1
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González-Martínez I, Cerro-Herreros E, Moreno N, García-Rey A, Espinosa-Espinosa J, Carrascosa-Sàez M, Piqueras-Losilla D, Arzumanov A, Seoane-Miraz D, Jad Y, Raz R, Wood MJ, Varela MA, Llamusí B, Artero R. Peptide-conjugated antimiRs improve myotonic dystrophy type 1 phenotypes by promoting endogenous MBNL1 expression. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102024. [PMID: 37744174 PMCID: PMC10514136 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare neuromuscular disease caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene that generates toxic RNA with a myriad of downstream alterations in RNA metabolism. A key consequence is the sequestration of alternative splicing regulatory proteins MBNL1/2 by expanded transcripts in the affected tissues. MBNL1/2 depletion interferes with a developmental alternative splicing switch that causes the expression of fetal isoforms in adults. Boosting the endogenous expression of MBNL proteins by inhibiting the natural translational repressors miR-23b and miR-218 has previously been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach. We designed antimiRs against both miRNAs with a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide (PMO) chemistry conjugated to cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to improve delivery to affected tissues. In DM1 cells, CPP-PMOs significantly increased MBNL1 levels. In some candidates, this was achieved using concentrations less than two orders of magnitude below the median toxic concentration, with up to 5.38-fold better therapeutic window than previous antagomiRs. In HSALR mice, intravenous injections of CPP-PMOs improve molecular, histopathological, and functional phenotypes, without signs of toxicity. Our findings place CPP-PMOs as promising antimiR candidates to overcome the treatment delivery challenge in DM1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene González-Martínez
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Estefanía Cerro-Herreros
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nerea Moreno
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea García-Rey
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Espinosa-Espinosa
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Marc Carrascosa-Sàez
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Piqueras-Losilla
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrey Arzumanov
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Seoane-Miraz
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yahya Jad
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Raz
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew J. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miguel A. Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Beatriz Llamusí
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén Artero
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Avenue Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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2
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Hu J, Shen X, Kheirabadi M, Streeter MD, Qian Z, Mootha VV, Corey DR. Targeting the Expanded TCF4/Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy CUG Repeat with Morpholino Peptide Conjugates. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42797-42802. [PMID: 38024683 PMCID: PMC10652360 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Fuchs' corneal endothelial dystrophy (FECD) is a major cause of vision loss. Corneal transplantation is the only effective curative treatment, but this surgery has limitations. A pharmacological intervention would complement surgery and be beneficial for many patients. FECD is caused by an expanded CUG repeat within intron 2 of the TCF4 RNA. Agents that recognize the expanded repeat can reverse the splicing defects associated with the disease. Successful drug development will require diverse strategies for optimizing the efficacy of anti-CUG oligomers. In this study, we evaluate anti-CUG morpholinos conjugated to cyclic cell penetrating peptides. The morpholino domain of the conjugate is complementary to the repeat, while the peptide has been optimized for import across cell membranes. We show that morpholino conjugates can enter corneal endothelial cells and block the CUG RNA foci associated with the disease. These experiments support morpholino peptide conjugates as an approach for developing anti-CUG therapies for FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Department
of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern
Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xiulong Shen
- Entrada
Therapeutics Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | | | | | - Ziqing Qian
- Entrada
Therapeutics Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | - V. Vinod Mootha
- Department
of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical
Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- McDermott
Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - David R. Corey
- Department
of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern
Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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3
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Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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4
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Cadoni E, De Paepe L, Colpaert G, Tack R, Waegeman D, Manicardi A, Madder A. A red light-triggered chemical tool for sequence-specific alkylation of G-quadruplex and I-motif DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4112-4125. [PMID: 36971129 PMCID: PMC10201448 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of non-canonical DNA structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4) and intercalating-motifs (iMs) in the fine regulation of a variety of cellular processes has been recently demonstrated. As the crucial roles of these structures are being unravelled, it is becoming more and more important to develop tools that allow targeting these structures with the highest possible specificity. While targeting methodologies have been reported for G4s, this is not the case for iMs, as evidenced by the limited number of specific ligands able to bind the latter and the total absence of selective alkylating agents for their covalent targeting. Furthermore, strategies for the sequence-specific covalent targeting of G4s and iMs have not been reported thus far. Herein, we describe a simple methodology to achieve sequence-specific covalent targeting of G4 and iM DNA structures based on the combination of (i) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) recognizing a specific sequence of interest, (ii) a pro-reactive moiety enabling a controlled alkylation reaction, and (iii) a G4 or iM ligand orienting the alkylating warhead to the reactive residues. This multi-component system allows for the targeting of specific G4 or iM sequences of interest in the presence of competing DNA sequences and under biologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cadoni
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lessandro De Paepe
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gertjan Colpaert
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruben Tack
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dries Waegeman
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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5
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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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6
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Aslesh T, Erkut E, Ren J, Lim KRQ, Woo S, Hatlevig S, Moulton HM, Gosgnach S, Greer J, Maruyama R, Yokota T. DG9-conjugated morpholino rescues phenotype in SMA mice by reaching the CNS via a subcutaneous administration. JCI Insight 2023; 8:160516. [PMID: 36719755 PMCID: PMC10077475 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160516] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated (AO-mediated) therapy is a promising strategy to treat several neurological diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, limited delivery to the CNS with AOs administered intravenously or subcutaneously is a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate a single subcutaneous administration of cell-penetrating peptide DG9 conjugated to an AO called phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) reached the CNS and significantly prolonged the median survival compared with unconjugated PMO and R6G-PMO in a severe SMA mouse model. Treated mice exhibited substantially higher expression of full-length survival of motor neuron 2 in both the CNS and systemic tissues compared with nontreated and unmodified AO-treated mice. The treatment ameliorated the atrophic musculature and improved breathing function accompanied by improved muscle strength and innervation at the neuromuscular junction with no signs of apparent toxicity. We also demonstrated DG9-conjugated PMO localized in nuclei in the spinal cord and brain after subcutaneous injections. Our data identify DG9 peptide conjugation as a powerful way to improve the efficacy of AO-mediated splice modulation. Finally, DG9-PMO is a promising therapeutic option to treat SMA and other neurological diseases, overcoming the necessity for intrathecal injections and treating body-wide tissues without apparent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Ren
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Susan Hatlevig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Hong M Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Simon Gosgnach
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Greer
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute.,Department of Medical Genetics, and
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7
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Fàbrega C, Aviñó A, Navarro N, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Lipid and Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Therapeutic Purposes: From Simple Hybrids to Complex Multifunctional Assemblies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020320. [PMID: 36839642 PMCID: PMC9959333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense and small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides have been recognized as powerful therapeutic compounds for targeting mRNAs and inducing their degradation. However, a major obstacle is that unmodified oligonucleotides are not readily taken up into tissues and are susceptible to degradation by nucleases. For these reasons, the design and preparation of modified DNA/RNA derivatives with better stability and an ability to be produced at large scale with enhanced uptake properties is of vital importance to improve current limitations. In the present study, we review the conjugation of oligonucleotides with lipids and peptides in order to produce oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutics aiming to develop novel compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Fàbrega
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934006145
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8
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Dowdy SF, Setten RL, Cui XS, Jadhav SG. Delivery of RNA Therapeutics: The Great Endosomal Escape! Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:361-368. [PMID: 35612432 PMCID: PMC9595607 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics, including siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, and other oligonucleotides, have great potential to selectively treat a multitude of human diseases, from cancer to COVID to Parkinson's disease. RNA therapeutic activity is mechanistically driven by Watson-Crick base pairing to the target gene RNA without the requirement of prior knowledge of the protein structure, function, or cellular location. However, before widespread use of RNA therapeutics becomes a reality, we must overcome a billion years of evolutionary defenses designed to keep invading RNAs from entering cells. Unlike small-molecule therapeutics that are designed to passively diffuse across the cell membrane, macromolecular RNA therapeutics are too large, too charged, and/or too hydrophilic to passively diffuse across the cellular membrane and are instead taken up into cells by endocytosis. However, similar to the cell membrane, endosomes comprise a lipid bilayer that entraps 99% or more of RNA therapeutics, even in semipermissive tissues such as the liver, central nervous system, and muscle. Consequently, before RNA therapeutics can achieve their ultimate clinical potential to treat widespread human disease, the rate-limiting delivery problem of endosomal escape must be solved in a clinically acceptable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Dowdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan L. Setten
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xian-Shu Cui
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Satish G. Jadhav
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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9
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Yao J, Yin W, Chen Y, Chen X, Jiang Y, Wang T, Ma C, Zhou M, Chen T, Shaw C, Wang L. Conjugation of a Cationic Cell-Penetrating Peptide with a Novel Kunitzin-like Trypsin Inhibitor: New Insights for Enhancement of Peptide Bioactivities. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091805. [PMID: 36145553 PMCID: PMC9501525 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide, have been proposed as effective drug carriers to improve intracellular delivery of biological macromolecules. Amphibian skin-derived Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors (KTIs), short counterparts of KTIs from plant sources, were found to possess potent serine protease inhibitory activity. However, poor transmembrane permeability of these molecules has largely hindered the study of the full spectrum of their biological actions. As a result, this study aimed to extend the biological activities of amphibian KTIs by their conjugation to cationic CPPs. Herein, a novel peptide (kunitzin-OV2) and its phenylalanine-substituted analogue F9-kunitzin-OV2 (F9-KOV2) were evaluated for inhibition of trypsin/chymotrypsin and showed weak antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). As expected, the conjugation to TAT peptide did not increase membrane lysis compared with the original kunitzin-OV2, but effectively assisted this complex to enter cells. TAT-kunitzin-OV2 (TAT-KOV2) exhibited a 32-fold increase in antibacterial activity and an enhanced bactericidal rate against E. coli. In addition, the conjugation enabled the parent peptides to exhibit antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. Interestingly, TAT-F9-kunitzin-OV2 (TAT-F9-KOV2) showed stronger antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human glioblastoma (U251MG) cell lines, which TAT-KOV2 did not possess. Moreover, TAT-F9-KOV2 showed a 20–25-fold increase in antiproliferative capacity against human lung cancer (H157, H460) cell lines compared with TAT-KOV2. Therefore, the conjugation of CPPs effectively solves the problem of cell penetration that short KTIs lack and provides evidence for new potential applications for their subsequent development as new antibacterial and anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Weining Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Yuqing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (L.W.)
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10
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Kreda SM. Oligonucleotide-based therapies for cystic fibrosis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 66:102271. [PMID: 35988291 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In the clinically successful era of CFTR modulators and Theratyping, 10-20% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop disease due to CFTR mutations that remain undruggable. These individuals produce low levels of CFTR mRNA and/or not enough protein to be rescued with modulator drugs. Alternative therapeutic approaches to correct the CFTR defect at the mRNA level using nucleic acid technologies are currently feasible; e.g., oligonucleotides platforms, which are being rapidly developed to correct genetic disorders. Drug-like properties, great specificity, and predictable off-target effects by design make oligonucleotides a valuable approach with fewer clinical and ethical challenges than genomic editing strategies. Together with personalized and precision medicine approaches, oligonucleotides are ideal therapeutics to target CF-causing mutations that affect only a few individuals resilient to modulator therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia M Kreda
- Marsico Lung Institute / Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7248, USA.
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11
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Long-Term Biodistribution and Safety of Human Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric Cell Therapy After Systemic-Intraosseous Administration to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Model. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:20. [PMID: 35978142 PMCID: PMC9385806 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal disease caused by X-linked mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin deficiency results in progressive degeneration of cardiac, respiratory and skeletal muscles leading to premature death due to cardiopulmonary complications. Currently, no cure exists for DMD. Based on our previous reports confirming a protective effect of human dystrophin expressing chimeric (DEC) cell therapy on cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscle function after intraosseous administration, now we assessed long-term safety and biodistribution of human DEC therapy for potential clinical applications in DMD patients. Safety of different DEC doses (1 × 106 and 5 × 106) was assessed at 180 days after systemic-intraosseous administration to mdx/scid mice, a model of DMD. Assessments included: single cell gel electrophoresis assay (COMET assay) to confirm lack of genetic toxicology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tumorigenicity, and body, muscle and organ weights. Human DEC biodistribution to the target (heart, diaphragm, gastrocnemius muscle) and non-target (blood, bone marrow, lung, liver, spleen) organs was detected by flow cytometry assessment of HLA-ABC markers. Human origin of dystrophin was verified by co-localization of dystrophin and human spectrin by immunofluorescence. No complications were observed after intraosseous transplant of human DEC. COMET assay of donors and fused DEC cells confirmed lack of DNA damage. Biodistribution analysis of HLA-ABC expression revealed dose-dependent presence of human DEC cells in target organs, whereas negligible presence was detected in non-target organs. Human origin of dystrophin in the heart, diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscle was confirmed by co-localization of dystrophin expression with human spectrin. MRI revealed no evidence of tumor formation. Body mass and muscle and organ weights were stable and comparable to vehicle controls, further confirming DEC safety at 180 days post- transplant. This preclinical study confirmed long-term local and systemic safety of human DEC therapy at 180 days after intraosseous administration. Thus, DEC can be considered as a novel myoblast based advanced therapy medicinal product for DMD patients.
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12
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Takada H, Tsuchiya K, Demizu Y. Helix-Stabilized Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Delivery of Antisense Morpholino Oligomers: Relationships among Helicity, Cellular Uptake, and Antisense Activity. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1311-1318. [PMID: 35737901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The secondary structures of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) influence their properties including their cell-membrane permeability, tolerability to proteases, and intracellular distribution. Herein, we developed helix-stabilized arginine-rich peptides containing α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids and their conjugates with antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), to investigate the relationships among the helicity of the peptides, cellular uptake, and antisense activity of the peptide-conjugated PMOs. We demonstrated that helical CPPs can efficiently deliver the conjugated PMO into cells compared with nonhelical CPPs and that their antisense activities are synergistically enhanced in the presence of an endosomolytic reagent or an endosomal escape domain peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Takada
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tsuchiya
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmacy, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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13
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Advanced Gene-Targeting Therapies for Motor Neuron Diseases and Muscular Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094824. [PMID: 35563214 PMCID: PMC9101723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a revolutionary, cutting-edge approach to permanently ameliorate or amend many neuromuscular diseases by targeting their genetic origins. Motor neuron diseases and muscular dystrophies, whose genetic causes are well known, are the frontiers of this research revolution. Several genetic treatments, with diverse mechanisms of action and delivery methods, have been approved during the past decade and have demonstrated remarkable results. However, despite the high number of genetic treatments studied preclinically, those that have been advanced to clinical trials are significantly fewer. The most clinically advanced treatments include adeno-associated virus gene replacement therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advanced gene therapies for motor neuron diseases (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy) and muscular dystrophies (i.e., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy) tested in clinical trials. Emphasis has been placed on those methods that are a few steps away from their authoritative approval.
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14
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Tsvetkov VB, Varizhuk IV, Kurochkin NN, Surzhikov SA, Smirnov IP, Stomakhin AA, Kolganova NA, Timofeev EN. Anticoagulant Oligonucleotide-Peptide Conjugates: Identification of Thrombin Aptamer Conjugates with Improved Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073820. [PMID: 35409180 PMCID: PMC8998821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073820] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide–peptide conjugates (OPCs) are a promising class of biologically active compounds with proven potential for improving nucleic acid therapeutics. OPCs are commonly recognized as an efficient instrument to enhance the cellular delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. In addition to this application field, OPCs have an as yet unexplored potential for the post-SELEX optimization of DNA aptamers. In this paper, we report the preparation of designer thrombin aptamer OPCs with peptide side chains anchored to a particular thymidine residue of the aptamer. The current conjugation strategy utilizes unmodified short peptides and support-bound protected oligonucleotides with activated carboxyl functionality at the T3 thymine nucleobase. The respective modification of the oligonucleotide strand was implemented using N3-derivatized thymidine phosphoramidite. Aptamer OPCs retained the G-quadruplex architecture of the parent DNA structure and showed minor to moderate stabilization. In a series of five OPCs, conjugates bearing T3–Ser–Phe–Asn (SFN) or T3–Tyr–Trp–Asn (YWN) side chains exhibited considerably improved anticoagulant characteristics. Molecular dynamics studies of the aptamer OPC complexes with thrombin revealed the roles of the amino acid nature and sequence in the peptide subunit in modulating the anticoagulant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir B. Tsvetkov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.T.); (I.P.S.)
- Institute of Biodesign and Complex System Modeling, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Varizhuk
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Nikolay N. Kurochkin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Sergei A. Surzhikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Igor P. Smirnov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.T.); (I.P.S.)
| | - Andrey A. Stomakhin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Natalia A. Kolganova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
| | - Edward N. Timofeev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (I.V.V.); (N.N.K.); (S.A.S.); (A.A.S.); (N.A.K.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Li C, Callahan AJ, Phadke KS, Bellaire B, Farquhar CE, Zhang G, Schissel CK, Mijalis AJ, Hartrampf N, Loas A, Verhoeven DE, Pentelute BL. Automated Flow Synthesis of Peptide-PNA Conjugates. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:205-213. [PMID: 35233452 PMCID: PMC8874765 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have yet to translate to the clinic because of poor cellular uptake, limited solubility, and rapid elimination. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) covalently attached to PNAs may facilitate clinical development by improving uptake into cells. We report an efficient technology that utilizes a fully automated fast-flow instrument to manufacture CPP-conjugated PNAs (PPNAs) in a single shot. The machine is rapid, with each amide bond being formed in 10 s. Anti-IVS2-654 PPNA synthesized with this instrument presented threefold activity compared to transfected PNA in a splice-correction assay. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by chemically synthesizing eight anti-SARS-CoV-2 PPNAs in 1 day. A PPNA targeting the 5' untranslated region of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA reduced the viral titer by over 95% in a live virus infection assay (IC50 = 0.8 μM). Our technology can deliver PPNA candidates to further investigate their potential as antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxi Li
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alex J. Callahan
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kruttika S. Phadke
- Department
of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States
| | - Bryan Bellaire
- Department
of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States
| | - Charlotte E. Farquhar
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Genwei Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Carly K. Schissel
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alexander J. Mijalis
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nina Hartrampf
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Andrei Loas
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David E. Verhoeven
- Department
of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States
| | - Bradley L. Pentelute
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Center
for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute
of MIT and Harvard, 415
Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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16
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Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have entered the mainstream with seemingly limitless possibilities to treat all categories of neurological disease. Here, common RNA-based drug modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, RNA aptamers, RNA-based vaccines and mRNA drugs are reviewed highlighting their current and potential applications. Rapid progress has been made across rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, but safe and effective delivery to the brain remains a significant challenge for many applications. The advent of individualized RNA-based therapies for ultra-rare diseases is discussed against the backdrop of the emergence of this field into more common conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ischaemic stroke. There remains significant untapped potential in the use of RNA-based therapeutics for behavioural disorders and tumours of the central nervous system; coupled with the accelerated development expected over the next decade, the true potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform the therapeutic landscape in neurology remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
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17
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van Hees M, Slott S, Hansen AH, Kim HS, Ji HP, Astakhova K. New approaches to moderate CRISPR-Cas9 activity: Addressing issues of cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Mol Ther 2022; 30:32-46. [PMID: 34091053 PMCID: PMC8753288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly entering molecular biology and biomedicine as a promising gene-editing tool. A unique feature of CRISPR-Cas9 is a single-guide RNA directing a Cas9 nuclease toward its genomic target. Herein, we highlight new approaches for improving cellular uptake and endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9. As opposed to other recently published works, this review is focused on non-viral carriers as a means to facilitate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 through endocytosis. The majority of non-viral carriers, such as gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanoscale zeolitic imidazole frameworks, is developed with a focus toward optimizing the endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9 by taking advantage of the acidic environment in the late endosomes. Among the most broadly used methods for in vitro and ex vivo ribonucleotide protein transfection are electroporation and microinjection. Thus, other delivery formats are warranted for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. Herein, we specifically revise the use of peptide and nanoparticle-based systems as platforms for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo. Finally, we highlight future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool and the prospects of using non-viral vectors to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja van Hees
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Heon Seok Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark,Corresponding author: Kira Astakhova, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
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18
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A Dystrophin Exon-52 Deleted Miniature Pig Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Evaluation of Exon Skipping. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313065. [PMID: 34884867 PMCID: PMC8657897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene and the subsequent lack of dystrophin protein. Recently, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO)-antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting exon 51 or 53 to reestablish the DMD reading frame have received regulatory approval as commercially available drugs. However, their applicability and efficacy remain limited to particular patients. Large animal models and exon skipping evaluation are essential to facilitate ASO development together with a deeper understanding of dystrophinopathies. Using recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene targeting and somatic cell nuclear transfer, we generated a Yucatan miniature pig model of DMD with an exon 52 deletion mutation equivalent to one of the most common mutations seen in patients. Exon 52-deleted mRNA expression and dystrophin deficiency were confirmed in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of DMD pigs. Accordingly, dystrophin-associated proteins failed to be recruited to the sarcolemma. The DMD pigs manifested early disease onset with severe bodywide skeletal muscle degeneration and with poor growth accompanied by a physical abnormality, but with no obvious cardiac phenotype. We also demonstrated that in primary DMD pig skeletal muscle cells, the genetically engineered exon-52 deleted pig DMD gene enables the evaluation of exon 51 or 53 skipping with PMO and its advanced technology, peptide-conjugated PMO. The results show that the DMD pigs developed here can be an appropriate large animal model for evaluating in vivo exon skipping efficacy.
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19
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Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy of Viral Infections. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122015. [PMID: 34959297 PMCID: PMC8707165 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have demonstrated their efficacy in the treatment of various diseases and vaccine development. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology exploits a single-strand short oligonucleotide to either cause target RNA degradation or sterically block the binding of cellular factors or machineries to the target RNA. Chemical modification or bioconjugation of ASOs can enhance both its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance, and it enables customization for a specific clinical purpose. ASO-based therapies have been used for treatment of genetic disorders, cancer and viral infections. In particular, ASOs can be rapidly developed for newly emerging virus and their reemerging variants. This review discusses ASO modifications and delivery options as well as the design of antiviral ASOs. A better understanding of the viral life cycle and virus-host interactions as well as advances in oligonucleotide technology will benefit the development of ASO-based antiviral therapies.
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20
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López-Vidal EM, Schissel CK, Mohapatra S, Bellovoda K, Wu CL, Wood JA, Malmberg AB, Loas A, Gómez-Bombarelli R, Pentelute BL. Deep Learning Enables Discovery of a Short Nuclear Targeting Peptide for Efficient Delivery of Antisense Oligomers. JACS AU 2021; 1:2009-2020. [PMID: 34841414 PMCID: PMC8611673 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides can be highly efficacious but are often limited to extracellular targets due to the cell's impermeable membrane. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are able to deliver such macromolecules into cells, but limited structure-activity relationships and inconsistent literature reports make it difficult to design effective CPPs for a given cargo. For example, polyarginine motifs are common in CPPs, promoting cell uptake at the expense of systemic toxicity. Machine learning may be able to address this challenge by bridging gaps between experimental data in order to discern sequence-activity relationships that evade our intuition. Our earlier data set and deep learning model led to the design of miniproteins (>40 amino acids) for antisense delivery. Here, we leveraged and expanded our model with data augmentation in the short CPP sequence space of the data set to extrapolate and discover short, low-arginine-content CPPs that would be easier to synthesize and amenable to rapid conjugation to desired cargo, and with minimal in vivo toxicity. The lead predicted peptide, termed P6, is as active as a polyarginine CPP for the delivery of an antisense oligomer, while having only one arginine side chain and 18 total residues. We determined the pentalysine motif and the C-terminal cysteine of P6 to be the main drivers of activity. The antisense conjugate was able to enhance corrective splicing in an animal model to produce functional eGFP in heart tissue in vivo while remaining nontoxic up to a dose of 60 mg/kg. In addition, P6 was able to deliver an enzyme to the cytosol of cells. Our findings suggest that, given a data set of long CPPs, we can discover by extrapolation short, active sequences that deliver antisense oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. López-Vidal
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Carly K. Schissel
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Somesh Mohapatra
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kamela Bellovoda
- Sarepta
Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Chia-Ling Wu
- Sarepta
Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jenna A. Wood
- Sarepta
Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Annika B. Malmberg
- Sarepta
Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Andrei Loas
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rafael Gómez-Bombarelli
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Bradley L. Pentelute
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Center
for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute
of MIT and Harvard, 415
Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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21
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Sheikh O, Yokota T. Pharmacology and toxicology of eteplirsen and SRP-5051 for DMD exon 51 skipping: an update. Arch Toxicol 2021; 96:1-9. [PMID: 34797383 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) afflicts 1 in 5000 newborn males, leading to progressive muscle weakening and the loss of ambulation between the ages of 8 and 12. Typically, DMD patients pass away from heart failure or respiratory failure. Currently, there is no cure, though exon-skipping therapy including eteplirsen (brand name Exondys 51), a synthetic antisense oligonucleotide designed to skip exon 51 of the dystrophin gene, is considered especially promising. Applicable to approximately 14% of DMD patients, a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) antisense oligonucleotide eteplirsen received accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. Throughout clinical trials, eteplirsen has been well tolerated by patients with no serious drug-related adverse events. The most common events observed are balance disorder, vomiting, and skin rash. Despite its safety and promise of functional benefits, eteplirsen remains controversial due to its low production of dystrophin. In addition, unmodified PMOs have limited efficacy in the heart. To address these concerns of efficacy, eteplirsen has been conjugated to a proprietary cell-penetrating peptide; the conjugate is called SRP-5051. Compared to eteplirsen, SRP-5051 aims to better prompt exon-skipping and dystrophin production but may have greater toxicity concerns. This paper reviews and discusses the available information on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability data of eteplirsen and SRP-5051 from preclinical and clinical trials. Issues faced by eteplirsen and SRP-5051, including efficacy and safety, are identified. Lastly, the current state of eteplirsen and exon-skipping therapy in general as a strategy for the treatment of DMD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Sheikh
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada.
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22
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Intramuscular Evaluation of Chimeric Locked Nucleic Acid/2' OMethyl-Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides for Targeted Exon 23 Skipping in Mdx Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111113. [PMID: 34832896 PMCID: PMC8622172 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal disorder characterised by progressive muscle wasting. It is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which disrupt the open reading frame leading to the loss of functional dystrophin protein in muscle fibres. Antisense oligonucleotide (AON)-mediated skipping of the mutated exon, which allows production of a truncated but partially functional dystrophin protein, has been at the forefront of DMD therapeutic research for over two decades. Nonetheless, novel nucleic acid modifications and AON designs are continuously being developed to improve the clinical benefit profile of current drugs in the DMD pipeline. We herein designed a series of 15mer and 20mer AONs, consisting of 2′O-Methyl (2′OMe)- and locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified nucleotides in different percentage compositions, and assessed their efficiency in inducing exon 23 skipping and dystrophin restoration in locally injected muscles of mdx mice. We demonstrate that LNA/2′OMe AONs with a 30% LNA composition were significantly more potent in inducing exon skipping and dystrophin restoration in treated mdx muscles, compared to a previously tested 2′OMe AON and LNA/2′OMe chimeras with lower or higher LNA compositions. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of LNA/2′OMe AONs, paving the way for further experimentation to evaluate their benefit-toxicity profile following systemic delivery.
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23
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Shadid M, Badawi M, Abulrob A. Antisense oligonucleotides: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:1281-1292. [PMID: 34643122 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1992382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as a promising novel drug modality that aims to address unmet medical needs. A record of six ASO drugs have been approved since 2016, and more candidates are in clinical development. ASOs are the most advanced class within the RNA-based therapeutics field. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the two major backbones that are currently used to build the most advanced ASO platforms - the phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) and the phosphorothioates (PSs). The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the PMO and PS platforms are discussed in detail. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the ADME properties of existing ASOs can foster further improvement of this cutting-edge therapy, thereby enabling researchers to safely develop ASO drugs and enhancing their ability to innovate. ABBREVIATIONS 2'-MOE, 2'-O-methoxyethyl; 2'PS, 2 modified PS; ADME, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; ASO, antisense oligonucleotide; AUC, area under the curve; BNA, bridged nucleic acid; CPP, cell-penetrating peptide; CMV, cytomegalovirus; CNS, central nervous system; CYP, cytochrome P; DDI, drug-drug interaction; DMD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; GalNAc3, triantennary N-acetyl galactosamine; IT, intrathecal; IV, intravenous; LNA, locked nucleic acid; mRNA, messenger RNA; NA, not applicable; PBPK, physiologically based pharmacokinetics; PD, pharmacodynamic; PK, pharmacokinetic; PMO, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer; PMOplus, PMOs with positionally specific positive molecular charges; PPMO, peptide-conjugated PMO; PS, phosphorothioate; SC, subcutaneous; siRNA, small-interfering RNA; SMA, spinal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shadid
- Nonclinical Development, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mohamed Badawi
- Clinical Pharmacology Fellow, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abedelnasser Abulrob
- Senior Research Officer, Human Health Therapeutics Centre, Translational Bioscience, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Mukashyaka MC, Wu CL, Ha K, Zhang J, Wood J, Foley S, Mastis B, Jungels N, Sun H, Shadid M, Harriman S, Hadcock JR. Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer in mdx Mice. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1731-1745. [PMID: 34671920 PMCID: PMC8602220 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) have shown promise in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We evaluated a semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) model to capture the relationship between plasma and muscle tissue exposure/response in mdx mice treated by mouse surrogate PPMO. METHODS A single or repeated (every 4 weeks for 20 weeks) intravenous PPMO dose was administered to mdx mice (n = 6/timepoint). A PK/PD model was built to characterize data via sequential modeling. A 2-compartment model was used to describe plasma PK. A simultaneous tissue PK/PD model was subsequently developed: 2-compartment model to describe muscle PK; linked to an indirect response model describing stimulation of synthesis of skipped transcript, which was in turn linked to stimulation of synthesis of dystrophin protein expression. RESULTS Model performance assessment via goodness-of-fit plots, visual predictive checks, and accurate parameter estimation indicated robust fits of plasma PK and muscle PK/PD data. The model estimated a PPMO tissue half-life of 5 days-a useful parameter in determining the longevity of PPMOs in tissue and their limited accumulation after multiple doses. Additionally, the model successfully described dystrophin expression after single dosing and associated protein accumulation after multiple dosing (increasing ~ twofold accumulation from the first to last dose). CONCLUSIONS This first PK/PD model of a PPMO in a DMD disease model will help characterize and predict the time course of PK/PD biomarkers in mdx mice. Furthermore, the model framework can be used to develop clinical PK/PD models and can be extended to other exon-skipping therapies and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claire Mukashyaka
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Chia-Ling Wu
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristin Ha
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jenna Wood
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Samantha Foley
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Mastis
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nino Jungels
- Biology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Huadong Sun
- Clinical Pharmacology Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Shadid
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - John R Hadcock
- Translational Sciences Group, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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25
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Zhan X, Deng L, Chen G. Mechanisms and applications of peptide nucleic acids selectively binding to double-stranded RNA. Biopolymers 2021; 113:e23476. [PMID: 34581432 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNAs form secondary structures containing double-stranded base paired regions and single-stranded regions. Probing, detecting and modulating RNA structures and dynamics requires the development of molecular sensors that can differentiate the sequence and structure of RNAs present in viruses and cells, as well as in extracellular space. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the development of chemically modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for the selective recognition of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sequences over both single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequences. We also briefly discuss the applications of sequence-specific dsRNA-binding PNAs in sensing and stabilizing dsRNA structures and inhibiting dsRNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Deng
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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26
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Klabenkova K, Fokina A, Stetsenko D. Chemistry of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:5420. [PMID: 34500849 PMCID: PMC8434111 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) represent one of the increasingly successful albeit costly approaches to increasing the cellular uptake, tissue delivery, bioavailability, and, thus, overall efficiency of therapeutic nucleic acids, such as, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs. This review puts the subject of chemical synthesis of POCs into the wider context of therapeutic oligonucleotides and the problem of nucleic acid drug delivery, cell-penetrating peptide structural types, the mechanisms of their intracellular transport, and the ways of application, which include the formation of non-covalent complexes with oligonucleotides (peptide additives) or covalent conjugation. The main strategies for the synthesis of POCs are viewed in detail, which are conceptually divided into (a) the stepwise solid-phase synthesis approach and (b) post-synthetic conjugation either in solution or on the solid phase, especially by means of various click chemistries. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both strategies are discussed and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Klabenkova
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alesya Fokina
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Stetsenko
- Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (K.K.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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27
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Zhang Y, Guo P, Ma Z, Lu P, Kebebe D, Liu Z. Combination of cell-penetrating peptides with nanomaterials for the potential therapeutics of central nervous system disorders: a review. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:255. [PMID: 34425832 PMCID: PMC8381574 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01002-3] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although nanomedicine have greatly developed and human life span has been extended, we have witnessed the soared incidence of central nervous system (CNS) diseases including neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), ischemic stroke, and brain tumors, which have severely damaged the quality of life and greatly increased the economic and social burdens. Moreover, partial small molecule drugs and almost all large molecule drugs (such as recombinant protein, therapeutic antibody, and nucleic acid) cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it is especially important to develop a drug delivery system that can effectively deliver therapeutic drugs to the central nervous system for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) provide a potential strategy for the transport of macromolecules through the blood-brain barrier. This study analyzed and summarized the progress of CPPs in CNS diseases from three aspects: CPPs, the conjugates of CPPs and drug, and CPPs modified nanoparticles to provide scientific basis for the application of CPPs for CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Pan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Peng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Dereje Kebebe
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.,School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zhidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China. .,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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28
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Dang Y, van Heusden C, Nickerson V, Chung F, Wang Y, Quinney NL, Gentzsch M, Randell SH, Moulton HM, Kole R, Ni A, Juliano RL, Kreda SM. Enhanced delivery of peptide-morpholino oligonucleotides with a small molecule to correct splicing defects in the lung. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6100-6113. [PMID: 34107015 PMCID: PMC8216463 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary diseases offer many targets for oligonucleotide therapeutics. However, effective delivery of oligonucleotides to the lung is challenging. For example, splicing mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) affect a significant cohort of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. These individuals could potentially benefit from treatment with splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) that can modulate splicing of CFTR and restore its activity. However, previous studies in cell culture used oligonucleotide transfection methods that cannot be safely translated in vivo. In this report, we demonstrate effective correction of a splicing mutation in the lung of a mouse model using SSOs. Moreover, we also demonstrate effective correction of a CFTR splicing mutation in a pre-clinical CF patient-derived cell model. We utilized a highly effective delivery strategy for oligonucleotides by combining peptide-morpholino (PPMO) SSOs with small molecules termed OECs. PPMOs distribute broadly into the lung and other tissues while OECs potentiate the effects of oligonucleotides by releasing them from endosomal entrapment. The combined PPMO plus OEC approach proved to be effective both in CF patient cells and in vivo in the mouse lung and thus may offer a path to the development of novel therapeutics for splicing mutations in CF and other lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dang
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Catharina van Heusden
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Veronica Nickerson
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Felicity Chung
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Nancy L Quinney
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Martina Gentzsch
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Scott H Randell
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
| | - Hong M Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Ryszard Kole
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4010 Genetic Medicine Bldg, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Aiguo Ni
- Initos Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | | | - Silvia M Kreda
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 6009 Thurston Bowles Bldg, Chapel Hill NC 27599-7248, USA
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29
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Bizot F, Vulin A, Goyenvalle A. Current Status of Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy in Neuromuscular Disorders. Drugs 2021; 80:1397-1415. [PMID: 32696107 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders include a wide range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, which are primarily characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. While there were no effective therapies until recently, several therapeutic approaches have advanced to clinical trials in the past few years. Among these, the antisense technology aiming at modifying RNA processing and function has remarkably progressed and a few antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have now been approved. Despite these recent clinical successes, several ASOs have also failed and clinical programs have been suspended, in most cases when the route of administration was systemic, highlighting the existing challenges notably with respect to effective ASO delivery. In this review we summarize the recent advances and current status of antisense based-therapies for neuromuscular disorders, using successful as well as unsuccessful examples to highlight the variability of outcomes depending on the target tissue and route of administration. We describe the different ASO-mediated therapeutic approaches, including splice-switching applications, steric-blocking strategies and targeted gene knock-down mediated by ribonuclease H recruitment. In this overview, we discuss the merits and challenges of the current ASO technology, and discuss the future of ASO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Bizot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France. .,LIA BAHN, Centre scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
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30
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Altman S, Angele-Martinez C. Inactivating Gene Expression with Antisense Modified Oligonucleotides. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:101-105. [PMID: 34707901 PMCID: PMC8526185 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleotides, including phosphoramidates and mesyl nucleotides, are
very effective in inactivating gene expression in bacteria. Gyr A
is the target gene in several organisms, including Plasmodium
falciparum. Antisense reactions with bacteria infecting citrus plants
are promising but incomplete. Human tissue culture cells assayed with a
different target are also susceptible to the presence of mesyl oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Altman
- Yale University New Haven CT USA, Arizona State University, Tempe AZUSA
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31
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Zhang N, Bewick B, Schultz J, Tiwari A, Krencik R, Zhang A, Adachi K, Xia G, Yun K, Sarkar P, Ashizawa T. DNAzyme Cleavage of CAG Repeat RNA in Polyglutamine Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1710-1728. [PMID: 34160773 PMCID: PMC8609077 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CAG repeat expansion is the genetic cause of nine incurable polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases with neurodegenerative features. Silencing repeat RNA holds great therapeutic value. Here, we developed a repeat-based RNA-cleaving DNAzyme that catalyzes the destruction of expanded CAG repeat RNA of six polyQ diseases with high potency. DNAzyme preferentially cleaved the expanded allele in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) cells. While cleavage was non-allele-specific for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) cells, treatment of DNAzyme leads to improved cell viability without affecting mitochondrial metabolism or p62-dependent aggresome formation. DNAzyme appears to be stable in mouse brain for at least 1 month, and an intermediate dosage of DNAzyme in a SCA3 mouse model leads to a significant reduction of high molecular weight ATXN3 proteins. Our data suggest that DNAzyme is an effective RNA silencing molecule for potential treatment of multiple polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Brittani Bewick
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jason Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Anjana Tiwari
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Center for Bioenergetics, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kaho Adachi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, UC-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN USA
| | - Kyuson Yun
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Partha Sarkar
- Department of Neurology and Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UTMB Health, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
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32
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Hammond SM, Sergeeva OV, Melnikov PA, Goli L, Stoodley J, Zatsepin TS, Stetsenko DA, Wood MJA. Mesyl Phosphoramidate Oligonucleotides as Potential Splice-Switching Agents: Impact of Backbone Structure on Activity and Intracellular Localization. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:190-200. [PMID: 33989066 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 2'-deoxy and novel 2'-O-methyl and 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2'-MOE) oligonucleotides with internucleotide methanesulfonyl (mesyl, μ) or 1-butanesulfonyl (busyl, β) phosphoramidate groups has been synthesized for evaluation as potential splice-switching oligonucleotides. Evaluation of their splice-switching activity in spinal muscular atrophy patient-derived fibroblasts revealed no significant difference in splice-switching efficacy between 2'-MOE mesyl oligonucleotide and the corresponding phosphorothioate (nusinersen). Yet, a survival study with model neonatal mice has shown the antisense 2'-MOE mesyl oligonucleotide to be inferior to nusinersen at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg. A reason for their lower activity in vivo as ascertained by cellular uptake study by fluorescent confocal microscopy in HEK293 cell line could possibly be ascribed to compromised endosomal release and/or nuclear uptake of the 2'-OMe or 2'-MOE μ- and β-oligonucleotides compared to their phosphorothioate analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Hammond
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Melnikov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Larissa Goli
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Stetsenko
- Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics and Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Linden G, Janga H, Franz M, Nist A, Stiewe T, Schmeck B, Vázquez O, Schulte LN. Efficient antisense inhibition reveals microRNA-155 to restrain a late-myeloid inflammatory programme in primary human phagocytes. RNA Biol 2021; 18:604-618. [PMID: 33622174 PMCID: PMC8078538 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1885209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A persisting obstacle in human immunology is that blood-derived leukocytes are notoriously difficult to manipulate at the RNA level. Therefore, our knowledge about immune-regulatory RNA-networks is largely based on tumour cell-line and rodent knockout models, which do not fully mimic human leukocyte biology. Here, we exploit straightforward cell penetrating peptide (CPP) chemistry to enable efficient loss-of-function phenotyping of regulatory RNAs in primary human blood-derived cells. The classical CPP octaarginine (R8) enabled antisense peptide-nucleic-acid (PNA) oligomer delivery into nearly 100% of human blood-derived macrophages without apparent cytotoxicity even up to micromolar concentrations. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we successfully de-repressed the global microRNA-155 regulome in primary human macrophages using a PNA-R8 oligomer, which phenocopies a CRISPR-Cas9 induced gene knockout. Interestingly, although it is often believed that fairly high concentrations (μM) are needed to achieve antisense activity, our PNA-R8 was effective at 200 nM. RNA-seq characterized microRNA-155 as a broad-acting riboregulator, feedback restraining a late myeloid differentiation-induced pro-inflammatory network, comprising MyD88-signalling and ubiquitin-proteasome components. Our results highlight the important role of the microRNA machinery in fine-control of blood-derived human phagocyte immunity and open the door for further studies on regulatory RNAs in difficult-to-transfect primary human immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Linden
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harshavardhan Janga
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Lung Research, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Franz
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schmeck
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Lung Research, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Marburg, Germany
| | - Olalla Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Leon N Schulte
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Lung Research, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
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Maruyama R, Yokota T. Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatment in a Humanized Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Highly Sensitive Detection of Dystrophin Using Western Blotting. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2224:203-214. [PMID: 33606217 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1008-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disorder affecting many children. The disease is caused by the lack of dystrophin production and characterized by muscle wasting. The most common causes of death are respiratory failure and heart failure. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping using a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of DMD. In preclinical studies, dystrophic mouse models are commonly used for the development of therapeutic oligos. We employ a humanized model carrying the full-length human DMD transgene along with the complete knockout of the mouse Dmd gene. In this model, the effects of human-targeting AOs can be tested without cross-reaction between mouse sequences and human sequences (note that mdx, a conventional dystrophic mouse model, carries a nonsense point mutation in exon 23 and express the full-length mouse Dmd mRNA, which is a significant complicating factor). To determine if dystrophin expression is restored, the Western blotting analysis is commonly performed; however, due to the extremely large protein size of dystrophin (427 kDa), detection and accurate quantification of full-length dystrophin can be a challenge. Here, we present methodologies to systemically inject PMOs into humanized DMD model mice and determine levels of dystrophin restoration via Western blotting. Using a tris-acetate gradient SDS gel and semi-dry transfer with three buffers, including the Concentrated Anode Buffer, Anode Buffer, and Cathode Buffer, less than 1% normal levels of dystrophin expression are easily detectable. This method is fast, easy, and sensitive enough for the detection of dystrophin from both cultured muscle cells and muscle biopsy samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Maruyama
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Tone Y, Mamchaoui K, Tsoumpra MK, Hashimoto Y, Terada R, Maruyama R, Gait MJ, Arzumanov AA, McClorey G, Imamura M, Takeda S, Yokota T, Wood MJ, Mouly V, Aoki Y. Immortalized Canine Dystrophic Myoblast Cell Lines for Development of Peptide-Conjugated Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:172-181. [PMID: 33567244 PMCID: PMC7997716 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle-wasting disease caused by frameshift or nonsense mutations in the DMD gene, resulting in the loss of dystrophin from muscle membranes. Exon skipping using splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) restores the reading frame of DMD pre-mRNA by generating internally truncated but functional dystrophin protein. To potentiate effective tissue-specific targeting by functional SSOs, it is essential to perform accelerated and reliable in vitro screening-based assessment of novel oligonucleotides and drug delivery technologies, such as cell-penetrating peptides, before their in vivo pharmacokinetic and toxicity evaluation. We have established novel canine immortalized myoblast lines by transducing murine cyclin-dependent kinase-4 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase genes into myoblasts isolated from beagle-based wild-type or canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDJ) dogs. These myoblast lines exhibited improved myogenic differentiation and increased proliferation rates compared with passage-15 primary parental myoblasts, and their potential to differentiate into myotubes was maintained in later passages. Using these dystrophin-deficient immortalized myoblast lines, we demonstrate that a novel cell-penetrating peptide (Pip8b2)-conjugated SSO markedly improved multiexon skipping activity compared with the respective naked phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers. In vitro screening using immortalized canine cell lines will provide a basis for further pharmacological studies on drug delivery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Tone
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
- Discovery Research Laboratories in Tsukuba, Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Maria K. Tsoumpra
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Reiko Terada
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey A. Arzumanov
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michihiro Imamura
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Harrington Rare Disease Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
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36
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Volpi S, Rozzi A, Rivi N, Neri M, Knoll W, Corradini R. Submonomeric Strategy with Minimal Protection for the Synthesis of C(2)-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids. Org Lett 2021; 23:902-907. [PMID: 33417460 PMCID: PMC7880566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c04116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel synthesis of C(2)-modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) is proposed, using a submonomeric strategy with minimally protected building blocks, which allowed a reduction in the required synthetic steps. N(3)-unprotected, d-Lys- and d-Arg-based backbones were used to obtain positively charged PNAs with high optical purity, as inferred from chiral GC measurements. "Chiral-box" PNAs targeting the G12D point mutation of the KRAS gene were produced using this method, showing improved sequence selectivity for the mutated- vs wild-type DNA strand with respect to unmodified PNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Volpi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Nicola Rivi
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Martina Neri
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
- Biosensor
Technologies, AIT-Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 24, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department
of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, Parma, 43123, Italy
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Expanding the Scope of the Cleavable N-(methoxy)oxazolidine Linker for the Synthesis of Oligonucleotide Conjugates. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020490. [PMID: 33477693 PMCID: PMC7838870 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides modified by a 2′-deoxy-2′-(N-methoxyamino) ribonucleotide react readily with aldehydes in slightly acidic conditions to yield the corresponding N-(methoxy)oxazolidine-linked oligonucleotide-conjugates. The reaction is reversible and dynamic in slightly acidic conditions, while the products are virtually stable above pH 7, where the reaction is in a ‘‘switched off-state’’. Small molecular examinations have demonstrated that aldehyde constituents affect the cleavage rate of the N-(methoxy)oxazolidine-linkage. This can be utilized to adjust the stability of this pH-responsive cleavable linker for drug delivery applications. In the present study, Fmoc-β-Ala-H was immobilized to a serine-modified ChemMatrix resin and used for the automated assembly of two peptidealdehydes and one aldehyde-modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In addition, a triantennary N-acetyl-d-galactosamine-cluster with a β-Ala-H unit has been synthesized. These aldehydes were conjugated via N-(methoxy)oxazolidine-linkage to therapeutically relevant oligonucleotide phosphorothioates and one DNA-aptamer in 19–47% isolated yields. The cleavage rates of the conjugates were studied in slightly acidic conditions. In addition to the diverse set of conjugates synthesized, these experiments and a comparison to published data demonstrate that the simple conversion of Gly-H to β-Ala-H residue resulted in a faster cleavage of the N-(methoxy)oxazolidine-linker at pH 5, being comparable (T0.5 ca 7 h) to hydrazone-based structures.
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Le BT, Agarwal S, Veedu RN. Evaluation of DNA segments in 2′-modified RNA sequences in designing efficient splice switching antisense oligonucleotides. RSC Adv 2021; 11:14029-14035. [PMID: 35423918 PMCID: PMC8697723 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00878a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic approaches. So far, nine ASO drugs have received approval for clinical use, and four of them are based on splice-switching principles demonstrating the impact of ASO-mediated splice modulation. Notably, three among them (Exondys 51, Vyondys 53 and Viltepso) are based on phosphorodiamidate morpholino (PMO) chemistry whereas Spinraza is based on 2′-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate (2′-MOE PS) chemistry. Although systemic delivery of PMOs has displayed a good safety profile even at high doses, the 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate modified (2′-OMe PS) ASO drug candidate (drisapersen) failed due to safety issues. The potency of 2′-modified RNA for splice-switching needs to be further improved by novel design strategies for broad applicability. Towards this goal, in this study, we evaluated the potential of incorporating DNA segments at appropriate sites in 2′-OMe PS and 2′-MOE PS ASOs to induce exon skipping. For this purpose, a four-nucleotide DNA segment was systematically incorporated into a 20-mer 2′-OMe PS and 2′-MOE PS ASO designed to skip exon 23 in mdx mouse myotubes in vitro. Our results demonstrated that 2′-modified RNA PS ASOs containing four or less PS DNA nucleotides at the 3′-end yielded improved exon 23 skipping efficacy in line with fully modified ASO controls. Based on these results, we firmly believe that the present study opens new avenues towards designing splice modulating ASOs with limited chemical modifications for enhanced safety and therapeutic efficacy. We evaluated the potential of 2′-modified RNA antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) incorporated with DNA segments to induce exon skipping. Results demonstrated that ASOs with 4 or less DNA nucleotides at the 3′-end induce more efficient exon skipping compared with the control.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao T. Le
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics
- Murdoch University
- Perth
- Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
| | | | - Rakesh N. Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics
- Murdoch University
- Perth
- Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
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Abstract
Research and drug development concerning rare diseases are at the cutting edge of scientific technology. To date, over 7,000 rare diseases have been identified. Despite their individual rarity, 1 in 10 individuals worldwide is affected by a rare condition. For the majority of these diseases, there is no treatment, much less cure; therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapies to extend and improve quality of life for persons who suffer from them. Here we focus specifically on rare neuromuscular diseases. Currently, genetic medicines using short antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering ribonucleic acids that target RNA transcripts are achieving spectacular success in treating these diseases. For Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the state-of-the-art is an exon skipping therapy using an antisense oligonucleotide, which is prototypical of advanced precision medicines. Very recently, golodirsen and viltolarsen, for treatment of DMD patients amenable to skipping exon 53, have been approved by regulatory agencies in the USA and Japan, respectively. Here, we review scientific and clinical progress in developing new oligonucleotide therapeutics for selected rare neuromuscular diseases, discussing their efficacy and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Harrington Rare Disease Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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40
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Scharner J, Aznarez I. Clinical Applications of Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides: Current Landscape of Approved and In-Development Therapeutics. Mol Ther 2020; 29:540-554. [PMID: 33359792 PMCID: PMC7854307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotides have been explored as a therapeutic modality for more than 20 years. Only during the last 5 years have single-stranded oligonucleotides become a modality of choice in the fields of precision medicine and targeted therapeutics. Recently, there have been a number of development efforts involving this modality that have led to treatments for genetic diseases that were once untreatable. This review highlights key applications of single-stranded oligonucleotides that function in a sequence-dependent manner when applied to modulate precursor (pre-)mRNA splicing, gene expression, and immune pathways. These applications have been used to address diseases that range from neurological to muscular to metabolic, as well as to develop vaccines. The wide range of applications denotes the versatility of single-stranded oligonucleotides as a robust therapeutic platform. The focus of this review is centered on approved single-stranded oligonucleotide therapies and the evolution of oligonucleotide therapeutics into novel applications currently in clinical development.
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Volpi S, Cancelli U, Neri M, Corradini R. Multifunctional Delivery Systems for Peptide Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 33375595 PMCID: PMC7823687 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of applications of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)-oligonucleotide analogs with a polyamide backbone-is continuously increasing in both in vitro and cellular systems and, parallel to this, delivery systems able to bring PNAs to their targets have been developed. This review is intended to give to the readers an overview on the available carriers for these oligonucleotide mimics, with a particular emphasis on newly developed multi-component- and multifunctional vehicles which boosted PNA research in recent years. The following approaches will be discussed: (a) conjugation with carrier molecules and peptides; (b) liposome formulations; (c) polymer nanoparticles; (d) inorganic porous nanoparticles; (e) carbon based nanocarriers; and (f) self-assembled and supramolecular systems. New therapeutic strategies enabled by the combination of PNA and proper delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (U.C.); (M.N.)
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42
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Yavas A, Weij R, van Putten M, Kourkouta E, Beekman C, Puoliväli J, Bragge T, Ahtoniemi T, Knijnenburg J, Hoogenboom ME, Ariyurek Y, Aartsma-Rus A, van Deutekom J, Datson N. Detailed genetic and functional analysis of the hDMDdel52/mdx mouse model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244215. [PMID: 33362201 PMCID: PMC7757897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by reading frame disrupting mutations in the DMD gene leading to absence of functional dystrophin. Antisense oligonucleotide (AON)-mediated exon skipping is a therapeutic approach aimed at restoring the reading frame at the pre-mRNA level, allowing the production of internally truncated partly functional dystrophin proteins. AONs work in a sequence specific manner, which warrants generating humanized mouse models for preclinical tests. To address this, we previously generated the hDMDdel52/mdx mouse model using transcription activator like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology. This model contains mutated murine and human DMD genes, and therefore lacks mouse and human dystrophin resulting in a dystrophic phenotype. It allows preclinical evaluation of AONs inducing the skipping of human DMD exons 51 and 53 and resulting in restoration of dystrophin synthesis. Here, we have further characterized this model genetically and functionally. We discovered that the hDMD and hDMDdel52 transgene is present twice per locus, in a tail-to-tail-orientation. Long-read sequencing revealed a partial deletion of exon 52 (first 25 bp), and a 2.3 kb inversion in intron 51 in both copies. These new findings on the genomic make-up of the hDMD and hDMDdel52 transgene do not affect exon 51 and/or 53 skipping, but do underline the need for extensive genetic analysis of mice generated with genome editing techniques to elucidate additional genetic changes that might have occurred. The hDMDdel52/mdx mice were also evaluated functionally using kinematic gait analysis. This revealed a clear and highly significant difference in overall gait between hDMDdel52/mdx mice and C57BL6/J controls. The motor deficit detected in the model confirms its suitability for preclinical testing of exon skipping AONs for human DMD at both the functional and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alper Yavas
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rudie Weij
- BioMarin Nederland BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Timo Bragge
- Charles River Discovery Services, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Jeroen Knijnenburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yavuz Ariyurek
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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43
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Schneider AFE, Aartsma-Rus A. Developments in reading frame restoring therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:343-359. [PMID: 33074029 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1832462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exon skipping compounds restoring the dystrophin transcript reading frame have received regulatory approval for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recently, focus shifted to developing compounds to skip additional exons, improving delivery to skeletal muscle, and to genome editing, to restore the reading frame on DNA level. AREAS COVERED We outline developments for reading frame restoring approaches, challenges of mutation specificity, and optimizing delivery. Also, we highlight ongoing efforts to better detect exon skipping therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Searches on relevant terms were performed, focusing on recent publications (<3 years). EXPERT OPINION Currently, 3 AONS are approved. Whether dystrophin levels are sufficient to slowdown disease progression needs to be confirmed. Enhancing AON uptake by muscles is currently under investigation. Gene editing is an alternative, but one that involves practical and ethical concerns. Given the field's momentum, we believe the efficiency of frame-restoring approaches will improve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Li Y, Gao X, Wei C, Guo R, Xu H, Bai Z, Zhou J, Zhu J, Wang W, Wu Y, Li J, Zhang Z, Xie X. Modification of Mcl-1 alternative splicing induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor proliferation in gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:19293-19315. [PMID: 33052877 PMCID: PMC7732305 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Splicing dysregulation, which leads to apoptosis resistance, has been recognized as a major hallmark for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Targeting alternative splicing by either increasing pro-apoptotic proteins or inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins in tumor cells may be an effective approach for gastric cancer (GC) therapy. However, the role of modulation of alternative splicing in GC remains poorly understood. In this study, to the best of our knowledge, the unbalanced expression of the myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) splicing variants, Mcl-1L and Mcl-1S, was identified in GC patients for the first time. Increasing anti-apoptotic Mcl-1L and decreasing pro-apoptotic Mcl-1S expression levels were correlated with tumor proliferation and poor survival. In vitro data showed that a shift in splicing from Mcl-1L to Mcl-1S induced by treatment with Mcl-1-specific steric-blocking oligonucleotides (SBOs) efficiently decreased Mcl-1L expression, increased Mcl-1S expression, and accelerated tumor cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, mouse xenotransplant models confirmed that modification of Mcl-1 alternative splicing increased tumor cell death and suppressed tumor proliferation. This study demonstrated that the modification of Mcl-1 splicing might stimulate the pro-apoptotic factor and inhibit the anti-apoptotic protein to induce significant apoptosis. Thus, this finding provided a strategy for cancer therapy, according to which SBOs could be used to change the Mcl-1 splicing pattern, thereby inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drug of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoling Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chaojun Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hui Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhongtian Bai
- The Second Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianye Zhou
- Key Lab of Stomatology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Pathology Department, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wanxia Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yu Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingzhe Li
- Oncology Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhang
- Oncology Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drug of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
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45
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Kurrikoff K, Vunk B, Langel Ü. Status update in the use of cell-penetrating peptides for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:361-370. [PMID: 32938243 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1823368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this review, recent developments and applications with cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are discussed. CPPs are widely used tools for the delivery of various macromolecular therapeutics, such as proteins and nucleic acids. AREAS COVERED The current review focuses on recent important advances and reports that demonstrate high clinical and translational potential. Most important clinical developments have occurred with the CPP-drug conjugate approaches that target various protein-protein interactions, and these have been highlighted subsequently. Most of the applications are targeting cancer, but recently, noteworthy advances have taken place in the field of antisense oligonucleotides and muscular dystrophies, lung targeting, and trans-BBB targeting. EXPERT OPINION Successful applications and clinical development with the drug conjugate approaches are discussed. On the other hand, the reasons of why the nanoparticle approaches are not as far in development are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Birgit Vunk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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46
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"Betwixt Mine Eye and Heart a League Is Took": The Progress of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Based Models of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196997. [PMID: 32977524 PMCID: PMC7582534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of precision disease modeling is to artificially recreate the disease of affected people in a highly controllable and adaptable external environment. This field has rapidly advanced which is evident from the application of patient-specific pluripotent stem-cell-derived precision therapies in numerous clinical trials aimed at a diverse set of diseases such as macular degeneration, heart disease, spinal cord injury, graft-versus-host disease, and muscular dystrophy. Despite the existence of semi-adequate treatments for tempering skeletal muscle degeneration in dystrophic patients, nonischemic cardiomyopathy remains one of the primary causes of death. Therefore, cardiovascular cells derived from muscular dystrophy patients' induced pluripotent stem cells are well suited to mimic dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy and hold great promise for the development of future fully effective therapies. The purpose of this article is to convey the realities of employing precision disease models of dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy. This is achieved by discussing, as suggested in the title echoing William Shakespeare's words, the settlements (or "leagues") made by researchers to manage the constraints ("betwixt mine eye and heart") distancing them from achieving a perfect precision disease model.
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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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Li D, Mastaglia FL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Progress in the molecular pathogenesis and nucleic acid therapeutics for Parkinson's disease in the precision medicine era. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2650-2681. [PMID: 32767426 PMCID: PMC7589267 DOI: 10.1002/med.21718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that manifest various motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although currently available therapies can alleviate some of the symptoms, the disease continues to progress, leading eventually to severe motor and cognitive decline and reduced life expectancy. The past two decades have witnessed rapid progress in our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathogenesis of the disease, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches to arrest or delay the neurodegenerative process. As a result of these advances, biomarker‐driven subtyping is making it possible to stratify PD patients into more homogeneous subgroups that may better respond to potential genetic‐molecular pathway targeted disease‐modifying therapies. Therapeutic nucleic acid oligomers can bind to target gene sequences with very high specificity in a base‐pairing manner and precisely modulate downstream molecular events. Recently, nucleic acid therapeutics have proven effective in the treatment of a number of severe neurological and neuromuscular disorders, drawing increasing attention to the possibility of developing novel molecular therapies for PD. In this review, we update the molecular pathogenesis of PD and discuss progress in the use of antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, aptamers, and microRNA‐based therapeutics to target critical elements in the pathogenesis of PD that could have the potential to modify disease progression. In addition, recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid compounds across the blood–brain barrier and challenges facing PD clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunhui Li
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Sun C, Shen L, Zhang Z, Xie X. Therapeutic Strategies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An Update. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080837. [PMID: 32717791 PMCID: PMC7463903 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders encompass a heterogeneous group of conditions that impair the function of muscles, motor neurons, peripheral nerves, and neuromuscular junctions. Being the most common and most severe type of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is caused by mutations in the X-linked dystrophin gene. Loss of dystrophin protein leads to recurrent myofiber damage, chronic inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and dysfunction of muscle stem cells. Over the last few years, there has been considerable development of diagnosis and therapeutics for DMD, but current treatments do not cure the disease. Here, we review the current status of DMD pathogenesis and therapy, focusing on mutational spectrum, diagnosis tools, clinical trials, and therapeutic approaches including dystrophin restoration, gene therapy, and myogenic cell transplantation. Furthermore, we present the clinical potential of advanced strategies combining gene editing, cell-based therapy with tissue engineering for the treatment of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengmei Sun
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; (C.S.); (L.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Luoan Shen
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; (C.S.); (L.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; (C.S.); (L.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xin Xie
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China; (C.S.); (L.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-87572326
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From diagnosis to therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:813-821. [PMID: 32597486 PMCID: PMC7329342 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of inherited muscle diseases have advanced rapidly in recent years. Many of the advances have occurred in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a muscle wasting disease where affected boys are typically wheelchair bound by age 12 years and generally die in their twenties from respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Dystrophin is a 421 kD protein which links F-actin to the extracellular matrix via the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) at the muscle membrane. In the absence of dystrophin, the DAPC is lost, making the muscle membrane more susceptible to contraction-induced injury. The identification of the gene causing DMD in 1986 resulted in improved diagnosis of the disease and the identification of hotspots for mutation. There is currently no effective treatment. However, there are several promising genetic therapeutic approaches at the preclinical stage or in clinical trials including read-through of stop codons, exon skipping, delivery of dystrophin minigenes and the modulation of expression of the dystrophin related protein, utrophin. In spite of significant progress, the problem of targeting all muscles, including diaphragm and heart at sufficiently high levels, remains a challenge. Any therapy also needs to consider the immune response and some treatments are mutation specific and therefore limited to a subgroup of patients. This short review provides a summary of the current status of DMD therapy with a particular focus on those genetic strategies that have been taken to the clinic.
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