Bioanalysis of Oligonucleotide by LC-MS: Effects of Ion Pairing Regents and Recent Advances in Ion-Pairing-Free Analytical Strategies

Automatic identification of oligonucleotide metabolites in complex biological samples using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with the molecule profiler software

Oligonucleotide (ON) is one of the rapidly developing fields in biotherapeutics. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) has been widely used for the identification of metabolites due to its high sensitivity, high resolution, and ability to provide structural information. The identification of ON metabolites in matrix has been reported by UHPLC-HRMS, however, manual data processing is time-consuming. In this study, an analytical strategy based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and molecule profiler software was established and employed for the automatic identification of metabolites of ONs. Fomivirsen (FMVS), a 21-mer antisense oligonucleotide with 20 phosphorothioate linkages, was selected as proof of concept. Firstly, the sample preparation and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS condition were optimized. Secondly, the feasibility of the automatic identification of ON metabolites by this strategy was verified using enzymatic digests of FMVS. Finally, in vitro and in vivo metabolites of FMVS were identified. As a result, the enzymatic digests of FMVS were successfully identified by the established strategy, and a total of 17 metabolites were identified from serum, plasma and tissues. FMVS was mainly metabolized by 3'-exonuclease in plasma, liver and kidney. This is the first study on metabolites identification of FMVS, and the proposed strategy would simplify the identification of ON metabolites, thus could be used for other ON metabolites.

Stationary phase effects in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic separation of oligonucleotides

The use of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for the characterization of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids is a powerful analytical method. Recently, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) has been proposed as a reasonable alternative to ion-pair reversed phase separations of oligonucleotides prior to MS. A wide variety of HILIC stationary phase surface chemistries are currently available. Although their selectivity can be considerably different, few studies have compared these chemistries for LC-MS analysis of oligonucleotides. We evaluated ten different HILIC column chemistries to understand their capabilities for separating a variety of oligonucleotides. In general, we found that most columns were ineffective at separating larger (n > 15-mer) oligonucleotides under the mobile phase and gradient conditions evaluated here. However, several stationary phases were found to be effective for separating smaller oligonucleotides such as endonuclease digestion products. Given that early eluting oligonucleotides were found to be compatible with standard electrospray ionization conditions, several different HILIC stationary phase options are available for LC-MS studies of smaller oligonucleotides including those generated in RNA modification mapping experiments.

Development of a Versatile High-through-put Oligonucleotide LC-MS Method to Accelerate Drug Discovery

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an effective tool for high-throughput quantification of oligonucleotides that is crucial for understanding their biological roles and developing diagnostic tests. This paper presents a high-throughput LC-MS/MS method that may be versatilely applied for a wide range of oligonucleotides, making it a valuable tool for rapid screening and discovery. The method is demonstrated using an in-house synthesized MALAT-1 Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) as a test case. Biological samples were purified using a reversed liquid-liquid extraction process automated by a liquid handling workstation and analyzed with ion-pairing LC-MS/MS. The assay was evaluated for sensitivity (LLOQ = 2 nM), specificity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability in rat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Besides some existing considerations such as column selection, ion-pairing reagent, and sample purification, our work focused on the following four subtopics: 1) selecting the appropriate Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) transition to maximize sensitivity for trace-level ASO in biological samples; 2) utilizing a generic risk-free internal standard (tenofovir) to avoid crosstalk interference from the oligo internal standard commonly utilized in the LC-MS assay; 3) automating the sample preparation process to increase precision and throughput; and 4) comparing liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) as sample purification methods in oligo method development. The study quantified the concentration of MALAT-1 ASO in rat CSF and plasma after intrathecal injection and used the difference between the two matrices to evaluate the injection technique. The results provide a solid foundation for further internal oligonucleotide discovery and development.

Sequencing of Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers by Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Sequencing of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is reported. The MS/MS analysis was performed using a quadrupole/time-of-flight (Q-ToF) mass analyzer and collision induced dissociation (CID) in negative ion mode. To improve MS sensitivity in negative ion mode, HILIC conditions, including the separation column, mobile phases, and MS parameters, were optimized. Using the developed HILIC-CID-MS/MS method, 100% sequence coverage was achieved for PMOs ranging from 18-mer to 25-mer. Additionally, the method was successfully applied to identifying positional isomers of n - 1 deletion impurities present in PMO drug substances.

Advancing cancer treatments: The role of oligonucleotide-based therapies in driving progress

Although recent advancements in cancer immunology have resulted in the approval of numerous immunotherapies, minimal progress has been observed in addressing hard-to-treat cancers. In this context, therapeutic oligonucleotides, including interfering RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, and DNAzymes, have gained a central role in cancer therapeutic approaches due to their capacity to regulate gene expression and protein function with reduced toxicity compared with conventional chemotherapeutics. Nevertheless, systemic administration of naked oligonucleotides faces many extra- and intracellular challenges that can be overcome by using effective delivery systems. Thus, viral and non-viral carriers can improve oligonucleotide stability and intracellular uptake, enhance tumor accumulation, and increase the probability of endosomal escape while minimizing other adverse effects. Therefore, gaining more insight into fundamental mechanisms of actions of various oligonucleotides and the challenges posed by naked oligonucleotide administration, this article provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress on oligonucleotide delivery systems and an overview of completed and ongoing cancer clinical trials that can shape future oncological treatments.

Overcoming Challenges in Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Analysis: A Novel Nonion Pair Approach

Oligonucleotide therapeutics (OT) have emerged as promising drug modality for various intractable diseases. Recently, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been commonly employed for characterizing and quantifying OT in biological samples. Traditionally, the ion pairing-reverse phase (IP-RP) LC-MS method has been utilized in OT bioanalyses; however, this approach is associated with several limitations, including the memory effect and ion suppression effect of IP reagents. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new RP-LC-MS method that eliminates the need for IP reagents. Our investigation revealed that ammonium bicarbonate was essential for the successful implementation of this nonIP-RP-LC-MS-based bioanalysis of OT. Moreover, the developed method demonstrated high versatility, accommodating the analysis of various natural or chemically modified oligonucleotides. The sensitivity of the method was further assessed using reconstituted plasma samples (the lower limit of quantification in this experiment was 0.5-1 ng/mL). In summary, the developed nonIP-RP-LC-MS method offers an easy, reliable, and cost-effective approach to the bioanalysis of OT.

High-Throughput Screening for Oligonucleotide Detection by ADE-OPI-MS

Oligonucleotides represent a class of shorter DNA or RNA nucleic acid polymers extensively applied in the biomedical field. Despite progress in detecting and analyzing oligonucleotides, high-throughput analysis of the samples remains challenging. In this work, a high-throughput analysis method for oligonucleotide analysis was developed based on acoustic droplet ejection-open port interface-mass spectrometry (ADE-OPI-MS) technology. This approach was applied to determine the enzymatic activity of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) for DNA synthesis, with a rate of 3 s/sample, which enhanced single-sample analysis efficiency approximately 60-fold over the previous gel analysis. After testing approximately 10,000 TdT mutants, we obtained three new variants with higher catalytic activities. Finally, by integrating these mutants, the catalytic activity of TdT was improved about 4 times compared to the starting mutant. Our results successfully established a high-throughput screening method for oligonucleotide analysis, which not only provides a foundation to engineer highly efficient TdT for ab initio synthesis of DNA but also paves the way for the potential application of oligonucleotide analysis in biomedical fields.

Unravelling the Link between Oligonucleotide Structure and Diastereomer Separation in Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography

Therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs) commonly incorporate phosphorothioate (PS) modifications. These introduce chiral centers and generate ON diastereomers. The increasing number of ONs undergoing clinical trials and reaching the market has led to a growing interest to better characterize the ON diastereomer composition, especially for small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs). In this study, and for the first time, we identify higher-order structures as the major cause of ON diastereomer separation in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). We have used conformational predictions and melting profiles of several representative full-length ONs to first analyze ON folding and then run mass spectrometry and HILIC to underpin the link between their folding and diastereomer separation. On top, we show how one can either enhance or suppress diastereomer separation depending on chromatographic settings, such as column temperature, pore size, stationary phase, mobile-phase ionic strength, and organic modifier. This work will significantly facilitate future HILIC-based characterization of PS-containing ONs; e.g., enabling monitoring of batch-to-batch diastereomer distributions in full-length siRNAs, a complex task that is now for the first time shown as possible on this delicate class of therapeutic double-stranded ONs.

Analysis of Self-Assembled Micelle Inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) Drug Using Ion-Pairing Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Combined with Mass Spectrometry

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is known for its ability to silence the expression of specific genes, demonstrating its promising potential as a therapeutic approach. Self-assembled micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) is an oligonucleotide duplex developed to overcome the in vivo delivery limitations of siRNA. SAMiRNA has hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups at both ends of a sense strand, forming a spherical nanostructure that enhances the in vivo delivery efficiency. Ion-pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IP-RPLC) is the most commonly used method for the analysis of oligonucleotides. Since SAMiRNA is heavily chemically modified, the behavior of SAMiRNA in IP-RPLC combined with mass spectrometry (MS) is anticipated to differ from that of the conventional siRNA drug. The current investigation using IP-RPLC-MS revealed that a distinct duplex peak along with two minor separate strands of antisense and sense was observed at column temperatures below 35 °C in the IP-RPLC system with a 100 mM ammonium bicarbonate buffer system. At column temperatures higher than 35 °C, however, two fully denatured single strands were observed. The mass spectrum from the chromatographic peak of the SAMiRNA duplex contained signals from the duplex, the antisense, and the sense, probably due to duplex denaturation during the MS ionization process. The current comprehensive analysis results will make a substantial contribution to the future application of IP-RPLC-MS in the analysis of SAMiRNA.

Detection of the phosphorothioate oligonucleotide fomivirsen using a ligase detection reaction with polymerase chain reaction

This study aimed to develop a simple and sensitive detection method for fomivirsen, a 21-nucleotide phosphorothioate oligonucleotide used as a nucleic acid medicine, using a ligase detection reaction. A ligation probe was designed to hybridize with fomivirsen and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, with a deoxyuridine part between the primer binding sites. The probe was ligated to a circular product by Taq DNA ligase, and the resulting product was converted to a linear form through the removal of the uracil base using uracil DNA glycosylase. The linear product was then quantified using real-time PCR. The developed method could detect 0.025-6.4 nM of fomivirsen in water and HeLa genomic DNA solutions and 0.6-160 nM of fomivirsen in mouse serum in combination with an extraction method based on alkalinization and neutralization. This method could be useful for not only detecting fomivirsen but also other functional oligonucleotides composed of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. In summary, this study presents a practical and effective approach to the detection of the nucleic acid medicine fomivirsen.

Observations from a decade of oligonucleotide bioanalysis by LC-MS

There is a growing need for efficient bioanalysis of oligonucleotide therapeutics. This broad class of molecules presents numerous challenges relative to traditional small molecule therapeutics. Methodologies including ligand-binding assays or polymerase chain reaction may be fit-for-purpose in many instances, but liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) often delivers the best balance of sensitivity and selectivity. Over the last decade, we have engaged with many such molecules and derived insights into challenges and solutions. Herein, we provide four case studies illustrating challenges we have encountered. These issues include low or variable analyte recovery, poor resolution from related species, chromatographic abnormalities or challenging sensitivity. We present a summary of considerations, based on these experiences, to assist others working in the area.

Rapid Intact Mass Analysis and Evaluation of the Separation Potential of Microfluidic Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry for Oligonucleotides

Oligonucleotide characterization is a rapidly advancing field in the biopharmaceutical industry. Understanding critical quality attributes, such as intact mass and impurities, requires a toolbox of analytical techniques, which commonly includes liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Oligonucleotide LC-MS analysis frequently requires sample run times upward of 15 min to achieve separation of multiple oligonucleotide species. Additionally, LC methods frequently employ mobile phase additives such as triethylamine and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol that are not always desired for use in MS instrumentation. Here, microfluidic capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS) via ZipChip technology was employed to enable rapid intact mass analysis of oligonucleotide single strands. Baseline separation of equal length oligonucleotides was achieved in less than 4 min. Additionally, the potential of the ZipChip platform for separation of oligonucleotide full-length products (FLPs) and their impurities was evaluated.

Quantification of Oligonucleotides Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Isobaric Internal Standards

In recent years, oligonucleotides have become more important in research, drug approvals and medical therapies. Due to this growing interest in pharmaceutical applications, it is essential to develop reliable analytical methods for this substance class. In this work, we present a quantification method using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry by applying an isobaric oligonucleotide standard. In addition to a proof of principle, we perform a method qualification to assess its readiness for validation according to ICH Q2 guidelines. In addition to good linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and recovery, the method showed no significant matrix effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated the application of the method by applying the quantification in a biological matrix, as well as an exemplary degradation of an oligonucleotide in bovine plasma.

Review of fragmentation of synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides by tandem mass spectrometry from 2014 to 2022

The fragmentation of oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry allows for the determination of their sequences. It is necessary to understand how oligonucleotides dissociate in the gas phase, which allows interpretation of data to obtain sequence information. Since 2014, a range of fragmentation mechanisms, including a novel internal rearrangement, have been proposed using different ion dissociation techniques. The recent publications have focused on the fragmentation of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids, modified nucleobases (methylated, spacer, nebularine and aminopurine) and modification to the carbon 2'-position on the sugar ring; these modified oligonucleotides are of great interest as therapeutics. Comparisons of different dissociation techniques have been reported, including novel approaches such as plasma electron detachment dissociation and radical transfer dissociation. This review covers the period 2014-2022 and details the new knowledge gained with respect to oligonucleotide dissociation using tandem mass spectrometry (without priori sample digestion) during that time, with a specific focus on synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides.