1
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Sung C, Park CG, Maienschein-Cline M, Chlipala G, Green S, Doorenbos A, Fink A, Bronas U, Lockwood M. Associations Between Gut Microbial Features and Sickness Symptoms in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Biol Res Nurs 2024; 26:368-379. [PMID: 38231673 DOI: 10.1177/10998004241227560] [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: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigated the relationship of gut microbiome features and sickness symptoms in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS Employing a prospective, longitudinal design, we collected data from 19 participants who had undergone living-donor kidney transplant at three timepoints (pre-transplant and 1 week and 3 months post-transplant). Sickness symptom data and fecal specimens were collected at each timepoint. Participants were grouped either as high or low sickness symptom severity at baseline. Shotgun metagenomics sequencing characterized gut microbial structure and functional gene content. Fecal microbial features, including alpha (evenness and richness within samples) and beta (dissimilarities between samples) diversity and relative abundances, were analyzed using R statistical packages. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses examined relationships between gut microbial features and sickness symptoms. RESULTS Although our exploratory findings revealed no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between groups, the high-severity group showed lower microbial richness and evenness than the low-severity group. The high-severity group had enriched relative abundance of bacteria from the genera Citrobacter and Enterobacter and reduced relative abundance of bacteria from the genus Akkermansia across timepoints. No functional genes differed significantly between groups or timepoints. CONCLUSIONS Kidney transplant recipients with high symptom burden displayed increased putative proinflammatory bacteria and decreased beneficial bacteria. This study provides an effect size that future large cohort studies can employ to confirm associations between gut microbial features and sickness symptom experiences in the kidney transplant population. The study findings also have implications for future interventional studies aiming to alleviate the sickness symptom burden in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choa Sung
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chang Gi Park
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - George Chlipala
- Associate Director of Research Informatics Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stefan Green
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ardith Doorenbos
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Fink
- Biobehavioral Science in Nursing and Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ulf Bronas
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark Lockwood
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in mouse and pig photoreceptors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102088. [PMID: 38192611 PMCID: PMC10772295 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor (PR) cell expressed genes are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets PR cell expressed genes. Here, we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best PR accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multimonths efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while demonstrating a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by PR cell expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Yun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F. Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samson Jolly
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Delaney Giguere
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Joris Cipi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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3
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Kremer A, Ryaykenen T, Haraszti RA. Systematic optimization of siRNA productive uptake into resting and activated T cells ex vivo. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116285. [PMID: 38382331 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116285] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-based medicines are ideally suited for precise modulation of T cell phenotypes in anti-cancer immunity, in autoimmune diseases and for ex vivo modulation of T-cell-based therapies. Therefore, understanding productive siRNA uptake to T cells is of particular importance. Most studies used unmodified siRNAs or commercially available siRNAs with undisclosed chemical modification patterns to show functionality in T cells. Despite being an active field of research, robust siRNA delivery to T cells still represents a formidable challenge. Therefore, a systematic approach is needed to further optimize and understand productive siRNA uptake pathways to T cells. Here, we compared conjugate-mediated and nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNAs to T cells in the context of fully chemically modified RNA constructs. We showed that lipid-conjugate-mediated delivery outperforms lipid-nanoparticle-mediated and extracellular-vesicle-mediated delivery in activated T cells ex vivo. Yet, ex vivo manipulation of T cells without the need of activation is of great therapeutic interest for CAR-T, engineered TCR-T and allogeneic donor lymphocyte applications. We are first to report productive siRNA uptake into resting T cells using lipid-conjugate-mediated delivery. Interestingly, we observed strong dependence of silencing activity on lipid-conjugate-identity in resting T cells but not in activated T cells. This phenomenon is consistent with our early uptake kinetics data. Lipid-conjugates also enabled delivery of siRNA to all mononuclear immune cell types, including both lymphoid and myeloid lineages. These findings are expected to be broadly applicable for ex vivo modulation of immune cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kremer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - T Ryaykenen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - R A Haraszti
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University Tuebingen, Germany.
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4
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Chernikov IV, Ponomareva UA, Meschaninova MI, Bachkova IK, Vlassov VV, Zenkova MA, Chernolovskaya EL. Cholesterol Conjugates of Small Interfering RNA: Linkers and Patterns of Modification. Molecules 2024; 29:786. [PMID: 38398538 PMCID: PMC10892548 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol siRNA conjugates attract attention because they allow the delivery of siRNA into cells without the use of transfection agents. In this study, we compared the efficacy and duration of silencing induced by cholesterol conjugates of selectively and totally modified siRNAs and their heteroduplexes of the same sequence and explored the impact of linker length between the 3' end of the sense strand of siRNA and cholesterol on the silencing activity of "light" and "heavy" modified siRNAs. All 3'-cholesterol conjugates were equally active under transfection, but the conjugate with a C3 linker was less active than those with longer linkers (C8 and C15) in a carrier-free mode. At the same time, they were significantly inferior in activity to the 5'-cholesterol conjugate. Shortening the sense strand carrying cholesterol by two nucleotides from the 3'-end did not have a significant effect on the activity of the conjugate. Replacing the antisense strand or both strands with fully modified ones had a significant effect on silencing as well as improving the duration in transfection-mediated and carrier-free modes. A significant 78% suppression of MDR1 gene expression in KB-8-5 xenograft tumors developed in mice promises an advantage from the use of fully modified siRNA cholesterol conjugates in combination chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ul'yana A Ponomareva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya I Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina K Bachkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 1, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academic Lavrentiev Avenue 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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5
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Muntean C, Blondeel E, Harinck L, Pednekar K, Prakash J, De Wever O, Chain JL, De Smedt SC, Remaut K, Raemdonck K. Repositioning the antihistamine ebastine as an intracellular siRNA delivery enhancer. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123348. [PMID: 37633539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases via the induction of sequence-specific gene silencing. To be functional, siRNAs require cytosolic delivery into target cells. However, state-of-the-art delivery systems mediate cellular entry through endocytosis and suffer from ineffective endosomal escape, routing a substantial fraction of the siRNA towards the lysosomal compartment. Cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) have been described to improve cytosolic siRNA delivery by the transient induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization. In this work, we evaluated ebastine, an antihistamine CAD, for its ability to enhance cytosolic release of siRNA in a non-small cell lung cancer model. In particular, we demonstrated that ebastine can improve the siRNA-mediated gene silencing efficiency of a polymeric nanogel by 40-fold, outperforming other CAD compounds. Additionally, ebastine substantially enhanced gene knockdown of a cholesterol-conjugated siRNA, in two-dimensional (2D) cell culture as well as in three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids. Finally, ebastine could strongly promote siRNA delivery of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) composed of a pH-dependent switchable ionizable lipid and with stable PEGylation, in contrast to state-of-the-art LNP formulations. Altogether, we identified ebastine as a potent and versatile siRNA delivery enhancer in cancer cells, which offers opportunities for drug combination therapy in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Muntean
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Blondeel
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, UZ-Gent, 2RTP, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Harinck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kunal Pednekar
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Engineered Therapeutics Group, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, UZ-Gent, 2RTP, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeanne Leblond Chain
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Light Microscopy (GLiM) Core, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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6
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Cheng SY, Caiazzi J, Biscans A, Alterman JF, Echeverria D, McHugh N, Hassler M, Jolly S, Giguere D, Cipi J, Khvorova A, Punzo C. Single intravitreal administration of a tetravalent siRNA exhibits robust and efficient gene silencing in rodent and swine photoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.20.558641. [PMID: 37790464 PMCID: PMC10542117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies caused by dominant mutations in photoreceptor-expressed genes, are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Oligonucleotide therapy has been of interest in diseases that conventional medicine cannot target. In the early days, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were explored in clinical trials for retinal disorders with limited success due to a lack of stability and efficient cellular delivery. Thus, an unmet need exists to identify siRNA chemistry that targets photoreceptor-expressed genes. Here we evaluated 12 different fully chemically modified siRNA configurations, where the valency and conjugate structure were systematically altered. The impact on retinal distribution following intravitreal delivery was examined. We found that the increase in valency (tetravalent siRNA) supports the best photoreceptor accumulation. A single intravitreal administration induces multi-months efficacy in rodent and porcine retinas while showing a good safety profile. The data suggest that this configuration can treat retinal diseases caused by photoreceptor-expressed genes with 1-2 intravitreal injections per year.
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7
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Gubu A, Zhang X, Lu A, Zhang B, Ma Y, Zhang G. Nucleic acid amphiphiles: Synthesis, properties, and applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:144-163. [PMID: 37456777 PMCID: PMC10345231 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid amphiphiles, referring to nucleic acids modified with large hydrophobic groups, have been widely used in programmable bioengineering. Since nucleic acids are intrinsically hydrophilic, the hydrophobic groups endow nucleic acid amphiphiles with unique properties, such as self-assembling, interactions with artificial or biological membranes, and transmembrane transport. Importantly, the hybridization or target binding capability of oligonucleotide itself supplies nucleic acid amphiphiles with excellent programmability. As a result, this type of molecule has attracted considerable attention in academic studies and has enormous potential for further applications. For a comprehensive understanding of nucleic acid amphiphiles, we review the reported research on nucleic acid amphiphiles from their molecular design to final applications, in which we summarize the synthetic strategies for nucleic acid amphiphiles and draw much attention to their unique properties in different contexts. Finally, a summary of the applications of nucleic acid amphiphiles in drug development, bioengineering, and bioanalysis are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amu Gubu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Aptacure Therapeutics Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Baoting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China
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8
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Monopoli KR, Korkin D, Khvorova A. Asymmetric trichotomous partitioning overcomes dataset limitations in building machine learning models for predicting siRNA efficacy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:93-109. [PMID: 37456778 PMCID: PMC10338369 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising therapeutics guiding sequence-specific silencing of disease genes. Identifying chemically modified siRNA sequences that effectively silence target genes remains challenging. Such determinations necessitate computational algorithms. Machine learning is a powerful predictive approach for tackling biological problems but typically requires datasets significantly larger than most available siRNA datasets. Here, we describe a framework applying machine learning to a small dataset (356 modified sequences) for siRNA efficacy prediction. To overcome noise and biological limitations in siRNA datasets, we apply a trichotomous, two-threshold, partitioning approach, producing several combinations of classification threshold pairs. We then test the effects of different thresholds on random forest machine learning model performance using a novel evaluation metric accounting for class imbalances. We identify thresholds yielding a model with high predictive power, outperforming a linear model generated from the same data, that was predictive upon experimental evaluation. Using a novel model feature extraction method, we observe target site base importances and base preferences consistent with our current understanding of the siRNA-mediated silencing mechanism, with the random forest providing higher resolution than the linear model. This framework applies to any classification challenge involving small biological datasets, providing an opportunity to develop high-performing design algorithms for oligonucleotide therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R. Monopoli
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Dmitry Korkin
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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9
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Weidner J, Kolosionek E, Holmila R, Ax E, Garreau M, Gnerlich F, Olsson H, Czechtizky W, Vollmer S, Rydzik AM. Gymnotic uptake of AntimiRs alter microRNA-34a levels in 2D and 3D epithelial cell culture. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:898-907. [PMID: 37680982 PMCID: PMC10480572 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are attractive therapeutic targets in many diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Among microRNA inhibitors antimiRs have been proven successful in lowering aberrant microRNA levels in the clinic. We present a set of antimiRs targeting miR-34a, which has been shown to be dysregulated in chronic lung diseases. The tool compounds were taken up by a bronchial epithelial cell line and primary human bronchial epithelial cells, followed by efficient knockdown of miR-34a. Similar results were observed in 3D differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface. Varying chemical properties of antimiRs had significant impact on cellular uptake and potency, resulting in effective tool compounds for use in lung-relevant cellular systems. This report demonstrates gymnotic antimiR uptake and activity in 3D epithelial cell culture after apical administration, mimicking inhalation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Weidner
- Translational Science Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Ewa Kolosionek
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Reetta Holmila
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Ax
- Translational Science Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Marion Garreau
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Felix Gnerlich
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henric Olsson
- Translational Science Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Werngard Czechtizky
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Vollmer
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna M. Rydzik
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
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10
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Grossen P, Skaripa Koukelli I, van Haasteren J, H E Machado A, Dürr C. The ice age - A review on formulation of Adeno-associated virus therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:1-23. [PMID: 37423416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies offer promising therapeutic alternatives for many disorders that currently lack efficient treatment options. Due to their chemical nature and physico-chemical properties, delivery of polynucleic acids into target cells and subcellular compartments remains a significant challenge. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have gained a lot of interest for the efficient delivery of therapeutic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes over the past decades. More than a hundred products have been tested in clinical settings and three products have received market authorization by the US FDA in recent years. A lot of effort is being made to generate potent recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors that show favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles for either local or systemic administration. Manufacturing processes are gradually being optimized to deliver a consistently high product quality and to serve potential market needs beyond rare indications. In contrast to protein therapeutics, most rAAV products are still supplied as frozen liquids within rather simple formulation buffers to enable sufficient product shelf life, significantly hampering global distribution and access. In this review, we aim to outline the hurdles of rAAV drug product development and discuss critical formulation and composition aspects of rAAV products under clinical evaluation. Further, we highlight recent development efforts in order to achieve stable liquid or lyophilized products. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview on current state-of-the-art rAAV formulations and can further serve as a map for rational formulation development activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Grossen
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Irini Skaripa Koukelli
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Gene Therapy Development Clinical Manufacturing, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra H E Machado
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dürr
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Xue M, Cong F, Zheng W, Xu R, Liu X, Bao H, Sung YY, Xi Y, He F, Ma J, Yang X, Ge W. Loss of Paip1 causes translation reduction and induces apoptotic cell death through ISR activation and Xrp1. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:288. [PMID: 37543696 PMCID: PMC10404277 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of protein translation initiation is tightly associated with cell growth and survival. Here, we identify Paip1, the Drosophila homolog of the translation initiation factor PAIP1, and analyze its role during development. Through genetic analysis, we find that loss of Paip1 causes reduced protein translation and pupal lethality. Furthermore, tissue specific knockdown of Paip1 results in apoptotic cell death in the wing imaginal disc. Paip1 depletion leads to increased proteotoxic stress and activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway. Mechanistically, we show that loss of Paip1 promotes phosphorylation of eIF2α via the kinase PERK, leading to apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Paip1 depletion upregulates the transcription factor gene Xrp1, which contributes to apoptotic cell death and eIF2α phosphorylation. We further show that loss of Paip1 leads to an increase in Xrp1 translation mediated by its 5'UTR. These findings uncover a novel mechanism that links translation impairment to tissue homeostasis and establish a role of ISR activation and Xrp1 in promoting cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoguang Xue
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Fei Cong
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wanling Zheng
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Ruoqing Xu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Hongcun Bao
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Ying Ying Sung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Yongmei Xi
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Feng He
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Xiaohang Yang
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Wanzhong Ge
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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12
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Fàbrega C, Aviñó A, Navarro N, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Lipid and Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Therapeutic Purposes: From Simple Hybrids to Complex Multifunctional Assemblies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020320. [PMID: 36839642 PMCID: PMC9959333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense and small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides have been recognized as powerful therapeutic compounds for targeting mRNAs and inducing their degradation. However, a major obstacle is that unmodified oligonucleotides are not readily taken up into tissues and are susceptible to degradation by nucleases. For these reasons, the design and preparation of modified DNA/RNA derivatives with better stability and an ability to be produced at large scale with enhanced uptake properties is of vital importance to improve current limitations. In the present study, we review the conjugation of oligonucleotides with lipids and peptides in order to produce oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutics aiming to develop novel compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Fàbrega
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934006145
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13
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Leesch F, Lorenzo-Orts L, Pribitzer C, Grishkovskaya I, Roehsner J, Chugunova A, Matzinger M, Roitinger E, Belačić K, Kandolf S, Lin TY, Mechtler K, Meinhart A, Haselbach D, Pauli A. A molecular network of conserved factors keeps ribosomes dormant in the egg. Nature 2023; 613:712-720. [PMID: 36653451 PMCID: PMC7614339 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomes are produced in large quantities during oogenesis and are stored in the egg. However, the egg and early embryo are translationally repressed1-4. Here, using mass spectrometry and cryo-electron microscopy analyses of ribosomes isolated from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus laevis eggs and embryos, we provide molecular evidence that ribosomes transition from a dormant state to an active state during the first hours of embryogenesis. Dormant ribosomes are associated with four conserved factors that form two modules, consisting of Habp4-eEF2 and death associated protein 1b (Dap1b) or Dap in complex with eIF5a. Both modules occupy functionally important sites and act together to stabilize ribosomes and repress translation. Dap1b (also known as Dapl1 in mammals) is a newly discovered translational inhibitor that stably inserts into the polypeptide exit tunnel. Addition of recombinant zebrafish Dap1b protein is sufficient to block translation and reconstitute the dormant egg ribosome state in a mammalian translation extract in vitro. Thus, a developmentally programmed, conserved ribosome state has a key role in ribosome storage and translational repression in the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Leesch
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Orts
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Carina Pribitzer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Grishkovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Roehsner
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anastasia Chugunova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Matzinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Roitinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarina Belačić
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Kandolf
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tzi-Yang Lin
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Mechtler
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Meinhart
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - David Haselbach
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
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14
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Conroy F, Miller R, Alterman JF, Hassler MR, Echeverria D, Godinho BMDC, Knox EG, Sapp E, Sousa J, Yamada K, Mahmood F, Boudi A, Kegel-Gleason K, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A, Pfister EL. Chemical engineering of therapeutic siRNAs for allele-specific gene silencing in Huntington's disease models. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5802. [PMID: 36192390 PMCID: PMC9530163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs are a new class of drugs, exhibiting sequence-driven, potent, and sustained silencing of gene expression in vivo. We recently demonstrated that siRNA chemical architectures can be optimized to provide efficient delivery to the CNS, enabling development of CNS-targeted therapeutics. Many genetically-defined neurodegenerative disorders are dominant, favoring selective silencing of the mutant allele. In some cases, successfully targeting the mutant allele requires targeting single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) heterozygosities. Here, we use Huntington’s disease (HD) as a model. The optimized compound exhibits selective silencing of mutant huntingtin protein in patient-derived cells and throughout the HD mouse brain, demonstrating SNP-based allele-specific RNAi silencing of gene expression in vivo in the CNS. Targeting a disease-causing allele using RNAi-based therapies could be helpful in a range of dominant CNS disorders where maintaining wild-type expression is essential. Chemically modified siRNAs distinguish between mutant and normal huntingtin based on a single nucleotide difference and lower mutant huntingtin specifically in patient derived cells and in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Conroy
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Emily G Knox
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jaquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Farah Mahmood
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kimberly Kegel-Gleason
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.,RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Edith L Pfister
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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15
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Chemical optimization of siRNA for safe and efficient silencing of placental sFLT1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:135-149. [PMID: 35847173 PMCID: PMC9263991 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a rising, potentially lethal complication of pregnancy. PE is driven primarily by the overexpression of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), a validated diagnostic and prognostic marker of the disease when normalized to placental growth factor (PlGF) levels. Injecting cholesterol-conjugated, fully modified, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting sFLT1 mRNA into pregnant mice or baboons reduces placental sFLT1 and ameliorates clinical signs of PE, providing a strong foundation for the development of a PE therapeutic. siRNA delivery, potency, and safety are dictated by conjugate chemistry, siRNA duplex structure, and chemical modification pattern. Here, we systematically evaluate these parameters and demonstrate that increasing 2'-O-methyl modifications and 5' chemical stabilization and using sequence-specific duplex asymmetry and a phosphocholine-docosanoic acid conjugate enhance placental accumulation, silencing efficiency and safety of sFLT1-targeting siRNAs. The optimization strategy here provides a framework for the chemical optimization of siRNAs for PE as well as other targets and clinical indications.
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16
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RNAi-based modulation of IFN-γ signaling in skin. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2709-2721. [PMID: 35477658 PMCID: PMC9372319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of interferon (IFN)-γ signaling plays a key role in several autoimmune skin diseases, including lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and lichen planus. Here, we identify fully chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that silence the ligand binding chain of the IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR1), for the modulation of IFN-γ signaling. Conjugating these siRNAs to docosanoic acid (DCA) enables productive delivery to all major skin cell types local to the injection site, with a single dose of injection supporting effective IFNGR1 protein reduction for at least 1 month in mice. In an ex vivo model of IFN-γ signaling, DCA-siRNA efficiently inhibits the induction of IFN-γ-inducible chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, in skin biopsies from the injection site. Our data demonstrate that DCA-siRNAs can be engineered for functional gene silencing in skin and establish a path toward siRNA treatment of autoimmune skin diseases.
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17
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Self-delivering RNAi compounds as therapeutic agents in the central nervous system to enhance axonal regeneration after injury. iScience 2022; 25:104379. [PMID: 35620420 PMCID: PMC9127586 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of RNAi has grown but often faces several hurdles related to delivery systems, compound stability, immune activation, and on-target/off-tissue effects. Self-delivering RNAi (sdRNA) molecules do not require delivery agents or excipients. Here we demonstrate the ability of sdRNA to reduce the expression of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) to stimulate regenerative axon regrowth in the injured adult CNS. PTEN-targeting sdRNA compounds were tested for efficacy in vivo by intravitreal injection after adult rat optic nerve injury. We describe critical steps in lead compound generation through the optimization of nucleotide modifications, enhancements for stability in biological matrices, and screening for off-target immunostimulatory activity. The data show that PTEN expression in vivo can be reduced using sdRNA and this enhances regeneration in adult CNS neurons after injury, raising the possibility that this method could be utilized for other clinically relevant nervous system indications. self-delivering siRNA (sdRNA) can decrease neuronal gene expression in vivo sdRNA can be successfully delivered in vivo without using vectors or excipients Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-targeting sdRNA can enhance CNS neuronal regeneration after injury
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18
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Zhang J, Gan Y, Li H, Yin J, He X, Lin L, Xu S, Fang Z, Kim BW, Gao L, Ding L, Zhang E, Ma X, Li J, Li L, Xu Y, Horne D, Xu R, Yu H, Gu Y, Huang W. Inhibition of the CDK2 and Cyclin A complex leads to autophagic degradation of CDK2 in cancer cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2835. [PMID: 35595767 PMCID: PMC9122913 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) complex is significantly over-activated in many cancers. While it makes CDK2 an attractive target for cancer therapy, most inhibitors against CDK2 are ATP competitors that are either nonspecific or highly toxic, and typically fail clinical trials. One alternative approach is to develop non-ATP competitive inhibitors; they disrupt interactions between CDK2 and either its partners or substrates, resulting in specific inhibition of CDK2 activities. In this report, we identify two potential druggable pockets located in the protein-protein interaction interface (PPI) between CDK2 and Cyclin A. To target the potential druggable pockets, we perform a LIVS in silico screening of a library containing 1925 FDA approved drugs. Using this approach, homoharringtonine (HHT) shows high affinity to the PPI and strongly disrupts the interaction between CDK2 and cyclins. Further, we demonstrate that HHT induces autophagic degradation of the CDK2 protein via tripartite motif 21 (Trim21) in cancer cells, which is confirmed in a leukemia mouse model and in human primary leukemia cells. These results thus identify an autophagic degradation mechanism of CDK2 protein and provide a potential avenue towards treating CDK2-dependent cancers. CDK2 can drive the proliferation of cancer cells. Here, the authors screened for a non-ATP competitive inhibitor of the CDK2/cylinA complex and find that Homoharringtonine can disrupt the complex and promote the degradation of CDK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yichao Gan
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongzhi Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jie Yin
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin He
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Liming Lin
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Senlin Xu
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.,Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Zhipeng Fang
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Byung-Wook Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lina Gao
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lili Ding
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Eryun Zhang
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Ma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Junfeng Li
- Department of Translational Research & Cellular Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yang Xu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - David Horne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Rongzhen Xu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ying Gu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009, Hangzhou, China. .,Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wendong Huang
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer Program & Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA. .,Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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19
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ALKBH3-dependent m1A demethylation of Aurora A mRNA inhibits ciliogenesis. Cell Discov 2022; 8:25. [PMID: 35277482 PMCID: PMC8917145 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are antenna-like subcellular structures to act as signaling platforms to regulate many cellular processes and embryonic development. m1A RNA modification plays key roles in RNA metabolism and gene expression; however, the physiological function of m1A modification remains largely unknown. Here we find that the m1A demethylase ALKBH3 significantly inhibits ciliogenesis in mammalian cells by its demethylation activity. Mechanistically, ALKBH3 removes m1A sites on mRNA of Aurora A, a master suppressor of ciliogenesis. Depletion of ALKBH3 enhances Aurora A mRNA decay and inhibits its translation. Moreover, alkbh3 morphants exhibit ciliary defects, including curved body, pericardial edema, abnormal otoliths, and dilation in pronephric ducts in zebrafish embryos, which are significantly rescued by wild-type alkbh3, but not by its catalytically inactive mutant. The ciliary defects caused by ALKBH3 depletion in both vertebrate cells and embryos are also significantly reversed by ectopic expression of Aurora A mRNA. Together, our data indicate that ALKBH3-dependent m1A demethylation has a crucial role in the regulation of Aurora A mRNA, which is essential for ciliogenesis and cilia-associated developmental events in vertebrates.
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20
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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21
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Kajino R, Sakamoto S, Ueno Y. Synthesis, gene silencing activity, thermal stability, and serum stability of siRNA containing four ( S)-5′- C-aminopropyl-2′- O-methylnucleosides (A, adenosine; U, uridine; G, guanosine; and C, cytidine). RSC Adv 2022; 12:11454-11476. [PMID: 35425057 PMCID: PMC9002251 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00705c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the synthesis of (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methyladenosine and (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methylguanosine phosphoramidites and the properties of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) containing four (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methylnucleosides (A, adenosine; U, uridine; G, guanosine; and C, cytidine). The siRNAs containing (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-nucleosides at the 3′- and 5′-regions of the passenger strand were well tolerated for RNA interference (RNAi) activity. Conversely, the (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl modification in the central region of the passenger strand decreased the RNAi activity. Furthermore, the siRNAs containing three or four consecutive (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methylnucleosides at the 3′- and 5′-regions of the passenger strand exhibited RNAi activity similar to that of the corresponding 2′-O-methyl-modified siRNAs. Finally, it was observed that (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl modifications effectively improved the serum stability of the siRNAs, compared with 2′-O-methyl modifications. Therefore, (S)-5′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methylnucleosides would be useful for improving the serum stability of therapeutic siRNA molecules without affecting their RNAi activities. (S)-5′-C-Aminopropyl-2′-O-methylnucleosides would be useful for improving the serum stability of therapeutic siRNA molecules without affecting their RNAi activities.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Kajino
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Shuichi Sakamoto
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN) Numazu Branch, Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation, 18-24 Miyamoto, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-0301, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Ueno
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Chemistry, The Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University, Japan
- Course of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Japan
- Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
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22
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Yamada K, Hildebrand S, Davis SM, Miller R, Conroy F, Sapp E, Caiazzi J, Alterman JF, Roux L, Echeverria D, Hassler MR, Pfister EL, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Structurally constrained phosphonate internucleotide linkage impacts oligonucleotide-enzyme interaction, and modulates siRNA activity and allele specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12069-12088. [PMID: 34850120 PMCID: PMC8643693 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides is an emerging class of chemically-distinct therapeutic modalities, where extensive chemical modifications are fundamental for their clinical applications. Inter-nucleotide backbones are critical to the behaviour of therapeutic oligonucleotides, but clinically explored backbone analogues are, effectively, limited to phosphorothioates. Here, we describe the synthesis and bio-functional characterization of an internucleotide (E)-vinylphosphonate (iE-VP) backbone, where bridging oxygen is substituted with carbon in a locked stereo-conformation. After optimizing synthetic pathways for iE-VP-linked dimer phosphoramidites in different sugar contexts, we systematically evaluated the impact of the iE-VP backbone on oligonucleotide interactions with a variety of cellular proteins. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated the impact of iE-VP on RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) activity, where backbone stereo-constraining has profound position-specific effects. Using Huntingtin (HTT) gene causative of Huntington's disease as an example, iE-VP at position 6 significantly enhanced the single mismatch discrimination ability of the RISC without negative impact on silencing of targeting wild type htt gene. These findings suggest that the iE-VP backbone can be used to modulate the activity and specificity of RISC. Our study provides (i) a new chemical tool to alter oligonucleotide-enzyme interactions and metabolic stability, (ii) insight into RISC dynamics and (iii) a new strategy for highly selective SNP-discriminating siRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sarah M Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Faith Conroy
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Edith L Pfister
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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23
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Yang JW, Sun C, Jin QY, Qiao XH, Guo XL. Potential therapeutic strategies for targeting Y-box-binding protein 1 in cancers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:897-906. [PMID: 34465278 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210831125001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most conservative proteins in evolution, Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) has long been considered as a potential cancer target. YB-1 is usually poorly expressed in normal cells and exerts cellular physiological functions such as DNA repair, pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA stabilizing. In cancer cells, the expression of YB-1 is up-regulated and undergoes nuclear translocation and contributes to tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and chemotherapy drug resistance. During the past decades, a variety of pharmacological tools such as siRNA, shRNA, microRNA, circular RNA, lncRNA and various compounds have been developed to target YB-1 for cancer therapy. In this review, we describe the physiological characteristics of YB-1 in detail, highlight the role of YB-1 in tumors and summarize the current therapeutic methods for targeting YB-1 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012. China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012. China
| | - Qiu-Yang Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012. China
| | - Xing-Hui Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012. China
| | - Xiu-Li Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012. China
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24
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Liu Z, Wang S, Tapeinos C, Torrieri G, Känkänen V, El-Sayed N, Python A, Hirvonen JT, Santos HA. Non-viral nanoparticles for RNA interference: Principles of design and practical guidelines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:576-612. [PMID: 34019958 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is an innovative treatment strategy for a myriad of indications. Non-viral synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) have drawn extensive attention as vectors for RNAi due to their potential advantages, including improved safety, high delivery efficiency and economic feasibility. However, the complex natural process of RNAi and the susceptible nature of oligonucleotides render the NPs subject to particular design principles and requirements for practical fabrication. Here, we summarize the requirements and obstacles for fabricating non-viral nano-vectors for efficient RNAi. To address the delivery challenges, we discuss practical guidelines for materials selection and NP synthesis in order to maximize RNA encapsulation efficiency and protection against degradation, and to facilitate the cytosolic release of oligonucleotides. The current status of clinical translation of RNAi-based therapies and further perspectives for reducing the potential side effects are also reviewed.
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25
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Chemical Manipulation of the Endosome Trafficking Machinery: Implications for Oligonucleotide Delivery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050512. [PMID: 34063104 PMCID: PMC8148136 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA and splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) all have immense potential as therapeutic agents, potential that is now being validated as oligonucleotides enter the clinic. However, progress in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics has been limited by the difficulty in delivering these complex molecules to their sites of action in the cytosol or nucleus of cells within specific tissues. There are two aspects to the delivery problem. The first is that most types of oligonucleotides have poor uptake into non-hepatic tissues. The second is that much of the oligonucleotide that is taken up by cells is entrapped in endosomes where it is pharmacologically inert. It has become increasingly recognized that endosomal trapping is a key constraint on oligonucleotide therapeutics. Thus, many approaches have been devised to address this problem, primarily ones based on various nanoparticle technologies. However, recently an alternative approach has emerged that employs small molecules to manipulate intracellular trafficking processes so as to enhance oligonucleotide actions. This review presents the current status of this chemical biology approach to oligonucleotide delivery and seeks to point out possible paths for future development.
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26
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Monty MA, Islam MA, Nan X, Tan J, Tuhin IJ, Tang X, Miao M, Wu D, Yu L. Emerging role of RNA interference in immune cells engineering and its therapeutic synergism in immunotherapy. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1741-1755. [PMID: 33608889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15414] [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: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi effectors (e.g. siRNA, shRNA and miRNA) can trigger the silencing of specific genes causing alteration of genomic functions becoming a new therapeutic area for the treatment of infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In cancer treatment, RNAi effectors showed potential immunomodulatory actions by down-regulating immuno-suppressive proteins, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, which restrict immune cell function and present challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, compared with extracellular targeting by antibodies, RNAi-mediated cell-intrinsic disruption of inhibitory pathways in immune cells could promote an increased anti-tumour immune response. Along with non-viral vectors, DNA-based RNAi strategies might be a more promising method for immunomodulation to silence multiple inhibitory pathways in T cells than immune checkpoint blockade antibodies. Thus, in this review, we discuss diverse RNAi implementation strategies, with recent viral and non-viral mediated RNAi synergism to immunotherapy that augments the anti-tumour immunity. Finally, we provide the current progress of RNAi in clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Akter Monty
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Md Ariful Islam
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Nan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Tan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Israth Jahan Tuhin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Miao Miao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Depei Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Chernikov IV, Meschaninova MI, Gladkikh DV, Ven’yaminova AG, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Interaction of Lipophilic Conjugates of Modified siRNAs with Hematopoietic Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162021020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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28
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Song P, Yang F, Jin H, Wang X. The regulation of protein translation and its implications for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:68. [PMID: 33597534 PMCID: PMC7889628 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the deregulation of gene transcriptions and post-translational protein modifications, the aberrant translation from mRNAs to proteins plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Targeting mRNA translation are expected to become potential approaches for anticancer treatments. Protein translation is affected by many factors including translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins. Recently, modifications of mRNAs mainly N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification and noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs are involved. In this review, we generally summarized the recent advances on the regulation of protein translation by the interplay between mRNA modifications and ncRNAs. By doing so, we hope this review could offer some hints for the development of novel approaches in precision therapy of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Song
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Fan Yang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XKey Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xian Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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29
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Brown CR, Gupta S, Qin J, Racie T, He G, Lentini S, Malone R, Yu M, Matsuda S, Shulga-Morskaya S, Nair AV, Theile CS, Schmidt K, Shahraz A, Goel V, Parmar RG, Zlatev I, Schlegel MK, Nair JK, Jayaraman M, Manoharan M, Brown D, Maier MA, Jadhav V. Investigating the pharmacodynamic durability of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11827-11844. [PMID: 32808038 PMCID: PMC7708070 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One hallmark of trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNAs is the remarkable durability of silencing that can persist for months in preclinical species and humans. Here, we investigated the underlying biology supporting this extended duration of pharmacological activity. We found that siRNA accumulation and stability in acidic intracellular compartments is critical for long-term activity. We show that functional siRNA can be liberated from these compartments and loaded into newly generated Argonaute 2 protein complexes weeks after dosing, enabling continuous RNAi activity over time. Identical siRNAs delivered in lipid nanoparticles or as GalNAc conjugates were dose-adjusted to achieve similar knockdown, but only GalNAc–siRNAs supported an extended duration of activity, illustrating the importance of receptor-mediated siRNA trafficking in the process. Taken together, we provide several lines of evidence that acidic intracellular compartments serve as a long-term depot for GalNAc–siRNA conjugates and are the major contributor to the extended duration of activity observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swati Gupta
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - June Qin
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Timothy Racie
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Guo He
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Scott Lentini
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ryan Malone
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mikyung Yu
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Anil V Nair
- MGH Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Karyn Schmidt
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Azar Shahraz
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Varun Goel
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Ivan Zlatev
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Dennis Brown
- MGH Program in Membrane Biology, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Vasant Jadhav
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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30
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Hawner M, Ducho C. Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245963. [PMID: 33339365 PMCID: PMC7766908 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug candidates derived from oligonucleotides (ON) are receiving increased attention that is supported by the clinical approval of several ON drugs. Such therapeutic ON are designed to alter the expression levels of specific disease-related proteins, e.g., by displaying antigene, antisense, and RNA interference mechanisms. However, the high polarity of the polyanionic ON and their relatively rapid nuclease-mediated cleavage represent two major pharmacokinetic hurdles for their application in vivo. This has led to a range of non-natural modifications of ON structures that are routinely applied in the design of therapeutic ON. The polyanionic architecture of ON often hampers their penetration of target cells or tissues, and ON usually show no inherent specificity for certain cell types. These limitations can be overcome by conjugation of ON with molecular entities mediating cellular 'targeting', i.e., enhanced accumulation at and/or penetration of a specific cell type. In this context, the use of small molecules as targeting units appears particularly attractive and promising. This review provides an overview of advances in the emerging field of cellular targeting of ON via their conjugation with small-molecule targeting structures.
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31
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Detection of immunogenic cell death and its relevance for cancer therapy. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1013. [PMID: 33243969 PMCID: PMC7691519 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, as well as targeted anticancer agents can induce clinically relevant tumor-targeting immune responses, which critically rely on the antigenicity of malignant cells and their capacity to generate adjuvant signals. In particular, immunogenic cell death (ICD) is accompanied by the exposure and release of numerous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which altogether confer a robust adjuvanticity to dying cancer cells, as they favor the recruitment and activation of antigen-presenting cells. ICD-associated DAMPs include surface-exposed calreticulin (CALR) as well as secreted ATP, annexin A1 (ANXA1), type I interferon, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Additional hallmarks of ICD encompass the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit-α (EIF2S1, better known as eIF2α), the activation of autophagy, and a global arrest in transcription and translation. Here, we outline methodological approaches for measuring ICD markers in vitro and ex vivo for the discovery of next-generation antineoplastic agents, the development of personalized anticancer regimens, and the identification of optimal therapeutic combinations for the clinical management of cancer.
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32
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Massaro C, Sgueglia G, Frattolillo V, Baglio SR, Altucci L, Dell’Aversana C. Extracellular Vesicle-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Advances and Future Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutic Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100980. [PMID: 33081417 PMCID: PMC7589909 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100980] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sophisticated and sensitive messengers released by cells to communicate with and influence distant and neighboring cells via selective transfer of bioactive content, including protein lipids and nucleic acids. EVs have therefore attracted broad interest as new and refined potential therapeutic systems in many diseases, including cancer, due to their low immunogenicity, non-toxicity, and elevated bioavailability. They might serve as safe and effective vehicles for the transport of therapeutic molecules to specific tissues and cells. In this review, we focus on EVs as a vehicle for gene therapy in cancer. We describe recent developments in EV engineering to achieve efficient intracellular delivery of cancer therapeutics and avoid off-target effects, to provide an overview of the potential applications of EV-mediated gene therapy and the most promising biomedical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crescenzo Massaro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (G.S.); (V.F.)
| | - Giulia Sgueglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (G.S.); (V.F.)
| | - Victoria Frattolillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (G.S.); (V.F.)
| | - S. Rubina Baglio
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (G.S.); (V.F.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (C.D.); Tel.: +39-081-5667569 (L.A.); +39-081-5667564 (C.D.)
| | - Carmela Dell’Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (G.S.); (V.F.)
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (C.D.); Tel.: +39-081-5667569 (L.A.); +39-081-5667564 (C.D.)
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Ferguson CM, Echeverria D, Hassler M, Ly S, Khvorova A. Cell Type Impacts Accessibility of mRNA to Silencing by RNA Interference. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:384-393. [PMID: 32650236 PMCID: PMC7340969 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent mechanism that silences mRNA and protein expression in all cells and tissue types. RNAi is known to exert many of its functional effects in the cytoplasm, and thus, the cellular localization of target mRNA may impact observed potency. Here, we demonstrate that cell identity has a profound impact on accessibility of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mRNA to RNAi. We show that, whereas both neuronal and glial cell lines express detectable ApoE mRNA, in neuronal cells, ApoE mRNA is not targetable by RNAi. Screening of a panel of thirty-five chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) did not produce a single hit in a neuronal cell line, whereas up to fifteen compounds showed strong efficacy in glial cells. Further investigation of the cellular localization of ApoE mRNA demonstrates that ApoE mRNA is partially spliced and preferentially localized to the nucleus (∼80%) in neuronal cells, whereas more than 90% of ApoE mRNA is cytoplasmic in glial cells. Such an inconsistency in intracellular localization and splicing might provide an explanation for functional differences in RNAi compounds. Thus, cellular origin might have an impact on accessibility of mRNA to RNAi and should be taken into account during the screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Biscans A, Caiazzi J, Davis S, McHugh N, Sousa J, Khvorova A. The chemical structure and phosphorothioate content of hydrophobically modified siRNAs impact extrahepatic distribution and efficacy. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7665-7680. [PMID: 32672813 PMCID: PMC7430635 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have revolutionized the treatment of liver diseases. However, robust siRNA delivery to other tissues represents a major technological need. Conjugating lipids (e.g. docosanoic acid, DCA) to siRNA supports extrahepatic delivery, but tissue accumulation and gene silencing efficacy are lower than that achieved in liver by clinical-stage compounds. The chemical structure of conjugated siRNA may significantly impact invivo efficacy, particularly in tissues with lower compound accumulation. Here, we report the first systematic evaluation of the impact of siRNA scaffold-i.e. structure, phosphorothioate (PS) content, linker composition-on DCA-conjugated siRNA delivery and efficacy in vivo. We found that structural asymmetry (e.g. 5- or 2-nt overhang) has no impact on accumulation, but is a principal factor for enhancing activity in extrahepatic tissues. Similarly, linker chemistry (cleavable versus stable) altered activity, but not accumulation. In contrast, increasing PS content enhanced accumulation of asymmetric compounds, but negatively impacted efficacy. Our findings suggest that siRNA tissue accumulation does not fully define efficacy, and that the impact of siRNA chemical structure on activity is driven by intracellular re-distribution and endosomal escape. Fine-tuning siRNA chemical structure for optimal extrahepatic efficacy is a critical next step for the progression of therapeutic RNAi applications beyond liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Sarah Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
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35
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Transport Oligonucleotides-A Novel System for Intracellular Delivery of Antisense Therapeutics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163663. [PMID: 32796768 PMCID: PMC7464317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological activity of antisense oligonucleotides (asON), especially those with a neutral backbone, is often attenuated by poor cellular accumulation. In the present proof-of-concept study, we propose a novel delivery system for asONs which implies the delivery of modified antisense oligonucleotides by so-called transport oligonucleotides (tON), which are oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to asON conjugated with hydrophobic dodecyl moieties. Two types of tONs, bearing at the 5′-end up to three dodecyl residues attached through non-nucleotide inserts (TD series) or anchored directly to internucleotidic phosphate (TP series), were synthesized. tONs with three dodecyl residues efficiently delivered asON to cells without any signs of cytotoxicity and provided a transfection efficacy comparable to that achieved using Lipofectamine 2000. We found that, in the case of tON with three dodecyl residues, some tON/asON duplexes were excreted from the cells within extracellular vesicles at late stages of transfection. We confirmed the high efficacy of the novel and demonstrated that MDR1 mRNA targeted asON delivered by tON with three dodecyl residues significantly reduced the level of P-glycoprotein and increased the sensitivity of KB-8-5 human carcinoma cells to vinblastine. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of lipophilic oligonucleotide carriers and shows they are potentially capable of intracellular delivery of any kind of antisense oligonucleotides.
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Chappell AE, Gaus HJ, Berdeja A, Gupta R, Jo M, Prakash TP, Oestergaard M, Swayze EE, Seth PP. Mechanisms of palmitic acid-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide distribution in mice. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4382-4395. [PMID: 32182359 PMCID: PMC7192618 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugation of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) with a variety of distinct lipophilic moieties like fatty acids and cholesterol increases ASO accumulation and activity in multiple tissues. While lipid conjugation increases tissue exposure in mice and reduces excretion of ASO in urine, histological review of skeletal and cardiac muscle indicates that the increased tissue accumulation of lipid conjugated ASO is isolated to the interstitium. Administration of palmitic acid-conjugated ASO (Palm-ASO) in mice results in a rapid and substantial accumulation in the interstitium of muscle tissue followed by relatively rapid clearance and only slight increases in intracellular accumulation in myocytes. We propose a model whereby increased affinity for lipid particles, albumin, and other plasma proteins by lipid-conjugation facilitates ASO transport across endothelial barriers into tissue interstitium. However, this increased affinity for lipid particles and plasma proteins also facilitates the transport of ASO from the interstitium to the lymph and back into circulation. The cumulative effect is only a slight (∼2-fold) increase in tissue accumulation and similar increase in ASO activity. To support this proposal, we demonstrate that the activity of lipid conjugated ASO was reduced in two mouse models with defects in endothelial transport of macromolecules: caveolin-1 knockout (Cav1-/-) and FcRn knockout (FcRn-/-).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred E Chappell
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Hans J Gaus
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Andres Berdeja
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Minji Jo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Thazha P Prakash
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Eric E Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Punit P Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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Ly S, Echeverria D, Sousa J, Khvorova A. Single-Stranded Phosphorothioated Regions Enhance Cellular Uptake of Cholesterol-Conjugated siRNA but Not Silencing Efficacy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:991-1005. [PMID: 32818923 PMCID: PMC7452107 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have potential to silence virtually any disease-causing gene but require chemical modifications for delivery to the tissue and cell of interest. Previously, we demonstrated that asymmetric, phosphorothioate (PS)-modified, chemically stabilized, cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs, called hsiRNAs, support rapid cellular uptake and efficient mRNA silencing both in cultured cells and in vivo. Here, we systematically evaluated the impact of number, structure, and sequence context of PS-modified backbones on cellular uptake and RNAi-mediated silencing efficacy. We find that PS enhances cellular internalization in a sequence-dependent manner but only when present in a single-stranded but not double-stranded region. Furthermore, the observed increase in cellular internalization did not correlate with functional silencing improvement, indicating that PS-mediated uptake may drive compounds to non-productive sinks. Thus, the primary contributing factor of PS modifications to functional efficacy is likely stabilization rather than enhanced cellular uptake. A better understanding of the relative impact of different chemistries on productive versus non-productive uptake will assist in improved design of therapeutic RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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38
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Kanodia P, Vijayapalani P, Srivastava R, Bi R, Liu P, Miller WA, Howell SH. Control of translation during the unfolded protein response in maize seedlings: Life without PERKs. PLANT DIRECT 2020; 4:e00241. [PMID: 32743235 PMCID: PMC7390965 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) defines a condition called ER stress that induces the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR in mammalian cells attenuates protein synthesis initiation, which prevents the piling up of misfolded proteins in the ER. Mammalian cells rely on Protein Kinase RNA-Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) phosphorylation of eIF2α to arrest protein synthesis, however, plants do not have a PERK homolog, so the question is whether plants control translation in response to ER stress. We compared changes in RNA levels in the transcriptome to the RNA levels protected by ribosomes and found a decline in translation efficiency, including many UPR genes, in response to ER stress. The decline in translation efficiency is due to the fact that many mRNAs are not loaded onto polyribosomes (polysomes) in proportion to their increase in total RNA, instead some of the transcripts accumulate in stress granules (SGs). The RNAs that populate SGs are not derived from the disassembly of polysomes because protein synthesis remains steady during stress. Thus, the surge in transcription of UPR genes in response to ER stress is accompanied by the formation of SGs, and the sequestration of mRNAs in SGs may serve to temporarily relieve the translation load during ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulkit Kanodia
- Plant Pathology and Microbiology DepartmentIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics MajorIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | | | | | - Ran Bi
- Statistics DepartmentIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | - Peng Liu
- Plant Science InstituteIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Statistics DepartmentIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | - W. Allen Miller
- Plant Pathology and Microbiology DepartmentIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics MajorIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Plant Science InstituteIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | - Stephen H. Howell
- Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics MajorIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Plant Science InstituteIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology DepartmentIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
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39
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Shi Y, Jia X, Xu J. The new function of circRNA: translation. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 22:2162-2169. [PMID: 32449127 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been considered a special class of non-coding RNAs without 5' caps and 3' tails which are covalently closed RNA molecules generated by back splicing of mRNA. For a long time, circRNAs have been considered to be directly involved in various biological processes as functional RNA. In recent years, a variety of circRNAs have been found to have translational functions, and the resultant peptides also play biological roles in the emergence and progression of human disease. The discovery of these circRNAs and their encoded peptides has enriched genomics, helped us to study the causes of diseases, and promoted the development of biotechnology. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress of the detection methods, translation initiation mechanism, as well as functional mechanism of peptides encoded by circRNAs, with the goal of providing the directions for the discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.123, Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - X Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.123, Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - J Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.123, Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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40
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Maguregui A, Abe H. Developments in siRNA Modification and Ligand Conjugated Delivery To Enhance RNA Interference Ability. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1808-1815. [PMID: 32181563 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is great potential for siRNA in the treatment of diseases through the reduction of damaging protein translation by RNA interference. However, the delivery and cell uptake of siRNA pose a serious problem in its therapeutic application. Methods to overcome this issue include chemical modification of the siRNA duplex to improve pharmacokinetics, stability and efficacy, and conjugation to small ligand molecules to enable membrane penetration, targetability and potency. In this review, the most common modifications of siRNA will be discussed, along with ligand conjugates that are believed to be the most promising in advancing the field of targeted siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Maguregui
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0813, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusa-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan
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41
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Davis SM, Sousa J, Vangjeli L, Hassler MR, Echeverria D, Knox E, Turanov AA, Alterman JF, Khvorova A. 2'-O-Methyl at 20-mer Guide Strand 3' Termini May Negatively Affect Target Silencing Activity of Fully Chemically Modified siRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:266-277. [PMID: 32610253 PMCID: PMC7327867 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have the potential to treat a broad range of diseases. siRNAs need to be extensively chemically modified to improve their bioavailability, safety, and stability in vivo. However, chemical modifications variably impact target silencing for different siRNA sequences, making the activity of chemically modified siRNA difficult to predict. Here, we systematically evaluated the impact of 3′ terminal modifications (2′-O-methyl versus 2′-fluoro) on guide strands of different length and showed that 3′ terminal 2′-O-methyl modification negatively impacts activity for >60% of siRNA sequences tested but only in the context of 20- and not 19- or 21-nt-long guide strands. These results indicate that sequence, modification pattern, and structure may cooperatively affect target silencing. Interestingly, the introduction of an extra 2′-fluoro modification in the seed region at guide strand position 5, but not 7, may partially compensate for the negative impact of 3′ terminal 2′-O-methyl modification. Molecular modeling analysis suggests that 2′-O-methyl modification may impair guide strand interactions within the PAZ domain of argonaute-2, which may affect target recognition and cleavage, specifically when guide strands are 20-nt long. Our findings emphasize the complex nature of modified RNA-protein interactions and contribute to design principles for chemically modified siRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lorenc Vangjeli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Emily Knox
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anton A Turanov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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42
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Lacroix A, Fakih HH, Sleiman HF. Detailed cellular assessment of albumin-bound oligonucleotides: Increased stability and lower non-specific cell uptake. J Control Release 2020; 324:34-46. [PMID: 32330572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Conjugation of lipid moieties to nucleic-acid therapeutics increases their interaction with cellular membranes, enhances their uptake and influences in vivo distribution. Once injected in biological fluids, such modifications trigger the binding of various serum proteins, which in turn play a major role in determining the fate of oligonucleotides. Yet, the role played by each of these proteins, more than 300 in serum, remains to be elucidated. Albumin, the most abundant circulating protein is an attractive candidate to study, as it was previously used to enhance the therapeutic effect of various drugs. Herein, we present a thorough fluorescent-based methodology to study the effect of strong and specific albumin-binding on the fate and cellular uptake of DNA oligonucleotides. We synthesized a library of molecules that exhibit non-covalent binding to albumin, with affinities ranging from high (nanomolar) to none. Our results revealed that strong albumin binding can be used as a strategy to reduce degradation of oligonucleotides in physiological conditions caused by enzymes (nucleases), to reduce uptake and degradation by immune cells (macrophages) and to prevent non-specific uptake by cells. We believe that introducing protein-binding domains in oligonucleotides can be used as a strategy to control the fate of oligonucleotides in physiological environments. While our study focuses on albumin, we believe that such systematic studies, which elucidate the role of serum proteins systematically, will ultimately provide a toolbox to engineer the next-generation of therapeutic oligonucleotides, overcoming many of the barriers encountered by these therapeutics, such as stability, immunogenicity and off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Lacroix
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec H3A 0B8, Canada.
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43
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Berk C, Civenni G, Wang Y, Steuer C, Catapano CV, Hall J. Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Full Phosphorothioate Small Interfering RNAs for Gene Silencing In Vivo. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:237-244. [PMID: 32311310 PMCID: PMC8215415 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
State-of-the-art small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics such as givosiran and fitusiran are constructed from three variable components: a fully-modified RNA core that conveys metabolic stability, a targeting moiety that mediates target-cell uptake, and a linker. This structural complexity poses challenges for metabolite characterization and risk assessment after long-term patient exposure. In this study, we show that basic phosphorothioate modification of a siRNA targeting the oncoprotein Lin28B provides a useful increase in metabolic stability, without greatly compromising potency. We found that its stability in vitro matched that of nanoparticle-free patisiran in serum and surpassed it in liver tritosome extracts, although it did not reach the stability of the fitusiran siRNA core structure. Liver and kidney were the main sites of accumulation after its subcutaneous administration in mice. Despite the lack of a delivery agent-free antitumor effect, we anticipate our study to be a starting point to develop alternative siRNA scaffolds that can be degraded into naturally-occurring metabolites and help alleviate the aforementioned challenges. Furthermore, Lin28B is a promising target for cancers, and the development of such simplified siRNA analogs, possibly together with novel targeting units, holds potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Berk
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Civenni
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Yuluan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlo V Catapano
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Segal M, Biscans A, Gilles ME, Anastasiadou E, De Luca R, Lim J, Khvorova A, Slack FJ. Hydrophobically Modified let-7b miRNA Enhances Biodistribution to NSCLC and Downregulates HMGA2 In Vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:267-277. [PMID: 31855835 PMCID: PMC6926262 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have increasingly been shown to be involved in human cancer, and interest has grown about the potential use of miRNAs for cancer therapy. miRNA levels are known to be altered in cancer cells, including in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a subtype of lung cancer that is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide and that lacks effective therapies. The let-7 miRNA is involved in the regulation of oncogene expression in cells and directly represses cancer growth in the lung. let-7 is therefore a potential molecular target for tumor therapy. However, applications of RNA interference for cancer research have been limited by a lack of simple and efficient methods to deliver oligonucleotides (ONs) to cancer cells. In this study, we have used in vitro and in vivo approaches to show that HCC827 cells internalize hydrophobically modified let-7b miRNAs (hmiRNAs) added directly to the culture medium without the need for lipid formulation. We identified functional let-7b hmiRNAs targeting the HMGA2 mRNA, one of the let-7 target genes upregulated in NSCLC, and show that direct uptake in HCC827 cells induced potent and specific gene silencing in vitro and in vivo. Thus, hmiRNAs constitute a novel class of ONs that enable functional studies of genes involved in cancer biology and are potentially therapeutic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirav Segal
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Maud-Emmanuelle Gilles
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roberto De Luca
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jihoon Lim
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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45
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Lei M, Zheng G, Ning Q, Zheng J, Dong D. Translation and functional roles of circular RNAs in human cancer. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:30. [PMID: 32059672 PMCID: PMC7023758 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-1135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs formed by covalently closed loops through backsplicing. Recent methodologies have enabled in-depth characterization of circRNAs for identification and potential functions. CircRNAs play important roles in various biological functions as microRNA sponges, transcriptional regulators and combining with RNA binding proteins. Recent studies indicated that some cytoplasmic circRNAs can be effectively translated into detectable peptides, which enlightened us on the importance of circRNAs in cellular physiology function. Internal Ribosome Entry site (IRES)- and N6-methyladenosines (m6A)-mediated cap-independent translation initiation have been suggested to be potential mechanism for circRNA translation. To date, several translated circRNAs have been uncovered to play pivotal roles in human cancers. In this review, we introduced the properties and functions of circRNAs, and characterized the possible mechanism of translation initiation and complexity of the translation ability of circRNAs. We summarized the emerging functions of circRNA-encoded proteins in human cancer. The works on circRNA translation will open a hidden human proteome, and enhance us to understand the importance of circRNAs in human cancer, which has been poorly explored so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guantao Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Ning
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Dong Dong
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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46
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Wu P, Mo Y, Peng M, Tang T, Zhong Y, Deng X, Xiong F, Guo C, Wu X, Li Y, Li X, Li G, Zeng Z, Xiong W. Emerging role of tumor-related functional peptides encoded by lncRNA and circRNA. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:22. [PMID: 32019587 PMCID: PMC6998289 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-1147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs do not encode proteins and regulate various oncological processes. They are also important potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Bioinformatics and translation omics have begun to elucidate the roles and modes of action of the functional peptides encoded by ncRNA. Here, recent advances in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA)-encoded small peptides are compiled and synthesized. We introduce both the computational and analytical methods used to forecast prospective ncRNAs encoding oncologically functional oligopeptides. We also present numerous specific lncRNA and circRNA-encoded proteins and their cancer-promoting or cancer-inhibiting molecular mechanisms. This information may expedite the discovery, development, and optimization of novel and efficacious cancer diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic protein-based tools derived from non-coding RNAs. The role of ncRNA-encoding functional peptides has promising application perspectives and potential challenges in cancer research. The aim of this review is to provide a theoretical basis and relevant references, which may promote the discovery of more functional peptides encoded by ncRNAs, and further develop novel anticancer therapeutic targets, as well as diagnostic and prognostic cancer markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangying Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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47
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Chernikov IV, Karelina UA, Meschaninova MI, Ven’yaminova AG, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Investigation of the Internalization of Fluorescently Labeled Lipophilic siRNA into Cultured Tumor Cells. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162019060128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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48
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Berulava T, Buchholz E, Elerdashvili V, Pena T, Islam MR, Lbik D, Mohamed BA, Renner A, von Lewinski D, Sacherer M, Bohnsack KE, Bohnsack MT, Jain G, Capece V, Cleve N, Burkhardt S, Hasenfuss G, Fischer A, Toischer K. Changes in m6A RNA methylation contribute to heart failure progression by modulating translation. Eur J Heart Fail 2019; 22:54-66. [PMID: 31849158 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Deregulation of epigenetic processes and aberrant gene expression are important mechanisms in heart failure. Here we studied the potential relevance of m6A RNA methylation in heart failure development. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed m6A RNA methylation via next-generation sequencing. We found that approximately one quarter of the transcripts in the healthy mouse and human heart exhibit m6A RNA methylation. During progression to heart failure we observed that changes in m6A RNA methylation exceed changes in gene expression both in mouse and human. RNAs with altered m6A RNA methylation were mainly linked to metabolic and regulatory pathways, while changes in RNA expression level mainly represented changes in structural plasticity. Mechanistically, we could link m6A RNA methylation to altered RNA translation and protein production. Interestingly, differentially methylated but not differentially expressed RNAs showed differential polysomal occupancy, indicating transcription-independent modulation of translation. Furthermore, mice with a cardiomyocyte restricted knockout of the RNA demethylase Fto exhibited an impaired cardiac function compared to control mice. CONCLUSIONS We could show that m6A landscape is altered in heart hypertrophy and heart failure. m6A RNA methylation changes lead to changes in protein abundance, unconnected to mRNA levels. This uncovers a new transcription-independent mechanisms of translation regulation. Therefore, our data suggest that modulation of epitranscriptomic processes such as m6A methylation might be an interesting target for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Berulava
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eric Buchholz
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vakhtang Elerdashvili
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tonatiuh Pena
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dawid Lbik
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Belal A Mohamed
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andre Renner
- Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Michael Sacherer
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gaurav Jain
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Capece
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Cleve
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Burkhardt
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerd Hasenfuss
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andre Fischer
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karl Toischer
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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49
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Bartoszewski R, Sikorski AF. Editorial focus: understanding off-target effects as the key to successful RNAi therapy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2019; 24:69. [PMID: 31867046 PMCID: PMC6902517 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-019-0196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the first RNA interference (RNAi) drug (ONPATTRO (patisiran)) on the market, we witness the RNAi therapy field reaching a critical turning point, when further improvements in drug candidate design and delivery pipelines should enable fast delivery of novel life changing treatments to patients. Nevertheless, ignoring parallel development of RNAi dedicated in vitro pharmacological profiling aiming to identify undesirable off-target activity may slow down or halt progress in the RNAi field. Since academic research is currently fueling the RNAi development pipeline with new therapeutic options, the objective of this article is to briefly summarize the basics of RNAi therapy, as well as to discuss how to translate basic research into better understanding of related drug candidate safety profiles early in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Bartoszewski
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksander F. Sikorski
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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50
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Zheng Y, Tai W. Insight into the siRNA transmembrane delivery—From cholesterol conjugating to tagging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 12:e1606. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Wanyi Tai
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan China
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