1
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Jiang W, Aman R, Ali Z, Rao GS, Mahfouz M. PNA-Pdx: Versatile Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Detection of Nucleic Acids and SNPs. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14209-14218. [PMID: 37696750 PMCID: PMC10535012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring diseases caused by pathogens or by mutations in DNA sequences requires accurate, rapid, and sensitive tools to detect specific nucleic acid sequences. Here, we describe a new peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based nucleic acid detection toolkit, termed PNA-powered diagnostics (PNA-Pdx). PNA-Pdx employs PNA probes that bind specifically to a target and are then detected in lateral flow assays. This can precisely detect a specific pathogen or genotype genomic sequence. PNA probes can also be designed to invade double-stranded DNAs (dsDNAs) to produce single-stranded DNAs for precise CRISPR-Cas12b-based detection of genomic SNPs without requiring the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), as Cas12b requires PAM sequences only for dsDNA targets. PNA-Pdx identified target nucleic acid sequences at concentrations as low as 2 copies/μL and precisely detected the SARS-CoV-2 genome in clinical samples in 40 min. Furthermore, the specific dsDNA invasion by the PNA coupled with CRISPR-Cas12b precisely detected genomic SNPs without PAM restriction. Overall, PNA-Pdx provides a novel toolkit for nucleic acid and SNP detection as well as highlights the benefits of engineering PNA probes for detecting nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Jiang
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and
Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashid Aman
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and
Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and
Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gundra S. Rao
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and
Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and
Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Gasparello J, Papi C, Zurlo M, Volpi S, Gambari R, Corradini R, Casnati A, Sansone F, Finotti A. Cationic Calix[4]arene Vectors to Efficiently Deliver AntimiRNA Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) and miRNA Mimics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2121. [PMID: 37631335 PMCID: PMC10460053 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most appealing approaches for regulating gene expression, named the "microRNA therapeutic" method, is based on the regulation of the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs), the intracellular levels of which are dysregulated in many diseases, including cancer. This can be achieved by miRNA inhibition with antimiRNA molecules in the case of overexpressed microRNAs, or by using miRNA-mimics to restore downregulated microRNAs that are associated with the target disease. The development of new efficient, low-toxic, and targeted vectors of such molecules represents a key topic in the field of the pharmacological modulation of microRNAs. We compared the delivery efficiency of a small library of cationic calix[4]arene vectors complexed with fluorescent antimiRNA molecules (Peptide Nucleic Acids, PNAs), pre-miRNA (microRNA precursors), and mature microRNAs, in glioma- and colon-cancer cellular models. The transfection was assayed by cytofluorimetry, cell imaging assays, and RT-qPCR. The calix[4]arene-based vectors were shown to be powerful tools to facilitate the uptake of both neutral (PNAs) and negatively charged (pre-miRNAs and mature microRNAs) molecules showing low toxicity in transfected cells and ability to compete with commercially available vectors in terms of delivery efficiency. These results could be of great interest to validate microRNA therapeutics approaches for future application in personalized treatment and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Chiara Papi
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Stefano Volpi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Casnati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
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3
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Clausse V, Zheng H, Amarasekara H, Kruhlak M, Appella DH. Thyclotides, tetrahydrofuran-modified peptide nucleic acids that efficiently penetrate cells and inhibit microRNA-21. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:10839-10856. [PMID: 36215040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are promising therapeutic molecules for gene modulation; however, they suffer from poor cell uptake. Delivery of PNAs into cells requires conjugation of the PNA to another large molecule, typically a cell-penetrating peptide or nanoparticle. In this study, we describe a new PNA-based molecule with cyclic tetrahydrofuran (THF) backbone modifications that in some cases considerably improve cell uptake. We refer to these THF-PNA oligomers as thyclotides. With THF groups at every position of the oligomer, the cell uptake of thyclotides targeted to miR-21 is enhanced compared with the corresponding unmodified PNA based on an aminoethylglycine backbone. An optimized thyclotide can efficiently enter cells without the use of cell-penetrating peptides, bind miR-21, its designated microRNA target, decrease expression of miR-21 and increase expression of three downstream targets (PTEN, Cdc25a and KRIT1). Using a plasmid with the PTEN-3'UTR coupled with luciferase, we further confirmed that a miR-21-targeted thyclotide prevents miR-21 from binding to its target RNA. Additionally, the thyclotide shows no cytotoxicity when administered at 200 times its active concentration. We propose that thyclotides be further explored as therapeutic candidates to modulate miRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Clausse
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hongchao Zheng
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harsha Amarasekara
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Kruhlak
- Microscopy Core Facility, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel H Appella
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Chang LH, Seitz O. RNA-templated chemical synthesis of proapoptotic L- and d-peptides. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 66:116786. [PMID: 35594647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-programmed reactions find application in drug screening and nucleic acid diagnosis, and offer prospects for a RNA-sensitive prodrug approach. We aim for the development of a nucleic acid-templated reaction providing nucleic acid-linked molecules that can act on intracellular protein targets. Such reactions would be useful for in situ drug synthesis and activity-based DNA-encoded library screening. In this report, we show native chemical ligation-like chemical peptidyl transfer reactions between peptide-PNA conjugates. The reaction proceeds on RNA templates. As a chemical alternative to ribosomal peptide synthesis access to both L- and d-peptides is provided. In reactions affording 9 to 14 amino acid long pro-apoptotic L- and d-peptides, we found that certain PNA sequence motifs and combinations of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) cause surprisingly high reactivity in absence of a template. Viability measurements demonstrate that the products of templated peptidyl transfer act on HeLa cells and HEK293 cells. Of note, the presence of cysteine, which is required for NCL chemistry, can enhance the bioactivity. The study provides guidelines for the application of peptide-PNA conjugates in templated synthesis and is of interest for in situ drug synthesis and activity-based DNA-encoded library screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hao Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, D-12489 Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Cesaro E, Falanga AP, Catapano R, Greco F, Romano S, Borbone N, Pastore A, Marzano M, Chiurazzi F, D’Errico S, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Costanzo P, Grosso M. Exploring a peptide nucleic acid-based antisense approach for CD5 targeting in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266090. [PMID: 35358273 PMCID: PMC8970396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report an innovative antisense approach based on Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) to down-modulate CD5 expression levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Using bioinformatics tools, we selected a 12-mer tract of the CD5 mRNA as the molecular target and synthesized the complementary and control PNA strands bearing a serine phosphate dipeptide tail to enhance their water solubility and bioavailability. The specific recognition of the 12-mer DNA strand, corresponding to the target mRNA sequence by the complementary PNA strand, was confirmed by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, thermal difference spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and CD melting studies. Cytofluorimetric assays and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the downregulation of CD5 expression due to incubation with the anti-CD5 PNA at RNA and protein levels in Jurkat cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B-CLL patients. Interestingly, we also observed that transfection with the anti-CD5 PNA increases apoptotic response induced by fludarabine in B-CLL cells. The herein reported results suggest that PNAs could represent a potential candidate for the development of antisense therapeutic agents in CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Peptide Nucleic Acids/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Catapano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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6
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Malik S, Kumar V, Liu CH, Shih KC, Krueger S, Nieh MP, Bahal R. Head on Comparison of Self- and Nano-assemblies of Gamma Peptide Nucleic Acid Amphiphiles. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2109552. [PMID: 35210986 PMCID: PMC8863176 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202109552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are nucleic acid analogs with superior hybridization properties and enzymatic stability than deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In addition to gene targeting applications, PNAs have garnered significant attention as bio-polymer due to the Watson-Crick -based molecular recognition and flexibility of synthesis. Here, we engineered PNA amphiphiles using chemically modified gamma PNA (8 mer in length) containing hydrophilic diethylene glycol units at the gamma position and covalently conjugated lauric acid (C12) as a hydrophobic moiety. Gamma PNA (γPNA) amphiphiles self-assemble into spherical vesicles. Further, we formulate nano-assemblies using the amphiphilic γPNA as a polymer via ethanol injection-based protocols. We perform comprehensive head-on comparison of the physicochemical and cellular uptake properties of PNA derived self- and nano-assemblies. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis reveal ellipsoidal morphology of γPNA nano-assemblies that results in superior cellular delivery compate to the spherical self-assembly. Next, we compare the functional activities of γPNA self-and nano-assemblies in lymphoma cells via multiple endpoints, including gene expression, cell viability, and apoptosis-based assays. Overall, we establish that γPNA amphiphile is a functionally active bio-polymer to formulate nano-assemblies for a wide range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Chung-Hao Liu
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kuo-Chih Shih
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Susan Krueger
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-6102, USA
| | - Mu-Ping Nieh
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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7
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Yu F, Zhang F. A feasible strategy of fabricating hybrid drugs co-loaded polymer-lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer therapy. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Dhuri K, Gaddam RR, Vikram A, Slack FJ, Bahal R. Therapeutic Potential of Chemically Modified, Synthetic, Triplex Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Oncomir Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5613-5624. [PMID: 34548334 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
miRNA-155 (miR-155) is overexpressed in various types of lymphomas and leukemias, suggesting that targeting miR-155 could be a potential platform for the development of precision medicine. Here, we tested the anticancer activity of novel, chemically modified, triplex peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based antimiRs compared with the current state-of-the-art conventional full-length antimiRs. Next-generation modified PNAs that bound miR-155 by Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen domains possessed superior therapeutic efficacy in vivo and ex vivo compared with conventional full-length anti-miR-155. The efficacy of anti-miR-155 targeting in multiple lymphoma cell lines was comprehensively corroborated by gene expression, Western blot analysis, and cell viability-based functional studies. Finally, preclinical testing in vivo in xenograft mouse models containing lymphoma cell lines demonstrated that treatment with the miR-155-targeting next-generation antimiR resulted in a significant decrease in miR-155 expression, followed by reduced tumor growth. These findings support the effective therapeutic application of chemically modified triplex PNAs to target miR-155 to treat lymphoma. Overall, the present proof-of-concept study further implicates the potential for next-generation triplex gamma PNAs to target other miRNAs for treating cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates the utility of novel oncomiR inhibitors as cancer therapeutics, providing a new approach for targeting miRNAs and other noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Dhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Frank J Slack
- Department of Pathology, HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
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9
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Zhou Z, Chen X. Precise engineering of Cisplatin prodrug into supramolecular nanoparticles: Enhanced on in vitro antiproliferative activity and treatment and care of in vivo renal injury. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Hamashita Y, Kise N, Sakurai T. Suppression of Intracellular Gene Expression by Inchworm-Type PNA-PEG Conjugate Depends on Recognition of a Monobasic Mutation. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hamashita
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Cho Minami, Tottori 680-8522, Japan
| | - Naoki Kise
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Cho Minami, Tottori 680-8522, Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Cho Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Cho Minami, Tottori 680-8522, Japan
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Cho Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
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11
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Perera JDR, Carufe KEW, Glazer PM. Peptide nucleic acids and their role in gene regulation and editing. Biopolymers 2021; 112:e23460. [PMID: 34129732 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unique properties of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) makes it a desirable candidate to be used in therapeutic and biotechnological interventions. It has been broadly utilized for numerous applications, with a major focus in regulation of gene expression, and more recently in gene editing. While the classic PNA design has mainly been employed to date, chemical modifications of the PNA backbone and nucleobases provide an avenue to advance the technology further. This review aims to discuss the recent developments in PNA based gene manipulation techniques and the use of novel chemical modifications to improve the current state of PNA mediated gene targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dinithi R Perera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kelly E W Carufe
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter M Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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12
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Das A, Pradhan B. Evolution of peptide nucleic acid with modifications of its backbone and application in biotechnology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:865-892. [PMID: 33314595 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are getting prodigious interest currently in the biomedical and diagnostic field as an extremely powerful tool because of their potentiality to hybridize with natural nucleic acids. Although PNA has strong affinity and sequence specificity to DNA/RNA, there is a considerable ongoing effort to further enhance their special chemical and biological properties for potential application in numerous fields, notably in the field of therapeutics. The toolbox for backbone modified PNAs synthesis has been extended substantially in recent decades, providing a more efficient synthesis of peptides with numerous scaffolds and modifications. This paper reviews the various strategies that have been developed so far for the modification of the PNA backbone, challenging the search for new PNA systems with improved chemical and physical properties lacking in the original aegPNA backbone. The various practical issues and limitations of different PNA systems are also summarized. The focus of this review is on the evolution of PNA by its backbone modification to improve the cellular uptake, sequence specificity, and compatibility of PNA to bind to DNA/RNA. Finally, an insight was also gained into major applications of backbone modified PNAs for the development of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Das
- National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar (HBNI), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Biswaranjan Pradhan
- S. K. Dash Center of Excellence of Biosciences and Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
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13
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Volpi S, Cancelli U, Neri M, Corradini R. Multifunctional Delivery Systems for Peptide Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 33375595 PMCID: PMC7823687 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of applications of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)-oligonucleotide analogs with a polyamide backbone-is continuously increasing in both in vitro and cellular systems and, parallel to this, delivery systems able to bring PNAs to their targets have been developed. This review is intended to give to the readers an overview on the available carriers for these oligonucleotide mimics, with a particular emphasis on newly developed multi-component- and multifunctional vehicles which boosted PNA research in recent years. The following approaches will be discussed: (a) conjugation with carrier molecules and peptides; (b) liposome formulations; (c) polymer nanoparticles; (d) inorganic porous nanoparticles; (e) carbon based nanocarriers; and (f) self-assembled and supramolecular systems. New therapeutic strategies enabled by the combination of PNA and proper delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (U.C.); (M.N.)
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14
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Montazersaheb S, Avci ÇB, Bagca BG, Ay NPO, Tarhriz V, Nielsen PE, Charoudeh HN, Hejazi MS. Targeting TdT gene expression in Molt-4 cells by PNA-octaarginine conjugates. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:4583-4590. [PMID: 32941907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is an amide based structural nucleic acid mimic with potential applications in gene therapeutic drug discovery. In the present study, we evaluated and compared the effects on gene expression, cell viability and apoptosis of two antisense PNA-d-octaarginine conjugates, targeting sequences at the AUG translation start site or the 5'-UTR of the TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase) gene, as well as a sense oligomer corresponding to the 5'-UTR-antisense, in Molt-4 cells. The protein level of TdT was determined by flow cytometry, and qPCR was used for mRNA expression analysis. Mismatch PNAs were used as control to address the sequence/target spcifity of the biological effects. The results showed that treatment with the AUG- and to slightly lesser extent with the 5'-UTR-antisense PNAs reduced the TdT mRNA as wel as the protein level, whereas only very low effect was observed for the 5'-UTR-sense PNA. A parallel effect was observed on reduced cell survival and increased rate of apoptosis. Our findings suggest that antisense PNAs can inhibit expression of the TdT gene and induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Çığır Biray Avci
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bakiye Goker Bagca
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Peter E Nielsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Mohammad Saeid Hejazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Li G, Sun X, Wan X, Wang D. Lactoferrin-Loaded PEG/PLA Block Copolymer Targeted With Anti-Transferrin Receptor Antibodies for Alzheimer Disease. Dose Response 2020; 18:1559325820917836. [PMID: 32863801 PMCID: PMC7430085 DOI: 10.1177/1559325820917836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Last few years, struggles have been reported to develop the nanovesicles for drug delivery via the brain-blood barrier (BBB). Novel drugs, for instance, iAβ5, are efficient to inhibit the aggregates connected to the treatment of Alzheimer disease and are being evaluated, but most of the reports reflect some drawbacks of the drugs to reach the brain in preferred concentrations owing to the less BBB penetrability of the surface dimensions. In this report, we designed and developed a new approach to enhance the transport of drug via BBB, constructed with lactoferrin (Lf)-coated polyethylene glycol-polylactide nanoparticles (Lf-PPN) with superficial monoclonal antibody-functionalized antitransferrin receptor and anti-Aβ to deliver the iAβ5 hooked on the brain. The porcine brain capillary endothelial cells were utilized as BBB typically to examine the framework efficacy and toxicity. The cellular uptake of the immuno-nanoparticles with measured conveyance of the iAβ5 peptide was significantly enhanced and associated with Lf-PPN without monoclonal antibody functionalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guichen Li
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianghong Sun
- Second Elderly Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaona Wan
- Second Elderly Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongming Wang
- Second Elderly Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
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16
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Gabas IM, Nielsen PE. Effective Cellular Delivery of Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acid by Conjugation to Guanidinylated Diaminobutanoic Acid-Based Peptide Dendrons. Biomacromolecules 2019; 21:472-483. [PMID: 31756087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A series of amino- and guanidino-terminating 3- and 4-generation 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (Dab) dendrons have been robustly synthesized on a solid phase and characterized as cellular delivery agents in antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates in the pLuc705 HeLa cell splice switching system. The dendron-PNA conjugates exhibited splice correction activity at one digit micromolar concentrations, and guanidino-terminating dendrons were significantly more effective than analogous amine terminating ones. Furthermore, introduction of lipophilic groups such as phenyl, alkyl, or fatty acids increased efficacy, but also increased cellular toxicity. Fluorescence microscopy analyses supported an endosomal uptake mechanism and furthermore predominantly showed colocalization with late endosomes and lysosomes. The robust solid phase synthesis should make such Dab-dendrons a useful platform for further in vitro as well as in vivo optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maicas Gabas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The Panum Institute , University of Copenhagen , Blegdamsvej 3 , 2200 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Peter E Nielsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The Panum Institute , University of Copenhagen , Blegdamsvej 3 , 2200 Copenhagen , Denmark
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