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Xu G, Song X, Wang X, Xue R, Yan X, Qin L, Chang X, Gao J, Chen Z, Song G. Combined miR-181a-5p and Ag Nanoparticles are Effective Against Oral Cancer in a Mouse Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:9227-9253. [PMID: 39267724 PMCID: PMC11390847 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s458484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. Despite advancements, metastasis and recurrence rates remain high, and patient survival has not significantly improved. Although miRNA therapies are promising for cancer gene therapy, their applications in treating oral cancer are limited. Targeted medication delivery systems based on nanotechnology offer an efficient way to enhance oral cancer treatment efficacy. Methods We synthesized nanosilver (AgNPs) and loaded them with the tumor suppressor miR-181a-5p. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of AgNPs and their composites on the malignant behavior of oral cancer cell lines. The xenograft experiment was utilized to examine their effects on tumorigenesis and the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Results The nanosilver exhibited a spherical morphology with a size distribution ranging from 50 to 100 nm. They exhibited a distinct absorption peak at 330 nm and could be excited to emit green fluorescence. The biocompatible AgNPs effectively shielded miRNA from degradation by RNase and serum. The nanocomposites significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation of oral cancer cell lines. Notably, treatment with the nanocomposites resulted in substantial tumor growth suppression in the xenograft model. Mechanistically, these composites directly targeted BCL2 and exerted their antitumor effects by suppressing the β-catenin signaling pathway and other downstream genes without inducing acute toxicity. Conclusion Collectively, the findings demonstrate that the miR-181a-5p/AgNPs combination significantly impedes the growth and progression of oral cancer both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting a pivotal role for the β-catenin signaling pathway. This multifaceted approach holds promise as a prospective therapeutic strategy for oral cancer management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaona Song
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xue
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoru Yan
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Litao Qin
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Chang
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiping Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyang Chen
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Song
- Laboratory Animal Center Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
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2
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Reich N, Parkin E, Dawson N. Liposome nanoparticle conjugation and cell penetrating peptide sequences (CPPs) enhance the cellular delivery of the tau aggregation inhibitor RI-AG03. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18477. [PMID: 38853458 PMCID: PMC11163028 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the pathological role of Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), our laboratory previously developed the novel Tau aggregation inhibitor peptide, RI-AG03. As Tau aggregates accumulate intracellularly, it is essential that the peptide can traverse the cell membrane. Here we examine the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of RI-AG03, in both a free and liposome-conjugated form. We also characterize the impact of adding the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequences, polyarginine (polyR) or transactivator of transcription (TAT), to RI-AG03. Our data show that liposome conjugation of CPP containing RI-AG03 peptides, with either the polyR or TAT sequence, increased cellular liposome association three-fold. Inhibition of macropinocytosis modestly reduced the uptake of unconjugated and RI-AG03-polyR-linked liposomes, while having no effect on RI-AG03-TAT-conjugated liposome uptake. Further supporting macropinocytosis-mediated internalization, a 'fair' co-localisation of the free and liposome-conjugated RI-AG03-polyR peptide with macropinosomes and lysosomes was observed. Interestingly, we also demonstrate that RI-AG03-polyR detaches from liposomes following cellular uptake, thereby largely evading organellar entrapment. Collectively, our data indicate that direct membrane penetration and macropinocytosis are key routes for the internalization of liposomes conjugated with CPP containing RI-AG03. Our study also demonstrates that peptide-liposomes are suitable nanocarriers for the cellular delivery of RI-AG03, furthering their potential use in targeting Tau pathology in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and MedicineLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Edward Parkin
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and MedicineLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Neil Dawson
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and MedicineLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
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4
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Diwan R, Bhatt HN, Beaven E, Nurunnabi M. Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115147. [PMID: 38065244 PMCID: PMC10787600 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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5
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Kumari A, Kaur A, Aggarwal G. The emerging potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics in treatment of arthritis. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100845. [PMID: 37881798 PMCID: PMC10594572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100845] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) has shown potential as a therapeutic option for the treatment of arthritis by silencing specific genes. However, siRNA delivery faces several challenges, including stability, targeting, off-target effects, endosomal escape, immune response activation, intravascular degradation, and renal clearance. A variety of nanotherapeutics like lipidic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been developed to improve siRNA cellular uptake, protect it from degradation, and enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Researchers are also investigating chemical modifications and bioconjugation to reduce its immunogenicity. This review discusses the potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics as a therapeutic option for various immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. siRNA nanotherapeutics have shown an upsurge of interest and the future looks promising for such interdisciplinary approach-based modalities that combine the principles of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and formulation sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Kumari
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- Centre for Advanced Formulation Technology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, New Delhi 110017, India
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Geeta Aggarwal
- Centre for Advanced Formulation Technology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, New Delhi 110017, India
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
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6
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Pavelić K, Pavelić SK, Bulog A, Agaj A, Rojnić B, Čolić M, Trivanović D. Nanoparticles in Medicine: Current Status in Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12827. [PMID: 37629007 PMCID: PMC10454499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is still a leading cause of deaths worldwide, especially due to those cases diagnosed at late stages with metastases that are still considered untreatable and are managed in such a way that a lengthy chronic state is achieved. Nanotechnology has been acknowledged as one possible solution to improve existing cancer treatments, but also as an innovative approach to developing new therapeutic solutions that will lower systemic toxicity and increase targeted action on tumors and metastatic tumor cells. In particular, the nanoparticles studied in the context of cancer treatment include organic and inorganic particles whose role may often be expanded into diagnostic applications. Some of the best studied nanoparticles include metallic gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, with diverse mechanisms of action such as, for example, the increased induction of reactive oxygen species, increased cellular uptake and functionalization properties for improved targeted delivery. Recently, novel nanoparticles for improved cancer cell targeting also include nanobubbles, which have already demonstrated increased localization of anticancer molecules in tumor tissues. In this review, we will accordingly present and discuss state-of-the-art nanoparticles and nano-formulations for cancer treatment and limitations for their application in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krešimir Pavelić
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Ulica Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Bulog
- Teaching Institute for Public Health of Primorsko-Goranska County, Krešimirova Ulica 52, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Andrea Agaj
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Barbara Rojnić
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Čolić
- Clear Water Technology Inc., 13008 S Western Avenue, Gardena, CA 90429, USA;
| | - Dragan Trivanović
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, General Hospital Pula, Santorijeva 24a, 52200 Pula, Croatia
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7
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Wang R, Wang X, Xie S, Zhang Y, Ji D, Zhang X, Cui C, Jiang J, Tan W. Molecular elements: novel approaches for molecular building. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220024. [PMID: 36633277 PMCID: PMC9835600 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, a molecular element (ME) is a pure substance composed of two or more atoms of the same element. However, MEs, in the context of this review, can be any molecules as elements bonded together into the backbone of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) with designed sequences and functions, including natural A, T, C, G, U, and unnatural bases. The use of MEs can facilitate the synthesis of designer molecules and smart materials. In particular, we discuss the landmarks associated with DNA structure and related technologies, as well as the extensive application of ONs, the ideal type of molecules for intervention therapy aimed at correcting disease-causing genetic errors (indels). It is herein concluded that the discovery of ON therapeutics and the fabrication of designer molecules or nanostructures depend on the ME concept that we previously published. Accordingly, ME will be our focal point as we discuss related research directions and perspectives in making molecules and materials. This article is part of the theme issue 'Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruowen Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, People's Republic of China,Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China,Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, University of Florida Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
| | - Xueqiang Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China,Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Sitao Xie
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China,Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingkun Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China,Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, University of Florida Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
| | - Jianhui Jiang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, People's Republic of China,Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China,Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China,Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, University of Florida Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
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8
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Recio-López P, Valladolid-Acebes I, Hadwiger P, Hossbach M, Krampert M, Prata C, Berggren PO, Juntti-Berggren L. Treatment of the metabolic syndrome by siRNA targeting apolipoprotein CIII. Biofactors 2023; 49:153-172. [PMID: 36039858 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) is increased in obesity-induced insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. Emerging evidences support the advantages of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target disease-causing genes. The aim of this study was to develop siRNAs for in vivo silencing of apoCIII and investigate if this results in metabolic improvements comparable to what we have seen using antisense oligonucelotides against apoCIII. Twenty-four siRNAs were synthesized and tested in a dual luciferase reporter assay. The eight best were selected, based on knockdown at 20 nM, and of these, two were selected based on IC50 values. In vivo experiments were performed in ob/ob mice, an obese animal model for diabetes. To determine the dose-dependency, efficacy, duration of effect and therapeutic dose we used a short protocol giving the apoCIII-siRNA mix for three days. To evaluate long-term metabolic effects mice were treated for three days, every second week for eight weeks. The siRNA mix effectively and selectively reduced expression of apoCIII in liver in vivo. Treatment had to be repeated every two weeks to maintain a suppression of apoCIII. The reduction of apoCIII resulted in increased LPL activity, lower triglycerides, reduced liver fat, ceased weight gain, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved glucose homeostasis. No off-target or side effects were observed during the eight-week treatment period. These results suggest that in vivo silencing of apoCIII with siRNA, is a promising approach with the potential to be used in the battle against obesity-induced metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Recio-López
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ismael Valladolid-Acebes
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Per-Olof Berggren
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Juntti-Berggren
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, Stockholm, Sweden
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Thakur S, Sinhari A, Jain P, Jadhav HR. A perspective on oligonucleotide therapy: Approaches to patient customization. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1006304. [PMID: 36339619 PMCID: PMC9626821 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1006304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that the human genome encodes 15% of proteins that are considered to be disease-modifying. Only 2% of these proteins possess a druggable site that the approved clinical candidates target. Due to this disparity, there is an immense need to develop therapeutics that may better mitigate the disease or disorders aroused by non-druggable and druggable proteins or enzymes. The recent surge in approved oligonucleotide therapeutics (OT) indicates the imminent potential of these therapies. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics are of intermediate size with much-improved selectivity towards the target and fewer off-target effects than small molecules. The OTs include Antisense RNAs, MicroRNA (MIR), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and aptamers, which are currently being explored for their use in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and even orphan diseases. The present review is a congregated effort to present the past and present of OTs and the current efforts to make OTs for plausible future therapeutics. The review provides updated literature on the challenges and bottlenecks of OT and recent advancements in OT drug delivery. Further, this review deliberates on a newly emerging approach to personalized treatment for patients with rare and fatal diseases with OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Thakur
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
| | - Apurba Sinhari
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Hemant R. Jadhav
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
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10
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Dessale M, Mengistu G, Mengist HM. Nanotechnology: A Promising Approach for Cancer Diagnosis, Therapeutics and Theragnosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:3735-3749. [PMID: 36051353 PMCID: PMC9427008 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s378074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the most devastating disease and the major cause of mortality worldwide. Although early diagnosis and treatment are the key approach in fighting against cancer, the available conventional diagnostic and therapeutic methods are not efficient. Besides, ineffective cancer cell selectivity and toxicity of traditional chemotherapy remain the most significant challenge. These limitations entail the need for the development of both safe and effective cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Due to its robust application, nanotechnology could be a promising method for in-vivo imaging and detection of cancer cells and cancer biomarkers. Nanotechnology could provide a quick, safe, cost-effective, and efficient method for cancer management. It also provides simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of cancer using nano-theragnostic particles that facilitate early detection and selective destruction of cancer cells. Updated and recent discussions are important for selecting the best cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management options, and new insights on designing effective protocols are utmost important. This review discusses the application of nanotechnology in cancer diagnosis, therapeutics, and theragnosis and provides future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesfin Dessale
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Mengistu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia
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11
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Rissanou AN, Karatasos K. Effects of the structure of lipid-based agents in their complexation with a single stranded mRNA fragment: a computational study. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6229-6245. [PMID: 35904818 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00403h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work we employed fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, aiming towards a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with the formation and the stability of lipid-based RNA nanoassemblies, in an aqueous environment. We examined two groups of lipid-based complexation agents, differing in the degree of hydrophobicity and in the overall charge. The first group was comprised of cationic ionizable agents while the second included electrically neutral amphoteric phosphatidylcholine lipids. It was found that the overall charge of the complexation agents played the most decisive role in the energetics of the lipid/RNA association, while their degree of hydrophobicity affected their self-assembly and their complexation kinetics. The latter also affected the structural stability of the formed complexes since the water entrapped within the clusters of the less hydrophobic agents appeared to reduce the coherence of the lipid-RNA nanoassemblies. The combined effects of the aforementioned attributes dictated also the RNA conformation after complexation. The results from the present study provide thus new insight towards controlling the morphology, the energetic stability and the structural integrity of the formed complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastassia N Rissanou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Thessaloniki, P.O. BOX 420, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Kostas Karatasos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Thessaloniki, P.O. BOX 420, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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12
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Tao W, Wang S, Xu A, Xue Y, Wang H, Xu H. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT imaging to evaluate the effect of BRCA1 knockdown on MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell radiosensitivity. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101517. [PMID: 35985202 PMCID: PMC9411683 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101517] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 gene knockdown improves the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. BRCA1 gene knockdown combination with radiotherapy downregulates multiple biomarkers of poor prognosis. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT imaging was able to evaluate the radiosensitizing effect of the BRCA1 gene in vitro experiment.
Objective Radioresistance of tumor cells is a major factor associated with failure of radiotherapy (RT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of BRCA1 knockdown on MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell radiosensitivity. Materials and methods Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knockdown BRCA1 gene in MDA-MB231 cells. Cell viability and proliferative capacity were assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, respectively. We established xenograft models in nude mice to evaluate tumor volume and tumor weight. The mice were imaged by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) before and after RT to evaluate changes in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumor SUVmax/muscle SUVmax (TMR). Changes in HIF-1α, Glut-1 and Ki-67 were analyzed and the correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and tumor biology was analyzed. Results Compared with the control cells, RT significantly reduced cell viability and colony formation capacity in cells with the BRCA1 gene knockdown. In vivo assays showed that there was obvious delay in the tumor growth in the shBRCA1+RT group compared with the control group. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT indicated a reduction in glucose metabolism in the shBRCA1+RT group, with statistically significant differences in both the SUVmax and TMR. The data showed the expression of HIF-1α, Glut-1 and Ki-67 was downregulated in the shBRCA1+RT group, and both SUVmax and TMR had significant correlation with tumor biology. Conclusion These results demonstrated that BRCA1 knockdown improves the sensitivity of MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells to RT. In addition, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging allows non-invasive analysis of tumor biology and assessment of radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Tao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Alei Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yangyang Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Huiqin Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China.
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13
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Targeting oncogenic KRAS with molecular brush-conjugated antisense oligonucleotides. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113180119. [PMID: 35858356 PMCID: PMC9304022 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113180119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mutant form of the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) KRAS is a key driver in human tumors but remains a challenging therapeutic target, making KRASMUT cancers a highly unmet clinical need. Here, we report a class of bottlebrush polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for potent in vivo KRAS depletion. Owing to their highly branched architecture, these molecular nanoconstructs suppress nearly all side effects associated with DNA-protein interactions and substantially enhance the pharmacological properties of the ASO, such as plasma pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake. Systemic delivery to mice bearing human non-small-cell lung carcinoma xenografts results in a significant reduction in both KRAS levels and tumor growth, and the antitumor performance well exceeds that of current popular ASO paradigms, such as chemically modified oligonucleotides and PEGylation using linear or slightly branched PEG. Importantly, these conjugates relax the requirement on the ASO chemistry, allowing unmodified, natural phosphodiester ASOs to achieve efficacy comparable to that of chemically modified ones. Both the bottlebrush polymer and its ASO conjugates appear to be safe and well tolerated in mice. Together, these data indicate that the molecular brush-ASO conjugate is a promising therapeutic platform for the treatment of KRAS-driven human cancers and warrant further preclinical and clinical development.
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14
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Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA for the Treatment of Dyslipidemias. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133884. [PMID: 35807171 PMCID: PMC9267663 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of atherosclerotic disease worldwide necessitates implementing the treatment of its risk factors. Among them, hypercholesterolemia has a central role. In addition to conventional small organic compounds and the recently introduced monoclonal antibodies, new technologies are arising such as the antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that operate upstream, blocking the mRNA translation of the proteins specifically involved in lipid metabolism. In this review, we briefly explain the mechanisms of action of these molecules and discuss the difficulties related to their in vivo use as therapeutical agents. We go over the oligonucleotides tested in clinical trials that could potentially revolutionize the care of patients by acting on proteins involved in the lipoprotein metabolism and regulation, namely: angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3); lipoprotein a (Lp(a)); apolipoprotein B (Apo B); apolipoprotein C III (Apo C-III); and proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Finally, the differences between ASOs and siRNAs, their future possible clinical applications, and the role of Inclisiran, a siRNA direct against PCSK9 to reduce LDL-C, were reviewed in detail.
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15
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Paul A, Muralidharan A, Biswas A, Venkatesh Kamath B, Joseph A, Alex AT. siRNA Therapeutics and its Challenges: Recent Advances in Effective Delivery for Cancer Therapy. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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16
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Application of bioengineered elastin-like polypeptide-based system for targeted gene delivery in tumor cells. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2022; 6:100050. [PMID: 36824163 PMCID: PMC9934475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful gene delivery depends on the entry of negatively charged DNAs and oligonucleotides across the various barriers of the tumor cells and localization into the nucleus for its transcription and protein translation. Here, we have reported a thermal responsive self-assemble and highly biocompatible, targeted ELP-based gene delivery system. These systems consist of cell-penetrating peptides, Tat and single or multiple repeats of IL-4 receptor targeting peptide AP-1 along the backbone of ELP. Cell-penetrating peptides were introduced for nuclear localization of genes of interest, AP-1 for targeting IL-4R highly expressed tumor cells and ELP for stable condensation favoring protection of nucleic acids. The designed multidomain fusion ELPs referred to as Tat-ELP, Tat-A1E28 and Tat-A4V48 were employed to generate formulation with pEGFP-N1. Profound formulation of stable complexes occurred at different molar ratios owing to electrostatic interactions of positively charged amino acids in polymers with negatively charged nucleic acids. Among the complexes, Tat-A4V48 containing four copies of AP-1 showed maximum complexation with pEGFP-N1 in lower molar ratio. The polymer-pEGFP complexes were further analyzed for its transfection efficiency in different cancer cell lines. Both the targeted polymers, Tat-A4V48 and Tat-A1E28 upon transfection displayed significant EGFP-expression with low toxicity in different cancer cells. Therefore, both Tat-A4V48 and Tat-A1E28 can be considered as novel transfection system for successful gene delivery with therapeutic applications.
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17
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Andersson P. Preclinical Safety Assessment of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2434:355-370. [PMID: 35213031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, therapeutic oligonucleotide drugs (OND) have witnessed a tremendous development in chemistry and mechanistic understanding that have translated into successful clinical applications. Depending on the specific OND mechanism, chemistry, and design, the DMPK and toxicity properties can vary significantly between different OND classes and delivery approaches, the latter including lipid formulations or conjugation approaches to enhance productive OND uptake. At the same time, with the only difference between compounds being the nucleobase sequence, ONDs with same mechanism of action, chemistry, and design show relatively consistent behavior, allowing certain extrapolations between compounds within an OND class. This chapter provides a summary of the most common toxicities, the improved mechanistic understanding and the safety assessment activities performed for therapeutic oligonucleotides during the drug discovery and development process. Several of the considerations described for therapeutic applications should also be of value for the scientists mainly using oligonucleotides as research tools to explore various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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18
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Novel endosomolytic compounds enable highly potent delivery of antisense oligonucleotides. Commun Biol 2022; 5:185. [PMID: 35233031 PMCID: PMC8888659 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03132-2] [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: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic and research potentials of oligonucleotides (ONs) have been hampered in part by their inability to effectively escape endosomal compartments to reach their cytosolic and nuclear targets. Splice-switching ONs (SSOs) can be used with endosomolytic small molecule compounds to increase functional delivery. So far, development of these compounds has been hindered by a lack of high-resolution methods that can correlate SSO trafficking with SSO activity. Here we present in-depth characterization of two novel endosomolytic compounds by using a combination of microscopic and functional assays with high spatiotemporal resolution. This system allows the visualization of SSO trafficking, evaluation of endosomal membrane rupture, and quantitates SSO functional activity on a protein level in the presence of endosomolytic compounds. We confirm that the leakage of SSO into the cytosol occurs in parallel with the physical engorgement of LAMP1-positive late endosomes and lysosomes. We conclude that the new compounds interfere with SSO trafficking to the LAMP1-positive endosomal compartments while inducing endosomal membrane rupture and concurrent ON escape into the cytosol. The efficacy of these compounds advocates their use as novel, potent, and quick-acting transfection reagents for antisense ONs. Two new endosomolytic small compounds increase delivery of splice-switching oligonucleotides by interfering with their trafficking to the LAMP1-positive endosomal compartments, inducing endosomal membrane rupture and concurrent oligonucleotide escape into the cytosol.
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19
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Rusiecka I, Gągało I, Kocić I. Cell-penetrating peptides improve pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticancer drugs. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1965418. [PMID: 34402743 PMCID: PMC8794253 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1965418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review concentrates on the research concerning conjugates of anticancer drugs with versatile cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). For a better insight into the relationship between the components of the constructs, it starts with the characteristic of the peptides and considers its following aspects: mechanisms of cellular internalization, interaction with cancer-modified membranes, selectivity against tumor tissue. Also, CPPs with anticancer activity have been distinguished and summarized with their mechanisms of action. With respect to the conjugates, the preclinical studies (in vitro, in vivo) indicated that they possess several merits in comparison to the parent drugs. They concerned not only better cellular internalization but also other improvements in pharmacokinetics (e.g. access to the brain tissue) and pharmacodynamics (e.g. overcoming drug resistance). The anticancer activity of the conjugates was usually superior to that of the unconjugated drug. Certain anticancer CPPs and conjugates entered clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rusiecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Iwona Gągało
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ivan Kocić
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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20
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Wdowikowska A, Janicka M. Antisense oligonucleotide technology as a research tool in plant biology. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2021; 49:1-12. [PMID: 34794541 DOI: 10.1071/fp21194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) is a short single-stranded deoxyribonucleotide complementary to the sense strand of a selected nucleic acid. As a result, an ASO can modulate gene expression through several mechanisms. The technology based on ASO has already been applied in studies on gene function in mammalian cells and selective therapeutic strategies for many diseases. The conceptual simplicity and low cost of this method, and the developments in the field of plant genome sequencing observed in the last decades, have paved the way for the ASO method also in plant biology. It is applied in gene function analysis as well as the development of non-invasive plant production technology involving gene modifications without transgenesis. Therefore, the first part of this review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, mechanism of action and delivery methods of ASOs in plants and shows the most important features essential for the proper design of individual experiments. We also discuss potential issues and difficulties that may arise during practical ASO implementation. The second part of this article contains an analysis of ASO applications in various studies in the field of plant biology. We presented for the first time that ASOs were also successfully applied in cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wdowikowska
- Department of Plant Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Janicka
- Department of Plant Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wroclaw, Poland
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21
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Darrah KE, Deiters A. Translational control of gene function through optically regulated nucleic acids. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:13253-13267. [PMID: 34739027 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00257k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Translation of mRNA into protein is one of the most fundamental processes within biological systems. Gene expression is tightly regulated both in space and time, often involving complex signaling or gene regulatory networks, as most prominently observed in embryo development. Thus, studies of gene function require tools with a matching level of external control. Light is an excellent conditional trigger as it is minimally invasive, can be easily tuned in wavelength and amplitude, and can be applied with excellent spatial and temporal resolution. To this end, modification of established oligonucleotide-based technologies with optical control elements, in the form of photocaging groups and photoswitches, has rendered these tools capable of navigating the dynamic regulatory pathways of mRNA translation in cellular and in vivo models. In this review, we discuss the different optochemical approaches used to generate photoresponsive nucleic acids that activate and deactivate gene expression and function at the translational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie E Darrah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA.
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA.
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22
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Raguraman P, Balachandran AA, Chen S, Diermeier SD, Veedu RN. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Splice Switching: Potential Therapeutic Approach for Cancer Mitigation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5555. [PMID: 34771719 PMCID: PMC8583451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing is an essential process wherein precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is reshaped into mature mRNA. In alternative splicing, exons of any pre-mRNA get rearranged to form mRNA variants and subsequently protein isoforms, which are distinct both by structure and function. On the other hand, aberrant splicing is the cause of many disorders, including cancer. In the past few decades, developments in the understanding of the underlying biological basis for cancer progression and therapeutic resistance have identified many oncogenes as well as carcinogenic splice variants of essential genes. These transcripts are involved in various cellular processes, such as apoptosis, cell signaling and proliferation. Strategies to inhibit these carcinogenic isoforms at the mRNA level are promising. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) have been developed to inhibit the production of alternatively spliced carcinogenic isoforms through splice modulation or mRNA degradation. AOs can also be used to induce splice switching, where the expression of an oncogenic protein can be inhibited by the induction of a premature stop codon. In general, AOs are modified chemically to increase their stability and binding affinity. One of the major concerns with AOs is efficient delivery. Strategies for the delivery of AOs are constantly being evolved to facilitate the entry of AOs into cells. In this review, the different chemical modifications employed and delivery strategies applied are discussed. In addition to that various AOs in clinical trials and their efficacy are discussed herein with a focus on six distinct studies that use AO-mediated exon skipping as a therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithi Raguraman
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Akilandeswari Ashwini Balachandran
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Suxiang Chen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah D. Diermeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Rakesh N. Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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23
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Alamudi SH, Kimoto M, Hirao I. Uptake mechanisms of cell-internalizing nucleic acid aptamers for applications as pharmacological agents. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1640-1649. [PMID: 34778766 PMCID: PMC8528270 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00199j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers, also regarded as chemical antibodies, show potential as targeted therapeutic and delivery agents since they possess unique advantages over antibodies. Generated by an iterative selection and amplification process from oligonucleotide libraries using cultured cells, the aptamers bind to their target molecules expressed on the cell surface. Excitingly, most aptamers also demonstrate a cell-internalizing property in native living cells, allowing them to directly enter the cells via endocytosis depending on the target. In this review, we discuss selection methods in generating cell-internalizing aptamers via a cell-based selection process, along with their challenges and optimization strategies. We highlight the cellular uptake routes adopted by the aptamers and also their intracellular fate after the uptake, to give an overview of their mechanism of action for applications as promising pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Husen Alamudi
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Michiko Kimoto
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
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24
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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: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [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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25
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Feng C, Mu JX, Ren CL. Regulation of oligonucleotide adsorption by a thermo and pH dual-responsive copolymer layer. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:14296-14307. [PMID: 34160496 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01644j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides hold great promise as therapeutic agents to specifically and selectively inhibit gene expression. In order to achieve better targeting efficiency and treatment efficacy, nanocarriers that are dual-responsive to both temperature and pH are more attractive and suitable due to the fact that certain malignancies can cause a slight increase of local temperature and a minor decrease in extracellular pH around the tumor site at the same time. Here, we systematically study oligonucleotide adsorption on the poly(ethyleneimine)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PEI-b-PNIPAm) copolymer layer grafted on a planar surface and nanoparticles with various radii, where the single effect of temperature or pH alone on oligonucleotide adsorption has been extensively investigated, but the combined effect of temperature and pH is less discussed. The theoretical results show that the surface density of the adsorbed oligonucleotides exhibits thermo and pH dual-responsive behavior, in which temperature and pH exhibit a combined effect on the loading capacity of the oligonucleotides. The underlying molecular mechanism of the dual-responsive behavior is revealed. Besides, the effect of important but coupled parameters in nanocarrier design such as polymer surface coverage and length, salt concentration as well as surface curvature (inverse nanoparticle radius) that may influence the dual-responsive behavior of oligonucleotide adsorption is further discussed, which is of great significance to direct the optimal design of PNIPAm/PEI-based nanocarriers to improve the transfection efficiency by achieving the maximal loading capacity of oligonucleotides at different temperatures and pH values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Hebei Key Laboratory of Microstructural Material Physics, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Jiang-Xue Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Hebei Key Laboratory of Microstructural Material Physics, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Chun-Lai Ren
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China. and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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26
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Unconventional viral gene expression mechanisms as therapeutic targets. Nature 2021; 593:362-371. [PMID: 34012080 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Unlike the human genome that comprises mostly noncoding and regulatory sequences, viruses have evolved under the constraints of maintaining a small genome size while expanding the efficiency of their coding and regulatory sequences. As a result, viruses use strategies of transcription and translation in which one or more of the steps in the conventional gene-protein production line are altered. These alternative strategies of viral gene expression (also known as gene recoding) can be uniquely brought about by dedicated viral enzymes or by co-opting host factors (known as host dependencies). Targeting these unique enzymatic activities and host factors exposes vulnerabilities of a virus and provides a paradigm for the design of novel antiviral therapies. In this Review, we describe the types and mechanisms of unconventional gene and protein expression in viruses, and provide a perspective on how future basic mechanistic work could inform translational efforts that are aimed at viral eradication.
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27
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Bortolozzi A, Manashirov S, Chen A, Artigas F. Oligonucleotides as therapeutic tools for brain disorders: Focus on major depressive disorder and Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107873. [PMID: 33915178 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable advances in understanding the role of RNA in health and disease have expanded considerably in the last decade. RNA is becoming an increasingly important target for therapeutic intervention; therefore, it is critical to develop strategies for therapeutic modulation of RNA function. Oligonucleotides, including antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA mimic (miRNA), and anti-microRNA (antagomir) are perhaps the most direct therapeutic strategies for addressing RNA. Among other mechanisms, most oligonucleotide designs involve the formation of a hybrid with RNA that promotes its degradation by activation of endogenous enzymes such as RNase-H (e.g., ASO) or the RISC complex (e.g. RNA interference - RNAi for siRNA and miRNA). However, the use of oligonucleotides for the treatment of brain disorders is seriously compromised by two main limitations: i) how to deliver oligonucleotides to the brain compartment, avoiding the action of peripheral RNAses? and once there, ii) how to target specific neuronal populations? We review the main molecular pathways in major depressive disorder (MDD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and discuss the challenges associated with the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutics. We pay special attention to the use of conjugated ligand-oligonucleotide approach in which the oligonucleotide sequence is covalently bound to monoamine transporter inhibitors (e.g. sertraline, reboxetine, indatraline). This strategy allows their selective accumulation in the monoamine neurons of mice and monkeys after their intranasal or intracerebroventricular administration, evoking preclinical changes predictive of a clinical therapeutic action after knocking-down disease-related genes. In addition, recent advances in oligonucleotide therapeutic clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sharon Manashirov
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; miCure Therapeutics LTD., Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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28
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Gadgil A, Raczyńska KD. U7 snRNA: A tool for gene therapy. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3321. [PMID: 33590603 PMCID: PMC8243935 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Most U-rich small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are complexes that mediate the splicing of pre-mRNAs. U7 snRNP is an exception in that it is not involved in splicing but is a key factor in the unique 3' end processing of replication-dependent histone mRNAs. However, by introducing controlled changes in the U7 snRNA histone binding sequence and in the Sm motif, it can be used as an effective tool for gene therapy. The modified U7 snRNP (U7 Sm OPT) is thus not involved in the processing of replication-dependent histone pre-mRNA but targets splicing by inducing efficient skipping or inclusion of selected exons. U7 Sm OPT is of therapeutic importance in diseases that are an outcome of splicing defects, such as myotonic dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, β-thalassemia, HIV-1 infection and spinal muscular atrophy. The benefits of using U7 Sm OPT for gene therapy are its compact size, ability to accumulate in the nucleus without causing any toxic effects in the cells, and no immunoreactivity. The risk of transgene misregulation by using U7 Sm OPT is also low because it is involved in correcting the expression of an endogenous gene controlled by its own regulatory elements. Altogether, using U7 Sm OPT as a tool in gene therapy can ensure lifelong treatment, whereas an oligonucleotide or other drug/compound would require repeated administration. It would thus be strategic to harness these unique properties of U7 snRNP and deploy it as a tool in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Gadgil
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
- Center for Advanced TechnologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
| | - Katarzyna Dorota Raczyńska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
- Center for Advanced TechnologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
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29
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de la Fuente IF, Sawant SS, Tolentino MQ, Corrigan PM, Rouge JL. Viral Mimicry as a Design Template for Nucleic Acid Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2021; 9:613209. [PMID: 33777893 PMCID: PMC7987652 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.613209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids hold immense potential in combating undruggable, gene-based diseases owing to their high programmability and relative ease of synthesis. While the delivery of this class of therapeutics has successfully entered the clinical setting, extrahepatic targeting, endosomal escape efficiency, and subcellular localization. On the other hand, viruses serve as natural carriers of nucleic acids and have acquired a plethora of structures and mechanisms that confer remarkable transfection efficiency. Thus, understanding the structure and mechanism of viruses can guide the design of synthetic nucleic acid vectors. This review revisits relevant structural and mechanistic features of viruses as design considerations for efficient nucleic acid delivery systems. This article explores how viral ligand display and a metastable structure are central to the molecular mechanisms of attachment, entry, and viral genome release. For comparison, accounted for are details on the design and intracellular fate of existing nucleic acid carriers and nanostructures that share similar and essential features to viruses. The review, thus, highlights unifying themes of viruses and nucleic acid delivery systems such as genome protection, target specificity, and controlled release. Sophisticated viral mechanisms that are yet to be exploited in oligonucleotide delivery are also identified as they could further the development of next-generation nonviral nucleic acid vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Rouge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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30
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Gupta A, Kafetzis KN, Tagalakis AD, Yu-Wai-Man C. RNA therapeutics in ophthalmology - translation to clinical trials. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108482. [PMID: 33548256 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of RNA interference technology has proven to inhibit the expression of many target genes involved in the underlying pathogenesis of several diseases affecting various systems. First established in in vitro and later in animal studies, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics are now entering clinical trials with the potential of clinical translation to patients. Gene-silencing therapies have demonstrated promising responses in ocular disorders, predominantly due to the structure of the eye being a closed and compartmentalised organ. However, although the efficacy of such treatments has been observed in both preclinical studies and clinical trials, there are issues pertaining to the use of these drugs which require more extensive research with regards to the delivery and stability of siRNAs and ASOs. This would improve their use for long-term treatment regimens and alleviate the difficulties experienced by patients with ocular diseases. This review provides a detailed insight into the recent developments and clinical trials that have been conducted for several gene-silencing therapies, including ISTH0036, SYL040012, SYL1001, PF-04523655, Sirna-027, QR-110, QR-1123, QR-421a and IONIS-FB-LRX in glaucoma, dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and various inherited retinal diseases. Our aim is to explore the potential of these drugs whilst evaluating their associated advantages and disadvantages, and to discuss the future translation of RNA therapeutics in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Gupta
- King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
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31
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Katzmann JL, Packard CJ, Chapman MJ, Katzmann I, Laufs U. Targeting RNA With Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 76:563-579. [PMID: 32731935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is an unmet clinical need to reduce residual cardiovascular risk attributable to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, particularly low-density lipoprotein and remnant particles. Pharmacological targeting of messenger RNA represents an emerging, innovative approach. Two major classes of agents have been developed-antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA. Early problems with their use have been overcome by conjugation with N-acetylgalactosamine, an adduct that targets their delivery to the primary site of action in the liver. Using these agents to inhibit the translation of key regulatory proteins such as PCSK9, apolipoprotein CIII, apolipoprotein(a), and angiopoietin-like 3 has been shown to be effective in attenuating dyslipidemic states. Cardiovascular outcome trials with N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated RNA-targeting drugs are ongoing. The advantages of these agents include long dosing intervals of up to 6 months and the potential to regulate the abundance of any disease-related protein. Long-term safety has yet to be demonstrated in large-scale clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius L Katzmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Chris J Packard
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - M John Chapman
- Endocrinology-Metabolism Division, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Paris, France
| | - Isabell Katzmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zeisigwaldkliniken Bethanien Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Aho A, Äärelä A, Korhonen H, Virta P. Expanding the Scope of the Cleavable N-(methoxy)oxazolidine Linker for the Synthesis of Oligonucleotide Conjugates. Molecules 2021; 26:490. [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; (A.A.); (A.Ä.); (H.K.)
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33
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Fakih HH, Katolik A, Malek-Adamian E, Fakhoury JJ, Kaviani S, Damha MJ, Sleiman HF. Design and enhanced gene silencing activity of spherical 2'-fluoroarabinose nucleic acids (FANA-SNAs). Chem Sci 2021; 12:2993-3003. [PMID: 34164068 PMCID: PMC8179377 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06645a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery vectors for nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) face significant barriers for translation into the clinic. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) – nanoparticles with an exterior shell made up of DNA strands and a hydrophobic interior – have recently shown great potential as vehicles to improve the biodistribution and efficacy of NATs. To date, SNA design has not taken advantage of the powerful chemical modifications available to NATs. Here, we modify SNAs with 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-d-arabinonucleic acid (FANA-SNA), and show increased stability, enhanced gene silencing potency and unaided uptake (gymnosis) as compared to free FANA. By varying the spacer region between the nucleic acid strand and the attached hydrophobic polymer, we show that a cleavable DNA based spacer is essential for maximum activity. This design feature will be important when implementing functionalized nucleic acids into nanostructures for gene silencing. The modularity of the FANA-SNA was demonstrated by silencing two different targets. Transfection-free delivery was superior for the modified SNA compared to the free FANA oligonucleotide. Optimizing FANA modified spherical nucleic acids (FANA-SNAs) for highly efficient delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan H Fakih
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
| | - Adam Katolik
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
| | | | - Johans J Fakhoury
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
| | - Sepideh Kaviani
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal Quebec H3A 0B8 Canada
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34
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Patil NA. Conjugation Approaches for Peptide-Mediated Delivery of Oligonucleotides Therapeutics. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch21131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ahangarzadeh S, Moghimi H, Bandehpour M, Ranjbari J. Acetate Kinase a Antisense Delivery by PAMAM Dendrimer for Decreasing Acetate Production and Increasing the Production of Recombinant Albumin in E. coli. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 19:e2617. [PMID: 34179192 PMCID: PMC8217542 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2021.2617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acetate accumulation in the culture medium is known as an inhibitor in recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli.
Various approaches have been proposed and evaluated to overcome this challenge and reduce the concentration of acetate.
In this study, we examined the effect of acetate kinase A antisense on acetate production rate in E. coli We also used
PAMAM dendrimers as a suitable delivery agent for antisense transformation into E. coli host cell. Objective: This study aimed to decrease acetate production as a by-product using an antisense-dendrimer complex to increase mass cell and subsequently recombinant Albumin production in E. coli. Materials and Methods: Here, to study the effect of this treatment on recombinant protein production, we used pET22b/HAS construct. The ackA gene expression was inhibited by designed antisense to reduce acetate concentration in culture medium. AckA antisense was transferred to E. coli by PAMAM dendrimer. Finally, ackA expression and recombinant Albumin production were evaluated Real-Time PCR and densitometry, respectively. Results: Our data showed, designed antisense lead to reduction of acetate kinase gene expression and subsequently acetate concentration in
the culture medium. Finally, acetate concentration reduction and cell mass increase result in enhanced recombinant Alb production in
the treated group (1.25 mg.mL-1) compare to the control group ( 0.59 mg.mL-1). Conclusions: Reduction of acetate in E. coli fermentation process decreased the recombinant Alb production following cell
growth and cell mass increase. In the current study, we showed that an antisense can be a useful tool for ackA gene expression reduction.
Also, we noted that PAMAM dendrimer could be a proper delivery agent for oligonucleotide antisense transformation into bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Ahangarzadeh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Moghimi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbari
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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36
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Fernandes F, Kotharkar P, Chakravorty A, Kowshik M, Talukdar I. Nanocarrier Mediated siRNA Delivery Targeting Stem Cell Differentiation. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 15:155-172. [PMID: 31789134 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666191202095041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell-based regenerative medicine holds exceptional therapeutic potential and hence the development of efficient techniques to enhance control over the rate of differentiation has been the focus of active research. One of the strategies to achieve this involves delivering siRNA into stem cells and exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. Transport of siRNA across the cell membrane is a challenge due to its anionic property, especially in primary human cells and stem cells. Moreover, naked siRNA incites immune responses, may cause off-target effects, exhibits low stability and is easily degraded by endonucleases in the bloodstream. Although siRNA delivery using viral vectors and electroporation has been used in stem cells, these methods demonstrate low transfection efficiency, cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, events of integration and may involve laborious customization. With the advent of nanotechnology, nanocarriers which act as novel gene delivery vehicles designed to overcome the problems associated with safety and practicality are being developed. The various nanomaterials that are currently being explored and discussed in this review include liposomes, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, protein and peptide nanocarriers, magnetic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. These nanodelivery agents exhibit advantages such as low immunogenic response, biocompatibility, design flexibility allowing for surface modification and functionalization, and control over the surface topography for achieving the desired rate of siRNA delivery and improved gene knockdown efficiency. This review also includes discussion on siRNA co-delivery with imaging agents, plasmid DNA, drugs etc. to achieve combined diagnostic and enhanced therapeutic functionality, both for in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Fernandes
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa-403726, India
| | - Pooja Kotharkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa-403726, India
| | - Adrija Chakravorty
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa-403726, India
| | - Meenal Kowshik
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa-403726, India
| | - Indrani Talukdar
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa-403726, India
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37
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Chen S, Sbuh N, Veedu RN. Antisense Oligonucleotides as Potential Therapeutics for Type 2 Diabetes. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:39-57. [PMID: 33026966 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from inefficient signaling and insufficient production of insulin. Conventional management of T2D has largely relied on small molecule-based oral hypoglycemic medicines, which do not halt the progression of the disease due to limited efficacy and induce adverse effects as well. To this end, antisense oligonucleotide has attracted immense attention in developing antidiabetic agents because of their ability to downregulate the expression of disease-causing genes at the RNA and protein level. To date, seven antisense agents have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for therapies of a variety of human maladies, including genetic disorders. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of antisense molecules developed for suppressing the causative genes believed to be responsible for insulin resistance and hyperglycemia toward preventing and treating T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suxiang Chen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Nabayet Sbuh
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
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38
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Saw PE, Xu X, Chen J, Song EW. Non-coding RNAs: the new central dogma of cancer biology. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:22-50. [PMID: 32930921 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology states that the functions of RNA revolve around protein translation. Until the last decade, most researches were geared towards characterization of RNAs as intermediaries in protein translation, namely, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) as temporary copies of genetic information, ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) as a main component of ribosome, or translators of codon sequence (tRNAs). The statistical reality, however, is that these processes account for less than 2% of the genome, and insufficiently explain the functionality of 98% of transcribed RNAs. Recent discoveries have unveiled thousands of unique non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and shifted the perception of them from being "junk" transcriptional products to "yet to be elucidated"-and potentially monumentally important-RNAs. Most ncRNAs are now known as key regulators in various networks in which they could lead to specific cellular responses and fates. In major cancers, ncRNAs have been identified as both oncogenic drivers and tumor suppressors, indicating a complex regulatory network among these ncRNAs. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the various ncRNAs and their functional roles in cancer, and the pre-clinical and clinical development of ncRNA-based therapeutics. A deeper understanding of ncRNAs could facilitate better design of personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jianing Chen
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Er-Wei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. .,Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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39
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Altrichter Y, Seitz O. Simultaneous Targeting of Two Master Regulators of Apoptosis with Dual-Action PNA- and DNA-Peptide Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1928-1937. [PMID: 32567853 PMCID: PMC7583637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Conjugation of peptides with oligonucleotides offers opportunities for combining the strengths of both biopolymer classes. Herein, we show that the combination of a peptide-based module with an antisense oligonucleotide module provides for enhancements of potency and a widened scope of cell delivery options. The peptide unit comprises a Smac mimetic compound (SMCs) which antagonizes the action of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) frequently overexpressed in cancer cells. To counteract SMC resistance, the antisense module downregulates the cellular FLICE-like protein (c-FLIP), a master regulator of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. We compared c-FLIP antisense units based on oligophosphorothioate (PSO) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) architectures. Owing to the ease of synthesis, PNA conjugates combined with a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) offer a seemingly ideal solution for cell delivery of dual activity agents. However, our investigations revealed that such congeners have to be handled with care to avoid off-target effects. By contrast, PSO conjugates provided a more robust and specific activity for inducing death of SMC-resistant A549 cells due to a simultaneous activation of caspases and c-FLIP knockdown. We show that lipofection is a convenient approach for delivery of peptide-PSO conjugates into cells. The results highlight that the combination of the peptide and the DNA world confers properties inaccessible by the unconjugated components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannic Altrichter
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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40
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Developing small activating RNA as a therapeutic: current challenges and promises. Ther Deliv 2020; 10:151-164. [PMID: 30909853 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) allows specific gene upregulation mediated by a small activating RNA (saRNA). Harnessing this process would help in developing novel therapeutics for undruggable diseases. Since its discovery in mid 2000s, improvements of saRNA design, synthetic chemistry and understanding of the biology have matured the way to apply RNAa. Indeed, MiNA therapeutics Ltd has conducted the first RNAa clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with promising outcomes. However, to fully realize the RNAa potential better saRNA delivery strategies are needed to target other diseases. Currently, saRNA can be delivered in vivo by lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipid and polymer hybrids and aptamers. Further developing these delivery technologies and novel application of RNAa will prove to be invaluable for new treatment development.
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Jin JO, Kim G, Hwang J, Han KH, Kwak M, Lee PCW. Nucleic acid nanotechnology for cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188377. [PMID: 32418899 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most prevalent potentially lethal diseases. With the increase in the number of investigations into the uses of nanotechnology, many nucleic acid (NA)-based nanostructures such as small interfering RNA, microRNA, aptamers, and immune adjuvant NA have been applied to treat cancer. Here, we discuss studies on the applications of NA in cancer treatment, recent research trends, and the limitations and prospects of specific NA-mediated gene therapy and immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The NA structures used for cancer therapy consist only of NA or hybrids comprising organic or inorganic substances integrated with functional NA. We also discuss delivery vehicles for therapeutic NA and anti-cancer agents, and recent trends in NA-based gene therapy and immunotherapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-O Jin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.
| | - Gyurin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, South Korea
| | - Juyoung Hwang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, South Korea; DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen 52056, Germany.
| | - Peter C W Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, South Korea.
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A Unique Gene-Silencing Approach, Using an Intelligent RNA Expression Device (iRed), Results in Minimal Immune Stimulation When Given by Local Intrapleural Injection in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071725. [PMID: 32283709 PMCID: PMC7181240 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071725] [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: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We have recently introduced an intelligent RNA expression device (iRed), comprising the minimum essential components needed to transcribe short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in cells. Use of iRed efficiently produced shRNA molecules after transfection into cells and alleviated the innate immune stimulation following intravenous injection. Methods: To study the usefulness of iRed for local injection, the engineered iRed encoding luciferase shRNA (Luc iRed), complexed with cationic liposomes (Luc iRed/liposome-complexes), was intrapleurally injected into an orthotopic mesothelioma mouse model. Results: Luc iRed/liposome-complexes markedly suppressed the expression of a luciferase marker gene in pleurally disseminated mesothelioma cells. The suppressive efficiency was correlated with the expression level of shRNA within the mesothelioma cells. In addition, intrapleural injection of iRed/liposome-complexes did not induce IL-6 production in the pleural space and consequently in the blood compartment, although plasmid DNA (pDNA) or dsDNA (the natural construct for iRed) in the formulation did. Conclusion: Local delivery of iRed could augment the in vivo gene silencing effect without eliciting pronounced innate immune stimulation. Our results might hold promise for widespread utilization of iRed as an RNAi-based therapeutic for intracelial malignant cancers.
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Yi A, Sim D, Lee YJ, Sarangthem V, Park RW. Development of elastin-like polypeptide for targeted specific gene delivery in vivo. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:15. [PMID: 31952530 PMCID: PMC6969399 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-0574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The successful deliveries of siRNA depend on their stabilities under physiological conditions because greater in vivo stability enhances cellular uptake and enables endosomal escape. Viral-based systems appears as most efficient approaches for gene delivery but often compromised in terms of biocompatibility, patient safety and high cost scale up process. Here we describe a novel platform of gene delivery by elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) based targeting biopolymers. Results For better tumor targeting and membrane penetrating characteristics, we designed various chimeric ELP-based carriers containing a cell penetrating peptide (Tat), single or multiple copies of AP1 an IL-4 receptor targeting peptide along with coding sequence of ELP and referred as Tat-A1E28 or Tat-A4V48. These targeted polypeptides were further analyzed for its ability to deliver siRNA (Luciferase gene) in tumor cells in comparison with non-targeted controls (Tat-E28 or E28). The positively charged amino acids of these polypeptides enabled them to readily complex with negatively charged nucleic acids. The complexation of nucleic acid with respective polypeptides facilitated its transfection efficiency as well as stability. The targeted polypeptides (Tat-A1E28 or Tat-A4V48) selectively delivered siRNA into tumor cells in a receptor-specific fashion, achieved endosomal and lysosomal escape, and released gene into cytosol. The target specific delivery of siRNA by Tat-A1E28 or Tat-A4V48 was further validated in murine breast carcinoma 4T1 allograft mice model. Conclusion The designed delivery systems efficiently delivered siRNA to the target site of action thereby inducing significant gene silencing activity. The study shows Tat and AP1 functionalized ELPs constitute a novel gene delivery system with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aena Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Sim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Vijaya Sarangthem
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Rang-Woon Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
Antibody immunotherapy is revolutionizing modern medicine. The field has advanced dramatically over the past 40 years, driven in part by major advances in isolation and manufacturing technologies that have brought these important biologics to the forefront of modern medicine. However, the global uptake of monoclonal antibody (mAb) biologics is impeded by biophysical and biochemical liabilities, production limitations, the need for cold-chain storage and transport, as well as high costs of manufacturing and distribution. Some of these hurdles may be overcome through transient in vivo gene delivery platforms, such as non-viral synthetic plasmid DNA and messenger RNA vectors that are engineered to encode optimized mAb genes. These approaches turn the body into a biological factory for antibody production, eliminating many of the steps involved in bioprocesses and providing several other significant advantages, and differ from traditional gene therapy (permanent delivery) approaches. In this review, we focus on nucleic acid delivery of antibody employing synthetic plasmid DNA vector platforms, and RNA delivery, these being important approaches that are advancing simple, rapid, in vivo expression and having an impact in animal models of infectious diseases and cancer, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mamadou A Bah
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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45
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Efficient nanocarriers of siRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment. Transl Res 2019; 214:62-91. [PMID: 31369717 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nanocarriers as drug delivery systems are promising and becoming popular, especially for cancer treatment. In addition to improving the pharmacokinetics of poorly soluble hydrophobic drugs by solubilizing them in a hydrophobic core, nanocarriers allow cancer-specific combination drug deliveries by inherent passive targeting phenomena and adoption of active targeting strategies. Nanoparticle-drug formulations can enhance the safety, pharmacokinetic profiles, and bioavailability of locally or systemically administered drugs, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is rapidly developing as a personalized field of cancer treatment. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be used to switch off specific cancer genes, in effect, "silence the gene, silence the cancer." siRNA can be used to silence specific genes that produce harmful or abnormal proteins. The activity of siRNA can be used to harness cellular machinery to destroy a corresponding sequence of mRNA that encodes a disease-causing protein. At present, the main barrier to implementing siRNA therapies in clinical practice is the lack of an effective delivery system that protects the siRNA from nuclease degradation, delivers to it to cancer cells, and releases it into the cytoplasm of targeted cancer cells, without creating adverse effects. This review provides an overview of various nanocarrier formulations in both research and clinical applications with a focus on combinations of siRNA and chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems for the treatment of multidrug resistant cancer. The use of various nanoparticles for siRNA-drug delivery, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles, exosomes, and red blood cells for targeted drug delivery in cancer is discussed.
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Noël M, Clément-Blanc C, Meyer A, Vasseur JJ, Morvan F. Solid Supports for the Synthesis of 3'-Aminooxy Deoxy- or Ribo-oligonucleotides and Their 3'-Conjugation by Oxime Ligation. J Org Chem 2019; 84:14854-14860. [PMID: 31615211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mono- and triethylene glycol aminooxy derivatives were reacted with levulinic acid, protected with dimethoxytrityl, and immobilized on solid support. The resulting solid supports were used for elongation of oligonucleotides. Then, a mild ammonia treatment was applied to remove the oligonucleotide protecting groups, followed by a treatment with 50 mM methoxyamine at pH 4.2, releasing the 3'-aminooxy oligonucleotides by an oxime exchange reaction. The resulting 3'-aminooxy deoxy- or ribo-oligonucleotides were conjugated to various ketones and aldehydes with high efficiency by oxime ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Noël
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM , Montpellier 34090 , France
| | - Céline Clément-Blanc
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM , Montpellier 34090 , France
| | - Albert Meyer
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM , Montpellier 34090 , France
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM , Montpellier 34090 , France
| | - François Morvan
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM , Montpellier 34090 , France
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47
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Chen Z, Krishnamachary B, Pachecho-Torres J, Penet MF, Bhujwalla ZM. Theranostic small interfering RNA nanoparticles in cancer precision nanomedicine. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 12:e1595. [PMID: 31642207 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to their ability to effectively downregulate the expression of target genes, small interfering RNA (siRNA) have emerged as promising candidates for precision medicine in cancer. Although some siRNA-based treatments have advanced to clinical trials, challenges such as poor stability during circulation, and less than optimal pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of siRNA in vivo present barriers to the systemic delivery of siRNA. In recent years, theranostic nanomedicine integrating siRNA delivery has attracted significant attention for precision medicine. Theranostic nanomedicine takes advantage of the high capacity of nanoplatforms to ferry cargo with imaging and therapeutic capabilities. These theranostic nanoplatforms have the potential to play a major role in gene specific treatments. Here we have reviewed recent advances in the use of theranostic nanoplatforms to deliver siRNA, and discussed the opportunities as well as challenges associated with this exciting technology. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Chen
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jesus Pachecho-Torres
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marie-France Penet
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zaver M Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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48
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Santos T, Pereira P, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Queiroz JA, Cabrita E, Cruz C. RNA G-quadruplex as supramolecular carrier for cancer-selective delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 142:473-479. [PMID: 31325486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers have emerged as an attractive class of carrier molecules due to their ability to bind with high affinity to specific ligands; their high chemical flexibility; as well as tissue penetration capability. RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) sequences have been described as structures with high stability and selectivity towards cancer cells. Recently, precursor microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) have been described as new G4 forming molecules. Surface nucleolin (NCL) is a known target of aptamer G4 AS1411 and is overexpressed on prostate cancer cells when compared with normal cells. We have shown that the sequence 5' GGGAGGGAGGGACGGG 3' found in pre-miR-149 forms a rG4 parallel structure, which can bind NCL. Also, another rG4 sequence with a longer loop was evaluated in terms of G4 formation, stabilization and binding affinity to NCL. Both rG4s sequences were studied as supramolecular carriers for the cancer-selective delivery of acridine ligand C8. The rG4s-C8 complexes showed high affinity (KD = 10-6 M) and stabilization (Tm > 30 °C). The affinity of the rG4s-C8 complexes against NCL was in the low nanomolar range, indicating that C8 did not affect NCL binding. Noteworthy, the short loop rG4-C8 complex showed selective antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells when compared with normal prostatic cells. The stability and nuclease resistance of rG4 and rG4-C8 complex were evaluated in biological conditions and revealed the maintenance of G4 structure and complex stability. Furthermore, confocal microscopy studies confirmed the potential of rG4s-C8 complexes in the targeting of prostate cancer cells. Overall, it is here demonstrated that the rG4 found in pre-miR-149 can be used as a cancer-selective delivery carrier of C8 to prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - Eurico Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal.
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49
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Dua K, Wadhwa R, Singhvi G, Rapalli V, Shukla SD, Shastri MD, Gupta G, Satija S, Mehta M, Khurana N, Awasthi R, Maurya PK, Thangavelu L, S R, Tambuwala MM, Collet T, Hansbro PM, Chellappan DK. The potential of siRNA based drug delivery in respiratory disorders: Recent advances and progress. Drug Dev Res 2019; 80:714-730. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of HealthUniversity of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales Australia
- Centenary InstituteRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
| | - Ridhima Wadhwa
- Faculty of Life Sciences and BiotechnologySouth Asian University New Delhi India
| | - Gautam Singhvi
- Department of PharmacyBirla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani India
| | | | - Shakti Dhar Shukla
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
| | - Madhur D. Shastri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of Tasmania Launceston Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of PharmacySuresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur India
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesLovely Professional University Phagwara Punjab India
| | - Meenu Mehta
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesLovely Professional University Phagwara Punjab India
| | - Navneet Khurana
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesLovely Professional University Phagwara Punjab India
| | - Rajendra Awasthi
- Amity Institute of PharmacyAmity University Noida Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of Haryana Mahendergarh Haryana India
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Nanobiomedicine Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental CollegeSaveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai Tamil Nadu India
| | - Rajeshkumar S
- Nanobiomedicine Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental CollegeSaveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai Tamil Nadu India
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUlster University, Coleraine London United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Trudi Collet
- Inovative Medicines Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centenary InstituteRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Technology Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of PharmacyInternational Medical University Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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50
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Zhang X, Castanotto D, Liu X, Shemi A, Stein CA. Ammonium and arsenic trioxide are potent facilitators of oligonucleotide function when delivered by gymnosis. Nucleic Acids Res 2019. [PMID: 29522198 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide (ON) concentrations employed for therapeutic applications vary widely, but in general are high enough to raise significant concerns for off target effects and cellular toxicity. However, lowering ON concentrations reduces the chances of a therapeutic response, since typically relatively small amounts of ON are taken up by targeted cells in tissue culture. It is therefore imperative to identify new strategies to improve the concentration dependence of ON function. In this work, we have identified ammonium ion (NH4+) as a non-toxic potent enhancer of ON activity in the nucleus and cytoplasm following delivery by gymnosis. NH4+ is a metabolite that has been extensively employed as diuretic, expectorant, for the treatment of renal calculi and in a variety of other diseases. Enhancement of function can be found in attached and suspension cells, including in difficult-to-transfect Jurkat T and CEM T cells. We have also demonstrated that NH4+ can synergistically interact with arsenic trioxide (arsenite) to further promote ON function without producing any apparent increased cellular toxicity. These small, inexpensive, widely distributed molecules could be useful not only in laboratory experiments but potentially in therapeutic ON-based combinatorial strategy for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Daniela Castanotto
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xueli Liu
- Department of Information Science, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Amotz Shemi
- Silenseed, 2 HaMa'ayan Street, Modi'in Technology Park, Modi'in 7177871, Israel
| | - Cy A Stein
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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