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Arsh H, Manoj Kumar FNU, Simran FNU, Tamang S, Rehman MU, Ahmed G, Khan M, Malik J, Mehmoodi A. Role of PCSK9 inhibition during the inflammatory stage of SARS-COV-2: an updated review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:899-908. [PMID: 38333263 PMCID: PMC10849418 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001601] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition in the management of COVID-19 and other medical conditions has emerged as an intriguing area of research. PCSK9 is primarily known for its impact on cholesterol metabolism, but recent studies have unveiled its involvement in various physiological processes, including inflammation, immune regulation, and thrombosis. In this abstract, the authors review the rationale and potential implications of PCSK9 inhibition during the inflammatory stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response, often referred to as the cytokine storm, which can lead to widespread tissue damage and organ failure. Preclinical studies suggest that PCSK9 inhibition could dampen this inflammatory cascade by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition may protect against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through its effects on lung injury and inflammation. COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or dyslipidemia. PCSK9 inhibitors are known for their ability to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by enhancing the recycling of LDL receptors in the liver. By reducing LDL cholesterol, PCSK9 inhibition might protect blood vessels from further damage and lower the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover, PCSK9 inhibitors have shown potential antithrombotic effects in preclinical studies, making them a potential avenue to mitigate the increased risk of coagulation disorders and thrombotic events observed in COVID-19. While the potential implications of PCSK9 inhibition are promising, safety considerations and possible risks need careful evaluation. Hypocholesterolemia, drug interactions, and long-term safety are some of the key concerns that should be addressed. Clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in COVID-19 patients and to determine the optimal timing and dosing for treatment. Future research opportunities encompass investigating the immune response, evaluating long-term safety, exploring combination therapy possibilities, and advancing personalized medicine approaches. Collaborative efforts from researchers, clinicians, and policymakers are essential to fully harness the therapeutic potential of PCSK9 inhibition and translate these findings into meaningful clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Arsh
- Department of Medicine, THQ Hospital, Pasrur
| | - FNU Manoj Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical College, Karachi
| | - FNU Simran
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical College, Karachi
| | - Sweta Tamang
- Department of Medicine, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Gulfam Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Muhammad Hospital, Lahore
| | - Masood Khan
- Department of Cardiology, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Jahanzeb Malik
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Islamabad
| | - Amin Mehmoodi
- Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Polak A, Machnik G, Bułdak Ł, Ruczyński J, Prochera K, Bujak O, Mucha P, Rekowski P, Okopień B. The Application of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNA) in the Inhibition of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 ( PCSK9) Gene Expression in a Cell-Free Transcription/Translation System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1463. [PMID: 38338741 PMCID: PMC10855603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a protein that plays a key role in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The gain-of-function mutations of the PCSK9 gene lead to a reduced number of surface LDL receptors by binding to them, eventually leading to endosomal degradation. This, in turn, is the culprit of hypercholesterolemia, resulting in accelerated atherogenesis. The modern treatment for hypercholesterolemia encompasses the use of biological drugs against PCSK9, like monoclonal antibodies and gene expression modulators such as inclisiran-a short, interfering RNA (siRNA). Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a synthetic analog of nucleic acid that possesses a synthetic peptide skeleton instead of a phosphate-sugar one. This different structure determines the unique properties of PNA (e.g., neutral charge, enzymatic resistance, and an enormously high affinity with complementary DNA and RNA). Therefore, it might be possible to use PNA against PCSK9 in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. We sought to explore the impact of three selected PNA oligomers on PCSK9 gene expression. Using a cell-free transcription/translation system, we showed that one of the tested PNA strands was able to reduce the PCSK9 gene expression down to 74%, 64%, and 68%, as measured by RT-real-time PCR, Western blot, and HPLC, respectively. This preliminary study shows the high applicability of a cell-free enzymatic environment as an efficient tool in the initial evaluation of biologically active PNA molecules in the field of hypercholesterolemia research. This cell-free approach allows for the omission of the hurdles associated with transmembrane PNA transportation at the early stage of PNA selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Polak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bułdak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Jarosław Ruczyński
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.R.); (K.P.)
| | - Katarzyna Prochera
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.R.); (K.P.)
| | - Oliwia Bujak
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.R.); (K.P.)
| | - Piotr Mucha
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.R.); (K.P.)
| | - Piotr Rekowski
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.R.); (K.P.)
| | - Bogusław Okopień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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Ouyang Z, Ma M, Zhang Z, Wu H, Xue Y, Jian Y, Yin K, Yu S, Zhao C, Guo W, Gu X. Targeted Degradation of PCSK9 In Vivo by Autophagy-Tethering Compounds. J Med Chem 2024; 67:433-449. [PMID: 38112492 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), a secreted protein that is synthesized and spontaneously cleaved in the endoplasmic reticulum, has become a hot lipid-lowering target chased by pharmaceutical companies in recent years. Autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTECs) represent a new strategy to degrade targeted biomolecules. Here, we designed and synthesized PCSK9·ATTECs that are capable of lowering PCSK9 levels via autophagy in vivo, providing the first report of the degradation of a secreted protein by ATTECs. OY3, one of the PCSK9·ATTECs synthesized, shows greater potency to reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and improve atherosclerosis symptoms than treatment with the same dose of simvastatin. OY3 also significantly reduces the high expression of PCSK9 caused by simvastatin administration in atherosclerosis model mice and subsequently increases the level of low-density lipoprotein receptor, promoting simvastatin to clear plasma LDL-C and alleviate atherosclerosis symptoms. Thus, we developed a new candidate compound to treat atherosclerosis that could also promote statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Ouyang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Muye Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Ziwen Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Yongxing Xue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Yuting Jian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Shaokun Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Chunchang Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Xianfeng Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
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Patel S, Guo MK, Abdul Samad M, Howe KL. Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers and modulators of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1202187. [PMID: 37304965 PMCID: PMC10250645 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1202187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, lipid bilayer-enclosed structures released by various cell types that play a critical role in intercellular communication. In atherosclerosis, EVs have been implicated in multiple pathophysiological processes, including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and thrombosis. This review provides an up-to-date overview of our current understanding of the roles of EVs in atherosclerosis, emphasizing their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and their roles in disease pathogenesis. We discuss the different types of EVs involved in atherosclerosis, the diverse cargoes they carry, their mechanisms of action, and the various methods employed for their isolation and analysis. Moreover, we underscore the importance of using relevant animal models and human samples to elucidate the role of EVs in disease pathogenesis. Overall, this review consolidates our current knowledge of EVs in atherosclerosis and highlights their potential as promising targets for disease diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvatit Patel
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mandy Kunze Guo
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Majed Abdul Samad
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn L. Howe
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mongiello P, Petti R, Ciaccia A, Grazia Morgese M, Lombardi R. Analysis of Adherence to anti-PCSK9 Antibody Therapy among Patients from Italy. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:111-121. [PMID: 37565557 DOI: 10.2174/1871529x23666230810094738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypercholesterolemia is one of the main risk factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Statins are the standard cholesterollowering treatment; however, they have shown, in clinical practice, a reduced adherence to therapy (<50%) and a modest achievement of the expected outcomes for treatment. This condition prompt scientific research to develop drugs with different mechanisms of action. In this regard, excellent results have been achieved with therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9, enzyme involved in recycling of Low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) on the hepatocytes surface. Indeed, the reduction in receptor density caused by PCSK9 is associated with increased serum LDL levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS After the data extraction of all Local Health Authority (ASL) of Foggia patients (302) who received, in 2021, at least one administration of Alirocumab or Evolocumab, the therapeutic adherence was calculated, for each individual patient, by indirect method (calculation of the Medication Possession Ratio - MPR). According to scientific literature, patients were classified into: adherents (MPR>80%), average adherents (MPR between 40% and 80%) and non-adherents (MPR<40%). Patients were then stratified by gender and age groups (0-18, 19-49, 50-64, >65). RESULTS The results show that, for both drugs (Alirocumab and Evolocumab), women are more adherent than men and the group of young adults (19-49 years old) is the one with the lowest adherence to therapy, 69% for Alirocumab and 56% for Evolocumab. CONCLUSION According to Italian Drug Agency (AIFA), poor therapeutic adherence is the main cause of ineffectiveness of drug therapies, and it is associated with increased hospitalizations, morbidity and mortality. Data obtained from this study allow to detect the categories of patients who need specific programs about the correct use of drugs, in order to increase therapeutic adherence and facilitate the achievement of the expected outcomes for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mongiello
- Specializzando in Farmacia Ospedaliera presso l'Università degli Studi di Bari e tirocinante presso la Struttura Complessa di Farmacia Territoriale dell'Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Petti
- Dirigente Farmacista presso la Struttura Complessa di Farmacia Territoriale dell'Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciaccia
- Dirigente Farmacista presso la Struttura Complessa di Farmacia Territoriale dell'Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Professoressa presso il Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale dell'Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Renato Lombardi
- Direttore della Struttura Complessa di Farmacia Territoriale dell'Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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PCSK9 Affects Astrocyte Cholesterol Metabolism and Reduces Neuron Cholesterol Supplying In Vitro: Potential Implications in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012192. [PMID: 36293049 PMCID: PMC9602670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is poorly investigated. We evaluated the in vitro PCSK9 modulation of astrocyte cholesterol metabolism and neuronal cholesterol supplying, which is fundamental for neuronal functions. Moreover, we investigated PCSK9 neurotoxic effects. In human astrocytoma cells, PCSK9 reduced cholesterol content (−20%; p < 0.05), with a greater effect in presence of beta amyloid peptide (Aβ) (−37%; p < 0.01). PCSK9 increased cholesterol synthesis and reduced the uptake of apoE-HDL-derived cholesterol (−36%; p < 0.0001), as well as the LDL receptor (LDLR) and the apoE receptor 2 (ApoER2) expression (−66% and −31%, respectively; p < 0.01). PCSK9 did not modulate ABCA1- and ABCG1-cholesterol efflux, ABCA1 levels, or membrane cholesterol. Conversely, ABCA1 expression and activity, as well as membrane cholesterol, were reduced by Aβ (p < 0.05). In human neuronal cells, PCSK9 reduced apoE-HDL-derived cholesterol uptake (−41%; p < 0.001) and LDLR/apoER2 expression (p < 0.05). Reduced cholesterol internalization occurred also in PCSK9-overexpressing neurons exposed to an astrocyte-conditioned medium (−39%; p < 0.001). PCSK9 reduced neuronal cholesterol content overall (−29%; p < 0.05) and increased the Aβ-induced neurotoxicity (p < 0.0001). Our data revealed an interfering effect of PCSK9, in cooperation with Aβ, on brain cholesterol metabolism leading to neuronal cholesterol reduction, a potentially deleterious effect. PCSK9 also exerted a neurotoxic effect, and thus represents a potential pharmacological target in AD.
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Mc Auley MT. Modeling cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 14:e1546. [PMID: 34931487 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Western populations. Many risk factors have been identified for ASCVD; however, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the gold standard. Cholesterol metabolism at the cellular and whole-body level is maintained by an array of interacting components. These regulatory mechanisms have complex behavior. Likewise, the mechanisms which underpin atherogenesis are nontrivial and multifaceted. To help overcome the challenge of investigating these processes mathematical modeling, which is a core constituent of the systems biology paradigm has played a pivotal role in deciphering their dynamics. In so doing models have revealed new insights about the key drivers of ASCVD. The aim of this review is fourfold; to provide an overview of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, to briefly introduce mathematical approaches used in this field, to critically discuss models of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, and to highlight areas where mathematical modeling could help to investigate in the future. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models.
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Martinez LO, Perret B, Genoux A. Update on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular risk. Curr Opin Lipidol 2021; 32:324-327. [PMID: 34472540 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent O Martinez
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS)
| | - Bertrand Perret
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS)
- Service de Biochimie, Pôle de biologie, Hôpital de Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Annelise Genoux
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS)
- Service de Biochimie, Pôle de biologie, Hôpital de Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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PCSK9: A Multi-Faceted Protein That Is Involved in Cardiovascular Biology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070793. [PMID: 34356856 PMCID: PMC8301306 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is secreted mostly by hepatocytes and to a lesser extent by the intestine, pancreas, kidney, adipose tissue, and vascular cells. PCSK9 has been known to interact with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and chaperones the receptor to its degradation. In this manner, targeting PCSK9 is a novel attractive approach to reduce hyperlipidaemia and the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Recently, it has been recognised that the effects of PCSK9 in relation to cardiovascular complications are not only LDLR related, but that various LDLR-independent pathways and processes are also influenced. In this review, the various LDLR dependent and especially independent effects of PCSK9 on the cardiovascular system are discussed, followed by an overview of related PCSK9-polymorphisms and currently available and future therapeutic approaches to manipulate PCSK9 expression.
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Mahboudi S, Moosavi-Nasab M, Kazemi B, Rahimpour A, Eskandari MH, Mohammadian O, Shams F. Utilization of the human gamma-satellite insulator for the enhancement of anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4405-4412. [PMID: 34089466 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely employed as invaluable therapeutics for a vast number of human disorders. Several approaches have been introduced for the improvement of mAb production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells due to the increasing demand for these products. In this regard, various chromatin-modifying elements such as insulators have been incorporated in the expression vectors to augment mAb expression. In this study, human gamma-satellite insulator containing vectors were utilized for the expression of an anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mAb in CHO-K1 cells. To this aim, dual expression vectors encoding the antibody light chain (LC) and heavy chain (HC) with or without the insulator element were constructed, and mAb expression was evaluated in transient and stable expression. Based on the results, mAb expression significantly increased in the stable cell pool, and clonal cells developed using the human gamma-satellite insulator. In contrast, transient antibody expression was not affected by the insulator element. Finally, the enhancement of LC and HC mRNA levels was found in the insulator containing stable cell pools using the quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings showed the positive effect of the human gamma-satellite insulator on the stable expression of an anti-PCSK9 immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) mAb in CHO-K1 cells using dual expression vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Mahboudi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Moosavi-Nasab
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Rahimpour
- Medical Nano-Technology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hadi Eskandari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omid Mohammadian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Shams
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Antisense technology: an overview and prospectus. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:427-453. [PMID: 33762737 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antisense technology is now beginning to deliver on its promise to treat diseases by targeting RNA. Nine single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs representing four chemical classes, two mechanisms of action and four routes of administration have been approved for commercial use, including the first RNA-targeted drug to be a major commercial success, nusinersen. Although all the approved drugs are for use in patients with rare diseases, many of the ASOs in late- and middle-stage clinical development are intended to treat patients with very common diseases. ASOs in development are showing substantial improvements in potency and performance based on advances in medicinal chemistry, understanding of molecular mechanisms and targeted delivery. Moreover, the ASOs in development include additional mechanisms of action and routes of administration such as aerosol and oral formulations. Here, we describe the key technological advances that have enabled this progress and discuss recent clinical trials that illustrate the impact of these advances on the performance of ASOs in a wide range of therapeutic applications. We also consider strategic issues such as target selection and provide perspectives on the future of the field.
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