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He W, Zhang X, Zou Y, Li J, Chang L, He YC, Jin Q, Ye J. Effective synthesis of circRNA via a thermostable T7 RNA polymerase variant as the catalyst. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1356354. [PMID: 38655387 PMCID: PMC11035883 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1356354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with transcriptional lengths ranging from hundreds to thousands. circRNAs have attracted attention owing to their stable structure and ability to treat complicated diseases. Our objective was to create a one-step reaction for circRNA synthesis using wild-type T7 RNA polymerase as the catalyst. However, T7 RNA polymerase is thermally unstable, and we streamlined circRNA synthesis via consensus and folding free energy calculations for hotspot selection. Because of the thermal instability, the permuted intron and exon (PIE) method for circRNA synthesis is conducted via tandem catalysis with a transcription reaction at a low temperature and linear RNA precursor cyclization at a high temperature. Methods To streamline the process, a multisite mutant T7 RNA polymerase (S430P, N433T, S633P, F849I, F880Y, and G788A) with significantly improved thermostability was constructed, and G788A was used. Results The resulting mutant exhibited stable activity at 45°C for over an hour, enabling the implementation of a one-pot transcription and cyclization reaction. The simplified circRNA production process demonstrated an efficiency comparable to that of the conventional two-step reaction, with a cyclization rate exceeding 95% and reduced production of immunostimulatory dsRNA byproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | - Ji Li
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Le Chang
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Cai He
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | | | - Jianren Ye
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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Lee KH, Kim S, Song J, Han SR, Kim JH, Lee SW. Efficient circular RNA engineering by end-to-end self-targeting and splicing reaction using Tetrahymena group I intron ribozyme. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:587-598. [PMID: 37637208 PMCID: PMC10457212 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) has various advantages over linear mRNA that is gaining success as a new vaccine and therapeutic agent. Thus, circRNA and its engineering methods have attracted attention recently. In this study, we developed a new in vitro circRNA engineering method by end-to-end self-targeting and splicing (STS) reaction using Tetrahymena group I intron ribozyme. We found that only the P1 helix structure of the group I intron was enough to generate circRNA by STS reaction. The efficacy of circRNA generation by STS reaction was comparable to the method using a permuted intron-exon (PIE) reaction. However, an end-to-end STS reaction does not introduce any extraneous fragments, such as an intronic scar that can be generated by PIE reaction and might trigger unwanted innate immune responses in cells, into circRNA sequences. Moreover, generated circRNA was efficiently purified by ion pair-reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and used for cell-based analysis. Of note, efficient protein expression and stability with least innate immune induction by the circRNA with coxsackievirus B3 IRES were observed in cells. In conclusion, our new in vitro circRNA strategy can effectively generate highly useful circRNAs in vitro as an alternative circRNA engineering method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hyun Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongcheol Kim
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehwi Song
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ryul Han
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Omics, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Republic of Korea
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Niu D, Wu Y, Lian J. Circular RNA vaccine in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:341. [PMID: 37691066 PMCID: PMC10493228 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded RNAs with covalently linked head-to-tail topology. In the decades since its initial discovery, their biogenesis, regulation, and function have rapidly disclosed, permitting a better understanding and adoption of them as new tools for medical applications. With the development of biotechnology and molecular medicine, artificial circRNAs have been engineered as a novel class of vaccines for disease treatment and prevention. Unlike the linear mRNA vaccine which applications were limited by its instability, inefficiency, and innate immunogenicity, circRNA vaccine which incorporate internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and open reading frame (ORF) provides an improved approach to RNA-based vaccination with safety, stability, simplicity of manufacture, and scalability. However, circRNA vaccines are at an early stage, and their optimization, delivery and applications require further development and evaluation. In this review, we comprehensively describe circRNA vaccine, including their history and superiority. We also summarize and discuss the current methodological research for circRNA vaccine preparation, including their design, synthesis, and purification. Finally, we highlight the delivery options of circRNA vaccine and its potential applications in diseases treatment and prevention. Considering their unique high stability, low immunogenicity, protein/peptide-coding capacity and special closed-loop construction, circRNA vaccine, and circRNA-based therapeutic platforms may have superior application prospects in a broad range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
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Lee KH, Song J, Kim S, Han SR, Lee SW. Real-time monitoring strategies for optimization of in vitro transcription and quality control of RNA. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1229246. [PMID: 37771458 PMCID: PMC10523567 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1229246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines are opening up new avenues for modern medicine. To produce these useful RNA-based reagents, in vitro transcription (IVT) is an important reaction that primarily determines the yield and quality of the product. Therefore, IVT condition should be well optimized to achieve high yield and purity of transcribed RNAs. To this end, real-time monitoring of RNA production during IVT, which allows for fine tuning of the condition, would be required. Currently, light-up RNA aptamer and fluorescent dye pairs are considered as useful strategies to monitor IVT in real time. Fluorophore-labeled antisense probe-based methods can also be used for real-time IVT monitoring. In addition, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method that can monitor IVT reagent consumption has been developed as a powerful tool to monitor IVT reaction in near real-time. This mini-review briefly introduces some strategies and examples for real-time IVT monitoring and discusses pros and cons of IVT monitoring methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaehwi Song
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Seong-Wook Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Omics, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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Kang DD, Li H, Dong Y. Advancements of in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA) to enable translation into the clinics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114961. [PMID: 37321375 PMCID: PMC10264168 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The accelerated progress and approval of two mRNA-based vaccines to address the SARS-CoV-2 virus were unprecedented. This record-setting feat was made possible through the solid foundation of research on in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA) which could be utilized as a therapeutic modality. Through decades of thorough research to overcome barriers to implementation, mRNA-based vaccines or therapeutics offer many advantages to rapidly address a broad range of applications including infectious diseases, cancers, and gene editing. Here, we describe the advances that have supported the adoption of IVT mRNA in the clinics, including optimization of the IVT mRNA structural components, synthesis, and lastly concluding with different classes of IVT RNA. Continuing interest in driving IVT mRNA technology will enable a safer and more efficacious therapeutic modality to address emerging and existing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana D Kang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Haoyuan Li
- Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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Qin M, Zhang C, Li Y. Circular RNAs in gynecologic cancers: mechanisms and implications for chemotherapy resistance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1194719. [PMID: 37361215 PMCID: PMC10285541 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1194719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a significant role in conferring chemoresistance in these cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance in gynecologic malignancies. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings and highlight areas for future research. CircRNAs are a novel class of RNA molecules that are characterized by their unique circular structure, which confers increased stability and resistance to degradation by exonucleases. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs can act as miRNA sponges, sequestering miRNAs and preventing them from binding to their target mRNAs. This can lead to upregulation of genes involved in drug resistance pathways, ultimately resulting in decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy. We discuss several specific examples of circRNAs that have been implicated in chemoresistance in gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. We also highlight the potential clinical applications of circRNA-based biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy response and guiding treatment decisions. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of circRNAs in chemotherapy resistance in gynecologic malignancies. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate drug sensitivity, this work has important implications for improving patient outcomes and developing more effective therapeutic strategies for these challenging cancers.
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Loan Young T, Chang Wang K, James Varley A, Li B. Clinical Delivery of Circular RNA: Lessons Learned from RNA Drug Development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114826. [PMID: 37088404 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNA) represent a distinct class of covalently closed-loop RNA molecules, which play diverse roles in regulating biological processes and disease states. The enhanced stability of synthetic circRNAs compared to their linear counterparts has recently garnered considerable research interest, paving the way for new therapeutic applications. While clinical circRNA technology is still in its early stages, significant advancements in mRNA technology offer valuable insights into its potential future applications. Two primary obstacles that must be addressed are the development of efficient production methods and the optimization of delivery systems. To expedite progress in this area, this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on circRNA structure and function, outline recent techniques for synthesizing circRNAs, highlight key delivery strategies and applications, and discuss the current challenges and future prospects in the field of circRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Loan Young
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Kevin Chang Wang
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Andrew James Varley
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Bowen Li
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada.
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Hueso M, Navarro E. Editorial to the IJMS Special Issue on “ncRNAS in Therapeutics”. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076448. [PMID: 37047420 PMCID: PMC10095044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years, the RNA world of eukaryotic cells remained stable and predictable, organized by a few families of functionally different molecules [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Hueso
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Group, Infectious Disease and Transplantation Program, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Estanis Navarro
- Independent Researcher; Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
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Deviatkin AA, Simonov RA, Trutneva KA, Maznina AA, Soroka AB, Kogan AA, Feoktistova SG, Khavina EM, Mityaeva ON, Volchkov PY. Cap-Independent Circular mRNA Translation Efficiency. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020238. [PMID: 36851116 PMCID: PMC9967249 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the mRNA platform has become the method of choice in vaccine development to find new ways to fight infectious diseases. However, this approach has shortcomings, namely that mRNA vaccines require special storage conditions, which makes them less accessible. This instability is due to the fact that the five-prime and three-prime ends of the mRNA are a substrate for the ubiquitous exoribonucleases. To address the problem, circular mRNAs have been proposed for transgene delivery as they lack these ends. Notably, circular RNAs do not have a capped five-prime end, which makes it impossible to initiate translation canonically. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on cap-independent translation initiation methods and discuss which approaches might be most effective in developing vaccines and other biotechnological products based on circular mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Deviatkin
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ruslan A. Simonov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya A. Trutneva
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Maznina
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia B. Soroka
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Anna A. Kogan
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Sofya G. Feoktistova
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena M. Khavina
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Olga N. Mityaeva
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Y. Volchkov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 117036 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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