1
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Li X, Jin K, Cheng TC, Liao YC, Lee WJ, Bhullar AS, Chen LC, Rychahou P, Phelps MA, Ho YS, Guo P. RNA four-way junction (4WJ) for spontaneous cancer-targeting, effective tumor-regression, metastasis suppression, fast renal excretion and undetectable toxicity. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122432. [PMID: 38176263 PMCID: PMC10994150 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The field of RNA therapeutics has been emerging as the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. RNA nanoparticles have displayed motile and deformable properties to allow for high tumor accumulation with undetectable healthy organ accumulation. Therefore, RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as potent drug delivery vehicles with strong anti-cancer responses. Herein, we report the physicochemical basis for the rational design of a branched RNA four-way junction (4WJ) nanoparticle that results in advantageous high-thermostability and -drug payload for cancer therapy, including metastatic tumors in the lung. The 4WJ nanostructure displayed versatility through functionalization with an anti-cancer chemical drug, SN38, for the treatment of two different cancer models including colorectal cancer xenograft and orthotopic lung metastases of colon cancer. The resulting 4WJ RNA drug complex spontaneously targeted cancers effectively for cancer inhibition with and without ligands. The 4WJ displayed fast renal excretion, rapid body clearance, and little organ accumulation with undetectable toxicity and immunogenicity. The safety parameters were documented by organ histology, blood biochemistry, and pathological analysis. The highly efficient cancer inhibition, undetectable drug toxicity, and favorable Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) production of RNA nanoparticles document a candidate with high potential for translation in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kai Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Abhjeet S Bhullar
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - Piotr Rychahou
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Mitch A Phelps
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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2
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Rebolledo LP, Ke W, Cedrone E, Wang J, Majithia K, Johnson MB, Dokholyan NV, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Immunostimulation of Fibrous Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Can be Modulated through Aptamer-Based Functional Moieties: Unveiling the Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Insights. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:8430-8441. [PMID: 38344840 PMCID: PMC10895590 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fibrous nanomaterials containing silica, titanium oxide, and carbon nanotubes are notoriously known for their undesirable inflammatory responses and associated toxicities that have been extensively studied in the environmental and occupational toxicology fields. Biopersistance and inflammation of "hard" nanofibers prevent their broader biomedical applications. To utilize the structural benefits of fibrous nanomaterials for functionalization with moieties of therapeutic significance while preventing undesirable immune responses, researchers employ natural biopolymers─RNA and DNA─to design "soft" and biodegradable nanomaterials with controlled immunorecognition. Nucleic acid nanofibers have been shown to be safe and efficacious in applications that do not require their delivery into the cells such as the regulation of blood coagulation. Previous studies demonstrated that unlike traditional therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., CpG DNA oligonucleotides) nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs), when used without a carrier, are not internalized by the immune cells and, as such, do not induce undesirable cytokine responses. In contrast, intracellular delivery of NANPs results in cytokine responses that are dependent on the physicochemical properties of these nanomaterials. However, the structure-activity relationship of innate immune responses to intracellularly delivered fibrous NANPs is poorly understood. Herein, we employ the intracellular delivery of model RNA/DNA nanofibers functionalized with G-quadruplex-based DNA aptamers to investigate how their structural properties influence cytokine responses. We demonstrate that nanofibers' scaffolds delivered to the immune cells using lipofectamine induce interferon response via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway activation and that DNA aptamers incorporation shields the fibers from recognition by cGAS and results in a lower interferon response. This structure-activity relationship study expands the current knowledge base to inform future practical applications of intracellularly delivered NANPs as vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Rebolledo
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Edward Cedrone
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Krishna Majithia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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Brumett R, Danai L, Coffman A, Radwan Y, Teter M, Hayth H, Doe E, Pranger K, Thornburgh S, Dittmer A, Li Z, Kim TJ, Afonin KA, Khisamutdinov EF. Design and Characterization of Compact, Programmable, Multistranded Nonimmunostimulatory Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Suitable for Biomedical Applications. Biochemistry 2024; 63:312-325. [PMID: 38271599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
We report a thorough investigation of the role of single-stranded thymidine (ssT) linkers in the stability and flexibility of minimal, multistranded DNA nanostructures. We systematically explore the impact of varying the number of ssTs in three-way junction motifs (3WJs) on their formation and properties. Through various UV melting experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that while the number of ssTs minimally affects thermodynamic stability, the increasing ssT regions significantly enhance the structural flexibility of 3WJs. Utilizing this knowledge, we design triangular DNA nanoparticles with varying ssTs, all showing exceptional assembly efficiency except for the 0T triangle. All triangles demonstrate enhanced stability in blood serum and are nonimmunostimulatory and nontoxic in mammalian cell lines. The 4T 3WJ is chosen as the building block for constructing other polygons due to its enhanced flexibility and favorable physicochemical characteristics, making it a versatile choice for creating cost-effective, stable, and functional DNA nanostructures that can be stored in the dehydrated forms while retaining their structures. Our study provides valuable insights into the design and application of nucleic acid nanostructures, emphasizing the importance of understanding stability and flexibility in the realm of nucleic acid nanotechnology. Our findings suggest the intricate connection between these ssTs and the structural adaptability of DNA 3WJs, paving the way for more precise design and engineering of nucleic acid nanosystems suitable for broad biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Brumett
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Leyla Danai
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Abigail Coffman
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Megan Teter
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Hannah Hayth
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Erwin Doe
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Katelynn Pranger
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Sable Thornburgh
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Allison Dittmer
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Zhihai Li
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Physical Sciences, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, West Virginia 25801, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Emil F Khisamutdinov
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
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Jin K, Liao YC, Cheng TC, Li X, Lee WJ, Pi F, Jasinski D, Chen LC, Phelps MA, Ho YS, Guo P. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Pathology and Safety Aspects of Three- and Four-Way Junction RNA Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:718-728. [PMID: 38214504 PMCID: PMC10976369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00845] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics has advanced into the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development, following chemical and protein therapeutics. RNA itself can serve as therapeutics, carriers, regulators, or substrates in drug development. Due to RNA's motile, dynamic, and deformable properties, RNA nanoparticles have demonstrated spontaneous targeting and accumulation in cancer vasculature and fast excretion through the kidney glomerulus to urine to prevent possible interactions with healthy organs. Furthermore, the negatively charged phosphate backbone of RNA results in general repulsion from negatively charged lipid cell membranes for further avoidance of vital organs. Thus, RNA nanoparticles can spontaneously enrich tumor vasculature and efficiently enter tumor cells via specific targeting, while those not entering the tumor tissue will clear from the body quickly. These favorable parameters have led to the expectation that RNA has low or little toxicity. RNA nanoparticles have been well characterized for their anticancer efficacy; however, little detail on RNA nanoparticle pathology and safety is known. Here, we report the in vitro and in vivo assessment of the pathology and safety aspects of different RNA nanoparticles including RNA three-way junction (3WJ) harboring 2'-F modified pyrimidine, folic acid, and Survivin siRNA, as well as the RNA four-way junction (4WJ) harboring 2'-F modified pyrimidine and 24 copies of SN38. Both animal models and patient serum were investigated. In vitro studies include hemolysis, platelet aggregation, complement activation, plasma coagulation, and interferon induction. In vivo studies include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, hematological and biochemical analysis as the serum profiling, and animal organ weight study. No significant toxicity, side effect, or immune responses were detected during the extensive safety evaluations of RNA nanoparticles. These results further complement previous cancer inhibition studies and demonstrate RNA nanoparticles as an effective and safe drug delivery vehicle for future clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Xin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Fengmei Pi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Daniel Jasinski
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Mitch A Phelps
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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5
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Kanarskaya MA, Pyshnyi DV, Lomzov AA. Diversity of Self-Assembled RNA Complexes: From Nanoarchitecture to Nanomachines. Molecules 2023; 29:10. [PMID: 38202593 PMCID: PMC10779776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010010] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
New tool development for various nucleic acid applications is an essential task in RNA nanotechnology. Here, we determined the ability of self-limited complex formation by a pair of oligoribonucleotides carrying two pairwise complementary blocks connected by a linker of different lengths in each chain. The complexes were analyzed using UV melting, gel shift assay analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We have demonstrated the spontaneous formation of various self-limited and concatemer complexes. The linear concatemer complex is formed by a pair of oligomers without a linker in at least one of them. Longer linkers resulted in the formation of circular complexes. The self-limited complexes formation was confirmed using the toehold strand displacement. The MD simulations indicate the reliability of the complexes' structure and demonstrate their dynamics, which increase with the rise of complex size. The linearization of 2D circular complexes into 1D structures and a reverse cyclization process were demonstrated using a toehold-mediated approach. The approach proposed here for the construction and directed modification of the molecularity and shape of complexes will be a valuable tool in RNA nanotechnology, especially for the rational design of therapeutic nucleic acids with high target specificity and the programmable response of the immune system of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander A. Lomzov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (M.A.K.); (D.V.P.)
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Liao YC, Cheng TC, Tu SH, Chang J, Guo P, Chen LC, Ho YS. Tumor targeting and therapeutic assessments of RNA nanoparticles carrying α9-nAChR aptamer and anti-miR-21 in triple-negative breast cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:351-366. [PMID: 37547295 PMCID: PMC10400867 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with a poor prognosis because of a lack of cell markers as drug targets. α9-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is expressed abundantly in TNBC; thus, it is a valuable biomarker for TNBC detection and treatment. In this study, we utilized thermodynamically stable three-way junction (3WJ) packaging RNA (pRNA) as the core to construct RNA nanoparticles with an α9-nAChR RNA aptamer as a targeting ligand and an anti-microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a therapeutic module. We compared the configuration of the two RNA nanoparticles and found that 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa) exhibited better specificity for α9-nAChR in TNBC cells compared with 3WJ-C-α9-nAChR. Furthermore, 3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa bound more efficiently to TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors than 3WJ fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-Alexa) with little or no accumulation in healthy organs after systemic injection in mice. Moreover, 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles carrying anti-miR-21 (3WJ-B-α9-apt-anti-miR-21) significantly suppressed TNBC-PDX tumor growth and induced cell apoptosis because of reduced miR-21 gene expression and upregulated the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) proteins. In addition, no pathological changes were detected upon toxicity examination of treated mice. In conclusion, the 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles established in this study efficiently deliver therapeutic anti-miR-21, indicating their potential as a novel TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Tu
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jungshan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
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7
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Danai L, Ge E, Afonin KA. RNA nanoparticles for targeted therapies of triple-negative breast cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:885-886. [PMID: 37680990 PMCID: PMC10481346 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Danai
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Eva Ge
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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8
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Meanwell NA. Sub-stoichiometric Modulation of Viral Targets-Potent Antiviral Agents That Exploit Target Vulnerability. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1021-1030. [PMID: 37583823 PMCID: PMC10424314 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of oligomeric viral targets at sub-stoichiometric ratios of drug to target has been advocated for its efficacy and potency, but there are only a limited number of documented examples. In this Viewpoint, we summarize the invention of the HIV-1 maturation inhibitor fipravirimat and discuss the emerging details around the mode of action of this class of drug that reflects inhibition of a protein composed of 1,300-1,600 monomers that interact in a cooperative fashion. Similarly, the HCV NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir has been shown to act in a highly sub-stoichiometric fashion, inhibiting viral replication at concentrations that are ∼23,500 lower than that of the protein target.
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Brown OR, Hullender DA. Biological evolution requires an emergent, self-organizing principle. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023:S0079-6107(23)00058-5. [PMID: 37343790 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In this perspective review, we assess fundamental flaws in Darwinian evolution, including its modern versions. Fixed mutations 'explain' microevolution but not macroevolution including speciation events and the origination of all the major body plans of the Cambrian explosion. Complex, multifactorial change is required for speciation events and inevitably requires self-organization beyond what is accomplished by known mechanisms. The assembly of ribosomes and ATP synthase are specific examples. We propose their origin is a model for what is unexplained in biological evolution. Probability of evolution is modeled in Section 9 and values are absurdly improbable. Speciation and higher taxonomic changes become exponentially less probable as the number of required, genetically-based events increase. Also, the power required of the proposed selection mechanism (survival of the fittest) is nil for any biological advance requiring multiple changes, because they regularly occur in multiple generations (different genomes) and would not be selectively conserved by the concept survival of the fittest (a concept ultimately centered on the individual). Thus, survival of the fittest cannot 'explain' the origin of the millions of current and extinct species. We also focus on the inadequacies of laboratory chemistry to explain the complex, required biological self-organization seen in cells. We propose that a 'bioelectromagnetic' field/principle emerges in living cells. Synthesis by self-organization of massive molecular complexes involves biochemical responses to this emergent field/principle. There are ramifications for philosophy, science, and religion. Physics and mathematics must be more strongly integrated with biology and integration should receive dedicated funding with special emphasis for medical applications; treatment of cancer and genetic diseases are examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olen R Brown
- Emeritus of Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - David A Hullender
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, USA
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10
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Lushnikov AJ, Avila YI, Afonin KA, Krasnoslobodtsev AV. Characterization of RNA Nanoparticles and Their Dynamic Properties Using Atomic Force Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2709:191-202. [PMID: 37572281 PMCID: PMC10483931 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3417-2_12] [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] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The protocol described in this chapter allows for acquiring topography images of RNA-based nanoring structures and assessing their dynamic properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. AFM is an indispensable tool for characterization of nucleic acid-based nanostructures with the exceptional capability of observing complexes in the range of a few nanometers. This method can visualize structural characteristics and evaluate differences between individual structurally different RNA nanorings. Due to the highly resolved AFM topography images, we introduce an approach that allows to distinguish the differences in the dynamic behavior of RNA nanoparticles not amenable to other experimental techniques. This protocol describes in detail the preparation procedures of RNA nanostructures, AFM imaging, and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Lushnikov
- Nanoimaging Core Facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yelixza I Avila
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
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11
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Klotz K, Radwan Y, Chakrabarti K. Dissecting Functional Biological Interactions Using Modular RNA Nanoparticles. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010228. [PMID: 36615420 PMCID: PMC9821959 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an exciting and innovative technology in the context of both basic and biomedical research. Made of DNA, RNA, or their chemical analogs, NANPs are programmed for carrying out specific functions within human cells. NANPs are at the forefront of preventing, detecting, and treating disease. Their nucleic acid composition lends them biocompatibility that provides their cargo with enhanced opportunity for coordinated delivery. Of course, the NANP system of targeting specific cells and tissues is not without its disadvantages. Accumulation of NANPs outside of the target tissue and the potential for off-target effects of NANP-mediated cargo delivery present challenges to research and medical professionals and these challenges must be effectively addressed to provide safe treatment to patients. Importantly, development of NANPs with regulated biological activities and immunorecognition becomes a promising route for developing versatile nucleic acid therapeutics. In a basic research context, NANPs can assist investigators in fine-tuning the structure-function relationship of final formulations and in this review, we explore the practical applications of NANPs in laboratory and clinical settings and discuss how we can use established nucleic acid research techniques to design effective NANPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Klotz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Correspondence:
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