Nonviral delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics

Strengthening Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Anti-Tumor Immunity via Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles

Overexpression of checkpoint proteins, such as programmed death ligand one (PD-L1), prevents immune recognition and enables cancer growth. Current monoclonal antibodies that block PD-L1 tend to be fragile, unable to penetrate tumors, and target cancer at later stages, thus leading to inconsistent patient outcomes. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) provide an alternative to decrease PD-L1 expression, but require frequent high dosing due to fast degradation, rapid clearance, and poor cell uptake. To overcome these issues, we harnessed biocompatible metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, porous nanomaterials comprising metal nodes and organic linkers, to deliver ASOs. Encapsulating ASOs into MOFs enhances their stability and protection during intracellular delivery, leading to reduced PD-L1 expression and downstream immune recognition. Herein, we synthesized three distinct PD-L1-specific ASOs and loaded them individually into zirconium-based nano-sized NU-1000 MOFs, averaging ∼80% encapsulation efficiency. Release of encapsulated ASOs was sustained up to 7 days ex cellulo . MOF encapsulation increased ASO potency and reduced PD-L1 expression ∼ 3-fold and 2-fold in triple negative breast cancer EMT6 and melanoma B16-F10 cells, respectively. We evaluated the impact of MOF-delivered ASOs on PD-L1-expressing immune cells, where we observed ca. 12-fold increases in dendritic cell co-stimulatory marker expression, and amplified T cell activation and proliferation compared to untreated cells (4-fold and 10-fold, respectively). Notably, these changes drove a 3-fold increase in tumor caspase-3 expression, a key mediator for apoptosis. This research highlights how MOFs can be harnessed to bypass ASO limitations without requiring sequence modifications, and offers a broadly applicable platform for improved oligonucleotide delivery for various genes of interest.

Multifunctional molecular hybrid for targeted colorectal cancer cells: Integrating doxorubicin, AS1411 aptamer, and T9/U4 ASO

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a global health challenge, with current treatments often harming both cancerous and normal cells. To improve efficacy, a multifunctional drug delivery platform has been developed, integrating bioactive materials, anticancer agents, and targeted recognition ligands into a single molecule. This study aimed to create a molecular hybrid (MH) containing doxorubicin, AS1411 aptamer, and T9/U4 ASO to regulate SW480 cell proliferation. The AS1411 aptamer targets nucleolin, overexpressed on cancer cell membranes, while T9/U4 ASO inhibits human telomerase RNA activity, further hindering cancer cell proliferation. AS-T9/U4_MH was synthesized via oligonucleotide hybridization, followed by doxorubicin loading and evaluation of its impact on cell proliferation. Binding capability of this MH was verified using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, demonstrating specific recognition of SW480 cells due to nucleolin availability on the cell surface. These findings were corroborated by both microscopy and flow cytometry. AS-T9/U4_MH exhibited anti-proliferative effects, with the doxorubicin-loaded system demonstrating encapsulation and reduced toxicity. Moreover, the presence of Dox within AS-T9/U4_MH led to a notable reduction in hTERT and vimentin expression in SW480 cells. Additionally, examination of apoptotic pathways unveiled a marked decrease in Bcl-2 expression and a simultaneous increase in Bax expression in SW480 cells treated with Dox-loaded AS-T9/U4_MH, indicating its impact on promoting apoptosis. This molecular hybrid shows promise as a platform for integrating chemotherapeutic drugs with bioactive materials for cancer therapy.

Integrating Machine Learning-Based Approaches into the Design of ASO Therapies

Rare diseases impose a significant burden on affected individuals, caregivers, and healthcare systems worldwide. Developing effective therapeutics for these small patient populations presents substantial challenges. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach that targets the underlying genetic cause of disease at the RNA level. Several ASOs have gained FDA approval for the treatment of genetic conditions, including use in personalized N-of-1 trials. However, despite their potential, ASOs often exhibit limited clinical efficacy, and optimizing their design is a complex process influenced by numerous factors. Machine learning-based platforms, including eSkip-Finder and ASOptimizer, have been developed to address these challenges by predicting optimal ASO sequences and chemical modifications to enhance efficacy. eSkip-Finder focuses on exon-skipping applications, while ASOptimizer aims to optimize ASOs for RNA degradation. Preliminary in vitro results have demonstrated the promising predictive power of these platforms. However, limitations remain, including their generalizability to alternative targets and gaps in their consideration of all factors influencing ASO efficacy and safety. Continued advancements in machine learning models, alongside efforts to incorporate additional features affecting ASO efficacy and safety, hold significant promise for the field. These platforms have the potential to streamline ASO development, reduce associated costs, and improve clinical outcomes, positioning machine learning as a key tool in the future of ASO therapeutics.

Antisense oligonucleotides-based approaches for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy which affects the monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, is in rising incidence around the world, accounting for approximately 2 % of newly diagnosed cancer cases in the US, Australia, and Western Europe. Despite the progress made in the last few years in the available therapeutic options (e.g. proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, tumor cell-targeting monoclonal antibodies, autologous stem cell transplantation, etc.), multiple myeloma is still regarded as incurable, and the prognosis for most patients is poor, as the disease becomes refractory to treatment throughout time. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), designed to be complementary to selected messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences of specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (e.g. Bcl-2, Mcl-1, STAT3, IRF4, IL6, ILF2, HK2, c-MYC, etc.), represent a promising alternative to conventional treatments, and can be tailored according to the individual requirements of each patient. The main goal of antisense therapy for multiple myeloma consists in silencing the specific genes participating in the proliferation and survival of tumor cells via RNA cleavage or RNA blockage, thus preventing mRNA interactions with ribosomes and altering the process of protein translation. So far, pre-clinical and clinical studies showed promising results when Bcl-2 (Genasense), Mcl-1 (ISIS2048), STAT3 (ISIS345794) and IRF4 (ION251) were targeted using ASOs-based formulations. However, FDA approval has not been obtained yet for these products, mainly due to ethical and financial issues posed by customized therapies and insufficient information regarding their long-term toxicity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into antisense oligonucleotides-based therapies, their potential chemical modifications, the mechanisms involved in ASOs-mediated gene silencing, potential systems for ASOs delivery, and the applications of ASOs in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The relevant genetic targets in ASOs-based MM therapies were described, and the research results obtained in the studies conducted so far were analyzed, with a focus on the ASOs formulations that were already included in clinical trials. In the end, current challenges, and future perspectives of antisense therapy for MM were also discussed.

Photochemical Stabilization of Self-Assembled Spherical Nucleic Acids

Oligonucleotide therapeutics, including antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA, offer promising avenues for modulating the expression of disease-associated proteins. However, challenges such as nuclease degradation, poor cellular uptake, and unspecific targeting hinder their application. To overcome these obstacles, spherical nucleic acids have emerged as versatile tools for nucleic acid delivery in biomedical applications. Our laboratory has introduced sequence-defined DNA amphiphiles which self-assemble in aqueous solutions. Despite their advantages, self-assembled SNAs can be inherently fragile due to their reliance on non-covalent interactions and fall apart in biologically relevant conditions, specifically by interaction with serum proteins. Herein, this challenge is addressed by introducing two methods of covalent crosslinking of SNAs via UV irradiation. Thymine photodimerization or disulfide crosslinking at the micellar interface enhance SNA stability against human serum albumin binding. This enhanced stability, particularly for disulfide crosslinked SNAs, leads to increased cellular uptake. Furthermore, this crosslinking results in sustained activity and accessibility for release of the therapeutic nucleic acid, along with improvement in unaided gene silencing. The findings demonstrate the efficient stabilization of SNAs through UV crosslinking, influencing their cellular uptake, therapeutic release, and ultimately, gene silencing activity. These studies offer promising avenues for further optimization and exploration of pre-clinical, in vivo studies.

Exploring precision treatments in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: Harnessing the infinite potential of nucleic acid delivery

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) impose an immeasurable burden on individuals and society. While the conventional use of immunosuppressants and disease-modifying drugs has provided partial relief and control, their inevitable side effects and limited efficacy cast a shadow over finding a cure. Promising nucleic acid drugs have shown the potential to exert precise effects at the molecular level, with different classes of nucleic acids having regulatory functions through varying mechanisms. For the better delivery of nucleic acids, safe and effective viral vectors and non-viral delivery systems (including liposomes, polymers, etc.) have been intensively explored. Herein, after describing a range of nucleic acid categories and vectors, we focus on the application of therapeutic nucleic acid delivery in various IMIDs, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and uveitis. Molecules implicated in inflammation and immune dysregulation are abnormally expressed in a series of IMIDs, and their meticulous modulation through nucleic acid therapy results in varying degrees of remission and improvement of these diseases. By synthesizing findings centered on specific molecular targets, this review delivers a systematic elucidation and perspective towards advancing and utilization of nucleic acid therapeutics for managing IMIDs.

Oligonucleotide therapeutics in sports? An antidoping perspective

Within the last two decades, the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration have approved several gene therapies. One category is oligonucleotide therapeutics, which allow for the regulation of the expression of target genes. Besides already approved therapeutics, there are several preclinical and clinical trials ongoing. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits the use of "nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogs that may alter genome sequences and/or alter gene expression by any mechanism" as a nonspecified method at all times. Hence, the administration of nucleic acids or analogs by athletes would cause an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Herein, we discuss types of oligonucleotide therapeutics, their potential to be misused in sports, and considerations to sample preparation and mass spectrometric approaches with regard to antidoping analysis.

Endosomal Escape and Nuclear Localization: Critical Barriers for Therapeutic Nucleic Acids

Therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs) including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) have emerged as promising treatment strategies for a wide variety of diseases, offering the potential to modulate gene expression with a high degree of specificity. These small, synthetic nucleic acid-like molecules provide unique advantages over traditional pharmacological agents, including the ability to target previously "undruggable" genes. Despite this promise, several biological barriers severely limit their clinical efficacy. Upon administration, TNAs primarily enter cells through endocytosis, becoming trapped inside membrane-bound vesicles known as endosomes. Studies estimate that only 1-2% of TNAs successfully escape endosomal compartments to reach the cytosol, and in some cases the nucleus, where they bind target mRNA and exert their therapeutic effect. Endosomal entrapment and inefficient nuclear localization are therefore critical bottlenecks in the therapeutic application of TNAs. This review explores the current understanding of TNA endosomal escape and nuclear transport along with strategies aimed at overcoming these challenges, including the use of endosomal escape agents, peptide-TNA conjugates, non-viral delivery vehicles, and nuclear localization signals. By improving both endosomal escape and nuclear localization, significant advances in TNA-based therapeutics can be realized, ultimately expanding their clinical utility.

Antisense oligonucleotides as a precision therapy for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) comprise a complex spectrum of neurological disorders characterized by neurodevelopmental delay and early-onset seizures primarily caused by diverse genetic mutations. Traditional treatments have largely been symptomatic, focusing on seizure control without addressing the underlying genetic causes. The advent of gene therapy, particularly through antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), offers a promising avenue toward targeted therapeutic interventions. ASOs by virtue of their ability to modulate gene expression at the mRNA level represent a sophisticated approach to counteract the effects of pathogenic mutations. This review delves into the recent advancements in ASO technology, highlighting its application in preclinical and clinical settings for DEEs. We present evidence of the efficacy of ASOs in ameliorating disease phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, alongside promising outcomes from ongoing clinical trials. The therapeutic landscape for DEEs is on the cusp of significant transformation, underscored by the potential of ASOs to offer precise, personalized, treatments that extend beyond symptomatic relief to potentially rectify the genetic underpinnings of these disorders.

Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-specific antisense oligonucleotides reduce infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants

BACKGROUND

The Spike protein mutation severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to decreased protective effect of various vaccines and mAbs, suggesting that blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting host factors would make the therapy more resilient against virus mutations. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as many other coronaviruses. Downregulation of ACE2 expression in the respiratory tract may prevent viral infection. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be rationally designed on the basis of sequence data, require no delivery system, and can be administered locally.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to design ASOs that can block SARS-CoV-2 by downregulating ACE2 in human airway.

METHODS

ACE2-targeting ASOs were designed using a bioinformatic method and screened in cell lines. Human primary nasal epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface and humanized ACE2 mice were used to detect the ACE2 reduction levels and the safety of ASOs. ASO-pretreated nasal epithelial cells and mice were infected and then used to detect the viral infection levels.

RESULTS

ASOs reduced ACE2 expression on mRNA and protein level in cell lines and in human nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, they efficiently suppressed virus replication of 3 different SARS-CoV-2 variants in human nasal epithelial cells. In vivo, ASOs also downregulated human ACE2 in humanized ACE2 mice and thereby reduced viral load, histopathologic changes in lungs, and increased survival of mice.

CONCLUSIONS

ACE2-targeting ASOs can effectively block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study provides a new approach for blocking SARS-CoV-2 and other ACE2-targeting virus in high-risk populations.

mRNA-specific readthrough of nonsense codons by antisense oligonucleotides (R-ASOs)

Nonsense mutations account for >10% of human genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, Alagille syndrome, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A nonsense mutation results in the expression of a truncated protein, and therapeutic strategies aim to restore full-length protein expression. Most strategies under development, including small-molecule aminoglycosides, suppressor tRNAs, or the targeted degradation of termination factors, lack mRNA target selectivity and may poorly differentiate between nonsense and normal stop codons, resulting in off-target translation errors. Here, we demonstrate that antisense oligonucleotides can stimulate readthrough of disease-causing nonsense codons, resulting in high yields of full-length protein in mammalian cellular lysate. Readthrough efficiency depends on the sequence context near the stop codon and on the precise targeting position of an oligonucleotide, whose interaction with mRNA inhibits peptide release to promote readthrough. Readthrough-inducing antisense oligonucleotides (R-ASOs) enhance the potency of non-specific readthrough agents, including aminoglycoside G418 and suppressor tRNA, enabling a path toward target-specific readthrough of nonsense mutations in CFTR, JAG1, DMD, BRCA1 and other mutant genes. Finally, through systematic chemical engineering, we identify heavily modified fully functional R-ASO variants, enabling future therapeutic development.

Therapeutic Antisense Oligonucleotides in Oncology: From Bench to Bedside

Advancements in our comprehension of tumor biology and chemoresistance have spurred the development of treatments that precisely target specific molecules within the body. Despite the expanding landscape of therapeutic options, there persists a demand for innovative approaches to address unmet clinical needs. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising frontier in this realm, offering novel avenues for intervention such as RNA interference and the utilization of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). ASOs represent a versatile class of therapeutics capable of selectively targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and silencing disease-associated proteins, thereby disrupting pathogenic processes at the molecular level. Recent advancements in chemical modification and carrier molecule design have significantly enhanced the stability, biodistribution, and intracellular uptake of ASOs, thereby bolstering their therapeutic potential. While ASO therapy holds promise across various disease domains, including oncology, coronary angioplasty, neurological disorders, viral, and parasitic diseases, our review manuscript focuses specifically on the application of ASOs in targeted cancer therapies. Through a comprehensive examination of the latest research findings and clinical developments, we delve into the intricacies of ASO-based approaches to cancer treatment, shedding light on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, and prospects.

The evolving landscape of gene therapy strategies for the treatment of osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

Significant advances have been made in our understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis; however, no disease-modifying therapies have been identified. This review will summarize the gene therapy landscape, its initial successes for OA, and possible challenges using recent studies and examples of gene therapies in clinical trials.

DESIGN

This narrative review has three major sections: 1) vector systems for OA gene therapy, 2) current and emerging targets for OA gene therapy, and 3) considerations and future directions.

RESULTS

Gene therapy is the strategy by which nucleic acids are delivered to treat and reverse disease progression. Specificity and prolonged expression of these nucleic acids are achieved by manipulating promoters, genes, and vector systems. Certain vector systems also allow for the development of combinatorial nucleic acid strategies that can be delivered in a single intraarticular injection - an approach likely required to treat the complexity of OA pathogenesis. Several viral and non-viral vector-based gene therapies are in clinical trials for OA, and many more are being evaluated in the preclinical arena.

CONCLUSIONS

In a post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the future of gene therapy for OA is certainly promising; however, the majority of preclinical validation continues to focus heavily on post-traumatic models and changes in only cartilage and subchondral bone. To ensure successful translation, new candidates in the preclinical arena should be examined against all joint tissues as well as pain using diverse models of injury-, obesity-, and age-induced disease. Lastly, consideration must be given to strategies for repeat administration and the cost of treatment owing to the chronic nature of OA.

Chitosan nanocarriers for non-coding RNA therapeutics: A review

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-based therapies entail delivering ncRNAs to cells to regulate gene expression and produce proteins that combat infections, cancer, neurological diseases, and bone abnormalities. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of these ncRNAs has been limited due to the difficulties in delivering them to specific cellular targets within the body. Chitosan (CS), a biocompatible cationic polymer, interacts with negatively charged RNA molecules to form stable complexes. It is a promising biomaterial to develop nanocarriers for ncRNA delivery, overcoming several disadvantages of traditional delivery systems. CS-based nanocarriers can protect ncRNAs from degradation and target-specific delivery by surface modifications and intracellular release profiles over an extended period. This review briefly summarizes the recent developments in CS nanocarriers' synthesis and design considerations and their applications in ncRNA therapeutics for treating various diseases. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of CS-based nanocarriers for ncRNA therapeutics and potential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Biomimetic nanodecoys deliver cholesterol-modified heteroduplex oligonucleotide to target dopaminergic neurons for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates called Lewy bodies leading to the gradual loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Although α-syn expression can be attenuated by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection, the challenge to peripheral targeted delivery of oligonucleotide safely and effectively into DA neurons remains unresolved. Here, we designed a new DNA/DNA double-stranded (complementary DNA, coDNA) molecule with cholesterol conjugation (Chol-HDO (coDNA)) based on an α-syn-ASO sequence and evaluated its silence efficiency. Further, Chol-HDO@LMNPs, Chol-HDO-loaded, cerebrovascular endothelial cell membrane with DSPE-PEG2000-levodopa modification (L-DOPA-CECm)-coated nanoparticles (NPs), were developed for the targeted treatment of PD by tail intravenous injection. CECm facilitated the blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration of NPs, together with cholesterol escaped from reticuloendothelial system uptake, as well as L-DOPA was decarboxylated into dopamine which promoted the NPs toward the PD site for DA neuron regeneration. The behavioral tests demonstrated that the nanodecoys improved the efficacy of HDO on PD mice. These findings provide insights into the development of biomimetic nanodecoys loading HDO for precise therapy of PD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates is a hallmark of PD. Our previous study designed a specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting human SNCA, but the traumatic intracerebroventricular (ICV) is not conducive to clinical application. Here, we further optimize the ASO by creating a DNA/DNA double-stranded molecule with cholesterol-conjugated, named Chol-HDO (coDNA), and develop a DA-targeted biomimetic nanodecoy Chol-HDO@LMNPs by engineering cerebrovascular endothelial cells membranes (CECm) with DSPE-PEG2000 and L-DOPA. The in vivo results demonstrated that tail vein injection of Chol-HDO@LMNPs could target DA neurons in the brain and ameliorate motor deficits in a PD mouse model. This investigation provides a promising peripheral delivery platform of L-DOPA-CECm nanodecoy loaded with a new Chol-HDO (coDNA) targeting DA neurons in PD therapy.

Design and synthesis of nucleotidyl lipids and their application in the targeted delivery of siG12D for pancreatic cancer therapy

Nucleic acid drugs are attracting significant attention as prospective therapeutics. However, their efficacy is hindered by challenges in penetrating cell membranes and reaching target tissues, limiting their applications. Nucleotidyl lipids, with their specific intermolecular interactions such as H-bonding and π-π stacking, offer a promising solution as gene delivery vehicles. In this study, a novel series of nucleotide-based amphiphiles were synthesized. These lipid molecules possess the ability to self-assemble into spherical vesicles of appropriate size and zeta potential in aqueous solution. Furthermore, their complexes with oligonucleotides demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and exhibited antiproliferative effects against a broad range of cancer cells. Additionally, when combined with the cationic lipid CLD, these complexes displayed promising in vitro performance and in vivo efficacy. By incorporating DSPE-PEGylated cRGD into the formulation, targeted accumulation of siG12D in pancreatic cancer cells increased from approximately 6% to 18%, leading to effective treatment outcomes (intravenous administration, 1 mg/kg). This finding holds significant importance for the liposomal delivery of nucleic acid drugs to extrahepatic tissues.

Engineered Silica Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Delivery

The development of nucleic acid-based drugs holds great promise for therapeutic applications, but their effective delivery into cells is hindered by poor cellular membrane permeability and inherent instability. To overcome these challenges, delivery vehicles are required to protect and deliver nucleic acids efficiently. Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have emerged as promising nanovectors and recently bioregulators for gene delivery due to their unique advantages. In this review, a summary of recent advancements in the design of SiNPs for nucleic acid delivery and their applications is provided, mainly according to the specific type of nucleic acids. First, the structural characteristics and working mechanisms of various types of nucleic acids are introduced and classified according to their functions. Subsequently, for each nucleic acid type, the use of SiNPs for enhancing delivery performance and their biomedical applications are summarized. The tailored design of SiNPs for selected type of nucleic acid delivery will be highlighted considering the characteristics of nucleic acids. Lastly, the limitations in current research and personal perspectives on future directions in this field are presented. It is expected this opportune review will provide insights into a burgeoning research area for the development of next-generation SiNP-based nucleic acid delivery systems.

Splice-Modulating Antisense Oligonucleotides as Therapeutics for Inherited Metabolic Diseases

The last decade (2013-2023) has seen unprecedented successes in the clinical translation of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Eight such molecules have been granted marketing approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) during the decade, after the first ASO drug, fomivirsen, was approved much earlier, in 1998. Splice-modulating ASOs have also been developed for the therapy of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), due to their ability to redirect aberrant splicing caused by mutations, thus recovering the expression of normal transcripts, and correcting the deficiency of functional proteins. The feasibility of treating IEM patients with splice-switching ASOs has been supported by FDA permission (2018) of the first "N-of-1" study of milasen, an investigational ASO drug for Batten disease. Although for IEM, owing to the rarity of individual disease and/or pathogenic mutation, only a low number of patients may be treated by ASOs that specifically suppress the aberrant splicing pattern of mutant precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA), splice-switching ASOs represent superior individualized molecular therapeutics for IEM. In this work, we first summarize the ASO technology with respect to its mechanisms of action, chemical modifications of nucleotides, and rational design of modified oligonucleotides; following that, we precisely provide a review of the current understanding of developing splice-modulating ASO-based therapeutics for IEM. In the concluding section, we suggest potential ways to improve and/or optimize the development of ASOs targeting IEM.

Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Nanostructures as a Tunable Delivery Platform: Perspective and Framework for the Future Drug Product Development

Nanoformulation of active payloads or pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has always been an area of interest to achieve targeted, sustained, and efficacious delivery. Various delivery platforms have been explored, but loading and delivery of APIs have been challenging because of the chemical and structural properties of these molecules. Polymersomes made from amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCPs) have shown enormous promise as a tunable API delivery platform and confer multifold advantages over lipid-based systems. For example, a COVID booster vaccine comprising polymersomes encapsulating spike protein (ACM-001) has recently completed a Phase I clinical trial and provides a case for developing safe drug products based on ABCP delivery platforms. However, several limitations need to be resolved before they can reach their full potential. In this Perspective, we would like to highlight such aspects requiring further development for translating an ABCP-based delivery platform from a proof of concept to a viable commercial product.

Types of RNA therapeutics

RNA therapy is one of the new treatments using small RNA molecules to target and regulate gene expression. It involves the application of synthetic or modified RNA molecules to inhibit the expression of disease-causing genes specifically. In other words, it silences genes and suppresses the transcription process. The main theory behind RNA therapy is that RNA molecules can prevent the translation into proteins by binding to specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. By targeting disease-related mRNA molecules, RNA therapy can effectively silence or reduce the development of harmful proteins. There are different types of RNA molecules used in therapy, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), aptamer, ribozyme, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). These molecules are designed to complement specific mRNA sequences, allowing them to bind and degrade the targeted mRNA or prevent its translation into protein. Nanotechnology is also highlighted to increase the efficacy of RNA-based drugs. In this chapter, while examining various methods of RNA therapy, we discuss the advantages and challenges of each.

Splicing Modulation via Antisense Oligonucleotides in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent an emerging therapeutic platform for targeting genetic diseases by influencing various aspects of (pre-)mRNA biology, such as splicing, stability, and translation. In this study, we investigated the potential of modulating the splicing pattern in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient cells carrying a frequent genomic variant (c.425A > G) that disrupts splicing in the COL7A1 gene by using short 2'-O-(2-Methoxyethyl) oligoribo-nucleotides (2'-MOE ASOs). COL7A1-encoded type VII collagen (C7) forms the anchoring fibrils within the skin that are essential for the attachment of the epidermis to the underlying dermis. As such, gene variants of COL7A1 leading to functionally impaired or absent C7 manifest in the form of extensive blistering and wounding. The severity of the disease pattern warrants the development of novel therapies for patients. The c.425A > G variant at the COL7A1 exon 3/intron 3 junction lowers the efficiency of splicing at this junction, resulting in non-functional C7 transcripts. However, we found that correct splicing still occurs, albeit at a very low level, highlighting an opportunity for intervention by modulating the splicing reaction. We therefore screened 2'-MOE ASOs that bind along the COL7A1 target region ranging from exon 3 to the intron 3/exon 4 junction for their ability to modulate splicing. We identified ASOs capable of increasing the relative levels of correctly spliced COL7A1 transcripts by RT-PCR, sqRT-PCR, and ddPCR. Furthermore, RDEB-derived skin equivalents treated with one of the most promising ASOs exhibited an increase in full-length C7 expression and its accurate deposition along the basement membrane zone (BMZ).

Synthetic RNA Therapeutics in Cancer

Recent advances in the RNA delivery system have facilitated the development of a separate field of RNA therapeutics, with modalities including mRNA, microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA, and circular (circRNA) that have been incorporated into oncology research. The main advantages of the RNA-based modalities are high flexibility in designing RNA and rapid production for clinical screening. It is challenging to eliminate tumors by tackling a single target in cancer. In the era of precision medicine, RNA-based therapeutic approaches potentially constitute suitable platforms for targeting heterogeneous tumors that possess multiple sub-clonal cancer cell populations. In this review, we discussed how synthetic coding and non-coding RNAs, such as mRNA, miRNA, ASO, and circRNA, can be applied in the development of therapeutics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With development of vaccines against coronavirus, RNA-based therapeutics have received attention. Here, the authors discuss different types of RNA-based therapeutics potentially effective against tumor that are highly heterogeneous giving rise to resistance and relapses to the conventional therapeutics. Moreover, this study summarized recent findings suggesting combination approaches of RNA therapeutics and cancer immunotherapy.

Biomaterial-based gene therapy

Gene therapy, a medical approach that involves the correction or replacement of defective and abnormal genes, plays an essential role in the treatment of complex and refractory diseases, such as hereditary diseases, cancer, and rheumatic immune diseases. Nucleic acids alone do not easily enter the target cells due to their easy degradation in vivo and the structure of the target cell membranes. The introduction of genes into biological cells is often dependent on gene delivery vectors, such as adenoviral vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. However, traditional viral vectors have strong immunogenicity while also presenting a potential infection risk. Recently, biomaterials have attracted attention for use as efficient gene delivery vehicles, because they can avoid the drawbacks associated with viral vectors. Biomaterials can improve the biological stability of nucleic acids and the efficiency of intracellular gene delivery. This review is focused on biomaterial-based delivery systems in gene therapy and disease treatment. Herein, we review the recent developments and modalities of gene therapy. Additionally, we discuss nucleic acid delivery strategies, with a focus on biomaterial-based gene delivery systems. Furthermore, the current applications of biomaterial-based gene therapy are summarized.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugation, Chemical Modification, and Carrier-Based Delivery Strategies

Oligonucleotide-based therapies are a promising approach for treating a wide range of hard-to-treat diseases, particularly genetic and rare diseases. These therapies involve the use of short synthetic sequences of DNA or RNA that can modulate gene expression or inhibit proteins through various mechanisms. Despite the potential of these therapies, a significant barrier to their widespread use is the difficulty in ensuring their uptake by target cells/tissues. Strategies to overcome this challenge include cell-penetrating peptide conjugation, chemical modification, nanoparticle formulation, and the use of endogenous vesicles, spherical nucleic acids, and smart material-based delivery vehicles. This article provides an overview of these strategies and their potential for the efficient delivery of oligonucleotide drugs, as well as the safety and toxicity considerations, regulatory requirements, and challenges in translating these therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.

Removing the stumbling block of exosome applications in clinical and translational medicine: expand production and improve accuracy

Although the clinical application and transformation of exosomes are still in the exploration stage, the prospects are promising and have a profound impact on the future transformation medicine of exosomes. However, due to the limitation of production and poor targeting ability of exosomes, the extensive and rich biological functions of exosomes are restricted, and the potential of clinical transformation is limited. The current research is committed to solving the above problems and expanding the clinical application value, but it lacks an extensive, multi-angle, and comprehensive systematic summary and prospect. Therefore, we reviewed the current optimization strategies of exosomes in medical applications, including the exogenous treatment of parent cells and the improvement of extraction methods, and compared their advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, the targeting ability was improved by carrying drugs and engineering the structure of exosomes to solve the problem of poor targeting ability in clinical transformation. In addition, we discussed other problems that may exist in the application of exosomes. Although the clinical application and transformation of exosomes are still in the exploratory stage, the prospects are promising and have a profound impact on drug delivery, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and regenerative medicine.

Polypyrimidine tract binding protein knockdown reverses depression-like behaviors and cognition impairment in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons

Background and objectives

Depression is a common comorbidity of dementia and may be a risk factor for dementia. Accumulating evidence has suggested that the cholinergic system plays a central role in dementia and depression, and the loss of cholinergic neurons is associated with memory decline in aging and Alzheimer's patients. A specific loss of cholinergic neurons in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) is correlated with depression and dysfunction of cognition in mice. In this study, we examined the potential regenerative mechanisms of knockdown the RNA-binding protein polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) in reversing depression-like behaviors and cognition impairment in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons.

Methods

We lesioned cholinergic neurons in mice induced by injection of 192 IgG-saporin into HDB; then, we injected either antisense oligonucleotides or adeno-associated virus-shRNA (GFAP promoter) into the injured area of HDB to deplete PTB followed by a broad range of methodologies including behavioral examinations, Western blot, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence.

Results

We found that the conversion of astrocytes to newborn neurons by using antisense oligonucleotides on PTB in vitro, and depletion of PTB using either antisense oligonucleotides or adeno-associated virus-shRNA into the injured area of HDB could specifically transform astrocytes into cholinergic neurons. Meanwhile, knockdown of PTB by both approaches could relieve the depression-like behaviors shown by sucrose preference, forced swimming or tail-suspension tests, and alleviate cognitive impairment such as fear conditioning and novel object recognition in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that supplementing cholinergic neurons after PTB knockdown may be a promising therapeutic strategy to revert depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.