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Wang P, Zhou Y, Wang J, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liu Y, Li A, He Y, Chen S, Qian A, Wang X, Nie Y, Fan D, Cao T, Lu Y, Zhao X. miR-107 reverses the multidrug resistance of gastric cancer by targeting the CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107522. [PMID: 38960034 PMCID: PMC11345541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is still the main therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer (GC). However, most patients eventually acquire multidrug resistance (MDR). Hyperactivation of the EGFR signaling pathway contributes to MDR by promoting cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. We previously identified the secreted protein CGA as a novel ligand of EGFR and revealed a CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit that confers MDR in GC. Herein, we outline a microRNA-based treatment approach for MDR reversal that targets both CGA and GATA2. We observed increased expression of CGA and GATA2 and increased activation of EGFR in GC samples. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that miR-107 could simultaneously target CGA and GATA2, and the low expression of miR-107 was correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. The direct interactions between miR-107 and CGA or GATA2 were validated by luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR-107 in MDR GC cells increased their susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents, including fluorouracil, adriamycin, and vincristine, in vitro. Notably, intratumor injection of the miR-107 prodrug enhanced MDR xenograft sensitivity to chemotherapies in vivo. Molecularly, targeting CGA and GATA2 with miR-107 inhibited EGFR downstream signaling, as evidenced by the reduced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. These results suggest that miR-107 may contribute to the development of a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of MDR in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yelu Zhou
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanxing Liu
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ang Li
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangsong He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Airong Qian
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianyu Cao
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Wang Y, Tu MJ, Yu AM. Efflux ABC transporters in drug disposition and their posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1423416. [PMID: 39114355 PMCID: PMC11303158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1423416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are transmembrane proteins expressed commonly in metabolic and excretory organs to control xenobiotic or endobiotic disposition and maintain their homeostasis. Changes in ABC transporter expression may directly affect the pharmacokinetics of relevant drugs involving absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) processes. Indeed, overexpression of efflux ABC transporters in cancer cells or bacteria limits drug exposure and causes therapeutic failure that is known as multidrug resistance (MDR). With the discovery of functional noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) produced from the genome, many miRNAs have been revealed to govern posttranscriptional gene regulation of ABC transporters, which shall improve our understanding of complex mechanism behind the overexpression of ABC transporters linked to MDR. In this article, we first overview the expression and localization of important ABC transporters in human tissues and their clinical importance regarding ADME as well as MDR. Further, we summarize miRNA-controlled posttranscriptional gene regulation of ABC transporters and effects on ADME and MDR. Additionally, we discuss the development and utilization of novel bioengineered miRNA agents to modulate ABC transporter gene expression and subsequent influence on cellular drug accumulation and chemosensitivity. Findings on posttranscriptional gene regulation of ABC transporters shall not only improve our understanding of mechanisms behind variable ADME but also provide insight into developing new means towards rational and more effective pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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3
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Batra N, Tu MJ, Yu AM. Molecular Engineering of Functional SiRNA Agents. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1906-1915. [PMID: 38733599 PMCID: PMC11197084 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00181] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology constitutes a scientific domain focused on intentional redesign of organisms to confer novel functionalities or create new products through strategic engineering of their genetic makeup. Leveraging the inherent capabilities of nature, one may address challenges across diverse sectors including medicine. Inspired by this concept, we have developed an innovative bioengineering platform, enabling high-yield and large-scale production of biological small interfering RNA (BioRNA/siRNA) agents via bacterial fermentation. Herein, we show that with the use of a new tRNA fused pre-miRNA carrier, we can produce various forms of BioRNA/siRNA agents within living host cells. We report a high-level overexpression of nine target BioRNA/siRNA molecules at 100% success rate, yielding 3-10 mg of BioRNA/siRNA per 0.25 L of bacterial culture with high purity (>98%) and low endotoxin (<5 EU/μg RNA). Furthermore, we demonstrate that three representative BioRNA/siRNAs against GFP, BCL2, and PD-L1 are biologically active and can specifically and efficiently silence their respective targets with the potential to effectively produce downstream antiproliferation effects by PD-L1-siRNA. With these promising results, we aim to advance the field of synthetic biology by offering a novel platform to bioengineer functional siRNA agents for research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School
of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School
of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School
of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
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4
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Traber GM, Yi C, Batra N, Tu MJ, Yu AM. Novel RNA molecular bioengineering technology efficiently produces functional miRNA agents. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:680-694. [PMID: 38429100 PMCID: PMC11098458 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079904.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) govern posttranscriptional gene regulation and play important roles in various cellular processes and disease progression. While chemo-engineered miRNA mimics or biosimilars made in vitro are widely available and used, miRNA agents produced in vivo are emerging to closely recapitulate natural miRNA species for research. Our recent work has demonstrated the success of high-yield, in vivo production of recombinant miRNAs by using human tRNA (htRNA) fused precursor miRNA (pre-miR) carriers. In this study, we aim to compare the production of bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) molecules with glycyl versus leucyl htRNA fused hsa-pre-miR-34a carriers, namely, BioRNAGly and BioRNALeu, respectively, and perform the initial functional assessment. We designed, cloned, overexpressed, and purified a total of 48 new BioRNA/miRNAs, and overall expression levels, final yields, and purities were revealed to be comparable between BioRNAGly and BioRNALeu molecules. Meanwhile, the two versions of BioRNA/miRNAs showed similar activities to inhibit non-small cell lung cancer cell viability. Interestingly, functional analyses using model BioRNA/miR-7-5p demonstrated that BioRNAGly/miR-7-5p exhibited greater efficiency to regulate a known target gene expression (EGFR) than BioRNALeu/miR-7-5p, consistent with miR-7-5p levels released in cells. Moreover, BioRNAGly/miR-7-5p showed comparable or slightly greater activities to modulate MRP1 and VDAC1 expression, compared with miRCURY LNA miR-7-5p mimic. Computational modeling illustrated overall comparable 3D structures for exemplary BioRNA/miRNAs with noticeable differences in htRNA species and payload miRNAs. These findings support the utility of hybrid htRNA/hsa-pre-miR-34a as reliable carriers for RNA molecular bioengineering, and the resultant BioRNAs serve as functional biologic RNAs for research and development.
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MESH Headings
- Bioengineering
- RNA, Transfer, Gly/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Gly/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Gly/isolation & purification
- RNA, Transfer, Gly/pharmacology
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/isolation & purification
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/pharmacology
- MicroRNAs/chemistry
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/isolation & purification
- MicroRNAs/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Computer Simulation
- Cell Line, Tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Traber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Colleen Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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5
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Luo Z, Huang Y, Batra N, Chen Y, Huang H, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Li S, Chen CY, Wang Z, Sun J, Wang QJ, Yang D, Lu B, Conway JF, Li LY, Yu AM, Li S. Inhibition of iRhom1 by CD44-targeting nanocarrier for improved cancer immunochemotherapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:255. [PMID: 38177179 PMCID: PMC10766965 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44572-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted chemo-immune resistance is the principal barrier to achieving cure in cancer patients. Identifying a target that is critically involved in chemo-immune-resistance represents an attractive strategy to improve cancer treatment. iRhom1 plays a role in cancer cell proliferation and its expression is negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration. Here we show that iRhom1 decreases chemotherapy sensitivity by regulating the MAPK14-HSP27 axis. In addition, iRhom1 inhibits the cytotoxic T-cell response by reducing the stability of ERAP1 protein and the ERAP1-mediated antigen processing and presentation. To facilitate the therapeutic translation of these findings, we develop a biodegradable nanocarrier that is effective in codelivery of iRhom pre-siRNA (pre-siiRhom) and chemotherapeutic drugs. This nanocarrier is effective in tumor targeting and penetration through both enhanced permeability and retention effect and CD44-mediated transcytosis in tumor endothelial cells as well as tumor cells. Inhibition of iRhom1 further facilitates tumor targeting and uptake through inhibition of CD44 cleavage. Co-delivery of pre-siiRhom and a chemotherapy agent leads to enhanced antitumor efficacy and activated tumor immune microenvironment in multiple cancer models in female mice. Targeting iRhom1 together with chemotherapy could represent a strategy to overcome chemo-immune resistance in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yixian Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yuang Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haozhe Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yifei Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ziqian Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shichen Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zehua Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qiming Jane Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Da Yang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - James F Conway
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lu-Yuan Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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6
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Rafieenia F, Ebrahimi SO, Emadi ES, Taheri F, Reiisi S. Bioengineered chimeric tRNA/pre-miRNAs as prodrugs in cancer therapy. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3387. [PMID: 37608520 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Today, biologic prodrugs have led to targeting specific tumor markers and have increased specificity and selectivity in cancer therapy. Various studies have shown the role of ncRNAs in cancer pathology and tumorigenesis and have suggested that ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, are valuable molecules in understanding cancer biology and therapeutic processes. Most miRNAs-based research and treatment are limited to chemically synthesized miRNAs. Synthetic alterations in these miRNA mimics may affect their folding, safety profile, and even biological activity. However, despite synthetic miRNA mimics produced by automated systems, various carriers could be used to achieve efficient production of bioengineered miRNAs through economical microbial fermentation. These bioengineered miRNAs as biological prodrugs could provide a new approach for safe therapeutic methods and drug production. In this regard, bioengineered chimeric miRNAs could be selectively processed to mature miRNAs in different types of cancer cells by targeting the desired gene and regulating cancer progression. In this article, we aim to review bioengineered miRNAs and their use in cancer therapy, as well as offering advances in this area, including the use of chimeric tRNA/pre-miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rafieenia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Seyed Omar Ebrahimi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ensieh Sadat Emadi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Forough Taheri
- Department of Genetics, Sharekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sharekord
| | - Somayeh Reiisi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
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7
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Chen Y, Tu MJ, Han F, Liu Z, Batra N, Lara PN, Chen HW, Bi H, Yu AM. Use of recombinant microRNAs as antimetabolites to inhibit human non-small cell lung cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4273-4290. [PMID: 37799388 PMCID: PMC10547963 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the development of therapeutic microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), it is essential to define their pharmacological actions. Rather, miRNA research and therapy mainly use miRNA mimics synthesized in vitro. After experimental screening of unique recombinant miRNAs produced in vivo, three lead antiproliferative miRNAs against human NSCLC cells, miR-22-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-218-5p, were revealed to target folate metabolism by bioinformatic analyses. Recombinant miR-22-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-218-5p were shown to regulate key folate metabolic enzymes to inhibit folate metabolism and subsequently alter amino acid metabolome in NSCLC A549 and H1975 cells. Isotope tracing studies further confirmed the disruption of one-carbon transfer from serine to folate metabolites by all three miRNAs, inhibition of glucose uptake by miR-22-3p, and reduction of serine biosynthesis from glucose by miR-9-5p and -218-5p in NSCLC cells. With greater activities to interrupt NSCLC cell respiration, glycolysis, and colony formation than miR-9-5p and -218-5p, recombinant miR-22-3p was effective to reduce tumor growth in two NSCLC patient-derived xenograft mouse models without causing any toxicity. These results establish a common antifolate mechanism and differential actions on glucose uptake and metabolism for three lead anticancer miRNAs as well as antitumor efficacy for miR-22-3p nanomedicine, which shall provide insight into developing antimetabolite RNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Fangwei Han
- School of Public Health, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Primo N. Lara
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hong-Wu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Huichang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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8
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Pei J, Tian Y, Ye W, Han J, Dang Y, Cheng T, Wang W, Zhao Y, Ye W, Huangfu S, Li Y, Zhang F, Lei Y, Qian A. A novel recombinant ORF7-siRNA delivered by flexible nano-liposomes inhibits varicella zoster virus infection. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:167. [PMID: 37700336 PMCID: PMC10496174 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a human restricted alpha-herpesvirus, causes varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). The subsequent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) due to VZV infection is excruciating for most patients. Thus, developing specific therapeutics against VZV infection is imperative. RNA interference (RNAi) represents an effective approach for alternative antiviral therapy. This study aimed to develop a novel anti-VZV therapeutics based on RNAi. RESULTS In this study, we screened and found the open reading frame 7 (ORF7) of the VZV genome was an ideal antiviral target based on RNAi. Therefore, a novel siRNA targeting ORF7 (si-ORF7) was designed to explore the potential of RNAi antiviral treatment strategy toward VZV. We used a bio-engineering approach to manufacture recombinant siRNA agents with high yield in E. coli. Then, the efficacy of recombinant ORF7-siRNA (r/si-ORF7) in inhibiting VZV infection both in cellular level and 3D human epidermal skin model was evaluated. The r/si-ORF7 was proved to inhibit the VZV replication and reduce the virus copy numbers significantly in vitro. Furthermore, flexible nano-liposomes were established to deliver r/si-ORF7 to 3D human epidermal skin model and found r/si-ORF7 also could inhibit the VZV infection, thus maintaining normal skin morphology. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results highlighted that transdermal administration of antiviral r/si-ORF7 was a promising therapeutic strategy for functional cure of VZV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Pei
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Tian
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiangfan Han
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yamei Dang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yipu Zhao
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiliang Ye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuyuan Huangfu
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Fanglin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Airforce Medical University: Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Airong Qian
- key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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9
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Cronin JM, Yu AM. Recombinant Technologies Facilitate Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, and General Biomedical Research. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:685-699. [PMID: 36948592 PMCID: PMC10197202 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of safe and effective medications requires a profound understanding of their pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic properties. PK studies have been built through investigation of enzymes and transporters that drive drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Like many other disciplines, the study of ADME gene products and their functions has been revolutionized through the invention and widespread adoption of recombinant DNA technologies. Recombinant DNA technologies use expression vectors such as plasmids to achieve heterologous expression of a desired transgene in a specified host organism. This has enabled the purification of recombinant ADME gene products for functional and structural characterization, allowing investigators to elucidate their roles in drug metabolism and disposition. This strategy has also been used to offer recombinant or bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) agents to investigate the posttranscriptional regulation of ADME genes. Conventional research with small noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs has been dependent on synthetic RNA analogs that are known to carry a range of chemical modifications expected to improve stability and PK properties. Indeed, a novel transfer RNA fused pre-miRNA carrier-based bioengineering platform technology has been established to offer consistent and high-yield production of unparalleled BioRNA molecules from Escherichia coli fermentation. These BioRNAs are produced and processed inside living cells to better recapitulate the properties of natural RNAs, representing superior research tools to investigate regulatory mechanisms behind ADME. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review article summarizes recombinant DNA technologies that have been an incredible boon in the study of drug metabolism and PK, providing investigators with powerful tools to express nearly any ADME gene products for functional and structural studies. It further overviews novel recombinant RNA technologies and discusses the utilities of bioengineered RNA agents for the investigation of ADME gene regulation and general biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Cronin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA (J.M.C., A.-M.Y.)
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA (J.M.C., A.-M.Y.)
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10
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Tu MJ, Yu AM. Recent Advances in Novel Recombinant RNAs for Studying Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation in Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Curr Drug Metab 2023; 24:175-189. [PMID: 37170982 PMCID: PMC10825985 DOI: 10.2174/1389200224666230425232433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters are major determinants of the absorption, disposition, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs, and changes in ADME gene expression or function may alter the pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and further influence drug safety and therapeutic outcomes. ADME gene functions are controlled by diverse factors, such as genetic polymorphism, transcriptional regulation, and coadministered medications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a superfamily of regulatory small noncoding RNAs that are transcribed from the genome to regulate target gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The roles of miRNAs in controlling ADME gene expression have been demonstrated, and such miRNAs may consequently influence cellular drug metabolism and disposition capacity. Several types of miRNA mimics and small interfering RNA (siRNA) reagents have been developed and widely used for ADME research. In this review article, we first provide a brief introduction to the mechanistic actions of miRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. After summarizing conventional small RNA production methods, we highlight the latest advances in novel recombinant RNA technologies and applications of the resultant bioengineered RNA (BioRNA) agents to ADME studies. BioRNAs produced in living cells are not only powerful tools for general biological and biomedical research but also potential therapeutic agents amenable to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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11
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Traber GM, Yu AM. RNAi-Based Therapeutics and Novel RNA Bioengineering Technologies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:133-154. [PMID: 35680378 PMCID: PMC9827509 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) provides researchers with a versatile means to modulate target gene expression. The major forms of RNAi molecules, genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and exogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), converge into RNA-induced silencing complexes to achieve posttranscriptional gene regulation. RNAi has proven to be an adaptable and powerful therapeutic strategy where advancements in chemistry and pharmaceutics continue to bring RNAi-based drugs into the clinic. With four siRNA medications already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several RNAi-based therapeutics continue to advance to clinical trials with functions that closely resemble their endogenous counterparts. Although intended to enhance stability and improve efficacy, chemical modifications may increase risk of off-target effects by altering RNA structure, folding, and biologic activity away from their natural equivalents. Novel technologies in development today seek to use intact cells to yield true biologic RNAi agents that better represent the structures, stabilities, activities, and safety profiles of natural RNA molecules. In this review, we provide an examination of the mechanisms of action of endogenous miRNAs and exogenous siRNAs, the physiologic and pharmacokinetic barriers to therapeutic RNA delivery, and a summary of the chemical modifications and delivery platforms in use. We overview the pharmacology of the four FDA-approved siRNA medications (patisiran, givosiran, lumasiran, and inclisiran) as well as five siRNAs and several miRNA-based therapeutics currently in clinical trials. Furthermore, we discuss the direct expression and stable carrier-based, in vivo production of novel biologic RNAi agents for research and development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In our review, we summarize the major concepts of RNA interference (RNAi), molecular mechanisms, and current state and challenges of RNAi drug development. We focus our discussion on the pharmacology of US Food and Drug Administration-approved RNAi medications and those siRNAs and miRNA-based therapeutics that entered the clinical investigations. Novel approaches to producing new true biological RNAi molecules for research and development are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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12
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Zhao Y, Deng X, Tan S, Zhang J, Han J, Wang X, Pei J, Li H, Deng X, Yin C, Yin D, Tian Y, Qian A. Co-Polymer Carrier with Dual Advantages of Cartilage-Penetrating and Targeting Improves Delivery and Efficacy of MicroRNA Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202143. [PMID: 36511367 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease affecting nearly 400 million people with no efficient etiological therapies. OA is primarily identified by cartilage destruction, and gradual degeneration of the whole joint would happen when the OA progresses. Hence, cartilage has been identified as the primary therapeutic target of OA. Unfortunately, numerous barriers block the delivery of therapeutic agents into cartilage, including avascular traits and high hardness of the extracellular matrix. Herein, a cartilage-targeting peptide (CAP) modified polyvinylamine (PVAm)- poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer (CAP-PVAm-PLGA) is designed, which can form spherical nanoparticles with the r-miR-140 (CPP-NPs). CPP-NPs possessed enhanced mechanical properties due to the introduction of PLGA to vehicles. Meanwhile, CAP endowed the cartilage targeting which facilitated CPP-NPs localization in cartilage. With such dual advantages, CPP-NPs exhibited outstanding penetrability and accumulation in cartilage even subchondral bone, and can penetrate to a depth of 1000 µm into human cartilage. The degeneration area of cartilage is reduced by 65% and synovial inflammation score by 80% in OA mice, and the microarchitecture of subchondral bone is also ameliorated. These studies established a promising platform for therapeutic RNA delivery in OA therapy that overcame the cartilage barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipu Zhao
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Deng
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Shenxing Tan
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jiangfan Han
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Pei
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoni Deng
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Chong Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Academician (expert) workstation, Lab of epigenetics and RNA therapy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, P. R. China
| | - Dachuan Yin
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Airong Qian
- Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
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13
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Fariha A, Hami I, Tonmoy MIQ, Akter S, Al Reza H, Bahadur NM, Rahaman MM, Hossain MS. Cell cycle associated miRNAs as target and therapeutics in lung cancer treatment. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11081. [PMID: 36303933 PMCID: PMC9593298 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Limited therapeutic options and resistance to existing drugs are the major hindrances to the clinical success of this cancer. In the past decade, several studies showed the role of microRNA (miRNA) driven cell cycle regulation in lung cancer progression. Therefore, these small nucleotide molecules could be utilized as promising tools in lung cancer therapy. In this review, we highlighted the recent advancements in lung cancer therapy using cell cycle linked miRNAs. By highlighting the roles of the specific cell cycle core regulators affiliated miRNAs in lung cancer, we further outlined how these miRNAs can be explored in early diagnosis and treatment strategies to prevent lung cancer. With the provided information from our review, more medical efforts can ensure a potential breakthrough in miRNA-based lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atqiya Fariha
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Ithmam Hami
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shahana Akter
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Hasan Al Reza
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Newaz Mohammed Bahadur
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mizanur Rahaman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh,Corresponding author.
| | - Md Shahadat Hossain
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh,Corresponding author.
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14
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Yan XY, Yao JP, Li YQ, Zhang W, Xi MH, Chen M, Li Y. Global trends in research on miRNA-microbiome interaction from 2011 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:974741. [PMID: 36110534 PMCID: PMC9468484 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.974741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of research suggests that the microRNA (miRNA)-microbiome interaction plays an essential role in host health and diseases. This bibliometric analysis aimed to identify the status of global scientific output, research hotspots, and frontiers regarding the study of miRNA-microbiome interaction over the past decade. We retrieved miRNA-microbiome-related studies published from 2011 to 2021 from the Web of Science Core Collection database; the R package bibliometrix was used to analyze bibliometric indicators, and VOSviewer was used to visualize the field status, hotspots, and research trends of miRNA-microbiome interplay. In total, 590 articles and reviews were collected. A visual analysis of the results showed that significant increase in the number of publications over time. China produced the most papers, and the United States contributed the highest number of citations. Shanghai Jiaotong University and the University of California Davis were the most active institutions in the field. Most publications were published in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Yu Aiming was the most prolific writer, as indicated by the h-index and m-index, and Liu Shirong was the most commonly co-cited author. A paper published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2017 had the highest number of citations. The keywords "expression" and "gut microbiota" appeared most frequently, and the top three groups of diseases that appeared among keywords were cancer (colorectal, et al.), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and neurological disorders (anxiety, Parkinson's disease, et al.). This bibliometric study revealed that most studies have focused on miRNAs (e.g., miR-21, miR-155, and miR-146a), gut microbes (e.g., Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and Fusobacterium nucleatum), and gut bacteria metabolites (e.g., butyric acid), which have the potential to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. We found that therapeutic strategies targeting the miRNA-microbiome axis focus on miRNA drugs produced in vitro; however, some studies suggest that in vivo fermentation can greatly increase the stability and reduce the degradation of miRNA. Therefore, this method is worthy of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yun Yan
- The Third Hospital/Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun-Peng Yao
- The Third Hospital/Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Li
- The Third Hospital/Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Academic Affairs Office, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Han Xi
- The Third Hospital/Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Chen
- Clinical Medicine School, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Third Hospital/Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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15
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Yi C, Yu AM. MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Solute Carrier Proteins Behind Xenobiotic and Nutrient Transport in Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:893846. [PMID: 35755805 PMCID: PMC9220936 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.893846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered metabolism, such as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect, has been recognized as characteristics of tumor cells for almost a century. Since then, there is accumulating evidence to demonstrate the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, addiction to excessive uptake and metabolism of key nutrients, to support rapid proliferation and invasion under tumor microenvironment. The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily transporters are responsible for influx or efflux of a wide variety of xenobiotic and metabolites that are needed for the cells to function, as well as some medications. To meet the increased demand for nutrients and energy, SLC transporters are frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. The SLCs responsible for the transport of key nutrients for cancer metabolism and energetics, such as glucose and amino acids, are of particular interest for their roles in tumor progression and metastasis. Meanwhile, rewired metabolism is accompanied by the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) that are small, noncoding RNAs governing posttranscriptional gene regulation. Studies have shown that many miRNAs directly regulate the expression of specific SLC transporters in normal or diseased cells. Changes of SLC transporter expression and function can subsequently alter the uptake of nutrients or therapeutics. Given the important role for miRNAs in regulating disease progression, there is growing interest in developing miRNA-based therapies, beyond serving as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. In this article, we discuss how miRNAs regulate the expression of SLC transporters and highlight potential influence on the supply of essential nutrients for cell metabolism and drug exposure toward desired efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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16
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Yi WR, Tu MJ, Yu AX, Lin J, Yu AM. Bioengineered miR-34a modulates mitochondrial inner membrane protein 17 like 2 (MPV17L2) expression toward the control of cancer cell mitochondrial functions. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12489-12503. [PMID: 35579419 PMCID: PMC9276019 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2076399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) control post-transcriptional gene expression critical for various cellular processes. Recently, we have invented a novel platform technology to achieve high-yield production of fully humanized, bioengineered miRNA agents (hBERAs) for research and development. This study is aimed to produce and utilize a new biologic miR-34a-5p (or miR-34a) molecule, namely, hBERA/miR-34a, to delineate the role of miR-34a-5p in the regulation of mitochondrial functions in human carcinoma cells. Bioengineered hBERA/miR-34a was produced through in vivo fermentation production and purified by anion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. hEBRA/miR-34a was processed to target miR-34a-5p in human osteosarcoma and lung cancer cells, as determined by selective stem-loop reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The mitochondrial inner membrane protein MPV17 like 2 (MPV17L2) was validated as a direct target for miR-34a-5p by dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analysis revealed that bioengineered miR-34a-5p effectively reduced MPV17L2 protein outcomes, leading to much lower levels of respiratory chain Complex I activities and intracellular ATP that were determined with specific assay kits. Moreover, Seahorse Mito Stress Test assay was conducted, and the results showed that biologic miR-34a-5p sharply reduced cancer cell mitochondrial respiration capacity, accompanied by a remarkable increase of oxidative stress and elevated apoptotic cell death, which are manifested by greater levels of reactive oxygen species and selective apoptosis biomarkers, respectively. These results demonstrate the presence and involvement of the miR-34a-5p-MPV17L2 pathway in the control of mitochondrial functions in human carcinoma cells and support the utility of novel bioengineered miRNA molecules for functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Rong Yi
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Xi Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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17
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Cao T, Lu Y, Wang Q, Qin H, Li H, Guo H, Ge M, Glass SE, Singh B, Zhang W, Dong J, Du F, Qian A, Tian Y, Wang X, Li C, Wu K, Fan D, Nie Y, Coffey RJ, Zhao X. A CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit confers chemoresistance in gastric cancer. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154074. [PMID: 35289315 PMCID: PMC8920335 DOI: 10.1172/jci154074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo and acquired resistance are major impediments to the efficacy of conventional and targeted cancer therapy. In unselected gastric cancer (GC) patients with advanced disease, trials combining chemotherapy and an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody have been largely unsuccessful. In an effort to identify biomarkers of resistance so as to better select patients for such trials, we screened the secretome of chemotherapy-treated human GC cell lines. We found that levels of CGA, the α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones, were markedly increased in the conditioned media of chemoresistant GC cells, and CGA immunoreactivity was enhanced in GC tissues that progressed on chemotherapy. CGA levels in plasma increased in GC patients who received chemotherapy, and this increase was correlated with reduced responsiveness to chemotherapy and poor survival. Mechanistically, secreted CGA was found to bind to EGFR and activate EGFR signaling, thereby conferring a survival advantage to GC cells. N-glycosylation of CGA at Asn52 and Asn78 is required for its stability, secretion, and interaction with EGFR. GATA2 was found to activate CGA transcription, whose increase, in turn, induced the expression and phosphorylation of GATA2 in an EGFR-dependent manner, forming a positive feedback circuit that was initiated by GATA2 autoregulation upon sublethal exposure to chemotherapy. Based on this circuit, combination strategies involving anti-EGFR therapies or targeting CGA with microRNAs (miR-708-3p and miR-761) restored chemotherapy sensitivity. These findings identify a clinically actionable CGA/EGFR/GATA2 circuit and highlight CGA as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in chemoresistant GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongqiang Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Minghui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Sarah E Glass
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bhuminder Singh
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wenyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaqiang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Airong Qian
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cunxi Li
- Beijing Institute of Human Reproduction and Genetics Medicine, Beijing, China.,Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Robert J Coffey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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18
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Tian Y, Zhao Y, Yin C, Tan S, Wang X, Yang C, Zhang TD, Zhang X, Ye F, Xu J, Wu X, Ding L, Zhang J, Pei J, Wang XT, Zhang RX, Xu J, Wang W, Filipe CD, Hoare T, Yin DC, Qian A, Deng X. Polyvinylamine with moderate binding affinity as a highly effective vehicle for RNA delivery. J Control Release 2022; 345:20-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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19
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Tu MJ, Yi CM, Traber GM, Yu AM. Bioengineered RNA Therapy in Patient-Derived Organoids and Xenograft Mouse Models. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2521:191-206. [PMID: 35732999 PMCID: PMC9484490 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2441-8_10] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic RNAs, such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), aptamers, small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRs or miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and guide RNAs (gRNAs), represent a novel class of modalities that not only increase the molecular diversity of medications but also expand the range of druggable targets. To develop noncoding RNA therapeutics for the treatment of cancer diseases, we have established a novel robust RNA bioengineering platform to achieve high-yield and large-scale production of true biologic RNA agents, which are proven to be functional in the control of target gene expression and effective in the management of tumor progression in various models. Herein, we describe the methods for bioengineered RNA (BioRNA or BERA) therapy in patient-derived organoids (PDOs) in vitro and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models in vivo. The efficacy of a BioRNA, miR-1291, in the inhibition of pancreatic cancer PDO and PDX growth is exemplified in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Colleen M Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gavin M Traber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Deng L, Petrek H, Tu MJ, Batra N, Yu AX, Yu AM. Bioengineered miR-124-3p prodrug selectively alters the proteome of human carcinoma cells to control multiple cellular components and lung metastasis in vivo. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3950-3965. [PMID: 35024318 PMCID: PMC8727917 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the understanding of microRNA (miRNA or miR) functions in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, efforts are underway to develop new miRNA-based therapies. Very recently, we demonstrated effectiveness of a novel humanized bioengineered miR-124-3p prodrug in controlling spontaneous lung metastasis in mouse models. This study was to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which miR-124-3p controls tumor metastasis. Proteomics study identified a set of proteins selectively and significantly downregulated by bioengineered miR-124-3p in A549 cells, which were assembled into multiple cellular components critical for metastatic potential. Among them, plectin (PLEC) was verified as a new direct target for miR-124-3p that links cytoskeleton components and junctions. In miR-124-3p-treated lung cancer and osteosarcoma cells, protein levels of vimentin, talin 1 (TLN1), integrin beta-1 (ITGB1), IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), cadherin 2 or N-cadherin (CDH2), and junctional adhesion molecule A (F11R or JAMA or JAM1) decreased, causing remodeling of cytoskeletons and disruption of cell-cell junctions. Furthermore, miR-124-3p sharply suppressed the formation of focal adhesion plaques, leading to reduced cell adhesion capacity. Additionally, efficacy and safety of biologic miR-124-3p therapy was established in an aggressive experimental metastasis mouse model in vivo. These results connect miR-124-3p-PLEC signaling to other elements in the control of cytoskeleton, cell junctions, and adhesion essential for cancer cell invasion and extravasation towards metastasis, and support the promise of miR-124 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglong Deng
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hannah Petrek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Xi Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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21
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Yu AM, Tu MJ. Deliver the promise: RNAs as a new class of molecular entities for therapy and vaccination. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107967. [PMID: 34403681 PMCID: PMC9477512 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The concepts of developing RNAs as new molecular entities for therapies have arisen again and again since the discoveries of antisense RNAs, direct RNA-protein interactions, functional noncoding RNAs, and RNA-directed gene editing. The feasibility was demonstrated with the development and utilization of synthetic RNA agents to selectively control target gene expression, modulate protein functions or alter the genome to manage diseases. Rather, RNAs are labile to degradation and cannot cross cell membrane barriers, making it hard to develop RNA medications. With the development of viable RNA technologies, such as chemistry and pharmaceutics, eight antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (fomivirsen, mipomersen, eteplirsen, nusinersen, inotersen, golodirsen, viltolarsen and casimersen), one aptamer (pegaptanib), and three small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (patisiran, givosiran and lumasiran) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapies, and two mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) under Emergency Use Authorization for the prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, RNAs have become a great addition to small molecules, proteins/antibodies, and cell-based modalities to improve the public health. In this article, we first summarize the general characteristics of therapeutic RNA agents, including chemistry, common delivery strategies, mechanisms of actions, and safety. By overviewing individual RNA medications and vaccines approved by the FDA and some agents under development, we illustrate the unique compositions and pharmacological actions of RNA products. A new era of RNA research and development will likely lead to commercialization of more RNA agents for medical use, expanding the range of therapeutic targets and increasing the diversity of molecular modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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22
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Winkle M, El-Daly SM, Fabbri M, Calin GA. Noncoding RNA therapeutics - challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:629-651. [PMID: 34145432 PMCID: PMC8212082 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 795] [Impact Index Per Article: 265.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancers, as well as many other diseases. Over the past decade, substantial effort has been made towards the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, employing mostly antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, with several gaining FDA approval. However, trial results have so far been ambivalent, with some studies reporting potent effects whereas others demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity. Alternative entities such as antimiRNAs are undergoing clinical testing, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are gaining interest. In this Perspective, we discuss key challenges facing ncRNA therapeutics - including issues associated with specificity, delivery and tolerability - and focus on promising emerging approaches that aim to boost their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Winkle
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medical Research Division - Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences - National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
- The RNA Interference and Non-codingRNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
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23
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Li PC, Tu MJ, Ho PY, Batra N, Tran MM, Qiu JX, Wun T, Lara PN, Hu X, Yu AX, Yu AM. In vivo fermentation production of humanized noncoding RNAs carrying payload miRNAs for targeted anticancer therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4858-4871. [PMID: 33754032 PMCID: PMC7978307 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRs or miRNAs) play important roles in the control of cellular processes through posttranscriptional gene regulation. However, ncRNA research is limited to utilizing RNA agents synthesized in vitro. Recombinant RNAs produced and folded in living cells shall better recapitulate biologic RNAs. Methods: Herein, we developed a novel platform for in vivo fermentation production of humanized recombinant ncRNA molecules, namely hBERAs, carrying payload miRNAs or siRNAs. Target hBERAs were purified by anion exchange FPLC method. Functions of hBERA/miRNAs were investigated in human carcinoma cells and antitumor activities were determined in orthotopic osteosarcoma xenograft spontaneous lung metastasis mouse models. Results: Proper human tRNAs were identified to couple with optimal hsa-pre-miR-34a as new fully-humanized ncRNA carriers to accommodate warhead miRNAs or siRNAs. A group of 30 target hBERAs were all heterogeneously overexpressed (each accounting for >40% of total bacterial RNA), which facilitated large-scale production (8-31 mg of individual hBERAs from 1L bacterial culture). Model hBERA/miR-34a-5p and miR-124-3p were selectively processed to warhead miRNAs in human carcinoma cells to modulate target gene expression, enhance apoptosis and inhibit invasiveness. In addition, bioengineered miR-34a-5p and miR-124-3p agents both reduced orthotopic osteosarcoma xenograft tumor growth and spontaneous pulmonary metastases significantly. Conclusion: This novel ncRNA bioengineering technology and resulting recombinant ncRNAs are unique additions to conventional technologies and tools for basic research and drug development.
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Raue R, Frank AC, Syed SN, Brüne B. Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042210. [PMID: 33672261 PMCID: PMC7926641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor-microenvironment (TME) is an amalgamation of various factors derived from malignant cells and infiltrating host cells, including cells of the immune system. One of the important factors of the TME is microRNAs (miRs) that regulate target gene expression at a post transcriptional level. MiRs have been found to be dysregulated in tumor as well as in stromal cells and they emerged as important regulators of tumorigenesis. In fact, miRs regulate almost all hallmarks of cancer, thus making them attractive tools and targets for novel anti-tumoral treatment strategies. Tumor to stroma cell cross-propagation of miRs to regulate protumoral functions has been a salient feature of the TME. MiRs can either act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs) and both miR mimics as well as miR inhibitors (antimiRs) have been used in preclinical trials to alter cancer and stromal cell phenotypes. Owing to their cascading ability to regulate upstream target genes and their chemical nature, which allows specific pharmacological targeting, miRs are attractive targets for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we cover a recent update on our understanding of dysregulated miRs in the TME and provide an overview of how these miRs are involved in current cancer-therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Raue
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Ann-Christin Frank
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
| | - Shahzad Nawaz Syed
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (R.R.); (A.-C.F.)
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-7424 (B.B.)
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Petrek H, Yan Ho P, Batra N, Tu MJ, Zhang Q, Qiu JX, Yu AM. Single bioengineered ncRNA molecule for dual-targeting toward the control of non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived xenograft tumor growth. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 189:114392. [PMID: 33359565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and accounts for more than 22% of all cancer-related deaths in the US. Developing new therapies is essential to combat against deadly lung cancer, especially the most common type, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With the discovery of genome-derived functional small noncoding RNA (ncRNA), namely microRNAs (miRNA or miR), restoration of oncolytic miRNAs lost or downregulated in NSCLC cells represents a new therapeutic strategy. Very recently, we have developed a novel technology that achieves in vivo fermentation production of bioengineered miRNA agents (BERA) for research and development. In this study, we aimed at simultaneously introducing two miRNAs into NSCLC cells by using single recombinant "combinatorial BERA" (CO-BERA) molecule. Our studies show that single CO-BERA molecule (e.g., let-7c/miR-124) was successfully processed to two miRNAs (e.g., let-7c-5p and miR-124-3p) to combinatorially regulate the expression of multiple targets (e.g., RAS, VAMP3 and CDK6) in human NSCLC cells, exhibiting greater efficacy than respective BERA miRNAs in the inhibition of cell viability and colony formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CO-BERA let-7c/miR-124-loaded lipopolyplex nanomedicine was the most effective among tested RNAs in the control of tumor growth in NSCLC patient-derived xenograft mouse models. The anti-tumor activity of CO-BERA let-7c/miR-124 was associated with the suppression of RAS and CDK6 expression, and enhancement of apoptosis. These results support the concept to use single ncRNA agent for dual-targeting and offer insight into developing new RNA therapeutics for the treatment of lethal NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Petrek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jing-Xin Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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26
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Tu MJ, Wright HK, Batra N, Yu AM. Expression and Purification of tRNA/ pre-miRNA-Based Recombinant Noncoding RNAs. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2323:249-265. [PMID: 34086286 PMCID: PMC9516694 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1499-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Research on RNA function and therapeutic potential is dominated by the use of chemoengineered RNA mimics. Recent efforts have led to the establishment of novel technologies for the production of recombinant or bioengineered RNA molecules, which should better recapitulate the structures, functions and safety profiles of natural RNAs because both are produced and folded in living cells. Herein, we describe a robust approach for reproducible fermentation production of bioengineered RNA agents (BERAs) carrying warhead miRNAs, siRNAs, aptamers, or other forms of small RNAs, based upon an optimal hybrid tRNA/pre-miRNA carrier. Target BERA/sRNAs are readily purified by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) to a high degree of homogeneity (>97%). This approach offers a consistent high-level expression (>30% of total bacterial RNAs) and large-scale production of ready-to-use BERAs (multiple to tens milligrams from 1 L bacterial culture).
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27
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Tu MJ, Duan Z, Liu Z, Zhang C, Bold RJ, Gonzalez FJ, Kim EJ, Yu AM. MicroRNA-1291-5p Sensitizes Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells to Arginine Deprivation and Chemotherapy through the Regulation of Arginolysis and Glycolysis. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:686-694. [PMID: 33051382 PMCID: PMC7673485 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are dysregulated and addicted to continuous supply and metabolism of nutritional glucose and amino acids (e.g., arginine) to drive the synthesis of critical macromolecules for uncontrolled growth. Recent studies have revealed that genome-derived microRNA (miRNA or miR)-1291-5p (miR-1291-5p or miR-1291) may modulate the expression of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1) and glucose transporter protein type 1 (GLUT1). We also developed a novel approach to produce recombinant miR-1291 agents for research, which are distinguished from conventional chemo-engineered miRNA mimics. Herein, we firstly demonstrated that bioengineered miR-1291 agent was selectively processed to high levels of target miR-1291-5p in human pancreatic cancer (PC) cells. After the suppression of ASS1 protein levels, miR-1291 perturbed arginine homeostasis and preferably sensitized ASS1-abundant L3.3 cells to arginine deprivation therapy. In addition, miR-1291 treatment reduced the protein levels of GLUT1 in both AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells, leading to a lower glucose uptake (deceased > 40%) and glycolysis capacity (reduced approximately 50%). As a result, miR-1291 largely improved cisplatin efficacy in the inhibition of PC cell viability. Our results demonstrated that miR-1291 was effective to sensitize PC cells to arginine deprivation treatment and chemotherapy through targeting ASS1- and GLUT1-mediated arginolysis and glycolysis, respectively, which may provide insights into understanding miRNA signaling underlying cancer cell metabolism and development of new strategies for the treatment of lethal PC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Many anticancer drugs in clinical use and under investigation exert pharmacological effects or improve efficacy of coadministered medications by targeting cancer cell metabolism. Using new recombinant miR-1291 agent, we revealed that miR-1291 acts as a metabolism modulator in pancreatic carcinoma cells through the regulation of argininosuccinate synthase- and glucose transporter protein type 1-mediated arginolysis and glycolysis. Consequently, miR-1291 effectively enhanced the efficacy of arginine deprivation (pegylated arginine deiminase) and chemotherapy (cisplatin), offering new insights into development of rational combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Richard J Bold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Edward J Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (M.-J.T., Z.D., Z.L., C.Z., A.-M.Y.), Division of Surgical Oncology (R.J.B.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine (E.J.K.), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California; and Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (F.J.G.)
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Yin C, Tian Y, Yu Y, Yang C, Su P, Zhao Y, Wang X, Zhang K, Pei J, Li D, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Miao Z, Qian A. miR-129-5p Inhibits Bone Formation Through TCF4. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:600641. [PMID: 33240893 PMCID: PMC7681249 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.600641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a frequently occurring bone disease in middle-aged and aged men and women. However, current therapies on this disease are still not ideal. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-protein-coding RNA with a length of 18–25 nucleotides. miRNAs have been identified as important regulators for development, metabolism, carcinogenesis, and bone formation. miR-129-5p has been reported as a regulator of cancer and neuroscience, whereas studies about its function on bone formation is still limited. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-129-5p on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. We have assessed the expression of miRNAs in bone mesenchymal stem cells from aging and menopause osteoporosis C57BL6 mice. The expression of miR-129-5p was altered in all osteoporosis models. Besides, the expression of miR-129-5p was negatively correlated with osteoblastic differentiation markers in the femur tissues of C57BL/6 mice of different ages. We further demonstrated that overexpression of miR-129-5p inhibited osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cell line, as well as bone formation of C57BL/6 mice. On the other hand, down-regulation of miR-129-5p enhanced osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. We also found that miR-129-5p inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblast. The target gene of miR-129-5p has been forecasted and proved as Tcf4. We further found that plasmid containing Tcf4–3′ UTR sequence enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as well as Wnt/β-catenin pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells. To further investigate the rescue effect of miR-129-5p inhibitor, we manufactured bioengineered novel recombinant miR-129-5p inhibitor through Escherichia coli system and then tested its function. The results showed that the novel recombinant miR-129-5p inhibitor promoted osteoblast differentiation and greatly ameliorated menopause osteoporosis in C57BL6 mice. In conclusion, we have discovered miR-129-5p as an inhibitor of bone formation. miR-129-5p inhibited downstream transcription factors of Wnt/β-catenin pathway through targeting Tcf4. Moreover, novel recombinant miR-129-5p inhibitor showed rescue effect on osteoporosis. This study has revealed a new mechanism of osteogenic differentiation and provided novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yin
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaofei Yang
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peihong Su
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yipu Zhao
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kewen Zhang
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiawei Pei
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dijie Li
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiping Miao
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Airong Qian
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
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Hashemi A, Gorji-Bahri G. MicroRNA: Promising Roles in Cancer Therapy. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1186-1203. [PMID: 32310047 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200420101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that act as one of the main regulators of gene expression. They are involved in maintaining a proper balance of diverse processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in normal cells. Cancer biology can also be affected by these molecules by modulating the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Thus, miRNA based anticancer therapy is currently being developed either alone or in combination with chemotherapy agents used in cancer management, aiming at promoting tumor regression and increasing cure rate. Access to large quantities of RNA agents can facilitate RNA research and development. In addition to currently used in vitro methods, fermentation-based approaches have recently been developed, which can cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents with proper folding needed for the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Nevertheless, a major challenge in translating preclinical studies to clinical for miRNA-based cancer therapy is the efficient delivery of these agents to target cells. Targeting miRNAs/anti-miRNAs using antibodies and/or peptides can minimize cellular and systemic toxicity. Here, we provide a brief review of miRNA in the following aspects: biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs, the role of miRNAs in cancer as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, the potential of using miRNAs as novel and promising therapeutics, miRNA-mediated chemo-sensitization, and currently utilized methods for the in vitro and in vivo production of RNA agents. Finally, an update on the viral and non-viral delivery systems is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilar Gorji-Bahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jilek JL, Tu MJ, Zhang C, Yu AM. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Factors Contribute to Synergism between Let-7c-5p and 5-Fluorouracil in Inhibiting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Viability. Drug Metab Dispos 2020; 48:1257-1263. [PMID: 33051247 PMCID: PMC7684025 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.120.000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are hindered by complex factors, and rational combination therapy may be developed to improve therapeutic outcomes. Very recently, we have identified a bioengineered microRNA let-7c-5p (or let-7c) agent as an effective inhibitor against HCC in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we sought to identify small-molecule drugs that may synergistically act with let-7c against HCC. Interestingly, we found that let-7c exhibited a strong synergism with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the inhibition of HCC cell viability as manifested by average combination indices of 0.3 and 0.5 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells, respectively. By contrast, coadministration of let-7c with doxorubicin or sorafenib inhibited HCC cell viability with, rather surprisingly, no or minimal synergy. Further studies showed that protein levels of multidrug resistance–associated protein (MRP) ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 5 (MRP5/ABCC5), a 5-FU efflux transporter, were reduced around 50% by let-7c in HCC cells. This led to a greater degree of intracellular accumulation of 5-FU in Huh7 cells as well as the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate, an endogenous substrate of MRP5. Since 5-FU is an irreversible inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase (TS), we investigated the interactions of let-7c with 5-FU at pharmacodynamic level. Interestingly, our data revealed that let-7c significantly reduced TS protein levels in Huh7 cells, which was associated with the suppression of upstream transcriptional factors as well as other regulatory factors. Collectively, these results indicate that let-7c interacts with 5-FU at both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic levels, and these findings shall offer insight into molecular mechanisms of synergistic drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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Yu AM, Choi YH, Tu MJ. RNA Drugs and RNA Targets for Small Molecules: Principles, Progress, and Challenges. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:862-898. [PMID: 32929000 PMCID: PMC7495341 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapies, including RNA molecules as drugs and RNA-targeted small molecules, offer unique opportunities to expand the range of therapeutic targets. Various forms of RNAs may be used to selectively act on proteins, transcripts, and genes that cannot be targeted by conventional small molecules or proteins. Although development of RNA drugs faces unparalleled challenges, many strategies have been developed to improve RNA metabolic stability and intracellular delivery. A number of RNA drugs have been approved for medical use, including aptamers (e.g., pegaptanib) that mechanistically act on protein target and small interfering RNAs (e.g., patisiran and givosiran) and antisense oligonucleotides (e.g., inotersen and golodirsen) that directly interfere with RNA targets. Furthermore, guide RNAs are essential components of novel gene editing modalities, and mRNA therapeutics are under development for protein replacement therapy or vaccination, including those against unprecedented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, functional RNAs or RNA motifs are highly structured to form binding pockets or clefts that are accessible by small molecules. Many natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, oxazolidinones, and phenicols) can directly bind to ribosomal RNAs to achieve the inhibition of bacterial infections. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing RNA-targeted small-molecule drugs amenable to oral administration, and some (e.g., risdiplam and branaplam) have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the pharmacology of novel RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, with a focus on recent progresses and strategies. Challenges in the development of novel druggable RNA entities and identification of viable RNA targets and selective small-molecule binders are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With the understanding of RNA functions and critical roles in diseases, as well as the development of RNA-related technologies, there is growing interest in developing novel RNA-based therapeutics. This comprehensive review presents pharmacology of both RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, focusing on novel mechanisms of action, the most recent progress, and existing challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use
- Betacoronavirus
- COVID-19
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/methods
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/standards
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Development/organization & administration
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/pharmacology
- MicroRNAs/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- RNA/adverse effects
- RNA/drug effects
- RNA/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/pharmacology
- RNA, Ribosomal/drug effects
- RNA, Ribosomal/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- RNA, Viral/drug effects
- Ribonucleases/metabolism
- Riboswitch/drug effects
- SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Young Hee Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
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Catani M, De Luca C, Medeiros Garcia Alcântara J, Manfredini N, Perrone D, Marchesi E, Weldon R, Müller-Späth T, Cavazzini A, Morbidelli M, Sponchioni M. Oligonucleotides: Current Trends and Innovative Applications in the Synthesis, Characterization, and Purification. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900226. [PMID: 32298041 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) are gaining increasing importance as a promising novel class of biopharmaceuticals. Thanks to their fundamental role in gene regulation, they can be used to develop custom-made drugs (also called N-to-1) able to act on the gene expression at pre-translational level. With recent approvals of ON-based therapeutics by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a growing demand for high-quality chemically modified ONs is emerging and their market is expected to impressively prosper in the near future. To satisfy this growing market demand, a scalable and economically sustainable ON production is needed. In this paper, the state of the art of the whole ON production process is illustrated with the aim of highlighting the most promising routes toward the auspicated market-size production. In particular, the most recent advancements in both the upstream stage, mainly based on solid-phase synthesis and recombinant technology, and the downstream one, focusing on chromatographic techniques, are reviewed. Since ON production is projected to expand to the large scale, automatized multicolumn countercurrent technologies will reasonably be required soon to replace the current ones based on batch single-column operations. This consideration is supported by a recent cutting-edge application of continuous chromatography for the ON purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catani
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - João Medeiros Garcia Alcântara
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta,", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano, 20131, Italy
| | - Nicolò Manfredini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta,", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano, 20131, Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Elena Marchesi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Richard Weldon
- ChromaCon AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, Zürich, 8005, Switzerland
| | | | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Massimo Morbidelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta,", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano, 20131, Italy
| | - Mattia Sponchioni
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta,", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano, 20131, Italy
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Laham-Karam N, Pinto GP, Poso A, Kokkonen P. Transcription and Translation Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment. Front Chem 2020; 8:276. [PMID: 32373584 PMCID: PMC7186406 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription and translation are fundamental cellular processes that govern the protein production of cells. These processes are generally up regulated in cancer cells, to maintain the enhanced metabolism and proliferative state of these cells. As such cancerous cells can be susceptible to transcription and translation inhibitors. There are numerous druggable proteins involved in transcription and translation which make lucrative targets for cancer drug development. In addition to proteins, recent years have shown that the "undruggable" transcription factors and RNA molecules can also be targeted to hamper the transcription or translation in cancer. In this review, we summarize the properties and function of the transcription and translation inhibitors that have been tested and developed, focusing on the advances of the last 5 years. To complement this, we also discuss some of the recent advances in targeting oncogenes tightly controlling transcription including transcription factors and KRAS. In addition to natural and synthetic compounds, we review DNA and RNA based approaches to develop cancer drugs. Finally, we conclude with the outlook to the future of the development of transcription and translation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihay Laham-Karam
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gaspar P. Pinto
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- University Hospital Tübingen, Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Piia Kokkonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Yu AM, Batra N, Tu MJ, Sweeney C. Novel approaches for efficient in vivo fermentation production of noncoding RNAs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:1927-1937. [PMID: 31953559 PMCID: PMC7385725 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome-derived noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), play an essential role in the control of target gene expression underlying various cellular processes, and dysregulation of ncRNAs is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases in virtually all species including humans. Understanding ncRNA biology has opened new avenues to develop novel RNA-based therapeutics. Presently, ncRNA research and drug development is dominated by the use of ncRNA mimics that are synthesized chemically in vitro and supplemented with extensive and various types of artificial modifications and thus may not necessarily recapitulate the properties of natural RNAs generated and folded in living cells in vivo. Therefore, there are growing interests in developing novel technologies for in vivo production of RNA molecules. The two most recent major breakthroughs in achieving an efficient, large-scale, and cost-effective fermentation production of recombinant or bioengineered RNAs (e.g., tens of milligrams from 1 L of bacterial culture) are (1) using stable RNA carriers and (2) direct overexpression in RNase III-deficient bacteria, while other approaches offer a low yield (e.g., nano- to microgram scales per liter). In this article, we highlight these novel microbial fermentation-based technologies that have shifted the paradigm to the production of true biological ncRNA molecules for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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Li DF, Yuan Y, Tu MJ, Hu X, Li YZ, Yi WR, Li PC, Zhao Y, Cheng Z, Yu AM, Jian C, Yu AX. The Optimal Outcome of Suppressing Ewing Sarcoma Growth in vivo With Biocompatible Bioengineered miR-34a-5p Prodrug. Front Oncol 2020; 10:222. [PMID: 32161722 PMCID: PMC7052494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00222] [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: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Being the second most common type of primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents, Ewing Sarcoma (ES) encounters the dilemma of low survival rate with a lack of effective treatments. As an emerging approach to combat cancer, RNA therapeutics may expand the range of druggable targets. Since the genome-derived oncolytic microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is down-regulated in ES, restoration of miR-34a-5p expression or function represents a new therapeutic strategy which is, however, limited to the use of chemically-engineered miRNA mimics. Very recently we have developed a novel bioengineering technology using a stable non-coding RNA carrier (nCAR) to achieve high-yield production of biocompatible miRNA prodrugs, which is a great addition to current tools for the assessment of RNA therapeutics. Herein, for the first time, we investigated the biochemical pharmacology of bioengineered miR-34a-5p prodrug (nCAR/miR-34a-5p) in the control of ES using human ES cells and xenograft mouse models. The bioengineered nCAR/miR-34a-5p was precisely processed to mature miR-34a-5p in ES cells and subsequently suppressed cell proliferation, attributable to the enhancement of apoptosis and induction of G2 cell cycle arrest through downregulation of SIRT-1, BCL-2 and CDK6 protein levels. Furthermore, systemic administration of nCAR/miR-34a-5p dramatically suppressed the ES xenograft tumor growth in vivo while showing biocompatibility. In addition, the antitumor effect of bioengineered nCAR/miR-34a-5p was associated with a lower degree of tumoral cell proliferation and greater extent of apoptosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of bioengineered miR-34a-5p prodrug for the treatment of ES and support the development of miRNA therapeutics using biocompatible bioengineered miRNA prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Xiang Hu
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Li
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan-Rong Yi
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Chao Jian
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai-Xi Yu
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Yi W, Tu MJ, Liu Z, Zhang C, Batra N, Yu AX, Yu AM. Bioengineered miR-328-3p modulates GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake and metabolism to exert synergistic antiproliferative effects with chemotherapeutics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:159-170. [PMID: 31993313 PMCID: PMC6976971 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs derived from genome to control target gene expression. Recently we have developed a novel platform permitting high-yield production of bioengineered miRNA agents (BERA). This study is to produce and utilize novel fully-humanized BERA/miR-328-3p molecule (hBERA/miR-328) to delineate the role of miR-328-3p in controlling nutrient uptake essential for cell metabolism. We first demonstrated successful high-level expression of hBERA/miR-328 in bacteria and purification to high degree of homogeneity (>98%). Biologic miR-328-3p prodrug was selectively processed to miR-328-3p to suppress the growth of highly-proliferative human osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Besides glucose transporter protein type 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 2 member 1 (GLUT1/SLC2A1), we identified and verified large neutral amino acid transporter 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 7 member 5 (LAT1/SLC7A5) as a direct target for miR-328-3p. While reduction of LAT1 protein levels by miR-328-3p did not alter homeostasis of amino acids within OS cells, suppression of GLUT1 led to a significantly lower glucose uptake and decline in intracellular levels of glucose and glycolytic metabolite lactate. Moreover, combination treatment with hBERA/miR-328 and cisplatin or doxorubicin exerted a strong synergism in the inhibition of OS cell proliferation. These findings support the utility of novel bioengineered RNA molecules and establish an important role of miR-328-3p in the control of nutrient transport and homeostasis behind cancer metabolism.
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Key Words
- 2-NBDG, 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxyglucose
- ABCG2, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2
- ACN, acetonitrile
- Au/Uv, absorbance unit of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
- BCRP, breast cancer resistant protein
- BERA, bioengineered miRNA agent
- Bioengineered RNA
- CI, combination index
- CPT, cisplatin
- Cancer
- Chemosensitivity
- DOX, doxorubicin
- E. coli, Escherichia coli
- ESI, electrospray ionization
- FPLC, fast protein liquid chromatography
- Fa, fraction affected
- GLUT1
- GLUT1, glucose transporter protein type 1
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- IS, internal standard
- KRB, Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate
- LAT1
- LAT1, large neutral amino acid transporter 1
- LC–MS/MS, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy
- MCT4, monocarboxylate transporter 4
- MRE, miRNA response elements
- MRM, multiple reaction monitoring
- MiR-328
- OS, osteosarcoma
- PAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog
- PVDF, Polyvinylidene fluoride
- RAGE, receptor for advanced glycosylation end products
- RT-qPCR, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
- SLC2A1, 7A5, 16A3, solute carrier family 2 member 1, family 7 member 5, family 16 member 3
- WT, wild type
- hBERA, humanized bioengineered miRNA agent
- hsa, Homo sapiens
- htRNASer, human seryl-tRNA
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- miR or miRNA, microRNA
- ncRNA, noncoding RNAs
- nt, nucleotide
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanrong Yi
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
| | - Ai-Xi Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento 95817, CA, USA
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Petrek H, Yu A. MicroRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: Gene regulation, impact on cancer cellular processes, and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00528. [PMID: 31859460 PMCID: PMC6923806 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the most lethal cancer among men and women in the United States and worldwide. The majority of lung cancer cases are classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Developing new therapeutics on the basis of better understanding of NSCLC biology is critical to improve the treatment of NSCLC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a superfamily of genome-derived, small noncoding RNAs that govern posttranscriptional gene expression in cells. Functional miRNAs are commonly dysregulated in NSCLC, caused by genomic deletion, methylation, or altered processing, which may lead to the changes of many cancer-related pathways and processes, such as growth and death signaling, metabolism, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, as well as sensitivity to current therapies. With the understanding of miRNA biology in NSCLC, there are growing interests in developing new therapeutic strategies, namely restoration of tumor suppressive miRNAs and inhibition of tumor promotive miRNAs, to combat against NSCLC. In this article, we provide an overview on the molecular features of NSCLC and current treatment options with a focus on pharmacotherapy and personalized medicine. By illustrating the roles of miRNAs in the control of NSCLC tumorigenesis and progression, we highlight the latest efforts in assessing miRNA-based therapies in animal models and discuss some critical challenges in developing RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Petrek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular MedicineUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCAUSA
| | - Ai‐Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular MedicineUC Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCAUSA
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Umeh-Garcia M, Simion C, Ho PY, Batra N, Berg AL, Carraway KL, Yu A, Sweeney C. A Novel Bioengineered miR-127 Prodrug Suppresses the Growth and Metastatic Potential of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 80:418-429. [PMID: 31694904 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
miR-127 is downregulated in breast cancer, where it has been shown to suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), miR-127 downregulation correlates with decreased disease-free and overall patient survival. Tumor suppressor miRNAs may hold therapeutic promise but progress has been limited by several factors, including the lability and high cost of miRNA mimics. Here, we take a novel approach to produce a miR-127 prodrug (miR-127PD), which we demonstrate is processed to mature, functional miR-127-3p in TNBC tumor cells. miR-127PD decreased the viability and motility of TNBC cells, sensitized TNBC cells to chemotherapy, and restricted the TNBC stem cell population. Furthermore, systemic delivery of miR-127PD suppressed tumor growth of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells and spontaneous metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, CERK, NANOS1, FOXO6, SOX11, SOX12, FASN, and SUSD2 were identified as novel, functionally important targets of miR-127. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-127 functions as a tumor and metastasis suppressor in TNBC and that delivery of miR-127 may hold promise as a novel therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Exogenous administration of miR-127, which is functionally activated in target cells, inhibits growth and spontaneous metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Umeh-Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Catalina Simion
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Pui-Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Anastasia L Berg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Kermit L Carraway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Aiming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California.
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Li Y, Meng Q, Yang M, Liu D, Hou X, Tang L, Wang X, Lyu Y, Chen X, Liu K, Yu AM, Zuo Z, Bi H. Current trends in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:1113-1144. [PMID: 31867160 PMCID: PMC6900561 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) processes of a drug. Understanding PK properties is essential for drug development and precision medication. In this review we provided an overview of recent research on PK with focus on the following aspects: (1) an update on drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in the determination of PK, as well as advances in xenobiotic receptors and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the modulation of PK, providing new understanding of the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms that result in inter-individual variations in pharmacotherapy; (2) current status and trends in assessing drug-drug interactions, especially interactions between drugs and herbs, between drugs and therapeutic biologics, and microbiota-mediated interactions; (3) advances in understanding the effects of diseases on PK, particularly changes in metabolizing enzymes and transporters with disease progression; (4) trends in mathematical modeling including physiologically-based PK modeling and novel animal models such as CRISPR/Cas9-based animal models for DMPK studies; (5) emerging non-classical xenobiotic metabolic pathways and the involvement of novel metabolic enzymes, especially non-P450s. Existing challenges and perspectives on future directions are discussed, and may stimulate the development of new research models, technologies, and strategies towards the development of better drugs and improved clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Mengbi Yang
- School of Pharmacy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangyu Hou
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lan Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yuanfeng Lyu
- School of Pharmacy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Ning B, Yu D, Yu AM. Advances and challenges in studying noncoding RNA regulation of drug metabolism and development of RNA therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 169:113638. [PMID: 31518552 PMCID: PMC6802278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that genome-derived noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in modulating inter-individual variations observed in drug metabolism and disposition by controlling the expression of genes coding drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs) and relevant nuclear receptors (NRs). With the understanding of novel ncRNA regulatory mechanisms and significance in the control of disease initiation and progression, RNA-based therapies are under active investigation that may expand the druggable targets from conventional proteins to RNAs and the genome for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we provide an overview of research strategies, approaches and their limitations in biochemical and pharmacological studies pertaining to ncRNA functions in the regulation of drug and nutrient metabolism and disposition, and discussion on the promise and challenges in developing RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baitang Ning
- National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Dianke Yu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Xu J, Sun J, Ho PY, Luo Z, Ma W, Zhao W, Rathod SB, Fernandez CA, Venkataramanan R, Xie W, Yu AM, Li S. Creatine based polymer for codelivery of bioengineered MicroRNA and chemodrugs against breast cancer lung metastasis. Biomaterials 2019; 210:25-40. [PMID: 31054369 PMCID: PMC6538300 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause for breast cancer related mortality. The combination of miRNA-based therapy and chemotherapy represents a promising approach against breast cancer lung metastasis. The goal of this study is to develop an improved therapy that co-delivers a novel bioengineered miRNA prodrug (tRNA-mir-34a) and doxorubicin (DOX) via a multifunctional nanomicellar carrier that is based on a conjugate of amphiphilic copolymer POEG-VBC backbone with creatine, a naturally occurring cationic molecule. Co-delivery of DOX leads to more effective processing of tRNA-mir-34a into mature miR-34a and down-regulation of target genes. DOX + tRNA-mir-34a/POEG-PCre exhibits potent synergistic anti-tumor and anti-metastasis activity in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the enhanced immune response contributes to the overall antitumor efficacy. POEG-PCre may represent a safe and effective delivery system for an optimal chemo-gene combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieni Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 96817, USA
| | - Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Weina Ma
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Wenchen Zhao
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sanjay B Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Christian A Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 96817, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Bioengineering of a single long noncoding RNA molecule that carries multiple small RNAs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6107-6117. [PMID: 31187211 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09934-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate target gene expression and can be used as tools for understanding biological processes and identifying new therapeutic targets. Currently, ncRNA molecules for research and therapeutic use are limited to ncRNA mimics made by chemical synthesis. We have recently established a high-yield and cost-effective method of producing bioengineered or biologic ncRNA agents (BERAs) through bacterial fermentation, which is based on a stable tRNA/pre-miR-34a carrier (~ 180 nt) that accommodates target small RNAs. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to heterogeneously express longer ncRNAs (e.g., > 260 nt), and it is unknown if single BERA may carry multiple small RNAs. To address this issue, we hypothesized that an additional human pre-miR-34a could be attached to the tRNA/pre-miR-34a scaffold to offer a new tRNA/pre-miR-34a/pre-miR-34a carrier (~ 296 nt) for the accommodation of multiple small RNAs. We thus designed ten different combinatorial BERAs (CO-BERAs) that include different combinations of miRNAs, siRNAs, and antagomirs. Our data showed that all target CO-BERAs were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli at high levels, greater than 40% in total bacterial RNAs. Furthermore, recombinant CO-BERAs were purified to a high degree of homogeneity by fast protein liquid chromatography methods. In addition, CO-BERAs exhibited strong anti-proliferative activities against a variety of human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. These results support the production of long ncRNA molecules carrying different warhead small RNAs for multi-targeting which may open avenues for developing new biologic RNAs as experimental, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools.
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Li X, Tian Y, Tu MJ, Ho PY, Batra N, Yu AM. Bioengineered miR-27b-3p and miR-328-3p modulate drug metabolism and disposition via the regulation of target ADME gene expression. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:639-647. [PMID: 31193825 PMCID: PMC6543075 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and nuclear receptors are essential for the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs and xenobiotics. MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of ADME gene expression via imperfect complementary Watson-Crick base pairings with target transcripts. We have previously reported that Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) are regulated by miR-27b-3p and miR-328-3p, respectively. Here we employed our newly established RNA bioengineering technology to produce bioengineered RNA agents (BERA), namely BERA/miR-27b-3p and BERA/miR-328-3p, via fermentation. When introduced into human cells, BERA/miR-27b-3p and BERA/miR-328-3p were selectively processed to target miRNAs and thus knock down CYP3A4 and ABCG2 mRNA and their protein levels, respectively, as compared to cells treated with vehicle or control RNA. Consequently, BERA/miR-27b-3p led to a lower midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity, indicating the reduction of CYP3A4 activity. Likewise, BERA/miR-328-3p treatment elevated the intracellular accumulation of anticancer drug mitoxantrone, a classic substrate of ABCG2, hence sensitized the cells to chemotherapy. The results indicate that biologic miRNA agents made by RNA biotechnology may be applied to research on miRNA functions in the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition that could provide insights into the development of more effective therapies.
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Key Words
- 3′-UTR, 3′-untranslated region;, VDR, vitamin D receptor
- ABCG2
- ABCG2, ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2;, ADME, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
- BERA, bioengineered RNA agent;, CYP, cytochrome P450
- Bioengineered RNA
- CYP3A4
- Drug disposition
- E. coli, Escherichia coli;, FPLC, fast protein liquid chromatography
- LC--MS/MS, liquid chromatographytandem mass spectroscopy;, microRNA, miR or miRNA
- RNAi, RNA interference;, RT-qPCR, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
- RXRα, retinoid X receptor α;, tRNA, transfer RNA
- miR-27b
- miR-328
- ncRNA, noncoding RNA;, PAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ye Tian
- Lab for Bone Metabolism, Key Lab for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi׳an 710072, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Neelu Batra
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Abstract
Small-molecule and protein/antibody drugs mainly act on genome-derived proteins to exert pharmacological effects. RNA based therapies hold the promise to expand the range of druggable targets from proteins to RNAs and the genome, as evidenced by several RNA drugs approved for clinical practice and many others under active trials. While chemo-engineered RNA mimics have found their success in marketed drugs and continue dominating basic research and drug development, these molecules are usually conjugated with extensive and various modifications. This makes them completely different from cellular RNAs transcribed from the genome that usually consist of unmodified ribonucleotides or just contain a few posttranscriptional modifications. The use of synthetic RNA mimics for RNA research and drug development is also in contrast with the ultimate success of protein research and therapy utilizing biologic or recombinant proteins produced and folded in living cells instead of polypeptides or proteins synthesized in vitro. Indeed, efforts have been made recently to develop RNA bioengineering technologies for cost-effective and large-scale production of biologic RNA molecules that may better capture the structures, functions, and safety profiles of natural RNAs. In this article, we provide an overview on RNA therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases via RNA interference mechanisms. By illustrating the structural differences between natural RNAs and chemo-engineered RNA mimics, we focus on discussion of a novel class of bioengineered/biologic RNA agents produced through fermentation and their potential applications to RNA research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Chao Jian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Allan H Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Jilek JL, Zhang QY, Tu MJ, Ho PY, Duan Z, Qiu JX, Yu AM. Bioengineered Let-7c Inhibits Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Improves Overall Survival with Minimal Immunogenicity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 14:498-508. [PMID: 30753993 PMCID: PMC6370598 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, warranting better therapies. Restoration of tumor-suppressive microRNAs depleted in hepatocellular carcinoma represents a new therapeutic strategy. Herein, we sought to identify a potent microRNA (miRNA) agent that could alleviate HCC tumor burden and improve survival. Among a collection of bioengineered noncoding RNA molecules produced through bacterial fermentation, we identified let-7c agent as the most potent inhibitor of HCC cell viability. Bioengineered let-7c selectively modulated target gene expression (Lin-28 homolog B [LIN28B], AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 3B [ARID3B], B cell lymphoma-extra large [Bcl-xl], and c-Myc) in HCC cells, and consequently induced apoptosis and inhibited tumorsphere growth. When formulated with liposomal-branched polyethylenimine polyplex, bioengineered let-7c exhibited serum stability up to 24 h. Furthermore, liposomal polyplex-formulated let-7c could effectively reduce tumor burden and progression in orthotopic HCC mouse models, while linear polyethyleneimine-formulated let-7c to a lower degree, as revealed by live animal and ex vivo tissue imaging studies. This was also supported by reduced serum α-fetoprotein and bilirubin levels in let-7c-treated mice. In addition, lipopolyplex-formulated let-7c extended overall survival of HCC tumor-bearing mice and elicited no or minimal immune responses in healthy immunocompetent mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results demonstrate that bioengineered let-7c is a promising molecule for advanced HCC therapy, and liposomal polyplex is a superior modality for in vivo RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Qian-Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jing-Xin Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Alegre F, Ormonde AR, Snider KM, Woolard K, Yu AM, Wittenburg LA. A genetically engineered microRNA-34a prodrug demonstrates anti-tumor activity in a canine model of osteosarcoma. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209941. [PMID: 30596759 PMCID: PMC6312226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OSA) represents the most common primary bone tumor in humans and pet dogs. Little progress has been made with regard to viable treatment options in the past three decades and patients presenting with metastatic disease continue to have a poor prognosis. Recent mouse studies have suggested that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) may have anti-tumor activities in human OSA models. Due to the conservation of microRNA across species, we hypothesized that a bioengineered miR-34a prodrug (tRNA/miR-34a) would have similar effects in canine OSA, providing a valuable preclinical model for development of this therapeutic modality. Using a panel of canine OSA cell lines, we found that tRNA/miR-34a reduced viability, clonogenic growth, and migration and invasion while increasing tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, canine OSA cells successfully process the tRNA/miR-34a into mature miR-34a which reduces expression of target proteins such as platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), Notch1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, our subcutaneous OSA xenograft model demonstrated in vivo tumor growth delay, increased necrosis and apoptosis by tRNA/miR-34a, and decreased cellular proliferation ability. Taken together, these data support that this novel microRNA-based therapy may possess clinical utility in a spontaneously-occurring large animal model of OSA, which can then serve to inform the clinical development of this therapy for human OSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Alegre
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Amanda R Ormonde
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kellie M Snider
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Luke A Wittenburg
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Naser R, Aldehaiman A, Díaz-Galicia E, Arold ST. Endogenous Control Mechanisms of FAK and PYK2 and Their Relevance to Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E196. [PMID: 29891810 PMCID: PMC6025627 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its close paralogue, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), are key regulators of aggressive spreading and metastasis of cancer cells. While targeted small-molecule inhibitors of FAK and PYK2 have been found to have promising antitumor activity, their clinical long-term efficacy may be undermined by the strong capacity of cancer cells to evade anti-kinase drugs. In healthy cells, the expression and/or function of FAK and PYK2 is tightly controlled via modulation of gene expression, competing alternatively spliced forms, non-coding RNAs, and proteins that directly or indirectly affect kinase activation or protein stability. The molecular factors involved in this control are frequently deregulated in cancer cells. Here, we review the endogenous mechanisms controlling FAK and PYK2, and with particular focus on how these mechanisms could inspire or improve anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Naser
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Aldehaiman
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Escarlet Díaz-Galicia
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Stefan T Arold
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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