street, Charlestown MA, 02129
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605
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5
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Croft LV, Fisher M, Barbhuiya TK, El-Kamand S, Beard S, Rajapakse A, Gamsjaeger R, Cubeddu L, Bolderson E, O'Byrne K, Richard D, Gandhi NS. Sequence- and Structure-Dependent Cytotoxicity of Phosphorothioate and 2'- O-Methyl Modified Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:143-155. [PMID: 38648015 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotides (SSOs) are a rapidly expanding class of therapeutics that comprises antisense oligonucleotides, microRNAs, and aptamers, with ten clinically approved molecules. Chemical modifications such as the phosphorothioate backbone and the 2'-O-methyl ribose can improve the stability and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic SSOs, but they can also lead to toxicity in vitro and in vivo through nonspecific interactions with cellular proteins, gene expression changes, disturbed RNA processing, and changes in nuclear structures and protein distribution. In this study, we screened a mini library of 277 phosphorothioate and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs, with or without mRNA complementarity, for cytotoxic properties in two cancer cell lines. Using circular dichroism, nucleic magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that phosphorothioate- and 2'-O-methyl-modified SSOs that form stable hairpin structures through Watson-Crick base pairing are more likely to be cytotoxic than those that exist in an extended conformation. In addition, moderate and highly cytotoxic SSOs in our dataset have a higher mean purine composition than pyrimidine. Overall, our study demonstrates a structure-cytotoxicity relationship and indicates that the formation of stable hairpins should be a consideration when designing SSOs toward optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Croft
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Fisher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tabassum Khair Barbhuiya
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Serene El-Kamand
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Samuel Beard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Rajapakse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Liza Cubeddu
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Emma Bolderson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Derek Richard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Cancer and Ageing Research Program at Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
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6
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Terada C, Oh K, Tsubaki R, Chan B, Aibara N, Ohyama K, Shibata MA, Wada T, Harada-Shiba M, Yamayoshi A, Yamamoto T. Dynamic and static control of the off-target interactions of antisense oligonucleotides using toehold chemistry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7972. [PMID: 38042877 PMCID: PMC10693639 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Off-target interactions between antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with state-of-the-art modifications and biological components still pose clinical safety liabilities. To mitigate a broad spectrum of off-target interactions and enhance the safety profile of ASO drugs, we here devise a nanoarchitecture named BRace On a THERapeutic aSo (BROTHERS or BRO), which is composed of a standard gapmer ASO paired with a partially complementary peptide nucleic acid (PNA) strand. We show that these non-canonical ASO/PNA hybrids have reduced non-specific protein-binding capacity. The optimization of the structural and thermodynamic characteristics of this duplex system enables the operation of an in vivo toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reaction, effectively reducing hybridization with RNA off-targets. The optimized BROs dramatically mitigate hepatotoxicity while maintaining the on-target knockdown activity of their parent ASOs in vivo. This technique not only introduces a BRO class of drugs that could have a transformative impact on the extrahepatic delivery of ASOs, but can also help uncover the toxicity mechanism of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Terada
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- JSPS Research Fellow (DC1), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaho Oh
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tsubaki
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Bun Chan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nozomi Aibara
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kaname Ohyama
- Department of Molecular Pathochemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masa-Aki Shibata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Takehiko Wada
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada-Shiba
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
- Cardiovascular Center, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Asako Yamayoshi
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Chemistry of Biofunctional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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7
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Ji D, Feng H, Liew SW, Kwok CK. Modified nucleic acid aptamers: development, characterization, and biological applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1360-1384. [PMID: 37302912 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their targets via specific structural interactions. To improve the properties and performance of aptamers, modified nucleotides are incorporated during or after a selection process such as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We summarize the latest modified nucleotides and strategies used in modified (mod)-SELEX and post-SELEX to develop modified aptamers, highlight the methods used to characterize aptamer-target interactions, and present recent progress in modified aptamers that recognize different targets. We discuss the challenges and perspectives in further advancing the methodologies and toolsets to accelerate the discovery of modified aptamers, improve the throughput of aptamer-target characterization, and expand the functional diversity and complexity of modified aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hengxin Feng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shiau Wei Liew
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Okamoto S, Echigoya Y, Tago A, Segawa T, Sato Y, Itou T. Antiviral Efficacy of RNase H-Dependent Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides against Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14846. [PMID: 37834294 PMCID: PMC10573891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNase H-dependent gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising therapeutic approach via sequence-specific binding to and degrading target RNAs. However, the efficacy and mechanism of antiviral gapmer ASOs have remained unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of gapmer ASOs containing locked nucleic acids (LNA gapmers) on proliferating a mosquito-borne flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with high mortality. We designed several LNA gapmers targeting the 3' untranslated region of JEV genomic RNAs. In vitro screening by plaque assay using Vero cells revealed that LNA gapmers targeting a stem-loop region effectively inhibit JEV proliferation. Cell-based and RNA cleavage assays using mismatched LNA gapmers exhibited an underlying mechanism where the inhibition of viral production results from JEV RNA degradation by LNA gapmers in a sequence- and modification-dependent manner. Encouragingly, LNA gapmers potently inhibited the proliferation of five JEV strains of predominant genotypes I and III in human neuroblastoma cells without apparent cytotoxicity. Database searching showed a low possibility of off-target binding of our LNA gapmers to human RNAs. The target viral RNA sequence conservation observed here highlighted their broad-spectrum antiviral potential against different JEV genotypes/strains. This work will facilitate the development of an antiviral LNA gapmer therapy for JEV and other flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Okamoto
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tago
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takao Segawa
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yukita Sato
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takuya Itou
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
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9
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Gould S, Templin MV. Off target toxicities and links with physicochemical properties of medicinal products, including antibiotics, oligonucleotides, lipid nanoparticles (with cationic and/or anionic charges). Data review suggests an emerging pattern. Toxicol Lett 2023; 384:14-29. [PMID: 37454775 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology is an essential part of any drug development plan. Circumnavigating the risk of failure because of a toxicity issue can be a challenge, and failure in late development is extremely costly. To identify potential risks, it requires more than just understanding the biological target. The toxicologist needs to consider a compound's structure, it's physicochemical properties (including the impact of the overall formulation), as well as the biological target (e.g., receptor interactions). Understanding the impact of the physicochemical properties can be used to predict potential toxicities in advance by incorporating key endpoints in early screening strategies and/or used to compare toxicity profiles across lead candidates. This review discussed the risks of off-target and/or non-specific toxicities that may be associated with the physicochemical properties of compounds, especially those carrying dominant positive or negative charges, including amphiphilic small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides and lipids/liposomes/lipid nanoparticles. The latter of which are being seen more and more in drug development, including the recent Covid pandemic, where mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technology is playing more of a role in vaccine development. The translation between non-clinical and clinical data is also considered, questioning how a physicochemical driven toxicity may be more universal across species, which means that such toxicity may be reassuringly translatable between species and as such, this information may also be considered as a support to the 3 R's, particularly in the early screening stages of a drug development plan.
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10
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Percze K, Tolnai ZJ, Eleveld M, Ou L, Du H, Olia AS, Kwong PD, de Jonge MI, Mészáros T. Tryptophan-like side chain holding aptamers inhibit respiratory syncytial virus infection of lung epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9403. [PMID: 37296186 PMCID: PMC10251311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of serious and even fatal acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and in the elderly. Potent RSV neutralization has been achieved by antibodies that selectively bind the prefusion form of the viral fusion (F) protein. We hypothesised that similar potent neutralization could be achieved using F protein targeting aptamers. Aptamers have yet to reach their translational potential for therapeutics or diagnostics due to their short half-life and limited range of target-aptamer interactions; these shortcomings can, however, be ameliorated by application of amino acid-like side chain holding nucleotides. In this study, a stabilized version of the prefusion RSV F protein was targeted by aptamer selection using an oligonucleotide library holding a tryptophan-like side chain. This process resulted in aptamers that bound the F protein with high affinity and differentiated between its pre- and postfusion conformation. Identified aptamers inhibited viral infection of lung epithelial cells. Moreover, introduction of modified nucleotides extended aptamer half-lives. Our results suggest that targeting aptamers to the surface of viruses could yield effective drug candidates, which could keep pace with the continuously evolving pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Percze
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán János Tolnai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marc Eleveld
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Li Ou
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Haijuan Du
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adam S Olia
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marien I de Jonge
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamás Mészáros
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Goyenvalle A, Jimenez-Mallebrera C, van Roon W, Sewing S, Krieg AM, Arechavala-Gomeza V, Andersson P. Considerations in the Preclinical Assessment of the Safety of Antisense Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:1-16. [PMID: 36579950 PMCID: PMC9940817 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleic acid therapeutics field has made tremendous progress in the past decades. Continuous advances in chemistry and design have led to many successful clinical applications, eliciting even more interest from researchers including both academic groups and drug development companies. Many preclinical studies in the field focus on improving the delivery of antisense oligonucleotide drugs (ONDs) and/or assessing their efficacy in target tissues, often neglecting the evaluation of toxicity, at least in early phases of development. A series of consensus recommendations regarding regulatory considerations and expectations have been generated by the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group and the Japanese Research Working Group for the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use S6 and Related Issues (WGS6) in several white papers. However, safety aspects should also be kept in sight in earlier phases while screening and designing OND to avoid subsequent failure in the development phase. Experts and members of the network "DARTER," a COST Action funded by the Cooperation in Science and Technology of the EU, have utilized their collective experience working with OND, as well as their insights into OND-mediated toxicities, to generate a series of consensus recommendations to assess OND toxicity in early stages of preclinical research. In the past few years, several publications have described predictive assays, which can be used to assess OND-mediated toxicity in vitro or ex vivo to filter out potential toxic candidates before moving to in vivo phases of preclinical development, that is, animal toxicity studies. These assays also have the potential to provide translational insight since they allow a safety evaluation in human in vitro systems. Yet, small preliminary in vivo studies should also be considered to complement this early assessment. In this study, we summarize the state of the art and provide guidelines and recommendations on the different tests available for these early stage preclinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France.,Address correspondence to: Aurélie Goyenvalle, PhD, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Cecilia Jimenez-Mallebrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Willeke van Roon
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Sewing
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arthur M. Krieg
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Address correspondence to: Patrik Andersson, PhD, Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
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12
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Shaharyar MA, Bhowmik R, Al-Abbasi FA, AlGhamdi SA, Alghamdi AM, Sarkar A, Kazmi I, Karmakar S. Vaccine Formulation Strategies and Challenges Involved in RNA Delivery for Modulating Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Race from Laboratory to Market. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020241. [PMID: 36851119 PMCID: PMC9963957 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that noncoding RNAs have significant physiological and pathological roles. Modulation of noncoding RNAs may offer therapeutic approaches as per recent findings. Small RNAs, mostly long noncoding RNAs, siRNA, and microRNAs make up noncoding RNAs. Inhibiting or promoting protein breakdown by binding to 3' untranslated regions of target mRNA, microRNAs post-transcriptionally control the pattern of gene expression. Contrarily, long non-coding RNAs perform a wider range of tasks, including serving as molecular scaffolding, decoys, and epigenetic regulators. This article provides instances of long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs that may be a biomarker of CVD (cardiovascular disease). In this paper we highlight various RNA-based vaccine formulation strategies designed to target these biomarkers-that are either currently in the research pipeline or are in the global pharmaceutical market-along with the physiological hurdles that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Adil Shaharyar
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Rudranil Bhowmik
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Fahad A. Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shareefa A. AlGhamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira M. Alghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arnab Sarkar
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (S.K.); Tel.: +966-543970731 (I.K.); +91-8017136385 (S.K.)
| | - Sanmoy Karmakar
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (S.K.); Tel.: +966-543970731 (I.K.); +91-8017136385 (S.K.)
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13
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Lu K, Fan Q, Zou X. Antisense oligonucleotide is a promising intervention for liver diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1061842. [PMID: 36569303 PMCID: PMC9780395 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1061842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the body's critical metabolic organ, the liver plays an essential role in maintaining proper body homeostasis. However, as people's living standards have improved and the number of unhealthy lifestyles has increased, the liver has become overburdened. These have made liver disease one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Under the influence of adverse factors, liver disease progresses from simple steatosis to hepatitis, to liver fibrosis, and finally to cirrhosis and cancer, followed by increased mortality. Until now, there has been a lack of accepted effective treatments for liver disease. Based on current research, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), as an alternative intervention for liver diseases, is expected to be an effective treatment due to its high efficiency, low toxicity, low dosage, strong specificity, and additional positive characteristics. In this review, we will first introduce the design, modification, delivery, and the mechanisms of ASO, and then summarize the application of ASO in liver disease treatment, including in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. Finally, we discuss challenges and perspectives on the transfer of ASO drugs into clinical use. This review provides a current and comprehensive understanding of the integrative and systematic functions of ASO for its use in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailing Lu
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qijing Fan
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoju Zou
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoju Zou,
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14
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Wang F, Calvo-Roitberg E, Rembetsy-Brown JM, Fang M, Sousa J, Kartje Z, Krishnamurthy PM, Lee J, Green M, Pai A, Watts J. G-rich motifs within phosphorothioate-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) drive activation of FXN expression through indirect effects. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12657-12673. [PMID: 36511872 PMCID: PMC9825156 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is an incurable disease caused by frataxin (FXN) protein deficiency, which is mostly induced by GAA repeat expansion in intron 1 of the FXN gene. Here, we identified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), complementary to two regions within the first intron of FXN pre-mRNA, which could increase FXN mRNA by ∼2-fold in patient fibroblasts. The increase in FXN mRNA was confirmed by the identification of multiple overlapping FXN-activating ASOs at each region, two independent RNA quantification assays, and normalization by multiple housekeeping genes. Experiments on cells with the ASO-binding sites deleted indicate that the ASO-induced FXN activation was driven by indirect effects. RNA sequencing analyses showed that the two ASOs induced similar transcriptome-wide changes, which did not resemble the transcriptome of wild-type cells. This RNA-seq analysis did not identify directly base-paired off-target genes shared across ASOs. Mismatch studies identified two guanosine-rich motifs (CCGG and G4) within the ASOs that were required for FXN activation. The phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer analogs of our ASOs did not activate FXN, pointing to a PS-backbone-mediated effect. Our study demonstrates the importance of multiple, detailed control experiments and target validation in oligonucleotide studies employing novel mechanisms such as gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ezequiel Calvo-Roitberg
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Minggang Fang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Zachary J Kartje
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Michael R Green
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Athma A Pai
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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15
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Ivanov GS, Tribulovich VG, Pestov NB, David TI, Amoah AS, Korneenko TV, Barlev NA. Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies. Biol Direct 2022; 17:39. [PMID: 36474260 PMCID: PMC9727881 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb S Ivanov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Vyacheslav G Tribulovich
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Nikolay B Pestov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow, Russia, 108819
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б
| | - Temitope I David
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Abdul-Saleem Amoah
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Tatyana V Korneenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Nikolai A Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064.
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б.
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan.
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16
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Zhang L, Liang XH, De Hoyos CL, Migawa M, Nichols JG, Freestone G, Tian J, Seth PP, Crooke ST. The Combination of Mesyl-Phosphoramidate Inter-Nucleotide Linkages and 2'- O-Methyl in Selected Positions in the Antisense Oligonucleotide Enhances the Performance of RNaseH1 Active PS-ASOs. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:401-411. [PMID: 35861704 PMCID: PMC9595634 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that mediate RNA target degradation by RNase H1 are used as drugs to treat various diseases. Previously we found that introduction of a single 2'-O-methyl (2'-OMe) modification in position 2 of the central deoxynucleotide region of a gapmer phosphorothioate (PS) ASO, in which several residues at the termini are 2'-methoxyethyl, 2' constrained ethyl, or locked nucleic acid, dramatically reduced cytotoxicity with only modest effects on potency. More recently, we demonstrated that replacement of the PS linkage at position 2 or 3 in the gap with a mesyl-phosphoramidate (MsPA) linkage also significantly reduced toxicity without meaningful loss of potency and increased the elimination half-life of the ASOs. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combination of MsPA linkages and 2'-OMe nucleotides on PS ASO performance. We found that two MsPA modifications at the 5' end of the gap or in the 3'-wing of a Gap 2'-OMe PS ASO substantially increased the activity of ASOs with OMe at position 2 of the gap without altering the safety profile. Such effects were observed with multiple sequences in cells and animals. Thus, the MsPA modification improves the RNase H1 cleavage rate of PS ASOs with a 2'-OMe in the gap, significantly reduces binding of proteins involved in cytotoxicity, and prolongs elimination half-lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingdi Zhang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Cheryl Li De Hoyos
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Michael Migawa
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Graeme Freestone
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Jun Tian
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Punit P Seth
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
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17
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Yoshida T, Morihiro K, Naito Y, Mikami A, Kasahara Y, Inoue T, Obika S. Identification of nucleobase chemical modifications that reduce the hepatotoxicity of gapmer antisense oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7224-7234. [PMID: 35801870 PMCID: PMC9303313 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, gapmer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics are under clinical development for the treatment of various diseases, including previously intractable human disorders; however, they have the potential to induce hepatotoxicity. Although several groups have reported the reduced hepatotoxicity of gapmer ASOs following chemical modifications of sugar residues or internucleotide linkages, only few studies have described nucleobase modifications to reduce hepatotoxicity. In this study, we introduced single or multiple combinations of 17 nucleobase derivatives, including four novel derivatives, into hepatotoxic locked nucleic acid gapmer ASOs and examined their effects on hepatotoxicity. The results demonstrated successful identification of chemical modifications that strongly reduced the hepatotoxicity of gapmer ASOs. This approach expands the ability to design gapmer ASOs with optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Morihiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Naito
- Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mikami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuuya Kasahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Yuhan J, Zhu L, Zhu L, Huang K, He X, Xu W. Cell-specific aptamers as potential drugs in therapeutic applications: A review of current progress. J Control Release 2022; 346:405-420. [PMID: 35489545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell-specific aptamers are a promising emerging player in the field of disease therapy. This paper reviews the multidimensional research progress made in terms of their classification, modification, and application. Based on the target location of cell-specific aptamers, it is defined and classified cell-specific aptamers into three groups including aptamers for cell surface markers, aptamers for intracellular components, and aptamers for extracellular components. Moreover, the modification methods of aptamers to achieve improved stability and affinity are concluded. In addition, recent advances in the application of cell-specific aptamers are discussed, mainly focusing on the increasing research attraction of cell state improving helpers and cell recruitment mediators in the improvement of cellular microenvironments to achieve successful disease therapy. This review also highlights 11 types of clinical aptamer drugs. Finally, the challenges and future directions of potential clinical applications are presented. In summary, we believe that cell-specific aptamers are promising drugs in disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyu Yuhan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liye Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kunlun Huang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
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19
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Abstract
RNA-based gene therapy requires therapeutic RNA to function inside target cells without eliciting unwanted immune responses. RNA can be ferried into cells using non-viral drug delivery systems, which circumvent the limitations of viral delivery vectors. Here, we review the growing number of RNA therapeutic classes, their molecular mechanisms of action, and the design considerations for their respective delivery platforms. We describe polymer-based, lipid-based, and conjugate-based drug delivery systems, differentiating between those that passively and those that actively target specific cell types. Finally, we describe the path from preclinical drug delivery research to clinical approval, highlighting opportunities to improve the efficiency with which new drug delivery systems are discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Paunovska
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David Loughrey
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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20
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Advances in aptamer-based nuclear imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2544-2559. [PMID: 35394153 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are short oligonucleotides that bind to specific target molecules. They have been extensively explored in biomedical applications, including biosensing, medical imaging, and disease treatment. Their adjustable affinity for specific biomarkers stimulates more translational efforts, such as nuclear imaging of tumors in preclinical and clinical settings. In this review, we present recent advances of aptamer-based nuclear imaging and compare aptamer tracers with other biogenic probes in forms of peptides, nanobodies, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody fragments. Fundamental properties of aptamer-based radiotracers are highlighted and potential directions to improve aptamer's imaging performance are discussed. Despite many translational obstacles to overcome, we envision aptamers to be a versatile tool for cancer nuclear imaging in the near future.
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21
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Keating MF, Drew BG, Calkin AC. Antisense Oligonucleotide Technologies to Combat Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:839471. [PMID: 35295579 PMCID: PMC8918623 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.839471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic oligonucleotide technologies are DNA or RNA based molecular compounds that are utilized to disrupt gene transcription or translation in target tissues or cells. Optimally, oligonucleotides are 10–30 base pairs in length, and mediate target gene suppression through directed sequence homology with messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to mRNA degradation. Examples of specific oligonucleotide technologies include antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), short hairpin RNAs (shRNA), and small interfering RNAs (siRNA). In vitro and in vivo studies that model obesity related disorders have demonstrated that oligonucleotide technologies can be implemented to improve the metabolism of cells and tissues, exemplified by improvements in fat utilization and hepatic insulin signaling, respectively. Oligonucleotide therapy has also been associated with reductions in lipid accumulation in both the liver and adipose tissue in models of diet-induced obesity. Recent advances in oligonucleotide technologies include the addition of chemical modifications such as N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugates that have been successful at achieving affinity for the liver, in turn improving specificity, and thus reducing off target effects. However, some challenges are still yet to be overcome relating to hepatic injury and off-target effects that have been reported with some compounds, including ASOs. In summary, oligonucleotide-based therapies are an effective tool to elucidate mechanistic insights into metabolic pathways and provide an attractive avenue for translational research into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Keating
- Lipid Metabolism and Cardiometabolic Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Molecular Metabolism and Ageing Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian G Drew
- Molecular Metabolism and Ageing Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna C Calkin
- Lipid Metabolism and Cardiometabolic Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Andersson P. Preclinical Safety Assessment of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2434:355-370. [PMID: 35213031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, therapeutic oligonucleotide drugs (OND) have witnessed a tremendous development in chemistry and mechanistic understanding that have translated into successful clinical applications. Depending on the specific OND mechanism, chemistry, and design, the DMPK and toxicity properties can vary significantly between different OND classes and delivery approaches, the latter including lipid formulations or conjugation approaches to enhance productive OND uptake. At the same time, with the only difference between compounds being the nucleobase sequence, ONDs with same mechanism of action, chemistry, and design show relatively consistent behavior, allowing certain extrapolations between compounds within an OND class. This chapter provides a summary of the most common toxicities, the improved mechanistic understanding and the safety assessment activities performed for therapeutic oligonucleotides during the drug discovery and development process. Several of the considerations described for therapeutic applications should also be of value for the scientists mainly using oligonucleotides as research tools to explore various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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23
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Gomes D, Wang S, Goodspeed L, Turk KE, Wietecha T, Liu Y, Bornfeldt KE, O'Brien KD, Chait A, den Hartigh LJ. Comparison between genetic and pharmaceutical disruption of Ldlr expression for the development of atherosclerosis. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100174. [PMID: 35101425 PMCID: PMC8953673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against Ldl receptor (Ldlr-ASO) represent a promising strategy to promote hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis in animal models without the need for complex breeding strategies. Here, we sought to characterize and contrast atherosclerosis in mice given Ldlr-ASO with those bearing genetic Ldlr deficiency. To promote atherosclerosis, male and female C57Bl6/J mice were either given weekly injections of Ldlr-ASO (5 mg/kg once per week) or genetically deficient in Ldlr (Ldlr-/-). Mice consumed either standard rodent chow or a diet high in saturated fat and sucrose with 0.15% added cholesterol for 16 weeks. While both models of Ldlr deficiency promoted hypercholesterolemia, Ldlr-/- mice exhibited nearly 2-fold higher cholesterol levels than Ldlr-ASO mice, reflected by increased VLDL and LDL levels. Consistent with this, the en face atherosclerotic lesion area was 3-fold and 3.6-fold greater in male and female mice with genetic Ldlr deficiency, respectively, as compared with the modest atherosclerosis observed following Ldlr-ASO treatment. Aortic sinus lesion sizes, fibrosis, smooth muscle actin, and necrotic core areas were also larger in Ldlr-/- mice, suggesting a more advanced phenotype. Despite a more modest effect on hypercholesterolemia, Ldlr-ASO induced greater hepatic inflammatory gene expression, macrophage accumulation, and histological lobular inflammation than was observed in Ldlr-/- mice. We conclude Ldlr-ASO is a promising tool for the generation of complex rodent models with which to study atherosclerosis but does not promote comparable levels of hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerosis as Ldlr-/- mice and increases hepatic inflammation. Thus, genetic Ldlr deficiency may be a superior model, depending on the proposed use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Gomes
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shari Wang
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Leela Goodspeed
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine E Turk
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomasz Wietecha
- Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yongjun Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Karin E Bornfeldt
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin D O'Brien
- Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alan Chait
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura J den Hartigh
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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24
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Pierce JB, Zhou H, Simion V, Feinberg MW. Long Noncoding RNAs as Therapeutic Targets. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1363:161-175. [PMID: 35220570 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92034-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of cellular functions including maintenance of cellular homeostasis as well as the onset and progression of disease. LncRNAs often exhibit cell-, tissue-, and disease-specific expression patterns, making them desirable therapeutic targets. LncRNAs are commonly targeted using oligonucleotide therapeutics, and advances in oligonucleotide chemistry including C2 ribose sugar modifications such as 2'-fluoro, 2'-O-methyl, and 2-O-methoxyethyl modifications; 2'4'-constrained nucleotides such as locked nucleic acids and constrained 2'-O-ethyl (cEt) nucleotides; and phosphorothioate bonds have dramatically improved efficacy of oligonucleotide therapies. Novel delivery platforms such as viral vectors and nanoparticles have also improved pharmacokinetic properties of oligonucleotides targeting lncRNAs. Accumulating pre-clinical studies have utilized these strategies to therapeutically target lncRNAs and alter progression of many different disease states including Snhg12 and Chast in cardiovascular disease, Mirt2 and HOTTIP in sepsis and autoimmune disease, and Malat1 and HOXB-AS3 in cancer. Emerging oligonucleotide conjugation methods including the use of peptide nucleic acids hold promise to facilitate targeting to specific tissue types. Here, we review recent advances in lncRNA therapeutics and provide examples of how lncRNAs have been successfully targeted in pre-clinical models of disease. Finally, we detail remaining challenges facing the lncRNA field and how advances in delivery platforms and oligonucleotide chemistry might help overcome these barriers to catalyze the translation of pre-clinical studies to successful pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob B Pierce
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Haoyang Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Viorel Simion
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Feinberg
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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25
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Hagedorn PH, Brown JM, Easton A, Pierdomenico M, Jones K, Olson RE, Mercer SE, Li D, Loy J, Høg AM, Jensen ML, Gill M, Cacace AM. Acute Neurotoxicity of Antisense Oligonucleotides After Intracerebroventricular Injection Into Mouse Brain Can Be Predicted from Sequence Features. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:151-162. [PMID: 35166597 PMCID: PMC9221153 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are a relatively new therapeutic modality and safety evaluation is still a developing area of research. We have observed that some oligonucleotides can produce acute, nonhybridization dependent, neurobehavioral side effects after intracerebroventricular (ICV) dosing in mice. In this study, we use a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and bioinformatics approaches to identify a sequence design algorithm, which can reduce the number of acutely toxic molecules synthesized and tested in mice. We find a cellular assay measuring spontaneous calcium oscillations in neuronal cells can predict the behavioral side effects after ICV dosing, and may provide a mechanistic explanation for these observations. We identify sequence features that are overrepresented or underrepresented among oligonucleotides causing these reductions in calcium oscillations. A weighted linear combination of the five most informative sequence features predicts the outcome of ICV dosing with >80% accuracy. From this, we develop a bioinformatics tool that allows oligonucleotide designs with acceptable acute neurotoxic potential to be identified, thereby reducing the number of toxic molecules entering drug discovery pipelines. The informative sequence features we identified also suggest areas in which to focus future medicinal chemistry efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Hagedorn
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Jeffrey M Brown
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amy Easton
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Maria Pierdomenico
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kelli Jones
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Richard E Olson
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stephen E Mercer
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dong Li
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - James Loy
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Anja M Høg
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Marianne L Jensen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Martin Gill
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Angela M Cacace
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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26
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A review on the therapeutic applications of aptamers and aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles in cancer, inflammatory and viral diseases. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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27
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Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have entered the mainstream with seemingly limitless possibilities to treat all categories of neurological disease. Here, common RNA-based drug modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, RNA aptamers, RNA-based vaccines and mRNA drugs are reviewed highlighting their current and potential applications. Rapid progress has been made across rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, but safe and effective delivery to the brain remains a significant challenge for many applications. The advent of individualized RNA-based therapies for ultra-rare diseases is discussed against the backdrop of the emergence of this field into more common conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ischaemic stroke. There remains significant untapped potential in the use of RNA-based therapeutics for behavioural disorders and tumours of the central nervous system; coupled with the accelerated development expected over the next decade, the true potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform the therapeutic landscape in neurology remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
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28
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29
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Nishina H, Sakairi T, Kashimura A, Sato H, Mizukawa M, Ozawa Y, Nishikawa S. Karnovsky's fixative prevents artifacts appearing as vacuolation derived from tissue processing in kidneys treated with antisense oligonucleotide. J Toxicol Pathol 2021; 34:367-371. [PMID: 34629736 PMCID: PMC8484925 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2021-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies have been identified as a new treatment modality for intractable diseases. In kidneys treated with ASOs, vacuoles, in addition to basophilic granules, are often observed in the proximal tubules. Some reports have described that these vacuoles are likely to be a secondary phenomenon resulting from the extraction of ASOs during tissue processing. In this study, we compared renal morphology after fixation with Karnovsky's fixative or 4% paraformaldehyde phosphate buffer (PFA) with that of 10% neutral-buffered formaldehyde solution (NBF). Female Sprague-Dawley rats, intravenously treated four times with 50 mg/kg locked nucleic acid containing antisense oligonucleotides (LNA-ASOs) for 1 or 2 weeks, were examined. Microscopically, vacuoles and basophilic granules in the proximal tubules were observed in the kidneys fixed with NBF. Basophilic granules are indicative of the accumulation of ASOs. Moreover, some of the vacuoles also contained faint basophilic granules, suggesting that the vacuoles were relevant to the accumulation of ASOs. Although moderate vacuolation was observed in the proximal tubules, the majority of the vacuolated epithelia were negative for kidney injury molecule-1 on immunohistochemical staining. Vacuoles in the proximal tubules were not observed in samples subjected to Karnovsky's fixation, although basophilic granules were observed. In samples subjected to PFA fixation, vacuoles and basophilic granules were observed in the proximal tubules, similar to those in samples subjected to NBF fixation. Overall, our findings demonstrated the possibility of overestimation of vacuolation due to artifacts during tissue processing when using conventional NBF fixation. Karnovsky's fixative is considered a useful alternative for distinguishing artificial vacuoles from true nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Nishina
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sakairi
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Akane Kashimura
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroko Sato
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Mao Mizukawa
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuhei Ozawa
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Nishikawa
- Safety Research Laboratories, Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, 2-26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
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30
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Zhang K, Zheludev IN, Hagey RJ, Haslecker R, Hou YJ, Kretsch R, Pintilie GD, Rangan R, Kladwang W, Li S, Wu MTP, Pham EA, Bernardin-Souibgui C, Baric RS, Sheahan TP, D'Souza V, Glenn JS, Chiu W, Das R. Cryo-EM and antisense targeting of the 28-kDa frameshift stimulation element from the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2021; 28:747-754. [PMID: 34426697 PMCID: PMC8848339 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-021-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery campaigns against COVID-19 are beginning to target the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. The highly conserved frameshift stimulation element (FSE), required for balanced expression of viral proteins, is a particularly attractive SARS-CoV-2 RNA target. Here we present a 6.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the FSE (88 nucleotides, ~28 kDa), validated through an RNA nanostructure tagging method. The tertiary structure presents a topologically complex fold in which the 5' end is threaded through a ring formed inside a three-stem pseudoknot. Guided by this structure, we develop antisense oligonucleotides that impair FSE function in frameshifting assays and knock down SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in A549-ACE2 cells at 100 nM concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Zhang
- Departments of Bioengineering, James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ivan N Zheludev
- Department of Biochemistry Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rachel J Hagey
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Raphael Haslecker
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yixuan J Hou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Grigore D Pintilie
- Departments of Bioengineering, James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ramya Rangan
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wipapat Kladwang
- Department of Biochemistry Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shanshan Li
- Departments of Bioengineering, James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Marie Teng-Pei Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Edward A Pham
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Claire Bernardin-Souibgui
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy P Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Victoria D'Souza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Glenn
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Wah Chiu
- Departments of Bioengineering, James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- CryoEM and Bioimaging Division, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
| | - Rhiju Das
- Department of Biochemistry Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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31
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Kabza AM, Kundu N, Zhong W, Sczepanski JT. Integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions for applications in living systems. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 14:e1743. [PMID: 34328690 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Watson-Crick base pairing rules provide a powerful approach for engineering DNA-based nanodevices with programmable and predictable behaviors. In particular, DNA strand displacement reactions have enabled the development of an impressive repertoire of molecular devices with complex functionalities. By relying on DNA to function, dynamic strand displacement devices represent powerful tools for the interrogation and manipulation of biological systems. Yet, implementation in living systems has been a slow process due to several persistent challenges, including nuclease degradation. To circumvent these issues, researchers are increasingly turning to chemically modified nucleotides as a means to increase device performance and reliability within harsh biological environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress toward the integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions, highlighting key successes in the development of robust systems and devices that operate in living cells and in vivo. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of commonly employed modifications as they pertain to DNA strand displacement, as well as considerations that must be taken into account when applying modified oligonucleotide to living cells. Finally, we explore how chemically modified nucleotides fit into the broader goal of bringing dynamic DNA nanotechnology into the cell, and the challenges that remain. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Kabza
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nandini Kundu
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Wenrui Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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32
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Danielsen MB, Wengel J. Cationic oligonucleotide derivatives and conjugates: A favorable approach for enhanced DNA and RNA targeting oligonucleotides. Beilstein J Org Chem 2021; 17:1828-1848. [PMID: 34386102 PMCID: PMC8329367 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have the ability of binding to endogenous nucleic acid targets, thereby inhibiting the gene expression. Although ASOs have great potential in the treatment of many diseases, the search for favorable toxicity profiles and distribution has been challenging and consequently impeded the widespread use of ASOs as conventional medicine. One strategy that has been employed to optimize the delivery profile of ASOs, is the functionalization of ASOs with cationic amine groups, either by direct conjugation onto the sugar, nucleobase or internucleotide linkage. The introduction of these positively charged groups has improved properties like nuclease resistance, increased binding to the nucleic acid target and improved cell uptake for oligonucleotides (ONs) and ASOs. The modifications highlighted in this review are some of the most prevalent cationic amine groups which have been attached as single modifications onto ONs/ASOs. The review has been separated into three sections, nucleobase, sugar and backbone modifications, highlighting what impact the cationic amine groups have on the ONs/ASOs physiochemical and biological properties. Finally, a concluding section has been added, summarizing the important knowledge from the three chapters, and examining the future design for ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias B Danielsen
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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Sun X, Feinberg MW. Vascular Endothelial Senescence: Pathobiological Insights, Emerging Long Noncoding RNA Targets, Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. Front Physiol 2021; 12:693067. [PMID: 34220553 PMCID: PMC8242592 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.693067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a stable form of cell cycle arrest in response to various stressors. While it serves as an endogenous pro-resolving mechanism, detrimental effects ensue when it is dysregulated. In this review, we introduce recent advances for cellular senescence and inflammaging, the underlying mechanisms for the reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in tissues during aging, new knowledge learned from p16 reporter mice, and the development of machine learning algorithms in cellular senescence. We focus on pathobiological insights underlying cellular senescence of the vascular endothelium, a critical interface between blood and all tissues. Common causes and hallmarks of endothelial senescence are highlighted as well as recent advances in endothelial senescence. The regulation of cellular senescence involves multiple mechanistic layers involving chromatin, DNA, RNA, and protein levels. New targets are discussed including the roles of long noncoding RNAs in regulating endothelial cellular senescence. Emerging small molecules are highlighted that have anti-aging or anti-senescence effects in age-related diseases and impact homeostatic control of the vascular endothelium. Lastly, challenges and future directions are discussed including heterogeneity of endothelial cells and endothelial senescence, senescent markers and detection of senescent endothelial cells, evolutionary differences for immune surveillance in mice and humans, and long noncoding RNAs as therapeutic targets in attenuating cellular senescence. Accumulating studies indicate that cellular senescence is reversible. A better understanding of endothelial cellular senescence through lifestyle and pharmacological interventions holds promise to foster a new frontier in the management of cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases Through Dietary Molecules, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Mark W. Feinberg
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Nieskens TTG, Magnusson O, Andersson P, Söderberg M, Persson M, Sjögren AK. Nephrotoxic antisense oligonucleotide SPC5001 induces kidney injury biomarkers in a proximal tubule-on-a-chip. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2123-2136. [PMID: 33961089 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising therapeutic modality. However, failure to predict acute kidney injury induced by SPC5001 ASO observed in a clinical trial suggests the need for additional preclinical models to complement the preceding animal toxicity studies. To explore the utility of in vitro systems in this space, we evaluated the induction of nephrotoxicity and kidney injury biomarkers by SPC5001 in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (HRPTEC), cultured in 2D, and in a recently developed kidney proximal tubule-on-a-chip. 2D HRPTEC cultures were exposed to the nephrotoxic ASO SPC5001 or the safe control ASO 556089 (0.16-40 µM) for up to 72 h, targeting PCSK9 and MALAT1, respectively. Both ASOs induced a concentration-dependent downregulation of their respective mRNA targets but cytotoxicity (determined by LDH activity) was not observed at any concentration. Next, chip-cultured HRPTEC were exposed to SPC5001 (0.5 and 5 µM) and 556089 (1 and 10 µM) for 48 h to confirm downregulation of their respective target transcripts, with 74.1 ± 5.2% for SPC5001 (5 µM) and 79.4 ± 0.8% for 556089 (10 µM). During extended exposure for up to 20 consecutive days, only SPC5001 induced cytotoxicity (at the higher concentration; 5 µM), as evaluated by LDH in the perfusate medium. Moreover, perfusate levels of biomarkers KIM-1, NGAL, clusterin, osteopontin and VEGF increased 2.5 ± 0.2-fold, 3.9 ± 0.9-fold, 2.3 ± 0.6-fold, 3.9 ± 1.7-fold and 1.9 ± 0.4-fold respectively, in response to SPC5001, generating distinct time-dependent profiles. In conclusion, target downregulation, cytotoxicity and kidney injury biomarkers were induced by the clinically nephrotoxic ASO SPC5001, demonstrating the translational potential of this kidney on-a-chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom T G Nieskens
- CVRM Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 43150, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Otto Magnusson
- CVRM Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 43150, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Patrik Andersson
- R&I Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Söderberg
- CVRM Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 43150, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mikael Persson
- CVRM Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 43150, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Sjögren
- CVRM Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 43150, Mölndal, Sweden.
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Hammond SM, Aartsma‐Rus A, Alves S, Borgos SE, Buijsen RAM, Collin RWJ, Covello G, Denti MA, Desviat LR, Echevarría L, Foged C, Gaina G, Garanto A, Goyenvalle AT, Guzowska M, Holodnuka I, Jones DR, Krause S, Lehto T, Montolio M, Van Roon‐Mom W, Arechavala‐Gomeza V. Delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics: challenges and opportunities. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13243. [PMID: 33821570 PMCID: PMC8033518 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics that regulate gene expression have been developed towards clinical use at a steady pace for several decades, but in recent years the field has been accelerating. To date, there are 11 marketed products based on antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers and small interfering RNAs, and many others are in the pipeline for both academia and industry. A major technology trigger for this development has been progress in oligonucleotide chemistry to improve the drug properties and reduce cost of goods, but the main hurdle for the application to a wider range of disorders is delivery to target tissues. The adoption of delivery technologies, such as conjugates or nanoparticles, has been a game changer for many therapeutic indications, but many others are still awaiting their eureka moment. Here, we cover the variety of methods developed to deliver nucleic acid-based therapeutics across biological barriers and the model systems used to test them. We discuss important safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries and the hurdles for translating laboratory breakthroughs to the clinic. Recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics and in the development of model systems, as well as safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries are discussed in this review on oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development UnitNational Health Institute Doutor Ricardo JorgePortoPortugal
| | - Sven E Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology and NanomedicineSINTEF ASTrondheimNorway
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Giuseppina Covello
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela A Denti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Lourdes R Desviat
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM‐CSICCIBERER, IdiPazUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Camilla Foged
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Victor Babes National Institute of PathologyBucharestRomania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of PediatricsRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Magdalena Guzowska
- Department of Physiological SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineWarsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGWWarsawPoland
| | - Irina Holodnuka
- Institute of Microbiology and VirologyRiga Stradins UniversityRigaLatvia
| | | | - Sabine Krause
- Department of NeurologyFriedrich‐Baur‐InstituteLudwig‐Maximilians‐University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Institute of TechnologyUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular MedicineDepartment of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Marisol Montolio
- Duchenne Parent Project EspañaMadridSpain
- Department of Cell Biology, Fisiology and ImmunologyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Willeke Van Roon‐Mom
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Virginia Arechavala‐Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders GroupBiocruces Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoSpain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
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Wada F, Hori SI, Obika S, Yamamoto T. Calcium-Mediated In Vitro Transfection Technique of Oligonucleotides with Broad Chemical Modification Compatibility. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2176:141-154. [PMID: 32865788 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0771-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide drugs (ODs) have gained increasing attention owing to their promising therapeutic potential. One major obstacle that ODs have been facing is the lack of appropriate in vitro validation systems that can predict in vivo activity and toxicity. We have devised a transfection method called CEM (Ca2+-enrichment method), where the simple enrichment of calcium ion with calcium chloride in culture medium potentiates the activity of various types of naked oligonucleotides including gapmers, siRNA, and phosphorodiamidate morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (PMO) in many cultured cell lines with limited cytotoxicity. We here describe a precise procedure of the method. Besides the benefit of the CEM's predictive power to accurately estimate in vivo activity of ODs of your interest in drug discovery and development settings, this cost-efficient, easy-to-access method can be a robust laboratory technique to modulate gene expressions with ODs with a variety of mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Wada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory for Medium Molecular Drug Discovery, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. .,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a recently discovered class of RNA that have diverse intracellular regulatory and structural roles. Because of their wide assortment of functions, lncRNAs can have varied distributions in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm of a cell. However, even though tens of thousands of human lncRNAs have been identified, currently less than 3% have empirically validated functions. RNA knockdown is now a relatively commonplace laboratory technique used to functionally characterize an RNA. These techniques (most commonly antisense therapy and RNA interference) can even have therapeutic benefit to treat a wide variety of genetic or infectious diseases as evidenced by the several RNA knockdown reagents currently in clinical trials. This protocol describes the use of validated gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to knockdown human MALAT1, a nuclear-retained lncRNA that is upregulated in multiple cancer cells. Methods used include cationic lipid transfection into HeLa cells, RNA isolation, and RT-qPCR analysis of the RNA knockdown levels.
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38
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Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:642858. [PMID: 33776777 PMCID: PMC7996372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.642858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive, asymmetric muscle weakness at the face, shoulders, and upper limbs, which spreads to the lower body with age. It is the third most common inherited muscular disorder worldwide. Around 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound, and some present with extramuscular manifestations. FSHD is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene in muscle. DUX4 codes for a transcription factor which, in skeletal muscle, dysregulates numerous signaling activities that culminate in cytotoxicity. Potential treatments for FSHD therefore aim to reduce the expression of DUX4 or the activity of its toxic protein product. In this article, we review how genetic approaches such as those based on oligonucleotide and genome editing technologies have been developed to achieve these goals. We also outline the challenges these therapies are facing on the road to translation, and discuss possible solutions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q. Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Ni S, Zhuo Z, Pan Y, Yu Y, Li F, Liu J, Wang L, Wu X, Li D, Wan Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang BT, Lu A, Zhang G. Recent Progress in Aptamer Discoveries and Modifications for Therapeutic Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:9500-9519. [PMID: 32603135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences with a length of about 25-80 bases which have abilities to bind to specific target molecules that rival those of monoclonal antibodies. They are attracting great attention in diverse clinical translations on account of their various advantages, including prolonged storage life, little batch-to-batch differences, very low immunogenicity, and feasibility of chemical modifications for enhancing stability, prolonging the half-life in serum, and targeted delivery. In this Review, we demonstrate the emerging aptamer discovery technologies in developing advanced techniques for producing aptamers with high performance consistently and efficiently as well as requiring less cost and resources but offering a great chance of success. Further, the diverse modifications of aptamers for therapeutic applications including therapeutic agents, aptamer-drug conjugates, and targeted delivery materials are comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijian Ni
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dijie Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youyang Wan
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Fumoto S, Yamamoto T, Okami K, Maemura Y, Terada C, Yamayoshi A, Nishida K. Understanding In Vivo Fate of Nucleic Acid and Gene Medicines for the Rational Design of Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:159. [PMID: 33530309 PMCID: PMC7911509 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid and genetic medicines are increasingly being developed, owing to their potential to treat a variety of intractable diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the in vivo fate of these agents is vital for the rational design, discovery, and fast and straightforward development of the drugs. In case of intravascular administration of nucleic acids and genetic medicines, interaction with blood components, especially plasma proteins, is unavoidable. However, on the flip side, such interaction can be utilized wisely to manipulate the pharmacokinetics of the agents. In other words, plasma protein binding can help in suppressing the elimination of nucleic acids from the blood stream and deliver naked oligonucleotides and gene carriers into target cells. To control the distribution of these agents in the body, the ligand conjugation method is widely applied. It is also important to understand intracellular localization. In this context, endocytosis pathway, endosomal escape, and nuclear transport should be considered and discussed. Encapsulated nucleic acids and genes must be dissociated from the carriers to exert their activity. In this review, we summarize the in vivo fate of nucleic acid and gene medicines and provide guidelines for the rational design of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Fumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan; (T.Y.); (K.O.); (Y.M.); (C.T.); (A.Y.); (K.N.)
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Sciabola S, Xi H, Cruz D, Cao Q, Lawrence C, Zhang T, Rotstein S, Hughes JD, Caffrey DR, Stanton RV. PFRED: A computational platform for siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides design. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0238753. [PMID: 33481821 PMCID: PMC7822268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PFRED a software application for the design, analysis, and visualization of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA is described. The software provides an intuitive user-interface for scientists to design a library of siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides that target a specific gene of interest. Moreover, the tool facilitates the incorporation of various design criteria that have been shown to be important for stability and potency. PFRED has been made available as an open-source project so the code can be easily modified to address the future needs of the oligonucleotide research community. A compiled version is available for downloading at https://github.com/pfred/pfred-gui/releases/tag/v1.0 as a java Jar file. The source code and the links for downloading the precompiled version can be found at https://github.com/pfred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sciabola
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Hualin Xi
- Rgenta, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Dario Cruz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Qing Cao
- Medicinal Chemistry, Ra Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Tianhong Zhang
- Business Technology, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Sergio Rotstein
- Business Technology, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jason D. Hughes
- Computational Biology, Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Caffrey
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Robert V. Stanton
- Simulation and Modeling Sciences, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Scharner J, Aznarez I. Clinical Applications of Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides: Current Landscape of Approved and In-Development Therapeutics. Mol Ther 2020; 29:540-554. [PMID: 33359792 PMCID: PMC7854307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotides have been explored as a therapeutic modality for more than 20 years. Only during the last 5 years have single-stranded oligonucleotides become a modality of choice in the fields of precision medicine and targeted therapeutics. Recently, there have been a number of development efforts involving this modality that have led to treatments for genetic diseases that were once untreatable. This review highlights key applications of single-stranded oligonucleotides that function in a sequence-dependent manner when applied to modulate precursor (pre-)mRNA splicing, gene expression, and immune pathways. These applications have been used to address diseases that range from neurological to muscular to metabolic, as well as to develop vaccines. The wide range of applications denotes the versatility of single-stranded oligonucleotides as a robust therapeutic platform. The focus of this review is centered on approved single-stranded oligonucleotide therapies and the evolution of oligonucleotide therapeutics into novel applications currently in clinical development.
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43
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Li D, Mastaglia FL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Progress in the molecular pathogenesis and nucleic acid therapeutics for Parkinson's disease in the precision medicine era. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2650-2681. [PMID: 32767426 PMCID: PMC7589267 DOI: 10.1002/med.21718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that manifest various motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although currently available therapies can alleviate some of the symptoms, the disease continues to progress, leading eventually to severe motor and cognitive decline and reduced life expectancy. The past two decades have witnessed rapid progress in our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathogenesis of the disease, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches to arrest or delay the neurodegenerative process. As a result of these advances, biomarker‐driven subtyping is making it possible to stratify PD patients into more homogeneous subgroups that may better respond to potential genetic‐molecular pathway targeted disease‐modifying therapies. Therapeutic nucleic acid oligomers can bind to target gene sequences with very high specificity in a base‐pairing manner and precisely modulate downstream molecular events. Recently, nucleic acid therapeutics have proven effective in the treatment of a number of severe neurological and neuromuscular disorders, drawing increasing attention to the possibility of developing novel molecular therapies for PD. In this review, we update the molecular pathogenesis of PD and discuss progress in the use of antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, aptamers, and microRNA‐based therapeutics to target critical elements in the pathogenesis of PD that could have the potential to modify disease progression. In addition, recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid compounds across the blood–brain barrier and challenges facing PD clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunhui Li
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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44
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Collins L, Binder P, Chen H, Wang X. Regulation of Long Non-coding RNAs and MicroRNAs in Heart Disease: Insight Into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches. Front Physiol 2020; 11:798. [PMID: 32754048 PMCID: PMC7365882 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and there is an increasing need to identify new therapeutic targets that could be used to prevent or treat these diseases. Due to recent scientific advances, non-coding RNAs are widely accepted as important regulators of cellular processes, and the identification of an axis of interaction between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs) has provided another platform through which cardiovascular disease could be targeted therapeutically. Increasing evidence has detailed the importance of these non-coding RNAs, both individually and in an axis of regulation, in the processes and diseases involving the heart. However, further investigation into the consequences of targeting this mechanism, as well as refinement of how the system is targeted, are required before a treatment can be provided in clinic. This level of genomic regulation provides an exciting potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Collins
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Binder
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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45
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Recent advances of long noncoding RNAs involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. Chin J Nat Med 2020; 18:36-46. [PMID: 31955822 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(20)30003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Given the rapid increase of patients with autoimmune diseases and the lack of satisfactory therapies, the discovery of novel and effective therapeutic targets have been in an urgent demand. Recent studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), which provides a new opportunity of uncovering novel mechanism associated with the progression of MS. This review highlights the dysregulation of lncRNAs in the development of MS in patients and animal models. Additionally, the potential clinical relevance of lncRNAs severed as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers are discussed.
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46
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Hara Y, Mizobe Y, Inoue YU, Hashimoto Y, Motohashi N, Masaki Y, Seio K, Takeda S, Nagata T, Wood MJA, Inoue T, Aoki Y. Novel EGFP reporter cell and mouse models for sensitive imaging and quantification of exon skipping. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10110. [PMID: 32572084 PMCID: PMC7308408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked disorder caused by nonsense or frameshift mutations in the DMD gene. Among various treatments available for DMD, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) mediated exon skipping is a promising therapeutic approach. For successful treatments, however, it is requisite to rigorously optimise oligonucleotide chemistries as well as chemical modifications of ASOs. To achieve this, here, we aim to develop a novel enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-based reporter assay system that allows us to perform efficient and high-throughput screenings for ASOs. We design a new expression vector with a CAG promoter to detect the EGFP fluorescence only when skipping of mdx-type exon 23 is induced by ASOs. Then, an accurate screening was successfully conducted in C57BL/6 primary myotubes using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer or locked nucleic acids (LNA)/2′-OMe mixmers with different extent of LNA inclusion. We accordingly generated a novel transgenic mouse model with this EGFP expression vector (EGFP-mdx23 Tg). Finally, we confirmed that the EGFP-mdx23 Tg provided a highly sensitive platform to check the effectiveness as well as the biodistribution of ASOs for exon skipping therapy. Thus, the assay system provides a simple yet highly sensitive platform to optimise oligonucleotide chemistries as well as chemical modifications of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hara
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Mizobe
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko U Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Motohashi
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Masaki
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kohji Seio
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Takayoshi Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.
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47
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Crooke ST, Vickers TA, Liang XH. Phosphorothioate modified oligonucleotide-protein interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5235-5253. [PMID: 32356888 PMCID: PMC7261153 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) interact with target RNAs via hybridization to modulate gene expression through different mechanisms. ASO therapeutics are chemically modified and include phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modifications and different ribose and base modifications to improve pharmacological properties. Modified PS ASOs display better binding affinity to the target RNAs and increased binding to proteins. Moreover, PS ASO protein interactions can affect many aspects of their performance, including distribution and tissue delivery, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, potency and toxicity. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding PS ASO protein interactions, highlighting the proteins with which PS ASOs interact, the influence of PS ASO protein interactions on ASO performance, and the structure activity relationships of PS ASO modification and protein interactions. A detailed understanding of these interactions can aid in the design of safer and more potent ASO drugs, as illustrated by recent findings that altering ASO chemical modifications dramatically improves therapeutic index.
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48
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Huang CK, Bär C, Thum T. miR-21, Mediator, and Potential Therapeutic Target in the Cardiorenal Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:726. [PMID: 32499708 PMCID: PMC7243366 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapies are currently gaining attention as a new treatment option for relatively rare as well as common diseases such as cardiovascular disease. With the remarkable progression of new sequencing technologies, a further step towards personalized precision medicine to target a disease at a molecular level was taken. Such therapies may employ antisense oligonucleotides to modulate the expression of both protein coding and non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs. The cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex and severe clinical condition where heart and renal dysfunction mutually affect one another. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown and current treatments of CRS are mainly supportive therapies which slow down the progression of the disease, but hardly improve the condition. The small non-coding RNA, microRNA-21 (miR-21), is dysregulated in various heart and kidney diseases and has been repeatedly suggested as therapeutic target for the treatment of CRS. Impressive preclinical results have been achieved by an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy to effectively block the pro-fibrotic traits of miR-21. Since microRNA-mediated pathways are generally very well-conserved, there is considerable commercial interest with regards to clinical translation. In this review, we will summarize the role of miR-21 within the heart–kidney axis and discuss the advantages and pitfalls of miR-21 targeting therapeutic strategies in CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Kai Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Bär
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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49
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Sewing S, Minz T, Boess F. In Vitro Assessment of the Hepatotoxicity Potential of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2036:249-259. [PMID: 31410802 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9670-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of antisense oligonucleotide-induced liver toxicity are still poorly understood. Assessment of the hepatic safety profile is currently mostly investigated directly in rodent studies. A predictive preclinical in vitro model that is capturing liver liabilities of antisense oligonucleotides can be of great help to be used as a first filter in the screening process of therapeutic oligonucleotides. We describe here an in vitro cytotoxicity assay using freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes or cryopreserved human hepatocytes that recapitulates the hepatotoxic profile of antisense oligonucleotides previously observed in rodents and can be used for the prioritization of molecules prior to in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Sewing
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tanja Minz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Boess
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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50
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Pedersen L, Hagedorn PH, Koch T. Identifying Suitable Target Regions and Analyzing Off-Target Effects of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2036:261-282. [PMID: 31410803 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9670-4_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) that promote degradation of complementary RNA are being developed as therapeutics. Here, we describe a simple computational workflow for identification of the regions on an RNA that are suitable for targeting with such AONs. The workflow is based on the statistical programming language R, and the calculations and data processing can be carried out on a desktop computer. Our workflow integrates well-established data resources and RNA structure-prediction tools and can be modified easily and expanded as new resources become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lykke Pedersen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark.
| | - Peter H Hagedorn
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Troels Koch
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
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