1
|
Vasconcelos D, Pina A, Habib N, Sousa S. In silico analysis of aptamer-RNA conjugate interactions with human transferrin receptor. Biophys Chem 2024; 314:107308. [PMID: 39208499 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107308] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The human transmembrane protein Transferrin Receptor-1 is regarded as a promising target for the systemic delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as short double stranded RNAs. This ubiquitous receptor is involved in cellular iron uptake, keeping intracellular homeostasis. It is overexpressed in multiple cancer cell types and is internalized via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In previous studies, a human transferrin receptor-1 RNA aptamer, identified as TR14 ST1-3, was shown to be capable of effectively internalizing into cells in culture and to deliver small, double stranded RNAs in vitro and in vivo, via systemic administration. To understand, at the molecular level, the aptamer binding to the receptor and the impact of conjugation with the therapeutic RNA, a multi-level in silico protocol was employed, including protein-aptamer docking, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. The competition for the binding pocket, between the aptamer and the natural ligand human Transferrin, was also evaluated. The results show that the aptamer binds to the same region as Transferrin, with residues from the helical domain showing a critical role. Moreover, the conjugation to the therapeutic RNA, was shown not to affect aptamer binding. Overall, this study provides an atomic-level understanding of aptamer association to human Transferrin Receptor-1 and of its conjugation with a short model-therapeutic RNA, providing also important clues for futures studies aiming to deliver other oligonucleotide-based therapeutics via Transferrin Receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vasconcelos
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Apterna Ltd., London SW1P 2PN, UK; Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUP), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - André Pina
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nagy Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Apterna Ltd., London SW1P 2PN, UK
| | - Sérgio Sousa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Musso G, Bello L, Capece G, Bozzoni V, Caumo L, Sabbatini D, Zangaro V, Sogus E, Cosma C, Petrosino A, Sorarù G, Plebani M, Pegoraro E. Neurofilament light chain and profilin-1 dynamics in 30 spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients treated with nusinersen. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16393. [PMID: 38924263 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to investigate whether neurofilament light chain (NfL) and profilin-1 (PFN-1) might qualify as surrogate disease and treatment-response biomarkers by correlating their concentrations dynamic with clinical status in a cohort of 30 adult spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients during nusinersen therapy up to 34 months. METHODS Neurofilament light chain was measured in cerebrospinal fluid at each drug administration with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); PFN-1 concentrations were tested in serum sampled at the same time points with commercial ELISA assays. Functional motor scores were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the loading phase and at each maintenance dose and correlated to biomarker levels. The concurrent effect of age and clinical phenotype was studied. RESULTS Neurofilament light chain levels were included in the reference ranges at baseline; a significant increase was measured during loading phase until 1 month. PFN-1 was higher at baseline than in controls and then decreased during therapy until reaching control levels. Age had an effect on NfL but not on PFN-1. NfL was partially correlated to functional scores at baseline and at last time point, whilst no correlation was found for PFN-1. CONCLUSION Cerebrospinal fluid NfL levels did not qualify as an optimal surrogate treatment biomarker in adult spinal muscular atrophy patients with a long disease duration, whilst PFN-1 might to a greater extent represent lower motor neuron pathological processes. The observed biomarker level variation during the first 2 months of nusinersen treatment might suggest a limited effect on axonal remodeling or rearrangement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Musso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G Capece
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V Bozzoni
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L Caumo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - D Sabbatini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V Zangaro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E Sogus
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Cosma
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Petrosino
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Plebani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cochran M, Arias D, Burke R, Chu D, Erdogan G, Hood M, Kovach P, Kwon HW, Chen Y, Moon M, Miller CD, Huang H, Levin A, Doppalapudi VR. Structure-Activity Relationship of Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: Evaluating Bioconjugation Strategies for Antibody-siRNA Conjugates for Drug Development. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14852-14867. [PMID: 39197831 PMCID: PMC11403602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates are a promising class of therapeutics for extrahepatic delivery of small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs). These conjugates can be optimized for improved delivery and mRNA knockdown (KD) through understanding of structure-activity relationships. In this study, we systematically examined factors including antibody isotype, siRNA chemistry, linkers, conjugation chemistry, PEGylation, and drug-to-antibody ratios (DARs) for their impact on bioconjugation, pharmacokinetics (PK), siRNA delivery, and bioactivity. Conjugation site (cysteine, lysine, and Asn297 glycan) and DAR proved critical for optimal conjugate PK and siRNA delivery. SiRNA chemistry including 2' sugar modifications and positioning of phosphorothioates were found to be critical for delivery and duration of action. By utilizing cleavable and noncleavable linkers, we demonstrated the impact of linkers on PK and mRNA KD. To achieve optimal properties of antibody-siRNA conjugates, a careful selection of siRNA chemistry, DAR, conjugation sites, linkers, and antibody isotype is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cochran
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Danny Arias
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Rob Burke
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - David Chu
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Gulin Erdogan
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Michael Hood
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Philip Kovach
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hae Won Kwon
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Yanling Chen
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Michael Moon
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Christopher D Miller
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hanhua Huang
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Arthur Levin
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Venkata Ramana Doppalapudi
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bolduc V, Sizov K, Brull A, Esposito E, Chen GS, Uapinyoying P, Sarathy A, Johnson KR, Bönnemann CG. Allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 editing inactivates a single nucleotide variant associated with collagen VI muscular dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102269. [PMID: 39171142 PMCID: PMC11338111 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The application of allele-specific gene editing tools can expand the therapeutic options for dominant genetic conditions, either via gene correction or via allelic gene inactivation in situations where haploinsufficiency is tolerated. Here, we used allele-targeted CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNAs (gRNAs) to introduce inactivating frameshifting indels at an SNV in the COL6A1 gene (c.868G>A; G290R), a variant that acts as dominant negative and that is associated with a severe form of congenital muscular dystrophy. We expressed SpCas9 along with allele-targeted gRNAs, without providing a repair template, in primary fibroblasts derived from four patients and one control subject. Amplicon deep sequencing for two gRNAs tested showed that single-nucleotide deletions accounted for the majority of indels introduced. While activity of the two gRNAs was greater at the G290R allele, both gRNAs were also active at the wild-type allele. To enhance allele selectivity, we introduced deliberate additional mismatches to one gRNA. One of these optimized gRNAs showed minimal activity at the WT allele, while generating productive edits and improving collagen VI matrix in cultured patient fibroblasts. This study strengthens the potential of gene editing to treat dominant-negative disorders, but also underscores the challenges in achieving allele selectivity with gRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Bolduc
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine Sizov
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Astrid Brull
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eric Esposito
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grace S. Chen
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Prech Uapinyoying
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kory R. Johnson
- Bioinformatics Core, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Carsten G. Bönnemann
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang K, Shi Y, Jin Z, He J. Advances in tumor vascular growth inhibition. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:2084-2096. [PMID: 38504070 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis require neovascularization, which is dependent on a complex array of factors, such as the production of various pro-angiogenic factors by tumor cells, intercellular signaling, and stromal remodeling. The hypoxic, acidic tumor microenvironment is not only conducive to tumor cell proliferation, but also disrupts the equilibrium of angiogenic factors, leading to vascular heterogeneity, which further promotes tumor development and metastasis. Anti-angiogenic strategies to inhibit tumor angiogenesis has, therefore, become an important focus for anti-tumor therapy. The traditional approach involves the use of anti-angiogenic drugs to inhibit tumor neovascularization by targeting upstream and downstream angiogenesis-related pathways or pro-angiogenic factors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This review explores the mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and summarizes currently used anti-angiogenic drugs, including monoclonal antibody, and small-molecule inhibitors, as well as the progress and challenges associated with their use in anti-tumor therapy. It also outlines the opportunities and challenges of treating tumors using more advanced anti-angiogenic strategies, such as immunotherapy and nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Ze Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao M, Cheng X, Chen L, Zeng YH, Lin KJ, Li YL, Zheng ZH, Huang XJ, Zuo DD, Guo XX, Guo J, He D, Liu Y, Lin Y, Wang C, Lv WQ, Su HZ, Yao XP, Ye ZL, Chen XH, Lu YQ, Huang CW, Yang G, Zhang YX, Lin MT, Wang N, Xiong ZQ, Chen WJ. Antisense oligonucleotides enhance SLC20A2 expression and suppress brain calcification in a humanized mouse model. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00535-X. [PMID: 39121859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a genetic neurological disease, yet no effective treatment is currently available. Here, we identified five novel intronic variants in SLC20A2 gene from six PFBC families. Three of these variants increased aberrant SLC20A2 pre-mRNA splicing by altering the binding affinity of splicing machineries to newly characterized cryptic exons, ultimately causing premature termination of SLC20A2 translation. Inhibiting the cryptic-exon incorporation with splice-switching ASOs increased the expression levels of functional SLC20A2 in cells carrying SLC20A2 mutations. Moreover, by knocking in a humanized SLC20A2 intron 2 sequence carrying a PFBC-associated intronic variant, the SLC20A2-KI mice exhibited increased inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and progressive brain calcification. Intracerebroventricular administration of ASOs to these SLC20A2-KI mice reduced CSF Pi levels and suppressed brain calcification. Together, our findings expand the genetic etiology of PFBC and demonstrate ASO-mediated splice modulation as a potential therapy for PFBC patients with SLC20A2 haploinsufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China
| | - Xuewen Cheng
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Lin Gang Laboratory, Shanghai 201602, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Heng Zeng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Kai-Jun Lin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Yun-Lu Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Ze-Hong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Xue-Jing Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zuo
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Xin-Xin Guo
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Dian He
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Wen-Qi Lv
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Su
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China
| | - Xiang-Ping Yao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China
| | - Zi-Ling Ye
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Ying-Qian Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Chen-Wei Huang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yu-Xian Zhang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min-Ting Lin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology, Shanghai 201602, China.
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350212, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim KR, Kang JH, Thai HBD, Back JH, Mao C, Lee JE, Ko YT, Ahn DR. Systemic Brain Delivery of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Enhanced by Protein Corona-Assisted DNA Cubes. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400902. [PMID: 39092676 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The systemic delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to the brain is challenging but highly desirable for the treatment of brain diseases undruggable with traditional small-molecule drugs. In this study, a set of DNA nanostructures is prepared and screened them to develop a protein corona-assisted platform for the brain delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The biodistribution analysis of intravenously injected DNA nanostructures reveals that a cube-shaped DNA nanostructure (D-Cb) can penetrate the brain-blood barrier (BBB) and reach the brain tissue. The brain distribution level of D-Cb is comparable to that of other previous nanoparticles conjugated with brain-targeting ligands. Proteomic analysis of the protein corona formed on D-Cb suggests that its brain distribution is driven by endothelial receptor-targeting ligands in the protein corona, which mediate transcytosis for crossing the BBB. D-Cb is subsequently used to deliver an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in mice. While free ASO is unable to reach the brain, ASO loaded onto D-Cb is delivered efficiently to the brain tumor region, where it downregulates the target gene and exerts an anti-tumor effect on GBM. D-Cb is expected to serve as a viable platform based on protein corona formation for systemic brain delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ran Kim
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hee Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Hien Bao Dieu Thai
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Back
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Chengde Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Tag Ko
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Ro Ahn
- Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Biomedical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li JH, Liu L, Zhao XH. Precision targeting in oncology: The future of conjugated drugs. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117106. [PMID: 39013223 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117106] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Coupled drugs, especially antibody-coupled drugs (ADCs), are a hot topic in oncology. As the development of ADCs has progressed, different coupling modes have emerged, inspired by their structural design have emerged. Technological advances have led to interweaving and collision of old and new concepts of coupled drugs, and have even challenged the concepts and techniques of coupled drugs at this stage. For example, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates are a new class of chimeric biomolecules synthesized by coupling oligonucleotides with monoclonal antibodies through linkers, offering precise targeting and improved pharmacokinetic properties. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of coupled drugs and their current development status in antitumor therapy to provide better strategies for antitumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-He Li
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi-He Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yamada K, Hariharan VN, Caiazzi J, Miller R, Ferguson CM, Sapp E, Fakih HH, Tang Q, Yamada N, Furgal RC, Paquette JD, Biscans A, Bramato BM, McHugh N, Summers A, Lochmann C, Godinho BMDC, Hildebrand S, Jackson SO, Echeverria D, Hassler MR, Alterman JF, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Enhancing siRNA efficacy in vivo with extended nucleic acid backbones. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02336-7. [PMID: 39090305 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic small interfering RNA (siRNA) requires sugar and backbone modifications to inhibit nuclease degradation. However, metabolic stabilization by phosphorothioate (PS), the only backbone chemistry used clinically, may be insufficient for targeting extrahepatic tissues. To improve oligonucleotide stabilization, we report the discovery, synthesis and characterization of extended nucleic acid (exNA) consisting of a methylene insertion between the 5'-C and 5'-OH of a nucleoside. exNA incorporation is compatible with common oligonucleotide synthetic protocols and the PS backbone, provides stabilization against 3' and 5' exonucleases and is tolerated at multiple oligonucleotide positions. A combined exNA-PS backbone enhances resistance to 3' exonuclease by ~32-fold over the conventional PS backbone and by >1,000-fold over the natural phosphodiester backbone, improving tissue exposure, tissue accumulation and efficacy in mice, both systemically and in the brain. The improved efficacy and durability imparted by exNA may enable therapeutic interventions in extrahepatic tissues, both with siRNA and with other oligonucleotides such as CRISPR guide RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, mRNA and tRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Vignesh N Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Raymond C Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Joseph D Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brianna M Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Clemens Lochmann
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wiegand DJ, Rittichier J, Meyer E, Lee H, Conway NJ, Ahlstedt D, Yurtsever Z, Rainone D, Kuru E, Church GM. Template-independent enzymatic synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02244-w. [PMID: 38997579 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02244-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
RNA oligonucleotides have emerged as a powerful therapeutic modality to treat disease, yet current manufacturing methods may not be able to deliver on anticipated future demand. Here, we report the development and optimization of an aqueous-based, template-independent enzymatic RNA oligonucleotide synthesis platform as an alternative to traditional chemical methods. The enzymatic synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides is made possible by controlled incorporation of reversible terminator nucleotides with a common 3'-O-allyl ether blocking group using new CID1 poly(U) polymerase mutant variants. We achieved an average coupling efficiency of 95% and demonstrated ten full cycles of liquid phase synthesis to produce natural and therapeutically relevant modified sequences. We then qualitatively assessed the platform on a solid phase, performing enzymatic synthesis of several N + 5 oligonucleotides on a controlled-pore glass support. Adoption of an aqueous-based process will offer key advantages including the reduction of solvent use and sustainable therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wiegand
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Rittichier
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Ella Meyer
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Howon Lee
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Conway
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Erkin Kuru
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - George M Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Binder AK, Bremm F, Dörrie J, Schaft N. Non-Coding RNA in Tumor Cells and Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells-Function and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7275. [PMID: 39000381 PMCID: PMC11242727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA world is wide, and besides mRNA, there is a variety of other RNA types, such as non-coding (nc)RNAs, which harbor various intracellular regulatory functions. This review focuses on small interfering (si)RNA and micro (mi)RNA, which form a complex network regulating mRNA translation and, consequently, gene expression. In fact, these RNAs are critically involved in the function and phenotype of all cells in the human body, including malignant cells. In cancer, the two main targets for therapy are dysregulated cancer cells and dysfunctional immune cells. To exploit the potential of mi- or siRNA therapeutics in cancer therapy, a profound understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of RNAs and following targeted intervention is needed to re-program cancer cells and immune cell functions in vivo. The first part focuses on the function of less well-known RNAs, including siRNA and miRNA, and presents RNA-based technologies. In the second part, the therapeutic potential of these technologies in treating cancer is discussed, with particular attention on manipulating tumor-associated immune cells, especially tumor-associated myeloid cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Katharina Binder
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Bremm
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (F.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arjunan P, Kathirvelu D, Mahalingam G, Goel AK, Zacharaiah UG, Srivastava A, Marepally S. Lipid-nanoparticle-enabled nucleic acid therapeutics for liver disorders. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2885-2900. [PMID: 39027251 PMCID: PMC11252464 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited genetic disorders of the liver pose a significant public health burden. Liver transplantation is often limited by the availability of donor livers and the exorbitant costs of immunosuppressive therapy. To overcome these limitations, nucleic acid therapy provides a hopeful alternative that enables gene repair, gene supplementation, and gene silencing with suitable vectors. Though viral vectors are the most efficient and preferred for gene therapy, pre-existing immunity debilitating immune responses limit their use. As a potential alternative, lipid nanoparticle-mediated vectors are being explored to deliver multiple nucleic acid forms, including pDNA, mRNA, siRNA, and proteins. Herein, we discuss the broader applications of lipid nanoparticles, from protein replacement therapy to restoring the disease mechanism through nucleic acid delivery and gene editing, as well as multiple preclinical and clinical studies as a potential alternative to liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Porkizhi Arjunan
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal academy for higher education, Mangalore 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Durga Kathirvelu
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gokulnath Mahalingam
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uday George Zacharaiah
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Castellano M, Blanco V, Calzi ML, Costa B, Witwer K, Hill M, Cayota A, Segovia M, Tosar JP. Ribonuclease activity undermines immune sensing of naked extracellular RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590771. [PMID: 38712104 PMCID: PMC11071435 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The plasma membrane and the membrane of endosomal vesicles are considered physical barriers preventing extracellular RNA uptake. While naked RNA can be spontaneously internalized by certain cells types, functional delivery of naked RNA into the cytosol has been rarely observed. Here we show that extracellular ribonucleases, mainly derived from cell culture supplements, have so far hindered the study of extracellular RNA functionality. In the presence of active ribonuclease inhibitors (RI), naked bacterial RNA is pro-inflammatory when spiked in the media of dendritic cells and macrophages. In murine cells, this response mainly depends on the action of endosomal Toll-like receptors. However, we also show that naked RNA can perform endosomal escape and engage with cytosolic RNA sensors and ribosomes. For example, naked mRNAs encoding reporter proteins can be spontaneously internalized and translated by a variety of cell types, in an RI-dependent manner. In vivo, RI co-injection enhances the activation induced by naked extracellular RNA on splenic lymphocytes and myeloid-derived leukocytes. Furthermore, naked extracellular RNA is inherently pro-inflammatory in ribonuclease-poor compartments such as the peritoneal cavity. Overall, these results demonstrate that naked RNA is bioactive and does not need encapsulation inside synthetic or biological lipid vesicles for functional uptake, making a case for nonvesicular extracellular RNA-mediated intercellular communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Castellano
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Immunoregulation and Inflammation Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valentina Blanco
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marco Li Calzi
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Bruno Costa
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Analytical Biochemistry Unit, School of Science, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Kenneth Witwer
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- EV Core Facility “EXCEL”, Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Richman Family Precision Medicine Center of Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcelo Hill
- Immunoregulation and Inflammation Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Academic Unit of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Alfonso Cayota
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Segovia
- Immunoregulation and Inflammation Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Academic Unit of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Juan Pablo Tosar
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
- Analytical Biochemistry Unit, School of Science, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bolduc V, Sizov K, Brull A, Esposito E, Chen GS, Uapinyoying P, Sarathy A, Johnson K, Bönnemann CG. Allele-specific CRISPR/Cas9 editing inactivates a single nucleotide variant associated with collagen VI muscular dystrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586265. [PMID: 38585815 PMCID: PMC10996683 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The application of allele-specific gene editing tools can expand the therapeutic options for dominant genetic conditions, either via gene correction or via allelic gene inactivation in situations where haploinsufficiency is tolerated. Here, we used allele-targeted CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNAs (gRNAs) to introduce inactivating frameshifting indels at a single nucleotide variant in the COL6A1 gene (c.868G>A; G290R), a variant that acts as dominant negative and that is associated with a severe form of congenital muscular dystrophy. We expressed spCas9 along with allele-targeted gRNAs, without providing a repair template, in primary fibroblasts derived from four patients and one control subject. Amplicon deep-sequencing for two gRNAs tested showed that single nucleotide deletions accounted for the majority of indels introduced. While activity of the two gRNAs was greater at the G290R allele, both gRNAs were also active at the wild-type allele. To enhance allele-selectivity, we introduced deliberate additional mismatches to one gRNA. One of these optimized gRNAs showed minimal activity at the WT allele, while generating productive edits and improving collagen VI matrix in cultured patient fibroblasts. This study strengthens the potential of gene editing to treat dominant-negative disorders, but also underscores the challenges in achieving allele selectivity with gRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Bolduc
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Sizov
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Astrid Brull
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric Esposito
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Grace S Chen
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Prech Uapinyoying
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kory Johnson
- Bioinformatics Core, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kiel K, Król SK, Bronisz A, Godlewski J. MiR-128-3p - a gray eminence of the human central nervous system. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102141. [PMID: 38419943 PMCID: PMC10899074 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) is a versatile molecule with multiple functions in the physiopathology of the human central nervous system. Perturbations of miR-128-3p, which is enriched in the brain, contribute to a plethora of neurodegenerative disorders, brain injuries, and malignancies, as this miRNA is a crucial regulator of gene expression in the brain, playing an essential role in the maintenance and function of cells stemming from neuronal lineage. However, the differential expression of miR-128-3p in pathologies underscores the importance of the balance between its high and low levels. Significantly, numerous reports pointed to miR-128-3p as one of the most depleted in glioblastoma, implying it is a critical player in the disease's pathogenesis and thus may serve as a therapeutic agent for this most aggressive form of brain tumor. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the diverse roles of miR-128-3p. We focus on its involvement in the neurogenesis and pathophysiology of malignant and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the promising potential of miR-128-3p as an antitumor agent for the future therapy of human cancers, including glioblastoma, and as the linchpin of brain development and function, potentially leading to the development of new therapies for neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kiel
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Katarzyna Król
- Department of Neurooncology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bronisz
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Godlewski
- Department of Neurooncology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bardin E, Pranke I, Hinzpeter A, Sermet-Gaudelus I. [Therapeutics in cystic fibrosis: Clinical revolution and new challenges]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:258-267. [PMID: 38520101 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over time, cystic fibrosis has become a model of synergy between research in pathophysiology and cell biology, and clinical advances. Therapies targeting the CFTR protein, in particular CFTR modulators, have transformed the prognosis of patients, bringing the hope of a normal life with the possibility of starting a family and growing old, challenging established statistics. However, patients are not yet cured, and side effects remain insufficiently documented. Epidemiological changes create new challenges for the management of cystic fibrosis. Approximately 10 % of patients still lack a therapeutic option. The community of researchers, pharmaceutical industries, patient associations, and health authorities remains committed to monitor the long-term effects of these still poorly characterised treatments, and to explore new pharmacological approaches, such as gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Bardin
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Iwona Pranke
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Hinzpeter
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Corrao F, Kelly-Aubert M, Sermet-Gaudelus I, Semeraro M. Unmet challenges in cystic fibrosis treatment with modulators. Expert Rev Respir Med 2024; 18:145-157. [PMID: 38755109 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2357210] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 'Highly effective' modulator therapies (HEMTs) have radically changed the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) therapeutic landscape. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken to assess impact of HEMT in life of pwCF, treatment challenges in specific populations such as very young children, and current knowledge gaps. EXPERT OPINION HEMTs are prescribed for pwCF with definite genotypes. The heterogeneity of variants complicates treatment possibilities and around 10% of pwCF worldwide remains ineligible. Genotype-specific treatments are prompting theratyping and personalized medicine strategies. Improvement in lung function and quality of life increase survival rates, shifting CF from a pediatric to an adult disease. This implies new studies addressing long-term efficacy, side effects, emergence of adult co-morbidities and possible drug-drug interactions. More sensitive and predictive biomarkers for both efficacy and toxicity are warranted. As HEMTs cross the placenta and are found in breast milk, studies addressing the potential consequences of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding are urgently needed. Finally, although the treatment and expected outcomes of CF have improved dramatically in high- and middle-income countries, lack of access in low-income countries to these life-changing medicines highlights inequity of care worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Corrao
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | | - Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus
- INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Mucoviscidose et maladies apparentées. Site constitutif, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- European Reference Lung Center, Frankfurt, Germany
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Michaela Semeraro
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre Investigation Clinique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ishigami Y, Wong MS, Martí-Gómez C, Ayaz A, Kooshkbaghi M, Hanson SM, McCandlish DM, Krainer AR, Kinney JB. Specificity, synergy, and mechanisms of splice-modifying drugs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1880. [PMID: 38424098 PMCID: PMC10904865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs that target pre-mRNA splicing hold great therapeutic potential, but the quantitative understanding of how these drugs work is limited. Here we introduce mechanistically interpretable quantitative models for the sequence-specific and concentration-dependent behavior of splice-modifying drugs. Using massively parallel splicing assays, RNA-seq experiments, and precision dose-response curves, we obtain quantitative models for two small-molecule drugs, risdiplam and branaplam, developed for treating spinal muscular atrophy. The results quantitatively characterize the specificities of risdiplam and branaplam for 5' splice site sequences, suggest that branaplam recognizes 5' splice sites via two distinct interaction modes, and contradict the prevailing two-site hypothesis for risdiplam activity at SMN2 exon 7. The results also show that anomalous single-drug cooperativity, as well as multi-drug synergy, are widespread among small-molecule drugs and antisense-oligonucleotide drugs that promote exon inclusion. Our quantitative models thus clarify the mechanisms of existing treatments and provide a basis for the rational development of new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Ishigami
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Mandy S Wong
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- Beam Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Andalus Ayaz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Mahdi Kooshkbaghi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- The Estée Lauder Companies, New York, NY, 10153, USA
| | | | | | - Adrian R Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
| | - Justin B Kinney
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dehghan H, Ghasempour A, Sabeti Akbar-Abad M, Khademi Z, Sedighi M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. An update on the therapeutic role of RNAi in NAFLD/NASH. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 204:45-67. [PMID: 38458743 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Unhealthy lifestyles have given rise to a growing epidemic of metabolic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD often occurs as a consequence of obesity, and currently, there is no FDA-approved drug for its treatment. However, therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as RNA interference (RNAi), represent a promising class of pharmacotherapy that can target previously untreatable conditions. The potential significance of RNAi in maintaining physiological homeostasis, understanding pathogenesis, and improving metabolic liver diseases, including NAFLD, is discussed in this article. We explore why NAFLD/NASH is an ideal target for therapeutic oligonucleotides and provide insights into the delivery platforms of RNAi and its therapeutic role in addressing NAFLD/NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Dehghan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasempour
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Sabeti Akbar-Abad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Zahra Khademi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sedighi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Poller W, Sahoo S, Hajjar R, Landmesser U, Krichevsky AM. Exploration of the Noncoding Genome for Human-Specific Therapeutic Targets-Recent Insights at Molecular and Cellular Level. Cells 2023; 12:2660. [PMID: 37998395 PMCID: PMC10670380 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well known that 98-99% of the human genome does not encode proteins, but are nevertheless transcriptionally active and give rise to a broad spectrum of noncoding RNAs [ncRNAs] with complex regulatory and structural functions, specific functions have so far been assigned to only a tiny fraction of all known transcripts. On the other hand, the striking observation of an overwhelmingly growing fraction of ncRNAs, in contrast to an only modest increase in the number of protein-coding genes, during evolution from simple organisms to humans, strongly suggests critical but so far essentially unexplored roles of the noncoding genome for human health and disease pathogenesis. Research into the vast realm of the noncoding genome during the past decades thus lead to a profoundly enhanced appreciation of the multi-level complexity of the human genome. Here, we address a few of the many huge remaining knowledge gaps and consider some newly emerging questions and concepts of research. We attempt to provide an up-to-date assessment of recent insights obtained by molecular and cell biological methods, and by the application of systems biology approaches. Specifically, we discuss current data regarding two topics of high current interest: (1) By which mechanisms could evolutionary recent ncRNAs with critical regulatory functions in a broad spectrum of cell types (neural, immune, cardiovascular) constitute novel therapeutic targets in human diseases? (2) Since noncoding genome evolution is causally linked to brain evolution, and given the profound interactions between brain and immune system, could human-specific brain-expressed ncRNAs play a direct or indirect (immune-mediated) role in human diseases? Synergistic with remarkable recent progress regarding delivery, efficacy, and safety of nucleic acid-based therapies, the ongoing large-scale exploration of the noncoding genome for human-specific therapeutic targets is encouraging to proceed with the development and clinical evaluation of novel therapeutic pathways suggested by these research fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susmita Sahoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Roger Hajjar
- Gene & Cell Therapy Institute, Mass General Brigham, 65 Landsdowne St, Suite 143, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna M. Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Collotta D, Bertocchi I, Chiapello E, Collino M. Antisense oligonucleotides: a novel Frontier in pharmacological strategy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1304342. [PMID: 38044945 PMCID: PMC10690781 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1304342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short single stranded synthetic RNA or DNA molecules, whereas double-stranded RNA nucleotide sequences are called small interfering RNA (siRNA). ASOs bind to complementary nucleic acid sequences impacting the associated functions of the targeted nucleic acids. They represent an emerging class of drugs that, through a revolutionary mechanism of action, aim to directly regulate disease-causing genes and their variants, providing an alternative tool to traditional "protein-specific" therapies. The majority of the ASOs are designed to treat orphan genetic disorders that in most of the cases are seriously disabling and still lacking an adequate therapy. In order to translate ASOs into clinical success, constant technological advances have been instrumental in overcoming several pharmacological, toxicological and formulation limitations. Accordingly, chemical structures have been recently implemented and new bio-conjugation and nanocarriers formulation strategies explored. The aim of this work is to offer an overview of the antisense technology with a comparative analysis of the oligonucleotides approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Collotta
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - I. Bertocchi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - E. Chiapello
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M. Collino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Carugo S, Sirtori CR, Gelpi G, Corsini A, Tokgozoglu L, Ruscica M. Updates in Small Interfering RNA for the Treatment of Dyslipidemias. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:805-817. [PMID: 37792132 PMCID: PMC10618314 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is still the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite excellent pharmacological approaches, clinical registries consistently show that many people with dyslipidemia do not achieve optimal management, and many of them are treated with low-intensity lipid-lowering therapies. Beyond the well-known association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular prevention, the atherogenicity of lipoprotein(a) and the impact of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins cannot be overlooked. Within this landscape, the use of RNA-based therapies can help the treatment of difficult to target lipid disorders. RECENT FINDINGS The safety and efficacy of LDL-C lowering with the siRNA inclisiran has been documented in the open-label ORION-3 trial, with a follow-up of 4 years. While the outcome trial is pending, a pooled analysis of ORION-9, ORION-10, and ORION-11 has shown the potential of inclisiran to reduce composite major adverse cardiovascular events. Concerning lipoprotein(a), data of OCEAN(a)-DOSE trial with olpasiran show a dose-dependent drop in lipoprotein(a) levels with an optimal pharmacodynamic profile when administered every 12 weeks. Concerning TG lowering, although ARO-APOC3 and ARO-ANG3 are effective to lower apolipoprotein(apo)C-III and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) levels, these drugs are still in their infancy. In the era moving toward a personalized risk management, the use of siRNA represents a blossoming armamentarium to tackle dyslipidaemias for ASCVD risk reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Carugo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Dyspnea Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - C R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Gelpi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Tokgozoglu
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Ruscica
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chan DC, Watts GF. The Promise of PCSK9 and Lipoprotein(a) as Targets for Gene Silencing Therapies. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1034-1046. [PMID: 37524569 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE High plasma concentrations of LDL and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) are independent and causal risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There is an unmet therapeutic need for high-risk patients with elevated levels of LDL-C and/or Lp(a). Recent advances in the development of nucleic acids for gene silencing (ie, triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine conjugated antisense-oligonucleotides [ASOs] and small interfering RNA [siRNA]) targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and Lp(a) offer effective and sustainable therapies. METHODS Related articles in the English language were identified through a search for original and review articles in the PubMed database using the following key terms: cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, PCSK9 inhibitors, Lp(a), LDL-cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, siRNA, and antisense oligonucleotide and clinical trials (either alone or in combination). FINDINGS Inclisiran, the most advanced siRNA-treatment targeting hepatic PCSK9, is well tolerated, producing a >30% reduction on LDL-C levels in randomized controlled trials. Pelacarsen is the most clinical advanced ASO, whereas olpasiran and SLN360 are the 2 siRNAs directed against the mRNA of the LPA gene. Evidence suggests that all Lp(a)-targeting agents are safe and well tolerated, with robust and sustained reduction in plasma Lp(a) concentration up to 70% to 90% in individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels. IMPLICATIONS Cumulative evidence from clinical trials supports the value of ASO and siRNA therapies targeting the synthesis of PCSK9 and Lp(a) for lowering LDL-C and Lp(a) in patients with established ASCVD or high risk of ASCVD. Further research is needed to examine whether gene silencing therapy could improve clinical outcomes in patients with elevated LDL and/or Lp(a) levels. Confirmation of the tolerability and cost-effectiveness of long-term inhibition of PCSK9 and Lp(a) with this approach is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dick C Chan
- Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nakanishi T, Willett J, Farjoun Y, Allen RJ, Guillen-Guio B, Adra D, Zhou S, Richards JB. Alternative splicing in lung influences COVID-19 severity and respiratory diseases. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6198. [PMID: 37794074 PMCID: PMC10550956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates functional diversity in isoforms, impacting immune response to infection. Here, we evaluate the causal role of alternative splicing in COVID-19 severity and susceptibility by applying two-sample Mendelian randomization to cis-splicing quantitative trait loci and the results from COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. We identify that alternative splicing in lung, rather than total expression of OAS1, ATP11A, DPP9 and NPNT, is associated with COVID-19 severity. MUC1 and PMF1 splicing is associated with COVID-19 susceptibility. Colocalization analyses support a shared genetic mechanism between COVID-19 severity with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the ATP11A and DPP9 loci, and with chronic obstructive lung diseases at the NPNT locus. Last, we show that ATP11A, DPP9, NPNT, and MUC1 are highly expressed in lung alveolar epithelial cells, both in COVID-19 uninfected and infected samples. These findings clarify the importance of alternative splicing in lung for COVID-19 and respiratory diseases, providing isoform-based targets for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Nakanishi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Kyoto-McGill International Collaborative Program in Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Julian Willett
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences Program, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yossi Farjoun
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Five Prime Sciences Inc, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard J Allen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Beatriz Guillen-Guio
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Darin Adra
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sirui Zhou
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences Program, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - J Brent Richards
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Five Prime Sciences Inc, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Departments of Medicine, Human Genetics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Twin Research, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nikom D, Zheng S. Alternative splicing in neurodegenerative disease and the promise of RNA therapies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:457-473. [PMID: 37336982 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates a myriad of RNA products and protein isoforms of different functions from a single gene. Dysregulated alternative splicing has emerged as a new mechanism broadly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease and repeat expansion diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and functional outcomes of abnormal splicing in neurological disorders is vital in developing effective therapies to treat mis-splicing pathology. In this Review, we discuss emerging research and evidence of the roles of alternative splicing defects in major neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the latest advances in RNA-based therapeutic strategies to target these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nikom
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sika Zheng
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Malecova B, Burke RS, Cochran M, Hood MD, Johns R, Kovach PR, Doppalapudi VR, Erdogan G, Arias JD, Darimont B, Miller CD, Huang H, Geall A, Younis H, Levin AA. Targeted tissue delivery of RNA therapeutics using antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5901-5910. [PMID: 37224533 PMCID: PMC10325888 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although targeting TfR1 to deliver oligonucleotides to skeletal muscle has been demonstrated in rodents, effectiveness and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) properties remained unknown in higher species. We developed antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) towards mice or monkeys utilizing anti-TfR1 monoclonal antibodies (αTfR1) conjugated to various classes of oligonucleotides (siRNA, ASOs and PMOs). αTfR1 AOCs delivered oligonucleotides to muscle tissue in both species. In mice, αTfR1 AOCs achieved a > 15-fold higher concentration to muscle tissue than unconjugated siRNA. A single dose of an αTfR1 conjugated to an siRNA against Ssb mRNA produced > 75% Ssb mRNA reduction in mice and monkeys, and mRNA silencing was greatest in skeletal and cardiac (striated) muscle with minimal to no activity in other major organs. In mice the EC50 for Ssb mRNA reduction in skeletal muscle was >75-fold less than in systemic tissues. Oligonucleotides conjugated to control antibodies or cholesterol produced no mRNA reduction or were 10-fold less potent, respectively. Tissue PKPD of AOCs demonstrated mRNA silencing activity primarily driven by receptor-mediated delivery in striated muscle for siRNA oligonucleotides. In mice, we show that AOC-mediated delivery is operable across various oligonucleotide modalities. AOC PKPD properties translated to higher species, providing promise for a new class of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Malecova
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rob S Burke
- Seawolf Therapeutics, One Sansome Street Suite 3630, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
| | - Michael Cochran
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michael D Hood
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rachel Johns
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Philip R Kovach
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Venkata R Doppalapudi
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Gulin Erdogan
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - J Danny Arias
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Christopher D Miller
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, 9700 W Taron Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Hanhua Huang
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Andrew Geall
- Replicate Biosciences, 10210 Campus Point Dr, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Husam S Younis
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Arthur A Levin
- Avidity Biosciences, Inc., 10578 Science Center Drive Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yang F, Li J, Ge Q, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou J, Wang H, Du J, Gao S, Liang C, Meng J. Non-coding RNAs: emerging roles in the characterization of immune microenvironment and immunotherapy of prostate cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115669. [PMID: 37364622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common tumor among men. Although the prognosis for early-stage prostate cancer is good, patients with advanced disease often progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which usually leads to death owing to resistance to existing treatments and lack of long-term effective therapy. In recent years, immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has made great progress in the treatment of various solid tumors, including prostate cancer. However, the ICIs have only shown modest outcomes in mCRPC compared with other tumors. Previous studies have suggested that the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of prostate cancer leads to poor anti-tumor immune response and tumor resistance to immunotherapy. It has been reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are capable of regulating upstream signaling at the transcriptional level, leading to a "cascade of changes" in downstream molecules. As a result, ncRNAs have been identified as an ideal class of molecules for cancer treatment. The discovery of ncRNAs provides a new perspective on TIME regulation in prostate cancer. ncRNAs have been associated with establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment in prostate cancer through multiple pathways to modulate the immune escape of tumor cells which can promote resistance of prostate cancer to immunotherapy. Targeting these related ncRNAs presents an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feixiang Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Jiawei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Qintao Ge
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Research/NCI/NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Juan Du
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shenglin Gao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, Jiangsu, China; Gonghe County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan 813099, Qinghai, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jialin Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hariharan VN, Caiazzi J, Miller R, Ferguson C, Sapp E, Fakih H, Tang Q, Yamada N, Furgal R, Paquette J, Bramato B, McHugh N, Summers A, Lochmann C, Godinho B, Hildebrand S, Echeverria D, Hassler M, Alterman J, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A, Yamada K. Extended Nucleic Acid (exNA): A Novel, Biologically Compatible Backbone that Significantly Enhances Oligonucleotide Efficacy in vivo. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2987323. [PMID: 37398145 PMCID: PMC10312934 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2987323/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic stabilization of therapeutic oligonucleotides requires both sugar and backbone modifications, where phosphorothioate (PS) is the only backbone chemistry used in the clinic. Here, we describe the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of a novel biologically compatible backbone, extended nucleic acid (exNA). Upon exNA precursor scale up, exNA incorporation is fully compatible with common nucleic acid synthetic protocols. The novel backbone is orthogonal to PS and shows profound stabilization against 3'- and 5'-exonucleases. Using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as an example, we show exNA is tolerated at most nucleotide positions and profoundly improves in vivo efficacy. A combined exNA-PS backbone enhances siRNA resistance to serum 3'-exonuclease by ~ 32-fold over PS backbone and > 1000-fold over the natural phosphodiester backbone, thereby enhancing tissue exposure (~ 6-fold), tissues accumulation (4- to 20-fold), and potency both systemically and in brain. The improved potency and durability imparted by exNA opens more tissues and indications to oligonucleotide-driven therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Qi Tang
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Bruno Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Neil Aronin
- University of Massachusetts Worcester Campus
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yamada K, Hariharan VN, Caiazzi J, Miller R, Furguson C, Sapp E, Fakih H, Tan Q, Yamada N, Furgal RC, Paquette J, Bramato B, McHugh N, Summers A, Lochmann C, Godinho BM, Hildebrand S, Echeverria D, Hassler MR, Alterman JF, DiFiglia M, Aronin N, Khvorova A. Extended Nucleic Acid (exNA): A Novel, Biologically Compatible Backbone that Significantly Enhances Oligonucleotide Efficacy in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542506. [PMID: 37292886 PMCID: PMC10245983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic stabilization of therapeutic oligonucleotides requires both sugar and backbone modifications, where phosphorothioate (PS) is the only backbone chemistry used in the clinic. Here, we describe the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of a novel biologically compatible backbone, extended nucleic acid (exNA). Upon exNA precursor scale up, exNA incorporation is fully compatible with common nucleic acid synthetic protocols. The novel backbone is orthogonal to PS and shows profound stabilization against 3'- and 5'-exonucleases. Using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as an example, we show exNA is tolerated at most nucleotide positions and profoundly improves in vivo efficacy. A combined exNA-PS backbone enhances siRNA resistance to serum 3'-exonuclease by ~32-fold over PS backbone and >1000-fold over the natural phosphodiester backbone, thereby enhancing tissue exposure (~6-fold), tissues accumulation (4- to 20-fold), and potency both systemically and in brain. The improved potency and durability imparted by exNA opens more tissues and indications to oligonucleotide-driven therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Vignesh Narayan Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Rachael Miller
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Chantal Furguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Hassan Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Qi Tan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nozomi Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Raymond C. Furgal
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Joseph Paquette
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ashley Summers
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Clemens Lochmann
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Bruno M.D.C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia F. Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; Charlestown, Massachusetts, United State
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li Y, Zhu S, Chen Y, Ma Q, Kan D, Yu W, Zhang B, Chen X, Wei W, Shao Y, Wang K, Zhang M, Deng S, Niu Y, Shang Z. Post-transcriptional modification of m 6A methylase METTL3 regulates ERK-induced androgen-deprived treatment resistance prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:289. [PMID: 37095108 PMCID: PMC10126012 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
As the most common modification of RNA, N6-methyladenosin (m6A) has been confirmed to be involved in the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the relationship between m6A and castration resistance prostate cancer (CRPC), has not been fully studied. By m6A-sequencing of patient cancer tissues, we identified that the overall level of m6A in CRPC was up-regulated than castration sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). Based on the analysis of m6A-sequencing data, we found m6A modification level of HRas proto-oncogene, GTPase (HRAS) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MEK2 or MAP2K2) were enhanced in CRPC. Specifically, tissue microarray analysis and molecular biology experiments confirmed that METTL3, an m6A "writer" up-regulated after castration, activated the ERK pathway to contribute to malignant phenotype including ADT resistance, cell proliferation and invasion. We revealed that METTL3-mediated ERK phosphorylation by stabilizing the transcription of HRAS and positively regulating the translation of MEK2. In the Enzalutamide-resistant (Enz-R) C4-2 and LNCap cell line (C4-2R, LNCapR) established in the current study, the ERK pathway was confirmed to be regulated by METTL3. We also found that applying antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to target the METTL3/ERK axis can restore Enzalutamide resistance in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, METTL3 activated the ERK pathway and induced the resistance to Enzalutamide by regulating the m6A level of critical gene transcription in the ERK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shimiao Zhu
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianwang Ma
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Duo Kan
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyue Yu
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Boya Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuanrong Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanqing Wei
- Lianshui People's Hospital of Kangda College affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Keruo Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingpeng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shu Deng
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanjie Niu
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhiqun Shang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ren W, Duan S, Dai C, Xie C, Jiang L, Shi Y. Nanotechnology Lighting the Way for Gene Therapy in Ophthalmopathy: From Opportunities toward Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083500. [PMID: 37110734 PMCID: PMC10141718 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary ophthalmopathy is a well-described threat to human visual health affecting millions of people. Gene therapy for ophthalmopathy has received widespread attention with the increasing understanding of pathogenic genes. Effective and safe delivery of accurate nucleic acid drugs (NADs) is the core of gene therapy. Efficient nanodelivery and nanomodification technologies, appropriate targeted genes, and the choice of drug injection methods are the guiding lights of gene therapy. Compared with traditional drugs, NADs can specifically change the expression of specific genes or restore the normal function of mutant genes. Nanodelivery carriers can improve targeting and nanomodification can improve the stability of NADs. Therefore, NADs, which can fundamentally solve pathogeny, hold great promise in the treatment of ophthalmopathy. This paper reviews the limitations of ocular disease treatment, discusses the classification of NADs in ophthalmology, reveals the delivery strategies of NADs to improve bioavailability, targeting, and stability, and summarizes the mechanisms of NADs in ophthalmopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Ren
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Suyang Duan
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chao Dai
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chunbao Xie
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hariharan VN, Shin M, Chang CW, O’Reilly D, Biscans A, Yamada K, Guo Z, Somasundaran M, Tang Q, Monopoli K, Krishnamurthy PM, Devi G, McHugh N, Cooper DA, Echeverria D, Cruz J, Chan IL, Liu P, Lim SY, McConnell J, Singh SP, Hildebrand S, Sousa J, Davis SM, Kennedy Z, Ferguson C, Godinho BMDC, Thillier Y, Caiazzi J, Ly S, Muhuri M, Kelly K, Humphries F, Cousineau A, Parsi KM, Li Q, Wang Y, Maehr R, Gao G, Korkin D, McDougall WM, Finberg RW, Fitzgerald KA, Wang JP, Watts JK, Khvorova A. Divalent siRNAs are bioavailable in the lung and efficiently block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219523120. [PMID: 36893269 PMCID: PMC10089225 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219523120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants complicates efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, underscoring the need for a dynamic platform for the rapid development of pan-viral variant therapeutics. Oligonucleotide therapeutics are enhancing the treatment of numerous diseases with unprecedented potency, duration of effect, and safety. Through the systematic screening of hundreds of oligonucleotide sequences, we identified fully chemically stabilized siRNAs and ASOs that target regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome conserved in all variants of concern, including delta and omicron. We successively evaluated candidates in cellular reporter assays, followed by viral inhibition in cell culture, with eventual testing of leads for in vivo antiviral activity in the lung. Previous attempts to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides to the lung have met with only modest success. Here, we report the development of a platform for identifying and generating potent, chemically modified multimeric siRNAs bioavailable in the lung after local intranasal and intratracheal delivery. The optimized divalent siRNAs showed robust antiviral activity in human cells and mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and represent a new paradigm for antiviral therapeutic development for current and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh N. Hariharan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Minwook Shin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Daniel O’Reilly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ken Yamada
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Zhiru Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Mohan Somasundaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Kathryn Monopoli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | | | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - David A. Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - John Cruz
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Io Long Chan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Sun-Young Lim
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jill McConnell
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Satya Prakash Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Sarah M. Davis
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Chantal Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Bruno M. D. C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Yann Thillier
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jillian Caiazzi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Socheata Ly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Alyssa Cousineau
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Krishna Mohan Parsi
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Qi Li
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Yang Wang
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - René Maehr
- Diabetes Center of Excellence and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Guangping Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Dmitry Korkin
- Department of Computer Science, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA01609
| | - William M. McDougall
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Robert W. Finberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jennifer P. Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01655
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ainani H, Bouchmaa N, Ben Mrid R, El Fatimy R. Liquid-liquid phase separation of protein tau: An emerging process in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106011. [PMID: 36702317 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reactions within cells occur in various isolated compartments with or without borders, the latter being known as membrane-less organelles (MLOs). The MLOs show liquid-like properties and are formed by a process known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). MLOs contribute to different molecules interactions such as protein-protein, protein-RNA, and RNA-RNA driven by various factors, such as multivalency of intrinsic disorders. MLOs are involved in several cell signaling pathways such as transcription, immune response, and cellular organization. However, disruption of these processes has been found in different pathologies. Recently, it has been demonstrated that protein aggregates, a characteristic of some neurodegenerative diseases, undergo similar phase separation. Tau protein is known as a major neurofibrillary tangles component in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This protein can undergo phase separation to form a MLO known as tau droplet in vitro and in vivo, and this process can be facilitated by several factors, including crowding agents, RNA, and phosphorylation. Tau droplet has been shown to mature into insoluble aggregates suggesting that this process may precede and induce neurodegeneration in AD. Here we review major factors involved in liquid droplet formation within a cell. Additionally, we highlight recent findings concerning tau aggregation following phase separation in AD, along with the potential therapeutic strategies that could be explored in this process against the progression of this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ainani
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Najat Bouchmaa
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Reda Ben Mrid
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Fatimy
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
The Role of MMPs in the Era of CFTR Modulators: An Additional Target for Cystic Fibrosis Patients? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020350. [PMID: 36830719 PMCID: PMC9952876 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a high-prevalence disease characterized by significant lung remodeling, responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The lung structural changes are partly due to proteolytic activity associated with inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are the major proteases involved in CF, and recent literature data focused on their potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In fact, an imbalance of proteases and antiproteases was observed in CF patients, resulting in dysfunction of protease activity and loss of lung homeostasis. Currently, many steps forward have been moved in the field of pharmacological treatment with the recent introduction of triple-combination therapy targeting the CFTR channel. Despite CFTR modulator therapy potentially being effective in up to 90% of patients with CF, there are still patients who are not eligible for the available therapies. Here, we introduce experimental drugs to provide updates on therapy evolution regarding a proportion of CF non-responder patients to current treatment, and we summarize the role of MMPs in pathogenesis and as future therapeutic targets of CF.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ogiya D, Chyra Z, Verselis SJ, O'Keefe M, Cobb J, Abiatari I, Talluri S, Sithara AA, Hideshima T, Chu MP, Hájek R, Dorfman DM, Pilarski LM, Anderson KC, Adamia S. Identification of disease-related aberrantly spliced transcripts in myeloma and strategies to target these alterations by RNA-based therapeutics. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:23. [PMID: 36737429 PMCID: PMC9898564 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel drug discoveries have shifted the treatment paradigms of most hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). However, this plasma cell malignancy remains incurable, and novel therapies are therefore urgently needed. Whole-genome transcriptome analyses in a large cohort of MM patients demonstrated that alterations in pre-mRNA splicing (AS) are frequent in MM. This manuscript describes approaches to identify disease-specific alterations in MM and proposes RNA-based therapeutic strategies to eradicate such alterations. As a "proof of concept", we examined the causes of aberrant HMMR (Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor) splicing in MM. We identified clusters of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the HMMR transcript where the altered splicing took place. Using bioinformatics tools, we predicted SNVs and splicing factors that potentially contribute to aberrant HMMR splicing. Based on bioinformatic analyses and validation studies, we provided the rationale for RNA-based therapeutic strategies to selectively inhibit altered HMMR splicing in MM. Since splicing is a hallmark of many cancers, strategies described herein for target identification and the design of RNA-based therapeutics that inhibit gene splicing can be applied not only to other genes in MM but also more broadly to other hematological malignancies and solid tumors as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ogiya
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Zuzana Chyra
- Department of Hemato-oncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Hemato-oncology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Sigitas J Verselis
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Morgan O'Keefe
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Cobb
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivane Abiatari
- Institute of Medical and Public Health Research, School of Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Srikanth Talluri
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA
| | - Anjana Anilkumar Sithara
- Department of Hemato-oncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Hemato-oncology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Teru Hideshima
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael P Chu
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roman Hájek
- Department of Hemato-oncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Hemato-oncology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - David M Dorfman
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda M Pilarski
- Department of Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kenneth C Anderson
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sophia Adamia
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Institute of Medical and Public Health Research, School of Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia. .,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Qiao Y, Wotring JW, Zhang CJ, Jiang X, Xiao L, Watt A, Gattis D, Scandalis E, Freier S, Zheng Y, Pretto CD, Ellison SJ, Swayze EE, Guo S, Sexton JZ, Chinnaiyan AM. Antisense oligonucleotides to therapeutically target SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281281. [PMID: 36735698 PMCID: PMC9897518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic began over three years ago, the virus responsible for the disease, SARS-CoV-2, continues to infect people across the globe. As such, there remains a critical need for development of novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. One technology that has remained relatively unexplored in COVID-19 is the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-short single-stranded nucleic acids that bind to target RNA transcripts to modulate their expression. In this study, ASOs targeted against the SARS-CoV-2 genome and host entry factors, ACE2 and TMPRSS2, were designed and tested for their ability to inhibit cellular infection by SARS-CoV-2. Using our previously developed SARS-CoV-2 bioassay platform, we screened 180 total ASOs targeting various regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and validated several ASOs that potently blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Notably, select ASOs retained activity against both the WA1 and B.1.1.7 (commonly known as alpha) variants. Screening of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 ASOs showed that targeting of ACE2 also potently prevented infection by the WA1 and B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the tested cell lines. Combined with the demonstrated success of ASOs in other disease indications, these results support further research into the development of ASOs targeting SARS-CoV-2 and host entry factors as potential COVID-19 therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jesse W. Wotring
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Charles J. Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Xia Jiang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Andy Watt
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Gattis
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Eli Scandalis
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Susan Freier
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Carla D. Pretto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Stephanie J. Ellison
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Eric E. Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Z. Sexton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Center for Drug Repurposing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Site-Specific Antibody Conjugation with Payloads beyond Cytotoxins. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030917. [PMID: 36770585 PMCID: PMC9921355 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As antibody-drug conjugates have become a very important modality for cancer therapy, many site-specific conjugation approaches have been developed for generating homogenous molecules. The selective antibody coupling is achieved through antibody engineering by introducing specific amino acid or unnatural amino acid residues, peptides, and glycans. In addition to the use of synthetic cytotoxins, these novel methods have been applied for the conjugation of other payloads, including non-cytotoxic compounds, proteins/peptides, glycans, lipids, and nucleic acids. The non-cytotoxic compounds include polyethylene glycol, antibiotics, protein degraders (PROTAC and LYTAC), immunomodulating agents, enzyme inhibitors and protein ligands. Different small proteins or peptides have been selectively conjugated through unnatural amino acid using click chemistry, engineered C-terminal formylglycine for oxime or click chemistry, or specific ligation or transpeptidation with or without enzymes. Although the antibody protamine peptide fusions have been extensively used for siRNA coupling during early studies, direct conjugations through engineered cysteine or lysine residues have been demonstrated later. These site-specific antibody conjugates containing these payloads other than cytotoxic compounds can be used in proof-of-concept studies and in developing new therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
Collapse
|
38
|
Innate Immunity in Cardiovascular Diseases-Identification of Novel Molecular Players and Targets. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12010335. [PMID: 36615135 PMCID: PMC9821340 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past few years, unexpected developments have driven studies in the field of clinical immunology. One driver of immense impact was the outbreak of a pandemic caused by the novel virus SARS-CoV-2. Excellent recent reviews address diverse aspects of immunological re-search into cardiovascular diseases. Here, we specifically focus on selected studies taking advantage of advanced state-of-the-art molecular genetic methods ranging from genome-wide epi/transcriptome mapping and variant scanning to optogenetics and chemogenetics. First, we discuss the emerging clinical relevance of advanced diagnostics for cardiovascular diseases, including those associated with COVID-19-with a focus on the role of inflammation in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Second, we consider newly identified immunological interactions at organ and system levels which affect cardiovascular pathogenesis. Thus, studies into immune influences arising from the intestinal system are moving towards therapeutic exploitation. Further, powerful new research tools have enabled novel insight into brain-immune system interactions at unprecedented resolution. This latter line of investigation emphasizes the strength of influence of emotional stress-acting through defined brain regions-upon viral and cardiovascular disorders. Several challenges need to be overcome before the full impact of these far-reaching new findings will hit the clinical arena.
Collapse
|
39
|
Saadi W, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL, Mena-Molla S. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010184. [PMID: 36612180 PMCID: PMC9819025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, predominantly in the shift towards immunotherapeutic strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the clinical efficacy of many of these inhibitors, the overall response rate remains modest, and immunotherapies for many cancers have proved ineffective, highlighting the importance of knowing the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity of each malignancy in patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention for their ability to control various biological processes by targeting different molecular pathways. Some lncRNAs have a regulatory role in immune checkpoints, suggesting they might be utilized as a target for immune checkpoint treatment. The focus of this review is to describe relevant lncRNAs and their targets and functions to understand key regulatory mechanisms that may contribute in regulating immune checkpoints. We also provide the state of the art on super-enhancers lncRNAs (selncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which have recently been reported as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules within the framework of human cancer. Other feasible mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs and immune checkpoints are also reported, along with the use of miRNAs and circRNAs, in generating new tumor immune microenvironments, which can further help avoid tumor evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lo A, McSharry M, Berger AH. Oncogenic KRAS alters splicing factor phosphorylation and alternative splicing in lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1315. [PMID: 36522653 PMCID: PMC9756471 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative RNA splicing is widely dysregulated in cancers including lung adenocarcinoma, where aberrant splicing events are frequently caused by somatic splice site mutations or somatic mutations of splicing factor genes. However, the majority of mis-splicing in cancers is unexplained by these known mechanisms. We hypothesize that the aberrant Ras signaling characteristic of lung cancers plays a role in promoting the alternative splicing observed in tumors. METHODS We recently performed transcriptome and proteome profiling of human lung epithelial cells ectopically expressing oncogenic KRAS and another cancer-associated Ras GTPase, RIT1. Unbiased analysis of phosphoproteome data identified altered splicing factor phosphorylation in KRAS-mutant cells, so we performed differential alternative splicing analysis using rMATS to identify significantly altered isoforms in lung epithelial cells. To determine whether these isoforms were uniquely regulated by KRAS, we performed a large-scale splicing screen in which we generated over 300 unique RNA sequencing profiles of isogenic A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells ectopically expressing 75 different wild-type or variant alleles across 28 genes implicated in lung cancer. RESULTS Mass spectrometry data showed widespread downregulation of splicing factor phosphorylation in lung epithelial cells expressing mutant KRAS compared to cells expressing wild-type KRAS. We observed alternative splicing in the same cells, with 2196 and 2416 skipped exon events in KRASG12V and KRASQ61H cells, respectively, 997 of which were shared (p < 0.001 by hypergeometric test). In the high-throughput splicing screen, mutant KRAS induced the greatest number of differential alternative splicing events, second only to the RNA binding protein RBM45 and its variant RBM45M126I. We identified ten high confidence cassette exon events across multiple KRAS variants and cell lines. These included differential splicing of the Myc Associated Zinc Finger (MAZ). As MAZ regulates expression of KRAS, this splice variant may be a mechanism for the cell to modulate wild-type KRAS levels in the presence of oncogenic KRAS. CONCLUSION Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of lung epithelial cells uncovered splicing factor phosphorylation and mRNA splicing events regulated by oncogenic KRAS. These data suggest that in addition to widespread transcriptional changes, the Ras signaling pathway can promote post-transcriptional splicing changes that may contribute to oncogenic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April Lo
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria McSharry
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alice H Berger
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Herbold Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tian B, Bian Y, Bian DJ, Gao Y, Zhang X, Zhou SW, Zhang YH, Pang YN, Li ZS, Wang LW. Knowledge mapping of alternative splicing of cancer from 2012 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1068805. [PMID: 36591484 PMCID: PMC9795218 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1068805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a processing method of RNA precursors, alternative splicing (AS) is critical to normal cellular activities. Aberrant AS events are associated with cancer development and can be promising targets to treat cancer. However, no detailed and unbiased study describes the current state of AS of cancer research. We aim to measure and recognize the current state and trends of AS cancer research in this study. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection was used to acquire the articles. Utilizing three bibliometric tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix), we were able to measure and recognize the influence and collaboration data of individual articles, journals, and co-citations. Analysis of co-occurrence and burst information helped us identify the trending research areas related to AS of cancer. Results From 2012 to 2021, the total number of papers on AS of cancer published in 766 academic journals was 3,507, authored by 20,406 researchers in 405 institutions from 80 countries/regions. Research involving AS of cancer genes was primarily conducted in the United States and China; simultaneously, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and National Cancer Institute were the institutions with strong research capabilities. Scorilas Andreas is the scholar with the most publications, while the most co-citations were generated by Wang, Eric T. Plos One published the most papers on AS of cancer, while J Biol Chem was the most co-cited academic journal in this field. The results of keyword co-occurrence analysis can be divided into three types: molecular (P53, CD44, androgen receptor, srsf3, esrp1), pathological process (apoptosis, EMT, metastasis, angiogenesis, proliferation), and disease (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer). Conclusion Research on AS of cancer has been increasing in intensity over the past decade. Current AS of cancer studies focused on the hallmarks of AS in cancer and AS signatures including diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Among them, the current trends are splicing factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and other hallmarks, aberrant splicing events in tumors, and further mechanisms. These might give researchers interested in this field a forward-looking perspective and inform further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Jian Bian
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Wei Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Hui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Ya-Nan Pang, ; Zhao-Shen Li, ; Luo-Wei Wang,
| | - Zhao-Shen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Ya-Nan Pang, ; Zhao-Shen Li, ; Luo-Wei Wang,
| | - Luo-Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Ya-Nan Pang, ; Zhao-Shen Li, ; Luo-Wei Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Catasús N, Rosas I, Bonache S, Negro A, Torres-Martin M, Plana-Pla A, Salvador H, Serra E, Blanco I, Castellanos E. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting exon 11 are able to partially rescue the NF2-related schwannomatosis phenotype in vitro. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:493-505. [PMID: 36420221 PMCID: PMC9678674 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-related SWN) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by loss of function variants in the NF2 gene, which codes for the protein Merlin and is characterized by the development of multiple tumors of the nervous system. The clinical presentation of the disease is variable and related to the type of the inherited germline variant. Here, we tested if phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) could be used to correct the splice signaling caused by variants at ±13 within the intron-exon boundary region and showed that the PMOs designed for these variants do not constitute a therapeutic approach. Furthermore, we evaluated the use of PMOs to decrease the severity of the effects of NF2 truncating variants with the aim of generating milder hypomorphic isoforms in vitro through the induction of the in-frame deletion of the exon-carrying variant. We were able to specifically induce the skipping of exons 4, 8, and 11 maintaining the NF2 gene reading frame at cDNA level. Only the skipping of exon 11 produced a hypomorphic Merlin (Merlin-e11), which is able to partially rescue the observed phenotype in primary fibroblast cultures from NF2-related SWN patients, being encouraging for the treatment of patients harboring truncating variants located in exon 11.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Núria Catasús
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Inma Rosas
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Sandra Bonache
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Alex Negro
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres-Martin
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Adrià Plana-Pla
- Dermatology Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Hector Salvador
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Serra
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP-PMPPC), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Ignacio Blanco
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Castellanos
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| | - NF2-related SWN Spanish National Reference Centre HUGTP-ICO-IGTP
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Clinical Genetics Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Crta. Canyet, s/n. Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Dermatology Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP-PMPPC), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Burbano LE, Li M, Jancovski N, Jafar-Nejad P, Richards K, Sedo A, Soriano A, Rollo B, Jia L, Gazina EV, Piltz S, Adikusuma F, Thomas PQ, Kopsidas H, Rigo F, Reid CA, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for KCNT1 encephalopathy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:146090. [PMID: 36173683 PMCID: PMC9746904 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are characterized by pharmaco-resistant seizures with concomitant intellectual disability. Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is one of the most severe of these syndromes. De novo variants in ion channels, including gain-of-function variants in KCNT1, which encodes for sodium activated potassium channel protein KNa1.1, have been found to play a major role in the etiology of EIMFS. Here, we test a potential precision therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated DEE using a gene-silencing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approach. We generated a mouse model carrying the KCNT1 p.P924L pathogenic variant; only the homozygous animals presented with the frequent, debilitating seizures and developmental compromise that are seen in patients. After a single intracerebroventricular bolus injection of a Kcnt1 gapmer ASO in symptomatic mice at postnatal day 40, seizure frequency was significantly reduced, behavioral abnormalities improved, and overall survival was extended compared with mice treated with a control ASO (nonhybridizing sequence). ASO administration at neonatal age was also well tolerated and effective in controlling seizures and extending the life span of treated animals. The data presented here provide proof of concept for ASO-based gene silencing as a promising therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated epilepsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisseth Estefania Burbano
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melody Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kay Richards
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Sedo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ben Rollo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linghan Jia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena V. Gazina
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandra Piltz
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Fatwa Adikusuma
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Q. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Kopsidas
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Christopher A. Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Andrikakou P, Reebye V, Vasconcelos D, Yoon S, Voutila J, George AJT, Swiderski P, Habib R, Catley M, Blakey D, Habib NA, Rossi JJ, Huang KW. Enhancing SIRT1 Gene Expression Using Small Activating RNAs: A Novel Approach for Reversing Metabolic Syndrome. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:486-496. [PMID: 35895511 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a highly conserved histone deacetylase, is characterized as a key metabolic regulator and protector against aging-associated pathologies, including MetS. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of activating SIRT1 using small activating RNAs (saRNA), thereby reducing inflammatory-like responses and re-establishing normal lipid metabolism. SIRT1 saRNA significantly increased SIRT1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in both lipopolysaccharide-stimulated and nonstimulated macrophages. SIRT1 saRNA significantly decreased inflammatory-like responses, by reducing mRNA levels of key inflammatory cytokines, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and chemokines Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and keratinocyte chemoattractant. SIRT1 overexpression also significantly reduced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, both key signaling molecules for the inflammatory pathway. To investigate the therapeutic effect of SIRT1 upregulation, we treated a high-fat diet model with SIRT1 saRNA conjugated to a transferrin receptor aptamer for delivery to the liver and cellular internalization. Animals in the SIRT1 saRNA treatment arm demonstrated significantly decreased weight gain with a significant reduction in white adipose tissue, triglycerides, fasting glucose levels, and intracellular lipid accumulation. These suggest treatment-induced changes to lipid and glucose metabolism in the animals. The results of this study demonstrate that targeted activation of SIRT1 by saRNAs is a potential strategy to reverse MetS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Andrikakou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vikash Reebye
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Vasconcelos
- MiNA Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom.,Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sorah Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jon Voutila
- MiNA Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Robert Habib
- MiNA Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Blakey
- MiNA Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nagy A Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MiNA Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Kai-Wen Huang
- Department of Surgery, Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhou Y, Li ZL, Ding L, Zhang XJ, Liu NC, Liu SS, Wang YF, Ma RX. Long noncoding RNA SNHG5 promotes podocyte injury via the microRNA-26a-5p/TRPC6 pathway in diabetic nephropathy. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102605. [PMID: 36257404 PMCID: PMC9694110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocyte injury is a characteristic pathological hallmark of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the exact mechanism of podocyte injury in DN is incompletely understood. This study was conducted using db/db mice and immortalized mouse podocytes. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs in kidney of db/db mice. The lentiviral shRNA directed against long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) or microRNA-26a-5p (miR-26a-5p) agomir was used to treat db/db mice to regulate the SNHG5/miR-26a-5p pathway. Here, we found that the expression of transient receptor potential canonical type 6 (TRPC6) was significantly increased in injured podocytes under the condition of DN, which was associated with markedly decreased miR-26a-5p. We determined that miR-26a-5p overexpression ameliorated podocyte injury in DN via binding to 3'-UTR of Trpc6, as evidenced by the markedly reduced activity of luciferase reporters by miR-26a-5p mimic. Then, the upregulated SNHG5 in podocytes and kidney in DN was identified, and it was proved to sponge to miR-26a-5p directly using luciferase activity, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assay. Knockdown of SNHG5 attenuated podocyte injury in vitro, accompanied by an increased expression of miR-26a-5p and decreased expression of TRPC6, demonstrating that SNHG5 promoted podocyte injury by controlling the miR-26a-5p/TRPC6 pathway. Moreover, knockdown of SNHG5 protects against podocyte injury and progression of DN in vivo. In conclusion, SNHG5 promotes podocyte injury via the miR-26a-5p/TRPC6 pathway in DN. Our findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of podocyte injury and a potential new therapeutic strategy for DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zuo-Lin Li
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing-Jian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Nan-Chi Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shan-Shan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-Fei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rui-Xia Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China,For correspondence: Rui-Xia Ma
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Henry SP, Arfvidsson C, Arrington J, Canadi J, Crowe D, Gupta S, Lohmann S, Massonnet B, Mytych D, Rogers T, Rogers H, Stebbins C, Stovold C, Verthelyi D, Vigil A, Xuan C, Xu Y, Yu R, Klem T. Assessment of the Immunogenicity Potential for Oligonucleotide-Based Drugs. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:369-377. [PMID: 36178478 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs) have characteristics of both small molecules and biologics. Although safety assessment of ONs largely follows guidelines established for small molecules, the unique characteristics of ONs often require incorporation of concepts from the safety assessment of biologics. The assessment of immunogenicity for ON therapeutics is one area where the approach is distinct from either established small molecule or biologic platforms. Information regarding immunogenicity of ONs is limited, but indicates that administration of ONs can result in antidrug antibody formation. In this study, we summarize the collective experience of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group in designing the immunogenicity assessment appropriate for this class of therapeutic, including advice on assay development, clinical monitoring, and evaluation of the impact of immunogenicity on exposure, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic ONs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Henry
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dave Crowe
- Disc Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sabine Lohmann
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam Vigil
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Chi Xuan
- Alnylam, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuanxin Xu
- Intellia Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosie Yu
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Thomas Klem
- Homology Medicines, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA (formerly with Sarepta Therapeutics Headquarters, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Salvador VD, Bakris GL. Novel antihypertensive agents for resistant hypertension: what does the future hold? Hypertens Res 2022; 45:1918-1928. [PMID: 36167808 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-01025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Finding complementary compelling novel therapeutic agents for better control of blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension is moving into unchartered territory. The latest therapeutic developments explore approaches in the clinical arena that were either not examined or could only be examined in animal models two decades ago. Four main mechanisms have now been explored and operationalized in drug development: (a) mineralocorticoid receptor blockade using a nonsteroidal structure with many fewer side effects, (b) an aminopeptidase A inhibitor that has central effects on vasopressin, (c) a combined endothelin A and B receptor blocker and (d) an aldosterone synthase inhibitor devoid of glucocorticoid activity. All these agents are either completing Phase II development and starting Phase III or are involved in the ongoing recruitment of Phase III trials. Additionally, novel agents use antisense inhibition to block angiotensinogen development in the liver. These agents are discussed only for completeness, as they are still in Phase II trial development. Last, another agent that was initially being developed as an antihypertensive and once the data were reviewed by the company clearly showed efficacy as a heart failure agent was sacubitril/valsartan, which was ultimately approved. However, there are some discussions about reinvigorating the quest for an indication for hypertension, although no such steps have been formally initiated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent D Salvador
- Department of Medicine, Am Heart Assoc. Comprehensive Hypertension Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George L Bakris
- Department of Medicine, Am Heart Assoc. Comprehensive Hypertension Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Suvekbala V, Ramachandran H, Veluchamy A, Mascarenhas MAB, Ramprasath T, Nair MKC, Garikipati VNS, Gundamaraju R, Subbiah R. The Promising Epigenetic Regulators for Refractory Epilepsy: An Adventurous Road Ahead. Neuromolecular Med 2022:10.1007/s12017-022-08723-0. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
49
|
Hasan MM, Murtaz SB, Islam MU, Sadeq MJ, Uddin J. Robust and efficient COVID-19 detection techniques: A machine learning approach. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274538. [PMID: 36107971 PMCID: PMC9477266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The devastating impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic almost halted the global economy and is responsible for 6 million deaths with infection rates of over 524 million. With significant reservations, initially, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was suspected to be infected by and closely related to Bats. However, over the periods of learning and critical development of experimental evidence, it is found to have some similarities with several gene clusters and virus proteins identified in animal-human transmission. Despite this substantial evidence and learnings, there is limited exploration regarding the SARS-CoV-2 genome to putative microRNAs (miRNAs) in the virus life cycle. In this context, this paper presents a detection method of SARS-CoV-2 precursor-miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) that helps to identify a quick detection of specific ribonucleic acid (RNAs). The approach employs an artificial neural network and proposes a model that estimated accuracy of 98.24%. The sampling technique includes a random selection of highly unbalanced datasets for reducing class imbalance following the application of matriculation artificial neural network that includes accuracy curve, loss curve, and confusion matrix. The classical approach to machine learning is then compared with the model and its performance. The proposed approach would be beneficial in identifying the target regions of RNA and better recognising of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence to design oligonucleotide-based drugs against the genetic structure of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Asian University of Bangladesh, Ashulia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saba Binte Murtaz
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Asian University of Bangladesh, Ashulia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Usama Islam
- School of Computing and Informatics, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Muhammad Jafar Sadeq
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Asian University of Bangladesh, Ashulia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jasim Uddin
- Department of Applied Computing and Engineering, Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Nucleic acid therapy in pediatric cancer. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106441. [PMID: 36096420 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The overall survival, progress free survival, and life quality of cancer patients have improved due to the advance in minimally invasive surgery, precision radiotherapy, and various combined chemotherapy in the last decade. Furthermore, the discovery of new types of therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and immune cell therapies have facilitated both patients and doctors to fight with cancers. Moreover, in the context of the development in biocompatible and cell type targeting nano-carriers as well as nucleic acid-based drugs for initiating and enhancing the anti-tumor response have come to the age. The treatment paradigms utilization of nucleic acids, including short interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), and messenger RNA (mRNA), can target specific protein expression to achieve the therapeutic effects. Over ten nucleic acid therapeutics have been approved by the FDA and EMA in rare diseases and genetic diseases as well as dozens of registered clinical trails for varies cancers. Though generally less dangerous of pediatric cancers than adult cancers was observed during the past decades, yet pediatric cancers accounted for a significant proportion of child deaths which hurt those family very deeply. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention for improving the treatment of pediatric cancer and discovering new nucleic acid therapeutics which may help to improve the therapeutic effect and prognoses in turns to ameliorate the survival period and quality of life for children patient. In this review, we focus on the nucleic acid therapy in pediatric cancers.
Collapse
|