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Spencer-Dene B, Mukherjee P, Alex A, Bera K, Tseng WJ, Shi J, Chaney EJ, Spillman DR, Marjanovic M, Miranda E, Boppart SA, Hood SR. Localization of unlabeled bepirovirsen antisense oligonucleotide in murine tissues using in situ hybridization and CARS imaging. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1575-1590. [PMID: 37460153 PMCID: PMC10578491 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079699.123] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Current methods for detecting unlabeled antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs rely on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or conjugated molecules, which lack sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and resolution to fully investigate their biodistribution. Our aim was to demonstrate the qualitative and quantitative distribution of unlabeled bepirovirsen, a clinical stage ASO, in livers and kidneys of dosed mice using novel staining and imaging technologies at subcellular resolution. ASOs were detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen tissues using an automated chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay: miRNAscope. This was then combined with immunohistochemical detection of cell lineage markers. ASO distribution in hepatocytes versus nonparenchymal cell lineages was quantified using HALO AI image analysis. To complement this, hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (HS-CARS) imaging microscopy was used to specifically detect the unique cellular Raman spectral signatures following ASO treatment. Bepirovirsen was localized primarily in nonparenchymal liver cells and proximal renal tubules. Codetection of ASO with distinct cell lineage markers of liver and kidney populations aided target cell identity facilitating quantification. Positive liver signal was quantified using HALO AI, with 12.9% of the ASO localized to the hepatocytes and 87.1% in nonparenchymal cells. HS-CARS imaging specifically detected ASO fingerprints based on the unique vibrational signatures following unlabeled ASO treatment in a totally nonperturbative manner at subcellular resolution. Together, these novel detection and imaging modalities represent a significant increase in our ability to detect unlabeled ASOs in tissues, demonstrating improved levels of specificity and resolution. These methods help us understand their underlying mechanisms of action and ultimately improve the therapeutic potential of these important drugs for treating globally significant human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Spencer-Dene
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Prabuddha Mukherjee
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Aneesh Alex
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania 19426, USA
| | - Kajari Bera
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Wei-Ju Tseng
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania 19426, USA
| | - Jindou Shi
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Eric J Chaney
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Darold R Spillman
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Marina Marjanovic
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Elena Miranda
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Steve R Hood
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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2
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Anwar S, Mir F, Yokota T. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugation, Chemical Modification, and Carrier-Based Delivery Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041130. [PMID: 37111616 PMCID: PMC10140998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapies are a promising approach for treating a wide range of hard-to-treat diseases, particularly genetic and rare diseases. These therapies involve the use of short synthetic sequences of DNA or RNA that can modulate gene expression or inhibit proteins through various mechanisms. Despite the potential of these therapies, a significant barrier to their widespread use is the difficulty in ensuring their uptake by target cells/tissues. Strategies to overcome this challenge include cell-penetrating peptide conjugation, chemical modification, nanoparticle formulation, and the use of endogenous vesicles, spherical nucleic acids, and smart material-based delivery vehicles. This article provides an overview of these strategies and their potential for the efficient delivery of oligonucleotide drugs, as well as the safety and toxicity considerations, regulatory requirements, and challenges in translating these therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Anwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Farin Mir
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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3
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Takakusa H, Iwazaki N, Nishikawa M, Yoshida T, Obika S, Inoue T. Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Typical Profiles, Evaluation Approaches, and Points to Consider Compared with Small Molecule Drugs. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:83-94. [PMID: 36735616 PMCID: PMC10066781 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics are attracting attention as a new treatment modality for a range of diseases that have been difficult to target using conventional approaches. Technical advances in chemical modification and drug delivery systems have led to the generation of compounds with excellent profiles as pharmaceuticals, and 16 oligonucleotide therapeutics have been marketed to date. There is a growing need to develop optimal and efficient approaches to evaluate drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The DMPK/DDI profiles of small molecule drugs are highly diverse depending on their structural and physicochemical characteristics, whereas oligonucleotide therapeutics share similar DMPK profiles within each chemistry type. Most importantly, the mechanisms and molecules involved in the distribution and metabolism of oligonucleotides differ from those of small molecules. In addition, there are considerations regarding experimental approaches in the evaluation of oligonucleotides, such as bioanalytical challenges, the use of radiolabeled tracers, materials for in vitro metabolism/DDI studies, and methods to study biodistribution. In this review, we attempt to summarize the DMPK characteristics of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics and discuss some of the issues regarding how to optimize the evaluation and prediction of the DMPK and DDI of ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takakusa
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Iwazaki
- Sohyaku. Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makiya Nishikawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Tokuyuki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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4
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Wang Y, Diep JK, Yu RZ, Hurh E, Karwatowska-Prokopczuk E, Schneider E, Henry S, Bhanot S, Geary RS. Assessment of the Effect of Organ Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of 2'-MOE and Phosphorothioate Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides. J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 63:21-28. [PMID: 35801818 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics (PK) of 2'-O-methoxyethyl and phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), with or without N-acetyl galactosamine conjugation, have been well characterized following subcutaneous or intravenous drug administration. However, the effect of organ impairment on ASO PK, primarily hepatic or renal impairment, has not yet been reported. ASOs distribute extensively to the liver and kidneys, where they are metabolized slowly by endo- and exonucleases, with minimal renal excretion as parent drug (<1%-3%). This short review evaluated the effect of organ impairment on ASO PK using 3 case studies: (1) a phase 1 renal impairment study evaluating a N-acetyl galactosamine-conjugated ASO in healthy study participants and study participants with moderate renal impairment, (2) a phase 2 study evaluating an unconjugated ASO in patients with end-stage renal disease; and (3) a phase 3 study evaluating an unconjugated ASO, which included patients with mild hepatic or renal impairment. Results showed that patients with end-stage renal disease had a mild increase (≈34%) in total plasma exposure, whereas mild or moderate renal impairment showed no effect on plasma PK. The effect of hepatic impairment on ASO PK could not be fully evaluated due to lack of data in moderate and severe hepatic impairment study participants. Nonetheless, available data suggest that mild hepatic impairment had no effect on ASO exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - John K Diep
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Rosie Z Yu
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Eunju Hurh
- Akcea Therapeutics, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Scott Henry
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Sanjay Bhanot
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
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5
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Qu Y, Kirby R, Davies R, Jinat A, Stabilini S, Wu B, Yu L, Gao B, Vargas HM. Time Is a Critical Factor When Evaluating Oligonucleotide Therapeutics in Human Ether-a-Go-Go-Related Gene Assays. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 33:132-140. [PMID: 36576986 PMCID: PMC10066779 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In accord with International Conference on Harmonization S7B guidelines, an in vitro human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) assay is one component of an integrated risk assessment for delayed ventricular repolarization. Function of hERG could be affected by direct (acute) mechanisms, or by indirect (chronic) mechanisms. Some approved oligonucleotide therapeutics had submitted hERG data to regulatory agents, which were all collected with the same protocol used for small-molecule testing (incubation time <20 min; acute), however, oligonucleotides have unique mechanisms and time courses of action (indirect). To reframe the hERG testing strategy for silencing RNA (siRNA), an investigation was performed to assess the time course for siRNA-mediated inhibition of hERG function and gene expression. Commercially available siRNAs of hERG were evaluated in a stable hERG-expressed cell line by whole-cell voltage clamp using automated electrophysiology and polymerase chain reaction. In the acute hERG study, no effects were observed after treatment with 100 nM siRNA for 20 min. The chronic effects of 100 nM siRNAs on hERG function were evaluated and recorded over 8-48 h following transfection. At 8 h there was no significant effect, whereas 77% reduction was observed at 48 h. Measurement of hERG mRNA levels demonstrated a 79% and 93% decrease of hERG mRNA at 8 and 48 h, respectively, consistent with inhibition of hERG transcription. The results indicate that an anti-hERG siRNA requires a long exposure time (48 h) in the hERG assay to produce a maximal reduction in hERG current; short exposures (20 min-8 h) had no effect. These findings imply that off-target profiling of novel oligonucleotides could benefit from using hERG protocol with long incubation times to de-risk potential off-target (indirect) effects on the hERG channel. This hERG assay modification may be important to consider if the findings are used to support an integrated nonclinical-clinical risk assessment for QTc (the duration of the QT interval adjusted for heart rate) prolongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Qu
- Amgen Research, Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Robert Kirby
- Metrion Biosciences Ltd, Granta Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Davies
- Metrion Biosciences Ltd, Granta Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ayesha Jinat
- Metrion Biosciences Ltd, Granta Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bin Wu
- Hybrid Modality Engineering, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Longchuan Yu
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - BaoXi Gao
- Amgen Research, Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Hugo M Vargas
- Amgen Research, Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
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6
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Therapeutic RNA-silencing oligonucleotides in metabolic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:417-439. [PMID: 35210608 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedented activity in the development of RNA-silencing oligonucleotide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Improved oligonucleotide design and optimization of synthetic nucleic acid chemistry, in combination with the development of highly selective and efficient conjugate delivery technology platforms, have established and validated oligonucleotides as a new class of drugs. To date, there are five marketed oligonucleotide therapies, with many more in clinical studies, for both rare and common liver-driven metabolic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics in metabolism, review past and current clinical trials, and discuss ongoing challenges and possible future developments.
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7
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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8
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Lamb M, Engelhardt JA, Grubor B, Meier WA, Magee TF, Henry SP, Fikes JD. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Related Macrovesicular Vacuolation of Hippocampal Neurons in Nonhuman Primates. Toxicol Pathol 2022; 50:197-210. [PMID: 35042440 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211063831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
2'-methoxyethyl (MOE) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) tested in multidose intrathecal nonhuman primate (NHP) toxicity studies have consistently revealed the presence of single large vacuoles in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus in the absence of any cellular response. Termed "macrovesicular," these vacuoles were characterized by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy which showed that these vacuoles are dilated lysosomes in neurons containing accumulated ASO. Additionally, two NHP studies were conducted to investigate the role of tissue fixation on their histogenesis. In Fixation Study 1, 6 doses of 5 mg 2'-MOE ASO with a full phosphorothioate backbone were administered by lumbar puncture over 5 weeks; in Fixation Study 2, 5 doses of 35 mg 2'-MOE ASO with a mixed phosphorothioate/phosphodiester backbone were administered over 12 weeks. At necropsy in each study, brain slices were either immersion fixed in neutral buffered 10% formalin or Carnoy's fixative; frozen at -80 °C; or perfusion fixed with modified Karnovsky's fixative. Fixed samples were processed to paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and compared with H&E cryosections prepared from the frozen tissue of the same brain. The presence of vacuoles in fixed brain tissue but never in fresh frozen tissue showed that they arose during postmortem tissue fixation, and as such represent a processing artifact that is not relevant to human safety assessment of intrathecally administered 2'-MOE ASOs.
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9
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Serumula W, Fernandez G, Gonzalez VM, Parboosing R. Anti-HIV Aptamers: Challenges and Prospects. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:7-19. [PMID: 34503417 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x19666210908114825] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection continues to be a significant health burden in many countries around the world. Current HIV treatment through a combination of different antiretroviral drugs (cART) effectively suppresses viral replication, but drug resistance and crossresistance are significant challenges. This has prompted the search for novel targets and agents, such as nucleic acid aptamers. Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotides that attach to the target sites with high affinity and specificity. This review provides a target-by-target account of research into anti-HIV aptamers and summarises the challenges and prospects of this therapeutic strategy, specifically in the unique context of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Serumula
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
| | - Geronimo Fernandez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Aptus Biotech SL, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria, 298-28035 Madrid. Spain
| | - Victor M Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
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Thangamani L, Balasubramanian B, Easwaran M, Natarajan J, Pushparaj K, Meyyazhagan A, Piramanayagam S. GalNAc-siRNA conjugates: Prospective tools on the frontier of anti-viral therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105864. [PMID: 34474100 PMCID: PMC8405237 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The growing use of short-interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics for viral diseases reflects the most recent innovations in anti-viral vaccines and drugs. These drugs play crucial roles in the fight against many hitherto incurable diseases, the causes, pathophysiologies, and molecular processes of which remain unknown. Targeted liver drug delivery systems are in clinical trials. The receptor-mediated endocytosis approach involving the abundant asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on the surfaces of liver cells show great promise. We here review N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-siRNA conjugates that treat viral diseases such as hepatitis B infection, but we also mention that novel, native conjugate-based, targeted siRNA anti-viral drugs may also cure several life-threatening diseases such as hemorrhagic cystitis, multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses and human herpes virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Thangamani
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Murugesh Easwaran
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthika Pushparaj
- Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arun Meyyazhagan
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India.
| | - Shanmughavel Piramanayagam
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Internalisation and Biological Activity of Nucleic Acids Delivering Cell-Penetrating Peptide Nanoparticles Is Controlled by the Biomolecular Corona. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070667. [PMID: 34358093 PMCID: PMC8308718 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid molecules can be transferred into cells to alter gene expression and, thus, alleviate certain pathological conditions. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are vectors that can be used for transfecting nucleic acids as well as many other compounds. CPPs associate nucleic acids non-covalently, forming stable nanoparticles and providing efficient transfection of cells in vitro. However, in vivo, expected efficiency is achieved only in rare cases. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the formation of protein corona around nanoparticles, once they are exposed to a biological environment, e.g., blood stream. In this study, we compared protein corona of CPP-nucleic acid nanoparticles formed in the presence of bovine, murine and human serum. We used Western blot and mass-spectrometry to identify the major constituents of protein corona forming around nanoparticles, showing that proteins involved in transport, haemostasis and complement system are its major components. We investigated physical features of nanoparticles and measured their biological efficiency in splice-correction assay. We showed that protein corona constituents might alter the fate of nanoparticles in vivo, e.g., by subjecting them to phagocytosis. We demonstrated that composition of protein corona of nanoparticles is species-specific that leads to dissimilar transfection efficiency and should be considered while developing delivery systems for nucleic acids.
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12
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Overcoming the challenges of tissue delivery for oligonucleotide therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:588-604. [PMID: 34020790 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic therapeutic oligonucleotides (STO) represent the third bonafide platform for drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry after small molecule and protein therapeutics. So far, thirteen STOs have been approved by regulatory agencies and over one hundred of them are in different stages of clinical trials. STOs hybridize to their target RNA or DNA in cells via Watson-Crick base pairing to exert their pharmacological effects. This unique class of therapeutic agents has the potential to target genes and gene products that are considered undruggable by other therapeutic platforms. However, STOs must overcome several extracellular and intracellular obstacles to interact with their biological RNA targets inside cells. These obstacles include degradation by extracellular nucleases, scavenging by the reticuloendothelial system, filtration by the kidney, traversing the capillary endothelium to access the tissue interstitium, cell-surface receptor-mediated endocytic uptake, and escape from endolysosomal compartments to access the nuclear and/or cytoplasmic compartments where their targets reside. In this review, we present the recent advances in this field with a specific focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNA therapeutics.
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Efficient Gene Suppression by DNA/DNA Double-Stranded Oligonucleotide In Vivo. Mol Ther 2021; 29:838-847. [PMID: 33290725 PMCID: PMC7854292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported the antisense properties of a DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide consisting of a phosphorothioate DNA-gapmer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) strand and its complementary phosphodiester RNA/phosphorothioate 2′-O-methyl RNA strand. When α-tocopherol was conjugated with the complementary strand, the heteroduplex oligonucleotide silenced the target RNA more efficiently in vivo than did the parent single-stranded ASO. In this study, we designed a new type of the heteroduplex oligonucleotide, in which the RNA portion of the complementary strand was replaced with phosphodiester DNA, yielding an ASO/DNA double-stranded structure. The ASO/DNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide showed similar activity and liver accumulation as did the original ASO/RNA design. Structure-activity relationship studies of the complementary DNA showed that optimal increases in the potency and the accumulation were seen when the flanks of the phosphodiester DNA complement were protected using 2′-O-methyl RNA and phosphorothioate modifications. Furthermore, evaluation of the degradation kinetics of the complementary strands revealed that the DNA-complementary strand as well as the RNA strand were completely cleaved in vivo. Our results expand the repertoire of chemical modifications that can be used with the heteroduplex oligonucleotide technology, providing greater design flexibility for future therapeutic applications.
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14
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Fumoto S, Yamamoto T, Okami K, Maemura Y, Terada C, Yamayoshi A, Nishida K. Understanding In Vivo Fate of Nucleic Acid and Gene Medicines for the Rational Design of Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020159. [PMID: 33530309 PMCID: PMC7911509 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid and genetic medicines are increasingly being developed, owing to their potential to treat a variety of intractable diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the in vivo fate of these agents is vital for the rational design, discovery, and fast and straightforward development of the drugs. In case of intravascular administration of nucleic acids and genetic medicines, interaction with blood components, especially plasma proteins, is unavoidable. However, on the flip side, such interaction can be utilized wisely to manipulate the pharmacokinetics of the agents. In other words, plasma protein binding can help in suppressing the elimination of nucleic acids from the blood stream and deliver naked oligonucleotides and gene carriers into target cells. To control the distribution of these agents in the body, the ligand conjugation method is widely applied. It is also important to understand intracellular localization. In this context, endocytosis pathway, endosomal escape, and nuclear transport should be considered and discussed. Encapsulated nucleic acids and genes must be dissociated from the carriers to exert their activity. In this review, we summarize the in vivo fate of nucleic acid and gene medicines and provide guidelines for the rational design of drugs.
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15
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Abstract
Oligonucleotides can be used to modulate gene expression via a range of processes including RNAi, target degradation by RNase H-mediated cleavage, splicing modulation, non-coding RNA inhibition, gene activation and programmed gene editing. As such, these molecules have potential therapeutic applications for myriad indications, with several oligonucleotide drugs recently gaining approval. However, despite recent technological advances, achieving efficient oligonucleotide delivery, particularly to extrahepatic tissues, remains a major translational limitation. Here, we provide an overview of oligonucleotide-based drug platforms, focusing on key approaches - including chemical modification, bioconjugation and the use of nanocarriers - which aim to address the delivery challenge.
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16
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Crooke ST, Vickers TA, Liang XH. Phosphorothioate modified oligonucleotide-protein interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5235-5253. [PMID: 32356888 PMCID: PMC7261153 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) interact with target RNAs via hybridization to modulate gene expression through different mechanisms. ASO therapeutics are chemically modified and include phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modifications and different ribose and base modifications to improve pharmacological properties. Modified PS ASOs display better binding affinity to the target RNAs and increased binding to proteins. Moreover, PS ASO protein interactions can affect many aspects of their performance, including distribution and tissue delivery, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, potency and toxicity. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding PS ASO protein interactions, highlighting the proteins with which PS ASOs interact, the influence of PS ASO protein interactions on ASO performance, and the structure activity relationships of PS ASO modification and protein interactions. A detailed understanding of these interactions can aid in the design of safer and more potent ASO drugs, as illustrated by recent findings that altering ASO chemical modifications dramatically improves therapeutic index.
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17
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Li Q. Nusinersen as a Therapeutic Agent for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Yonsei Med J 2020; 61:273-283. [PMID: 32233169 PMCID: PMC7105407 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2020.61.4.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The reduction of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide, approved by the FDA, which specifically binds to the repressor within SMN2 exon 7 to enhance exon 7 inclusion and augment production of functional SMN protein. Nusinersen is the first new oligonucleotide-based drug targeting the central nervous system for the treatment of SMA. This review of nusinersen will discuss its action mechanism, cellular uptake, trafficking mechanisms, and administration approaches to cross the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, nusinersen clinical trials will be assessed in terms of pharmacokinetics, tolerability and safety, the clinical outcomes of multiple intrathecal doses, and a discussion on the primary and secondary endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Function, ShiJiaZhuang Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, ShiJiaZhuang, HeBei, China.
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18
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Østergaard ME, Jackson M, Low A, E Chappell A, G Lee R, Peralta RQ, Yu J, Kinberger GA, Dan A, Carty R, Tanowitz M, Anderson P, Kim TW, Fradkin L, Mullick AE, Murray S, Rigo F, Prakash TP, Bennett CF, Swayze EE, Gaus HJ, Seth PP. Conjugation of hydrophobic moieties enhances potency of antisense oligonucleotides in the muscle of rodents and non-human primates. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6045-6058. [PMID: 31076766 PMCID: PMC6614849 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined the effect of attaching palmitate, tocopherol or cholesterol to PS ASOs and their effects on plasma protein binding and on enhancing ASO potency in the muscle of rodents and monkeys. We found that cholesterol ASO conjugates showed 5-fold potency enhancement in the muscle of rodents relative to unconjugated ASOs. However, they were toxic in mice and as a result were not evaluated in the monkey. In contrast, palmitate and tocopherol-conjugated ASOs showed enhanced potency in the skeletal muscle of rodents and modest enhancements in potency in the monkey. Analysis of the plasma-protein binding profiles of the ASO-conjugates by size-exclusion chromatography revealed distinct and species-specific differences in their association with plasma proteins which likely rationalizes their behavior in animals. Overall, our data suggest that modulating binding to plasma proteins can influence ASO activity and distribution to extra-hepatic tissues in a species-dependent manner and sets the stage to identify other strategies to enhance ASO potency in muscle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaela Jackson
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Audrey Low
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Richard G Lee
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Rachel Q Peralta
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Jinghua Yu
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Amy Dan
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Rick Carty
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Michael Tanowitz
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Patrick Anderson
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Tae-Won Kim
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Linda Fradkin
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Adam E Mullick
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Sue Murray
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Thazha P Prakash
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - C Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Eric E Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Hans J Gaus
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Punit P Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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19
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Lei Mon SS, Yoshioka K, Jia C, Kunieda T, Asami Y, Yoshida-Tanaka K, Piao W, Kuwahara H, Nishina K, Nagata T, Yokota T. Highly efficient gene silencing in mouse brain by overhanging-duplex oligonucleotides via intraventricular route. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:1413-1423. [PMID: 31990989 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gapmer-type antisense oligonucleotides have not yet been approved for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, whereas steric-blocking-type antisense oligonucleotides have been well-developed for clinical use. We here characterize a new type of double-stranded oligonucleotides, overhanging-duplex oligonucleotides, which are composed of the parent gapmer and its extended complementary RNA. By intracerebroventricular injection, overhanging oligonucleotides show greater silencing potency with more efficient delivery into mouse brains than the parent single-stranded gapmer. Structure-activity relationship analyses reveal that the potency enhancement requires 13-mer or more overhanging oligonucleotides with a phosphorothioate backbone. Overhanging oligonucleotides provide a new platform of therapeutic oligonucleotides for gene modulation in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Su Lei Mon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Chunyan Jia
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Taiki Kunieda
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Yutaro Asami
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kie Yoshida-Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Wenying Piao
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Hiroya Kuwahara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Kazutaka Nishina
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
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20
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Yoshioka K, Kunieda T, Asami Y, Guo H, Miyata H, Yoshida-Tanaka K, Sujino Y, Piao W, Kuwahara H, Nishina K, Hara RI, Nagata T, Wada T, Obika S, Yokota T. Highly efficient silencing of microRNA by heteroduplex oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:7321-7332. [PMID: 31214713 PMCID: PMC6698647 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AntimiR is an antisense oligonucleotide that has been developed to silence microRNA (miRNA) for the treatment of intractable diseases. Enhancement of its in vivo efficacy and improvement of its toxicity are highly desirable but remain challenging. We here design heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO)-antimiR as a new technology comprising an antimiR and its complementary RNA. HDO-antimiR binds targeted miRNA in vivo more efficiently by 12-fold than the parent single-stranded antimiR. HDO-antimiR also produced enhanced phenotypic effects in mice with upregulated expression of miRNA-targeting messenger RNAs. In addition, we demonstrated that the enhanced potency of HDO-antimiR was not explained by its bio-stability or delivery to the targeted cell, but reflected an improved intracellular potency. Our findings provide new insights into biology of miRNA silencing by double-stranded oligonucleotides and support the in vivo potential of this technology based on a new class of for the treatment of miRNA-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Taiki Kunieda
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yutaro Asami
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Huijia Guo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Haruka Miyata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Kie Yoshida-Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yumiko Sujino
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Wenying Piao
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Hiroya Kuwahara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Nishina
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Rintaro Iwata Hara
- Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Wada
- Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences and Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.,Section of Molecular Technology, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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21
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Gaus HJ, Gupta R, Chappell AE, Østergaard ME, Swayze EE, Seth PP. Characterization of the interactions of chemically-modified therapeutic nucleic acids with plasma proteins using a fluorescence polarization assay. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:1110-1122. [PMID: 30566688 PMCID: PMC6379706 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of chemically modified nucleic acid therapeutics with plasma proteins play an important role in facilitating distribution from the injection site to peripheral tissues by reducing renal clearance. Despite the importance of these interactions, analytical methods that can characterize binding constants with individual plasma proteins in a reliable and high throughput manner are not easily available. We developed a fluorescence polarization (FP) based assay and measured binding constants for the 25 most abundant human plasma proteins with phosphorothioate (PS) modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). We evaluated the influence of sequence, sugar modifications, and PS content on ASO interactions with several abundant human plasma proteins and determined the effect of salt and pH on these interactions. PS ASOs were found to associate predominantly with albumin and histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in mouse and human plasma by size-exclusion chromatography. In contrast, PS ASOs associate predominantly with HRG in monkey plasma because of higher concentrations of this protein in monkeys. Finally, plasma proteins capable of binding PS ASOs in human plasma were confirmed by employing affinity chromatography and proteomics. Our results indicate distinct differences in contributions from the PS backbone, nucleobase composition and oligonucleotide flexibility to protein binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J Gaus
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Alfred E Chappell
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | | | - Eric E Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Punit P Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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22
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Humphreys SC, Thayer MB, Lade JM, Wu B, Sham K, Basiri B, Hao Y, Huang X, Smith R, Rock BM. Plasma and Liver Protein Binding of N-Acetylgalactosamine–Conjugated Small Interfering RNA. Drug Metab Dispos 2019; 47:1174-1182. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.086967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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23
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Krause K, Azouz F, Nakano E, Nerurkar VR, Kumar M. Deletion of Pregnancy Zone Protein and Murinoglobulin-1 Restricts the Pathogenesis of West Nile Virus Infection in Mice. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:259. [PMID: 30814992 PMCID: PMC6381297 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an enveloped positive-stranded RNA virus that causes meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis in humans. There are no therapeutic agents available for use against WNV infection. Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) is a major plasma proteinase inhibitor that also has important role in immune modulation. In mice, pregnancy zone protein (PZP) and murinoglobulin-1 (MUG-1) are two close homologous of human A2M. In this study, we investigated the role of PZP and MUG-1 proteins in the pathogenesis of WNV infection in mice. Adult C57BL/6J wild-type and PZP/MUG-1 double knockout (DKO) mice were inoculated subcutaneously with WNV and mortality, virus burden, and immune responses were analyzed. Infection of wild-type (WT) mice with WNV resulted in significantly high morbidity and mortality. In comparison, no mortality was observed in DKO mice, suggesting that PZP and MUG-1 play a deleterious role in WNV infection. Increased survival in WNV-infected DKO mice was associated with significantly low viral burden in serum, spleen, kidney, and brain compared to WT mice. In addition, significantly reduced levels of type 1 interferon and WNV-specific antibodies were observed in the DKO mice compared to WT mice. We further demonstrated that protein levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the serum, spleen, and brain were significantly reduced in DKO mice compared to WT mice. Collectively our data demonstrate that lack of PZP and MUG-1 restricts the pathogenesis of WNV infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeton Krause
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Francine Azouz
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Eileen Nakano
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Vivek R Nerurkar
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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24
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Seth PP, Swayze EE. The Medicinal Chemistry of RNase H-activating Antisense Oligonucleotides. ADVANCES IN NUCLEIC ACID THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788015714-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the properties that an RNase H-activating antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drug must have to function effectively in animals, as well as on medicinal chemistry strategies to achieve these properties. The biochemistry and structural requirements for activating RNase H are briefly summarized, as well as chemical modifications that can effect activation of RNase H when an ASO is bound to target RNA. The key modifications available to the medicinal chemist to engineer desired properties of the ASO are briefly reviewed, as are ASO design strategies to achieve optimal activity in animal systems. Lastly, the interactions of ASOs with proteins and strategies to control these interactions to improve the profile of ASOs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit P. Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals 2855 Gazelle Court Carlsbad CA 92010 USA
| | - Eric E. Swayze
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals 2855 Gazelle Court Carlsbad CA 92010 USA
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25
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Seth PP, Tanowitz M, Bennett CF. Selective tissue targeting of synthetic nucleic acid drugs. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:915-925. [PMID: 30688661 DOI: 10.1172/jci125228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are chemically synthesized nucleic acid analogs designed to bind to RNA by Watson-Crick base pairing. Following binding to the targeted RNA, the ASO perturbs RNA function by promoting selective degradation of the targeted RNA, altering RNA intermediary metabolism, or disrupting function of the RNA. Most antisense drugs are chemically modified to enhance their pharmacological properties and for passive targeting of the tissues of therapeutic interest. Recent advances in selective tissue targeting have resulted in a newer generation of ASO drugs that are more potent and better tolerated than previous generations, spawning renewed interest in identifying selective ligands that enhance targeted delivery of ASOs to tissues.
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Kim TW, Papagiannis CN, Zwick LS, Engelhardt JA, Hoffmaster CM, Post NM, Matson JE, Hsiao JA, Burel SA, Henry SP. Comparison of the Class Effects of Antisense Oligonucleotides in CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic and CD-1 Mice. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 47:82-92. [PMID: 30585133 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318813143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The 6-month Tg.rasH2 mouse carcinogenicity model provides an acceptable alternative to the 2-year carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice. However, key questions related to the use of this model for testing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) include the similarity in the biologic response between mouse strains and the feasibility of using data from the CD-1 mouse to set doses and dose schedules for a Tg.rasH2 carcinogenicity study. To evaluate the potential strain differences, four distinct 2'- O-(2-methoxyethyl) ASOs were administered to CByB6F1 (wild type), Tg.rasH2 (hemizygous), and CD-1 mice. There were no meaningful differences in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, or serum chemistry and hematology parameters. Histopathology evaluation indicated little to no difference in the spectrum or magnitude of changes present. The cytokine/chemokine response was also not appreciably different between the strains. This was consistent with the similarity in ASO concentration in the liver between the mouse strains tested. As the class effects of the ASOs were not meaningfully different between CD-1, CByB6F1, or Tg.rasH2 mice, data from nonclinical studies in CD-1 mice can be used for dose selection and expectation of effect in the Tg.rasH2 mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Won Kim
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Noah M Post
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Jill A Hsiao
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceutical, Carlsbad, California, USA
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Miller CM, Tanowitz M, Donner AJ, Prakash TP, Swayze EE, Harris EN, Seth PP. Receptor-Mediated Uptake of Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotides in Different Cell Types of the Liver. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:119-127. [PMID: 29425080 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics have emerged as a third distinct platform for drug discovery within the pharmaceutical industry. Five oligonucleotide-based drugs have been approved by the US FDA and over 100 oligonucleotides drugs are currently at different stages of human trials. Several of these oligonucleotide drugs are modified using the phosphorothioate (PS) backbone modification where one of the nonbridging oxygen atoms of the phosphodiester linkage is replaced with sulfur. In this review, we summarize our knowledge on receptor-mediated uptake of PS antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) within different cell types of the liver-a privileged organ for the discovery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton M Miller
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward N Harris
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska , Lincoln, Nebraska
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28
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Donner AJ, Wancewicz EV, Murray HM, Greenlee S, Post N, Bell M, Lima WF, Swayze EE, Seth PP. Co-Administration of an Excipient Oligonucleotide Helps Delineate Pathways of Productive and Nonproductive Uptake of Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotides in the Liver. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:209-220. [PMID: 28448194 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorothioate (PS) modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have progressed rapidly in the clinic for treating a variety of disease indications. We previously demonstrated that the activity of PS ASOs in the liver can be enhanced by co-infusion of an excipient oligonucleotide (EON). It was posited that the EON saturates a nonproductive uptake pathway(s) thereby permitting accumulation of the PS ASO in a productive tissue compartment. In this report, we measured PS ASO activity following administration by bolus, infusion or co-fusion with EON within hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells (NPCs), of the liver. This revealed that while ASOs accumulate preferentially in NPCs, they are intrinsically more active in hepatocytes. Furthermore, we show that the EON enhances ASO potency when infused up to 72 h before or after administration of the active ASO suggesting that the EON can saturate and displace the ASO from nonproductive to productive compartments. Physical presence of the EON in tissues was required for optimal potentiation suggesting that there is a dynamic distribution of the ASO and EON between the compartments. Lastly, using a candidate approach, we confirmed Stabilin-2 as a molecular pathway for ASO uptake in sinusoidal endothelial cells and the ASGR as a pathway for ASO uptake into hepatocytes in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Noah Post
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Walt F Lima
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
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29
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Oligonucleotide therapies for disorders of the nervous system. Nat Biotechnol 2017; 35:249-263. [PMID: 28244991 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapies are currently experiencing a resurgence driven by advances in backbone chemistry and discoveries of novel therapeutic pathways that can be uniquely and efficiently modulated by the oligonucleotide drugs. A quarter of a century has passed since oligonucleotides were first applied in living mammalian brain to modulate gene expression. Despite challenges in delivery to the brain, multiple oligonucleotide-based compounds are now being developed for treatment of human brain disorders by direct delivery inside the blood brain barrier (BBB). Notably, the first new central nervous system (CNS)-targeted oligonucleotide-based drug (nusinersen/Spinraza) was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2016 and several other compounds are in advanced clinical trials. Human testing of brain-targeted oligonucleotides has highlighted unusual pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these compounds, including complex active uptake mechanisms, low systemic exposure, extremely long half-lives, accumulation and gradual release from subcellular depots. Further work on oligonucleotide uptake, development of formulations for delivery across the BBB and relevant disease biology studies are required for further optimization of the oligonucleotide drug development process for brain applications.
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Miller CM, Harris EN. Antisense Oligonucleotides: Treatment Strategies and Cellular Internalization. RNA & DISEASE 2016; 3:e1393. [PMID: 28374018 PMCID: PMC5376066 DOI: 10.14800/rd.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical applicaton of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is becoming more of a reality as several drugs have been approved for the treatment of human disorders and many others are in various phases in development and clinical trials. ASOs are short DNA/RNA oligos which are heavily modified to increase their stability in biological fluids and retain the properties of creating RNA-RNA and DNA-RNA duplexes that knock-down or correct genetic expression. This review outlines several strategies that ASOs utilize for the treatment of various congenital diseases and syndromes that develop with aging. In addition, we discuss some of the mechanisms for specific non-targeted ASO internalization within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton M. Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1901 Vine St. Lincoln NE 68588 USA
| | - Edward N. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1901 Vine St. Lincoln NE 68588 USA
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