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Grillone K, Caridà G, Luciano F, Cordua A, Di Martino MT, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. A systematic review of non-coding RNA therapeutics in early clinical trials: a new perspective against cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:731. [PMID: 39103911 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has recently emerged as a promising strategy for treating malignancies and other diseases. In recent years, the development of ncRNA-based therapeutics for targeting protein-coding and non-coding genes has also gained momentum. This review systematically examines ongoing and completed clinical trials to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging landscape of ncRNA-based therapeutics. Significant efforts have been made to advance ncRNA therapeutics to early clinical studies. The most advanced trials have been conducted with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), miRNA replacement using nanovector-entrapped miRNA mimics, or miRNA silencing by antisense oligonucleotides. While siRNA-based therapeutics have already received FDA approval, miRNA mimics, inhibitors, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are still under evaluation in preclinical and early clinical studies. We critically discuss the rationale and methodologies of ncRNA targeting strategies to illustrate this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulio Caridà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Luciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Cordua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Ali A, Grillone K, Ascrizzi S, Caridà G, Fiorillo L, Ciliberto D, Staropoli N, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Di Martino MT. LNA-i-miR-221 activity in colorectal cancer: A reverse translational investigation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102221. [PMID: 38868363 PMCID: PMC11168481 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a relevant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been associated with the development and progression of various cancers, including CRC. Among them, miR-221 emerged as an oncogenic driver, whose high expression is associated with poor patient prognosis. The present study was conceived to investigate the anti-CRC activity of miR-221 silencing based on early clinical data achieved from a first-in-human study by our group. Going back from bedside to bench, we demonstrated that LNA-i-miR-221 reduces cell viability, induces apoptosis in vitro, and impairs tumor growth in preclinical in vivo models of CRC. Importantly, we disclosed that miR-221 directly targets TP53BP2, which, together with TP53INP1, is known as a positive regulator of the TP53 apoptotic pathway. We found that (1) both these genes are overexpressed following miR-221 inhibition, (2) the strong anti-tumor activity of LNA-i-miR-221 was selectively observed on TP53 wild-type cells, and (3) this activity was reduced in the presence of the TP53-inhibitor Pifitrin-α. Our data pave the way to further investigations on TP53 functionality as a marker predictive of response to miR-221 silencing, which might be relevant for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serena Ascrizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulio Caridà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Fiorillo
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciliberto
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Staropoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
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Rivosecchi J, Jurikova K, Cusanelli E. Telomere-specific regulation of TERRA and its impact on telomere stability. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 157:3-23. [PMID: 38088000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
TERRA is a class of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs that are expressed from telomeres in multiple organisms. TERRA transcripts play key roles in telomere maintenance and their physiological levels are essential to maintain the integrity of telomeric DNA. Indeed, deregulated TERRA expression or its altered localization can impact telomere stability by multiple mechanisms including fueling transcription-replication conflicts, promoting resection of chromosome ends, altering the telomeric chromatin, and supporting homologous recombination. Therefore, a fine-tuned control of TERRA is important to maintain the integrity of the genome. Several studies have reported that different cell lines express substantially different levels of TERRA. Most importantly, TERRA levels markedly vary among telomeres of a given cell type, indicating the existence of telomere-specific regulatory mechanisms which may help coordinate TERRA functions. TERRA molecules contain distinct subtelomeric sequences, depending on their telomere of origin, which may instruct specific post-transcriptional modifications or mediate distinct functions. In addition, all TERRA transcripts share a repetitive G-rich sequence at their 3' end which can form DNA:RNA hybrids and fold into G-quadruplex structures. Both structures are involved in TERRA functions and can critically affect telomere stability. In this review, we examine the mechanisms controlling TERRA levels and the impact of their telomere-specific regulation on telomere stability. We compare evidence obtained in different model organisms, discussing recent advances as well as controversies in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of DNA:RNA hybrids and G-quadruplex structures in the context of TERRA biology and telomere maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
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Rocca R, Grillone K, Citriniti EL, Gualtieri G, Artese A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Alcaro S. Targeting non-coding RNAs: Perspectives and challenges of in-silico approaches. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115850. [PMID: 37839343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The growing information currently available on the central role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAS) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for chronic and degenerative human diseases makes them attractive therapeutic targets. RNAs carry out different functional roles in human biology and are deeply deregulated in several diseases. So far, different attempts to therapeutically target the 3D RNA structures with small molecules have been reported. In this scenario, the development of computational tools suitable for describing RNA structures and their potential interactions with small molecules is gaining more and more interest. Here, we describe the most suitable strategies to study ncRNAs through computational tools. We focus on methods capable of predicting 2D and 3D ncRNA structures. Furthermore, we describe computational tools to identify, design and optimize small molecule ncRNA binders. This review aims to outline the state of the art and perspectives of computational methods for ncRNAs over the past decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rocca
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Artese
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | | | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Canale P, Campolo J, Borghini A, Andreassi MG. Long Telomeric Repeat-Containing RNA (TERRA): Biological Functions and Challenges in Vascular Aging and Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3211. [PMID: 38137431 PMCID: PMC10740775 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123211] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere dysfunction is implicated in vascular aging and shorter leucocyte telomeres are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Another pathophysiological mechanism that explains the causal relationship between telomere shortening and atherosclerosis development focuses on the clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which represents a new and independent risk factor in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Since telomere attrition has a central role in driving vascular senescence, understanding telomere biology is essential to modulate the deleterious consequences of vascular aging and its cardiovascular disease-related manifestations. Emerging evidence indicates that a class of long noncoding RNAs transcribed at telomeres, known as TERRA for "TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA", actively participates in the mechanisms regulating telomere maintenance and chromosome end protection. However, the multiple biological functions of TERRA remain to be largely elucidated. In particular, the role of TERRA in vascular biology is surprisingly unknown. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of TERRA and its roles in telomere biology. Additionally, we outline the pieces of evidence that exist regarding the relationship between TERRA dysregulation and disease. Finally, we speculate on how a comprehensive understanding of TERRA transcription in the cardiovascular system may provide valuable insights into telomere-associated vascular aging, offering great potential for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Canale
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (A.B.)
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jonica Campolo
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20142 Milano, Italy;
| | - Andrea Borghini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (A.B.)
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Quttina M, Waiters KD, Khan AF, Karami S, Peidl AS, Babajide MF, Pennington J, Merchant FA, Bawa-Khalfe T. Exosc9 Initiates SUMO-Dependent lncRNA TERRA Degradation to Impact Telomeric Integrity in Endocrine Therapy Insensitive Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2495. [PMID: 37887339 PMCID: PMC10605189 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Long, noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are indispensable for normal cell physiology and, consequently, are tightly regulated in human cells. Yet, unlike mRNA, substantially less is known about the mechanisms for lncRNA degradation. It is important to delineate the regulatory control of lncRNA degradation, particularly for lncRNA telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), as the TERRA-telomere R-loops dictate cell cycle progression and genomic stability. We now report that the exosome complex component Exosc9 degrades lncRNA TERRA in human mammary epithelial cells. Heterochromatin protein 1 alpha (HP1α) recruits Exosc9 to the telomeres; specifically, the SUMO-modified form of HP1α supports interaction with Exosc9 and, as previously reported, lncRNA TERRA. The telomeric enrichment of Exosc9 is cell cycle-dependent and consistent with the loss of telomeric TERRA in the S/G2 phase. Elevated Exosc9 is frequently observed and drives the growth of endocrine therapy-resistant (ET-R) HR+ breast cancer (BCa) cells. Specifically, the knockdown of Exosc9 inversely impacts telomeric R-loops and the integrity of the chromosome ends of ET-R cells. Consistently, Exosc9 levels dictate DNA damage and the sensitivity of ET-R BCa cells to PARP inhibitors. In this regard, Exosc9 may serve as a promising biomarker for predicting the response to PARP inhibitors as a targeted monotherapy for ET-R HR+ BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Quttina
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
- Engineering Technology College of Technology, University of Houston at Sugarland, 13850 University Blvd, SAB1 Bldg, Rm 348, Sugarland, TX 77479, USA
| | - Kacie D. Waiters
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Ashfia Fatima Khan
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Samaneh Karami
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Anthony S. Peidl
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Mariam Funmi Babajide
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Justus Pennington
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
| | - Fatima A. Merchant
- Engineering Technology College of Technology, University of Houston at Sugarland, 13850 University Blvd, SAB1 Bldg, Rm 348, Sugarland, TX 77479, USA
| | - Tasneem Bawa-Khalfe
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg, Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (A.F.K.)
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Sutterlüty H, Bargl M, Holzmann K. Quantifying telomere transcripts as tool to improve risk assessment for genetic instability and genotoxicity. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 891:503690. [PMID: 37770147 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503690] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Telomere repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are transcribed from telomeres as long non-coding RNAs and are part of the telomere structure with protective function. The genetic stability of cells requires telomeric repeats at the ends of chromosomes. Maintenance of telomere length (TL) is essential for proliferative capacity and chromosomal integrity. In contrast, telomere shortening is a recognized risk factor for carcinogenesis and a biomarker of aging due to the cumulative effects of environmental exposures and life experiences such as trauma or stress. In this context, telomere repeats are lost due to cell proliferation, but are also susceptible to stress factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing oxidative base damage. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of genomic DNA is an established method to analyze TL as a tool to detect genotoxic events. That same qPCR method can be applied to RNA converted into cDNA to quantify TERRA as a useful tool to perform high-throughput screenings. This short review summarizes relevant qPCR studies using both TL and TERRA quantification, provides an overall view of the molecular mechanisms of telomere protection against ROS by TERRA, and summarizes the presented studies comparing the results at DNA and RNA levels, which indicate that fluctuations at transcript level might reflect a short-term response. Therefore, we conclude that performing both of these measurements together will improve genotoxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedwig Sutterlüty
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Bargl
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Han ZQ, Wen LN. Application of G-quadruplex targets in gastrointestinal cancers: Advancements, challenges and prospects. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1149-1173. [PMID: 37546556 PMCID: PMC10401460 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i7.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and inflammation are considered to be two enabling characteristics that support cancer development and progression. G-quadruplex structure is a key element that contributes to genomic instability and inflammation. G-quadruplexes were once regarded as simply an obstacle that can block the transcription of oncogenes. A ligand targeting G-quadruplexes was found to have anticancer activity, making G-quadruplexes potential anticancer targets. However, further investigation has revealed that G-quadruplexes are widely distributed throughout the human genome and have many functions, such as regulating DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, translation, epigenetics, and inflammatory response. G-quadruplexes play double regulatory roles in transcription and translation. In this review, we focus on G-quadruplexes as novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. We summarize the application basis of G-quadruplexes in gastrointestinal cancers, including their distribution sites, structural characteristics, and physiological functions. We describe the current status of applications for the treatment of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as the associated challenges. Finally, we review the prospective clinical applications of G-quadruplex targets, providing references for targeted treatment strategies in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Qiang Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing 102211, China
| | - Li-Na Wen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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