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Sang A, Zhuo S, Bochanis A, Manautou JE, Bahal R, Zhong XB, Rasmussen TP. Mechanisms of Action of the US Food and Drug Administration-Approved Antisense Oligonucleotide Drugs. BioDrugs 2024:10.1007/s40259-024-00665-2. [PMID: 38914784 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are single stranded nucleic acids that target RNA. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved ASOs for several diseases. ASOs utilize three principal modes of action (MOA). The first MOA is initiated by base-pairing between the ASO and its target mRNA, followed by RNase H-dependent mRNA degradation. The second MOA is triggered by ASOs that occlude splice acceptor sites in pre-mRNAs leading to skipping of a mutation-bearing exon. The third MOA involves ASOs that sterically hinder mRNA function, often inhibiting translation. ASOs contain a variety of modifications to the sugar-phosphate backbone and bases that stabilize the ASO or render them resistant to RNase activity. RNase H-dependent ASOs include inotersen and eplontersen (for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis), fomiversen (for opportunistic cytomegalovirus infection), mipomersen (for familial hypercholesterolemia), and tofersen [for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)]. Splice modulating ASOs include nursinersen (for spinal muscular atrophy) and eteplirsen, golodirsen, viltolarsen, and casimersen (all for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy). In addition, a designer ASO, milasen, was used to treat a single individual afflicted with Batten disease. Since ASO design relies principally upon knowledge of mRNA sequence, the bench to bedside pipeline for ASOs is expedient compared with protein-directed drugs. [Graphical abstract available.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Selena Zhuo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Adara Bochanis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - José E Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Theodore P Rasmussen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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2
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Wu H, Wahane A, Alhamadani F, Zhang K, Parikh R, Lee S, McCabe EM, Rasmussen TP, Bahal R, Zhong XB, Manautou JE. Nephrotoxicity of marketed antisense oligonucleotide drugs. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 32:100373. [PMID: 37193356 PMCID: PMC10174585 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2022.100373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based therapies have been making strides in precision medicine due to their potent therapeutic application. Early successes in treating some genetic diseases are now attributed to an emerging class of antisense drugs. After two decades, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a considerable number of ASO drugs, primarily to treat rare diseases with optimal therapeutic outcomes. However, safety is one of the biggest challenges to the therapeutic utility of ASO drugs. Due to patients' and health care practitioners' urgent demands for medicines for untreatable conditions, many ASO drugs have been approved. However, a complete understanding of the mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and toxicities of ASOs still need to be resolved. The range of ADRs is unique to a specific drug, while few ADRs are common to a section of drugs as a whole. Nephrotoxicity is an important concern that needs to be addressed considering the clinical translation of any drug candidates ranging from small molecules to ASO-based drugs. This article encompasses what is known about the nephrotoxicity of ASO drugs, the potential mechanisms of action(s), and recommendations for future investigations on the safety of ASO drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Aniket Wahane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Feryal Alhamadani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Kristy Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Rajvi Parikh
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - SooWan Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Evan M McCabe
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Theodore P Rasmussen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - José E Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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3
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Yoshida T, Morihiro K, Naito Y, Mikami A, Kasahara Y, Inoue T, Obika S. Identification of nucleobase chemical modifications that reduce the hepatotoxicity of gapmer antisense oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7224-7234. [PMID: 35801870 PMCID: PMC9303313 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, gapmer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics are under clinical development for the treatment of various diseases, including previously intractable human disorders; however, they have the potential to induce hepatotoxicity. Although several groups have reported the reduced hepatotoxicity of gapmer ASOs following chemical modifications of sugar residues or internucleotide linkages, only few studies have described nucleobase modifications to reduce hepatotoxicity. In this study, we introduced single or multiple combinations of 17 nucleobase derivatives, including four novel derivatives, into hepatotoxic locked nucleic acid gapmer ASOs and examined their effects on hepatotoxicity. The results demonstrated successful identification of chemical modifications that strongly reduced the hepatotoxicity of gapmer ASOs. This approach expands the ability to design gapmer ASOs with optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Morihiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Naito
- Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mikami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuuya Kasahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
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4
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Anderson SL, Fasih-Ahmad F, Evans AJ, Rubin BY. Carnosol, a diterpene present in rosemary, increases ELP1 levels in familial Dysautonomia (FD) patient-derived cells and healthy adults: a possible therapy for FD. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3521-3538. [PMID: 35708500 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research on Familial Dysautonomia (FD) has focused on the development of therapeutics that facilitate the production of the correctly spliced, exon 20-containing, transcript in cells and individuals bearing the splice-altering, FD-causing, mutation in the ELP1 gene. We report here the ability of carnosol, a diterpene present in plant species of the Lamiaceae family, including rosemary, to enhance the cellular presence of the correctly spliced ELP1 transcript in FD patient-derived fibroblasts by upregulating transcription of the ELP1 gene and correcting the aberrant splicing of the ELP1 transcript. Carnosol treatment also elevates the level of the RBM24 and RBM38 proteins., two multifunctional RNA binding proteins. Transfection-mediated expression of either of these RBMs facilitates the inclusion of exon 20 sequence into the transcript generated from a minigene bearing ELP1 genomic sequence containing the FD-causing mutation. Suppression of the carnosol-mediated induction of either of these RBMs, using targeting siRNAs, limited the carnosol-mediated inclusion of the ELP1 exon 20 sequence. Carnosol treatment of FD patient PBMCs facilitates the inclusion of exon 20 into the ELP1 transcript. Increased levels of the ELP1 and RBM38 transcripts and the alternative splicing of the SIRT2 transcript, a sentinel for exon 20 inclusion in the FD-derived ELP1 transcript, are observed in RNA isolated from whole blood of healthy adults following the ingestion of carnosol-containing rosemary extract. These findings and the excellent safety profile of rosemary together justify an expedited clinical study of the impact of carnosol on the FD patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia L Anderson
- Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Faaria Fasih-Ahmad
- Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Anthony J Evans
- Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Berish Y Rubin
- Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
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5
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Haniff HS, Liu X, Tong Y, Meyer SM, Knerr L, Lemurell M, Abegg D, Aikawa H, Adibekian A, Disney MD. A structure-specific small molecule inhibits a miRNA-200 family member precursor and reverses a type 2 diabetes phenotype. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:300-311.e10. [PMID: 34320373 PMCID: PMC8867599 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA families are ubiquitous in the human transcriptome, yet targeting of individual members is challenging because of sequence homology. Many secondary structures of the precursors to these miRNAs (pri- and pre-miRNAs), however, are quite different. Here, we demonstrate both in vitro and in cellulis that design of structure-specific small molecules can inhibit a particular miRNA family member to modulate a disease pathway. The miR-200 family consists of five miRNAs, miR-200a, -200b, -200c, -141, and -429, and is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We designed a small molecule that potently and selectively targets pre-miR-200c's structure and reverses a pro-apoptotic effect in a pancreatic β cell model. In contrast, an oligonucleotide targeting the RNA's sequence inhibited all family members. Global proteomics and RNA sequencing analyses further demonstrate selectivity for miR-200c. Collectively, these studies establish that miR-200c plays an important role in T2D, and small molecules targeting RNA structure can be an important complement to oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafeez S. Haniff
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Yuquan Tong
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Samantha M. Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Laurent Knerr
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden, 1, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Malin Lemurell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden, 1, Gothenburg, Mölndal 431 83, Sweden
| | - Daniel Abegg
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Haruo Aikawa
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,To whom correspondence is addressed;
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6
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Yasuhara H, Yoshida T, Sasaki K, Obika S, Inoue T. Reduction of Off-Target Effects of Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides by Oligonucleotide Extension. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:117-127. [PMID: 34994962 PMCID: PMC8766371 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00573-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aim Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has the potential to induce off-target effects by inadvertent binding of ASOs to unintended RNAs that have a sequence similar to the target RNA. In the present study, we focused on the association between oligonucleotide length and off-target effects. Oligonucleotide extension is assumed to have bilateral effects on hybridization-dependent changes in gene expression, i.e., one is the decrease of off-target effects based on the reduced number of off-target candidate genes with perfect matches, and the other is the increase of off-target effects based on the increased binding affinity between the ASO and the complementary RNAs that leads to better tolerability for mismatches. Methods To determine the effects of oligonucleotide extension of gapmer ASOs on off-target effects, an extensive microarray analysis was performed using human cells treated with a 14-mer gapmer ASO and the extended 18-mer derivatives with the same core 14-mer region. Results and Discussion Our data indicated that change in gene expression in the cells treated with 18-mer ASOs was significantly smaller than those with a 14-mer ASO, showing the decrease of off-target effects by oligonucleotide extension. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40291-021-00573-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Yasuhara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takao Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
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7
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Ghahramani Almanghadim H, Ghorbian S, Khademi NS, Soleymani Sadrabadi M, Jarrahi E, Nourollahzadeh Z, Dastani M, Shirvaliloo M, Sheervalilou R, Sargazi S. New Insights into the Importance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: Future Clinical Approaches. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:1476-1494. [PMID: 34931869 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, a large part of the gene expression products come from the non-coding ribonucleotide sequences of the protein. These short and long sequences are within the range of tens to hundreds of nucleotides, encompassing more than 200 RNA molecules, and their function is known as the molecular structure of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). LncRNA molecules are unique nucleotides that have a substantial role in epigenetic regulation, transcription, and post-transcriptional modifications in different ways. According to the results of recent studies, lncRNAs have been shown to assume various roles, including tumor suppression or oncogenic functions in common types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer. These non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a pivotal role in activating transcription factors, managing the ribonucleoproteins, the framework for collecting co-proteins, intermittent processing regulations, chromatin status alterations, and maintaining the control within the cell. Cutting-edge technologies have been introduced to disclose several types of lncRNAs within the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which have accomplished important achievements that are applicable in medicine. Due to these efforts, various data centers have been created to facilitate and modify scientific information related to these molecules, including detection, classification, biological evolution, gene status, spatial structure, status, and location of these small molecules. In the present study, we attempt to present the impacts of these ncRNAs on lung cancer with an emphasis on their mechanisms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeed Ghorbian
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
| | - Nazanin Sadat Khademi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Jarrahi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Nourollahzadeh
- Department of Biological Science, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
| | - Masomeh Dastani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Shirvaliloo
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Saman Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Abstract
Metastasis is a major contributor to cancer-associated deaths. It is characterized by a multistep process that occurs through the acquisition of molecular and phenotypic changes enabling cancer cells from a primary tumour to disseminate and colonize at distant organ sites. Over the past decade, the discovery and characterization of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have revealed the diversity of their regulatory roles, including key contributions throughout the metastatic cascade. Here, we review how lncRNAs promote metastasis by functioning in discrete pro-metastatic steps including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration and organotrophic colonization, and by influencing the metastatic tumour microenvironment, often by interacting within ribonucleoprotein complexes or directly with other nucleic acid entities. We discuss well-characterized lncRNAs with in vivo phenotypes and highlight mechanistic commonalities such as convergence with the TGFβ-ZEB1/ZEB2 axis or the nuclear factor-κB pathway, in addition to lncRNAs with controversial mechanisms and the influence of methodologies on mechanistic interpretation. Furthermore, some lncRNAs can help identify tumours with increased metastatic risk and spur novel therapeutic strategies, with several lncRNAs having shown potential as novel targets for antisense oligonucleotide therapy in animal models. In addition to well-characterized examples of lncRNAs functioning in metastasis, we discuss controversies and ongoing challenges in lncRNA biology. Finally, we present areas for future study for this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S John Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ha X Dang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel A Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Felix Y Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher A Maher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
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9
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Statello L, Ali MM, Kanduri C. In Vivo Administration of Therapeutic Antisense Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2254:273-282. [PMID: 33326082 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1158-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid revolution in RNA/DNA sequencing technologies, it is evident that mammalian genomes express tens of thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Since a large majority of lncRNAs have been functionally implicated in cancer development and progression, there is an increasing appreciation for the use of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based therapies targeting lncRNAs in several cancers. Despite their great potential in therapeutic applications, their use is still limited due to cellular toxicity and shortcomings in achieving required stability in biological fluids and tissue uptake. To overcome these limitations, major changes in ASO chemistry have been introduced to generate second and third generation ASOs, including locked nucleic acids (LNA) technology. Here we describe two different LNA-ASO delivery approaches, a peritumoral administration and a systemic delivery in xenograft models of lung adenocarcinoma, that significantly reduced tumor growth without inducing toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Statello
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohamad Moustafa Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chandrasekhar Kanduri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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10
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Mikhalkevich N, O’Carroll IP, Tkavc R, Lund K, Sukumar G, Dalgard CL, Johnson KR, Li W, Wang T, Nath A, Iordanskiy S. Response of human macrophages to gamma radiation is mediated via expression of endogenous retroviruses. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009305. [PMID: 33556144 PMCID: PMC7895352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation-induced tissue damage recruits monocytes into the exposed area where they are differentiated to macrophages. These implement phagocytic removal of dying cells and elicit an acute inflammatory response, but can also facilitate tumorigenesis due to production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Using primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and the THP1 monocytic cell line, we demonstrate that gamma radiation triggers monocyte differentiation toward the macrophage phenotype with increased expression of type I interferons (IFN-I) and both pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophage activation markers. We found that these changes correlate with significantly upregulated expression of 622 retroelements from various groups, particularly of several clades of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Elevated transcription was detected in both sense and antisense directions in the HERV subgroups tested, including the most genetically homogeneous clade HML-2. The level of antisense transcription was three- to five-fold higher than of the sense strand levels. Using a proximity ligation assay and immunoprecipitation followed by RNA quantification, we identified an increased amount of the dsRNA receptors MDA-5 and TLR3 bound to an equivalent number of copies of sense and antisense chains of HERVK HML-2 RNA. This binding triggered MAVS-associated signaling pathways resulting in increased expression of IFN-I and inflammation related genes that enhanced the cumulative inflammatory effect of radiation-induced senescence. HML-2 knockdown was accompanied with reduced expression and secretion of IFNα, pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CCL3, CCL8, and CCL20) and anti-inflammatory (IL10) modulators in irradiated monocytes and MDMs. Taken together, our data indicate that radiation stress-induced HERV expression enhances the IFN-I and cytokine response and results in increased levels of pro-inflammatory modulators along with expression of anti-inflammatory factors associated with the macrophage tumorigenic phenotype. Ionizing radiation is a powerful stressogenic factor that induces massive cell damage. The signals released from radiation-damaged tissues recruit the monocytes, which are differentiated into macrophages that remove dying cells via phagocytosis and facilitate inflammation but can also contribute to tumorigenesis through anti-inflammatory and regenerative activities. The mechanism of this dual response of macrophages to irradiation is not fully understood. Using primary human macrophages and a monocytic cell line, we demonstrated that gamma radiation doses activate expression of various human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). At the molecular level, we have shown that increased numbers of sense and antisense transcripts of tested HERV subgroups bind to double-stranded RNA receptors inducing the expression of type I interferons, multiple pro-inflammatory and some anti-inflammatory factors. At the phenotypic level, polarized macrophages exhibit a potent inflammatory response along with potentially tumorigenic characteristics. Our data suggest that endogenous retroviruses represent an important contributor of the macrophage-mediated inflammation in response to radiation-induced stress but may also indirectly influence tumorigenesis via biased macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natallia Mikhalkevich
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ina P. O’Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rok Tkavc
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kateryna Lund
- Biomedical Instrumentation Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gauthaman Sukumar
- The American Genome Center (TAGC), Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- The American Genome Center (TAGC), Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kory R. Johnson
- Bioinformatics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenxue Li
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tongguang Wang
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AN); (SI)
| | - Sergey Iordanskiy
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AN); (SI)
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11
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Lim KRQ, Bittel A, Maruyama R, Echigoya Y, Nguyen Q, Huang Y, Dzierlega K, Zhang A, Chen YW, Yokota T. DUX4 Transcript Knockdown with Antisense 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Gapmers for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:848-858. [PMID: 33068777 PMCID: PMC7854280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a progressive, asymmetric weakening of muscles, starting with those in the upper body. It is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 gene (DUX4) in skeletal muscle. FSHD is currently incurable. We propose to develop a therapy for FSHD using antisense 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) gapmers, to knock down DUX4 mRNA expression. Using immortalized patient-derived muscle cells and local intramuscular injections in the FLExDUX4 FSHD mouse model, we showed that our designed 2'-MOE gapmers significantly reduced DUX4 transcript levels in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro, we observed significantly reduced expression of DUX4-activated downstream targets, restoration of FSHD signature genes by RNA sequencing, significant improvements in myotube morphology, and minimal off-target activity. This work facilitates the development of a promising candidate therapy for FSHD and lays down the foundation for in vivo systemic treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Adam Bittel
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Yiqing Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Kasia Dzierlega
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Aiping Zhang
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yi-Wen Chen
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada.
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12
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Improving the Efficacy of EGFR Inhibitors by Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with miR-634 Ointment. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 19:294-307. [PMID: 33294587 PMCID: PMC7695908 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
For cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), topical treatment is an essential option for patients who are not candidates for, or who refuse, surgery. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a key role in the development of cSCC, but EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib, have shown only partial clinical benefit in this disease. Thus, there is an unmet need to develop novel strategies for improving the efficacy of TKIs in cSCC. We previously demonstrated that the tumor-suppressive microRNA (miRNA) miR-634 functions as a negative modulator of the cytoprotective cancer cell survival processes and is a useful anticancer therapeutic agent. In the present study, we found that topical application of an ointment containing miR-634 inhibited in vivo tumor growth without toxicity in a cSCC xenograft mouse model and a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced papilloma mouse model. Functional validation revealed that miR-634 overexpression reduced glutaminolysis by directly targeting ASCT2, a glutamine transporter. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-634 synergistically enhanced TKI-induced cytotoxicity by triggering severe energetic stress in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we propose that topical treatment with miR-634 ointment is a useful strategy for improving for EGFR TKI-based therapy for cSCC.
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13
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Tessier Y, Achanzar W, Mihalcik L, Amuzie C, Andersson P, Parry JD, Moggs J, Whiteley LO. Outcomes of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Oligonucleotide Working Group Survey on Nonclinical Practices and Regulatory Expectations for Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Safety Assessment. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:7-20. [PMID: 33054599 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The Oligonucleotide Working Group of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) conducted a survey of companies to understand the trends in nonclinical practices and regulatory expectations for oligonucleotide drug safety assessment. Twenty-two companies of different types, with varying oligonucleotide experience levels in the field, participated. The survey identified key regulatory challenges and areas of perceived health authority (HA) concern regarding nonclinical safety strategies for oligonucleotides, such as the choice of toxicology species, approaches to dose setting in toxicity studies, dose scaling from animals to humans, the implementation (and regulatory acceptability) of lean packages, and methods for dealing with impurities and human-specific off-targets. The perceived oligonucleotide experience of HAs and the relevance of guidance to oligonucleotide development were also assessed. The results showed a general lack of consensus on nonclinical safety assessment approaches being used for this growing class of medicines and highlight the need for continuing collaboration between sponsors and HAs to better define best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Tessier
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - William Achanzar
- Drug Safety Evaluation, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lauren Mihalcik
- Amgen Research, Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chidozie Amuzie
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Respiratory and Immunology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joel D Parry
- Nonclinical Safety, GSK R&D, David Jack Centre for R&D, Ware, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Moggs
- Preclinical Safety, Translational Medicine, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Dainis A, Zaleta-Rivera K, Ribeiro A, Chang ACH, Shang C, Lan F, Burridge PW, Liu WR, Wu JC, Chang ACY, Pruitt BL, Wheeler M, Ashley E. Silencing of MYH7 ameliorates disease phenotypes in human iPSC-cardiomyocytes. Physiol Genomics 2020; 52:293-303. [PMID: 32567507 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00021.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allele-specific RNA silencing has been shown to be an effective therapeutic treatment in a number of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Studies of allele-specific silencing in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to date have focused on mouse models of disease. We here examine allele-specific silencing in a human-cell model of HCM. We investigate two methods of silencing, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) silencing, using a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) model. We used cellular micropatterning devices with traction force microscopy and automated video analysis to examine each strategy's effects on contractile defects underlying disease. We find that shRNA silencing ameliorates contractile phenotypes of disease, reducing disease-associated increases in cardiomyocyte velocity, force, and power. We find that ASO silencing, while better able to target and knockdown a specific disease-associated allele, showed more modest improvements in contractile phenotypes. These findings are the first exploration of allele-specific silencing in a human HCM model and provide a foundation for further exploration of silencing as a therapeutic treatment for MYH7-mutation-associated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Dainis
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Alexandre Ribeiro
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, California.,Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | | | - Feng Lan
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing City, China
| | - Paul W Burridge
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - W Robert Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, California
| | - Alex Chia Yu Chang
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Beth L Pruitt
- Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California.,Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | - Matthew Wheeler
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Euan Ashley
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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15
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Huang CK, Bär C, Thum T. miR-21, Mediator, and Potential Therapeutic Target in the Cardiorenal Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:726. [PMID: 32499708 PMCID: PMC7243366 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapies are currently gaining attention as a new treatment option for relatively rare as well as common diseases such as cardiovascular disease. With the remarkable progression of new sequencing technologies, a further step towards personalized precision medicine to target a disease at a molecular level was taken. Such therapies may employ antisense oligonucleotides to modulate the expression of both protein coding and non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs. The cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex and severe clinical condition where heart and renal dysfunction mutually affect one another. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown and current treatments of CRS are mainly supportive therapies which slow down the progression of the disease, but hardly improve the condition. The small non-coding RNA, microRNA-21 (miR-21), is dysregulated in various heart and kidney diseases and has been repeatedly suggested as therapeutic target for the treatment of CRS. Impressive preclinical results have been achieved by an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy to effectively block the pro-fibrotic traits of miR-21. Since microRNA-mediated pathways are generally very well-conserved, there is considerable commercial interest with regards to clinical translation. In this review, we will summarize the role of miR-21 within the heart–kidney axis and discuss the advantages and pitfalls of miR-21 targeting therapeutic strategies in CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Kai Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Bär
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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16
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Watt AT, Swayze G, Swayze EE, Freier SM. Likelihood of Nonspecific Activity of Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides Is Associated with Relative Hybridization Free Energy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:215-228. [PMID: 32125928 PMCID: PMC7418465 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction of matched and nearly complementary unintended transcripts was evaluated for 96 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and 832 nearly matched unintended transcripts. The ASOs were 16-20 nucleotide "gapmers" with a gap of 8-10 DNA residues and 2'-O-methoxy-ethyl or constrained-ethyl substitutions in the wings. Most unintended transcripts were not reduced or were reduced with a potency more than 10-fold weaker than the intended transcript. For the unintended transcripts that were reduced, a strong correlation between relative potency of the intended versus the unintended transcript with predicted free energy of hybridization was observed. These results suggest ASO selectivity should be evaluated by testing for reduction of the unintended transcripts predicted to bind most stably to the ASO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Watt
- Division of Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Grant Swayze
- Division of Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Eric E Swayze
- Division of Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Susan M Freier
- Division of Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
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17
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Batista-Duharte A, Sendra L, Herrero MJ, Téllez-Martínez D, Carlos IZ, Aliño SF. Progress in the Use of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Vaccine Improvement. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E316. [PMID: 32079263 PMCID: PMC7072586 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetically prepared short single-stranded deoxynucleotide sequences that have been validated as therapeutic agents and as a valuable tool in molecular driving biology. ASOs can block the expression of specific target genes via complementary hybridization to mRNA. Due to their high specificity and well-known mechanism of action, there has been a growing interest in using them for improving vaccine efficacy. Several studies have shown that ASOs can improve the efficacy of vaccines either by inducing antigen modification such as enhanced expression of immunogenic molecules or by targeting certain components of the host immune system to achieve the desired immune response. However, despite their extended use, some problems such as insufficient stability and low cellular delivery have not been sufficiently resolved to achieve effective and safe ASO-based vaccines. In this review, we analyze the molecular bases and the research that has been conducted to demonstrate the potential use of ASOs in vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Batista-Duharte
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Luis Sendra
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Maria José Herrero
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Damiana Téllez-Martínez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
| | - Iracilda Zeppone Carlos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
| | - Salvador Francisco Aliño
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
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18
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Yoshida T, Naito Y, Yasuhara H, Sasaki K, Kawaji H, Kawai J, Naito M, Okuda H, Obika S, Inoue T. Evaluation of off-target effects of gapmer antisense oligonucleotides using human cells. Genes Cells 2019; 24:827-835. [PMID: 31637814 PMCID: PMC6915909 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has the potential to induce off‐target effects due to complementary binding between the ASO and unintended RNA with a sequence similar to the target RNA. Conventional animal studies cannot be used to assess toxicity induced by off‐target effects because of differences in the genome sequence between humans and other animals. Consequently, the assessment of off‐target effects with in silico analysis using a human RNA database and/or in vitro expression analysis using human cells has been proposed. Our previous study showed that the number of complementary regions of ASOs with mismatches in the human RNA sequences increases dramatically as the number of tolerated mismatches increases. However, to what extent the expression of genes with mismatches is affected by off‐target effects at the cellular level is not clear. In this study, we evaluated off‐target effects of gapmer ASOs, which cleave the target RNA in an RNase H‐dependent manner, by introducing the ASO into human cells and performing microarray analysis. Our data indicate that gapmer ASOs induce off‐target effects depending on the degree of complementarity between the ASO and off‐target candidate genes. Based on our results, we also propose a scheme for the assessment of off‐target effects of gapmer ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Naito
- Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hidenori Yasuhara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hideya Kawaji
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Setagaya-ku, Japan.,RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.,Preventive Medicine and Applied Genomics Unit, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jun Kawai
- RIKEN Preventive Medicine and Diagnosis Innovation Program, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Okuda
- National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Del Corpo O, Goguen RP, Malard CMG, Daher A, Colby-Germinario S, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. A U1i RNA that Enhances HIV-1 RNA Splicing with an Elongated Recognition Domain Is an Optimal Candidate for Combination HIV-1 Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:815-830. [PMID: 31734561 PMCID: PMC6861678 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
U1 interference (U1i) RNAs can be designed to correct splicing defects and target pathogenic RNA, such as HIV-1 RNA. In this study, we show that U1i RNAs that enhance HIV-1 RNA splicing are more effective at inhibiting HIV-1 production compared to top U1i RNAs that inhibit polyadenylation of HIV-1 RNA. A U1i RNA was also identified targeting a site upstream of the first splice acceptor site in the Gag coding region that was effective at inhibiting HIV-1 production. U1-T6, which enhanced HIV-1 RNA splicing, was superior to an antiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) currently in clinical trials. To increase specificity, the recognition domain of U1-T6 was elongated by 3–6 nt. The elongated molecules inhibited HIV-1 production from different HIV-1 strains, including one with a mismatch in the target site. These results suggest that lengthening the recognition domain can enhance the specificity of U1i RNAs for their intended target sites while at the same time allowing them to tolerate single mismatch mutations. Overall, our results demonstrate that U1-T6 with an elongated recognition domain inhibits HIV-1 production and has both the efficacy and specificity to be a promising candidate for HIV-1 gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Del Corpo
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Ryan P Goguen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Camille M G Malard
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Aïcha Daher
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | | | - Robert J Scarborough
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
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20
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Yamaguchi T, Obika S. Derivative Synthesis toward Enhancement of the Biophysical Properties of 2′,4′-Bridged Nucleic Acids. J SYN ORG CHEM JPN 2019. [DOI: 10.5059/yukigoseikyokaishi.77.994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takao Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
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21
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Bosgra S, Sipkens J, de Kimpe S, den Besten C, Datson N, van Deutekom J. The Pharmacokinetics of 2'- O-Methyl Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotides: Experiences from Developing Exon Skipping Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:305-322. [PMID: 31429628 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery to the target site and adversities related to off-target exposure have made the road to clinical success and approval of antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapies challenging. Various classes of AONs have distinct chemical features and pharmacological properties. Understanding the similarities and differences in pharmacokinetics (PKs) among AON classes is important to make future development more efficient and may facilitate regulatory guidance of AON development programs. For the class of 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate (2OMe PS) RNA AONs, most nonclinical and clinical PK data available today are derived from development of exon skipping therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). While some publications have featured PK aspects of these AONs, no comprehensive overview is available to date. This article presents a detailed review of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 2OMe PS AONs, compiled from publicly available data and previously unpublished internal data on drisapersen and related exon skipping candidates in preclinical species and DMD patients. Considerations regarding drug-drug interactions, toxicokinetics, and pharmacodynamics are also discussed. From the data presented, the picture emerges of consistent PK properties within the 2OMe PS class, predictable behavior across species, and a considerable overlap with other single-stranded PS AONs. A level of detail on muscle as a target tissue is provided, which was not previously available. Furthermore, muscle biopsy samples taken in DMD clinical trials allowed confirmation of the applicability of interspecies scaling approaches commonly applied in the absence of clinical target tissue data.
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22
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Abstract
The 25 years since the identification of the gene responsible for Huntington disease (HD) have stood witness to profound discoveries about the nature of the disease and its pathogenesis. Despite this progress, however, the development of disease-modifying therapies has thus far been slow. Preclinical validation of the therapeutic potential of disrupted pathways in HD has led to the advancement of pharmacological agents, both novel and repurposed, for clinical evaluation. The most promising therapeutic approaches include huntingtin (HTT) lowering and modification as well as modulation of neuroinflammation and synaptic transmission. With clinical trials for many of these approaches imminent or currently ongoing, the coming years are promising not only for HD but also for more prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, in which many of these pathways have been similarly implicated.
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