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Ma S, Su S, Zhang X, Wang X, Yi H. CircRNA encoded-peptide: Potential stock in the transcriptomics market. Life Sci 2025; 372:123643. [PMID: 40246192 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2025.123643] [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: 01/08/2025] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/19/2025]
Abstract
The emergence of circRNA-encoded peptides has sparked significant debate in recent years as a novel mode of action for circRNAs. A mounting body of evidence suggests that these peptides play vital roles in cancer development and immune responses. This review initially elucidates the presence of circRNA-encoded peptides and delineates their specific functions across various biological processes and pathological conditions. It goes on to furnish illustrative instances to underscore the pivotal involvement of circRNA-encoded peptides in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The study sheds new light on the biological roles of circRNAs, their potential tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing functions of circRNA-encoded peptides in specific tumor environment, and their significance in immunological contexts. Meanwhile, the limitations of existing studies on circRNA-encoded peptides are discussed in depth. In particular, circRNA-encoded peptides are critically analyzed as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Intriguingly, the review concludes with a more organized discussion of future research on circRNA-encoded peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Ma
- Central Laboratory, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Sensen Su
- Central Laboratory, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xiuna Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Xiangxiu Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gongli Hospital of Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Huanfa Yi
- Central Laboratory, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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2
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Li Z, Zhang T, Yang X, Peng Y. Role of noncoding RNA and protein interaction in pancreatic cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2025; 138:1019-1036. [PMID: 40205638 PMCID: PMC12068769 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with little or no protein-coding potential. Emerging evidence indicates that ncRNAs are frequently dysregulated and play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Their aberrant expression can arise from chromosomal abnormalities, dysregulated transcriptional control, and epigenetic modifications. ncRNAs function as protein scaffolds or molecular decoys to modulate interactions between proteins and other biomolecules, thereby regulating gene expression and contributing to pancreatic cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying ncRNA dysregulation in pancreatic cancer, emphasize the biological significance of ncRNA-protein interactions, and highlight their clinical relevance. A deeper understanding of ncRNA-protein interactions is essential to elucidate molecular mechanisms and advance translational research in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Li
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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3
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Cao Y, He Y, Liao L, Xu L. Circular RNAs perspective: exploring the direction of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2025; 15:1554179. [PMID: 40291917 PMCID: PMC12021614 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1554179] [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: 01/01/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are multifaceted molecules that play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Their expression is highly tissue-specific and developmentally regulated, making them critical players in various physiological processes and diseases, particularly cancer. In colorectal cancer, circRNAs exhibit significantly dysregulated expression patterns and profoundly influence disease progression through diverse molecular mechanisms. Unraveling the complex roles of circRNAs in modulating colorectal cancer immunotherapy outcomes highlights their potential as both promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Moving forward, advancements in circRNA-based therapeutic strategies and delivery systems are poised to transform precision medicine, enabling early colorectal cancer diagnosis and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Cao
- Department of Pathology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yuxing He
- Department of Medical Laboratory Medicine, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Lingshan Liao
- Department of Pathology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Neurosurgery Department, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, Hunan, China
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4
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Zhang Z, Li W, Ren X, Luo D, Yuan X, Yu L, Wang D, Cao Y. Mitigating Cellular Dysfunction Through Contaminant Reduction in Synthetic circRNA for High-Efficiency mRNA-Based Cell Reprogramming. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2416629. [PMID: 40042035 PMCID: PMC12021033 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202416629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025]
Abstract
Synthetic circular RNA (circRNA) holds great promise for biomedical research and therapeutic applications, but impurities introduced during synthesis trigger innate immune responses and significantly compromise its efficacy. In this study, key immunogenic byproducts, including double-stranded RNA, 5' triphosphates from uncircularized RNA, and hydrolyzed RNA fragments, are identified as impairing circRNA functionality via RNA-sensing pathways. To address this, a multi-step purification process is developed that combines enzymatic treatments and cellulose-based filtration to effectively remove these contaminants. This approach significantly reduces immune activation and increases manufacturing yields of circRNA by over 10-fold. The purified circRNA demonstrates exceptional performance in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogramming, achieving over 300% reprogramming efficiency with just three OSKMLN circRNA transfection treatments. Additionally, the purified circRNA achieves high levels and persistent expression of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in T cells with high cytotoxicity against tumor cells, making it a promising candidate for mRNA-based CAR-T cell therapy. These findings establish the purification strategy as a scalable and reliable platform for producing therapeutic-grade RNA, with broad applications in mRNA-based cell reprogramming for regenerative medicine and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
| | - Weiyu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
- Sino‐Danish CollegeUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHuairou DistrictBeijing100190China
| | - Xiangyu Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
- College of Nanoscience and TechnologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHuairou DistrictBeijing100049China
| | - Dengwang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityJinnan DistrictTianjin300072China
| | - Xiushuang Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
| | - Li Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
- Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230001China
| | - Daming Wang
- BiosynRNA Biotechnology CompanyHaidian DistrictBeijing100192China
| | - Yuhong Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and NanosafetyNational Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesHaidian DistrictBeijing100190China
- College of Nanoscience and TechnologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHuairou DistrictBeijing100049China
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5
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Hatzimanolis O, Sykes AM, Cristino AS. Circular RNAs in neurological conditions - computational identification, functional validation, and potential clinical applications. Mol Psychiatry 2025; 30:1652-1675. [PMID: 39966624 PMCID: PMC11919710 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-02925-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2025] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to advancements in biotechnology, particularly high-throughput total RNA sequencing. These developments have led to new understandings of non-coding biology, revealing that approximately 80% of non-coding regions in the genome possesses biochemical functionality. Among ncRNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs), first identified in 1976, have emerged as a prominent research field. CircRNAs are abundant in most human cell types, evolutionary conserved, highly stable, and formed by back-splicing events which generate covalently closed ends. Notably, circRNAs exhibit high expression levels in neural tissue and perform diverse biochemical functions, including acting as molecular sponges for microRNAs, interacting with RNA-binding proteins to regulate their availability and activity, modulating transcription and splicing, and even translating into functional peptides in some cases. Recent advancements in computational and experimental methods have enhanced our ability to identify and validate circRNAs, providing valuable insights into their biological roles. This review focuses on recent developments in circRNA research as they related to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. We also explore their potential applications in clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, and future research directions. CircRNAs remain a relatively underexplored area of non-coding biology, particularly in the context of neurological disorders. However, emerging evidence supports their role as critical players in the etiology and molecular mechanisms of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. These findings suggest that circRNAs may provide a novel framework contributing to the molecular dysfunctions underpinning these complex neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oak Hatzimanolis
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex M Sykes
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexandre S Cristino
- Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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6
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Liu X, Wang S, Sun Y, Liao Y, Jiang G, Sun BY, Yu J, Zhao D. Unlocking the potential of circular RNA vaccines: a bioinformatics and computational biology perspective. EBioMedicine 2025; 114:105638. [PMID: 40112741 PMCID: PMC11979485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2025] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics has significantly advanced RNA-based therapeutics, particularly circular RNAs (circRNAs), which outperform mRNA vaccines, by offering superior stability, sustained expression, and enhanced immunogenicity due to their covalently closed structure. This review highlights how bioinformatics and computational biology optimise circRNA vaccine design, elucidates internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) selection, open reading frame (ORF) optimisation, codon usage, RNA secondary structure prediction, and delivery system development. While circRNA vaccines may not always surpass traditional vaccines in stability, their production efficiency and therapeutic efficacy can be enhanced through computational strategies. The discussion also addresses challenges and future prospects, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to overcome current limitations and advance circRNA vaccine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyuan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunan Sun
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunxi Liao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guangzhen Jiang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Bryan-Yu Sun
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jingyou Yu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dongyu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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7
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Liu J, Wang Y, Zheng M, Du J, Maarouf M, Chen JL. Roles of circRNAs in viral pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2025; 15:1564258. [PMID: 40182764 PMCID: PMC11966423 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1564258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a covalently closed circular structure, lacking 5'-caps or 3'-poly(A) tails. They are relatively conserved, highly stable, and often exhibit tissue- or cell-specific production in eukaryotic cells. Based on the advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, multiple reports have suggested that viruses and other microorganisms may encode circRNA-like molecules, providing new insights into the physiological and pathological roles of circRNAs. The innate immune system functions as the body's primary defense mechanism against viral infections. It detects pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activates signaling pathways to suppress viral replication and limit their spread. CircRNAs are involved in regulation of the host innate immune signaling pathways and play essential roles in viral pathogenesis. It has been shown that circRNAs can regulate gene expression by acting as miRNA sponges or protein sponges, or encoding small proteins in specific cases. For example, previous studies have revealed that circRNAs participate in the host antiviral immune response through the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by acting as miRNA sponges. This review highlights research progress in the regulation and functions of host- and virus-encoded circRNAs in host-virus interactions, as well as their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meichun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiayuan Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mohamed Maarouf
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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8
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Naeem S, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Nucleic acid therapeutics: Past, present, and future. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2025; 36:102440. [PMID: 39897578 PMCID: PMC11786870 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102440] [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: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have become increasingly recognized in recent years for their capability to target both coding and non-coding sequences. Several types of nucleic acid modalities, including siRNA, mRNA, aptamer, along with antisense oligo, have been approved by regulatory bodies for therapeutic use. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has been brought to the forefront by the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19, followed by a number of approvals for clinical use including much anticipated CRISPR-Cas9. However, obstacles such as the difficulty of achieving efficient and targeted delivery to diseased sites remain. This review provides an overview of nucleic acid therapeutics and highlights substantial advancements, including critical engineering, conjugation, and delivery strategies, that are paving the way for their growing role in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Naeem
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Ma Y, Mao Y, Luo S, Zuo W, Gao P, Ying B. Development and characterization of a miRNA-responsive circular RNA expression system with cell type specificity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2025; 36:102450. [PMID: 39967851 PMCID: PMC11834102 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102450] [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: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Although microRNAs (miRNAs) binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) generally results in mRNA degradation and reduced protein expression, their interaction with the internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) of certain RNA viruses enhances viral amplification and expression. In this study, we utilized the natural hepatitis C cirus (HCV) 5' UTR region, which contains miR-122 binding sites, as the IRES of circular RNA (circRNAs) constructs. These circRNAs allowed inducible expression of downstream genes with high specificity in response to both exogenous and endogenous miR-122. Substituting the miR-122 binding sites with those for other miRNAs also resulted in the translational activation of circRNAs by their respective miRNAs in transfected cells. Furthermore, mouse models administered intravenously with lipid nanoparticle-formulated circRNAs containing miRNA binding sites (circRNA-LNP) exhibited higher expression in targeted tissues compared to those with mutated binding sites. Our research introduces a novel strategy for tissue-specific regulation of circRNA expression, potentially broadening the therapeutic applications of circRNAs and paving the way for more precise and effective treatments in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Company, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuqiao Mao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shirui Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wenjie Zuo
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Company, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Company, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Bo Ying
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Company, Suzhou 215123, China
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10
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Gong Z, Hu W, Zhou C, Guo J, Yang L, Wang B. Recent advances and perspectives on the development of circular RNA cancer vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2025; 10:41. [PMID: 40025038 PMCID: PMC11873252 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-025-01097-x] [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: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Engineered circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as promising platforms for RNA-based vaccines in cancer treatment. We summarize the recent advances of design, synthesis, and delivery of circRNA-based cancer vaccines, and highlight the applications and challenges of circRNA vaccines in cancer therapy. Further enhancements are required in areas such as antigen selection, targeted delivery, multidimensional crosstalks, and clinical trial assessments to advance the efficacy and safety of circRNA vaccines in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315020, China.
| | - Wentao Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315020, China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315020, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315020, China
| | - Lulu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Boyang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
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11
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Vosoughi P, Naghib SM, Kangarshahi BM, Mozafari MR. A review of RNA nanoparticles for drug/gene/protein delivery in advanced therapies: Current state and future prospects. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 295:139532. [PMID: 39765293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Revised: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 01/13/2025]
Abstract
Nanotechnology involves the utilization of materials with exceptional properties at the nanoscale. Over the past few years, nanotechnologies have demonstrated significant potential in improving human health, particularly in medical treatments. The self-assembly characteristic of RNA is a highly effective method for designing and constructing nanostructures using a combination of biological, chemical, and physical techniques from different fields. There is great potential for the application of RNA nanotechnology in therapeutics. This review explores various nano-based drug delivery systems and their unique features through the impressive progress of the RNA field and their significant therapeutic promises due to their unique performance in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a significant hurdle in fully harnessing the power of RNA drugs lies in effectively delivering RNA to precise organs and tissues, a critical factor for achieving therapeutic effectiveness, minimizing side effects, and optimizing treatment outcomes. There have been many efforts to pursue targeting, but the clinical translation of RNA drugs has been hindered by the lack of clear guidelines and shared understanding. A comprehensive understanding of various principles is essential to develop vaccines using nucleic acids and nanomedicine successfully. These include mechanisms of immune responses, functions of nucleic acids, nanotechnology, and vaccinations. Regarding this matter, the aim of this review is to revisit the fundamental principles of the immune system's function, vaccination, nanotechnology, and drug delivery in relation to the creation and manufacturing of vaccines utilizing nanotechnology and nucleic acids. RNA drugs have demonstrated significant potential in treating a wide range of diseases in both clinical and preclinical research. One of the reasons is their capacity to regulate gene expression and manage protein production efficiently. Different methods, like modifying chemicals, connecting ligands, and utilizing nanotechnology, have been essential in enabling the effective use of RNA-based treatments in medical environments. The article reviews stimuli-responsive nanotechnologies for RNA delivery and their potential in RNA medicines. It emphasizes the notable benefits of these technologies in improving the effectiveness of RNA and targeting specific cells and organs. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of different RNA drugs and how they work to produce therapeutic benefits. Recent progress in using RNA-based drugs, especially mRNA treatments, has shown that targeted delivery methods work well in medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Vosoughi
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran 1684613114, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Naghib
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran 1684613114, Iran.
| | - Babak Mikaeeli Kangarshahi
- State Key Laboratory of Structure Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - M R Mozafari
- Australasian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (ANNI), Monash University LPO, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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12
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Baharom F, Hermans D, Delamarre L, Seder RA. Vax-Innate: improving therapeutic cancer vaccines by modulating T cells and the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Immunol 2025; 25:195-211. [PMID: 39433884 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
T cells have a critical role in mediating antitumour immunity. The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment highlights how enhancing endogenous T cell responses can mediate tumour regression. However, mortality remains high for many cancers, especially in the metastatic setting. Based on advances in the genetic characterization of tumours and identification of tumour-specific antigens, individualized therapeutic cancer vaccines targeting mutated tumour antigens (neoantigens) are being developed to generate tumour-specific T cells for improved therapeutic responses. Early clinical trials using individualized neoantigen vaccines for patients with advanced disease had limited clinical efficacy despite demonstrated induction of T cell responses. Therefore, enhancing T cell activity by improving the magnitude, quality and breadth of T cell responses following vaccination is one current goal for improving outcome against metastatic tumours. Another major consideration is how T cells can be further optimized to function within the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this Perspective, we focus on neoantigen vaccines and propose a new approach, termed Vax-Innate, in which vaccination through intravenous delivery or in combination with tumour-targeting immune modulators may improve antitumour efficacy by simultaneously increasing the magnitude, quality and breadth of T cells while transforming the TME into a largely immunostimulatory environment for T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalton Hermans
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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13
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Fukuchi K, Nakashima Y, Abe N, Kimura S, Hashiya F, Shichino Y, Liu Y, Ogisu R, Sugiyama S, Kawaguchi D, Inagaki M, Meng Z, Kajihara S, Tada M, Uchida S, Li TT, Maity R, Kawasaki T, Kimura Y, Iwasaki S, Abe H. Internal cap-initiated translation for efficient protein production from circular mRNA. Nat Biotechnol 2025:10.1038/s41587-025-02561-8. [PMID: 39972222 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
Circular mRNA faces challenges in enhancing its translation potential as an RNA therapeutic. Here we introduce two molecular designs that bolster circular mRNA translation through an internal cap-initiated mechanism. The first consists of a circular mRNA with a covalently attached N7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap through a branching structure (cap-circ mRNA). This modification allows circular mRNA to recruit translation machinery and produce proteins more efficiently than internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-containing circular mRNAs. Combining with an N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) modification, cap-circ mRNA exhibits a lower acute immunostimulatory effect, maintaining high translation in mice. The second design features the non-covalent attachment of an m7G cap to a circular mRNA through hybridization with an m7G cap-containing oligonucleotide, enhancing translation by more than 50-fold. This setup allows circular mRNAs to synthesize reporter proteins upon hybridizing with capped mRNAs or long non-coding RNAs and to undergo rolling circle-type translation. These advancements broaden the therapeutic applications of circular mRNAs by minimizing their molecular size, elevating translation efficiency and facilitating cell-type-selective translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Fukuchi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakashima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoko Abe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Seigo Kimura
- Integrated Research Consortium on Chemical Sciences (IRCCS), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Hashiya
- Research Center for Materials Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shichino
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryoko Ogisu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satomi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kawaguchi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Inagaki
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Zheyu Meng
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiryu Kajihara
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mizuki Tada
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ramkrishna Maity
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tairin Kawasaki
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Kimura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shintaro Iwasaki
- RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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14
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Zhang Y, Song X, Feng Y, Qian Y, Chen B, Zhang T, Wang H, Chen Y, Yu X, Ding H, Li R, Ge P, Xu L, Dong G, Jiang F. The circRNA cEMSY Induces Immunogenic Cell Death and Boosts Immunotherapy Efficacy in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2025; 85:497-514. [PMID: 39531509 PMCID: PMC11786956 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) induces an active immune response. Activating ICD represents a potential approach to boost the antitumor activity of immunotherapy, highlighting the need to identify effective and safe ICD inducers. In this study, we identified a conserved, ICD-related circular RNA cEMSY by systematically screening ICD models induced by multiple cell stressors in lung adenocarcinoma. cEMSY triggered ICD in lung adenocarcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, leading to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and promoting T-cell cross-priming by dendritic cells. Notably, the intratumoral delivery of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated cEMSY induced a potent antitumor immune response in an immunosuppressed tumor model, which synergized with PD-1 blockade to facilitate long-term antitumor immunity with no apparent toxicities. Mechanistically, cEMSY mediated mitochondrial aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 that enabled leakage of mitochondrial DNA to stimulate the cGAS-STING pathway, activating the antiviral immune response. Clinically, elevated expression of cEMSY correlated with enhanced infiltration of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells and favorable immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma. Together, these findings support the dual potential of cEMSY as a target and biomarker for improving immune checkpoint inhibitor responses in lung adenocarcinoma. Significance: cEMSY is a safe and effective immunogenic cell death inducer that synergizes with PD-1 blockade in lung adenocarcinoma, providing a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xuming Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yipeng Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yuxian Qian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Te Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xinnian Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hanlin Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Rutao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Ge
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Taizhou People’s Hospital, Taizhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Gaochao Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, P. R. China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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15
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Fu Q, Zhao X, Hu J, Jiao Y, Yan Y, Pan X, Wang X, Jiao F. mRNA vaccines in the context of cancer treatment: from concept to application. J Transl Med 2025; 23:12. [PMID: 39762875 PMCID: PMC11702060 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-06033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has witnessed remarkable advancements in the past decade, revolutionizing the landscape of cancer therapeutics in an encouraging manner. Among the diverse immunotherapy strategies, mRNA vaccines have ushered in a new era for the therapeutic management of malignant diseases, primarily due to their impressive impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. In this comprehensive review, we offer a systematic overview of mRNA vaccines, focusing on the optimization of structural design, the crucial role of delivery materials, and the administration route. Additionally, we summarize preclinical studies and clinical trials to provide valuable insights into the current status of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. Furthermore, we delve into a systematic discussion on the significant challenges facing the current development of mRNA tumor vaccines. These challenges encompass both intrinsic and external factors that are closely intertwined with the successful application of this innovative approach. To pave the way for a more promising future in cancer treatments, a deeper understanding of immunological mechanisms, an increasing number of high-quality clinical trials, and a well-established manufacturing platform are crucial. Collaborative efforts between scientists, clinicians, and industry engineers are essential to achieving these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacology, Institute of Aging Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhao
- Center of Physical Examination, Binzhou Medical University Affiliated 970 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Yantai, 264002, P. R. China
| | - Jinxia Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, P. R. China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yunfei Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, P. R. China
| | - Xuchen Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory & Health Service Training, Binzhou Medical University Affiliated 970 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Yantai, 264002, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory & Health Service Training, Binzhou Medical University Affiliated 970 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Yantai, 264002, P. R. China.
| | - Fei Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, P. R. China.
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16
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Bu T, Yang Z, Zhao J, Gao Y, Li F, Yang R. Expanding the Potential of Circular RNA (CircRNA) Vaccines: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:379. [PMID: 39796233 PMCID: PMC11722184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26010379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Revised: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/30/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique structure and function, positioning them as promising candidates for next-generation vaccines. The circRNA vaccine, as an RNA vaccine, offers significant advantages in preventing infectious diseases by serving as a vector for protein expression through non-canonical translation. Notably, circRNA vaccines have demonstrated enduring antigenic expression and generate a larger percentage of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines administered at the same dosage. Furthermore, circRNA vaccines can elicit robust cellular and humoral immunity, indicating their potential for tumor vaccine development. However, certain challenges must be addressed to facilitate the widespread use of circRNA vaccines in both infectious disease prevention and tumor treatment. These challenges include the low efficiency of linear RNA circularization, the suboptimal targeting of delivery systems, and the assessment of potential side effects. This work aims to describe the characteristics and functions of circRNAs, elucidate the mechanism behind circRNA vaccines, and discuss their applications in the prevention of infectious diseases and the treatment of tumors, along with their potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (T.B.); (Z.Y.); (J.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Ziyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (T.B.); (Z.Y.); (J.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Jian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (T.B.); (Z.Y.); (J.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yanmei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (T.B.); (Z.Y.); (J.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Faxiang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Rong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (T.B.); (Z.Y.); (J.Z.); (Y.G.)
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17
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Yu H, Wen Y, Yu W, Lu L, Yang Y, Liu C, Hu Z, Fang Z, Huang S. Optimized circular RNA vaccines for superior cancer immunotherapy. Theranostics 2025; 15:1420-1438. [PMID: 39816687 PMCID: PMC11729565 DOI: 10.7150/thno.104698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Circular RNA (circRNA) has gained attention as a promising platform for mRNA vaccines due to its stability, sustained protein expression, and intrinsic immunostimulatory properties. This study aimed to design and optimize a circRNA cancer vaccine platform by screening for efficient internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) and enhancing circRNA translation efficiency for improved cancer immunotherapy. Methods: We screened 29 IRES elements to identify the most efficient one for immune cell translation, ultimately discovering the Enterovirus A (EV-A) IRES. Using SHAPE-MaP technology, we analyzed the secondary structure of circRNA and introduced targeted mutations and deletions to optimize translation efficiency. Additionally, we investigated the regulatory roles of spacer sequences and microRNA recognition sites in circRNA design and examined the mechanisms behind IRES-mediated translation initiation. Results: The EV-A IRES was identified as the most efficient for immune cell translation. Structural modifications and optimization of spacer sequences enhanced the translation efficiency of circRNA. Comparative studies demonstrated that circRNA vaccines induced stronger T cell immune responses and exhibited superior tumor prevention and therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional linear mRNA vaccines. Conclusion: The optimized tumor antigen circRNA vaccine platform offers a stable, efficient alternative to conventional mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy, with enhanced immune responses and improved therapeutic outcomes. This work lays the foundation for developing circRNA-based vaccines as a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwu Yu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yifan Wen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenqian Yu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Liang Lu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengye Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhixiang Hu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhuting Fang
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Therapy, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fujian Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center), Fuzhou, 350014, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Afliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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18
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Wei HY, Fan XJ, Mao MW. A Review on Circular RNA Translation and Its Implications in Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2883:109-137. [PMID: 39702706 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4290-0_5] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine has emerged as a powerful tool against viral infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the post-COVID-19 era, the applications of mRNA-based therapy continue to expand and evolve. Circular RNA (circRNA), long assumed to be a noncoding RNA, has been proven to be translatable and subsequently developed as a next-generation mRNA modality due to its higher stability and wider therapeutic window. Nonetheless, the studies of circRNA translation and its application in diseases still present numerous technical features and challenges. In this chapter, we provide a summary and discussion on the mechanisms of circRNA translation and its applications in medicine development, aiming to serve as a reference and inspiration for readers interested in circRNA-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Y Wei
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Juan Fan
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Miao-Wei Mao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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19
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Rai AK, Garikipati VNS. Quantitative Real-Time PCR for Circular RNA Detection and Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2894:133-141. [PMID: 39699815 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4342-6_11] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, nearly 2% of the genome represented by the coding proteins. However, emerging evidence suggest more than 75% of the human genome referred to as noncoding part also plays a crucial role in governing major regulatory pathways. Noncoding RNAs can be categorized into several groups, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small nuclear RNA (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs), transfer RNA (tRNA), and circular RNA (circRNAs), which contribute to this regulatory landscape. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as a new class of regulatory noncoding RNAs with gene regulatory roles by acting as miRNA or RNA binding protein sponges or interacting with proteins. Researchers employ quantitative real-time PCR methods to examine circular RNA expression utilizing divergent primers for identification and quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Rai
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Venkata Naga Srikanth Garikipati
- Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Yao R, Xie C, Xia X. Recent progress in mRNA cancer vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2307187. [PMID: 38282471 PMCID: PMC10826636 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2307187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The research and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines have gradually overcome numerous challenges through the application of personalized cancer antigens, structural optimization of mRNA, and the development of alternative RNA-based vectors and efficient targeted delivery vectors. Clinical trials are currently underway for various cancer vaccines that encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), or immunomodulators. In this paper, we summarize the optimization of mRNA and the emergence of RNA-based expression vectors in cancer vaccines. We begin by reviewing the advancement and utilization of state-of-the-art targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), followed by presenting the primary classifications and clinical applications of mRNA cancer vaccines. Collectively, mRNA vaccines are emerging as a central focus in cancer immunotherapy, offering the potential to address multiple challenges in cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with current cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Yin X, Li H, Zhou Y. Circular RNAs in Viral Infection and Antiviral Treatment. Cells 2024; 13:2033. [PMID: 39682781 PMCID: PMC11640649 DOI: 10.3390/cells13232033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that lack the 5'-cap structure and the 3' poly(A) tail. Their distinguishing feature is that the 3' and 5' ends are covalently linked to form a closed circular structure. CircRNAs have a longer half-life and stronger ribonuclease resistance compared with linear RNA. Viral infections lead to the production of circRNA molecules through the transcription and splicing mechanisms of host cells. circRNAs are produced from the transcription and splicing of the viral genome or from the splicing reactions of the host cell gene. They participate in regulating the replication of many viruses, including coronaviruses, human herpesviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and cytomegalovirus. CircRNAs regulate the infection process by modulating circRNA expression in host cells and affect cellular biological processes. Some circRNAs have been proposed as diagnostic markers for viral infections. In this review, we discussed the properties of virus-derived circRNAs, the biological functions of diverse viruses-derived and host circRNAs during viral infections, and the critical role of circRNAs in the host's antiviral immune defense. Extensive research on the applications of circRNAs can help us better understand gene regulatory networks and disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Zhou
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming 650118, China; (X.Y.); (H.L.)
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Chen S, Cheng S, Cai J, Liu Z, Li H, Wang P, Li Y, Yang F, Chen K, Qiu M. The current therapeutic cancer vaccines landscape in non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:1909-1927. [PMID: 39109825 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Currently, conventional immunotherapies for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have low response rates and benefit only a minority of patients, particularly those with advanced disease, so novel therapeutic strategies are urgent deeded. Therapeutic cancer vaccines, a form of active immunotherapy, harness potential to activate the adaptive immune system against tumor cells via antigen cross-presentation. Cancer vaccines can establish enduring immune memory and guard against recurrences. Vaccine-induced tumor cell death prompts antigen epitope spreading, activating functional T cells and thereby sustaining a cancer-immunity cycle. The success of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rendered cancer vaccines a promising avenue, especially when combined with immunotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for NSCLC. This review delves into the intricate antitumor immune mechanisms underlying therapeutic cancer vaccines, enumerates the tumor antigen spectrum of NSCLC, discusses different cancer vaccines progress and summarizes relevant clinical trials. Additionally, we analyze the combination strategies, current limitations, and future prospects of cancer vaccines in NSCLC treatment, aiming to offer fresh insights for their clinical application in managing NSCLC. Overall, cancer vaccines offer promising potential for NSCLC treatment, particularly combining with chemoradiotherapy or immunotherapy could further improve survival in advanced patients. Exploring inhaled vaccines or prophylactic vaccines represents a crucial research avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyi Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sida Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingsheng Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kezhong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Li H, Du L, Li J, Huang Y, Lu C, Deng T, Yan Y, Jin Y, Wu W, Gu J, Zhou J. A previously unidentified circRNA inhibits virus replication by regulating the miR-24-3p/KEAP1 axis. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012712. [PMID: 39689152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert diverse biological functions in different processes. However, the role of circRNAs during virus infection is mostly unknown. Herein, we explored the characteristics of host circRNAs using alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a model. PRV infection upregulated the expression of circRNA circ29164, which does not encode a protein. RNA pulldown assays identified that circ29164 interacts with the microRNA ssc-miRNA-24-3p. Further analysis indicated that ssc-miR-24-3p targets the mRNA encoding kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), and circ29164 competitively binds to ssc-miR-24-3p to prevent it binding to Keap1. Apoptosis detection demonstrated that circ29164 or Keap1 overexpression, but not knockdown, induced caspase 3 activity and the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, and inhibited PRV replication. Taken together, these data identified a previously undiscovered circRNA, circ29164, which inhibits PRV replication by competitively binding to ssc-24-3p to maintain KEAP1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimin Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuyang Du
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanming Huang
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenhe Lu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingjuan Deng
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yan
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yulan Jin
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Gu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiyong Zhou
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Zhejiang University Center for Veterinary Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Huang S, Xu J, Baran N, Ma W. Advancing the next generation of cancer treatment with circular RNAs in CAR-T cell therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 181:117753. [PMID: 39667221 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117753] [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: 11/19/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, its effectiveness against solid tumors remains constrained by challenges such as T-cell exhaustion, limited persistence, and off-target effects. These challenges highlight critical gaps in current CAR-T cell therapeutic strategies, particularly for solid tumor applications. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a transformative class of non-coding RNAs, known for their exceptional stability and precise regulatory functions, positioning them as promising candidates for enhancing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies. Notably, circRNAs can bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical application by offering innovative solutions to overcome technical hurdles and improve therapeutic outcomes. Despite their potential, circRNAs remain underexplored in clinical application of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation. The mechanisms through which circRNAs modulate CAR-T cell exhaustion, persistence, and tumor specificity are not yet fully understood, and technical challenges, such as achieving efficient and targeted circRNA delivery, which still need to be addressed. This review highlights the importance of integrating circRNAs into CAR-T cell therapy to enhance specificity, minimize off-target effects, and improve therapeutic durability. By emphasizing the innovative potential of circRNAs and identifying key research gaps, this review provides a roadmap for advancing CAR-T cell therapy and setting the stage for the next generation of personalized cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanxiong Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China.
| | - Juling Xu
- Department of Surgical Teaching and Research, Huzhou University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China.
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw 00-791, Poland.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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25
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Gupta A, Rudra A, Reed K, Langer R, Anderson DG. Advanced technologies for the development of infectious disease vaccines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:914-938. [PMID: 39433939 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-01041-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines play a critical role in the prevention of life-threatening infectious disease. However, the development of effective vaccines against many immune-evading pathogens such as HIV has proven challenging, and existing vaccines against some diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria have limited efficacy. The historically slow rate of vaccine development and limited pan-variant immune responses also limit existing vaccine utility against rapidly emerging and mutating pathogens such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, reactogenic effects can contribute to vaccine hesitancy, further undermining the ability of vaccination campaigns to generate herd immunity. These limitations are fuelling the development of novel vaccine technologies to more effectively combat infectious diseases. Towards this end, advances in vaccine delivery systems, adjuvants, antigens and other technologies are paving the way for the next generation of vaccines. This Review focuses on recent advances in synthetic vaccine systems and their associated challenges, highlighting innovation in the field of nano- and nucleic acid-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Arnab Rudra
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaelan Reed
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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26
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Huang J, Yang P, Pan W, Wu F, Qiu J, Ma Z. The role of polypeptides encoded by ncRNAs in cancer. Gene 2024; 928:148817. [PMID: 39098512 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148817] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
It was previously thought that ncRNA could not encode polypeptides, but recent reports have challenged this notion. As research into ncRNA progresses, it is increasingly clear that it serves roles beyond traditional mechanisms, playing significant regulatory roles in various diseases, notably cancer, which is responsible for 70% of human deaths. Numerous studies have highlighted the diverse regulatory mechanisms of ncRNA that are pivotal in cancer initiation and progression. The role of ncRNA-encoded polypeptides in cancer regulation has gained prominence. This article explores the newly identified regulatory functions of these polypeptides in three types of ncRNA-lncRNA, pri-miRNA, and circRNA. These polypeptides can interact with proteins, influence signaling pathways, enhance miRNA stability, and regulate cancer progression, malignancy, resistance, and other clinical challenges. Furthermore, we discuss the evolutionary significance of these polypeptides in the transition from RNA to protein, examining their emergence and conservation throughout evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Huang
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming 650118,China
| | - Wei Pan
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jianhua Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201800, China.
| | - Zhongliang Ma
- Lab for Noncoding RNA & Cancer, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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27
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Hsiung KC, Chiang HJ, Reinig S, Shih SR. Vaccine Strategies Against RNA Viruses: Current Advances and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:1345. [PMID: 39772007 PMCID: PMC11679499 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12121345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
The development of vaccines against RNA viruses has undergone a rapid evolution in recent years, particularly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines the key roles that RNA viruses, with their high mutation rates and zoonotic potential, play in fostering vaccine innovation. We also discuss both traditional and modern vaccine platforms and the impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on optimizing immunization strategies. This review evaluates various vaccine platforms, ranging from traditional approaches (inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines) to modern technologies (subunit vaccines, viral and bacterial vectors, nucleic acid vaccines such as mRNA and DNA, and phage-like particle vaccines). To illustrate these platforms' practical applications, we present case studies of vaccines developed for RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Zika, and dengue. Additionally, we assess the role of artificial intelligence in predicting viral mutations and enhancing vaccine design. The case studies underscore the successful application of RNA-based vaccines, particularly in the fight against COVID-19, which has saved millions of lives. Current clinical trials for influenza, Zika, and dengue vaccines continue to show promise, highlighting the growing efficacy and adaptability of these platforms. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is driving improvements in vaccine candidate optimization and providing predictive models for viral evolution, enhancing our ability to respond to future outbreaks. Advances in vaccine technology, such as the success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, highlight the potential of nucleic acid platforms in combating RNA viruses. Ongoing trials for influenza, Zika, and dengue demonstrate platform adaptability, while artificial intelligence enhances vaccine design by predicting viral mutations. Integrating these innovations with the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health, is essential for strengthening global preparedness against future RNA virus threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Ching Hsiung
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (K.-C.H.); (H.-J.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Huan-Jung Chiang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (K.-C.H.); (H.-J.C.); (S.R.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian Reinig
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (K.-C.H.); (H.-J.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Shin-Ru Shih
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (K.-C.H.); (H.-J.C.); (S.R.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology & Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food & Cosmetic Safety, Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science & Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
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Wang L, Wan J, He W, Wang Z, Wu Q, Zhou M, Fu ZF, Zhao L. IL-7 promotes mRNA vaccine-induced long-term immunity. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:716. [PMID: 39550592 PMCID: PMC11568559 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02993-5] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are a key technology in combating existing and emerging infectious diseases. However, improving the immunogenicity and durability of mRNA vaccines remains a challenge. To elicit optimal immune responses, integrating antigen-encoded mRNA and immunostimulatory adjuvants into a single formulation is a promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. Here, we report an adjuvant strategy to enhance the efficacy of mRNA vaccines by co-loading mRNA encoding the antigen (rabies virus glycoprotein, RABV-G) and mRNA encoding IL-7 into lipid nanoparticles, achieving co-delivery to the same antigen-presenting cells. A single immunization with G&IL-7 mRNA vaccine elicited robust humoral immune responses in mice and conferred complete protection against RABV challenge. Notably, the high levels of neutralizing antibody induced by the G&IL-7 mRNA vaccine were maintained for at least 6 months, providing mice with long-term significant and complete protection against RABV. Additionally, IL-7 also enhanced antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2. These data demonstrate that IL-7 is a potent mRNA vaccine adjuvant that can provide the required immune stimulation in various mRNA vaccine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jiawu Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wenna He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zongmei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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29
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Cai J, Qiu Z, Chi‐Shing Cho W, Liu Z, Chen S, Li H, Chen K, Li Y, Zuo C, Qiu M. Synthetic circRNA therapeutics: innovations, strategies, and future horizons. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e720. [PMID: 39525953 PMCID: PMC11550093 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecule drugs are increasingly emerging as innovative and effective treatments for various diseases, with mRNA therapeutics being a notable representative. The success of COVID-19 vaccines has underscored the transformative potential of mRNA in RNA therapeutics. Within the RNA family, there is another unique type known as circRNA. This single-stranded closed-loop RNA molecule offers notable advantages over mRNA, including enhanced stability and prolonged protein expression, which may significantly impact therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, circRNA plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, making it a promising clinical intervention target. Despite these benefits, the application of circRNA in clinical settings remains underexplored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of synthetic circRNA therapeutics, focusing on its synthesis, optimization, delivery, and diverse applications. It also addresses the challenges impeding the advancement of circRNA therapeutics from bench to bedside. By summarizing these aspects, the review aims to equip researchers with insights into the ongoing developments and future directions in circRNA therapeutics. Highlighting both the progress and the existing gaps in circRNA research, this review offers valuable perspectives for advancing the field and guiding future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsheng Cai
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zonghao Qiu
- Suzhou CureMed Biopharma Technology Co., Ltd.SuzhouChina
| | | | - Zheng Liu
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shaoyi Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haoran Li
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kezhong Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yun Li
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chijian Zuo
- Suzhou CureMed Biopharma Technology Co., Ltd.SuzhouChina
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Thoracic Oncology Institute & Research Unit of Intelligence Diagnosis and Treatment in Early Non‐Small Cell Lung CancerPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Clinical MedicinePeking UniversityBeijingChina
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30
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Sun Q, Lei X, Yang X. CircRNAs as upstream regulators of miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 263:108711. [PMID: 39222752 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108711] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
High mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) is widely recognized as a chromatin-binding protein, whose overexpression is observed in nearly all human cancers. It exerts its oncogenic effects by influencing various cellular processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell differentiation, and DNA damage repair. MicroRNA (miRNA) serves as a pivotal gene expression regulator, concurrently modulating multiple genes implicated in cancer progression, including HMGA2. It also serves as a significant biomarker for cancer. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a crucial role in gene regulation primarily by sequestering miRNAs and impeding their ability to enhance the expression of other genes, including HMGA2. Increasingly, studies have underscored the vital role of miRNA/HMGA2 interactions in cancer. Given the significance of circRNA as an upstream regulatory mediator and the complexity of regulatory mechanisms, we hereby present a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role of circRNAs as upstream regulators of the miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancers. This insight may herald a novel direction for future cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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31
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Wan J, Wang C, Wang Z, Wang L, Wang H, Zhou M, Fu ZF, Zhao L. CXCL13 promotes broad immune responses induced by circular RNA vaccines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406434121. [PMID: 39436660 PMCID: PMC11536096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406434121] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody responses induced by current vaccines for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 often lack robust cross-reactivity. As hubs where diverse immune cells converge and interact, the alterations in the immune microenvironment within lymph nodes (LNs) are intricately linked to immune responses. Herein, we designed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) loaded with circular RNA (circRNA) and targeted to LNs, in which CXCL13 was directly integrated into antigen-encoding circRNA strands. We demonstrated that CXCL13 alters the transcriptomic profiles of LNs, especially the upregulation of IL-21 and IL-4. Meanwhile, CXCL13 promotes the formation of germinal center and elicits robust antigen-specific T cell responses. With the codelivery of CXCL13 and the antigen, CXCL13 enhances cross-reactive antibodies against influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, achieving protection against both homologous and heterologous influenza virus challenges in a mouse model. Notably, the targeted modification of LNP surfaces with antibodies helps address some of the challenges associated with lyophilized LNP vaccines, which is crucial for the long-term storage of LNP-circRNA vaccines. Overall, the circRNA-based antigen-CXCL13 coexpression system developed herein provides a simple and robust platform that enhances the magnitude and breadth of antibody responses against multiple viral glycoproteins, highlighting the potential utility of CXCL13 in inducing broad immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawu Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Caiqian Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Zongmei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Lingli Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Zhen F. Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
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Yang R, Cui J. Advances and applications of RNA vaccines in tumor treatment. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:226. [PMID: 39385255 PMCID: PMC11463124 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to other types of tumor vaccines, RNA vaccines have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional vaccine therapy due to their high efficiency, rapid development capability, and potential for low-cost manufacturing and safe drug delivery. RNA vaccines mainly include mRNA, circular RNA (circRNA), and Self-amplifying mRNA(SAM). Different RNA vaccine platforms for different tumors have shown encouraging results in animal and human models. This review comprehensively describes the advances and applications of RNA vaccines in antitumor therapy. Future directions for extending this promising vaccine platform to a wide range of therapeutic uses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohan Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Kim J. Circular RNAs: Novel Players in Cancer Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10121. [PMID: 39337606 PMCID: PMC11432211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810121] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs that have emerged as pivotal players in gene regulation. Our understanding of circRNAs has greatly expanded over the last decade, with studies elucidating their biology and exploring their therapeutic applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of circRNA biogenesis, outline their mechanisms of action in cancer, and assess their clinical potential as biomarkers. Furthermore, we discuss circRNAs as a potential therapeutic strategy, including recent advances in circRNA production and translation, along with proof-of-concept preclinical studies of cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Health Science and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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Yue X, Zhong C, Cao R, Liu S, Qin Z, Liu L, Zhai Y, Luo W, Lian Y, Zhang M, Lu H, Wang Y, Xu M, Liu S, Lv K, Sun Y, Zhu X, Mai H, Liao J, Yang J, Deng L, Liu Y, Sun C, Zheng KW, Shu Y, Chen YQ. CircRNA based multivalent neuraminidase vaccine induces broad protection against influenza viruses in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 39285168 PMCID: PMC11405689 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing broad-spectrum influenza vaccines is crucial for influenza control and potential pandemic preparedness. Here, we reported a novel vaccine design utilizing circular RNA (circRNA) as a delivery platform for multi-subtype neuraminidases (NA) (influenza A N1, N2, and influenza B Victoria lineage NA) immunogens. Individual NA circRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNP) elicited robust NA-specific antibody responses with neuraminidase inhibition activity (NAI), preventing the virus from egressing and infecting neighboring cells. Additionally, the administration of circRNA LNP induced cellular immunity in mice. To achieve a universal influenza vaccine, we combined all three subtypes of NA circRNA-LNPs to generate a trivalent circRNA vaccine. The trivalent vaccine elicited a balanced antibody response against all three NA subtypes and a Th1-biased immune response in mice. Moreover, it protected mice against the lethal challenge of matched and mismatched H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B viruses, encompassing circulating and ancestral influenza virus strains. This study highlights the potential of delivering multiple NA antigens through circRNA-LNPs as a promising strategy for effectively developing a universal influenza vaccine against diverse influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yue
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cailing Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Cao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sizhe Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiran Qin
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanmei Zhai
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanyu Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yikai Lian
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongjie Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengxin Xu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuning Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kexin Lv
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuzhu Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingchen Zhu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haoting Mai
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Liao
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Vaccine and Immunology Research Center, Translational Medical Research Institute, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ke-Wei Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yuelong Shu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen infection prevention and control (Peking Union Medical College, Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Institute of Pathogen Biology of Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS)/ Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.
| | - Yao-Qing Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, Shenzhen, China.
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Abstract
Over the past decade, circular RNA (circRNA) research has evolved into a bona fide research field shedding light on the functional consequence of this unique family of RNA molecules in cancer. Although the method of formation and the abundance of circRNAs can differ from their cognate linear mRNA, the spectrum of interacting partners and their resultant cellular functions in oncogenesis are analogous. However, with 10 times more diversity in circRNA variants compared with linear RNA variants, combined with their hyperstability in the cell, circRNAs are equipped to influence every stage of oncogenesis. This is an opportune time to address the breadth of circRNA in cancer focused on their spatiotemporal expression, mutations in biogenesis factors and contemporary functions through each stage of cancer. In this Review, we highlight examples of functional circRNAs in specific cancers, which satisfy critical criteria, including their physical co-association with the target and circRNA abundance at stoichiometrically valid quantities. These considerations are essential to develop strategies for the therapeutic exploitation of circRNAs as biomarkers and targeted anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Simon J Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.
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Lu L, Ning Y, Gu F, Lin Z, Qin Y, Feng L, Tang M, Cao Y. The circular RNA circSLC16A10 alleviates diabetic retinopathy by improving mitochondrial function via the miR-761-5p/MFN2 axis. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111283. [PMID: 38960059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111283] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Nevertheless, the function of circSLC16A10 in the development of DR remains unclear. In order to investigate the role of circSLC16A10, we employed cell and animal models of DR. An analysis of a public database revealed that hsa_circSLC16A10 was expressed at lower levels in DR patients than in diabetic patients without DR or healthy controls. Additionally, the level of hsa_circSLC16A10 was lower in high glucose (HG)-exposed ARPE-19 cells and diabetic mice. hsa_circSLC16A10 was observed to be mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Moreover, overexpression of hsa_circSLC16A10 alleviated HG-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of hsa_circSLC16A10 ameliorated HG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by improvements in mitochondrial structure and function. hsa_circSLC16A10 acted as a hsa-miR-761-5p sponge to increase MFN2 expression. MFN2 knockdown or hsa-miR-761-5p overexpression partially reversed the protective effect of hsa_circSLC16A10 in vitro. The protective effect of mmu_circSLC16A10 against DR was confirmed in an animal model of DR. These findings indicate that circSLC16A10 may regulate DR progression by improving mitochondrial function via the miR-761-5p/MFN2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaohong Lin
- Operating Room, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Mengsu Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Lee KH, Lee NE, Lee SW. In Vitro Self-Circularization Methods Based on Self-Splicing Ribozyme. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9437. [PMID: 39273386 PMCID: PMC11394858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179437] [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: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro circular RNA (circRNA) preparation methods have been gaining a lot of attention recently as several reports suggest that circRNAs are more stable, with better performances in cells and in vivo, than linear RNAs in various biomedical applications. Self-splicing ribozymes are considered a major in vitro circRNA generation method for biomedical applications due to their simplicity and efficiency in the circularization of the gene of interest. This review summarizes, updates, and discusses the recently developed self-circularization methods based on the self-splicing ribozyme, such as group I and II intron ribozymes, and the pros and cons of each method in preparing circRNA in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hyun Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Nan-Ee Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Lee
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioconvergence Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Omics, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Z, Fu Y, Ju X, Zhang F, Zhang P, He M. Advances in Engineering Circular RNA Vaccines. Pathogens 2024; 13:692. [PMID: 39204292 PMCID: PMC11356823 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080692] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNAs with head-to-tail covalently linked structures that integrate open reading frames (ORFs) and internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) with the function of coding and expressing proteins. Compared to mRNA vaccines, circRNA vaccines offer a more improved method that is safe, stable, and simple to manufacture. With the rapid revelation of the biological functions of circRNA and the success of Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus Type II (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines, biopharmaceutical companies and researchers around the globe are attempting to develop more stable circRNA vaccines for illness prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, research on circRNA vaccines is still in its infancy, and more work and assessment are needed for their synthesis, delivery, and use. In this review, based on the current understanding of the molecular biological properties and immunotherapeutic mechanisms of circRNA, we summarize the current preparation methods of circRNA vaccines, including design, synthesis, purification, and identification. We discuss their delivery strategies and summarize the challenges facing the clinical application of circRNAs to provide references for circRNA vaccine-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China;
| | - Yuanlei Fu
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264005, China; (Y.F.); (X.J.); (F.Z.)
| | - Xiaoli Ju
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264005, China; (Y.F.); (X.J.); (F.Z.)
| | - Furong Zhang
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264005, China; (Y.F.); (X.J.); (F.Z.)
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China;
| | - Meilin He
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264005, China; (Y.F.); (X.J.); (F.Z.)
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Liu Y, Fang S, Lin T, Chen W, Chen Y, Wang Y, Xiao X, Zheng H, Liu L, Zhou J, Jiang Y, Hua Q, Jiang Y. Circular RNA circNIPBL regulates TP53-H179R mutations in NNK-induced bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108829. [PMID: 38908277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental carcinogens is a significant contributor to cancer development, with genetic and epigenetic alterations playing pivotal roles in the carcinogenic process. However, the interplay between epigenetic regulation and genetic changes in carcinogenesis has yet to receive comprehensive attention. This study investigates the impact of continuous exposure to the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) on bronchial epithelial cells, leading to malignant transformation. Our findings reveal the down-regulation of the tumor suppressor-like circular RNA circNIPBL during oncogenic processes concomitant with the accumulation of the TP53-H179R, a single nucleotide variant. Diminished circNIPBL expression enhances the proliferative, distant metastatic, and tumor-forming capabilities of NNK-induced cancerous cells and lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299), while also promoting the accumulation of TP53-H179R during NNK-induced carcinogenesis. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that circNIPBL interacts with HSP90α to regulate the translocation of AHR into the nucleus, which may be a potential regulatory mechanism for NNK-induced carcinogenesis and TP53-H179R accumulation. This study introduces a novel perspective on the interplay between genetic alterations and epigenetic regulation in chemical carcinogenesis, which provides novel insight into the etiology of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Shusen Fang
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Tianshu Lin
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xietian Xiao
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Hengfa Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jiayu Zhou
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Qiuhan Hua
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yiguo Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
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40
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Wang F, Cai G, Wang Y, Zhuang Q, Cai Z, Li Y, Gao S, Li F, Zhang C, Zhao B, Liu X. Circular RNA-based neoantigen vaccine for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e667. [PMID: 39081513 PMCID: PMC11286538 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines are regarded as a highly promising avenue for next-generation cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the intricacy of production, inherent instability, and low expression persistence of linear mRNA significantly restrict their extensive utilization. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) offer a novel solution to these limitations due to their efficient protein expression ability, which can be rapidly generated in vitro without the need for extra modifications. Here, we present a novel neoantigen vaccine based on circRNA that induces a potent anti-tumor immune response by expressing hepatocellular carcinoma-specific tumor neoantigens. By cyclizing linearRNA molecules, we were able to enhance the stability of RNA vaccines and form highly stable circRNA molecules with the capacity for sustained protein expression. We confirmed that neoantigen-encoded circRNA can promote dendritic cell (DC) activation and enhance DC-induced T-cell activation in vitro, thereby enhancing T-cell killing of tumor cells. Encapsulating neoantigen-encoded circRNA within lipid nanoparticles for in vivo expression has enabled the creation of a novel circRNA vaccine platform. This platform demonstrates superior tumor treatment and prevention in various murine tumor models, eliciting a robust T-cell immune response. Our circRNA neoantigen vaccine offers new options and application prospects for neoantigen immunotherapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Guang Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Qiuyu Zhuang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Yingying Li
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Shaodong Gao
- School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Fang Li
- School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Bixing Zhao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic TumorsFuzhouP. R. China
- Mengchao Med‐X CenterFuzhou UniversityFuzhouP. R. China
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Rahn HP, Sun J, Li Z, Waymouth RM, Levy R, Wender PA. Isoprenoid CARTs: In Vitro and In Vivo mRNA Delivery by Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters Functionalized with Archaea-inspired Branched Lipids. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4305-4316. [PMID: 38814265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of oligonucleotides across biological barriers is a challenge of unsurpassed significance at the interface of materials science and medicine, with emerging clinical utility in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations, immunotherapies, genome editing, and cell rejuvenation. Here, we address the role of readily available branched lipids in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of isoprenoid charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), a pH-responsive oligomeric nanoparticle delivery system for RNA. Systematic variation of the lipid block reveals an emergent relationship between the lipid block and the neutralization kinetics of the polycationic block. Unexpectedly, iA21A11, a CART with the smallest lipid side chain, isoamyl-, was identified as the lead isoprenoid CART for the in vitro transfection of immortalized lymphoblastic cell lines. When administered intramuscularly in a murine model, iA21A11-mRNA complexes induce higher protein expression levels than our previous lead CART, ONA. Isoprenoid CARTs represent a new delivery platform for RNA vaccines and other polyanion-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison P Rahn
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jiuzhi Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ronald Levy
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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42
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Sharma NK, Dwivedi P, Bhushan R, Maurya PK, Kumar A, Dakal TC. Engineering circular RNA for molecular and metabolic reprogramming. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:117. [PMID: 38918231 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01394-z] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in biological systems is extremely versatile. However, it's extremely short half-life poses a fundamental restriction on its application. Moreover, the translation efficiency of mRNA is also limited. On the contrary, circular RNAs, also known as circRNAs, are a common and stable form of RNA found in eukaryotic cells. These molecules are synthesized via back-splicing. Both synthetic circRNAs and certain endogenous circRNAs have the potential to encode proteins, hence suggesting the potential of circRNA as a gene expression machinery. Herein, we aim to summarize all engineering aspects that allow exogenous circular RNA (circRNA) to prolong the time that proteins are expressed from full-length RNA signals. This review presents a systematic engineering approach that have been devised to efficiently assemble circRNAs and evaluate several aspects that have an impact on protein production derived from. We have also reviewed how optimization of the key components of circRNAs, including the topology of vector, 5' and 3' untranslated sections, entrance site of the internal ribosome, and engineered aptamers could be efficiently impacting the translation machinery for molecular and metabolic reprogramming. Collectively, molecular and metabolic reprogramming present a novel way of regulating distinctive cellular features, for instance growth traits to neoplastic cells, and offer new possibilities for therapeutic inventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Kumar Sharma
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith (Deemed University), P.O. Banasthali Vidyapith Distt. Tonk, Rajasthan, 304 022, India.
| | - Pragya Dwivedi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith (Deemed University), P.O. Banasthali Vidyapith Distt. Tonk, Rajasthan, 304 022, India
| | - Ravi Bhushan
- Department of Zoology, M.S. College, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, 123031, Haryana, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, 560066, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Tikam Chand Dakal
- Genome and Computational Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India.
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43
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Li Z, Yin S, Yang K, Zhang B, Wu X, Zhang M, Gao D. CircRNA Regulation of T Cells in Cancer: Unraveling Potential Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6383. [PMID: 38928088 PMCID: PMC11204142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126383] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immunity, but their exhaustion poses a significant challenge for immune evasion by malignant cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their covalently closed looped structure, have emerged as pivotal regulators within the neoplastic landscape. Recent studies have highlighted their multifaceted roles in cellular processes, including gene expression modulation and protein function regulation, which are often disrupted in cancer. In this review, we systematically explore the intricate interplay between circRNAs and T cell modulation within the tumor microenvironment. By dissecting the regulatory mechanisms through which circRNAs impact T cell exhaustion, we aim to uncover pathways crucial for immune evasion and T cell dysfunction. These insights can inform innovative immunotherapeutic strategies targeting circRNA-mediated molecular pathways. Additionally, we discuss the translational potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for therapeutic response prediction and as intervention targets. Our comprehensive analysis aims to enhance the understanding of immune evasion dynamics in the tumor microenvironment by facilitating the development of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Shuanshuan Yin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Kangping Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China;
| | - Baojie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Xuanhuang Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Dian Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
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Amaya L, Abe B, Liu J, Zhao F, Zhang WL, Chen R, Li R, Wang S, Kamber RA, Tsai MC, Bassik MC, Majeti R, Chang HY. Pathways for macrophage uptake of cell-free circular RNAs. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2104-2118.e6. [PMID: 38761795 PMCID: PMC11218042 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.022] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNAs present in cell-free RNA, which may comprise cellular debris and pathogen genomes. Here, we investigate the phenomenon and mechanism of cellular uptake and intracellular fate of exogenous circRNAs. Human myeloid cells and B cells selectively internalize extracellular circRNAs. Macrophage uptake of circRNA is rapid, energy dependent, and saturable. CircRNA uptake can lead to translation of encoded sequences and antigen presentation. The route of internalization influences immune activation after circRNA uptake, with distinct gene expression programs depending on the route of RNA delivery. Genome-scale CRISPR screens and chemical inhibitor studies nominate macrophage scavenger receptor MSR1, Toll-like receptors, and mTOR signaling as key regulators of receptor-mediated phagocytosis of circRNAs, a dominant pathway to internalize circRNAs in parallel to macropinocytosis. These results suggest that cell-free circRNA serves as an "eat me" signal and danger-associated molecular pattern, indicating orderly pathways of recognition and disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brian Abe
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wenyan Lucy Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert Chen
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Steven Wang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Roarke A Kamber
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Miao-Chih Tsai
- RNA Medicine Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; RNA Medicine Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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45
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Li Z, Amaya L, Ee A, Wang SK, Ranjan A, Waymouth RM, Chang HY, Wender PA. Organ- and Cell-Selective Delivery of mRNA In Vivo Using Guanidinylated Serinol Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14785-14798. [PMID: 38743019 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Selective RNA delivery is required for the broad implementation of RNA clinical applications, including prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations, immunotherapies for cancer, and genome editing. Current polyanion delivery relies heavily on cationic amines, while cationic guanidinium systems have received limited attention due in part to their strong polyanion association, which impedes intracellular polyanion release. Here, we disclose a general solution to this problem in which cationic guanidinium groups are used to form stable RNA complexes upon formulation but at physiological pH undergo a novel charge-neutralization process, resulting in RNA release. This new delivery system consists of guanidinylated serinol moieties incorporated into a charge-altering releasable transporter (GSer-CARTs). Significantly, systematic variations in structure and formulation resulted in GSer-CARTs that exhibit highly selective mRNA delivery to the lung (∼97%) and spleen (∼98%) without targeting ligands. Illustrative of their breadth and translational potential, GSer-CARTs deliver circRNA, providing the basis for a cancer vaccination strategy, which in a murine model resulted in antigen-specific immune responses and effective suppression of established tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Aloysius Ee
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Sean K Wang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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46
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Lu Y, Ma Y, Li B, Sun H. The biogenesis, identification, and functionality of circWWP2 in lipopolysaccharide stimulated macrophages. Gene 2024; 905:148240. [PMID: 38316263 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148240] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
CircRNA, a non-coding RNA, is an ideal biomarker and a suitable potential therapeutic target for various disease due to its high stability, species conservation and cell/tissue specificity. Our previous study has found a circular RNA WWP2 (circWWP2) was significantly decreased in chicken macrophages during bacterial infection. However, the function of circWWP2 in chicken macrophages remains unclear. In this study, it was demonstrated that circWWP2 was a stable circular RNA created by back-splicing of exons 2 to 4 of WWP2 via PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing, RNase R exonuclease digestion, and RT-qPCR. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis showed circWWP2 could interact with 13 miRNAs and target 3,264 genes, which were significantly enriched in lysosomes, IgA-producing intestinal immune networks for IgA production, and Notch signaling pathway. Furthermore, CCK8 and RT-qPCR indicated that overexpression of circWWP2 could promote lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular injury by decreasing cell viability and increasing the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptosis genes, and NO production. CircWWP2 may exert a potential target for the treatment of bacterial infection. Further experiments are necessary to validate the specific mechanism that circWWP2 regulates LPS induced cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yuyi Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Bichun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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47
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Liao C, He ZW, Yu R, Yu YJ, Liu XR, Kong DL, Wang Y. CircRNA: a rising therapeutic strategy for lung injury induced by pulmonary toxicants. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1297-1310. [PMID: 38498160 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03706-5] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Lung injury has been a serious medical problem that requires new therapeutic approaches and biomarkers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that exist widely in eukaryotes. CircRNAs are single-stranded RNAs that form covalently closed loops. CircRNAs are significant gene regulators that have a role in the development, progression, and therapy of lung injury by controlling transcription, translating into protein, and sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. Although the study of circRNAs in lung injury caused by pulmonary toxicants is just beginning, several studies have revealed their expression patterns. The function that circRNAs perform in relation to pulmonary toxicants (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), drug abuse, PM2.5, and cigarette smoke) is the main topic of this review. A variety of circRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers of lung injury. In this review, the biogenesis, properties, and biological functions of circRNAs were concluded, and the relationship between circRNAs and pulmonary toxicants was discussed. It is expected that the new ideas and potential treatment targets that circRNAs provide would be beneficial to research into the molecular mechanisms behind lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Liao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen-Wei He
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Ya-Jie Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - De-Lei Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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48
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Sun X, Zhao X, Xu Y, Yan Y, Han L, Wei M, He M. Potential therapeutic strategy for cancer: Multi-dimensional cross-talk between circRNAs and parental genes. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216794. [PMID: 38453043 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216794] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In many ways, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to be crucial in the onset and advancement of cancer throughout the last ten years and have become a new focus of intense research in the field of RNAs. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that circRNAs can regulate parental gene expression via a variety of biological pathways. Furthermore, research into the complex interactions between circRNAs and their parental genes will shed light on their biological roles and open up new avenues for circRNAs' potential clinical translational uses. However, to date, multi-dimensional cross-talk between circRNAs and parental genes have not been systematically elucidated. Particularly intriguing is circRNA's exploration of tumor targeting, and potential therapeutic uses based on the parental gene regulation perspective. Here, we discuss their biogenesis, take a fresh look at the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs control the expression of their parental genes in cancer. We further highlight We further highlight the latest circRNA clinical translational applications, including prognostic diagnostic markers, cancer vaccines, gDNA, and so on. Demonstrating the potential benefits and future applications of circRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Li Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
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Chen S, Navickas A, Goodarzi H. Translational adaptation in breast cancer metastasis and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:304-318. [PMID: 38453522 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.002] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer's tendency to metastasize poses a critical barrier to effective treatment, making it a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. A growing body of evidence is showing that translational adaptation is emerging as a key mechanism enabling cancer cells to thrive in the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we systematically summarize how breast cancer cells utilize translational adaptation to drive metastasis, highlighting the intricate regulation by specific translation machinery and mRNA attributes such as sequences and structures, along with the involvement of tRNAs and other trans-acting RNAs. We provide an overview of the latest findings and emerging concepts in this area, discussing their potential implications for therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Albertas Navickas
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France.
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Nie S, Qin Y, Ou L, Chen X, Li L. In Situ Reprogramming of Immune Cells Using Synthetic Nanomaterials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310168. [PMID: 38229527 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the complexity and high costs involved in manufacturing current adoptive cell therapy greatly inhibit its widespread availability and access. To address this, in situ cell therapy, which directly reprograms immune cells inside the body, has recently been developed as a promising alternative. Here, an overview of the recent progress in the development of synthetic nanomaterials is provided to deliver plasmid DNA or mRNA for in situ reprogramming of T cells and macrophages, focusing especially on in situ CAR therapies. Also, the main challenges for in situ immune cell reprogramming are discussed and some approaches to overcome these barriers to fulfill the clinical applications are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuyang Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liyuan Ou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Ling Li
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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