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Mukherjee A, Sen R, Al Hoque A, Giri TK, Mukherjee B. H-ras-targeted genetic therapy remarkably surpassed docetaxel treatment in inhibiting chemically induced hepatic tumors in rats. Life Sci 2024; 348:122680. [PMID: 38697280 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. But its chemotherapeutic options are far from expectation. We here compared H-ras targeted genetic therapy to a commercial docetaxel formulation (DXT) in inhibiting HCC in rats. MAIN METHODS After the physicochemical characterization of phosphorothioate-antisense oligomer (PS-ASO) against H-ras mutated gene, the PS-ASO-mediated in vitro hemolysis, in vivo hepatic uptake, its pharmacokinetic profile, tissue distribution in some highly perfused organs, its effect in normal rats, antineoplastic efficacy in carcinogen-induced HCC in rats were evaluated and compared against DXT treatment. Mutated H-ras expression by in situ hybridization, hep-par-I, CK-7, CD-15, p53 expression patterns by immunohistochemical methods, scanning electron microscopic evaluation of hepatic architecture, various hepatic marker enzyme levels and caspase-3/9 apoptotic enzyme activities were also carried out in the experimental rats. KEY FINDINGS PS-ASO showed low in vitro hemolysis (<3 %), and had a sustained PS-ASO blood residence time in vivo compared to DTX, with a time-dependent hepatic uptake. It showed no toxic manifestations in normal rats. PS-ASO distribution was although initially less in the lung than liver and kidney, but at 8 h it accumulated more in lung than kidney. Antineoplastic potential of PS-ASO (treated for 6 weeks) excelled in inhibiting chemically induced tumorigenesis compared to DTX in rats, by inhibiting H-ras gene expression, some immonohistochemical modulations, and inducing caspase-3/9-mediated apoptosis. It prevented HCC-mediated lung metastatic tumor in the experimental rats. SIGNIFICANCE PS-ASO genetic therapy showed potential to inhibit HCC far more effectively than DXT in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Ramkrishna Sen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ashique Al Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Giri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Biswajit Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
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2
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Yao S, Kasargod A, Chiu R, Torgerson TR, Kupiec-Weglinski JW, Dery KJ. The Coming Age of Antisense Oligos for the Treatment of Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion (IRI) and Other Liver Disorders: Role of Oxidative Stress and Potential Antioxidant Effect. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:678. [PMID: 38929116 PMCID: PMC11200799 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060678] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Imbalances in the redox state of the liver arise during metabolic processes, inflammatory injuries, and proliferative liver disorders. Acute exposure to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) results from high levels of oxidative stress (OxS) that occur in response to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and metabolic diseases of the liver. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging class of gene expression modulators that target RNA molecules by Watson-Crick binding specificity, leading to RNA degradation, splicing modulation, and/or translation interference. Here, we review ASO inhibitor/activator strategies to modulate transcription and translation that control the expression of enzymes, transcription factors, and intracellular sensors of DNA damage. Several small-interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs with N-acetyl galactosamine moieties for the liver have recently been approved. Preclinical studies using short-activating RNAs (saRNAs), phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), and locked nucleic acids (LNAs) are at the forefront of proof-in-concept therapeutics. Future research targeting intracellular OxS-related pathways in the liver may help realize the promise of precision medicine, revolutionizing the customary approach to caring for and treating individuals afflicted with liver-specific conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth J. Dery
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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3
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Fedorovskiy AG, Antropov DN, Dome AS, Puchkov PA, Makarova DM, Konopleva MV, Matveeva AM, Panova EA, Shmendel EV, Maslov MA, Dmitriev SE, Stepanov GA, Markov OV. Novel Efficient Lipid-Based Delivery Systems Enable a Delayed Uptake and Sustained Expression of mRNA in Human Cells and Mouse Tissues. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:684. [PMID: 38794346 PMCID: PMC11125954 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050684] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, mRNA-based therapy has displayed significant promise in a wide range of clinical applications. The most striking example of the leap in the development of mRNA technologies was the mass vaccination against COVID-19 during the pandemic. The emergence of large-scale technology and positive experience of mRNA immunization sparked the development of antiviral and anti-cancer mRNA vaccines as well as therapeutic mRNA agents for genetic and other diseases. To facilitate mRNA delivery, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been successfully employed. However, the diverse use of mRNA therapeutic approaches requires the development of adaptable LNP delivery systems that can control the kinetics of mRNA uptake and expression in target cells. Here, we report effective mRNA delivery into cultured mammalian cells (HEK293T, HeLa, DC2.4) and living mouse muscle tissues by liposomes containing either 1,26-bis(cholest-5-en-3β-yloxycarbonylamino)-7,11,16,20-tetraazahexacosane tetrahydrochloride (2X3) or the newly applied 1,30-bis(cholest-5-en-3β-yloxycarbonylamino)-9,13,18,22-tetraaza-3,6,25,28-tetraoxatriacontane tetrahydrochloride (2X7) cationic lipids. Using end-point and real-time monitoring of Fluc mRNA expression, we showed that these LNPs exhibited an unusually delayed (of over 10 h in the case of the 2X7-based system) but had highly efficient and prolonged reporter activity in cells. Accordingly, both LNP formulations decorated with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000) provided efficient luciferase production in mice, peaking on day 3 after intramuscular injection. Notably, the bioluminescence was observed only at the site of injection in caudal thigh muscles, thereby demonstrating local expression of the model gene of interest. The developed mRNA delivery systems hold promise for prophylactic applications, where sustained synthesis of defensive proteins is required, and open doors to new possibilities in mRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem G. Fedorovskiy
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.F.); (M.V.K.); (E.A.P.)
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Denis N. Antropov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.N.A.); (A.S.D.); (A.M.M.); (G.A.S.)
| | - Anton S. Dome
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.N.A.); (A.S.D.); (A.M.M.); (G.A.S.)
| | - Pavel A. Puchkov
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Daria M. Makarova
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Maria V. Konopleva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.F.); (M.V.K.); (E.A.P.)
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya M. Matveeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.N.A.); (A.S.D.); (A.M.M.); (G.A.S.)
| | - Eugenia A. Panova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.F.); (M.V.K.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Elena V. Shmendel
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Mikhail A. Maslov
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA-Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.P.); (D.M.M.); (E.V.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Sergey E. Dmitriev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.F.); (M.V.K.); (E.A.P.)
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Grigory A. Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.N.A.); (A.S.D.); (A.M.M.); (G.A.S.)
| | - Oleg V. Markov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.N.A.); (A.S.D.); (A.M.M.); (G.A.S.)
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Anwar S, Mir F, Yokota T. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugation, Chemical Modification, and Carrier-Based Delivery Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041130. [PMID: 37111616 PMCID: PMC10140998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapies are a promising approach for treating a wide range of hard-to-treat diseases, particularly genetic and rare diseases. These therapies involve the use of short synthetic sequences of DNA or RNA that can modulate gene expression or inhibit proteins through various mechanisms. Despite the potential of these therapies, a significant barrier to their widespread use is the difficulty in ensuring their uptake by target cells/tissues. Strategies to overcome this challenge include cell-penetrating peptide conjugation, chemical modification, nanoparticle formulation, and the use of endogenous vesicles, spherical nucleic acids, and smart material-based delivery vehicles. This article provides an overview of these strategies and their potential for the efficient delivery of oligonucleotide drugs, as well as the safety and toxicity considerations, regulatory requirements, and challenges in translating these therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Anwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Farin Mir
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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5
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Lau NCH, Yam JWP. From Exosome Biogenesis to Absorption: Key Takeaways for Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071992. [PMID: 37046653 PMCID: PMC10093369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are mediators of intercellular communication in normal physiology and diseases. While many studies have emerged on the function of exosomal cargoes, questions remain regarding the origin of these exosomes. The packaging and secretion of exosomes in different contexts modify exosomal composition, which may in turn impact delivery, uptake and cargo function in recipient cells. A mechanistic understanding of exosome biology is therefore crucial to investigating exosomal function in complex biological systems and to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we outline the steps in exosome biogenesis, including endosome formation, MVB formation, cargo sorting and extracellular release, as well as exosome absorption, including targeting, interaction with recipient cells and the fate of internalized exosomes. In addition to providing a framework of exosome dynamics, we summarize current evidence on major pathways and regulatory mechanisms. We also highlight the various mechanisms observed in cancer and point out directions to improve study design in exosome biology. Further research is needed to illuminate the relationship between exosome biogenesis and function, which will aid the development of translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Cheuk Hang Lau
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-22552681
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6
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Finicle B, Eckenstein K, Revenko A, Anderson B, Wan W, McCracken A, Gil D, Fruman D, Hanessian S, Seth P, Edinger A. Simultaneous inhibition of endocytic recycling and lysosomal fusion sensitizes cells and tissues to oligonucleotide therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1583-1599. [PMID: 36727438 PMCID: PMC9976930 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inefficient endosomal escape remains the primary barrier to the broad application of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Liver uptake after systemic administration is sufficiently robust that a therapeutic effect can be achieved but targeting extrahepatic tissues remains challenging. Prior attempts to improve oligonucleotide activity using small molecules that increase the leakiness of endosomes have failed due to unacceptable toxicity. Here, we show that the well-tolerated and orally bioavailable synthetic sphingolipid analog, SH-BC-893, increases the activity of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) up to 200-fold in vitro without permeabilizing endosomes. SH-BC-893 treatment trapped endocytosed oligonucleotides within extra-lysosomal compartments thought to be more permeable due to frequent membrane fission and fusion events. Simultaneous disruption of ARF6-dependent endocytic recycling and PIKfyve-dependent lysosomal fusion was necessary and sufficient for SH-BC-893 to increase non-lysosomal oligonucleotide levels and enhance their activity. In mice, oral administration of SH-BC-893 increased ASO potency in the liver by 15-fold without toxicity. More importantly, SH-BC-893 enabled target RNA knockdown in the CNS and lungs of mice treated subcutaneously with cholesterol-functionalized duplexed oligonucleotides or unmodified ASOs, respectively. Together, these results establish the feasibility of using a small molecule that disrupts endolysosomal trafficking to improve the activity of oligonucleotides in extrahepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan T Finicle
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kazumi H Eckenstein
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | - W Brad Wan
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David A Fruman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Hanessian
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Aimee L Edinger
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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7
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Cook BE, Archbold J, Nasr K, Girmay S, Goldstein SI, Li P, Dandapani S, Genung NE, Tang SP, McClusky S, Plisson C, Afetian ME, Dwyer CA, Fazio M, Drury WJ, Rigo F, Martarello L, Kaliszczak M. Non-invasive Imaging of Antisense Oligonucleotides in the Brain via In Vivo Click Chemistry. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:940-949. [PMID: 35655109 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The treatment of complex neurological diseases often requires the administration of large therapeutic drugs, such as antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), by lumbar puncture into the intrathecal space in order to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Despite the growing number of ASOs in clinical development, there are still uncertainties regarding their dosing, primarily around their distribution and kinetics in the brain following intrathecal injection. The challenge of taking measurements within the delicate structures of the central nervous system (CNS) necessitates the use of non-invasive nuclear imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET). Herein, an emergent strategy known as "pretargeted imaging" is applied to image the distribution of an ASO in the brain by developing a novel PET tracer, [18F]F-537-Tz. This tracer is able to undergo an in vivo "click" reaction, covalently binding to a trans-cyclooctene conjugated ASO. PROCEDURES A novel small molecule tracer for pretargeted PET imaging of ASOs in the CNS is developed and tested in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including biodistribution in rats and non-human primates. RESULTS In vitro data and extensive in vivo rat data demonstrated delivery of the tracer to the CNS, and its successful ligation to its ASO target in the brain. In an NHP study, the slow tracer kinetics did not allow for specific binding to be determined by PET. CONCLUSION A CNS-penetrant radioligand for pretargeted imaging was successfully demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study in rats, laying the groundwork for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Khaled Nasr
- Invicro, A Konica Minolta Company, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | | | | | - Pei Li
- , Biogen, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Sac-Pham Tang
- Invicro, A Konica Minolta Company, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
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Terada C, Kawamoto S, Yamayoshi A, Yamamoto T. Chemistry of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides That Drives Interactions with Biomolecules. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122647. [PMID: 36559141 PMCID: PMC9781680 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics that can modulate gene expression have been gradually developed for clinical applications over several decades. However, rapid advances have been made in recent years. Artificial nucleic acid technology has overcome many challenges, such as (1) poor target affinity and selectivity, (2) low in vivo stability, and (3) classical side effects, such as immune responses; thus, its application in a wide range of disorders has been extensively examined. However, even highly optimized oligonucleotides exhibit side effects, which limits the general use of this class of agents. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical characteristics that aid interactions between drugs and molecules that belong to living organisms. By systematically organizing the related data, we hope to explore avenues for symbiotic engineering of oligonucleotide therapeutics that will result in more effective and safer drugs.
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Venugopal J, Wang J, Guo C, Eitzman DT. Amiodarone improves anemia in a murine model of sickle cell disease and is associated with increased erythrocyte bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphate. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16437. [PMID: 36180774 PMCID: PMC9525675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20955-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with altered plasma and erythrocyte lipid profiles. In a previous study, SCD mice with deficiency of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were observed to have more severe anemia and increased sickling compared to control SCD mice. Although PCSK9 affects circulating low density lipoprotein (LDL) by regulation of the LDL receptor, the effect of PCSK9 on anemia was independent of LDL receptor expression. In the current study, erythrocyte metabolomics were performed and revealed altered erythrocyte lipid species between SCD mice with and without PCSK9. Of particular interest, the late endosome-specific lipid bis(mono)acylglycerol phosphate (BMP) 44:12 was markedly decreased in erythrocytes from SCD mice deficient in PCSK9 mice relative to control SCD mice. Incubation of sickle erythrocytes with a neutralizing antibody to BMP increased erythrocyte sickling in vitro. In vitro treatment of SCD erythrocytes with amiodarone (1.5 μM) or medroxyprogesterone (6.75 μM), two pharmacologic compounds known to increase BMP, resulted in reduced erythrocyte sickling. Treatment of SCD mice with amiodarone (10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks resulted in increased BMP, improvement in anemia with reduced reticulocytosis, and decreased ex vivo sickling. In conclusion, severity of anemia in SCD is improved with amiodarone treatment, an effect which may be mediated through increased erythrocyte BMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Venugopal
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Michigan Internal Medicine-Cardiology Division, 7301A MSRB III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0644, USA
| | - Jintao Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Michigan Internal Medicine-Cardiology Division, 7301A MSRB III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0644, USA
| | - Chiao Guo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Michigan Internal Medicine-Cardiology Division, 7301A MSRB III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0644, USA
| | - Daniel T Eitzman
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Michigan Internal Medicine-Cardiology Division, 7301A MSRB III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0644, USA.
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10
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Sagi A, Mukthavaram R, Recatto R, Hong H, Davis M, Trelles RD, El-Mecharrafie N, Acharya G, Gomez A, Leu A, Tachikawa K, Sacchetti C, Soontornniyomkij B, Rajappan K, Karmali P, Chivakula P. Efficacy increase of lipid nanoparticles in vivo by inclusion of bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1399-1410. [PMID: 36255044 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of incorporating bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP) lipid into a lipid nanoparticle and the functional transport of mRNA by the formulated nanoparticles in vivo. Materials & methods: The nanoparticles were prepared from ionizable lipid, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine, cholesterol, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol PEG 2000, BMP and formulated mRNA encoding human erythropoietin. We measured the effect of BMP on physicochemical properties and impact on functional efficacy to transport mRNA to its target cells/tissue as measured by protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Lipid nanoparticles composed of BMP displayed increased endosomal membrane fusion and improved mRNA delivery to the cytosol. Conclusion: The results establish the foundation for future development of these nanoparticulated entities by designing new BMP derivatives and correlating structures to enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sagi
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rajesh Mukthavaram
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - River Recatto
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Hyojung Hong
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michael Davis
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ramon Diaz Trelles
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Nadja El-Mecharrafie
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Grishma Acharya
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Abraham Gomez
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Angel Leu
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Tachikawa
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Cristiano Sacchetti
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Kumar Rajappan
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Priya Karmali
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Padmanabh Chivakula
- Arcturus Therapeutics, 10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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11
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Coaxial Synthesis of PEI-Based Nanocarriers of Encapsulated RNA-Therapeutics to Specifically Target Muscle Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081012. [PMID: 35892322 PMCID: PMC9332584 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081012] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we performed a methodological comparative analysis to synthesize polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles using (i) conventional nanoprecipitation (NP), (ii) electrospraying (ES), and (iii) coaxial electrospraying (CA). The nanoparticles transported antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), either encapsulated (CA nanocomplexes) or electrostatically bound externally (NP and ES nanocomplexes). After synthesis, the PEI/ASO nanoconjugates were functionalized with a muscle-specific RNA aptamer. Using this combinatorial formulation methodology, we obtained nanocomplexes that were further used as nanocarriers for the delivery of RNA therapeutics (ASO), specifically into muscle cells. In particular, we performed a detailed confocal microscopy-based comparative study to analyze the overall transfection efficiency, the cell-to-cell homogeneity, and the mean fluorescence intensity per cell of micron-sized domains enriched with the nanocomplexes. Furthermore, using high-magnification electron microscopy, we were able to describe, in detail, the ultrastructural basis of the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of nanocomplexes by the clathrin-independent endocytic pathway. Our results are a clear demonstration that coaxial electrospraying is a promising methodology for the synthesis of therapeutic nanoparticle-based carriers. Some of the principal features that the nanoparticles synthesized by coaxial electrospraying exhibit are efficient RNA-based drug encapsulation, increased nanoparticle surface availability for aptamer functionalization, a high transfection efficiency, and hyperactivation of the endocytosis and early/late endosome route as the main intracellular uptake mechanism.
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12
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Channon LM, Tyma VM, Xu Z, Greening DW, Wilson JS, Perera CJ, Apte MV. Small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and their cargo in pancreatic cancer: Key roles in the hallmarks of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188728. [PMID: 35385773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a devastating disease, offering poor mortality rates for patients. The current challenge being faced is the inability to diagnose patients in a timely manner, where potentially curative resection provides the best chance of survival. Recently, small/nanosized extracellular vesicles (sEVs), including exosomes, have gained significant preclinical and clinical attention due to their emerging roles in cancer progression and diagnosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess endogenous properties that offer stability and facilitate crossing of biological barriers for delivery of molecular cargo to cells, acting as a form of intercellular communication to regulate function and phenotype of recipient cells. This review provides an overview of the role of EVs, their subtypes and their oncogenic cargo (as characterised by targeted studies as well as agnostic '-omics' analyses) in the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer. The discussion covers the progress of 'omics technology' that has enabled elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the role of EVs and their cargo in pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily M Channon
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Victoria M Tyma
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney 2170, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Victoria 3004, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Australia, Victoria 3800, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jeremy S Wilson
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney 2170, Australia
| | - Chamini J Perera
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney 2170, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney 2170, Australia.
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13
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MTDH antisense oligonucleotides reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to sensitize Hepatocellular Carcinoma to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 541:215750. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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Kay E, Stulz R, Becquart C, Lovric J, Tängemo C, Thomen A, Baždarević D, Najafinobar N, Dahlén A, Pielach A, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Strömberg R, Ämmälä C, Andersson S, Kurczy M. NanoSIMS Imaging Reveals the Impact of Ligand-ASO Conjugate Stability on ASO Subcellular Distribution. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020463. [PMID: 35214195 PMCID: PMC8876276 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to specific cell types via targeted endocytosis is challenging due to the low cell surface expression of target receptors and inefficient escape of ASOs from the endosomal pathway. Conjugating ASOs to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) leads to efficient target knockdown, specifically in pancreatic β-cells. It is presumed that ASOs dissociate from GLP1 intracellularly to enable an ASO interaction with its target RNA. It is unknown where or when this happens following GLP1-ASO binding to GLP1R and endocytosis. Here, we use correlative nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS) and transmission electron microscopy to explore GLP1-ASO subcellular trafficking in GLP1R overexpressing HEK293 cells. We isotopically label both eGLP1 and ASO, which do not affect the eGLP1-ASO conjugate function. We found that the eGLP1 peptide and ASO are not detected at the same level in the same endosomes, within 30 min of GLP1R-HEK293 cell exposure to eGLP1-ASO. When we utilized different linker chemistry to stabilize the GLP1-ASO conjugate, we observed more ASO located with GLP1 compared to cell incubation with the less stable conjugate. Overall, our work suggests that the ASO separates from GLP1 relatively early in the endocytic pathway, and that linker chemistry might impact the GLP1-ASO function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kay
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Rouven Stulz
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden; (R.S.); (R.S.)
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.D.); (S.A.)
- DMPK, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Cécile Becquart
- DMPK, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.B.); (J.L.)
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Jelena Lovric
- DMPK, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Carolina Tängemo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Aurélien Thomen
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Dženita Baždarević
- Bioscience, Early Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Neda Najafinobar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Anders Dahlén
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Anna Pielach
- Centre for Cellular Imaging, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.P.); (J.F.-R.)
| | - Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez
- Centre for Cellular Imaging, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.P.); (J.F.-R.)
| | - Roger Strömberg
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden; (R.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Carina Ämmälä
- Bioscience, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Shalini Andersson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Michael Kurczy
- DMPK, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden; (C.B.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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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16
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Sasaki T, Hirakawa Y, Yamairi F, Kurita T, Murahashi K, Nishimura H, Iwazaki N, Yasuhara H, Tateoka T, Ohta T, Obika S, Kotera J. Altered Biodistribution and Hepatic Safety Profile of a Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotide Bearing Guanidine-Bridged Nucleic Acids. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:177-184. [PMID: 35073217 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanidine-bridged nucleic acid (GuNA) is a novel 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid/locked nucleic acid (2',4'-BNA/LNA) analog containing cations that exhibit strong affinity for target RNA and superior nuclease resistance. In this study, Malat1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) bearing GuNA was evaluated for target knockdown (KD) activity and tolerability. The GuNA ASO did not interfere with RNase H recruitment on the target RNA/ASO heteroduplex and did show potent target KD activity in a skeletal muscle-derived cell line equivalent to that of the LNA ASO under gymnotic conditions, whereas almost no KD activity was observed in a hepatocyte-derived cell line. The GuNA ASO exhibited potent KD activity in various tissues; the KD activity in the skeletal muscle was equivalent with that of the LNA ASO, but the KD activities in the liver and kidney were clearly lower compared with the LNA ASO. In addition, despite the higher accumulation of the GuNA ASO in the liver, levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase with the GuNA ASO administration were not elevated compared with those induced by the LNA ASO. Our data indicate that the GuNA ASO is tolerable and exhibits unique altered pharmacological activities in comparison with the LNA ASO in terms of the relative effect between liver and skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sasaki
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Hirakawa
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Fumiko Yamairi
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Kurita
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Karin Murahashi
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Nishimura
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Norihiko Iwazaki
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidenori Yasuhara
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Tateoka
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohta
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Kotera
- Sohyaku, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
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17
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Liang XH, Nichols JG, Tejera D, Crooke ST. Perinuclear positioning of endosomes can affect PS-ASO activities. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12970-12985. [PMID: 34878127 PMCID: PMC8682747 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorothioate (PS) modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs that act on cellular RNAs must enter cells and be released from endocytic organelles to elicit antisense activity. It has been shown that PS-ASOs are mainly released by late endosomes. However, it is unclear how endosome movement in cells contributes to PS-ASO activity. Here, we show that PS-ASOs in early endosomes display Brownian type motion and migrate only short distances, whereas PS-ASOs in late endosomes (LEs) move linearly along microtubules with substantial distances. In cells with normal microtubules and LE movement, PS-ASO-loaded LEs tend to congregate perinuclearly. Disruption of perinuclear positioning of LEs by reduction of dynein 1 decreased PS-ASO activity, without affecting PS-ASO cellular uptake. Similarly, disruption of perinuclear positioning of PS-ASO-LE foci by reduction of ER tethering proteins RNF26, SQSTM1 and UBE2J1, or by overexpression of P50 all decreased PS-ASO activity. However, enhancing perinuclear positioning through reduction of USP15 or over-expression of RNF26 modestly increased PS-ASO activity, indicating that LE perinuclear positioning is required for ensuring efficient PS-ASO release. Together, these observations suggest that LE movement along microtubules and perinuclear positioning affect PS-ASO productive release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hai Liang
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Dario Tejera
- Neurology, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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18
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Kapustin AN, Davey P, Longmire D, Matthews C, Linnane E, Rustogi N, Stavrou M, Devine PWA, Bond NJ, Hanson L, Sonzini S, Revenko A, MacLeod AR, Ross S, Chiarparin E, Puri S. Antisense oligonucleotide activity in tumour cells is influenced by intracellular LBPA distribution and extracellular vesicle recycling. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1241. [PMID: 34725463 PMCID: PMC8560811 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Next generation modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are commercially approved new therapeutic modalities, yet poor productive uptake and endosomal entrapment in tumour cells limit their broad application. Here we compare intracellular traffic of anti KRAS antisense oligonucleotide (AZD4785) in tumour cell lines PC9 and LK2, with good and poor productive uptake, respectively. We find that the majority of AZD4785 is rapidly delivered to CD63+late endosomes (LE) in both cell lines. Importantly, lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) that triggers ASO LE escape is presented in CD63+LE in PC9 but not in LK2 cells. Moreover, both cell lines recycle AZD4785 in extracellular vesicles (EVs); however, AZD4785 quantification by advanced mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis reveals that LK2 recycles more AZD4785 and RNA-binding proteins. Finally, stimulating LBPA intracellular production or blocking EV recycling enhances AZD4785 activity in LK2 but not in PC9 cells thus offering a possible strategy to enhance ASO potency in tumour cells with poor productive uptake of ASOs. Kapustin et al. investigate the intracellular trafficking of anti-KRAS antisense oligonucleotides. They show that the oligonucleotide AZD4785 is recycled via late endosomes in extracellular vesicles in both cells with poor and good oligo productive uptake, and that inducing lysobisphosphatidic acid in late endosomes or blocking EV recycling enhance AZD4785 activity in cells with poor productive uptake, potentially offering improved treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Kapustin
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Paul Davey
- Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Longmire
- Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carl Matthews
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Linnane
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nitin Rustogi
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Stavrou
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul W A Devine
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas J Bond
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lyndsey Hanson
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Silvia Sonzini
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Ross
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sanyogitta Puri
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Bost JP, Barriga H, Holme MN, Gallud A, Maugeri M, Gupta D, Lehto T, Valadi H, Esbjörner EK, Stevens MM, El-Andaloussi S. Delivery of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Chemical Modifications, Lipid Nanoparticles, and Extracellular Vesicles. ACS NANO 2021; 15:13993-14021. [PMID: 34505766 PMCID: PMC8482762 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) comprise a rapidly growing class of therapeutics. In recent years, the list of FDA-approved ON therapies has rapidly expanded. ONs are small (15-30 bp) nucleotide-based therapeutics which are capable of targeting DNA and RNA as well as other biomolecules. ONs can be subdivided into several classes based on their chemical modifications and on the mechanisms of their target interactions. Historically, the largest hindrance to the widespread usage of ON therapeutics has been their inability to effectively internalize into cells and escape from endosomes to reach their molecular targets in the cytosol or nucleus. While cell uptake has been improved, "endosomal escape" remains a significant problem. There are a range of approaches to overcome this, and in this review, we focus on three: altering the chemical structure of the ONs, formulating synthetic, lipid-based nanoparticles to encapsulate the ONs, or biologically loading the ONs into extracellular vesicles. This review provides a background to the design and mode of action of existing FDA-approved ONs. It presents the most common ON classifications and chemical modifications from a fundamental scientific perspective and provides a roadmap of the cellular uptake pathways by which ONs are trafficked. Finally, this review delves into each of the above-mentioned approaches to ON delivery, highlighting the scientific principles behind each and covering recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P. Bost
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Hanna Barriga
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Margaret N. Holme
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Audrey Gallud
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 43150, Sweden
| | - Marco Maugeri
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Dhanu Gupta
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Hadi Valadi
- Department
of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
| | - Elin K. Esbjörner
- Department
of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Gothenburg 41296, Sweden
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, United Kingdom
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14152, Sweden
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20
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Liang XH, Nichols JG, De Hoyos CL, Sun H, Zhang L, Crooke ST. Golgi-58K can re-localize to late endosomes upon cellular uptake of PS-ASOs and facilitates endosomal release of ASOs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8277-8293. [PMID: 34244781 PMCID: PMC8373082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorothioate (PS) modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs can trigger RNase H1 cleavage of cellular target RNAs to modulate gene expression. Internalized PS-ASOs must be released from membraned endosomal organelles, a rate limiting step that is not well understood. Recently we found that M6PR transport between Golgi and late endosomes facilitates productive release of PS-ASOs, raising the possibility that Golgi-mediated transport may play important roles in PS-ASO activity. Here we further evaluated the involvement of Golgi in PS-ASO activity by examining additional Golgi proteins. Reduction of certain Golgi proteins, including Golgi-58K, GCC1 and TGN46, decreased PS-ASO activity, without substantial effects on Golgi integrity. Upon PS-ASO cellular uptake, Golgi-58K was recruited to late endosomes where it colocalized with PS-ASOs. Reduction of Golgi-58K caused slower PS-ASO release from late endosomes, decreased GCC2 late endosome relocalization, and led to slower retrograde transport of M6PR from late endosomes to trans-Golgi. Late endosome relocalization of Golgi-58K requires Hsc70, and is most likely mediated by PS-ASO-protein interactions. Together, these results suggest a novel function of Golgi-58K in mediating Golgi-endosome transport and indicate that the Golgi apparatus plays an important role in endosomal release of PS-ASO, ensuring antisense activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Sun
- Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Lingdi Zhang
- Core Antisense Research, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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21
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Exploring interactions between extracellular vesicles and cells for innovative drug delivery system design. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:252-278. [PMID: 33798644 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are submicron cell-secreted structures containing proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. EVs can functionally transfer these cargoes from one cell to another to modulate physiological and pathological processes. Due to their presumed biocompatibility and capacity to circumvent canonical delivery barriers encountered by synthetic drug delivery systems, EVs have attracted considerable interest as drug delivery vehicles. However, it is unclear which mechanisms and molecules orchestrate EV-mediated cargo delivery to recipient cells. Here, we review how EV properties have been exploited to improve the efficacy of small molecule drugs. Furthermore, we explore which EV surface molecules could be directly or indirectly involved in EV-mediated cargo transfer to recipient cells and discuss the cellular reporter systems with which such transfer can be studied. Finally, we elaborate on currently identified cellular processes involved in EV cargo delivery. Through these topics, we provide insights in critical effectors in the EV-cell interface which may be exploited in nature-inspired drug delivery strategies.
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22
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Flynn LL, Mitrpant C, Adams A, Pitout IL, Stirnweiss A, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Targeted SMN Exon Skipping: A Useful Control to Assess In Vitro and In Vivo Splice-Switching Studies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:552. [PMID: 34069072 PMCID: PMC8156830 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature surrounding the use of antisense oligonucleotides continues to grow, with new disease and mechanistic applications constantly evolving. Furthermore, the discovery and advancement of novel chemistries continues to improve antisense delivery, stability and effectiveness. For each new application, a rational sequence design is recommended for each oligomer, as is chemistry and delivery optimization. To confirm oligomer delivery and antisense activity, a positive control AO sequence with well characterized target-specific effects is recommended. Here, we describe splice-switching antisense oligomer sequences targeting the ubiquitously expressed human and mouse SMN and Smn genes for use as control AOs for this purpose. We report two AO sequences that induce targeted skipping of SMN1/SMN2 exon 7 and two sequences targeting the Smn gene, that induce skipping of exon 5 and exon 7. These antisense sequences proved effective in inducing alternative splicing in both in vitro and in vivo models and are therefore broadly applicable as controls. Not surprisingly, we discovered a number of differences in efficiency of exon removal between the two species, further highlighting the differences in splice regulation between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (L.L.F.); (A.A.); (I.L.P.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Neuromuscular & Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Abbie Adams
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (L.L.F.); (A.A.); (I.L.P.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Neuromuscular & Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (L.L.F.); (A.A.); (I.L.P.); (S.F.)
- PYC Therapeutics, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | | | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (L.L.F.); (A.A.); (I.L.P.); (S.F.)
- Centre for Neuromuscular & Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- PYC Therapeutics, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (L.L.F.); (A.A.); (I.L.P.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Neuromuscular & Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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23
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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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24
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Gurung S, Perocheau D, Touramanidou L, Baruteau J. The exosome journey: from biogenesis to uptake and intracellular signalling. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:47. [PMID: 33892745 PMCID: PMC8063428 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 645] [Impact Index Per Article: 215.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of exosomes in clinical settings is progressively becoming a reality, as clinical trials testing exosomes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications are generating remarkable interest from the scientific community and investors. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by all cell types playing intercellular communication roles in health and disease by transferring cellular cargoes such as functional proteins, metabolites and nucleic acids to recipient cells. An in-depth understanding of exosome biology is therefore essential to ensure clinical development of exosome based investigational therapeutic products. Here we summarise the most up-to-date knowkedge about the complex biological journey of exosomes from biogenesis and secretion, transport and uptake to their intracellular signalling. We delineate the major pathways and molecular players that influence each step of exosome physiology, highlighting the routes of interest, which will be of benefit to exosome manipulation and engineering. We highlight the main controversies in the field of exosome research: their adequate definition, characterisation and biogenesis at plasma membrane. We also delineate the most common identified pitfalls affecting exosome research and development. Unravelling exosome physiology is key to their ultimate progression towards clinical applications. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Gurung
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dany Perocheau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Loukia Touramanidou
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK. .,Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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25
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Liang XH, Nichols JG, Hsu CW, Crooke ST. Hsc70 Facilitates Mannose-6-Phosphate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Trafficking and Enhances Endosomal Release of Phosphorothioate-Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:284-297. [PMID: 33567234 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotide (PS-ASO) drugs are commonly used to modulate gene expression through RNase H1-mediated cleavage of target RNAs. Upon internalization through endocytic pathways into cells, PS-ASOs must be released from membraned endosomal organelles to act on target RNAs, a limiting step of PS-ASO activity. Here we report that Hsc70 protein mediates productive release of PS-ASOs from endosomes. Hsc70 protein was enriched in endosome fractions shortly after PS-ASO incubation with cells. Reduction of Hsc70 significantly decreased the activities of PS-ASOs in reducing target RNAs. PS-ASO uptake and transport from early endosomes to late endosomes (LEs) were not affected upon Hsc70 reduction; however, endosomal release of PS-ASOs was impaired. Reduction of Hsc70 led to more scattered mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) localization at LEs in the cytoplasm, in contrast to the perinuclear localization at trans-Golgi network (TGN) in control cells, suggesting that retrograde transport of M6PR from LEs to TGN was affected. Consistently, reduction of Hsc70 increased colocalization of M6PR and PS-ASOs at LEs, and also delayed M6PR antibody transport from LE to TGN. Together, these results suggest that Hsc70 protein is involved in M6PR vesicle escape from LEs and may thus enhance PS-ASO release from LEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
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26
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He C, Migawa MT, Chen K, Weston TA, Tanowitz M, Song W, Guagliardo P, Iyer KS, Bennett CF, Fong LG, Seth PP, Young SG, Jiang H. High-resolution visualization and quantification of nucleic acid-based therapeutics in cells and tissues using Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1-14. [PMID: 33275144 PMCID: PMC7797060 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) have proven useful in promoting the degradation of specific transcripts, modifying gene expression, and regulating mRNA splicing. In each situation, efficient delivery of nucleic acids to cells, tissues and intracellular compartments is crucial—both for optimizing efficacy and reducing side effects. Despite successes in NATs, our understanding of their cellular uptake and distribution in tissues is limited. Current methods have yielded insights into distribution of NATs within cells and tissues, but the sensitivity and resolution of these approaches are limited. Here, we show that nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging can be used to define the distribution of 5-bromo-2′-deoxythymidine (5-BrdT) modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) in cells and tissues with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. This approach makes it possible to define ASO uptake and distribution in different subcellular compartments and to quantify the impact of targeting ligands designed to promote ASO uptake by cells. Our studies showed that phosphorothioate ASOs are associated with filopodia and the inner nuclear membrane in cultured cells, and also revealed substantial cellular and subcellular heterogeneity of ASO uptake in mouse tissues. NanoSIMS imaging represents a significant advance in visualizing uptake and distribution of NATs; this approach will be useful in optimizing efficacy and delivery of NATs for treating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiwen He
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Kai Chen
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas A Weston
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Wenxin Song
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paul Guagliardo
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | | | - Loren G Fong
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Punit P Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stephen G Young
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haibo Jiang
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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27
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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: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [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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28
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Hawner M, Ducho C. Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:E5963. [PMID: 33339365 PMCID: PMC7766908 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Ducho
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2 3, 66 123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
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29
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Smith WS, Johnston DA, Wensley HJ, Holmes SE, Flavell SU, Flavell DJ. The Role of Cholesterol on Triterpenoid Saponin-Induced Endolysosomal Escape of a Saporin-Based Immunotoxin. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228734. [PMID: 33228031 PMCID: PMC7699356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol seems to play a central role in the augmentation of saporin-based immunotoxin (IT) cytotoxicity by triterpenoid saponins. Endolysosomal escape has been proposed as one mechanism for the saponin-mediated enhancement of targeted toxins. We investigated the effects of lipid depletion followed by repletion on Saponinum album (SA)-induced endolysosomal escape of Alexa Fluor labelled saporin and the saporin-based immunotoxin OKT10-SAP, directed against CD38, in Daudi lymphoma cells. Lipid deprived cells showed reduced SA-induced endolysosomal escape at two concentrations of SA, as determined by a flow cytometric method. The repletion of membrane cholesterol by low density lipoprotein (LDL) restored SA-induced endolysosomal escape at a concentration of 5 µg/mL SA but not at 1 µg/mL SA. When LDL was used to restore the cholesterol levels in lipid deprived cells, the SA augmentation of OKT10-SAP cytotoxicity was partially restored at 1 µg/mL SA and fully restored at 5 µg/mL SA. These results suggest that different mechanisms of action might be involved for the two different concentrations of SA and that endosomal escape may not be the main mechanism for the augmentation of saporin IT cytotoxicity by SA at the sub-lytic concentration of 1 µg/mL SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy S. Smith
- The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (H.J.W.); (S.E.H.); (S.U.F.)
- Correspondence: (W.S.S.); (D.J.F.)
| | - David A. Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
| | - Harrison J. Wensley
- The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (H.J.W.); (S.E.H.); (S.U.F.)
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Abcam, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AX, UK
| | - Suzanne E. Holmes
- The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (H.J.W.); (S.E.H.); (S.U.F.)
| | - Sopsamorn U. Flavell
- The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (H.J.W.); (S.E.H.); (S.U.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - David J. Flavell
- The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (H.J.W.); (S.E.H.); (S.U.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Correspondence: (W.S.S.); (D.J.F.)
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30
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Deprey K, Batistatou N, Kritzer JA. A critical analysis of methods used to investigate the cellular uptake and subcellular localization of RNA therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7623-7639. [PMID: 32644123 PMCID: PMC7430645 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics are a promising strategy to treat genetic diseases caused by the overexpression or aberrant splicing of a specific protein. The field has seen major strides in the clinical efficacy of this class of molecules, largely due to chemical modifications and delivery strategies that improve nuclease resistance and enhance cell penetration. However, a major obstacle in the development of RNA therapeutics continues to be the imprecise, difficult, and often problematic nature of most methods used to measure cell penetration. Here, we review these methods and clearly distinguish between those that measure total cellular uptake of RNA therapeutics, which includes both productive and non-productive uptake, and those that measure cytosolic/nuclear penetration, which represents only productive uptake. We critically analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each method. Finally, we use key examples to illustrate how, despite rigorous experimentation and proper controls, our understanding of the mechanism of gymnotic uptake of RNA therapeutics remains limited by the methods commonly used to analyze RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Deprey
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Nefeli Batistatou
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Joshua A Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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31
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Brock DJ, Kondow-McConaghy H, Allen J, Brkljača Z, Kustigian L, Jiang M, Zhang J, Rye H, Vazdar M, Pellois JP. Mechanism of Cell Penetration by Permeabilization of Late Endosomes: Interplay between a Multivalent TAT Peptide and Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1296-1307.e5. [PMID: 32783962 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many cellular delivery reagents enter the cytosolic space of cells by escaping the lumen of endocytic organelles and, more specifically, late endosomes. The mechanisms involved in endosomal membrane permeation remain largely unresolved, which impedes the improvement of delivery agents. Here, we investigate how 3TAT, a branched analog of the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) TAT, achieves the permeabilization of bilayers containing bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), a lipid found in late endosomes. We establish that the peptide does not induce the leakage of individual lipid bilayers. Instead, leakage requires contact between membranes. Peptide-driven bilayer contacts lead to fusion, lipid mixing, and, critically, peptide encapsulation within proximal bilayers. Notably, this encapsulation is a distinctive property of BMP that explains the specificity of CPP's membrane leakage activity. These results therefore support a model of cell penetration that requires both BMP and the vicinity between bilayers, two features unique to BMP-rich and multivesicular late endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota J Brock
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Helena Kondow-McConaghy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Jason Allen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Zlatko Brkljača
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lauren Kustigian
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Mengqiu Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Hays Rye
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA
| | - Mario Vazdar
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jean-Philippe Pellois
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, Biochemistry and Biophysics Building, Room 430, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA; Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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32
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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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Crooke ST, Vickers TA, Liang XH. Phosphorothioate modified oligonucleotide-protein interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5235-5253. [PMID: 32356888 PMCID: PMC7261153 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) interact with target RNAs via hybridization to modulate gene expression through different mechanisms. ASO therapeutics are chemically modified and include phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modifications and different ribose and base modifications to improve pharmacological properties. Modified PS ASOs display better binding affinity to the target RNAs and increased binding to proteins. Moreover, PS ASO protein interactions can affect many aspects of their performance, including distribution and tissue delivery, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, potency and toxicity. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding PS ASO protein interactions, highlighting the proteins with which PS ASOs interact, the influence of PS ASO protein interactions on ASO performance, and the structure activity relationships of PS ASO modification and protein interactions. A detailed understanding of these interactions can aid in the design of safer and more potent ASO drugs, as illustrated by recent findings that altering ASO chemical modifications dramatically improves therapeutic index.
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Ochaba J, Powers AF, Tremble KA, Greenlee S, Post NM, Matson JE, MacLeod AR, Guo S, Aghajan M. A novel and translational role for autophagy in antisense oligonucleotide trafficking and activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:11284-11303. [PMID: 31612951 PMCID: PMC6868497 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocytosis is a mechanism by which cells sense their environment and internalize various nutrients, growth factors and signaling molecules. This process initiates at the plasma membrane, converges with autophagy, and terminates at the lysosome. It is well-established that cellular uptake of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) proceeds through the endocytic pathway; however, only a small fraction escapes endosomal trafficking while the majority are rendered inactive in the lysosome. Since these pathways converge and share common molecular machinery, it is unclear if autophagy-related trafficking participates in ASO uptake or whether modulation of autophagy affects ASO activity and localization. To address these questions, we investigated the effects of autophagy modulation on ASO activity in cells and mice. We found that enhancing autophagy through small-molecule mTOR inhibition, serum-starvation/fasting, and ketogenic diet, increased ASO-mediated target reduction in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, autophagy activation enhanced the localization of ASOs into autophagosomes without altering intracellular concentrations or trafficking to other compartments. These results support a novel role for autophagy and the autophagosome as a previously unidentified compartment that participates in and contributes to enhanced ASO activity. Further, we demonstrate non-chemical methods to enhance autophagy and subsequent ASO activity using translatable approaches such as fasting or ketogenic diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ochaba
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | | | | | - Noah M Post
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - John E Matson
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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Saneyoshi H, Yamamoto Y, Ohta T, Akai S, Ono A. Thiol-responsive pro-fluorophore labeling: Synthesis of a pro-fluorescent labeled oligonucleotide for monitoring cellular uptake. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127222. [PMID: 32386978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pro-fluorescent labeled oligonucleotides are potential alternative tools to classical fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides for monitoring cellular uptake. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a thiol-responsive pro-fluorophore labeled oligonucleotide, and its fluorescence responsivity to glutathione in the test tube and live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Saneyoshi
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Yuta Yamamoto
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ohta
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - Shoji Akai
- Laboratory of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan
| | - Akira Ono
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan.
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36
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Liang XH, Sun H, Hsu CW, Nichols JG, Vickers TA, De Hoyos CL, Crooke ST. Golgi-endosome transport mediated by M6PR facilitates release of antisense oligonucleotides from endosomes. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1372-1391. [PMID: 31840180 PMCID: PMC7026651 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Release of phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (PS-ASOs) from late endosomes (LEs) is a rate-limiting step and a poorly defined process for productive intracellular ASO drug delivery. Here, we examined the role of Golgi-endosome transport, specifically M6PR shuttling mediated by GCC2, in PS-ASO trafficking and activity. We found that reduction in cellular levels of GCC2 or M6PR impaired PS-ASO release from endosomes and decreased PS-ASO activity in human cells. GCC2 relocated to LEs upon PS-ASO treatment, and M6PR also co-localized with PS-ASOs in LEs or on LE membranes. These proteins act through the same pathway to influence PS-ASO activity, with GCC2 action preceding that of M6PR. Our data indicate that M6PR binds PS-ASOs and facilitates their vesicular escape. The co-localization of M6PR and of GCC2 with ASOs is influenced by the PS modifications, which have been shown to enhance the affinity of ASOs for proteins, suggesting that localization of these proteins to LEs is mediated by ASO-protein interactions. Reduction of M6PR levels also decreased PS-ASO activity in mouse cells and in livers of mice treated subcutaneously with PS-ASO, indicating a conserved mechanism. Together, these results demonstrate that the transport machinery between LE and Golgi facilitates PS-ASO release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hai Liang
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Timothy A Vickers
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Cheryl L De Hoyos
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92104, USA
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Juliano RL, Wang L, Tavares F, Brown EG, James L, Ariyarathna Y, Ming X, Mao C, Suto M. Structure-activity relationships and cellular mechanism of action of small molecules that enhance the delivery of oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1601-1613. [PMID: 29361039 PMCID: PMC5829638 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides are hindered by the tendency of these molecules to become entrapped in endomembrane compartments thus failing to reach their targets in the cytosol or nucleus. We have previously used high throughput screening to identify small molecules that enhance the escape of oligonucleotides from intracellular membrane compartments and have termed such molecules OECs (oligonucleotide enhancing compounds). Here, we report on the structure-activity relationships of a family of OECs that are analogs of a hit that emerged from our original screen. These studies demonstrate key roles for the lipophilic aromatic groups, the tertiary nitrogen, and the carbamate moiety of the parent compound. We have also investigated the intracellular site of action of the OECs and have shown that activity is due to the release of oligonucleotides from intermediate endosomal compartments rather than from early endosomes or from highly acidic downstream compartments. At high concentrations of OECs toxicity occurs in a manner that is independent of caspases or of lysosomal cathepsins but instead involves increased plasma membrane permeability. Thus, in addition to describing specific characteristics of this family of OECs, the current study provides insights into basic mechanisms of oligonucleotide trafficking and their implications for oligonucleotide delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolph L Juliano
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Initos Pharmaceuticals LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Francis Tavares
- Chemogenics Biopharma, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Edward G Brown
- Chemogenics Biopharma, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lindsey James
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Xin Ming
- Department of Cancer Biology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Chengqiong Mao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Mark Suto
- Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
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38
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Wang S, Allen N, Vickers TA, Revenko AS, Sun H, Liang XH, Crooke ST. Cellular uptake mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor facilitates the intracellular activity of phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2019. [PMID: 29514240 PMCID: PMC5909429 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with phosphorothioate (PS) linkages have been extensively studied as research and therapeutic agents. PS-ASOs can enter the cell and trigger cleavage of complementary RNA by RNase H1 even in the absence of transfection reagent. A number of cell surface proteins have been identified that bind PS-ASOs and mediate their cellular uptake; however, the mechanisms that lead to productive internalization of PS-ASOs are not well understood. Here, we characterized the interaction between PS-ASOs and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We found that PS-ASOs trafficked together with EGF and EGFR into clathrin-coated pit structures. Their co-localization was also observed at early endosomes and inside enlarged late endosomes. Reduction of EGFR decreased PS-ASO activity without affecting EGF-mediated signaling pathways and overexpression of EGFR increased PS-ASO activity in cells. Furthermore, reduction of EGFR delays PS-ASO trafficking from early to late endosomes. Thus, EGFR binds to PS-ASOs at the cell surface and mediates essential steps for active (productive) cellular uptake of PS-ASOs through its cargo-dependent trafficking processes which migrate PS-ASOs from early to late endosomes. This EGFR-mediated process can also serve as an additional model to better understand the mechanism of intracellular uptake and endosomal release of PS-ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Wang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Nickolas Allen
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Timothy A Vickers
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Alexey S Revenko
- Department of Antisense Drug, Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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39
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Liang XH, Nichols JG, Sun H, Crooke ST. Translation can affect the antisense activity of RNase H1-dependent oligonucleotides targeting mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:293-313. [PMID: 29165591 PMCID: PMC5758896 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNase H1-dependent antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can degrade complementary RNAs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Since cytoplasmic mRNAs are actively engaged in translation, ASO activity may thus be affected by translating ribosomes that scan the mRNAs. Here we show that mRNAs associated with ribosomes can be cleaved using ASOs and that translation can alter ASO activity. Translation inhibition tends to increase ASO activity when targeting the coding regions of efficiently translated mRNAs, but not nuclear non-coding RNAs or less efficiently translated mRNAs. Increasing the level of RNase H1 protein eliminated the enhancing effects of translation inhibition on ASO activity, suggesting that RNase H1 recruitment to ASO/mRNA heteroduplexes is a rate limiting step and that translating ribosomes can inhibit RNase H1 recruitment. Consistently, ASO activity was not increased by translation inhibition when targeting the 3′ UTRs, independent of the translation efficiency of the mRNAs. Contrarily, the activity of 3′ UTR-targeting ASOs tended to be reduced upon translation inhibition, likely due to decreased accessibility. These results indicate that ASO activity can be affected by the translation process, and the findings also provide important information toward helping better ASO drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceutics, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceutics, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceutics, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceutics, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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40
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Wang S, Allen N, Prakash TP, Liang XH, Crooke ST. Lipid Conjugates Enhance Endosomal Release of Antisense Oligonucleotides Into Cells. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:245-255. [PMID: 31158063 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides modified with phosphorothioate linkages (PS-ASOs) can enter cells via endocytic pathways and must escape from membraned organelles to reach target RNAs. We recently found that membrane destabilization induced by different lipid species contributes to PS-ASO release from late endosomes (LEs). In this study, we characterized intracellular uptake, trafficking, and activities of PS-ASOs conjugated with different lipid species. We found that palmitic acid-, tocopherol-, and cholesterol-conjugated PS-ASOs have increased protein binding and enhanced intracellular uptake compared to unconjugated PS-ASOs. Similar to the parental PS-ASO, the lipid-conjugated PS-ASOs traffic from early to LEs without incorporation into lipid droplets. Unlike parental PS-ASOs, the lipid-conjugated PS-ASOs tend to remain associated with plasma or endosomal membranes, and this appears to influence their release from endosomes. The lipid-conjugated PS-ASOs were released more rapidly than parental PS-ASO. These results suggest that lipid conjugation enhances the interactions of PS-ASOs with proteins or membranes, in turn facilitating intracellular trafficking and endosomal release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Wang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | - Nickolas Allen
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | - Thazha P Prakash
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California
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41
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Linnane E, Davey P, Zhang P, Puri S, Edbrooke M, Chiarparin E, Revenko AS, Macleod A, Norman JC, Ross SJ. Differential uptake, kinetics and mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of next-generation antisense oligonucleotides across human cancer cell lines. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:4375-4392. [PMID: 30927008 PMCID: PMC6511877 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) modulate cellular target gene expression through direct binding to complementary RNA. Advances in ASO chemistry have led to the development of phosphorothioate (PS) ASOs with constrained-ethyl modifications (cEt). These next-generation cEt-ASOs can enter cells without transfection reagents. Factors involved in intracellular uptake and trafficking of cEt-ASOs leading to successful target knockdown are highly complex and not yet fully understood. AZD4785 is a potent and selective therapeutic KRAS cEt-ASO currently under clinical development for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, we used this to investigate mechanisms of cEt-ASO trafficking across a panel of cancer cells. We found that the extent of ASO-mediated KRAS mRNA knockdown varied significantly between cells and that this did not correlate with bulk levels of intracellular accumulation. We showed that in cells with good productive uptake, distribution of ASO was perinuclear and in those with poor productive uptake distribution was peripheral. Furthermore, ASO rapidly trafficked to the late endosome/lysosome in poor productive uptake cells compared to those with more robust knockdown. An siRNA screen identified several factors mechanistically involved in productive ASO uptake, including the endosomal GTPase Rab5C. This work provides novel insights into the trafficking of cEt-ASOs and mechanisms that may determine their cellular fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Linnane
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Paul Davey
- Chemistry, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Pei Zhang
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Sanyogitta Puri
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Mark Edbrooke
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jim C Norman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sarah J Ross
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB10 1XL, UK
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Yin W, Rogge M. Targeting RNA: A Transformative Therapeutic Strategy. Clin Transl Sci 2019; 12:98-112. [PMID: 30706991 PMCID: PMC6440575 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic pathways that modulate transcription mechanisms currently include gene knockdown and splicing modulation. However, additional mechanisms may come into play as more understanding of molecular biology and disease etiology emerge. Building on advances in chemistry and delivery technology, oligonucleotide therapeutics is emerging as an established, validated class of drugs that can modulate a multitude of genetic targets. These targets include over 10,000 proteins in the human genome that have hitherto been considered undruggable by small molecules and protein therapeutics. The approval of five oligonucleotides within the last 2 years elicited unprecedented excitement in the field. However, there are remaining challenges to overcome and significant room for future innovation to fully realize the potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics. In this review, we focus on the translational strategies encompassing preclinical evaluation and clinical development in the context of approved oligonucleotide therapeutics. Translational approaches with respect to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, cardiac safety evaluation, and dose selection that are specific to this class of drugs are reviewed with examples. The mechanism of action, chemical evolution, and intracellular delivery of oligonucleotide therapies are only briefly reviewed to provide a general background for this class of drugs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Approval
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacokinetics
- RNA Interference
- RNA Stability/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/agonists
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacokinetics
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yin
- Quantitative Clinical PharmacologyTakeda Pharmaceutical Company LtdCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mark Rogge
- Quantitative Clinical PharmacologyTakeda Pharmaceutical Company LtdCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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43
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Seth PP, Swayze EE. The Medicinal Chemistry of RNase H-activating Antisense Oligonucleotides. ADVANCES IN NUCLEIC ACID THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788015714-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the properties that an RNase H-activating antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drug must have to function effectively in animals, as well as on medicinal chemistry strategies to achieve these properties. The biochemistry and structural requirements for activating RNase H are briefly summarized, as well as chemical modifications that can effect activation of RNase H when an ASO is bound to target RNA. The key modifications available to the medicinal chemist to engineer desired properties of the ASO are briefly reviewed, as are ASO design strategies to achieve optimal activity in animal systems. Lastly, the interactions of ASOs with proteins and strategies to control these interactions to improve the profile of ASOs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit P. Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals 2855 Gazelle Court Carlsbad CA 92010 USA
| | - Eric E. Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals 2855 Gazelle Court Carlsbad CA 92010 USA
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44
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Steinauer A, LaRochelle JR, Knox SL, Wissner RF, Berry S, Schepartz A. HOPS-dependent endosomal fusion required for efficient cytosolic delivery of therapeutic peptides and small proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:512-521. [PMID: 30610181 PMCID: PMC6329960 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812044116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics represent a significant and growing component of the modern pharmacopeia, but their potential to treat human disease is limited because most proteins fail to traffic across biological membranes. Recently, we discovered a class of cell-permeant miniature proteins (CPMPs) containing a precisely defined, penta-arginine (penta-Arg) motif that traffics readily to the cytosol and nucleus of mammalian cells with efficiencies that rival those of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides active in animals and man. Like many cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), CPMPs enter the endocytic pathway; the difference is that CPMPs containing a penta-Arg motif are released efficiently from endosomes, while other CPPs are not. Here, we seek to understand how CPMPs traffic from endosomes into the cytosol and what factors contribute to the efficiency of endosomal release. First, using two complementary cell-based assays, we exclude endosomal rupture as the primary means of endosomal escape. Next, using an RNA interference screen, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and confocal imaging, we identify VPS39-a gene encoding a subunit of the homotypic fusion and protein-sorting (HOPS) complex-as a critical determinant in the trafficking of CPMPs and hydrocarbon-stapled peptides to the cytosol. Although CPMPs neither inhibit nor activate HOPS function, HOPS activity is essential to efficiently deliver CPMPs to the cytosol. CPMPs localize within the lumen of Rab7+ and Lamp1+ endosomes and their transport requires HOPS activity. Overall, our results identify Lamp1+ late endosomes and lysosomes as portals for passing proteins into the cytosol and suggest that this environment is prerequisite for endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Steinauer
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107
| | - Jonathan R LaRochelle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8103
| | - Susan L Knox
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107
| | | | - Samuel Berry
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107;
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8103
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Exosomes Exploit the Virus Entry Machinery and Pathway To Transmit Alpha Interferon-Induced Antiviral Activity. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01578-18. [PMID: 30282711 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01578-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha interferon (IFN-α) induces the transfer of resistance to hepatitis B virus (HBV) from liver nonparenchymal cells (LNPCs) to hepatocytes via exosomes. However, little is known about the entry machinery and pathway involved in the transmission of IFN-α-induced antiviral activity. In this study, we found that macrophage exosomes uniquely depend on T cell immunoglobulin and mucin receptor 1 (TIM-1), a hepatitis A virus (HAV) receptor, to enter hepatocytes for delivering IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity. Moreover, two primary endocytic routes for virus infection, clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and macropinocytosis, collaborate to permit exosome entry and anti-HBV activity transfer. Subsequently, lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA), an anionic lipid closely related to endosome penetration of virus, facilitates membrane fusion of exosomes in late endosomes/multivesicular bodies (LEs/MVBs) and the accompanying exosomal cargo uncoating. Together, our findings provide comprehensive insights into the transmission route of macrophage exosomes to efficiently deliver IFN-α-induced antiviral substances and highlight the similarities between the entry mechanisms of exosomes and virus.IMPORTANCE Our previous study showed that LNPC-derived exosomes could transmit IFN-α-induced antiviral activity to HBV replicating hepatocytes, but the concrete transmission mechanisms, which include exosome entry and exosomal cargo release, remain unclear. In this study, we found that virus entry machinery and pathway were also applied to exosome-mediated cell-to-cell antiviral activity transfer. Macrophage-derived exosomes distinctively exploit hepatitis A virus receptor for access to hepatocytes. Later, CME and macropinocytosis are utilized by exosomes, followed by exosome-endosome fusion for efficient transfer of IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity. We believe that understanding the cellular entry pathway of exosomes will be beneficial to designing exosomes as efficient vehicles for antiviral therapy.
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Liang XH, Sun H, Nichols JG, Allen N, Wang S, Vickers TA, Shen W, Hsu CW, Crooke ST. COPII vesicles can affect the activity of antisense oligonucleotides by facilitating the release of oligonucleotides from endocytic pathways. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:10225-10245. [PMID: 30239896 PMCID: PMC6212795 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNase H1-dependent, phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotides (PS-ASOs) can enter cells through endocytic pathways and need to be released from the membrane-enclosed organelles, a limiting step for antisense activity. Accumulating evidence has suggested that productive PS-ASO release mainly occurs from late endosomes (LEs). However, how PS-ASOs escape from LEs is not well understood. Here, we report that upon PS-ASO incubation, COPII vesicles, normally involved in ER-Golgi transport, can re-locate to PS-ASO-containing LEs. Reduction of COPII coat proteins significantly decreased PS-ASO activity, without affecting the levels of PS-ASO uptake and early-to-late endosome transport, but caused slower PS-ASO release from LEs. COPII co-localization with PS-ASOs at LEs does not require de novo assembly of COPII at ER. Interestingly, reduction of STX5 and P115, proteins involved in tethering and fusion of COPII vesicles with Golgi membranes, impaired COPII re-localization to LEs and decreased PS-ASO activity. STX5 can re-locate to LEs upon PS-ASO incubation, can bind PS-ASOs, and the binding appears to be required for this pathway. Our study reveals a novel release pathway in which PS-ASO incubation causes LE re-localization of STX5, which mediates the recruitment of COPII vesicles to LEs to facilitate endosomal PS-ASO release, and identifies another key PS-ASO binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-hai Liang
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Joshua G Nichols
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Nickolas Allen
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Timothy A Vickers
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Wen Shen
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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Mouse genome-wide association studies and systems genetics uncover the genetic architecture associated with hepatic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a constrained ethyl antisense oligonucleotide targeting Malat1. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007732. [PMID: 30372444 PMCID: PMC6224167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have demonstrated variation of efficacy in patient populations. This has prompted our investigation into the contribution of genetic architecture to ASO pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Genome wide association (GWA) and transcriptomic analysis in a hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP) were used to identify and validate novel genes involved in the uptake and efficacy of a single dose of a Malat1 constrained ethyl (cEt) modified ASO. The GWA of the HMDP identified two significant associations on chromosomes 4 and 10 with hepatic Malat1 ASO concentrations. Stabilin 2 (Stab2) and vesicle associated membrane protein 3 (Vamp3) were identified by cis-eQTL analysis. HMDP strains with lower Stab2 expression and Stab2 KO mice displayed significantly lower PK than strains with higher Stab2 expression and the wild type (WT) animals respectively, confirming the role of Stab2 in regulating hepatic Malat1 ASO uptake. GWA examining ASO efficacy uncovered three loci associated with Malat1 potency: Small Subunit Processome Component (Utp11l) on chromosome 4, Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (Rock2) and Aci-reductone dioxygenase (Adi1) on chromosome 12. Our results demonstrate the utility of mouse GWAS using the HMDP in detecting genes capable of impacting the uptake of ASOs, and identifies genes critical for the activity of ASOs in vivo. Previous work in the clinic has clearly demonstrated differential patient response to antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs. However, to date there has been no systematic evaluation of genes associated with this response in vivo. In this study, we utilized an advanced genetic methodology in mice to identify genes involved with the heterogeneity in both accumulation and potency of an ASO targeting metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1) in liver. Detailed analysis of ASO functionality in livers from 100 genetically distinct strains of inbred mice treated with either Malat1 or control ASO led to the selection of specific genetic regions associated with variation in ASO uptake and potency. Specifically, we identified regions on chromosomes 4 and 10 which highlighted two genes associated with variations in hepatic drug accumulation. Further, we established three regions on chromosome 4 and 12 linked to three genes associated with variability in hepatic ASO efficacy. We carried out additional functional validation of the isolated genes in mouse models and cell lines and confirmed that this methodology can be used to identify genes affecting ASO drug response. These results are particularly important for the design of antisense drugs with improved efficacy, safety, and tolerability.
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Wang S, Allen N, Liang XH, Crooke ST. Membrane Destabilization Induced by Lipid Species Increases Activity of Phosphorothioate-Antisense Oligonucleotides. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:686-698. [PMID: 30508785 PMCID: PMC6276310 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate linkages (PS-ASOs) mediate site-specific cleavage of RNA by RNase H1 and are broadly used as research and therapeutic tools. PS-ASOs can enter cells via endocytic pathways and escape from membrane-enclosed endocytic organelles to reach target RNAs. We recently found that lysobisphosphatidic acid is required for release of PS-ASOs from late endosomes. Here, we evaluated the effects of other lipids on PS-ASO intracellular trafficking and activities. We show that free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol increase PS-ASO activities. Free fatty acids induced formation of lipid droplets without changing the intracellular localization of PS-ASOs in early or late endosomes. Ceramide and cholesterol did not obviously induce the formation of lipid droplets, but cholesterol caused enlargement of endosome size and volume. Although none of those lipids appeared to influence PS-ASO internalization or intracellular trafficking processes, all led to an increase in leakiness of late endosomes. Thus, the membrane destabilization induced by these lipids likely contributes to PS-ASO release from late endosomes, which, in turn, increases PS-ASO activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Wang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA.
| | - Nickolas Allen
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Stanley T Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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Vélez AM, Fishilevich E. The mysteries of insect RNAi: A focus on dsRNA uptake and transport. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 151:25-31. [PMID: 30704709 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is becoming a practical tool to control insect pests. Many mysteries of how double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is transported into, within, and between cells to generate an efficient RNAi response in insects are still to be unraveled. This review provides an overview of the evidence that supports a key role of endocytosis in the uptake of dsRNA on both cellular and tissue levels. Additionally, other components of cellular membrane transport and their impact on the efficiency of RNAi in insects are explored. It is now evident that the membrane transport and potentially dsRNA release from the endosome may comprise some of the limiting factors in insects that are recalcitrant to dsRNA. This review concludes with the apparent connection between gene products that are necessary for cellular trafficking of dsRNA and highly lethal RNAi targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Vélez
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States.
| | - Elane Fishilevich
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States; Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States.
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50
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Ras proteins as therapeutic targets. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1303-1311. [PMID: 30154091 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in RAS genes underlie the pathogenesis of many human tumours, and there has been intense effort for over 30 years to develop effective and tolerated targeted therapeutics for patients with Ras-driven cancers. This review summarises the progress made in Ras drug discovery, highlighting some of the recent developments in directly targeting Ras through advances in small molecule drug design and novel therapeutic strategies.
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