iNOS-targeted 10-23 DNAzyme reduces LPS-induced systemic inflammation and mortality in mice

Substantial Antiviral Potential of Deoxyribozymes Fixed on Anatase Nanoparticles Against Influenza A Viruses in vitro and in vivo

Influenza A viruses (IAV) are a high threat to humanity because of a lack of proper effective antiviral drugs and resistance of viruses to existing vaccines. We describe the sufficient anti-IAV effect of Ans/PL-Dz nanocomposites that contain deoxyribozymes (Dz) immobilized on anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (Ans) through polylysine linker (PL). The Dz-containing nanocomposites appear to be more efficient than the Ans/PL-ODN nanocomposites that contain common oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) targeted to the same RNA regions of the viral genome. The simultaneous use of nanocomposites that contain Dz and ODN, which are targeted to different sites of viral RNA provides a higher overall effect than the independent action of each of them (synergism). The inhibition of IAV with the proposed nanocomposites was shown to be effective, sequence-specific, and dose-dependent. The most efficient Ans/PL-Dz nanocomposite exhibited a high antiviral effect in vivo on mice models. The efficiency of IAV inhibition with this nanocomposite in vitro and in vivo is higher than that for the approved antiflu drug oseltamivir. The results open the prospect of creating a unique antiviral agent suitable for IAV suppression.

Zeolitic imidazole framework-8 loaded gelatin methacryloyl microneedles: A transdural and controlled-release drug delivery system attenuates neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a matter of significant clinical concern, often treated through early surgical decompression along with methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). However, the side effects and the unsatisfactory focal concentration of MPSS have limited its further applications. To address this limitation, herein, a versatile drug delivery system of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and gelatin methacryloyl microneedles (GelMA MNs) was developed for stable, transdural, and controlled sustained release of drugs in SCI. The microneedles were used to create tiny pores in the dura mater, allowing for the direct administration of drugs into the spinal cord. ZIF-8 provided a secondary extended release once they were separated from the microneedles. To attenuate the neuroinflammation, MPSS was selected. Such a combination of ZIF-8 and GelMA MNs was able to prolong the release period of MPSS to five days. The system showed transdural capacity, reduction of M1 polarization, and decrease in NLRP3-positive inflammasome and proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo studies indicated that this novel drug delivery strategy could constrict the inflammatory microenvironment, reduce glial scar formation, and promote neural regeneration. Thus, this versatile drug delivery system provides an up-and-coming alternative for stable, transdural, and controlled sustained release of drugs to those suffering from SCI.

A promising nucleic acid therapy drug: DNAzymes and its delivery system

Based on the development of nucleic acid therapeutic drugs, DNAzymes obtained through in vitro selection technology in 1994 are gradually being sought. DNAzymes are single-stranded DNA molecules with catalytic function, which specifically cleave RNA under the action of metal ions. Various in vivo and in vitro models have recently demonstrated that DNAzymes can target related genes in cancer, cardiovascular disease, bacterial and viral infection, and central nervous system disease. Compared with other nucleic acid therapy drugs, DNAzymes have gained more attention due to their excellent cutting efficiency, high stability, and low cost. Here, We first briefly reviewed the development and characteristics of DNAzymes, then discussed disease-targeting inhibition model of DNAzymes, hoping to provide new insights and ways for disease treatment. Finally, DNAzymes were still subject to some restrictions in practical applications, including low cell uptake efficiency, nuclease degradation and interference from other biological matrices. We discussed the latest delivery strategy of DNAzymes, among which lipid nanoparticles have recently received widespread attention due to the successful delivery of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which provides the possibility for the subsequent clinical application of DNAzymes. In addition, the future development of DNAzymes was prospected.

Protein Interactions at Endothelial Junctions and Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Endothelial Permeability

The monolayer of endothelial cells lining the vessel wall forms a semipermeable barrier (in all tissue except the relatively impermeable blood-brain and inner retinal barriers) that regulates tissue-fluid homeostasis, transport of nutrients, and migration of blood cells across the barrier. Permeability of the endothelial barrier is primarily regulated by a protein complex called adherens junctions. Adherens junctions are not static structures; they are continuously remodeled in response to mechanical and chemical cues in both physiological and pathological settings. Here, we discuss recent insights into the post-translational modifications of junctional proteins and signaling pathways regulating plasticity of adherens junctions and endothelial permeability. We also discuss in the context of what is already known and newly defined signaling pathways that mediate endothelial barrier leakiness (hyperpermeability) that are important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and lung diseases and vascular inflammation.

DNA enzymes as potential therapeutics: towards clinical application of 10-23 DNAzymes

INTRODUCTION

Ongoing studies on the inhibition of gene expression at the mRNA level have identified several types of specific inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, ribozymes and DNAzymes (Dz). After its discovery in 1997, the 10-23 Dz (which can cleave RNA efficiently and site-specifically, has flexible design, is independent from cell mechanisms, does not require expensive chemical modifications for effective use in vivo) has been employed to downregulate a range of therapeutically important genes. Recently, 10-23 Dzs have taken their first steps into clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses predominantly on Dz applications as potential antiviral, antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents as well as for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and diseases of CNS, summarizing results of their clinical trials up to the present day.

EXPERT OPINION

In comparison with antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, Dzs do not usually show off-target effects due to their high specificity and lack of immunogenicity in vivo. As more results of clinical trials carried out so far are gradually becoming available, Dzs may turn out to be safe and well-tolerated therapeutics in humans. Therefore, there is a good chance that we may witness a deoxyribozyme drug reaching the clinic in the near future.

Anti-insulin-like growth factor-IIP3 DNAzymes inhibit cell proliferation and induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines

Background

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is a fetal growth protein and an important proangiogenic factor controlled by four promoters (P), of which P2–P4 are inactive in the adult liver. Reactivation and dysregulation of IGF-IIP3 in particular is associated with the attenuation of apoptosis and increased proliferation in a number of liver cancer cell types. Its involvement in experimental liver carcinogenesis makes it a potential target for cancer gene therapy. We designed two IGF-IIP3 specific DNAzymes (DRz1 and DRz2) that target IGF-IIP3 messenger RNA (mRNA) with the aim of reducing IGF-II expression through promoter 3.

Methods

IGF-IIP3 mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis/western blotting after transfection with Lipofectamine® in SMMC-7721, Huh7, and HepG2 cell lines. Cell proliferation was determined via MTT assay; apoptosis was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and with flow cytometry; procaspase-3 and -9 expression were detected via western blotting; and caspase activity was assayed colorimetrically. Standard procedures were used to calculate means and standard deviations, and P-values below 0.05 were considered to indicate significant differences.

Results

DRzs were transfected into hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the results showed that DRz1, in particular, could decrease the expression of IGF-IIP3 by nearly 50%. Furthermore, DRz1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In addition, the down-regulation of IGF-IIP3 expression was associated with increased caspase-3 and -9 activity in SMMC-7721 cells after 24 hours of transfection. In all experiments, the efficacy of DRz2 to influence IGF-IIP3 levels and associated effects remained second to DRz1.

Conclusion

Overall, these results suggest that DRz1-based targeting of IGF-IIP3 mRNA might have antitumorigenic activity and may potentially provide the basis for a novel therapeutic intervention in liver cancer treatment, although further development is required.

Biodistribution of the GATA-3-specific DNAzyme hgd40 after inhalative exposure in mice, rats and dogs

The DNAzyme hgd40 was shown to effectively reduce expression of the transcription factor GATA-3 RNA which plays an important role in the regulation of Th2-mediated immune mechanisms such as in allergic bronchial asthma. However, uptake, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of hgd40 have not been investigated yet. We examined local and systemic distribution of hgd40 in naive mice and mice suffering from experimental asthma. Furthermore, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics as a function of dose following single and repeated administration in rats and dogs. Using intranasal administration of fluorescently labeled hgd40 we demonstrated that the DNAzyme was evenly distributed in inflamed asthmatic mouse lungs within minutes after single dose application. Systemic distribution was investigated in mice using radioactive labeled hgd40. After intratracheal application, highest amounts of hgd40 were detected in the lungs. High amounts were also detected in the bladder indicating urinary excretion as a major elimination pathway. In serum, low systemic hgd40 levels were detected already at 5 min post application (p.a.), subsequently decreasing over time to non-detectable levels at 2h p.a. As revealed by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, trace amounts of hgd40 were detectable in lungs up to 7 days p.a. Also in the toxicologically relevant rats and dogs, hgd40 was detectable in blood only shortly after inhalative application. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile was dose and time dependent. Repeated administration did not lead to drug accumulation in plasma of dogs and rats. These pharmacokinetic of hgd40 provide guidance for clinical development, and support an infrequent and convenient dose administration regimen.