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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MDC, Azevedo NF. Oligonucleotide probes for imaging and diagnosis of bacterial infections. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38830823 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2344574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The rise of infectious diseases as a public health concern has necessitated the development of rapid and precise diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques like nuclear and optical imaging provide the ability to diagnose infectious diseases within the body, eliminating delays caused by sampling and pre-enrichments of clinical samples and offering spatial information that can aid in a more informed diagnosis. Traditional molecular probes are typically created to image infected tissue without accurately identifying the pathogen. In contrast, oligonucleotides can be tailored to target specific RNA sequences, allowing for the identification of pathogens, and even generating antibiotic susceptibility profiles by focusing on drug resistance genes. Despite the benefits that nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) have provided in terms of stabilizing oligonucleotides, the inadequate delivery of these relatively large molecules into the cytoplasm of bacteria remains a challenge for widespread use of this technology. This review summarizes the key advancements in the field of oligonucleotide probes for in vivo imaging, highlighting the most promising delivery systems described in the literature for developing optical imaging through in vivo hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Guimarães
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Sobral Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Angélica Loureiro
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ghosh C, Popella L, Dhamodharan V, Jung J, Dietzsch J, Barquist L, Höbartner C, Vogel J. A comparative analysis of peptide-delivered antisense antibiotics using diverse nucleotide mimics. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:624-643. [PMID: 38413166 PMCID: PMC11098465 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079969.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligomer (ASO)-based antibiotics that target mRNAs of essential bacterial genes have great potential for counteracting antimicrobial resistance and for precision microbiome editing. To date, the development of such antisense antibiotics has primarily focused on using phosphorodiamidate morpholino (PMO) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) backbones, largely ignoring the growing number of chemical modalities that have spurred the success of ASO-based human therapy. Here, we directly compare the activities of seven chemically distinct 10mer ASOs, all designed to target the essential gene acpP upon delivery with a KFF-peptide carrier into Salmonella. Our systematic analysis of PNA, PMO, phosphorothioate (PTO)-modified DNA, 2'-methylated RNA (RNA-OMe), 2'-methoxyethylated RNA (RNA-MOE), 2'-fluorinated RNA (RNA-F), and 2'-4'-locked RNA (LNA) is based on a variety of in vitro and in vivo methods to evaluate ASO uptake, target pairing and inhibition of bacterial growth. Our data show that only PNA and PMO are efficiently delivered by the KFF peptide into Salmonella to inhibit bacterial growth. Nevertheless, the strong target binding affinity and in vitro translational repression activity of LNA and RNA-MOE make them promising modalities for antisense antibiotics that will require the identification of an effective carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandradhish Ghosh
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Linda Popella
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich (CNATM), Munich, Germany
| | - V Dhamodharan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Jung
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Dietzsch
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Barquist
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich (CNATM), Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MC, Azevedo NF. Promising strategies employing nucleic acids as antimicrobial drugs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102122. [PMID: 38333674 PMCID: PMC10850860 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern because it causes microorganisms to develop resistance to drugs commonly used to treat infections. This results in increased difficulty in treating infections, leading to higher mortality rates and significant economic effects. Investing in new antimicrobial agents is, therefore, necessary to prevent and control AMR. Antimicrobial nucleic acids have arisen as potential key players in novel therapies for AMR infections. They have been designed to serve as antimicrobials and to act as adjuvants to conventional antibiotics or to inhibit virulent mechanisms. This new category of antimicrobial drugs consists of antisense oligonucleotides and oligomers, DNAzymes, and transcription factor decoys, differing in terms of structure, target molecules, and mechanisms of action. They are synthesized using nucleic acid analogs to enhance their resistance to nucleases. Because bacterial envelopes are generally impermeable to oligonucleotides, delivery into the cytoplasm typically requires the assistance of nanocarriers, which can affect their therapeutic potency. Given that numerous factors contribute to the success of these antimicrobial drugs, this review aims to provide a summary of the key advancements in the use of oligonucleotides for treating bacterial infections. Their mechanisms of action and the impact of factors such as nucleic acid design, target sequence, and nanocarriers on the antimicrobial potency are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Guimarães
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita S. Santos
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana A. Loureiro
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Pereira
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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4
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Shah KN, Shah PN, Agobe FO, Lovato K, Gao H, Ogun O, Hoffman C, Yabe-Gill M, Chen Q, Sweatt J, Chirra B, Muñoz-Medina R, Farmer DE, Kürti L, Cannon CL. Antimicrobial activity of a natural compound and analogs against multi-drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0151522. [PMID: 38289721 PMCID: PMC10913730 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01515-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has sparked global concern due to the dwindling availability of effective antibiotics. To increase our treatment options, researchers have investigated naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds and have identified MC21-A (C58), which has potent antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Recently, we have devised total synthesis schemes for C58 and its chloro-analog, C59. Here, we report that both compounds eradicate 90% of the 39 MRSA isolates tested [MIC90 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC90)] at lower or comparable concentrations compared to several standard-of-care (SoC) antimicrobials including daptomycin, vancomycin, and linezolid. Furthermore, a stable, water-soluble sodium salt of C59, C59Na, demonstrates antimicrobial activity comparable to C59. C59, unlike vancomycin, kills stationary-phase MRSA in a dose-dependent manner and completely eradicates MRSA biofilms. In contrast to vancomycin, exposing MRSA to sub-MIC concentrations of C59 does not result in the emergence of spontaneous resistance. Similarly, in a multi-step study, C59 demonstrates a low propensity of resistance acquisition when compared to SoC antimicrobials, such as linezolid and clindamycin. Our findings suggest C58, C59, and C59Na are non-toxic to mammalian cells at concentrations that exert antimicrobial activity; the lethal dose at median cell viability (LD50) is at least fivefold higher than the MBC90 in the two mammalian cell lines tested. A morphological examination of the effects of C59 on a MRSA isolate suggests the inhibition of the cell division process as a mechanism of action. Our results demonstrate the potential of this naturally occurring compound and its analogs as non-toxic next-generation antimicrobials to combat MRSA infections. IMPORTANCE The rapid emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates has precipitated a critical need for novel antibiotics. We have developed a one-pot synthesis method for naturally occurring compounds such as MC21-A (C58) and its chloro-analog, C59. Our findings demonstrate that these compounds kill MRSA isolates at lower or comparable concentrations to standard-of-care (SoC) antimicrobials. C59 eradicates MRSA cells in biofilms, which are notoriously difficult to treat with SoC antibiotics. Additionally, the lack of resistance development observed with C59 treatment is a significant advantage when compared to currently available antibiotics. Furthermore, these compounds are non-toxic to mammalian cell lines at effective concentrations. Our findings indicate the potential of these compounds to treat MRSA infections and underscore the importance of exploring natural products for novel antibiotics. Further investigation will be essential to fully realize the therapeutic potential of these next-generation antimicrobials to address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush N. Shah
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Parth N. Shah
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Francesca O. Agobe
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Lovato
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongyin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Oluwadara Ogun
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Cason Hoffman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Marium Yabe-Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Qingquan Chen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Jordan Sweatt
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Bhagath Chirra
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Ricardo Muñoz-Medina
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Delaney E. Farmer
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - László Kürti
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Cannon
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
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5
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Popova KB, Penchovsky R. General and Specific Cytotoxicity of Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides in Bacterial Cells and Human Cell Lines. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:122. [PMID: 38391508 PMCID: PMC10885958 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, antisense oligonucleotide technology has emerged as a promising approach to tackling various healthcare issues and diseases, such as antimicrobial resistance, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the numerous improvements in the structure and modifications of the antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), there are still specific problems with their clinical efficacy and preclinical cytotoxicity results. To better understand the effects of the ASOs in this paper, we conducted many MTT assays to assess the general and specific cytotoxicity of four new chimeric ASOs in bacterial cells and human cell lines. We demonstrate the absence of inhibitory activity in the human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus by non-specific ASOs. The pVEC-ASO1 and pVEC-ASO2 are designed to have no specific targets in S. aureus. They have only partial hybridization to the guanylate kinase mRNA. The pVEC-ASO3 targets UBA2 mRNA, a hallmark cancer pathology in MYC-driven cancer, while pVEC-ASO4 has no complementary sequences. We discovered some cytotoxicity of the non-specific ASOs in healthy and cancer human cell lines. The results are compared with two other ASOs, targeting specific mRNA in cancer cells. All ASOs are delivered into the cell via the cell-penetrating oligopeptide pVEC, which is attached to them. We draw a good correlation between the thermodynamic stability of ASO/target RNA and the toxicity effect in human cell lines. The data obtained signify the importance of thorough bioinformatic analysis and high specificity in designing and developing novel ASOs for safer therapeutic agents in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya B Popova
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Robert Penchovsky
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Buthelezi LA, Pillay S, Ntuli NN, Gcanga L, Guler R. Antisense Therapy for Infectious Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2119. [PMID: 37626929 PMCID: PMC10453568 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pose a significant global health challenge, with 1.6 million reported deaths in 2021, making it the most fatal disease caused by a single infectious agent. The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases adds to the urgency of finding effective and safe intervention therapies. Antisense therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are short, chemically modified, single-stranded deoxyribonucleotide molecules complementary to their mRNA target. Due to their designed target specificity and inhibition of a disease-causing gene at the mRNA level, antisense therapy has gained interest as a potential therapeutic approach. This type of therapy is currently utilized in numerous diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders. Currently, there are limited but steadily increasing studies available that report on the use of ASOs as treatment for infectious diseases. This review explores the sustainability of FDA-approved and preclinically tested ASOs as a treatment for infectious diseases and the adaptability of ASOs for chemical modifications resulting in reduced side effects with improved drug delivery; thus, highlighting the potential therapeutic uses of ASOs for treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lwanda Abonga Buthelezi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Shandre Pillay
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Noxolo Nokukhanya Ntuli
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Lorna Gcanga
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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7
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Tekintaş Y, Temel A. Antisense oligonucleotides: a promising therapeutic option against infectious diseases. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 43:1-39. [PMID: 37395450 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2023.2228841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases have been one of the biggest health problems of humanity for centuries. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have received attention in recent years with their effectiveness in the treatment of various infectious diseases and vaccine development studies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the basic properties underlying the mechanism of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), their applications, and their challenges. The efficient delivery of ASOs is the greatest challenge for their therapeutic success, but this problem is overcome with new-generation antisense molecules developed with chemical modifications. The types, carrier molecules, and gene regions targeted by sequences have been summarized in detail. Research and development of antisense therapy is still in its infancy; however, gene silencing therapies appear to have the potential for faster and longer-lasting activity than conventional treatment strategies. On the other hand, realizing the potential of antisense therapy will require a large initial economic investment to ascertain the pharmacological properties and learn how to optimize them. The ability of ASOs to be rapidly designed and synthesized to target different microbes can reduce drug discovery time from 6 years to 1 year. Since ASOs are not particularly affected by resistance mechanisms, they come to the fore in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The design-based flexibility of ASOs has enabled it to be used for different types of microorganisms/genes and successful in vitro and in vivo results have been revealed. The current review summarized a comprehensive understanding of ASO therapy in combating bacterial and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamaç Tekintaş
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Aybala Temel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Türkiye
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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Pereira S, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Ferreira RM, Figueiredo C, Pereira MC, Azevedo NF. Engineered liposomes to deliver nucleic acid mimics in Escherichia coli. J Control Release 2023; 355:489-500. [PMID: 36775246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) composed of nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) monomers are considered as potential novel therapeutic drugs against bacterial infections. However, bacterial envelopes are generally impermeable to naked oligonucleotides. Herein, liposomes loaded with NAMs-modified oligonucleotides (LipoNAMs) were evaluated to deliver ASOs in Escherichia coli. Specifically, we tested several surface modifications that included methoxyPEG conjugated to different lipid anchors or modification of the PEG distal ends with maleimide groups and antibodies. MethoxyPEG coated LipoNAMs showed low delivery efficiency for most bacteria, but maleimide-functionalized PEG LipoNAMs were able to deliver ASOs to nearly half of the bacterial population. Conjugation of antibodies to maleimide-functionalized PEG LipoNAMs increased 1.3-fold the delivery efficiency, enhancing the selectivity towards E. coli and biocompatibility. This work demonstrated for the first time that the coupling of antibodies to PEGylated liposomes can significantly improve the delivery of ASOs in E. coli, which might bring alternative routes for the treatment of bacterial infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M Guimarães
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita S Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana A Loureiro
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui M Ferreira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Céu Figueiredo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria C Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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9
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Fàbrega C, Aviñó A, Navarro N, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Lipid and Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Therapeutic Purposes: From Simple Hybrids to Complex Multifunctional Assemblies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020320. [PMID: 36839642 PMCID: PMC9959333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense and small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides have been recognized as powerful therapeutic compounds for targeting mRNAs and inducing their degradation. However, a major obstacle is that unmodified oligonucleotides are not readily taken up into tissues and are susceptible to degradation by nucleases. For these reasons, the design and preparation of modified DNA/RNA derivatives with better stability and an ability to be produced at large scale with enhanced uptake properties is of vital importance to improve current limitations. In the present study, we review the conjugation of oligonucleotides with lipids and peptides in order to produce oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutics aiming to develop novel compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Fàbrega
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934006145
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10
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Developing New Tools to Fight Human Pathogens: A Journey through the Advances in RNA Technologies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112303. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A long scientific journey has led to prominent technological advances in the RNA field, and several new types of molecules have been discovered, from non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to riboswitches, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and CRISPR systems. Such findings, together with the recognition of the advantages of RNA in terms of its functional performance, have attracted the attention of synthetic biologists to create potent RNA-based tools for biotechnological and medical applications. In this review, we have gathered the knowledge on the connection between RNA metabolism and pathogenesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We further discuss how RNA techniques have contributed to the building of this knowledge and the development of new tools in synthetic biology for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Infectious diseases are still a world-leading cause of death and morbidity, and RNA-based therapeutics have arisen as an alternative way to achieve success. There are still obstacles to overcome in its application, but much progress has been made in a fast and effective manner, paving the way for the solid establishment of RNA-based therapies in the future.
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11
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Long Q, Jia B, Shi Y, Wang Q, Yu H, Li Z. DNA Nanodevice as a Co-delivery Vehicle of Antisense Oligonucleotide and Silver Ions for Selective Inhibition of Bacteria Growth. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:47987-47995. [PMID: 34585574 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c15585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures possess unique programmability and addressability and exhibit a wide variety of potential applications. Recently, they demonstrated their ability to be ideal carriers of antibacterial drugs. In this study, the first use of a DNA six-helix bundle (6HB) nanostructure to co-deliver antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and silver ions is reported. Although 6HB with Ag+ shows excellent antibacterial effect against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, 6HB with ASO selectively inhibits S. aureus. Furthermore, 6HB with both Ag+ and ASO exhibits enhanced antibacterial efficacy on S. aureus, probably through two sequential activities. Specifically, Ag+-modified 6HB greatly delays bacterial growth by destroying its cell walls, whereas 6HB conjugated with ASO targeting the ftsZ gene of S. aureus effectively inhibits its growth in the logarithmic growth phase by inhibiting the expression of the ftsZ gene. Moreover, this synergistic antibacterial treatment shows excellent biosafety with human normal liver cell L02. This co-delivery system by DNA nanostructures provides a promising platform for antibacterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qipeng Long
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ye Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hanyang Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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12
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Klabenkova K, Fokina A, Stetsenko D. Chemistry of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:5420. [PMID: 34500849 PMCID: PMC8434111 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) represent one of the increasingly successful albeit costly approaches to increasing the cellular uptake, tissue delivery, bioavailability, and, thus, overall efficiency of therapeutic nucleic acids, such as, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs. This review puts the subject of chemical synthesis of POCs into the wider context of therapeutic oligonucleotides and the problem of nucleic acid drug delivery, cell-penetrating peptide structural types, the mechanisms of their intracellular transport, and the ways of application, which include the formation of non-covalent complexes with oligonucleotides (peptide additives) or covalent conjugation. The main strategies for the synthesis of POCs are viewed in detail, which are conceptually divided into (a) the stepwise solid-phase synthesis approach and (b) post-synthetic conjugation either in solution or on the solid phase, especially by means of various click chemistries. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both strategies are discussed and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klabenkova
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alesya Fokina
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Stetsenko
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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13
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Inhibiting Type VI Secretion System Activity with a Biomimetic Peptide Designed To Target the Baseplate Wedge Complex. mBio 2021; 12:e0134821. [PMID: 34372705 PMCID: PMC8406304 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01348-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human health is threatened by bacterial infections that are increasingly resistant to multiple drugs. A recently emerged strategy consists of disarming pathogenic bacteria by targeting and blocking their virulence factors. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread secretion nanomachine encoded and employed by pathogenic strains to establish their virulence process during host invasion. Given the conservation of T6SS in several human bacterial pathogens, the discovery of an effective broad-spectrum T6SS virulence blocker represents an attractive target for development of antivirulence therapies. Here, we identified and validated a protein-protein interaction interface, TssK-TssG, as a key factor in the assembly of the T6SS baseplate (BP) complex in the pathogen enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). In silico and biochemical studies revealed that the determinants of the interface are broadly conserved among pathogenic species, suggesting a role for this interface as a target for T6SS inhibition. Based on the high-resolution structure of the TssKFGE wedge complex, we rationally designed a biomimetic cyclic peptide (BCP) that blocks the assembly of the EAEC BP complex and inhibits the function of T6SS in bacterial cultures. Our BCP is the first compound completely designed from prior structural knowledge with anti-T6SS activity that can be used as a model to target human pathogens.
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14
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Sousa SA, Feliciano JR, Pita T, Soeiro CF, Mendes BL, Alves LG, Leitão JH. Bacterial Nosocomial Infections: Multidrug Resistance as a Trigger for the Development of Novel Antimicrobials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080942. [PMID: 34438992 PMCID: PMC8389044 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial bacterial infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, posing a huge burden to healthcare systems worldwide. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the raised hospitalization of patients and the increased use of antimicrobial agents, boosted the emergence of difficult-to-treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in hospital settings. Therefore, current available antibiotic treatments often have limited or no efficacy against nosocomial bacterial infections, and novel therapeutic approaches need to be considered. In this review, we analyze current antibacterial alternatives under investigation, focusing on metal-based complexes, antimicrobial peptides, and antisense antimicrobial therapeutics. The association of new compounds with older, commercially available antibiotics and the repurposing of existing drugs are also revised in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia A. Sousa
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +351-218417688 (J.H.L.)
| | - Joana R. Feliciano
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Pita
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina F. Soeiro
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Beatriz L. Mendes
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis G. Alves
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento, 1049-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Jorge H. Leitão
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +351-218417688 (J.H.L.)
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15
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Goddard LR, Mardle CE, Gneid H, Ball CG, Gowers DM, Atkins HS, Butt LE, Watts JK, Vincent HA, Callaghan AJ. An Investigation into the Potential of Targeting Escherichia coli rne mRNA with Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Gapmers as an Antibacterial Strategy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113414. [PMID: 34200016 PMCID: PMC8200214 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in antibacterial resistance is a serious challenge for both the health and defence sectors and there is a need for both novel antibacterial targets and antibacterial strategies. RNA degradation and ribonucleases, such as the essential endoribonuclease RNase E, encoded by the rne gene, are emerging as potential antibacterial targets while antisense oligonucleotides may provide alternative antibacterial strategies. As rne mRNA has not been previously targeted using an antisense approach, we decided to explore using antisense oligonucleotides to target the translation initiation region of the Escherichia coli rne mRNA. Antisense oligonucleotides were rationally designed and were synthesised as locked nucleic acid (LNA) gapmers to enable inhibition of rne mRNA translation through two mechanisms. Either LNA gapmer binding could sterically block translation and/or LNA gapmer binding could facilitate RNase H-mediated cleavage of the rne mRNA. This may prove to be an advantage over the majority of previous antibacterial antisense oligonucleotide approaches which used oligonucleotide chemistries that restrict the mode-of-action of the antisense oligonucleotide to steric blocking of translation. Using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we demonstrate that the LNA gapmers bind to the translation initiation region of E. coli rne mRNA. We then use a cell-free transcription translation reporter assay to show that this binding is capable of inhibiting translation. Finally, in an in vitro RNase H cleavage assay, the LNA gapmers facilitate RNase H-mediated mRNA cleavage. Although the challenges of antisense oligonucleotide delivery remain to be addressed, overall, this work lays the foundations for the development of a novel antibacterial strategy targeting rne mRNA with antisense oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla R. Goddard
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Charlotte E. Mardle
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
| | - Hassan Gneid
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01609, USA; (H.G.); (J.K.W.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ciara G. Ball
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Darren M. Gowers
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
| | - Helen S. Atkins
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK;
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Louise E. Butt
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01609, USA; (H.G.); (J.K.W.)
| | - Helen A. Vincent
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
- Correspondence: (H.A.V.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Anastasia J. Callaghan
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK; (L.R.G.); (C.E.M.); (C.G.B.); (D.M.G.); (L.E.B.)
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
- Correspondence: (H.A.V.); (A.J.C.)
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16
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Tekintas Y, Demir-Dora D, Erac B, Erac Y, Yilmaz O, Aydemir SS, Kocagoz ZT, Hosgor-Limoncu M. Silencing acpP gene via antisense oligonucleotide-niosome complex in clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Res Microbiol 2021; 172:103834. [PMID: 33894336 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, is one of the major causes of nosocomial infections. In addition to its physiological adaptation capacity, it can develop resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics through various mechanisms. Recently, new eradication methods are gaining attention. Therefore, in this study, an LNA-2'-O-methyl hybrid antisense oligonucleotide targeting the acyl carrier protein P (acpP) gene was introduced into P. aeruginosa isolates. The design was determined through sequence analysis and prediction of the secondary structure of mRNA by software. Niosomes were used for enhancing cellular uptake. The control of the binding and transfection ability of the sequence was determined fluorometrically by labeling with 6-Fam. The effects were determined with broth microdilution method and qPCR studies. Eight different formulations were prepared. Among these, one formulation has shown to have ASO complexation ability whose composition was 312 μl Span 80 + 69.5 mg Cholesterol+ 36.4 mg CTAB+1 ml Chloroform and 5 ml dH2O. Thus this formulation was determined as the delivery system for the next stages. Significant gene inhibition was detected at the six isolates. Results of this study suggested that niosomes can be used as a delivery system for cellular uptake of ASO and could eliminate bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamac Tekintas
- Izmir Kâtip Celebi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Devrim Demir-Dora
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University, Health Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University, Health Sciences Institute, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bayrı Erac
- Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Erac
- Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Yilmaz
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy Research and Application Centre, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sabire Sohret Aydemir
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zuhtu Tanil Kocagoz
- Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Hosgor-Limoncu
- Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey.
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17
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Li QQ, Kang OH, Kwon DY. Study on Demethoxycurcumin as a Promising Approach to Reverse Methicillin-Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073778. [PMID: 33917423 PMCID: PMC8038695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has always been a threatening pathogen. Research on phytochemical components that can replace antibiotics with limited efficacy may be an innovative method to solve intractable MRSA infections. The present study was devoted to investigate the antibacterial activity of the natural compound demethoxycurcumin (DMC) against MRSA and explore its possible mechanism for eliminating MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of DMC against MRSA strains was determined by the broth microdilution method, and the results showed that the MIC of DMC was 62.5 μg/mL. The synergistic effects of DMC and antibiotics were investigated by the checkerboard method and the time–kill assay. The ATP synthase inhibitors were employed to block the metabolic ability of bacteria to explore their synergistic effect on the antibacterial ability of DMC. In addition, western blot analysis and qRT-PCR were performed to detect the proteins and genes related to drug resistance and S. aureus exotoxins. As results, DMC hindered the translation of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) and staphylococcal enterotoxin and reduced the transcription of related genes. This study provides experimental evidences that DMC has the potential to be a candidate substance for the treatment of MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ok-Hwa Kang
- Correspondence: (O.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-63-850-6802 (O.-H.K. & D.-Y.K.)
| | - Dong-Yeul Kwon
- Correspondence: (O.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-63-850-6802 (O.-H.K. & D.-Y.K.)
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18
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Pereira S, Yao R, Gomes M, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Azevedo NF, Sobral Santos R. Can Vitamin B12 Assist the Internalization of Antisense LNA Oligonucleotides into Bacteria? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040379. [PMID: 33916701 PMCID: PMC8065541 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance to traditional small-molecule antibiotics is fueling the search for innovative strategies to treat infections. Inhibiting the expression of essential bacterial genes using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), particularly composed of nucleic acid mimics (NAMs), has emerged as a promising strategy. However, their efficiency depends on their association with vectors that can translocate the bacterial envelope. Vitamin B12 is among the largest molecules known to be taken up by bacteria and has very recently started to gain interest as a trojan-horse vector. Gapmers and steric blockers were evaluated as ASOs against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Both ASOs were successfully conjugated to B12 by copper-free azide-alkyne click-chemistry. The biological effect of the two conjugates was evaluated together with their intracellular localization in E. coli. Although not only B12 but also both B12-ASO conjugates interacted strongly with E. coli, they were mostly colocalized with the outer membrane. Only 6–9% were detected in the cytosol, which showed to be insufficient for bacterial growth inhibition. These results suggest that the internalization of B12-ASO conjugates is strongly affected by the low uptake rate of the B12 in E. coli and that further studies are needed before considering this strategy against biofilms in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pereira
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.G.); (N.F.A.)
| | - Ruwei Yao
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (R.Y.); (P.T.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Mariana Gomes
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.G.); (N.F.A.)
| | - Per Trolle Jørgensen
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (R.Y.); (P.T.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (R.Y.); (P.T.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.G.); (N.F.A.)
| | - Rita Sobral Santos
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.G.); (N.F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Streicher LM. Exploring the future of infectious disease treatment in a post-antibiotic era: A comparative review of alternative therapeutics. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 24:285-295. [PMID: 33484895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is projected to be one of the greatest healthcare challenges of the 21st century. As the efficacy of these critical drugs wanes and the discovery of new antibiotics stagnates, exploration of alternative therapies could offer a much needed solution. Although numerous alternative therapies are currently under investigation, three in particular appear poised for long-term success, namely antimicrobial oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies and phage therapy. Antimicrobial oligonucleotides could conceivably offer the greatest spectrum of activity while having the lowest chance of unrecoverable resistance. Bacteriophages, while most susceptible to resistance, are inexhaustible, inexpensive and exceptionally adept at eliminating biofilm-associated infections. And although monoclonal antibodies may have limited access to such recalcitrant bacteria, these agents are uniquely able to neutralise exotoxins and other diffusible virulence factors. This comparative review seeks to illuminate these promising therapies and to encourage the scientific and financial support necessary to usher in the next generation of infectious disease treatment.
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Pifer R, Greenberg DE. Antisense antibacterial compounds. Transl Res 2020; 223:89-106. [PMID: 32522669 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Extensive antibiotic use combined with poor historical drug stewardship practices have created a medical crisis in which once treatable bacterial infections are now increasingly unmanageable. To combat this, new antibiotics will need to be developed and safeguarded. An emerging class of antibiotics based upon nuclease-stable antisense technologies has proven valuable in preclinical testing against a variety of bacterial pathogens. This review describes the current state of development of antisense-based antibiotics, the mechanisms thus far employed by these compounds, and possible future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Pifer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - David E Greenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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Chen Z, Nie D, Hu Y, Li M, Hou Z, Mao X, Luo X, Xue X. Efficient Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides by an Amphipathic Cell-Penetrating Peptide in Acinetobacter baumannii. Curr Drug Deliv 2020; 16:728-736. [PMID: 31244437 DOI: 10.2174/1567201816666190627141931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) was on the top of the list of the most threatening bacteria published by the WHO in 2017. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) based therapy is a promising strategy for combating Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria because of its high specificity, easy design and lower induction of resistance, but poor cellular uptake by bacteria has restricted the further utilization of this therapy. METHODS Here, we used CADY, a secondary amphipathic peptide of 20 residues that could successfully carry siRNA into mammalian cells, to prepare CADY/ASOs nanoparticles (CADY-NPs) targeting acpP (encoding acyl carrier protein), and evaluated the uptake features, the inhibitory effects of CADY-NPs on gene expression and the growth of MDR-A. baumannii. RESULTS We found that CADY-NPs could be quickly internalized by drug-sensitive and MDR-A. baumannii in an energy independent manner, which could be restrained by chlorpromazine (an inhibitor of clathrin mediated endocytosis) significantly. In addition, CADY-NPs targeting acpP concentrationdependently retarded the growth of MDR-A. baumannii, which was associated with the decreased expression of targeted genes in A. baumannii. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our research is the first to demonstrate that CADY can deliver ASOs into bacteria and provide a novel strategy for the treatment of MDR-A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Dan Nie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Mingkai Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zheng Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xinggang Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoxing Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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Zeng P, Xu C, Liu C, Liu J, Cheng Q, Gao W, Yang X, Chen S, Chan KF, Wong KY. De Novo Designed Hexadecapeptides Synergize Glycopeptide Antibiotics Vancomycin and Teicoplanin against Pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae via Disruption of Cell Permeability and Potential. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:1738-1752. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Chenyu Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon +852, Hong Kong
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Qipeng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Xuemei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon +852, Hong Kong
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon +852, Hong Kong
| | - Kin-Fai Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yin Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 852, Hong Kong
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FtsZ inhibitors as a new genera of antibacterial agents. Bioorg Chem 2019; 91:103169. [PMID: 31398602 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The continuous emergence and rapid spread of a multidrug-resistant strain of bacterial pathogens have demanded the discovery and development of new antibacterial agents. A highly conserved prokaryotic cell division protein FtsZ is considered as a promising target by inhibiting bacterial cytokinesis. Inhibition of FtsZ assembly restrains the cell-division complex known as divisome, which results in filamentation, leading to lysis of the cell. This review focuses on details relating to the structure, function, and influence of FtsZ in bacterial cytokinesis. It also summarizes on the recent perspective of the known natural and synthetic inhibitors directly acting on FtsZ protein, with prominent antibacterial activities. A series of benzamides, trisubstituted benzimidazoles, isoquinolene, guanine nucleotides, zantrins, carbonylpyridine, 4 and 5-Substituted 1-phenyl naphthalenes, sulindac, vanillin analogues were studied here and recognized as FtsZ inhibitors that act either by disturbing FtsZ polymerization and/or GTPase activity. Doxorubicin, from a U.S. FDA, approved drug library displayed strong interaction with FtsZ. Several of the molecules discussed, include the prodrugs of benzamide based compound PC190723 (TXA-709 and TXA707). These molecules have exhibited the most prominent antibacterial activity against several strains of Staphylococcus aureus with minimal toxicity and good pharmacokinetics properties. The evidence of research reports and patent documentations on FtsZ protein has disclosed distinct support in the field of antibacterial drug discovery. The pressing need and interest shall facilitate the discovery of novel clinical molecules targeting FtsZ in the upcoming days.
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Xue XY, Mao XG, Zhou Y, Chen Z, Hu Y, Hou Z, Li MK, Meng JR, Luo XX. Advances in the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides for combating bacterial infectious diseases. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 14:745-758. [PMID: 29341934 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Discovery and development of new antibacterial drugs against multidrug resistant bacterial strains have become more and more urgent. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) show immense potential to control the spread of resistant microbes due to its high specificity of action, little risk to human gene expression, and easy design and synthesis to target any possible gene. However, efficient delivery of ASOs to their action sites with enough concentration remains a major obstacle, which greatly hampers their clinical application. In this study, we reviewed current progress on delivery strategies of ASOs into bacteria, focused on various non-virus gene vectors, including cell penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles, bolaamphiphile-based nanoparticles, DNA nanostructures and Vitamin B12. The current review provided comprehensive understanding and novel perspective for the future application of ASOs in combating bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xing-Gang Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-Kai Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing-Ru Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Xing Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Li T, Huang M, Song Z, Zhang H, Chen C. Biological characteristics and conjugated antigens of ClfA A-FnBPA and CP5 in Staphylococcus aureus. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE RECHERCHE VETERINAIRE 2018; 82:48-54. [PMID: 29382968 PMCID: PMC5764038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To obtain immunogenic conjugate antigens, adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), as a bridge, and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimidehydrochloride (EDAC), as a coupling agent, were used to conjugate the purified fusion protein, clumping factor A-fibronectin binding protein ClfA A-FnBPA, and type 5 capsular polysaccharide (CP5). The conjugates were mixed with an adjuvant, and mice were immunized 3 times and challenged with Staphylococcus aureus 1 week later. Antibody titers were determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At 14 days after the first immunization, antibodies against the purified protein and conjugate were detected; after 28 days, antibody levels increased; and a week after the third immunization, antibody levels continued to increase. However, the conjugate antibody titers were higher than those of the purified protein during the study, and no IgG antibodies against purified CP5 were detected during the entire experiment. The protection rate increased to 90% in the conjugate group, indicating that the conjugate imparts a relatively higher protective efficacy than the purified protein and purified CP5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chuangfu Chen
- Address all correspondence to Dr. Chuangfu Chen; telephone: +86-0993-2058002; fax: +86-0993-2058002; e-mail:
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Hegarty JP, Stewart DB. Advances in therapeutic bacterial antisense biotechnology. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 102:1055-1065. [PMID: 29209794 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antisense therapeutics are a biotechnological form of antibiotic therapy using chemical analogues of short single-stranded nucleic acid sequences modified to form stable oligomers. These molecules are termed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) because their sequence is complementary, via Watson-Crick specific base pairing, to their target messenger RNA (mRNA). ASOs modify gene expression in this sequence-dependent manner by binding to its complementary mRNA and inhibiting its translation into protein through steric blockage and/or through RNase degradation of the ASO/RNA duplex. The widespread use of conventional antibiotics has led to the increasing emergence of multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. There is an urgent need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections, and until recently, the use of ASOs as therapeutic agents has been essentially limited to eukaryotic cells, with ASOs as antibacterials having been largely unexplored primarily due to the poor uptake efficiency of antisense molecules by bacteria. There are conceptual advantages to bacterial antisense antibiotic therapies, including a sequence-dependent approach that allows for a rational design to multiple specific molecular targets. This review summarizes the current knowledge of antisense bacterial biotechnology and highlights the recent progress and the current obstacles in their development for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Hegarty
- College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, H137, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - David B Stewart
- College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, H137, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
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Haranahalli K, Tong S, Ojima I. Recent advances in the discovery and development of antibacterial agents targeting the cell-division protein FtsZ. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:6354-6369. [PMID: 27189886 PMCID: PMC5157688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
With the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, there is a dire need for new drug targets for antibacterial drug discovery and development. Filamentous temperature sensitive protein Z (FtsZ), is a GTP-dependent prokaryotic cell division protein, sharing less than 10% sequence identity with the eukaryotic cell division protein, tubulin. FtsZ forms a dynamic Z-ring in the middle of the cell, leading to septation and subsequent cell division. Inhibition of the Z-ring blocks cell division, thus making FtsZ a highly attractive target. Various groups have been working on natural products and synthetic small molecules as inhibitors of FtsZ. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of FtsZ inhibitors, focusing on those in the last 5years, but also includes significant findings in previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Iwao Ojima
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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28
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Da F, Yao L, Su Z, Hou Z, Li Z, Xue X, Meng J, Luo X. Antisense locked nucleic acids targeting agrA inhibit quorum sensing and pathogenesis of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:257-267. [PMID: 27718524 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is commonly associated with nonnosocomial skin and soft tissue infections due to its virulence, which is mainly controlled by the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing (QS) system. In this study (KFF)3 K peptide-conjugated locked nucleic acids (PLNAs) targeting agrA mRNA were developed to inhibit agr activity and arrest the pathogenicity of CA-MRSA. METHODS AND RESULTS Two PLNAs were designed, and synthesized, after predicting the secondary structure of agrA mRNA. The influence on bacterial growth was tested using a growth curve assay. RT-qPCR, haemolysis assay, lactate dehydrogenase release assay and chemotaxis assay were used to evaluate the effects of the PLNAs on inhibiting agr QS. A mouse skin infection model was employed to test the protective effect of the PLNAs in vivo. None of the PLNAs were found to be bacteriostatic or bactericidal in vitro. However, one PLNA, PLNA34, showed strong ability to suppress expression of agrA and the effector molecule RNAIII in USA300 LAC strain. Furthermore, PLNA34 inhibited the expression of virulence genes that are upregulated by agr, including hla, psmα, psmβ and pvl. The haemolytic activity of the supernatants from PLNA34-treated bacteria was also dramatically reduced, as well as the capacity to lyse and recruit neutrophils. Moreover, PLNA34 showed high levels of protection in the CA-MRSA mouse skin infection model. CONCLUSIONS The anti-agrA PLNA34 can effectively inhibit the agr QS and suppress CA-MRSA pathogenicity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY agrA is a promising target for the development of antisense oligonucleotides to block agr QS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Da
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - L Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Z Su
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Z Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Z Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - X Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - J Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - X Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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29
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Hegarty JP, Krzeminski J, Sharma AK, Guzman-Villanueva D, Weissig V, Stewart DB. Bolaamphiphile-based nanocomplex delivery of phosphorothioate gapmer antisense oligonucleotides as a treatment for Clostridium difficile. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:3607-19. [PMID: 27536102 PMCID: PMC4975145 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s109600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being a conceptually appealing alternative to conventional antibiotics, a major challenge toward the successful implementation of antisense treatments for bacterial infections is the development of efficient oligonucleotide delivery systems. Cationic vesicles (bolasomes) composed of dequalinium chloride ("DQAsomes") have been used to deliver plasmid DNA across the cardiolipin-rich inner membrane of mitochondria. As cardiolipin is also a component of many bacterial membranes, we investigated the application of cationic bolasomes to bacteria as an oligonucleotide delivery system. Antisense sequences designed in silico to target the expression of essential genes of the bacterial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, were synthesized as 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). These antisense gapmers were quantitatively assessed for their ability to block mRNA translation using luciferase reporter and C. difficile protein expression plasmid constructs in a coupled transcription-translation system. Cationic bolaamphiphile compounds (dequalinium derivatives) of varying alkyl chain length were synthesized and bolasomes were prepared via probe sonication of an aqueous suspension. Bolasomes were characterized by particle size distribution, zeta potential, and binding capacities for anionic oligonucleotide. Bolasomes and antisense gapmers were combined to form antisense nanocomplexes. Anaerobic C. difficile log phase cultures were treated with serial doses of gapmer nanocomplexes or equivalent amounts of empty bolasomes for 24 hours. Antisense gapmers for four gene targets achieved nanomolar minimum inhibitory concentrations for C. difficile, with the lowest values observed for oligonucleotides targeting polymerase genes rpoB and dnaE. No inhibition of bacterial growth was observed from treatments at matched dosages of scrambled gapmer nanocomplexes or plain, oligonucleotide-free bolasomes compared to untreated control cultures. We describe the novel application of cationic bolasomes to deliver ASOs into bacteria. We also report the first successful in vitro antisense treatment to inhibit the growth of C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Hegarty
- Deparment of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jacek Krzeminski
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Diana Guzman-Villanueva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Center of Excellence in Translational Research, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Volkmar Weissig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Center of Excellence in Translational Research, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - David B Stewart
- Deparment of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA, USA
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Sully EK, Geller BL. Antisense antimicrobial therapeutics. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 33:47-55. [PMID: 27375107 PMCID: PMC5069135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Antisense antimicrobial therapeutics are synthetic oligomers that silence expression of specific genes. This specificity confers an advantage over broad-spectrum antibiotics by avoiding unintended effects on commensal bacteria. The sequence-specificity and short length of antisense antimicrobials also pose little risk to human gene expression. Because antisense antimicrobials are a platform technology, they can be rapidly designed and synthesized to target almost any microbe. This reduces drug discovery time, and provides flexibility and a rational approach to drug development. Recent work has shown that antisense technology has the potential to address the antibiotic-resistance crisis, since resistance mechanisms for standard antibiotics apparently have no effect on antisense antimicrobials. Here, we describe current reports of antisense antimicrobials targeted against viruses, parasites, and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Sully
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA
| | - Bruce L Geller
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA.
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Abstract
Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), an essential cell division protein in bacteria, has recently emerged as an important and exploitable antibacterial target. Cytokinesis in bacteria is regulated by the assembly dynamics of this protein, which is ubiquitously present in eubacteria. The perturbation of FtsZ assembly has been found to have a deleterious effect on the cytokinetic machinery and, in turn, upon cell survival. FtsZ is highly conserved among prokaryotes, offering the possibility of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, while its limited sequence homology with tubulin (an essential protein in eukaryotic mitosis) offers the possibility of selective toxicity. This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the mechanism of action of FtsZ, and to highlight existing attempts toward the development of clinically useful inhibitors.
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32
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Jackson A, Jani S, Sala CD, Soler-Bistué AJC, Zorreguieta A, Tolmasky ME. Assessment of configurations and chemistries of bridged nucleic acids-containing oligomers as external guide sequences: a methodology for inhibition of expression of antibiotic resistance genes. Biol Methods Protoc 2016; 1. [PMID: 27857983 PMCID: PMC5108630 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpw001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
External guide sequences (EGSs) are short antisense oligoribonucleotides that elicit RNase P-mediated cleavage of a target mRNA, which results in inhibition of gene expression. EGS technology is used to inhibit expression of a wide variety of genes, a strategy that may lead to development of novel treatments of numerous diseases, including multidrug-resistant bacterial and viral infections. Successful development of EGS technology depends on finding nucleotide analogs that resist degradation by nucleases present in biological fluids and the environment but still elicit RNase P-mediated degradation when forming a duplex with a target mRNA. Previous results suggested that locked nucleic acids (LNA)/DNA chimeric oligomers have these properties. LNA are now considered the first generation of compounds collectively known as bridged nucleic acids (BNAs) – modified ribonucleotides that contain a bridge at the 2ʹ,4ʹ-position of the ribose. LNA and the second-generation BNA, known as BNANC, differ in the chemical nature of the bridge. Chimeric oligomers containing LNA or BNANC and deoxynucleotide monomers in different configurations are nuclease resistant and could be excellent EGS compounds. However, not all configurations may be equally active as EGSs. RNase P cleavage assays comparing LNA/DNA and BNANC/DNA chimeric oligonucleotides that share identical nucleotide sequence but with different configurations were carried out using as target the amikacin resistance aac(6ʹ)-Ib mRNA. LNA/DNA gapmers with 5 and 3/4 LNA residues at the 5ʹ- and 3ʹ-ends, respectively, were the most efficient EGSs while all BNANC/DNA gapmers showed very poor activity. When the most efficient LNA/DNA gapmer was covalently bound to a cell-penetrating peptide, the hybrid compound conserved the EGS activity as determined by RNase P cleavage assays and reduced the levels of resistance to amikacin when added to Acinetobacter baumannii cells in culture, an indication of cellular uptake and biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Jackson
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Saumya Jani
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Carol Davies Sala
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA; Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, and FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfonso J C Soler-Bistué
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA; Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, and FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angeles Zorreguieta
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, and FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo E Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
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Cochrane SA, Li X, He S, Yu M, Wu M, Vederas JC. Synthesis of Tridecaptin-Antibiotic Conjugates with in Vivo Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria. J Med Chem 2015; 58:9779-85. [PMID: 26636619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A series of tridecaptin-antibiotic conjugates were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Covalently linking unacylated tridecaptin A1 (H-TriA1) to rifampicin, vancomycin, and erythromycin enhanced their activity in vitro but not by the same magnitude as coadministration of the peptide and these antibiotics. The antimicrobial activities of the conjugates were retained in vivo, with the H-TriA1-erythromycin conjugate proving a more effective treatment of Klebseilla pneumoniae infections in mice than erythromycin alone or in combination with H-TriA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Cochrane
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203-9037, United States
| | - Sisi He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203-9037, United States
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203-9037, United States
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203-9037, United States
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
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Inhibition of AAC(6')-Ib-mediated resistance to amikacin in Acinetobacter baumannii by an antisense peptide-conjugated 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid-NC-DNA hybrid oligomer. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:5798-803. [PMID: 26169414 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01304-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a common etiologic agent of severe nosocomial infections in compromised hosts, usually harbors aac(6')-Ib. This gene specifies resistance to amikacin and other aminoglycosides, seriously limiting the effectiveness of these antibiotics. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN4) that binds to a duplicated sequence on the aac(6')-Ib mRNA, one of the copies overlapping the initiation codon, efficiently inhibited translation in vitro. An isosequential nuclease-resistant hybrid oligomer composed of 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid-NC (BNA(NC)) residues and deoxynucleotides (BNA(NC)-DNA) conjugated to the permeabilizing peptide (RXR)4XB ("X" and "B" stand for 6-aminohexanoic acid and β-alanine, respectively) (CPPBD4) inhibited translation in vitro at the same levels observed in testing ODN4. Furthermore, CPPBD4 in combination with amikacin inhibited growth of a clinical A. baumannii strain harboring aac(6')-Ib in liquid cultures, and when both compounds were used as combination therapy to treat infected Galleria mellonella organisms, survival was comparable to that seen with uninfected controls.
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Courtney CM, Chatterjee A. Sequence-Specific Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Antisense Inhibitors of TEM-1 β-Lactamase and Mechanism of Adaptive Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2015; 1:253-63. [PMID: 27622741 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.5b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The recent surge of drug-resistant superbugs and shrinking antibiotic pipeline are serious challenges to global health. In particular, the emergence of β-lactamases has caused extensive resistance against the most frequently prescribed class of β-lactam antibiotics. Here, we develop novel synthetic peptide nucleic acid-based antisense inhibitors that target the start codon and ribosomal binding site of the TEM-1 β-lactamase transcript and act via translation inhibition mechanism. We show that these antisense inhibitors are capable of resensitizing drug-resistant Escherichia coli to β-lactam antibiotics exhibiting 10-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). To study the mechanism of resistance, we adapted E. coli at MIC levels of the β-lactam/antisense inhibitor combination and observed a nonmutational, bet-hedging based adaptive antibiotic resistance response as evidenced by phenotypic heterogeneity as well as heterogeneous expression of key stress response genes. Our data show that both the development of new antimicrobials and an understanding of cellular response during the development of tolerance could aid in mitigating the impending antibiotic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Courtney
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and ‡BioFrontiers
Institute, 596 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and ‡BioFrontiers
Institute, 596 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
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