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Chokwassanasakulkit T, Oti VB, Idris A, McMillan NA. SiRNAs as antiviral drugs - Current status, therapeutic potential and challenges. Antiviral Res 2024; 232:106024. [PMID: 39454759 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.106024] [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: 09/08/2024] [Revised: 10/17/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, antiviral drugs target viral enzymes and or structural proteins, identified through large drug screens or rational drug design. The screening, chemical optimisation, small animal toxicity studies and clinical trials mean time to market is long for a new compound, and in the event of a novel virus or pandemic, weeks, and months matter. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a gene silencing platform is an alluring alternative. SiRNAs are now approved for use in the clinic to treat a range of diseases, are cost effective, scalable, and can be easily programmed to target any viral target in a matter of days. Despite the large number of preclinical studies that clearly show siRNAs are highly effective antivirals this has not translated into clinical success with no products on the market. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both the clinical and preclinical work in this area and outlines the challenges the field faces going forward that need to be addressed in order to see siRNA antivirals become a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trairong Chokwassanasakulkit
- Institute of Biomedicine and Glycomics and School and Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Baba Oti
- Institute of Biomedicine and Glycomics and School and Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Adi Idris
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Nigel Aj McMillan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Glycomics and School and Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia.
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Kang H, Ga YJ, Kim SH, Cho YH, Kim JW, Kim C, Yeh JY. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic applications against viruses: principles, potential, and challenges. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:88. [PMID: 37845731 PMCID: PMC10577957 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA has emerged as a revolutionary and important tool in the battle against emerging infectious diseases, with roles extending beyond its applications in vaccines, in which it is used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their development in the 1990s, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics have demonstrated potential in reducing the expression of disease-associated genes. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including RNAi therapies, that degrade viral genomes and rapidly adapt to viral mutations, have emerged as alternative treatments. RNAi is a robust technique frequently employed to selectively suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. The swift adaptability of nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as RNAi therapies endows them with a significant advantage over other antiviral medications. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced on the basis of sequence complementarity to target and degrade viral RNA, a novel approach to combat viral infections. The precision of siRNAs in targeting and degrading viral RNA has led to the development of siRNA-based treatments for diverse diseases. However, despite the promising therapeutic benefits of siRNAs, several problems, including impaired long-term protein expression, siRNA instability, off-target effects, immunological responses, and drug resistance, have been considerable obstacles to the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies. This review provides an encompassing summary of the siRNA-based therapeutic approaches against viruses while also addressing the obstacles that need to be overcome for their effective application. Furthermore, we present potential solutions to mitigate major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Yun Ji Ga
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Chaeyeon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Research Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
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Ke J, Zhang J, Li J, Liu J, Guan S. Design of Cyclic Peptide-Based Nanospheres and the Delivery of siRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012071. [PMID: 36292932 PMCID: PMC9602810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cyclic peptides have attracted much attention due to their chemical and enzymatic stability, low toxicity, and easy modification. In general, the self-assembled nanostructures of cyclic peptides tend to form nanotubes in a cyclic stacking manner through hydrogen bonding. However, studies exploring other assembly strategies are scarce. In this context, we proposed a new assembly strategy based on cyclic peptides with covalent self-assembly. Here, cyclic peptide-(DPDPDP) was rationally designed and used as a building block to construct new assemblies. With cyclo-(DP)3 as the structural unit and 2,2′-diamino-N-methyldiethylamine as the linker, positively charged nanospheres ((CP)6NS) based on cyclo-(DP)3 were successfully constructed by covalent self-assembly. We assessed their size and morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TEM, and DLS. (CP)6NS were found to have a strong positive charge, so they could bind to siRNA through electrostatic interactions. Confocal microscopy analysis and cell viability assays showed that (CP)6NS had high cellular internalization efficiency and low cytotoxicity. More importantly, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry analyses indicated that (CP)6NS-siRNA complexes potently inhibited gene expression and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. These results suggest that (CP)6NS may be a potential siRNA carrier for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Ke
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jingli Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Junyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- State Key laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (S.G.); Tel.: +86-135-0432-8390 (S.G.)
| | - Shuwen Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (S.G.); Tel.: +86-135-0432-8390 (S.G.)
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Zhao S, Cui H, Hu Z, Du L, Ran X, Wen X. Senecavirus A Enhances Its Adaptive Evolution via Synonymous Codon Bias Evolution. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051055. [PMID: 35632797 PMCID: PMC9146685 DOI: 10.3390/v14051055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Synonymous codon bias in the viral genome affects protein translation and gene expression, suggesting that the synonymous codon mutant plays an essential role in influencing virulence and evolution. However, how the recessive mutant form contributes to virus evolvability remains elusive. In this paper, we characterize how the Senecavirus A (SVA), a picornavirus, utilizes synonymous codon mutations to influence its evolution, resulting in the adaptive evolution of the virus to adverse environments. The phylogenetic tree and Median-joining (MJ)-Network of these SVA lineages worldwide were constructed to reveal SVA three-stage genetic development clusters. Furthermore, we analyzed the codon bias of the SVA genome of selected strains and found that SVA could increase the GC content of the third base of some amino acid synonymous codons to enhance the viral RNA adaptive evolution. Our results highlight the impact of recessive mutation of virus codon bias on the evolution of the SVA and uncover a previously underappreciated evolutionary strategy for SVA. They also underline the importance of understanding the genetic evolution of SVA and how SVA adapts to the adverse effects of external stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simiao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
| | - Huiqi Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhenru Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
| | - Li Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
| | - Xuhua Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence: (X.R.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaobo Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.Z.); (H.C.); (Z.H.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence: (X.R.); (X.W.)
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Rogers GL, Cannon PM. Gene Therapy Approaches to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Other Infectious Diseases. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2017; 31:883-895. [PMID: 28895854 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Advances in gene therapy technologies, particularly in gene editing, are suggesting new avenues for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and other infectious diseases. This article outlines recent developments in antiviral gene therapies, including those based on the disruption of entry receptors or that target viral genomes using targeted nucleases, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In addition, new ways to express circulating antiviral factors, such as antibodies, and approaches to harness and engineer the immune system to provide an antiviral effect that is not naturally achieved are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey L Rogers
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR 413A, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Paula M Cannon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR 413A, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Li CC, Dong HJ, Wang P, Meng W, Chi XJ, Han SC, Ning S, Wang C, Wang XJ. Cellular protein GLTSCR2: A valuable target for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals. Antiviral Res 2017; 142:1-11. [PMID: 28286234 PMCID: PMC7113796 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection induces translocation of the nucleolar protein GLTSCR2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, resulting in attenuation of the type I interferon IFN-β. Addressing the role of GLTSCR2 in viral replication, we detect that knocking down GLTSCR2 by shRNAs results in significant suppression of viral replication in mammalian and chicken cells. Injection of chicken embryo with the GLTSCR2-specific shRNA-1370 simultaneously or 24 h prior to infection with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) substantially reduces viral replication in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Injection of shRNA-1370 into chicken embryo also reduces the replication of avian influenza virus (AIV). In contrast, GLTSCR2-derived protein G4-T, forming α-helical dimers, increases replication of seven various DNA and RNA viruses in cells. Our studies reveal that alteration of the function of cellular GLTSCR2 plays a role in supporting viral replication. GLTSCR2 should be seriously considered as a therapeutic target for developing broad spectrum antiviral agents to effectively control viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Cui Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Jun Dong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Meng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Chi
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Chong Han
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Ning
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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YUAN LIFEN, SHENG JING, LU PING, WANG YUQIANG, JIN TUO, DU QIN. Nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference of angiotensinogen decreases blood pressure and improves myocardial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:4657-4663. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Inhibition of dengue virus infections in cell cultures and in AG129 mice by a small interfering RNA targeting a highly conserved sequence. J Virol 2011; 85:10154-66. [PMID: 21795337 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.05298-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The dengue viruses (DENVs) exist as numerous genetic strains that are grouped into four antigenically distinct serotypes. DENV strains from each serotype can cause severe disease and threaten public health in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. No licensed antiviral agent to treat DENV infections is currently available, and there is an acute need for the development of novel therapeutics. We found that a synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) (DC-3) targeting the highly conserved 5' cyclization sequence (5'CS) region of the DENV genome reduced, by more than 100-fold, the titers of representative strains from each DENV serotype in vitro. To determine if DC-3 siRNA could inhibit DENV in vivo, an "in vivo-ready" version of DC-3 was synthesized and tested against DENV-2 by using a mouse model of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE)-induced disease. Compared with the rapid weight loss and 5-day average survival time of the control groups, mice receiving the DC-3 siRNA had an average survival time of 15 days and showed little weight loss for approximately 12 days. DC-3-treated mice also contained significantly less virus than control groups in several tissues at various time points postinfection. These results suggest that exogenously introduced siRNA combined with the endogenous RNA interference processing machinery has the capacity to prevent severe dengue disease. Overall, the data indicate that DC-3 siRNA represents a useful research reagent and has potential as a novel approach to therapeutic intervention against the genetically diverse dengue viruses.
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Ji-Fu E, Xing JJ, Hao LQ, Fu CG. Suppression of lung cancer metastasis-related protein 1 (LCMR1) inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:3675-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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10
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Inchley CS, Sonerud T, Fjærli HO, Nakstad B. Reduced Dicer expression in the cord blood of infants admitted with severe respiratory syncytial virus disease. BMC Infect Dis 2011; 11:59. [PMID: 21385408 PMCID: PMC3061906 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important causes of pediatric hospital admissions in the developed world. The ribonuclease Dicer is an important regulator of gene expression and cellular function via RNA interference, and may also have anti-viral functions. A previous microarray analysis of the cord blood of 5 patients with RSV disease suggested downregulation of Dicer. In order to further investigate whether reduced Dicer expression can predispose newborns to RSV disease, we have analyzed the gene expression of Dicer in the cord blood of 37 infants with confirmed RSV disease. Methods The cord blood of 2108 newborns was collected. 51 had a positive nasopharyngeal aspirate for RSV <1 year, and were grouped according to disease severity. 37 had sufficient cord blood RNA of good quality. Dicer gene expression was assessed by qPCR analysis of cord blood using a TaqMan low-density array and compared to control infants who did not present with RSV disease using the Mann-Whitney test. Results There was significant downregulation of Dicer in the severe disease group: relative quantity 0.69 (95% CI: 0.56 - 0.87), p = 0.002. There was no significant downregulation in the mild disease group. Conclusions We demonstrate reduced Dicer expression in the cord blood of infants with severe RSV disease, prior to RSV exposure. We theorize that this may predispose to RSV disease by disruption of leukocyte gene regulation or direct anti-viral RNA interference mechanisms.
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Lembo D, Cavalli R. Nanoparticulate Delivery Systems for Antiviral Drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 21:53-70. [DOI: 10.3851/imp1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicine opens new therapeutic avenues for attacking viral diseases and for improving treatment success rates. Nanoparticulate-based systems might change the release kinetics of antivirals, increase their bioavailability, improve their efficacy, restrict adverse drug side effects and reduce treatment costs. Moreover, they could permit the delivery of antiviral drugs to specific target sites and viral reservoirs in the body. These features are particularly relevant in viral diseases where high drug doses are needed, drugs are expensive and the success of a therapy is associated with a patient's adherence to the administration protocol. This review presents the current status in the emerging area of nanoparticulate delivery systems in antiviral therapy, providing their definition and description, and highlighting some peculiar features. The paper closes with a discussion on the future challenges that must be addressed before the potential of nanotechnology can be translated into safe and effective antiviral formulations for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lembo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Orbassano Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
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Buller B, Liu X, Wang X, Zhang RL, Zhang L, Hozeska-Solgot A, Chopp M, Zhang ZG. MicroRNA-21 protects neurons from ischemic death. FEBS J 2010; 277:4299-307. [PMID: 20840605 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small RNAs that attenuate protein expression by complementary binding to the 3'-UTR of a target mRNA. Currently, very little is known about microRNAs after cerebral ischemia. In particular, microRNA-21 (miR-21) is a strong antiapoptotic factor in some biological systems. We investigated the role of miR-21 after stroke in the rat. We employed in situ hybridization and laser capture microdissection in combination with real-time RT-PCR to investigate the expression of miR-21 after stroke. In situ hybridization revealed that miR-21 expression was upregulated in neurons of the ischemic boundary zone, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that stroke increased mature miR-21 levels by approximately threefold in neurons isolated from the ischemic boundary zone by laser capture microdissection as compared with homologous contralateral neurons 2 days (n = 4; P < 0.05) and 7 days (n = 3; P < 0.05) after stroke. In vitro, overexpression of miR-21 in cultured cortical neurons substantially suppressed oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced apoptotic cell death, whereas attenuation of endogenous miR-21 by antisense inhibition exacerbated cell death after oxygen and glucose deprivation. Moreover, overexpression of miR-21 in neurons significantly reduced FASLG levels, and introduction of an miR-21 mimic into 293-HEK cells substantially reduced luciferase activity in a reporter system containing the 3'-UTR of Faslg. Our data indicate that overexpression of miR-21 protects against ischemic neuronal death, and that downregulation of FASLG, a tumor necrosis factor-α family member and an important cell death-inducing ligand whose gene is targeted by miR-21, probably mediates the neuroprotective effect. These novel findings suggest that miR-21 may be an attractive therapeutic molecule for treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Buller
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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Subramanya S, Kim SS, Manjunath N, Shankar P. RNA interference-based therapeutics for human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 treatment: synthetic siRNA or vector-based shRNA? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:201-13. [PMID: 20088715 PMCID: PMC3745298 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903448158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Despite the clinical benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the prospect of life-long antiretroviral treatment poses significant problems, which has spurred interest in developing new drugs and strategies to treat HIV infection and eliminate persistent viral reservoirs. RNAi has emerged as a therapeutic possibility for HIV. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW We discuss progress in overcoming hurdles to translating transient and stable RNAi enabling technologies to clinical application for HIV; covering the past 2 - 3 years. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN HIV inhibition can be achieved by transfection of chemically or enzymatically synthesized siRNAs or by DNA-based vector systems expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that are processed intracellularly into siRNA. We compare these approaches, focusing on technical and safety issues that will guide the choice of strategy for clinical use. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Introduction of synthetic siRNA into cells or its stable endogenous production using vector-driven shRNA have been shown to suppress HIV replication in vitro and, in some instances, in vivo. Each method has advantages and limitations in terms of ease of delivery, duration of silencing, emergence of escape mutants and potential toxicity. Both appear to have potential as future therapeutics for HIV, once the technical and safety issues of each approach are overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Subramanya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - N Manjunath
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905
| | - Premlata Shankar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905
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Abstract
AIMS To address the possible use of RNA interference in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of various diseases and explain the obstacles in RNA interference based therapy. METHODS Review of the literature. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to play a role in various normal and pathological biological processes, i.e. the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, cell differentiation, wound healing process, immune system, etc. Furthermore, abnormal expression of miRNA was found in various diseases. Therefore, when the sample can be easily collected, miRNA expression profile can be used to detect diseases where early diagnosis is advantageous, such as in various malignancies or diseases that show myriads of symptoms such as autoimmune diseases. Further, different expression of miRNA in tumour subtypes can be used to predict the subtypes and hence the prognosis. For therapy, small (short) interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be developed to 'switch off' up-regulated genes or miRNAs or the suppressors of down-regulated genes or miRNAs. These approaches in various animal models of diseases showed promising results and human trials for viral infections are underway. However, obstacles to the application in human might be encountered, such as degradation of the siRNAs before it can exert its function, target cell penetration and 'off target' toxic effects. Still, it is believed that modification of the RNA, development of carrier vehicles and mode and route of administration might solve these obstacles. CONCLUSION MicroRNAs profile differences between normal and pathological condition might be promising as biomarker in early diagnosis and prognosis, while siRNA showed promising result in the therapy of various diseases in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Pawitan
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia.
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15
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Furalyov VA, Kravchenko IV, Popov VO. Small interfering RNA targeting the human myostatin gene. Mol Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893309040098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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RNA interference targeting the ACE gene reduced blood pressure and improved myocardial remodelling in SHRs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2009; 116:249-55. [PMID: 18605985 DOI: 10.1042/cs20080048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects on blood pressure and myocardial hypertrophy in SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats) of RNAi (RNA interference) targeting ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). SHRs were treated with normal saline as vehicle controls, with Ad5-EGFP as vector controls, and with recombinant adenoviral vectors Ad5-EGFP-ACE-shRNA, carrying shRNA (small hairpin RNA) for ACE as ACE-RNAi. WKY (Wistar-Kyoto) rats were used as normotensive controls treated with normal saline. The systolic blood pressure of the caudal artery was recorded. Serum levels of ACE and AngII (angiotensin II) were determined using ELISA. ACE mRNA and protein levels were determined in aorta, myocardium, kidney and lung. On day 32 of the experiment, the heart was pathologically examined. The ratios of heart weight/body weight and left ventricular weight/body weight were calculated. The serum concentration of ACE was lower in ACE-RNAi rats (16.37+/-3.90 ng/ml) compared with vehicle controls and vector controls (48.26+/-1.50 ng/ml and 46.67+/-2.82 ng/ml respectively; both P<0.05), but comparable between ACE-RNAi rats and WKY rats (14.88+/-3.15 ng/ml; P>0.05). The serum concentration of AngII was also significantly lower in ACE-RNAi rats (18.24+/-3.69 pg/ml) compared with vehicle controls and vector controls (46.21+/-5.06 pg/ml and 44.93+/-4.12 pg/ml respectively; both P<0.05), but comparable between ACE-RNAi rats and WKY rats (16.06+/-3.11 pg/ml; P>0.05). The expression of ACE mRNA and ACE protein were significantly reduced in the myocardium, aorta, kidney and lung in ACE-RNAi rats compared with that in vehicle controls and in vector controls (all P<0.05). ACE-RNAi treatment resulted in a reduction in systolic blood pressure by 22+/-3 mmHg and the ACE-RNAi-induced reduction lasted for more than 14 days. In contrast, blood pressure was continuously increased in the vehicle controls as well as in the vector controls. The ratios of heart weight/body weight and left ventricular weight/body weight were significantly lower in ACE-RNAi rats (3.12+/-0.23 mg/g and 2.24+/-0.19 mg/g) compared with the vehicle controls (4.29+/-0.24 mg/g and 3.21+/-0.13 mg/g; P<0.05) and the vector controls (4.43+/-0.19 mg/g and 3.13+/-0.12 mg/g; P<0.05). The conclusion of the present study is that ACE-silencing had significant antihypertensive effects and reversed hypertensive-induced cardiac hypertrophy in SHRs, and therefore RNAi might be a new strategy in controlling hypertension.
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RNA interference inhibits respiratory syncytial virus replication and disease pathogenesis without inhibiting priming of the memory immune response. J Virol 2008; 82:12221-31. [PMID: 18818323 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01557-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of morbidity in infants, young children, and the elderly worldwide. Currently, there is no effective vaccine, and antiviral drugs to control infection are limited. RNA interference is a powerful tool amenable to development of antiviral drugs. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the RSV P gene (siRNA-P), RSV replication can be silenced both in vitro and in a BALB/c model of RSV infection. In this study, we examine the effect of siRNA prophylaxis on the primary and memory immune response to RSV infection in mice. We show that mice prophylactically treated with siRNA-P to decrease but not eliminate RSV replication exhibit reduced pulmonary inflammation and lung pathogenesis and produce a robust anti-RSV memory response when subsequently challenged with RSV. The pulmonary T-cell memory response was characterized by high numbers of CD44(hi) CD62L(lo) CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, M2 peptide tetramer(+) CD8(+) T cells expressing gamma interferon, and an RSV-specific antibody response. The results support the hypothesis that siRNAs can be developed as effective antiviral drugs that can be used to reduce the viral load and parameters of pathogenesis without limiting the induction of the memory immune response.
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