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Guerrero-Rodríguez J, Cárdenas-Vargas A, Gutierrez-Silerio G, Sobrevilla-Navarro A, Bastidas-Ramírez B, Hernández-Ortega L, Gurrola-Díaz C, Gasca-Lozano L, Armendáriz-Borunda J, Salazar-Montes A. Delivery of Anti-IFNAR1 shRNA to Hepatic Cells Decreases IFNAR1 Gene Expression and Improves Adenoviral Transduction and Transgene Expression. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 64:413-423. [PMID: 34687024 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00408-6] [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: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury leads to advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genetical cell treatment related to the use of adenovirus (Ads) has proven to be beneficial and efficient in the recovery of hepatic diseases. Nevertheless, they are highly immunogenic and trigger an immune response where interferons type 1 (IFN-I) play a very important role. Three shRNAs against the Interferon-1 receptor (IFNAR1) were designed and cloned in pENTR/U6 plasmid and amplified in DH5α cells. Huh7 cells were transfected with these plasmids in the presence or absence of 1 × 109 viral particles/ml of adenovirus containing the green fluorescent protein gene used as a reporter. Transfection with the shRNA plasmids partially inhibited the IFNAR1 expression. This inhibition substantially decreased antiviral response, demonstrated by the decrease of IFNAR1, IFN-α, and TNF-α gene expression, and the decrease at protein levels of IFNAR1, Protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR), and phosphorylated STAT1, allowing higher adenoviral transduction and transgene expression. Interestingly it was seen shRNA inhibited macrophage activation. These results suggest that the inhibition of the IFN-I pathway could be a strategy to minimize the immune response against Adenoviral vectors allowing higher Adenovirus transduction extending the transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guerrero-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - A Cárdenas-Vargas
- Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Jardín Juárez #147, Centro Histórico, C.P. 98000, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - G Gutierrez-Silerio
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - A Sobrevilla-Navarro
- Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Nuevo Periférico No. 555 Ejido San José Tateposco, C.P. 45425, Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - B Bastidas-Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - L Hernández-Ortega
- Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Nuevo Periférico No. 555 Ejido San José Tateposco, C.P. 45425, Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - C Gurrola-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - L Gasca-Lozano
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - J Armendáriz-Borunda
- Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina y Terapia Génica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - A Salazar-Montes
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Col. Independencia, C.P. 44340, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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2
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Braga L, Ali H, Secco I, Giacca M. Non-coding RNA therapeutics for cardiac regeneration. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:674-693. [PMID: 32215566 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction can be achieved by stimulating the endogenous capacity of cardiomyocytes (CMs) to replicate. This process is controlled, both positively and negatively, by a large set of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Some of the microRNAs (miRNAs) that can stimulate CM proliferation is expressed in embryonic stem cells and is required to maintain pluripotency (e.g. the miR-302∼367 cluster). Others also govern the proliferation of different cell types, including cancer cells (e.g. the miR-17∼92 cluster). Additional miRNAs were discovered through systematic screenings (e.g. miR-199a-3p and miR-590-3p). Several miRNAs instead suppress CM proliferation and are involved in the withdrawal of CMs from the cell cycle after birth (e.g. the let-7 and miR-15 families). Similar regulatory roles on CM proliferation are also exerted by a few long ncRNAs. This body of information has obvious therapeutic implications, as miRNAs with activator function or short antisense oligonucleotides against inhibitory miRNAs or lncRNAs can be administered to stimulate cardiac regeneration. Expression of miRNAs can be achieved by gene therapy using adeno-associated vectors, which transduce CMs with high efficiency. More effective and safer for therapeutic purposes, small nucleic acid therapeutics can be obtained as chemically modified, synthetic molecules, which can be administered through lipofection or inclusion in lipid or polymer nanoparticles for efficient cardiac delivery. The notion that it is possible to reprogramme CMs into a regenerative state and that this property can be enhanced by ncRNA therapeutics remains exciting, however extensive experimentation in large mammals and rigorous assessment of safety are required to advance towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braga
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Hashim Ali
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Ilaria Secco
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Mauro Giacca
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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3
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Yang X, Xing H, Liu J, Yang L, Ma H, Ma H. MicroRNA‑802 increases hepatic oxidative stress and induces insulin resistance in high‑fat fed mice. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1230-1240. [PMID: 31173239 PMCID: PMC6625421 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of microRNA-802 (miR-802) is known to be associated with insulin resistance (IR); however, the mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated how miR-802 contributes to the development of IR using C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish a model of IR. Adeno-associated virus overexpressing miR-802 was administered to the mice via tail vein injection. The effects of miR-802 on reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of multiple ROS-related enzymes were investigated. Western blot analysis was used to estimate the protein levels of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and protein kinase B (AKT1). The results demonstrated that the levels of ROS and LPO production were increased in the livers of the miR-802-treated group compared with the control group. The activities of the ROS-related enzymes were reduced. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated (phosphor)-p38MAPK and phosphor-JNK were upregulated in the miR-802 overexpression group, whereas there was no difference in the expression levels of phosphor-ERK. The expression levels of phosphor-AKT1 were reduced in the miR-802-treated group and these effects were reversed by miR-802 knockdown. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that miR-802 may cause IR by activating the JNK and p38MAPK pathways to increase hepatic oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Hanying Xing
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhen Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Linquan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Huan Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Huijuan Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
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4
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Theotokis PI, Usher L, Kortschak CK, Schwalbe E, Moschos SA. Profiling the Mismatch Tolerance of Argonaute 2 through Deep Sequencing of Sliced Polymorphic Viral RNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:22-33. [PMID: 29246301 PMCID: PMC5602524 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Low allelic and clonal variability among endogenous RNAi targets has focused mismatch tolerance studies to RNAi-active guide strands. However, the inherent genomic instability of RNA viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) gives rise to quasi-species mutants within discrete clones: this facilitates mismatch tolerance studies from a target perspective. We recently quantified the slicing imprecision of Argonaute 2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) analogs of the DNA-directed RNAi drug TT-034 and next-generation sequencing of 5' RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE-SEQ). Here, we present an open-source, customizable, and computationally light RACE-SEQ bioinformatic pipeline, describing adaptations that semiquantitatively report the impact of RNAi hybridization site mismatches from the target perspective. The analysis shows that Argonaute 2 has a substitution-specific, 3- to 5-log activity window between fully complementary targets and targets with mismatches across positions 10-11. It further focuses the endonucleotic Slicer imprecision around positions 13-17, demonstrating its dependence on guide strand central region complementarity, and potentiation by even a single mismatch. We further propose pharmacogenomics value in testing endogenous targets using recombinant replicon systems and RACE-SEQ to report the pharmacodynamics of sequence-specific oligonucleotide therapeutics against all possible polymorphisms in a population, in a minimally biased, patient-free manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantazis I Theotokis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Louise Usher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; Westminster Genomic Services, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Christopher K Kortschak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Ed Schwalbe
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Sterghios A Moschos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; Westminster Genomic Services, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK; Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE1 8ST, UK.
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5
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Sanchez AC, Li C, Andrews B, Asenjo JA, Samulski RJ. AAV Gene Therapy for Alcoholism: Inhibition of Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Enzyme Expression in Hepatoma Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:717-725. [PMID: 28578603 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most ethanol is broken down in the liver in two steps by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) enzymes, which metabolize down ethanol into acetaldehyde and then acetate. Some individuals from the Asian population who carry a mutation in the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH2*2) cannot metabolize acetaldehyde as efficiently, producing strong effects, including facial flushing, dizziness, hypotension, and palpitations. This results in an aversion to alcohol intake and protection against alcoholism. The large prevalence of this mutation in the human population strongly suggests that modulation of ALDH2 expression by genetic technologies could result in a similar phenotype. scAAV2 vectors encoding ALDH2 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) were utilized to validate this hypothesis by silencing ALDH2 gene expression in human cell lines. Human cell lines HEK-293 and HepG2 were transduced with scAAV2/shRNA, showing a reduction in ALDH2 RNA and protein expression with the two viral concentration assayed (1 × 104 and 1 × 105 vg/cell) at two different time points. In both cell lines, ALDH2 RNA levels were reduced by 90% and protein expression was inhibited by 90% and 52%, respectively, 5 days post infection. Transduced HepG2 VL17A cells (ADH+) exposed to ethanol resulted in a 50% increase in acetaldehyde levels. These results suggest that gene therapy could be a useful tool for the treatment of alcoholism by knocking down ALDH2 expression using shRNA technology delivered by AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria C Sanchez
- 1 Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Chengwen Li
- 2 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Barbara Andrews
- 1 Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan A Asenjo
- 1 Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - R Jude Samulski
- 2 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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6
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Somatic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 generates and corrects a metabolic disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44624. [PMID: 28300165 PMCID: PMC5353616 DOI: 10.1038/srep44624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline manipulation using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has dramatically accelerated the generation of new mouse models. Nonetheless, many metabolic disease models still depend upon laborious germline targeting, and are further complicated by the need to avoid developmental phenotypes. We sought to address these experimental limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult liver using CRISPR/Cas9, as a new strategy to model metabolic disorders. As proof-of-principle, we targeted the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr), which when deleted, leads to severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Here we show that hepatic disruption of Ldlr with AAV-CRISPR results in severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We further demonstrate that co-disruption of Apob, whose germline loss is embryonically lethal, completely prevented disease through compensatory inhibition of hepatic LDL production. This new concept of metabolic disease modeling by somatic genome editing could be applied to many other systemic as well as liver-restricted disorders which are difficult to study by germline manipulation.
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7
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Senís E, Mockenhaupt S, Rupp D, Bauer T, Paramasivam N, Knapp B, Gronych J, Grosse S, Windisch MP, Schmidt F, Theis FJ, Eils R, Lichter P, Schlesner M, Bartenschlager R, Grimm D. TALEN/CRISPR-mediated engineering of a promoterless anti-viral RNAi hairpin into an endogenous miRNA locus. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 45:e3. [PMID: 27614072 PMCID: PMC5224498 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful RNAi applications depend on strategies allowing robust and persistent expression of minimal gene silencing triggers without perturbing endogenous gene expression. Here, we propose a novel avenue which is integration of a promoterless shmiRNA, i.e. a shRNA embedded in a micro-RNA (miRNA) scaffold, into an engineered genomic miRNA locus. For proof-of-concept, we used TALE or CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases to site-specifically integrate an anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) shmiRNA into the liver-specific miR-122/hcr locus in hepatoma cells, with the aim to obtain cellular clones that are genetically protected against HCV infection. Using reporter assays, Northern blotting and qRT-PCR, we confirmed anti-HCV shmiRNA expression as well as miR-122 integrity and functionality in selected cellular progeny. Moreover, we employed a comprehensive battery of PCR, cDNA/miRNA profiling and whole genome sequencing analyses to validate targeted integration of a single shmiRNA molecule at the expected position, and to rule out deleterious effects on the genomes or transcriptomes of the engineered cells. Importantly, a subgenomic HCV replicon and a full-length reporter virus, but not a Dengue virus control, were significantly impaired in the modified cells. Our original combination of DNA engineering and RNAi expression technologies benefits numerous applications, from miRNA, genome and transgenesis research, to human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Senís
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Stefan Mockenhaupt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Daniel Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Tobias Bauer
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics (B080), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Nagarajan Paramasivam
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics (B080), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Bettina Knapp
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
| | - Jan Gronych
- Division of Molecular Genetics (B060), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Stefanie Grosse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Marc P Windisch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Florian Schmidt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany.,Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics (B080), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Department for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- Division of Molecular Genetics (B060), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Matthias Schlesner
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics (B080), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany .,BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
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8
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Lakshminarayanan A, Reddy BU, Raghav N, Ravi VK, Kumar A, Maiti PK, Sood AK, Jayaraman N, Das S. A galactose-functionalized dendritic siRNA-nanovector to potentiate hepatitis C inhibition in liver cells. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:16921-16931. [PMID: 26411288 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02898a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A RNAi based antiviral strategy holds the promise to impede hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection overcoming the problem of emergence of drug resistant variants, usually encountered in the interferon free direct-acting antiviral therapy. Targeted delivery of siRNA helps minimize adverse 'off-target' effects and maximize the efficacy of therapeutic response. Herein, we report the delivery of siRNA against the conserved 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of HCV RNA using a liver-targeted dendritic nano-vector functionalized with a galactopyranoside ligand (DG). Physico-chemical characterization revealed finer details of complexation of DG with siRNA, whereas molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated sugar moieties projecting "out" in the complex. Preferential delivery of siRNA to the liver was achieved through a highly specific ligand-receptor interaction between dendritic galactose and the asialoglycoprotein receptor. The siRNA-DG complex exhibited perinuclear localization in liver cells and co-localization with viral proteins. The histopathological studies showed the systemic tolerance and biocompatibility of DG. Further, whole body imaging and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the preferential delivery of the nucleic acid to mice liver. Significant decrease in HCV RNA levels (up to 75%) was achieved in HCV subgenomic replicon and full length HCV-JFH1 infectious cell culture systems. The multidisciplinary approach provides the 'proof of concept' for restricted delivery of therapeutic siRNAs using a target oriented dendritic nano-vector.
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10
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11
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Zacchigna S, Zentilin L, Giacca M. Adeno-associated virus vectors as therapeutic and investigational tools in the cardiovascular system. Circ Res 2014; 114:1827-46. [PMID: 24855205 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of vectors based on the small parvovirus adeno-associated virus has gained significant momentum during the past decade. Their high efficiency of transduction of postmitotic tissues in vivo, such as heart, brain, and retina, renders these vectors extremely attractive for several gene therapy applications affecting these organs. Besides functional correction of different monogenic diseases, the possibility to drive efficient and persistent transgene expression in the heart offers the possibility to develop innovative therapies for prevalent conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic genes are not only restricted to protein-coding complementary DNAs but also include short hairpin RNAs and microRNA genes, thus broadening the spectrum of possible applications. In addition, several spontaneous or engineered variants in the virus capsid have recently improved vector efficiency and expanded their tropism. Apart from their therapeutic potential, adeno-associated virus vectors also represent outstanding investigational tools to explore the function of individual genes or gene combinations in vivo, thus providing information that is conceptually similar to that obtained from genetically modified animals. Finally, their single-stranded DNA genome can drive homology-directed gene repair at high efficiency. Here, we review the main molecular characteristics of adeno-associated virus vectors, with a particular view to their applications in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.).
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12
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Adenovirus vectors lacking virus-associated RNA expression enhance shRNA activity to suppress hepatitis C virus replication. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3575. [PMID: 24356586 PMCID: PMC3868971 DOI: 10.1038/srep03575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
First-generation adenovirus vectors (FG AdVs) expressing short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) effectively downregulate the expressions of target genes. However, this vector, in fact, expresses not only the transgene product, but also virus-associated RNAs (VA RNAs) that disturb cellular RNAi machinery. We have established a production method for VA-deleted AdVs lacking expression of VA RNAs. Here, we showed that the highest shRNA activity was obtained when the shRNA was inserted not at the popularly used E1 site, but at the E4 site. We then compared the activities of shRNAs against hepatitis C virus (HCV) expressed from VA-deleted AdVs or conventional AdVs. The VA-deleted AdVs inhibited HCV production much more efficiently. Therefore, VA-deleted AdVs were more effective than the currently used AdVs for shRNA downregulation, probably because of the lack of competition between VA RNAs and the shRNAs. These VA-deleted AdVs might enable more effective gene therapies for chronic hepatitis C.
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13
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Ahn M, Gamble A, Witting SR, Magrisso J, Surendran S, Obici S, Morral N. Vector and helper genome rearrangements occur during production of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:1-10. [PMID: 23249343 PMCID: PMC4015077 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HD Ad) hold extreme promise for gene therapy of human diseases. All viral genes are deleted in HD Ad vectors, and therefore, the presence of a helper virus is required for their production. Current methods to minimize helper contamination in large-scale preparations rely on the use of the Cre/loxP system. The inclusion of loxP sites flanking the packaging signal results in its excision in the presence of Cre recombinase, preventing helper genome encapsidation. It is well established that the level of Cre recombinase activity is important in determining the degree of helper contamination. However, there is little information on other mechanisms that could also play an important role. We have generated several HD Ad vectors containing a rapalog-inducible system to regulate transgene expression, or LacZ under the control of the elongation factor 1 α promoter. Large-scale production of these vectors resulted in abundant helper contamination. Viral DNA analysis revealed the presence of rearrangements between vector and helper genomes. The rearrangements involved a helper DNA molecule with a fragment of the left arm of the HD Ad vector, including its ITR, packaging signal, and some stuffer sequence. Overall, our data suggest that helper DNA molecules that accumulate after Cre recombinase activity are prone to rearrangements, resulting in helper genomes that have incorporated a packaging signal from the vector. Helper particles with rearranged genomes have a growth advantage. This study identifies a novel mechanism leading to helper contamination during helper-dependent adenoviral vector production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwon Ahn
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Aisha Gamble
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Scott R. Witting
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Jack Magrisso
- Obesity Research Center, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237
| | - Sneha Surendran
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Silvana Obici
- Obesity Research Center, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237
| | - Núria Morral
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
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14
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Jacobs F, Gordts SC, Muthuramu I, De Geest B. The liver as a target organ for gene therapy: state of the art, challenges, and future perspectives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2012; 5:1372-92. [PMID: 24281341 PMCID: PMC3816670 DOI: 10.3390/ph5121372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a target for gene therapy of inborn errors of metabolism, of hemophilia, and of acquired diseases such as liver cancer and hepatitis. The ideal gene transfer strategy should deliver the transgene DNA to parenchymal liver cells with accuracy and precision in the absence of side effects. Liver sinusoids are highly specialized capillaries with a particular endothelial lining: the endothelium contains open fenestrae, whereas a basal lamina is lacking. Fenestrae provide a direct access of gene transfer vectors to the space of Disse, in which numerous microvilli from parenchymal liver cells protrude. The small diameter of fenestrae in humans constitutes an anatomical barrier for most gene transfer vectors with the exception of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Recent studies have demonstrated the superiority of novel AAV serotypes for hepatocyte-directed gene transfer applications based on enhanced transduction, reduced prevalence of neutralizing antibodies, and diminished capsid immune responses. In a landmark clinical trial, hemophilia B was successfully treated with an AAV8 human factor IX expressing vector. Notwithstanding significant progress, clinical experience with these technologies remains very limited and many unanswered questions warrant further study. Therefore, the field should continue to progress as it has over the past decade, cautiously and diligently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Jacobs
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Chandra PK, Kundu AK, Hazari S, Chandra S, Bao L, Ooms T, Morris GF, Wu T, Mandal TK, Dash S. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by intracellular delivery of multiple siRNAs by nanosomes. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1724-36. [PMID: 22617108 PMCID: PMC3437587 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained antiviral responses of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have improved recently by the use of direct-acting antiviral agents along with interferon (IFN)-α and ribavirin. However, the emergence of drug-resistant variants is expected to be a major problem. We describe here a novel combinatorial small interfering RNA (siRNA) nanosome-based antiviral approach to clear HCV infection. Multiple siRNAs targeted to the highly conserved 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the HCV genome were synthesized and encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles called nanosomes. We show that siRNA can be repeatedly delivered to 100% of cells in culture using nanosomes without toxicity. Six siRNAs dramatically reduced HCV replication in both the replicon and infectious cell culture model. Repeated treatments with two siRNAs were better than a single siRNA treatment in minimizing the development of an escape mutant, resulting in rapid inhibition of viral replication. Systemic administration of combinatorial siRNA-nanosomes is well tolerated in BALB/c mice without liver injury or histological toxicity. As a proof-of-principle, we showed that systemic injections of siRNA nanosomes significantly reduced HCV replication in a liver tumor-xenotransplant mouse model of HCV. Our results indicate that systemic delivery of combinatorial siRNA nanosomes can be used to minimize the development of escape mutants and inhibition of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha K Chandra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anup K Kundu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sidhartha Hazari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sruti Chandra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lili Bao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tara Ooms
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gilbert F Morris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tarun K Mandal
- Center for Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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In vivo selection of transplanted hepatocytes by pharmacological inhibition of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase in wild-type mice. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1981-7. [PMID: 22871666 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) deficiency is unique in that healthy gene-corrected hepatocytes have a strong growth advantage and can repopulate the diseased liver. Unfortunately, similar positive selection of gene-corrected cells is absent in most inborn errors of liver metabolism and it is difficult to reach the cell replacement index required for therapeutic benefit. Therefore, methods to transiently create a growth advantage for genetically modified hepatocytes in any genetic background would be advantageous. To mimic the selective pressure of Fah deficiency in normal animals, an efficient in vivo small molecule inhibitor of FAH, 4-[(2-carboxyethyl)-hydroxyphosphinyl]-3-oxobutyrate (CEHPOBA) was developed. Microarray analysis demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of FAH produced highly similar gene expression changes to genetic deficiency. As proof of principle, hepatocytes lacking homogentisic acid dioxygenase (Hgd) and hence resistant to FAH inhibition were transplanted into sex-mismatched wild-type recipients. Time course analyses of 4-6 weeks of CEHPOBA administration after transplantation showed a linear relationship between treatment length and replacement index. Compared to controls, recipients treated with the FAH-inhibitor had 20-100-fold increases in liver repopulation. We conclude that pharmacological inhibition of FAH is a promising approach to in vivo selection of hepatocytes.
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Korrapati AB, Swaminathan G, Singh A, Khanna N, Swaminathan S. Adenovirus delivered short hairpin RNA targeting a conserved site in the 5' non-translated region inhibits all four serotypes of dengue viruses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1735. [PMID: 22848770 PMCID: PMC3404111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four closely related serotypes of Dengue viruses (DENVs). This disease whose symptoms range from mild fever to potentially fatal haemorrhagic fever and hypovolemic shock, threatens nearly half the global population. There is neither a preventive vaccine nor an effective antiviral therapy against dengue disease. The difference between severe and mild disease appears to be dependent on the viral load. Early diagnosis may enable timely therapeutic intervention to blunt disease severity by reducing the viral load. Harnessing the therapeutic potential of RNA interference (RNAi) to attenuate DENV replication may offer one approach to dengue therapy. Methodology/Principal Findings We screened the non-translated regions (NTRs) of the RNA genomes of representative members of the four DENV serotypes for putative siRNA targets mapping to known transcription/translation regulatory elements. We identified a target site in the 5′ NTR that maps to the 5′ upstream AUG region, a highly conserved cis-acting element essential for viral replication. We used a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (AdV5) vector to deliver a short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting this site into cells. We show that this shRNA matures to the cognate siRNA and is able to inhibit effectively antigen secretion, viral RNA replication and infectious virus production by all four DENV serotypes. Conclusion/Significance The data demonstrate the feasibility of using AdV5-mediated delivery of shRNAs targeting conserved sites in the viral genome to achieve inhibition of all four DENV serotypes. This paves the way towards exploration of RNAi as a possible therapeutic strategy to curtail DENV infection. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that threatens nearly half the global population. The symptoms of this disease, caused by four closely related Dengue viruses, range from mild fever to potentially fatal haemorrhagic fever and shock. There is neither a preventive vaccine nor an effective antiviral therapy against the disease. The difference between severe and mild disease appears to be dependent on the viral load. Reducing the virus levels in the bloodstream through therapeutic intervention may be associated with favourable prognosis. We investigated the feasibility of destroying dengue virus genomic RNA using a phenomenon known as RNA interference, in which the RNA-cleaving activity of a cellular enzyme complex is directed to a site in the target RNA, using a short complementary RNA known as small interfering RNA. We used adenovirus, a common cold virus, to deliver a small interfering RNA complementary to a conserved region just adjacent to the initiator codon in the dengue virus RNA. We found that this could inhibit viral RNA multiplication, expression of viral proteins and the secretion of infectious virus. Importantly, our results showed that the adenovirus delivered small interfering RNA which could inhibit all four types of dengue viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Babu Korrapati
- Recombinant Gene Products Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Gokul Swaminathan
- Recombinant Gene Products Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Aarti Singh
- Recombinant Gene Products Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Navin Khanna
- Recombinant Gene Products Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sathyamangalam Swaminathan
- Recombinant Gene Products Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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18
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Sindhu A, Arora P, Chaudhury A. Illuminating the gateway of gene silencing: perspective of RNA interference technology in clinical therapeutics. Mol Biotechnol 2012; 51:289-302. [PMID: 21947958 PMCID: PMC7091241 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-011-9456-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A novel laboratory revolution for disease therapy, the RNA interference (RNAi) technology, has adopted a new era of molecular research as the next generation "Gene-targeted prophylaxis." In this review, we have focused on the chief technological challenges associated with the efforts to develop RNAi-based therapeutics that may guide the biomedical researchers. Many non-curable maladies, like neurodegenerative diseases and cancers have effectively been cured using this technology. Rapid advances are still in progress for the development of RNAi-based technologies that will be having a major impact on medical research. We have highlighted the recent discoveries associated with the phenomenon of RNAi, expression of silencing molecules in mammals along with the vector systems used for disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annu Sindhu
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
| | - Pooja Arora
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
| | - Ashok Chaudhury
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
- Present Address: Crop Science Department, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27606 USA
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19
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Zhang ZX, Min WP, Jevnikar AM. Use of RNA interference to minimize ischemia reperfusion injury. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2012; 26:140-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Aliabadi HM, Landry B, Sun C, Tang T, Uludağ H. Supramolecular assemblies in functional siRNA delivery: Where do we stand? Biomaterials 2012; 33:2546-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.11.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Arima H, Motoyama K, Higashi T. Potential Use of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Conjugates with Cyclodextrins as Novel Carriers for siRNA. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011; 5:61-78. [PMID: 24288043 PMCID: PMC3763628 DOI: 10.3390/ph5010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclodextrin (CyD)-based nanoparticles and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) starburst dendrimers (dendrimers) are used as novel carriers for DNA and RNA. Recently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) complex with β-CyD-containing polycations (CDP) having adamantine-PEG or adamantine-PEG-transferrin underwent a phase I study for treatment of solid tumors. Multifunctional dendrimers can be used for a wide range of biomedical applications, including the interaction and intracellular delivery of DNA and RNA. The present review will address the latest developments in dendrimer conjugates with cyclodextrins for siRNA delivery including the novel sustained release system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Arima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
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23
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Ahn M, Witting SR, Ruiz R, Saxena R, Morral N. Constitutive expression of short hairpin RNA in vivo triggers buildup of mature hairpin molecules. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1483-97. [PMID: 21780944 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has become the cornerstone technology for studying gene function in mammalian cells. In addition, it is a promising therapeutic treatment for multiple human diseases. Virus-mediated constitutive expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) has the potential to provide a permanent source of silencing molecules to tissues, and it is being devised as a strategy for the treatment of liver conditions such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection. Unintended interaction between silencing molecules and cellular components, leading to toxic effects, has been described in vitro. Despite the enormous interest in using the RNAi technology for in vivo applications, little is known about the safety of constitutively expressing shRNA for multiple weeks. Here we report the effects of in vivo shRNA expression, using helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. We show that gene-specific knockdown is maintained for at least 6 weeks after injection of 1 × 10(11) viral particles. Nonetheless, accumulation of mature shRNA molecules was observed up to weeks 3 and 4, and then declined gradually, suggesting the buildup of mature shRNA molecules induced cell death with concomitant loss of viral DNA and shRNA expression. No evidence of well-characterized innate immunity activation (such as interferon production) or saturation of the exportin-5 pathway was observed. Overall, our data suggest constitutive expression of shRNA results in accumulation of mature shRNA molecules, inducing cellular toxicity at late time points, despite the presence of gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ahn
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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24
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Serva A, Claas C, Starkuviene V. A Potential of microRNAs for High-Content Screening. J Nucleic Acids 2011; 2011:870903. [PMID: 21922044 PMCID: PMC3172976 DOI: 10.4061/2011/870903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2010] [Revised: 05/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years miRNAs have increasingly been recognised as potent posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Possibly, miRNAs exert their action on virtually any biological process by simultaneous regulation of numerous genes. The importance of miRNA-based regulation in health and disease has inspired research to investigate diverse aspects of miRNA origin, biogenesis, and function. Despite the recent rapid accumulation of experimental data, and the emergence of functional models, the complexity of miRNA-based regulation is still far from being well understood. In particular, we lack comprehensive knowledge as to which cellular processes are regulated by which miRNAs, and, furthermore, how temporal and spatial interactions of miRNAs to their targets occur. Results from large-scale functional analyses have immense potential to address these questions. In this review, we discuss the latest progress in application of high-content and high-throughput functional analysis for the systematic elucidation of the biological roles of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrius Serva
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Effects of HBV Genetic Variability on RNAi Strategies. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2011:367908. [PMID: 21760994 PMCID: PMC3132485 DOI: 10.1155/2011/367908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RNAi strategies present promising antiviral strategies against HBV. RNAi strategies require base pairing between short RNAi effectors and targets in the HBV pregenome or other RNAs. Natural variation in HBV genotypes, quasispecies variation, or mutations selected by the RNAi strategy could potentially make these strategies less effective. However, current and proposed antiviral strategies against HBV are being, or could be, designed to avoid this. This would involve simultaneous targeting of multiple regions of the genome, or regions in which variation or mutation is not tolerated. RNAi strategies against single genotypes or against variable regions of the genome would need to have significant other advantages to be part of robust therapies.
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26
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Winter J, Diederichs S. MicroRNA Northern blotting, precursor cloning, and Ago2-improved RNA interference. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 676:85-100. [PMID: 20931392 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-863-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and processing defects in their biogenesis pathway are a widespread phenomenon in tumors, conveying great importance to the analysis of miRNA expression, regulation, and biogenesis to gain knowledge about their role in cancer. Besides Drosha and Dicer, Argonaute proteins are key players in miRNA processing. In addition to their role as components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) executing target silencing, Argonautes mediate posttranscriptional regulation of miRNA maturation by creating an additional intermediate processing step, the Ago2-cleaved precursor miRNA (ac-pre-miRNA), and enhancing the production or stability of mature miRNAs. Here, we describe the detection of miRNA levels by Northern blotting and the identification of the 3' end of miRNAs by precursor cloning to accentuate two of the many roles of Argonaute proteins. In addition, we describe a method to optimize RNAi experiments by increasing the efficacy and specificity of target silencing via Ago2 cotransfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Winter
- Helmholtz-University-Group "Molecular RNA Biology & Cancer," German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Mowa MB, Crowther C, Arbuthnot P. Therapeutic potential of adenoviral vectors for delivery of expressed RNAi activators. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2010; 7:1373-85. [PMID: 21073358 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2010.533655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Harnessing RNA interference (RNAi) to silence pathology-causing genes has shown promise as a mode of therapy. The sustained gene inhibition that may be achieved with expressed sequences is potentially useful for treatment of chronic viral infections, but efficient and safe delivery of these sequences remains a challenge. It is generally recognized that there is no ideal vector for all therapeutic RNAi applications, but recombinant adenovirus vectors are well suited to hepatic delivery of expressed RNAi activators. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Adenoviruses are hepatotropic after systemic administration, and this is useful for delivering expressed RNAi activators that silence pathology-causing genes in the liver. However, drawbacks of adenoviruses are toxicity and diminished efficacy, which result from induction of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, the advantages and hurdles facing therapeutic application of adenoviral vectors for liver delivery of RNAi effectors are covered. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Insights into adenovirus vectorology and the methods that have been used to make these vectors safer for advancing clinical application of RNAi-based therapy. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Adenoviruses are very powerful hepatotropic vectors. To make adenoviruses more effective for clinical use, polymer conjugation and deletion of viral vector sequences have been used successfully. However, further modifications to attenuate immunostimulation as well as improvements in large-scale production are necessary before the therapeutic potential of adenovirus-mediated delivery of RNAi activators is realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Mowa
- University of the Witwatersrand, School of Pathology, Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa
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Sliva K, Schnierle BS. Selective gene silencing by viral delivery of short hairpin RNA. Virol J 2010; 7:248. [PMID: 20858246 PMCID: PMC2949849 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has not only become a powerful tool for functional genomics, but also allows rapid drug target discovery and in vitro validation of these targets in cell culture. Furthermore, RNAi represents a promising novel therapeutic option for treating human diseases, in particular cancer. Selective gene silencing by RNAi can be achieved essentially by two nucleic acid based methods: i) cytoplasmic delivery of short double-stranded (ds) interfering RNA oligonucleotides (siRNA), where the gene silencing effect is only transient in nature, and possibly not suitable for all applications; or ii) nuclear delivery of gene expression cassettes that express short hairpin RNA (shRNA), which are processed like endogenous interfering RNA and lead to stable gene down-regulation. Both processes involve the use of nucleic acid based drugs, which are highly charged and do not cross cell membranes by free diffusion. Therefore, in vivo delivery of RNAi therapeutics must use technology that enables the RNAi therapeutic to traverse biological membrane barriers in vivo. Viruses and the vectors derived from them carry out precisely this task and have become a major delivery system for shRNA. Here, we summarize and compare different currently used viral delivery systems, give examples of in vivo applications, and indicate trends for new developments, such as replicating viruses for shRNA delivery to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Sliva
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Paul-Ehrlich-Str, 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany.
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29
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Zuccato C, Valenza M, Cattaneo E. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutical Targets in Huntington's Disease. Physiol Rev 2010; 90:905-81. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 626] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene encoding for huntingtin protein. A lot has been learned about this disease since its first description in 1872 and the identification of its causative gene and mutation in 1993. We now know that the disease is characterized by several molecular and cellular abnormalities whose precise timing and relative roles in pathogenesis have yet to be understood. HD is triggered by the mutant protein, and both gain-of-function (of the mutant protein) and loss-of-function (of the normal protein) mechanisms are involved. Here we review the data that describe the emergence of the ancient huntingtin gene and of the polyglutamine trait during the last 800 million years of evolution. We focus on the known functions of wild-type huntingtin that are fundamental for the survival and functioning of the brain neurons that predominantly degenerate in HD. We summarize data indicating how the loss of these beneficial activities reduces the ability of these neurons to survive. We also review the different mechanisms by which the mutation in huntingtin causes toxicity. This may arise both from cell-autonomous processes and dysfunction of neuronal circuitries. We then focus on novel therapeutical targets and pathways and on the attractive option to counteract HD at its primary source, i.e., by blocking the production of the mutant protein. Strategies and technologies used to screen for candidate HD biomarkers and their potential application are presented. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities offered by intracerebral cell transplantation and the likely need for these multiple routes into therapies to converge at some point as, ideally, one would wish to stop the disease process and, at the same time, possibly replace the damaged neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zuccato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Chandra PK, Hazari S, Poat B, Gunduz F, Prabhu R, Liu G, Burioni R, Clementi M, Garry RF, Dash S. Intracytoplasmic stable expression of IgG1 antibody targeting NS3 helicase inhibits replication of highly efficient hepatitis C Virus 2a clone. Virol J 2010; 7:118. [PMID: 20529250 PMCID: PMC2903558 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem with more than 170 million cases of chronic infections worldwide. There is no protective vaccine currently available for HCV, therefore the development of novel strategy to prevent chronic infection is important. We reported earlier that a recombinant human antibody clone blocks viral NS3 helicase activity and inhibits replication of HCV 1b virus. This study was performed further to explore the mechanism of action of this recombinant antibody and to determine whether or not this antibody inhibits replication and infectivity of a highly efficient JFH1 HCV 2a virus clone. Results The antiviral effect of intracellular expressed antibody against the HCV 2a virus strain was examined using a full-length green fluorescence protein (GFP) labeled infectious cell culture system. For this purpose, a Huh-7.5 cell line stably expressing the NS3 helicase gene specific IgG1 antibody was prepared. Replication of full-length HCV-GFP chimera RNA and negative-strand RNA was strongly inhibited in Huh-7.5 cells stably expressing NS3 antibody but not in the cells expressing an unrelated control antibody. Huh-7.5 cells stably expressing NS3 helicase antibody effectively suppressed infectious virus production after natural infection and the level of HCV in the cell free supernatant remained undetectable after first passage. In contrast, Huh-7.5 cells stably expressing an control antibody against influenza virus had no effect on virus production and high-levels of infectious HCV were detected in culture supernatants over four rounds of infectivity assay. A recombinant adenovirus based expression system was used to demonstrate that Huh-7.5 replicon cell line expressing the intracellular antibody strongly inhibited the replication of HCV-GFP RNA. Conclusion Recombinant human anti-HCV NS3 antibody clone inhibits replication of HCV 2a virus and infectious virus production. Intracellular expression of this recombinant antibody offers a potential antiviral strategy to inhibit intracellular HCV replication and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha K Chandra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA-70112, USA
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Poller W, Hajjar R, Schultheiss HP, Fechner H. Cardiac-targeted delivery of regulatory RNA molecules and genes for the treatment of heart failure. Cardiovasc Res 2010; 86:353-64. [PMID: 20176815 PMCID: PMC2868179 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) in its many facets of structure and function is becoming more fully understood, and, therefore, it is possible to design and use RNAs as valuable tools in molecular biology and medicine. Understanding of the role of RNAs within the cell has changed dramatically during the past few years. Therapeutic strategies based on non-coding regulatory RNAs include RNA interference (RNAi) for the silencing of specific genes, and microRNA (miRNA) modulations to alter complex gene expression patterns. Recent progress has allowed the targeting of therapeutic RNAi to the heart for the treatment of heart failure, and we discuss current strategies in this field. Owing to the peculiar biochemical properties of small RNA molecules, the actual therapeutic translation of findings in vitro or in cell cultures is more demanding than with small molecule drugs or proteins. The critical requirement for animal studies after pre-testing of RNAi tools in vitro likewise applies for miRNA modulations, which also have complex consequences for the recipient that are dependent on stability and distribution of the RNA tools. Problems in the field that are not yet fully solved are the prediction of targets and specificity of the RNA tools as well as their tissue-specific and regulatable expression. We discuss analogies and differences between regulatory RNA therapy and classical gene therapy, since recent breakthroughs in vector technology are of importance for both. Recent years have witnessed parallel progress in the fields of gene-based and regulatory RNA-based therapies that are likely to significantly expand the cardiovascular therapeutic repertoire within the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Charité Centrum 11, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12200 Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Previously, we showed that short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) potently inhibit the virus in a transient mouse model. However, subsequent studies showed that expression of these hairpins (as well as hairpins targeting human alpha-1 antitrypsin) from adeno-associated virus vectors (AAV) cause fatality in mice. We used rational design to develop significantly more potent second-generation HBV RNAi triggers embedded within the endogenous microRNA (miRNA) miR-30. A statistical analysis of thermodynamic parameters revealed characteristics important for RNAi potency. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and shRNAs are known to compete with each other and with endogenous miRNAs for the miRNA machinery. We show that exogenous miRNA expression cassettes can compete with exogenous siRNAs, shRNA, and miRNAs as well as with endogenous miRNAs. Preliminary studies demonstrate that miRNA-based HBV RNAi expression from AAV vectors is well tolerated in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton P McCaffrey
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa School of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Low-level shRNA cytotoxicity can contribute to MYC-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in adult mice. Mol Ther 2009; 18:161-70. [PMID: 19844192 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) have emerged as a novel therapeutic modality, but there is increasing concern over nonspecific effects in vivo. Here, we used viral vectors to express shRNAs against endogenous p53 in livers of conditional MYC-transgenic mice. As expected, the shRNAs silenced hepatic p53 and accelerated liver tumorigenesis when MYC was concurrently expressed. Surprisingly, various irrelevant control shRNAs similarly induced a rapid onset of tumorigenesis, comparable to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a potent carcinogen. We found that even marginal shRNA doses can already trigger histologically detectable hepatoxicity and increased hepatocyte apoptosis. Moreover, we noted that shRNA expression globally dysregulated hepatic microRNA (miRNA) expression, and that shRNA levels and activity further increased in the presence of MYC. In MYC-expressing transgenic mice, the marginal shRNA-induced liver injury sufficed to further stimulate hepatocellular division that was in turn associated with markedly increased expression of the mitotic cyclin B1. Hence, even at low doses, shRNAs can cause low-level hepatoxicity that can facilitate the ability of the MYC oncogene to induce liver tumorigenesis. Our data warrant caution regarding the possible carcinogenic potential of shRNAs when used as clinical agent, particularly in circumstances where tissues are genetically predisposed to cellular transformation and proliferation.
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Grimm D. Small silencing RNAs: state-of-the-art. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:672-703. [PMID: 19427885 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over just a single decade, we have witnessed the rapid maturation of the field of RNA interference - the sequence-specific gene silencing mediated by small double-stranded RNAs - directly from its infancy into adulthood. With exciting data currently emerging from first clinical trials, it is now more likely than ever that RNAi drugs will soon provide another potent class of agents in our battle against infectious and genetic diseases. Accelerating this process and adding to RNAi's promise is our steadily expanding arsenal of innovative RNAi-based experimental tools and clinically applicable technologies. This article will critically review a selection of relevant recent advances in RNAi therapeutics, from novel asymmetric or bi-functional siRNA designs, deliberate use of small RNAs to regulate nuclear transcription, engineering of potent adeno-associated viral vectors for shRNA expression, exploitation of endogenous miRNAs to control transgene expression or vector tropism, to elegant attempts to inhibit cellular miRNAs involved in human disease. This review will also present cautionary notes on the potential risks inherent to in vivo RNAi applications, before discussing the latest surprising findings on circulating miRNAs in human body fluids, and concluding with an outlook into the possible future of RNAi as an increasingly powerful biomedical tool.
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Abstract
The potential of harnessing RNA interference (RNAi) for sequence-specific gene silencing has generated much excitement and progress in the field. Recent advances in RNAi technology suggest that RNAi-based approaches may soon become an effective therapeutic strategy against a myriad of diseases. This overview provides a brief description of important considerations when designing an RNAi-based method for gene silencing and therapeutic development: (a) mechanistic aspects of RNAi-mediated gene silencing in mammalian cells; (b) structural requirements for potent siRNA duplexes; (c) off-target effects and interferon responses; and (d) effective delivery of RNAi-inducing agents. Promising therapeutic applications of RNAi that are currently in the developmental pipeline are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Kim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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36
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma occurs in 20% of infected adults. The natural history following childhood infection is less well defined, although cirrhosis in children is described. Since blood product screening for HCV infection was introduced in 1990, most children who acquire HCV do so by vertical transmission from an infected mother. Transmission to offspring occurs in approximately 5%. Most children with HCV infection are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is made by testing those at risk for HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HCV antibody (anti-HCV) by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The clinical impact of HCV infection is assessed by monitoring symptoms and signs, blood testing of liver enzymes, ultrasound imaging, and by liver biopsy. Improved efficacy and tolerability of treatment strategies in adults have had a significant impact on the management of children with HCV infection. The emphasis is now on promoting awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment strategies have evolved from monotherapy with interferon alfa (IFNalpha), to combination therapy with ribavirin. Pegylated IFNalpha is superior to conventional IFNalpha, and forms the basis of current recommendations. The genotype of HCV influences treatment efficacy. Treatment is generally well tolerated in children, although adverse effects are common. Preparation and support throughout treatment for the whole family is needed. A proportion of children with HCV infection have co-morbidity, including viral co-infection or hematologic disease. Although treatment may be contraindicated, risks and benefits must be considered before denying treatment. Anemia is more common in those with HIV co-infection, renal insufficiency, thalassemia, or cirrhosis, and may be aggravated by treatment. Children with thalassemia may have iron overload, and transfusion requirements may increase during treatment. Further refinements of combination therapy and development of new drugs are in progress. Vaccine candidates are undergoing phase I and II treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Davison
- Children's Liver and GI Unit, St James's University Teaching Hospital, Leeds, UK.
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Carmona S, Jorgensen MR, Kolli S, Crowther C, Salazar FH, Marion PL, Fujino M, Natori Y, Thanou M, Arbuthnot P, Miller AD. Controlling HBV Replication in Vivo by Intravenous Administration of Triggered PEGylated siRNA-Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2009; 6:706-17. [DOI: 10.1021/mp800157x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Carmona
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Michael R. Jorgensen
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Soumia Kolli
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Carol Crowther
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Felix H. Salazar
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Patricia L. Marion
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Masato Fujino
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Yukikazu Natori
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Maya Thanou
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Andrew D. Miller
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa, Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre, Department of Chemistry, Flowers Building, Armstrong Road, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K., Stanford University, Stanford, California, Hepadnavirus Testing, Inc., Mountain View, California, RNAi Co., Cosmos Hongo Bldg. 10F, 4-1-4, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan, and
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Rational design leads to more potent RNA interference against hepatitis B virus: factors effecting silencing efficiency. Mol Ther 2008; 17:538-47. [PMID: 19088704 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) can be an effective antiviral agent; however, overexpression of RNAi can be toxic through competition with the endogenous microRNA (miRNA) machinery. We used rational design to identify highly potent RNAi that is effective at nontoxic doses. A statistical analysis was conducted to pinpoint thermodynamic characteristics correlated with activity. Sequences were selected that conformed to a consensus internal stability profile (ISP) associated with active RNAi, and RNAi triggers were expressed in the context of an endogenous miRNA. These approaches yielded highly active hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNAi. A statistical analysis found a correlation between activity and nucleation by binding within the seed sequence to accessible regions in the target RNA. Guide strands were selected for favorable strand biasing, but increased strand biasing did not correlate with potency, suggesting a threshold effect. Exogenous short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), but not miRNAs were previously reported to compete with miRNAs for the miRNA/RNAi machinery. In contrast, we show that exogenous Polymerase III- but not Polymerase II-driven miRNAs compete with exogenous miRNAs, at multiple steps in the miRNA pathway. Exogenous miRNAs also compete with endogenous miR-21. Thus, competition with endogenous miRNAs should be monitored even when using miRNA-based therapeutics. However, potent silencing was achieved at doses where competition was not observed.
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39
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Comparative study of anti-hepatitis B virus RNA interference by double-stranded adeno-associated virus serotypes 7, 8, and 9. Mol Ther 2008; 17:352-9. [PMID: 19066602 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model, we previously showed that a single dose of double-stranded adeno-associated virus (dsAAV) vector serotype 8 carrying a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) effectively reduces HBV replication and gene expression, but the effect gradually decreases with time. In this report, we compared the anti-HBV RNA interference (RNAi) effect of dsAAV8 with those of dsAAV7 and dsAAV9, two other hepatotropic AAV vectors, and examined whether the sequential use of these heterologous AAV vectors could prolong the anti-HBV effect. Our results showed that shRNA delivered by each of the three dsAAV vectors profoundly reduced the serum HBV titer and liver HBV mRNA and DNA levels in the transgenic mice for up to 22 weeks, with dsAAV8 having the greatest inhibitory effect, followed by dsAAV9 and dsAAV7. The potency of dsAAV8 correlated with the presence of higher levels of vector DNA and anti-HBV shRNA in the liver. An in vivo cross-administration experiment showed that preexisting anti-AAV8 antibody completely blocked the anti-HBV RNAi effect of dsAAV8, but had no effect on the potency of dsAAV7 and dsAAV9. Moreover, we demonstrated that a longer anti-HBV effect could be achieved by the sequential use of dsAAV8 and dsAAV9. These results indicate that effective and persistent HBV suppression might be achieved by a combination of the power of RNAi silencing effect and multiple treatments with different AAV serotypes.Molecular Therapy (2009) 17 2, 352-359 doi:10.1038/mt.2008.245.
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Abstract
This chapter describes the major gene therapeutic approaches for viral infections. The vast majority of published approaches target severe chronic viral infections such as hepatitis B or C and HIV infection. Two basic gene therapy strategies are introduced here. The first involves the expression of a protein or an RNA that inhibits viral replication by targeting crucial steps of the viral life cycle or by interfering with a cellular factor required for virus replication. The major limitation of this approach is that primary levels of gene modification have generally not been sufficient to reduce the availability of target cells permissive for virus replication to a level that significantly decreases overall viral load. Thus, investigators have banked on the expectation that gene-protected cells have a sufficient selective advantage to accumulate and gain prevalence over time, a prediction that so far could not be confirmed in clinical trials. In vivo levels of gene modification can be improved, however, by introducing an additional selectable marker. In addition, a secreted antiviral gene product that exerts a bystander effect could significantly reduce overall virus replication despite relatively low levels of gene modification. In addition to these direct antiviral approaches, several strategies have been developed that employ or aim to enhance host immune responses. The innate immune response has been enhanced, for example, by the in vivo expression of interferons. Alternatively, T cells can be grafted with recombinant receptors to boost adaptive virus-specific immunity. These approaches are especially promising for chronic virus infection, where natural immune responses are evidently not sufficient to effectively control virus replication.
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Zhang Y, Landthaler M, Schlussman SD, Yuferov V, Ho A, Tuschl T, Kreek MJ. Mu opioid receptor knockdown in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area by synthetic small interfering RNA blocks the rewarding and locomotor effects of heroin. Neuroscience 2008; 158:474-83. [PMID: 18938225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 09/19/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mu opioid receptors (MOP-r) play an important role in the rewarding and locomotor stimulatory effects of heroin. The aim of the current study was to determine whether infusion of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting MOP-r into the midbrain could knock down MOP-r mRNA and affect heroin-induced locomotor activity or heroin-induced conditioned place preference. Ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were surgically implanted bilaterally with guide cannulae directed between the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. After 4 days' recovery, mice were infused bilaterally with siRNAs that target the MOP-r (2 mMx0.75 microl/side/day for 3 days) or control siRNA. Seven days after the last infusion, a procedure for conditioned place preference was begun with four heroin (3 mg/kg i.p.) administration sessions alternating with four saline sessions. While heroin induced an increase in locomotor activity in all groups, siRNAs targeting specific regions of MOP-r significantly attenuated this effect. Of particular interest, mice infused with specific siRNAs targeting the MOP-r failed to develop and express conditioned place preference to heroin, or showed a significantly attenuated preference. These alterations in reward-related behaviors are likely due to the reduction in MOP-r mRNA and protein, shown in separate studies by in situ hybridization and autoradiography using the same MOP-r- siRNA infusions. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the utility of siRNA in the neurobiological study of specific components of the reward system and should contribute to the study of other complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 171, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Sugrue RJ, Tan BH, Yeo DSY, Sutejo R. Antiviral Drugs for the Control of Pandemic Influenza Virus. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2008. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.v37n6p518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the advent of an influenza virus pandemic it is likely that the administration of antiviral drugs will be an important first line of defence against the virus. The drugs currently in use are effective against seasonal influenza virus infection, and some cases have been used in the treatment of patients infected with the avian H5N1 influenza virus. However, it is becoming clear that the emergence of drug-resistant viruses will potentially be a major problem in the future efforts to control influenza virus infection. In addition, during a new pandemic, sufficient quantities of these agents will need to be distributed to many different parts of the world, possibly at short notice. In this review we provide an overview of some of the drugs that are currently available for the treatment and prevention of influenza virus infection. In addition, basic research on influenza virus is providing a much better understanding of the biology of the virus, which is offering the possibility of new anti-influenza virus drugs. We therefore also review some new antiviral strategies that are being reported in the scientific literature, which may form the basis of the next generation of antiviral strategies during a future influenza virus pandemic.
Key words: Antiviral, Amantadine, Pandemic influenza virus, Oseltamivir, siRNA
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Targeted inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta subunit in hepatic stellate cells ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in rats. Gene Ther 2008; 15:1424-35. [PMID: 18509379 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2008.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key event of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is the most potent mitogen for HSCs, and PDGF receptor-beta subunit (PDGFR-beta) is required for the proliferation of HSCs induced by PDGF. In this study, a high gene-silencing-efficacy PDGFR-beta small interference RNA (siRNA) was synthesized that could suppress the PDGFR-beta expression and inhibit the activation and proliferation but could not induce the apoptosis of HSCs in vitro. To avoid the side effect of nonspecific interference of PDGFR-beta, we constructed an HSCs-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid in which PDGFR-beta shRNA was driven by a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. The double-staining immunofluorescence examination indicated that GFAP promoter could target the transgene expression into HSCs in carbon tetrachloride induced acute injured rat's liver and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced chronic injured rat's liver. Furthermore, HSCs-specific PDGFR-beta shRNA could relieve liver injury and hepatic fibrosis in the rat's model induced by BDL. This study demonstrates that PDGFR-beta siRNA may be presented as an antifibrogenic agent. The application of HSCs-specific RNA interference induced by the GFAP promoter might supply a new powerful tool for cell-specific gene therapy of hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism in cells that suppresses or silences the expression of aberrant or foreign genes. This activity is being developed as a potential antiviral therapeutic strategy. Studies in vitro, and some in vivo, appear to show the feasibility of using RNAi to treat virus infection. Therapeutic use of RNAi seems to be promising when directed against viruses that cause localized acute infections in accessible target cells. Therapeutic strategies using RNAi against viruses that cause chronic infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus, are more difficult to design, but studies have begun to address identifiable problems. Two clinical trials using RNAi have recently been initiated--one phase II trial against respiratory syncytial virus and a phase I trial against HIV. It will be of much interest to see whether nucleic acid therapies can offer another route to treating viral infection.
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Pellish RS, Nasir A, Ramratnam B, Moss SF. Review article: RNA interference--potential therapeutic applications for the gastroenterologist. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008; 27:715-23. [PMID: 18248657 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new technique of gene regulation, termed RNA interference, has emerged recently. RNA interference utilizes short double-stranded RNA to inhibit selectively gene expression of complementary RNA nucleotide sequences after transcription, but prior to translation. Gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders may be particularly amenable to therapeutic RNA interference intervention because of the relative ease of delivery of drugs to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. AIM To examine the published literature for potential clinical uses of RNA interference in gastroenterology and speculate on future therapies for luminal disease. METHODS Reports were identified using PubMed and the search term 'RNA interference', focusing on therapeutic uses related to gastrointestinal and liver disease. RESULTS Cellular and animal models demonstrate the potential application of short-interfering RNA-based therapies for viral hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. With validation of specific targets and better in vivo delivery of short-interfering RNA, RNA interference may represent a new frontier for molecular-targeted therapy in gastroenterology and hepatology. CONCLUSIONS Short-interfering RNA provides a novel and specific means to inhibit gene expression. Translation to the clinical arena will require further definition of side-effects, off-target effects and delivery systems. Ultimately, mucosally applied or endoscopically delivered short-interfering RNA could be one of the earliest clinical uses of short-interfering RNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Pellish
- Division of Gastroenterology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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46
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Shen Y, Senzer NN, Nemunaitis JJ. Use of Proteomics Analysis for Molecular Precision Approaches in Cancer Therapy. Drug Target Insights 2008. [DOI: 10.4137/dti.s649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil N. Senzer
- LEAD Therapeutics, Inc., San Bruno, CA
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, TX
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In vitro and in vivo gene therapy vector evolution via multispecies interbreeding and retargeting of adeno-associated viruses. J Virol 2008; 82:5887-911. [PMID: 18400866 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00254-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes differ broadly in transduction efficacies and tissue tropisms and thus hold enormous potential as vectors for human gene therapy. In reality, however, their use in patients is restricted by prevalent anti-AAV immunity or by their inadequate performance in specific targets, exemplified by the AAV type 2 (AAV-2) prototype in the liver. Here, we attempted to merge desirable qualities of multiple natural AAV isolates by an adapted DNA family shuffling technology to create a complex library of hybrid capsids from eight different wild-type viruses. Selection on primary or transformed human hepatocytes yielded pools of hybrids from five of the starting serotypes: 2, 4, 5, 8, and 9. More stringent selection with pooled human antisera (intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG]) then led to the selection of a single type 2/type 8/type 9 chimera, AAV-DJ, distinguished from its closest natural relative (AAV-2) by 60 capsid amino acids. Recombinant AAV-DJ vectors outperformed eight standard AAV serotypes in culture and greatly surpassed AAV-2 in livers of naïve and IVIG-immunized mice. A heparin binding domain in AAV-DJ was found to limit biodistribution to the liver (and a few other tissues) and to affect vector dose response and antibody neutralization. Moreover, we report the first successful in vivo biopanning of AAV capsids by using a new AAV-DJ-derived viral peptide display library. Two peptides enriched after serial passaging in mouse lungs mediated the retargeting of AAV-DJ vectors to distinct alveolar cells. Our study validates DNA family shuffling and viral peptide display as two powerful and compatible approaches to the molecular evolution of novel AAV vectors for human gene therapy applications.
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48
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Shariat N, Ryther RCC, Phillips JA, Robinson ICAF, Patton JG. Rescue of pituitary function in a mouse model of isolated growth hormone deficiency type II by RNA interference. Endocrinology 2008; 149:580-6. [PMID: 18006625 PMCID: PMC2219309 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Splicing mutations in the human GH (hGH) gene (GH-1) that cause skipping of exon 3 result in a form of GH deficiency termed isolated GH deficiency type II (IGHD II). The GH-1 gene contains five exons; constitutive splicing produces the wild-type 22-kDa hormone, whereas skipping of exon 3 results in transcripts encoding a 17.5-kDa isoform that acts as a dominant-negative to block secretion of the wild-type hormone. Common characteristics of IGHD II include short stature due to impaired bone elongation, growth, and, in severe cases, anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Typically, IGHD II is treated by sc delivery of hGH, which can rescue stature but, unfortunately, does not inhibit pituitary hypoplasia. Direct destruction of transcripts encoding the dominant-negative 17.5-kDa isoform should both rescue stature and prevent hypoplasia. Here, we have used delivery of short hairpin RNAs to rescue a murine model of IGHD II by specifically targeting transcripts encoding the 17.5-kDa isoform using RNA interference. To our knowledge, this is the first example where a short hairpin RNA has been expressed to specifically degrade an incorrectly spliced transcript and rescue a dominant-negative disease phenotype in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Shariat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Grimm D, Kay MA. Therapeutic application of RNAi: is mRNA targeting finally ready for prime time? J Clin Invest 2007; 117:3633-41. [PMID: 18060021 PMCID: PMC2096424 DOI: 10.1172/jci34129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With unprecedented speed, RNA interference (RNAi) has advanced from its basic discovery in lower organisms to becoming a powerful genetic tool and perhaps our single most promising biotherapeutic for a wide array of diseases. Numerous studies document RNAi efficacy in laboratory animals, and the first clinical trials are underway and thus far suggest that RNAi is safe to use in humans. Yet substantial hurdles have also surfaced and must be surmounted before therapeutic RNAi applications can become a standard therapy. Here we review the most critical roadblocks and concerns for clinical RNAi transition, delivery, and safety. We highlight emerging solutions and concurrently discuss novel therapeutic RNAi-based concepts. The current rapid advances create realistic optimism that the establishment of RNAi as a new and potent clinical modality in humans is near.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Grimm
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Mescalchin A, Detzer A, Wecke M, Overhoff M, Wünsche W, Sczakiel G. Cellular uptake and intracellular release are major obstacles to the therapeutic application of siRNA: novel options by phosphorothioate-stimulated delivery. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2007; 7:1531-8. [PMID: 17916045 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.7.10.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cellular uptake of oligomeric nucleic acid-based tools and drugs including small-interfering RNA (siRNA) represents a major technical hurdle for the biologic effectiveness and therapeutic success in vivo. Subsequent to cellular delivery it is crucial to direct siRNA to the cellular location where it enters the RNA interference pathway. Here the authors summarise evidence that functionally active siRNA represents a minor fraction in the order of 1% of total siRNA inside a given target cell. Exploiting possibilities of steering intracellular release or trafficking of siRNA bears the potential of substantially increasing the biological activity of siRNA. The recently described phosphorothioate stimulated cellular delivery of siRNA makes use of the caveolar system ending in the Golgi apparatus, which contrasts all other known delivery systems. Therefore, it represents an attractive alternative to study whether promoted intracellular release is related to increased target suppression and, thus, increased phenotypic biologic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mescalchin
- Universität zu Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein and Zentrum für medizinische Strukturbiologie ZMSB, Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
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