1
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Chen MX, Zhu XD, Zhang H, Liu Z, Liu YN. SMRI: A New Method for siRNA Design for COVID-19 Therapy. JOURNAL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 37:991-1002. [PMID: 35992496 PMCID: PMC9374573 DOI: 10.1007/s11390-021-0826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED First discovered in Wuhan, China, SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic novel coronavirus, which rapidly spread globally and became a pandemic with no vaccine and limited distinctive clinical drugs available till March 13th, 2020. Ribonucleic Acid interference (RNAi) technology, a gene-silencing technology that targets mRNA, can cause damage to RNA viruses effectively. Here, we report a new efficient small interfering RNA (siRNA) design method named Simple Multiple Rules Intelligent Method (SMRI) to propose a new solution of the treatment of COVID-19. To be specific, this study proposes a new model named Base Preference and Thermodynamic Characteristic model (BPTC model) indicating the siRNA silencing efficiency and a new index named siRNA Extended Rules index (SER index) based on the BPTC model to screen high-efficiency siRNAs and filter out the siRNAs that are difficult to take effect or synthesize as a part of the SMRI method, which is more robust and efficient than the traditional statistical indicators under the same circumstances. Besides, to silence the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to invade cells, this study further puts forward the SMRI method to search candidate high-efficiency siRNAs on SARS-CoV-2's S gene. This study is one of the early studies applying RNAi therapy to the COVID-19 treatment. According to the analysis, the average value of predicted interference efficiency of the candidate siRNAs designed by the SMRI method is comparable to that of the mainstream siRNA design algorithms. Moreover, the SMRI method ensures that the designed siRNAs have more than three base mismatches with human genes, thus avoiding silencing normal human genes. This is not considered by other mainstream methods, thereby the five candidate high-efficiency siRNAs which are easy to take effect or synthesize and much safer for human body are obtained by our SMRI method, which provide a new safer, small dosage and long efficacy solution for the treatment of COVID-19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11390-021-0826-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xin Chen
- College of Software, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Symbolic Computation and Knowledge Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Zhen Liu
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, 851-0193 Japan
| | - Yuan-Ning Liu
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 China
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2
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Martinez-Lage M, Torres-Ruiz R, Puig-Serra P, Moreno-Gaona P, Martin MC, Moya FJ, Quintana-Bustamante O, Garcia-Silva S, Carcaboso AM, Petazzi P, Bueno C, Mora J, Peinado H, Segovia JC, Menendez P, Rodriguez-Perales S. In vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of fusion oncogenes for selective elimination of cancer cells. Nat Commun 2020. [PMID: 33033246 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18875-x.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion oncogenes (FOs) are common in many cancer types and are powerful drivers of tumor development. Because their expression is exclusive to cancer cells and their elimination induces cell apoptosis in FO-driven cancers, FOs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, specifically targeting the resulting chimeric products is challenging. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, here we devise a simple, efficient and non-patient-specific gene-editing strategy through targeting of two introns of the genes involved in the rearrangement, allowing for robust disruption of the FO specifically in cancer cells. As a proof-of-concept of its potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of intron-based targeting of transcription factors or tyrosine kinase FOs in reducing tumor burden/mortality in in vivo models. The FO targeting approach presented here might open new horizons for the selective elimination of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martinez-Lage
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Torres-Ruiz
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - P Puig-Serra
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Moreno-Gaona
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Martin
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - F J Moya
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - O Quintana-Bustamante
- Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Garcia-Silva
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - A M Carcaboso
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Petazzi
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Bueno
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Mora
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - J C Segovia
- Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Menendez
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituciò Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluis Companys, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBER-ONC), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Rodriguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Martinez-Lage M, Torres-Ruiz R, Puig-Serra P, Moreno-Gaona P, Martin MC, Moya FJ, Quintana-Bustamante O, Garcia-Silva S, Carcaboso AM, Petazzi P, Bueno C, Mora J, Peinado H, Segovia JC, Menendez P, Rodriguez-Perales S. In vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of fusion oncogenes for selective elimination of cancer cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5060. [PMID: 33033246 PMCID: PMC7544871 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion oncogenes (FOs) are common in many cancer types and are powerful drivers of tumor development. Because their expression is exclusive to cancer cells and their elimination induces cell apoptosis in FO-driven cancers, FOs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, specifically targeting the resulting chimeric products is challenging. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, here we devise a simple, efficient and non-patient-specific gene-editing strategy through targeting of two introns of the genes involved in the rearrangement, allowing for robust disruption of the FO specifically in cancer cells. As a proof-of-concept of its potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of intron-based targeting of transcription factors or tyrosine kinase FOs in reducing tumor burden/mortality in in vivo models. The FO targeting approach presented here might open new horizons for the selective elimination of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martinez-Lage
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Torres-Ruiz
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - P Puig-Serra
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Moreno-Gaona
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Martin
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - F J Moya
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - O Quintana-Bustamante
- Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Garcia-Silva
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - A M Carcaboso
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Petazzi
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Bueno
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Mora
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - J C Segovia
- Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Menendez
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituciò Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluis Companys, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBER-ONC), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Rodriguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Willis RE. Targeted Cancer Therapy: Vital Oncogenes and a New Molecular Genetic Paradigm for Cancer Initiation Progression and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091552. [PMID: 27649156 PMCID: PMC5037825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been declared repeatedly that cancer is a result of molecular genetic abnormalities. However, there has been no working model describing the specific functional consequences of the deranged genomic processes that result in the initiation and propagation of the cancer process during carcinogenesis. We no longer need to question whether or not cancer arises as a result of a molecular genetic defect within the cancer cell. The legitimate questions are: how and why? This article reviews the preeminent data on cancer molecular genetics and subsequently proposes that the sentinel event in cancer initiation is the aberrant production of fused transcription activators with new molecular properties within normal tissue stem cells. This results in the production of vital oncogenes with dysfunctional gene activation transcription properties, which leads to dysfunctional gene regulation, the aberrant activation of transduction pathways, chromosomal breakage, activation of driver oncogenes, reactivation of stem cell transduction pathways and the activation of genes that result in the hallmarks of cancer. Furthermore, a novel holistic molecular genetic model of cancer initiation and progression is presented along with a new paradigm for the approach to personalized targeted cancer therapy, clinical monitoring and cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolph E Willis
- OncoStem Biotherapeutics LLC, 423 W 127th St., New York, NY 10027, USA.
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5
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Enhancing potency of siRNA targeting fusion genes by optimization outside of target sequence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E6597-605. [PMID: 26627251 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1517039112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical siRNA design algorithms have become remarkably effective at predicting favorable binding regions within a target mRNA, but in some cases (e.g., a fusion junction site) region choice is restricted. In these instances, alternative approaches are necessary to obtain a highly potent silencing molecule. Here we focus on strategies for rational optimization of two siRNAs that target the junction sites of fusion oncogenes BCR-ABL and TMPRSS2-ERG. We demonstrate that modifying the termini of these siRNAs with a terminal G-U wobble pair or a carefully selected pair of terminal asymmetry-enhancing mismatches can result in an increase in potency at low doses. Importantly, we observed that improvements in silencing at the mRNA level do not necessarily translate to reductions in protein level and/or cell death. Decline in protein level is also heavily influenced by targeted protein half-life, and delivery vehicle toxicity can confound measures of cell death due to silencing. Therefore, for BCR-ABL, which has a long protein half-life that is difficult to overcome using siRNA, we also developed a nontoxic transfection vector: poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) nanoparticles that release siRNA over many days. We show that this system can achieve effective killing of leukemic cells. These findings provide insights into the implications of siRNA sequence for potency and suggest strategies for the design of more effective therapeutic siRNA molecules. Furthermore, this work points to the importance of integrating studies of siRNA design and delivery, while heeding and addressing potential limitations such as restricted targetable mRNA regions, long protein half-lives, and nonspecific toxicities.
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6
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Sun Z, Ji N, Bi M, Zhang Z, Liu X, Wang Z. Negative expression of PTEN identifies high risk for lymphatic-related metastasis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2015; 33:3024-32. [PMID: 25963289 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is mainly attributed to higher lymphatic-related metastatic ability. Whether the loss of expression of the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is associated with lymphatic-related metastasis needs elucidation. In the present study, we assessed the mRNA and protein level of PTEN in ESCC by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results showed PTEN mRNA level in tumors was significantly lower than that in corresponding non-tumor esophageal epitheliums (p<0.001), while 38 (51.4%) tumor samples were negative for expression of PTEN in ESCC tumors. Then the association between negative expression of PTEN and lymphatic-related metastasis (lymph node metastasis/3-year postoperative lymphatic metastatic recurrence) was evaluated. The proportion of PTEN-negative expression was significantly higher in positive lymph node metastasis (pN+) than that in negative lymph node metastasis (pN0) (p=0.021). The negative expression of PTEN was not an independent risk factor for the lymphatic recurrence rate in multivariate analysis (p=0.498), however, the lymphatic recurrence rate (60.5%) in PTEN-negative expression group was higher than that (36.1%) in PTEN-positive expression group (p=0.019). Furthermore, PTEN expression was stably silenced by lentiviral-vectored shRNA (Lenti-shRNA) in Eca109 (ESCC-derived cell line) to study functional effect of PTEN in vitro and in vivo. The laboratory study indicated increased cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and more rapid growth rate of xenograft tumors in vivo after stable silencing of PTEN expression. Moreover, we proved that FAK/pFAK were not the main factors mediating the mechanism of metastasis in ESCC. In conclusion, negative expression of PTEN could be a useful biomarker to predict high risk for lymphatic-related metastasis in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Na Ji
- Faculty of Health Science, Southampton University, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO171BJ, UK
| | - Mingming Bi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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7
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Lee J, Shen P, Zhang G, Wu X, Zhang X. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits the Bcr/Abl oncogene at the mRNA level in chronic myeloid leukemia sensitive or resistant to imatinib. Biomed Pharmacother 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2012.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Growth inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin on Bcr/Abl+ chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells involve AKT, ERK and NF-κB modulation. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 138:2095-102. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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He Q, Dong J, Zhen H, Ying Y, Zhang J, Li Q, Li B, Zhou Y. A small molecule significantly inhibits the bcr/abl fusion gene at the mRNA level in human chronic myelogenous leukemia. Leuk Res 2011; 35:1074-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Spirin PV, Baskaran D, Orlova NN, Rulina AV, Nikitenko NA, Chernolovskaya EL, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV, Rubtsov PM, Chumakov PM, Stocking C, Prassolov VS. Downregulation of activated leukemic oncogenes AML1-ETO and RUNX1(K83N) expression with RNA-interference. Mol Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893310050146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Arthanari Y, Pluen A, Rajendran R, Aojula H, Demonacos C. Delivery of therapeutic shRNA and siRNA by Tat fusion peptide targeting BCR-ABL fusion gene in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia cells. J Control Release 2010; 145:272-80. [PMID: 20403398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising therapeutic approach for a wide variety of diseases for which the biological cause is known. The main challenge remains the ineffective RNAi delivery inside the cells. Non-viral gene delivery vectors have low immunogenicity compared to viral vectors, but are constrained by their reduced transfection efficiency. Silencing of the bcr-abl gene expression by RNAi confers therapeutic potential in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), but is limited by the cytotoxicity of the existing delivery methods. Here, we present evidence that the fusion between the cell penetrating peptide (CPP) HIV-Tat (49-57) and the membrane lytic peptide (LK15), Tat-LK15, mediates high transfection efficiency in delivering short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the BCR-ABL oncoprotein in K562 CML cells. Our results show that shRNA complexes induce a more stable gene silencing of bcr-abl when compared to silencing mediated by siRNA complexes. In addition, silencing of the BCR-ABL oncoprotein by both shRNA and siRNA delivered by Tat-LK15 is more efficient and longer lasting than that achieved using Lipofectamine and more importantly without considerable cytotoxicity. In these terms Tat-LK15 can be an alternative to DNA/siRNA delivery in difficult-to-transfect leukemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Arthanari
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Stopford building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, England, UK
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12
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Rothdiener M, Müller D, Castro PG, Scholz A, Schwemmlein M, Fey G, Heidenreich O, Kontermann RE. Targeted delivery of SiRNA to CD33-positive tumor cells with liposomal carrier systems. J Control Release 2010; 144:251-8. [PMID: 20184933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
SiRNA molecules represent promising therapeutic molecules, e.g. for cancer therapy. However, efficient delivery into tumor cells remains a major obstacle for treatment. Here, we describe a liposomal siRNA carrier system for targeted delivery of siRNA to CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia cells. The siRNA is directed against the t(8;21) translocation resulting in the AML1/MTG8 fusion protein. The siRNA was encapsulated in free or polyethylene imine (PEI)-complexed form into PEGylated liposomes endowed subsequently with an anti-CD33 single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) for targeted delivery. The resulting siRNA-loaded immunoliposomes (IL) and immunolipoplexes (ILP) showed specific binding and internalization by CD33-expressing myeloid leukemia cell lines (SKNO-1, Kasumi-1). Targeted delivery of AML1/MTG8 siRNA, but not of mismatch control siRNA, reduced AML1/MTG8 mRNA and protein levels and decreased leukemic clonogenicity, a hallmark of leukemic self-renewal. Although this study revealed that further modifications are necessary to increase efficacy of siRNA delivery and silencing, we were able to establish a targeted liposomal siRNA delivery system combining recombinant antibody fragments for targeted delivery with tumor cell-specific siRNA molecules as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Rothdiener
- Institut für Zellbiologie und Immunologie, Universität Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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Abstract
Current cancer chemotherapies heavily rely on the unspecific inhibition of proliferating cells. This lack of tumour cell specificity results in severe toxic side effects and may only hardly affect quiescent cancer stem cells consequently leading to relapse. Since oncogenes are exclusively expressed in malignant and pre-malignant cells, they may provide unique, cancer cell specific targets for therapeutic strategies. However, their role in maintaining the malignant phenotype is frequently unknown. Furthermore, oncogenic transcription factors are generally considered to be "undruggable" with conventional small molecule approaches. Oncogene-specific RNA interference offers here new and exciting options to analyse oncogene functions directly in the malignant environment. Moreover, such approaches may permit the targeting of oncogenic transcription factors, thereby considerably extending the number of cancer-specific target structures. In this chapter, several rationales and practical aspects of oncogene targeting with siRNAs are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the application of RNA interference to haematopoietic cells, which are generally hard to transfect. In particular, solving the problem of systemic siRNA/shRNA delivery will greatly advance the inclusion of RNA interference strategies into more efficient and specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Heidenreich
- Newcastle University, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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14
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Zhang L, Liu HJ, Li TJ, Yang Y, Guo XL, Wu MC, Rui YC, Wei LX. Lentiviral vector-mediated siRNA knockdown of SR-PSOX inhibits foam cell formation in vitro. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2008; 29:847-52. [PMID: 18565283 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2008.00823.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the expression of scavenger receptor that binds phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein (SR-PSOX)/CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) in the human monocyte-derived cell line THP-1, and the effect of lentiviral vectors for the stable delivery of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 short hairpin RNA on foam cell formation. METHODS A lentiviral expression vector containing enhanced green fluorescence protein (GFP) and SR-PSOX small interfering RNA (siRNA) (Lenti-SR-PSOXsi), or the control siRNA (Lenti-NC) gene was constructed. A human monocyte-derived cell line THP-1 was transfected with a different multiplicity of infection (MOI) of Lenti-SR-PSOXsi or Lenti-NC, and cultured to obtain stably-transfected THP- 1KD and THP-1NC cells. After incubation with oxidatively-modified, low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), the expression of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 mRNA was determined by real-time PCR. The expression of the SR-PSOX/CXCL16 protein was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The effect of Lenti-SR-PSOXsi on foam cell formation was assessed by Oil red O-stain analysis. RESULTS Ox-LDL increased the expression of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner in THP-1 cells. Four days after transfection with Lenti-SR-PSOXsi (MOI: 100), the percentage of GFP expression cells was over 89.3%. The expression of the SR-PSOX/ CXCL16 mRNA and protein in THP-1KD cells significantly decreased compared with the parent cells, even the THP-1KD cells stimulated with 40 mg/L Ox-LDL. Ox-LDL uptake experiments in THP-1- and THP-1KD-derived macrophages indicated that SR-PSOX/CXCL16 deficiency decreased the development of macrophage- derived foam cell formation. CONCLUSION The above data showed that SRPSOX siRNA delivered by using lentiviral vectors in THP-1 cells was a powerful tool for studying the effect of SR-PSOX, and decreased the expression of the SRPSOX gene by inhibiting macrophage-derived foam cell formation.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Line
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Chemokine CXCL16
- Chemokines, CXC/genetics
- Chemokines, CXC/physiology
- Cholesterol, LDL/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Foam Cells/drug effects
- Genetic Vectors
- Humans
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Monocytes/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptors, Scavenger/genetics
- Receptors, Scavenger/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transduction, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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15
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Sustained suppression of Bcr-Abl-driven lymphoid leukemia by microRNA mimics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:20501-6. [PMID: 18079287 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0710532105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancers and leukemias are associated with strong dominant oncogenic mutations that activate tyrosine kinases and other classes of molecules, including transcription factors and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Some of these events can be targeted with small molecules or antibody-based therapeutics, but many remain intractable. In addition, cancer-related enzyme targets can often mutate, and drug-resistant variants are selected. Therapies directed at the mRNA encoding dominant oncogenes could provide a more global set of technologies for cancer treatment. To test this concept, we have used the model of transformation of hematopoietic cells by the chimeric Bcr-Abl oncogene, a highly activated tyrosine kinase. Our results show that tandem arrays of miRNA mimics, but not single miRNA mimics, directed against the Abl portion of the mRNA and introduced by lentiviral vectors can effectively alter the leukemogenic potency when the degree of suppression of expression of Bcr-Abl is reduced >200-fold from control levels. Only methods capable of such dramatic sustained reduction in the level of expression of highly activated kinase oncogenes are likely to be effective in controlling malignant cell populations.
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16
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Xu M, Li D, Lu Y, Chen GQ. Leukemogenic AML1-ETO fusion protein increases carcinogen-DNA adduct formation with upregulated expression of cytochrome P450-1A1 gene. Exp Hematol 2007; 35:1249-55. [PMID: 17560011 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Revised: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AML1-ETO fusion protein is a product of chromosome translocation t(8;21) frequently occurred in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but its sole expression appears to fail to cause overt leukemia in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether AML1-ETO expression impinged on action of chemical carcinogens-DNA adduct formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS AML1-ETO fusion protein was conditionally induced in engineered U937-A/E 9/14/18 cells. The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts and the expression of PAH-metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) were detected by Western blot and/or quantitative RT-PCR. Luciferase reporter system was used to detect the regulation of AML1-ETO on CYP1A1 transcription. RESULTS Our results showed that AML1-ETO induction significantly increased the formation of carcinogen benzopyrene-DNA adducts in leukemic cells. In line with the effect, we also found that AML1-ETO induction upregulated CYP1A1 expression, which was dependent on AML1-binding motif in the promotor of CYP1A1 gene. Additionally, AML1-ETO protein also increased AhR expression, a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates PAHs-induced CYP1A1 gene expression. CONCLUSION These data, combined with its inhibitory effect on DNA repair as reported previously, propose that the presence of AML1-ETO increases the susceptibility of cells to chemical carcinogens, which favors the development of additional genetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Institute of Health Science, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine/Shanghai Institutes of Biological Sciences and School of Graduate, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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17
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Abstract
Chromosome aberrations, in particular translocations and their corresponding gene fusions, have an important role in the initial steps of tumorigenesis; at present, 358 gene fusions involving 337 different genes have been identified. An increasing number of gene fusions are being recognized as important diagnostic and prognostic parameters in malignant haematological disorders and childhood sarcomas. The biological and clinical impact of gene fusions in the more common solid tumour types has been less appreciated. However, an analysis of available data shows that gene fusions occur in all malignancies, and that they account for 20% of human cancer morbidity. With the advent of new and powerful investigative tools that enable the detection of cytogenetically cryptic rearrangements, this proportion is likely to increase substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Mitelman
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Genetics, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
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