1
|
Asha K, Kumar P, Sanicas M, Meseko CA, Khanna M, Kumar B. Advancements in Nucleic Acid Based Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections. J Clin Med 2018; 8:jcm8010006. [PMID: 30577479 PMCID: PMC6351902 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several viruses cause pulmonary infections due to their shared tropism with cells of the respiratory tract. These respiratory problems due to viral infection become a public health concern due to rapid transmission through air/aerosols or via direct-indirect contact with infected persons. In addition, the cross-species transmission causes alterations to viral genetic makeup thereby increasing the risk of emergence of pathogens with new and more potent infectivity. With the introduction of effective nucleic acid-based technologies, post translational gene silencing (PTGS) is being increasingly used to silence viral gene targets and has shown promising approach towards management of many viral infections. Since several host factors are also utilized by these viruses during various stages of infection, silencing these host factors can also serve as promising therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid-based technologies such as short interfering RNAs (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes), and ribozymes have been studied and used against management of respiratory viruses. These therapeutic nucleic acids can be efficiently delivered through the airways. Studies have also shown efficacy of gene therapy in clinical trials against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as models of respiratory diseases including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), measles and influenza. In this review, we have summarized some of the recent advancements made in the area of nucleic acid based therapeutics and highlighted the emerging roles of nucleic acids in the management of some of the severe respiratory viral infections. We have also focused on the methods of their delivery and associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, Noida 201303, India.
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Sanofi Pasteur, Asia and JPAC Region, Singapore 257856, Singapore.
| | - Clement A Meseko
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930010, Nigeria.
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Delivery of RNAi Therapeutics to the Airways-From Bench to Bedside. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21091249. [PMID: 27657028 PMCID: PMC6272875 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21091249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent and specific post-transcriptional gene silencing process. Since its discovery, tremendous efforts have been made to translate RNAi technology into therapeutic applications for the treatment of different human diseases including respiratory diseases, by manipulating the expression of disease-associated gene(s). Similar to other nucleic acid-based therapeutics, the major hurdle of RNAi therapy is delivery. Pulmonary delivery is a promising approach of delivering RNAi therapeutics directly to the airways for treating local conditions and minimizing systemic side effects. It is a non-invasive route of administration that is generally well accepted by patients. However, pulmonary drug delivery is a challenge as the lungs pose a series of anatomical, physiological and immunological barriers to drug delivery. Understanding these barriers is essential for the development an effective RNA delivery system. In this review, the different barriers to pulmonary drug delivery are introduced. The potential of RNAi molecules as new class of therapeutics, and the latest preclinical and clinical studies of using RNAi therapeutics in different respiratory conditions are discussed in details. We hope this review can provide some useful insights for moving inhaled RNAi therapeutics from bench to bedside.
Collapse
|
3
|
Targeted siRNA therapy using cytoplasm-responsive nanocarriers and cell-penetrating peptides. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-014-0155-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
4
|
Rethinking the composition of a rational antibiotic arsenal for the 21st century. Future Med Chem 2014; 5:1231-42. [PMID: 23859205 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the human microbiome in health may be the single most valuable development in our conception of the microbial world since Pasteur's germ theory of the 1860s. Its implications for our understanding of health and pathogenesis are profound. Coupled with the revolution in diagnostics that we are now witnessing - a revolution that changes medicine from a science of symptoms to a science of causes - we cannot continue to develop antibiotics as we have for the past 80 years. Instead, we need to usher in a new conception of the role of antibiotics in treatment: away from single molecules that target broad phylogenetic spectra and towards targeted molecules that cripple the pathogen while leaving the rest of the microbiome largely intact.
Collapse
|
5
|
Okada H, Ogawa T, Tanaka K, Kanazawa T, Takashima Y. Cytoplasm-Responsive Delivery Systems for siRNA Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanomicelles. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1773-2247(14)50001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
6
|
Arukuusk P, Pärnaste L, Oskolkov N, Copolovici DM, Margus H, Padari K, Möll K, Maslovskaja J, Tegova R, Kivi G, Tover A, Pooga M, Ustav M, Langel U. New generation of efficient peptide-based vectors, NickFects, for the delivery of nucleic acids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:1365-73. [PMID: 23357356 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing of a branched structure is a novel approach in the design of cell-penetrating peptides and it has provided highly efficient transfection reagents for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. The new stearylated TP10 analogs, NickFects, condense plasmid DNA, splice correcting oligonucleotides and short interfering RNAs into stable nanoparticles with a size of 62-160nm. Such nanoparticles have a negative surface charge (-11 to -18mV) in serum containing medium and enable highly efficient gene expression, splice correction and gene silencing. One of the novel peptides, NickFect51 is capable of transfecting plasmid DNA into a large variety of cell lines, including refractory suspension and primary cells and in several cases exceeds the transfection level of commercially available reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 without any cytotoxic side effects. Additionally we demonstrate the advantages of NickFect51 in a protein production system, QMCF technology, for expression and production of recombinant proteins in hardly transfectable suspension cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kanazawa T, Sugawara K, Tanaka K, Horiuchi S, Takashima Y, Okada H. Suppression of tumor growth by systemic delivery of anti-VEGF siRNA with cell-penetrating peptide-modified MPEG–PCL nanomicelles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2012; 81:470-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2012.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
8
|
Ramirez-Carvajal L, Long CR. Down-regulation of viral replication by lentiviral-mediated expression of short-hairpin RNAs against vesicular stomatitis virus ribonuclear complex genes. Antiviral Res 2012; 95:150-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
9
|
Fabbri E, Brognara E, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Bianchi N, Sforza S, Tedeschi T, Manicardi A, Marchelli R, Corradini R, Gambari R. miRNA therapeutics: delivery and biological activity of peptide nucleic acids targeting miRNAs. Epigenomics 2012; 3:733-45. [PMID: 22126292 DOI: 10.2217/epi.11.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA/RNA mimics extensively used for pharmacological regulation of gene expression in a variety of cellular and molecular systems, and they have been described as excellent candidates for antisense and antigene therapies. At present, very few data are available on the use of PNAs as molecules targeting miRNAs. miRNAs are a family of small nc RNAs that regulate gene expression by sequence-selective targeting of mRNAs, leading to a translational repression or mRNA degradation to the control of highly regulated biological functions, such as differentiation, cell cycle and apoptosis. The aim of this article is to present the state-of-the-art concerning the possible use of PNAs to target miRNAs and modify their biological metabolism within the cells. The results present in the literature allow to propose PNA-based molecules as very promising reagents to modulate the biological activity of miRNAs. In consideration of the involvement of miRNAs in human pathologies, PNA-mediated targeting of miRNAs has been proposed as a potential novel therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Phetrungnapha A, Panyim S, Ongvarrasopone C. A Tudor staphylococcal nuclease from Penaeus monodon: cDNA cloning and its involvement in RNA interference. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 31:373-380. [PMID: 21745576 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2011.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) plays an important role in an antiviral defense in shrimp. RNAi technology has been extensively used for inhibition of viral replication and studying gene function. However, the mechanism of shrimp RNAi pathway is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized an additional protein in the RNAi pathway, Tudor staphylococcal nuclease from Penaeus monodon (PmTSN). The full-length cDNA of PmTSN is 2897 bp, with an open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 889 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis and domain structure comparison revealed that PmTSN is more closely related to vertebrate TSN by sharing the amino acid sequence identity of 57% with TSN of zebrafish. This represents a new type of TSN proteins by exhibiting the four tandem repeat of staphylococcal nuclease-like domain (SN), followed by a Tudor and a partially truncated C-terminal SN domain. Knockdown of PmTSN by dsRNA targeting SN3 domain resulted in the impairment of dsRNA targeting PmRab7 gene to silence PmRab7 expression. In addition, the efficiency of dsRNA targeting YHV-protease gene inhibiting yellow head virus replication was decreased in the PmTSN-knockdown shrimps. Our results imply that PmTSN is involved in dsRNA-mediated gene silencing in shrimp and thus we identified the additional protein involved in shrimp RNAi pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amnat Phetrungnapha
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gambari R, Fabbri E, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Brognara E, Bianchi N, Manicardi A, Marchelli R, Corradini R. Targeting microRNAs involved in human diseases: a novel approach for modification of gene expression and drug development. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1416-29. [PMID: 21864506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The identification of all epigenetic modifications (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications and expression of noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs) involved in gene regulation is one of the major steps forward for understanding human biology in both normal and pathological conditions and for development of novel drugs. In this context, microRNAs play a pivotal role. This review article focuses on the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of gene expression, on the possible role of microRNAs in the onset and development of human pathologies, and on the pharmacological alteration of the biological activity of microRNAs. RNA and DNA analogs, which can selectively target microRNAs using Watson-Crick base pairing schemes, provide a rational and efficient way to modulate gene expression. These compounds, termed antago-miR or anti-miR have been described in many examples in the recent literature and have proved to be able to perform regulatory as well as therapeutic functions. Among these, a still not fully exploited class is that of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), promising tools for the inhibition of miRNA activity, with important applications in gene therapy and in drug development. PNAs targeting miR-122, miR-155 and miR-210 have already been developed and their biological effects studied both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Inhibition of dengue virus infections in cell cultures and in AG129 mice by a small interfering RNA targeting a highly conserved sequence. J Virol 2011; 85:10154-66. [PMID: 21795337 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.05298-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The dengue viruses (DENVs) exist as numerous genetic strains that are grouped into four antigenically distinct serotypes. DENV strains from each serotype can cause severe disease and threaten public health in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. No licensed antiviral agent to treat DENV infections is currently available, and there is an acute need for the development of novel therapeutics. We found that a synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) (DC-3) targeting the highly conserved 5' cyclization sequence (5'CS) region of the DENV genome reduced, by more than 100-fold, the titers of representative strains from each DENV serotype in vitro. To determine if DC-3 siRNA could inhibit DENV in vivo, an "in vivo-ready" version of DC-3 was synthesized and tested against DENV-2 by using a mouse model of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE)-induced disease. Compared with the rapid weight loss and 5-day average survival time of the control groups, mice receiving the DC-3 siRNA had an average survival time of 15 days and showed little weight loss for approximately 12 days. DC-3-treated mice also contained significantly less virus than control groups in several tissues at various time points postinfection. These results suggest that exogenously introduced siRNA combined with the endogenous RNA interference processing machinery has the capacity to prevent severe dengue disease. Overall, the data indicate that DC-3 siRNA represents a useful research reagent and has potential as a novel approach to therapeutic intervention against the genetically diverse dengue viruses.
Collapse
|
13
|
Mishra D, Kang HC, Bae YH. Reconstitutable charged polymeric (PLGA)(2)-b-PEI micelles for gene therapeutics delivery. Biomaterials 2011; 32:3845-54. [PMID: 21354616 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of creating a charged polymeric micelle-based nucleic acid delivery system that could easily be reconstituted by the addition of water. (PLGA(36kDa))(2)-b-bPEI(25kDa) (PLGA MW 36 kDa, bPEI M(w) 25 kDa, PLGA:bPEI block ratio = 2) was synthesized and used to prepare cationic micelles. The copolymer retained proton-buffering capability from the bPEI block within the endosomal pH range. Micelle/pDNA complexes retained their particle size (100-150 nm) and surface charge (30-40 mV) following reconstitution. It was found that adding a small amount of low molecular weight bPEI (1.8 kDa) completely shielded pDNA in the micelle/pDNA complexes and enhanced transfection efficiency 50-100 fold for both fresh and reconstituted complexes without affecting complex size. Transfection efficiency for "reconstituted" micelle/pDNA/bPEI(1.8kDa) (WR 1) complexes was 16-fold higher than its "fresh" counterpart. Although transfection levels achieved using "reconstituted" micelle/pDNA/bPEI(1.8kDa) complexes were 3.6-fold lower than control "fresh" bPEI(25kDa)/pDNA (N/P 5) complexes, transfection levels were 39-fold higher than "reconstituted" bPEI(25kDa)/pDNA (N/P 5) complexes. The micelle/pDNA/bPEI(1.8kDa) system showed very low cytotoxicity in MCF7 cells even with pDNA doses up to 20 μg, and transfection levels increased linearly with increasing pDNA dose. These results indicate that this PLGA-b-bPEI polymeric micelle-based system is well suited as a reconstitutable gene delivery system, and has high potential for use as a delivery system for gene therapy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Mishra
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Utah, 20 S. 2030 E., Rm. 108, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tanaka K, Kanazawa T, Ogawa T, Suda Y, Takashima Y, Fukuda T, Okada H. A Novel, Bio-Reducible Gene Vector Containing Arginine and Histidine Enhances Gene Transfection and Expression of Plasmid DNA. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2011; 59:202-7. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.59.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ko Tanaka
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Takanori Kanazawa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Takaya Ogawa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Yumiko Suda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Yuuki Takashima
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | | | - Hiroaki Okada
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hong J, Huang Y, Li J, Yi F, Zheng J, Huang H, Wei N, Shan Y, An M, Zhang H, Ji J, Zhang P, Xi Z, Du Q, Liang Z. Comprehensive analysis of sequence‐specific stability of siRNA. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.09.142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Hong
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Jun Li
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Fan Yi
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Huang Huang
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Yongqiang Shan
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Mingrui An
- School of Life SciencePeking University Beijing China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co. Ltd. Kunshan Jiangsu China
| | - Jianguo Ji
- School of Life SciencePeking University Beijing China
| | | | - Zhen Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento‐Organic ChemistryNankai University Tianjin China
| | - Quan Du
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| | - Zicai Liang
- Institute of Molecular MedicinePeking University Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Disulfide crosslinked stearoyl carrier peptides containing arginine and histidine enhance siRNA uptake and gene silencing. Int J Pharm 2010; 398:219-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
17
|
Hong J, Huang Y, Li J, Yi F, Zheng J, Huang H, Wei N, Shan Y, An M, Zhang H, Ji J, Zhang P, Xi Z, Du Q, Liang Z. Comprehensive analysis of sequence-specific stability of siRNA. FASEB J 2010; 24:4844-55. [PMID: 20732955 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are important modulators of biological processes and hold great promise for therapeutic applications. However, serum processing of synthetic siRNAs is still largely unknown. To address this issue, serum degradation assays of 125 siRNAs were first performed in this study. Four siRNA categories of distinct serum stability were identified, including a group of siRNAs that were stable in their native form for both in vitro and in vivo assays. Fine mapping of the cleavage events occurring in serum treatment demonstrated that most occurred at two vulnerable sites, leading to a speculation that rational modification of these sites might protect most siRNAs from serum degradation. For proof of concept, an exhaustive siRNA modification study was performed. In addition to the consistent stabilization pattern revealed at these sites, our study further showed that a single modification made at the cleavage site stabilized the siRNAs to a large extent, highlighting the importance of these sites in siRNA degradation. In summary, the present study provided a comprehensive picture of serum processing of siRNA as well as a starting point for a rational siRNA modification strategy, both of which are of great importance to in vivo and therapeutic applications of siRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Hong
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dong P, Yu F, Fan X, Lin Z, Chen Y, Li J. Inhibition of ATIR by shRNA prevents collagen synthesis in hepatic stellate cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 344:195-202. [PMID: 20703514 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, strategies aimed at disrupting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are extensively investigated for treating liver fibrosis. However, the experiment results remain unsatisfactory, mainly due to excessive level of angiotensin II (AngII) in gene expression. In this article, we aim to investigate whether suppression of AngII-type I receptor (ATIR) expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors decreases the level of collagen synthesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Three pairs of ATIR-targeted shRNA expression vectors were transfected into HSC-T6 cells. Compared with the control group, both mRNA and protein levels of ATIR expression were significiently decreased in shRNA-treated groups, and the inhibitory effect exhibited a dose- and time-dependent pattern. Accordingly, TGF-β1 mRNA expression in shRNA1 group was reduced by about 54% compared with the control group. The level of Procollagen type III, hyaluronic acid, and laminin declined by about 46.4, 52.6, and 42%, respectively. In conclusion, shRNA expression vectors targeting ATIR could attenuate collagen synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peihong Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Posey KL, Liu P, Wang HR, Veerisetty AC, Alcorn JL, Hecht JT. RNAi reduces expression and intracellular retention of mutant cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10302. [PMID: 20421976 PMCID: PMC2858657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a large extracellular glycoprotein expressed in musculoskeletal tissues, cause two skeletal dysplasias, pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. These mutations lead to massive intracellular retention of COMP, chondrocyte death and loss of growth plate chondrocytes that are necessary for linear growth. In contrast, COMP null mice have only minor growth plate abnormalities, normal growth and longevity. This suggests that reducing mutant and wild-type COMP expression in chondrocytes may prevent the toxic cellular phenotype causing the skeletal dysplasias. We tested this hypothesis using RNA interference to reduce steady state levels of COMP mRNA. A panel of shRNAs directed against COMP was tested. One shRNA (3B) reduced endogenous and recombinant COMP mRNA dramatically, regardless of expression levels. The activity of the shRNA against COMP mRNA was maintained for up to 10 weeks. We also demonstrate that this treatment reduced ER stress. Moreover, we show that reducing steady state levels of COMP mRNA alleviates intracellular retention of other extracellular matrix proteins associated with the pseudoachondroplasia cellular pathology. These findings are a proof of principle and the foundation for the development of a therapeutic intervention based on reduction of COMP expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Posey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a demyelinating central nervous system disease caused by a persistent measles virus (MV) infection of neurons and glial cells. There is still no specific therapy available, and in spite of an intact innate and adaptive immune response, SSPE leads inevitably to death. In order to select effective antiviral short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), we established a plasmid-based test system expressing the mRNA of DsRed2 fused with mRNA sequences of single viral genes, to which certain siRNAs were directed. siRNA sequences were expressed as short hairpin RNA (shRNA) from a lentiviral vector additionally expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as an indicator. Evaluation by flow cytometry of the dual-color system (DsRed and EGFP) allowed us to find optimal shRNA sequences. Using the most active shRNA constructs, we transduced persistently infected human NT2 cells expressing virus-encoded HcRed (piNT2-HcRed) as an indicator of infection. shRNA against N, P, and L mRNAs of MV led to a reduction of the infection below detectable levels in a high percentage of transduced piNT2-HcRed cells within 1 week. The fraction of virus-negative cells in these cultures was constant over at least 3 weeks posttransduction in the presence of a fusion-inhibiting peptide (Z-Phe-Phe-Gly), preventing the cell fusion of potentially cured cells with persistently infected cells. Transduced piNT2 cells that lost HcRed did not fuse with underlying Vero/hSLAM cells, indicating that these cells do not express viral proteins any more and are "cured." This demonstrates in tissue culture that NT2 cells persistently infected with MV can be cured by the transduction of lentiviral vectors mediating the long-lasting expression of anti-MV shRNA.
Collapse
|
21
|
Artuso MC, Ellenberg PC, Scolaro LA, Damonte EB, García CC. Inhibition of Junín virus replication by small interfering RNAs. Antiviral Res 2009; 84:31-7. [PMID: 19591878 PMCID: PMC7114203 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Junín virus (JUNV), the etiological agent of the Argentine hemorrhagic fever, has a single-stranded RNA genome with ambisense expression which encodes for five proteins. In previous works we have demonstrated that the Z arenavirus matrix protein represents an attractive target for antiviral therapy. With the aim of studying a new alternative therapeutic mechanism, four Z-specific siRNAs (Z1- to Z4-siRNAs) were tested showing variable efficacy. The most effective inhibitor was Z2-siRNA targeted at the region encompassed by nt 179–197 of Z gene. The efficacy of this Z2-siRNA against JUNV was also demonstrated in virus-infected cells, by testing infectious virus plaque formation (92.8% JUNV yield reduction), viral RNA level or antigen expression, as well as in cells transfected with Z-specific reporter plasmids (91% reduction in expression of Z-EGFP fusion protein). Furthermore, the lack of effect of this Z-siRNA on the expression of other JUNV proteins, such as N and GPC, confirmed the specificity of action exerted by Z2-siRNA on Z transcript. Thus, the present study represents the first report of virus inhibition mediated by RNA interference for a New World arenavirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María C Artuso
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, Piso 4, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nygårdas M, Vuorinen T, Aalto AP, Bamford DH, Hukkanen V. Inhibition of coxsackievirus B3 and related enteroviruses by antiviral short interfering RNA pools produced using phi6 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:2468-2473. [PMID: 19553393 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.011338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CBV3) is a member of the human enterovirus B species and a common human pathogen. Even though much is known about the enteroviral life cycle, no specific drugs are available to treat enterovirus infections. RNA interference (RNAi) has evolved to be an important tool for antiviral experimental therapies and gene function studies. We describe here a novel approach for RNAi against CBVs by using a short interfering (siRNA) pool covering 3.5 kb of CBV3 genomic sequence. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of bacteriophage phi6 was used to synthesize long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from a cloned region (nt 3837-7399) of the CBV3 genome. The dsRNA was cleaved using Dicer, purified and introduced to cells by transfection. The siRNA pool synthesized using the phi6 RdRP (phi6-siRNAs) was considerably more effective than single-site siRNAs. The phi6-siRNA pool also inhibited replication of other enterovirus B species, such as coxsackievirus B4 and coxsackievirus A9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Nygårdas
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tytti Vuorinen
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Antti P Aalto
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Biocenter 2, Viikinkaari 5, PO Box 56, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dennis H Bamford
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Biocenter 2, Viikinkaari 5, PO Box 56, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Department of Microbiology, Aapistie 5A, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Miller JA, Witherow DS, Carson S. A laboratory-intensive course on RNA interference and model organisms. CBE LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION 2009; 8:316-25. [PMID: 19952100 PMCID: PMC2786282 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.09-02-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method to silence gene expression in a variety of organisms and is generating interest not only as a useful tool for research scientists but also as a novel class of therapeutics in clinical trials. Here, we report that undergraduate and graduate students with a basic molecular biology background were able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge and technical skills for using RNAi as a research tool upon completion of an intensive 8-wk RNAi course with a 2-h lecture and 5-h laboratory per week. Students were instructed on design of RNAi experiments in model organisms and perform multiweek laboratory sessions based on journal articles read and discussed in class. Using Nicotiana benthamiana, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mammalian cell culture, students analyzed the extent of silencing using both qualitative assessment of phenotypic variations and quantitative measurements of RNA levels or protein levels. We evaluated the course over two semesters, each with a separate instructor. In both semesters, we show students met expected learning outcomes as demonstrated by successful laboratory experiment results, as well as positive instructor assessments of exams and lab reports. Student self-assessments revealed increased confidence in conceptual knowledge and practical skills. Our data also suggest that the course is adaptable to different instructors with varying expertise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Scott Witherow
- Biotechnology Program and Department of Plant Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Susan Carson
- Biotechnology Program and Department of Plant Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| |
Collapse
|