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mTOR inhibition as a novel gene therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269951. [PMID: 35709240 PMCID: PMC9202865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to laser photocoagulation, therapeutic interventions for diabetic retinopathy (DR) have heretofore consisted of anti-VEGF drugs, which, besides drawbacks inherent to the treatments themselves, are limited in scope and may not fully address the condition’s complex pathophysiology. This is because DR is a multifactorial condition, meaning a gene therapy focused on a target with broader effects, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), may prove to be the solution in overcoming these concerns. Having previously demonstrated the potential of a mTOR-inhibiting shRNA packaged in a recombinant adeno-associated virus to address a variety of angiogenic retinal diseases, here we explore the effects of rAAV2-shmTOR-SD in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Delivered via intravitreal injection, the therapeutic efficacy of the virus vector upon early DR processes was examined. rAAV2-shmTOR-SD effectively transduced mouse retinas and therein downregulated mTOR expression, which was elevated in sham-treated and control shRNA-injected (rAAV2-shCon-SD) control groups. mTOR inhibition additionally led to marked reductions in pericyte loss, acellular capillary formation, vascular permeability, and retinal cell layer thinning, processes that contribute to DR progression. Immunohistochemistry showed that rAAV2-shmTOR-SD decreased ganglion cell loss and pathogenic Müller cell activation and proliferation, while also having anti-apoptotic activity, with these effects suggesting the therapeutic virus vector may be neuroprotective. Taken together, these results build upon our previous work to demonstrate the broad ability of rAAV2-shmTOR-SD to address aspects of DR pathophysiology further evidencing its potential as a human gene therapeutic strategy for DR.
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In Vitro Inhibitory Analysis of Rationally Designed siRNAs against MERS-CoV Replication in Huh7 Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092610. [PMID: 33947034 PMCID: PMC8125306 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV was identified for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 in a hospitalized patient. This virus subsequently spread to 27 countries with a total of 939 deaths and 2586 confirmed cases and now has become a serious concern globally. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. In this report, we have discussed the prediction, designing, and evaluation of potential siRNA targeting the ORF1ab gene for the inhibition of MERS-CoV replication. The online software, siDirect 2.0 was used to predict and design the siRNAs, their secondary structure and their target accessibility. ORF1ab gene folding was performed by RNAxs and RNAfold software. A total of twenty-one siRNAs were selected from 462 siRNAs according to their scoring and specificity. siRNAs were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicity and antiviral efficacy in Huh7 cell line. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for all siRNAs in Huh7 cells. The in vitro study showed the inhibition of viral replication by three siRNAs. The data generated in this study provide preliminary and encouraging information to evaluate the siRNAs separately as well as in combination against MERS-CoV replication in other cell lines. The prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration and selection of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This computational approach resulted in three effective siRNAs that can be taken further to in vivo animal studies and can be used to develop safe and effective antiviral therapies for other prevalent disease-causing viruses.
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Lee SHS, Chang H, Kim JH, Kim HJ, Choi JS, Chung S, Woo HN, Lee KJ, Park K, Lee JY, Lee H. Inhibition of mTOR via an AAV-Delivered shRNA Tested in a Rat OIR Model as a Potential Antiangiogenic Gene Therapy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:45. [PMID: 32106292 PMCID: PMC7329967 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies have shown that inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) play important roles in proliferating endothelial cells within the retinal vasculature. Here we explore the effects of inhibiting mTOR as a potential gene therapeutic against pathological retinal angiogenesis in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods Sprague-Dawley pups were used to generate the OIR model, with a recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing an shRNA (rAAV2-shmTOR-GFP) being administered via intravitreal injection on returning the rats to normoxia, with appropriate controls. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays, as well as fluorescein angiography, were performed on transverse retinal sections and flat mounts, respectively, to determine the in vivo effects of mTOR inhibition. Results Compared with normal control rats, as well as OIR model animals that were either untreated (20.95 ± 6.85), mock-treated (14.50 ± 2.47), or injected with a control short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-containing virus vector (16.64 ± 4.92), rAAV2-shmTOR-GFP (4.28 ± 2.86, P = 0.00103) treatment resulted in dramatically reduced neovascularization as a percentage of total retinal area. These results mirrored quantifications of retinal avascular area and vessel tortuosity, with rAAV2-shmTOR-GFP exhibiting significantly greater therapeutic efficacy than the other treatments. The virus vector was additionally shown to reduce inflammatory cell infiltration into retinal tissue and possess antiapoptotic properties, both these processes having been implicated in the pathophysiology of angiogenic retinal disorders. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrate the strong promise of rAAV2-shmTOR-GFP as an effective and convenient gene therapy for the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases.
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Lee SHS, Chang H, Kim HJ, Choi JS, Kim J, Kim JH, Woo HN, Nah SK, Jung SJ, Lee JY, Park K, Park TK, Lee H. Effects of Stuffer DNA on the Suppression of Choroidal Neovascularization by a rAAV Expressing a mTOR-Inhibiting shRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 14:171-179. [PMID: 31380463 PMCID: PMC6661460 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the defining characteristic of the wet subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a rapidly growing global health problem. Previously, we had demonstrated the therapeutic potential of gene therapy against CNV using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) delivered via recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), which abrogates mammalian-to-mechanistic (mTOR) activity in a novel manner by simultaneously inhibiting both mTOR complexes. Both the target and use of gene therapy represent a novel treatment modality against AMD. Here, the xenogeneic GFP gene used as a reporter in previous studies was removed from the virus vector to further develop the therapeutic for clinical trials. Instead, a stuffer DNA derived from the 3′ UTR of the human UBE3A gene was used to ensure optimal viral genome size for efficient rAAV assembly. The virus vector containing the stuffer DNA, rAAV2-shmTOR-SD, positively compares to one encoding the shRNA and a GFP expression cassette in terms of reducing CNV in a laser-induced mouse model, as determined by fundus fluorescein angiography. These results were confirmed via immunohistochemistry using anti-CD31, while a TUNEL assay showed that rAAV2-shmTOR-SD possesses anti-apoptotic properties as well. The qualities exhibited by rAAV2-shmTOR-SD demonstrate its potential as a human gene therapeutic for the treatment of wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hyun Seung Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - HeeSoon Chang
- CuroGene Life Sciences Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28578, Korea
| | - Hee Jong Kim
- CuroGene Life Sciences Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28578, Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Choi
- CuroGene Life Sciences Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28578, Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- CuroGene Life Sciences Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28578, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Ha-Na Woo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Seung Kwan Nah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Korea
| | - Sang Joon Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Keerang Park
- Department of Biopharmacy, Chungbuk Health & Science University, Cheongju 28150, Korea
| | - Tae Kwann Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
- Corresponding author: Tae Kwann Park, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, 170, Jomaru-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon 14584, Korea.
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Corresponding author: Heuiran Lee, PhD, Department of Microbiology and Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Korea.
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Abstract
Small silencing RNAs have provided powerful reverse genetics tools and have opened new areas of research. This introduction describes the use of RNAi to suppress expression of individual genes for loss-of-function analysis. It also summarizes methods for measuring specific and global changes in small RNA expression, as well as methods to inhibit the function of individual endogenous small RNA species such as miRNAs.
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Adeno-Associated Viral Vector-Mediated mTOR Inhibition by Short Hairpin RNA Suppresses Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:26-35. [PMID: 28918027 PMCID: PMC5477068 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the defining characteristic feature of the wet subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and may result in irreversible blindness. Based on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), the current therapeutic approaches to CNV are fraught with difficulties, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has recently been proposed as a possible therapeutic target, although few studies have been conducted. Here, we show that a recombinant adeno-associated virus-delivered mTOR-inhibiting short hairpin RNA (rAAV-mTOR shRNA), which blocks the activity of both mTOR complex 1 and 2, represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of CNV. Eight-week-old male C57/B6 mice were treated with the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) after generating CNV lesions in the eyes via laser photocoagulation. The recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vehicle was able to effectively transduce cells in the inner retina, and significantly fewer inflammatory cells and less extensive CNV were observed in the animals treated with rAAV-mTOR shRNA when compared with control- and rAAV-scrambled shRNA-treated groups. Presumably related to the reduction of CNV, increased autophagy was detected in CNV lesions treated with rAAV-mTOR shRNA, whereas significantly fewer apoptotic cells detected in the outer nuclear layer around the CNV indicate that mTOR inhibition may also have neuroprotective effects. Taken together, these results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibition, resulting from rAAV-mTOR shRNA activity, in the treatment of AMD-related CNV.
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ElHefnawi M, Kim T, Kamar MA, Min S, Hassan NM, El-Ahwany E, Kim H, Zada S, Amer M, Windisch MP. In Silico Design and Experimental Validation of siRNAs Targeting Conserved Regions of Multiple Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159211. [PMID: 27441640 PMCID: PMC4956106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism that mediates the sequence-specific degradation of targeted RNA and thus provides a tremendous opportunity for development of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Here, we report on the design and validation of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting highly conserved regions of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. To aim for therapeutic applications by optimizing the RNAi efficacy and reducing potential side effects, we considered different factors such as target RNA variations, thermodynamics and accessibility of the siRNA and target RNA, and off-target effects. This aim was achieved using an in silico design and selection protocol complemented by an automated MysiRNA-Designer pipeline. The protocol included the design and filtration of siRNAs targeting highly conserved and accessible regions within the HCV internal ribosome entry site, and adjacent core sequences of the viral genome with high-ranking efficacy scores. Off-target analysis excluded siRNAs with potential binding to human mRNAs. Under this strict selection process, two siRNAs (HCV353 and HCV258) were selected based on their predicted high specificity and potency. These siRNAs were tested for antiviral efficacy in HCV genotype 1 and 2 replicon cell lines. Both in silico-designed siRNAs efficiently inhibited HCV RNA replication, even at low concentrations and for short exposure times (24h); they also exceeded the antiviral potencies of reference siRNAs targeting HCV. Furthermore, HCV353 and HCV258 siRNAs also inhibited replication of patient-derived HCV genotype 4 isolates in infected Huh-7 cells. Prolonged treatment of HCV replicon cells with HCV353 did not result in the appearance of escape mutant viruses. Taken together, these results reveal the accuracy and strength of our integrated siRNA design and selection protocols. These protocols could be used to design highly potent and specific RNAi-based therapeutic oligonucleotide interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Informatics and Systems Department, Biomedical Informatics and Chemo-Informatics Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences (CEAS), Division of Engineering Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Centre for Informatics, Nile University, Shiekh Zayed City, Egypt
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail: (MEH); (MPW)
| | - TaeKyu Kim
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mona A. Kamar
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saehong Min
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nafisa M. Hassan
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heeyoung Kim
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Suher Zada
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Amer
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6 of October City, Egypt
| | - Marc P. Windisch
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (MEH); (MPW)
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Woo HN, Lee WI, Kim JH, Ahn J, Han JH, Lim SY, Lee WW, Lee H. Combined antitumor gene therapy with herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase and short hairpin RNA specific for mammalian target of rapamycin. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:2233-9. [PMID: 26459571 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A proof-of-concept study is presented using dual gene therapy that employed a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and a herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene to inhibit the growth of tumors. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors containing a mutant TK gene (sc39TK) were transduced into HeLa cells, and the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV) was administered to establish a suicide gene-therapy strategy. Additionally, rAAV vectors expressing an mTOR-targeted shRNA were employed to suppress mTOR-dependent tumor growth. GCV selectively induced death in tumor cells expressing TK, and the mTOR-targeted shRNA altered the cell cycle to impair tumor growth. Combining the TK-GCV system with mTOR inhibition suppressed tumor growth to a greater extent than that achieved with either treatment alone. Furthermore, HSV-TK expression and mTOR inhibition did not mutually interfere with each other. In conclusion, gene therapy that combines the TK-GCV system and mTOR inhibition shows promise as a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Woo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Il Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghyun Ahn
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Han
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue Yeon Lim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Woo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ahn J, Woo HN, Ko A, Khim M, Kim C, Park NH, Song HY, Kim SW, Lee H. Multispecies-compatible antitumor effects of a cross-species small-interfering RNA against mammalian target of rapamycin. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:3147-58. [PMID: 22562582 PMCID: PMC11115121 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-0998-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Successful development of sequence-specific siRNA (small interfering RNA)-based drugs requires an siRNA design that functions consistently in different organisms. Utilizing the CAPSID program previously developed by our group, we here designed siRNAs against mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that are entirely complementary among various species and investigated their multispecies-compatible gene-silencing properties. The mTOR siRNAs markedly reduced mTOR expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in human, mouse, and monkey cell lines. The reduction in mTOR expression resulted in inactivation of both mTOR complex I and II signaling pathways, as confirmed by reduced phosphorylation of p70S6K (70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase), 4EBP1 (eIF4E-binding protein 1), and AKT, and nuclear accumulation of FOXO1 (forkhead box O1), with consequent cell-cycle arrest, proliferation inhibition, and autophagy activation. Moreover, interfering with mTOR activity in vivo using mTOR small-hairpin RNA-expressing recombinant adeno-associated virus led to significant antitumor effects in xenograft and allograft models. Thus, the present study demonstrates that cross-species siRNA successfully silences its target and readily produces multispecies-compatible phenotypic alterations-antitumor effects in the case of mTOR siRNA. Application of cross-species siRNA should greatly facilitate the development of siRNA-based therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghyun Ahn
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
- Bio-Medical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Na Woo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
- Bio-Medical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ara Ko
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Maria Khim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Catherine Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nung Hwa Park
- Bio-Medical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho-Young Song
- Department of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Who Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Cellular Dysfunction Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Antiviral effects of small interfering RNA simultaneously inducing RNA interference and type 1 interferon in coxsackievirus myocarditis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3516-23. [PMID: 22508300 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06050-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral therapeutics are currently unavailable for treatment of coxsackievirus B3, which can cause life-threatening myocarditis. A modified small interfering RNA (siRNA) containing 5'-triphosphate, 3p-siRNA, was shown to induce RNA interference and interferon activation. We aimed to develop a potent antiviral treatment using CVB3-specific 3p-siRNA and to understand its underlying mechanisms. Virus-specific 3p-siRNA was superior to both conventional virus-specific siRNA with an empty hydroxyl group at the 5' end (OH-siRNA) and nonspecific 3p-siRNA in decreasing viral replication and subsequent cytotoxicity. A single administration of 3p-siRNA dramatically attenuated virus-associated pathological symptoms in mice with no signs of toxicity, and their body weights eventually reached the normal range. Myocardial inflammation and fibrosis were rare, and virus production was greatly reduced. A nonspecific 3p-siRNA showed relatively less protective effect under identical conditions, and a virus-specific OH-siRNA showed no protective effects. We confirmed that virus-specific 3p-siRNA simultaneously activated target-specific gene silencing and type I interferon signaling. We provide a clear proof of concept that coxsackievirus B3-specific 3p-siRNA has 2 distinct modes of action, which significantly enhance antiviral activities with minimal organ damage. This is the first direct demonstration of improved antiviral effects with an immunostimulatory virus-specific siRNA in coxsackievirus myocarditis, and this method could be applied to many virus-related diseases.
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Luan Y, Dai HL, Yang D, Zhu L, Gao TL, Shao HJ, Peng X, Jin ZF. Small interfering RNA against the 2C genomic region of coxsackievirus B3 exerts potential antiviral effects in permissive HeLa cells. Virus Res 2012; 163:183-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Shah PS, Schaffer DV. Antiviral RNAi: translating science towards therapeutic success. Pharm Res 2011; 28:2966-82. [PMID: 21826573 PMCID: PMC5012899 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Viruses continuously evolve to contend with an ever-changing environment that involves transmission between hosts and sometimes species, immune responses, and in some cases therapeutic interventions. Given the high mutation rate of viruses relative to the timescales of host evolution and drug development, novel drug classes that are readily screened and translated to the clinic are needed. RNA interference (RNAi)-a natural mechanism for specific degradation of target RNAs that is conserved from plants to invertebrates and vertebrates-can potentially be harnessed to yield therapies with extensive specificity, ease of design, and broad application. In this review, we discuss basic mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of RNAi, including design considerations and areas for future development in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya S. Shah
- Department of Chemical and Biolmolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
| | - David V. Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biolmolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
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