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Sarli SL, Fakih HH, Kelly K, Devi G, Rembetsy-Brown J, McEachern H, Ferguson C, Echeverria D, Lee J, Sousa J, Sleiman H, Khvorova A, Watts J. Quantifying the activity profile of ASO and siRNA conjugates in glioblastoma xenograft tumors in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4799-4817. [PMID: 38613388 PMCID: PMC11109979 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a universally lethal brain tumor that largely resists current surgical and drug interventions. Despite important advancements in understanding GBM biology, the invasiveness and heterogeneity of these tumors has made it challenging to develop effective therapies. Therapeutic oligonucleotides-antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNAs-are chemically modified nucleic acids that can silence gene expression in the brain. However, activity of these oligonucleotides in brain tumors remains inadequately characterized. In this study, we developed a quantitative method to differentiate oligonucleotide-induced gene silencing in orthotopic GBM xenografts from gene silencing in normal brain tissue, and used this method to test the differential silencing activity of a chemically diverse panel of oligonucleotides. We show that oligonucleotides chemically optimized for pharmacological activity in normal brain tissue do not show consistent activity in GBM xenografts. We then survey multiple advanced oligonucleotide chemistries for their activity in GBM xenografts. Attaching lipid conjugates to oligonucleotides improves silencing in GBM cells across several different lipid classes. Highly hydrophobic lipid conjugates cholesterol and docosanoic acid enhance silencing but at the cost of higher neurotoxicity. Moderately hydrophobic, unsaturated fatty acid and amphiphilic lipid conjugates still improve activity without compromising safety. These oligonucleotide conjugates show promise for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Sarli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Holly R McEachern
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chantal M Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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2
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Desgraves JF, Mendez Valdez MJ, Chandar J, Gurses ME, Henderson L, Castro JR, Seetheram D, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Shah AH. Antisense Oligonucleotides for Rapid Translation of Gene Therapy in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1944. [PMID: 38792022 PMCID: PMC11119631 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The limited efficacy of current treatments for malignant brain tumors necessitates novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to assess the potential of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas, focusing on their CNS penetration and clinical translation prospects. METHODS A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted to evaluate the implications of ASOs in neuro-oncology. Studies that investigated ASO therapy's efficacy, CNS penetration, and safety profile were analyzed to assess its potential as a therapeutic intervention for high-grade gliomas. RESULTS ASOs present a promising avenue for enhancing targeted gene therapies in malignant gliomas. Their potent CNS penetration, in vivo durability, and efficient transduction offer advantages over conventional treatments. Preliminary in vivo and in vitro studies suggest ASOs as a viable adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas, warranting further exploration in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS ASOs hold significant promise as adjuvant therapy for high-grade gliomas, offering improved CNS penetration and durability compared with existing treatments. While preliminary studies are encouraging, additional research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of ASO therapy in clinical settings. Further investigation and clinical trials are warranted to validate ASOs as a transformative approach in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelisah F. Desgraves
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Mynor J. Mendez Valdez
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Jay Chandar
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Muhammet Enes Gurses
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.E.I.); (R.J.K.)
| | - Lisa Henderson
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Jesus R. Castro
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Deepa Seetheram
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Michael E. Ivan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.E.I.); (R.J.K.)
| | - Ricardo J. Komotar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.E.I.); (R.J.K.)
| | - Ashish H. Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.F.D.); (M.J.M.V.); (J.C.); (L.H.); (J.R.C.); (D.S.); (A.H.S.)
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3
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Arms LM, Duchatel RJ, Jackson ER, Sobrinho PG, Dun MD, Hua S. Current status and advances to improving drug delivery in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. J Control Release 2024; 370:835-865. [PMID: 38744345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including tumors diagnosed in the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma - DIPG), is the primary cause of brain tumor-related death in pediatric patients. DIPG is characterized by a median survival of <12 months from diagnosis, harboring the worst 5-year survival rate of any cancer. Corticosteroids and radiation are the mainstay of therapy; however, they only provide transient relief from the devastating neurological symptoms. Numerous therapies have been investigated for DIPG, but the majority have been unsuccessful in demonstrating a survival benefit beyond radiation alone. Although many barriers hinder brain drug delivery in DIPG, one of the most significant challenges is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic compounds must possess specific properties to enable efficient passage across the BBB. In brain cancer, the BBB is referred to as the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), where tumors disrupt the structure and function of the BBB, which may provide opportunities for drug delivery. However, the biological characteristics of the brainstem's BBB/BBTB, both under normal physiological conditions and in response to DIPG, are poorly understood, which further complicates treatment. Better characterization of the changes that occur in the BBB/BBTB of DIPG patients is essential, as this informs future treatment strategies. Many novel drug delivery technologies have been investigated to bypass or disrupt the BBB/BBTB, including convection enhanced delivery, focused ultrasound, nanoparticle-mediated delivery, and intranasal delivery, all of which are yet to be clinically established for the treatment of DIPG. Herein, we review what is known about the BBB/BBTB and discuss the current status, limitations, and advances of conventional and novel treatments to improving brain drug delivery in DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Arms
- Therapeutic Targeting Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan J Duchatel
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Evangeline R Jackson
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Pedro Garcia Sobrinho
- Therapeutic Targeting Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Hua
- Therapeutic Targeting Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
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Doherty C, Wilbanks B, Khatua S, Maher LJ. Aptamers in neuro-oncology: An emerging therapeutic modality. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:38-54. [PMID: 37619244 PMCID: PMC10768989 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the understanding of brain tumor pathophysiology, challenges associated with tumor location and characteristics have prevented significant improvement in neuro-oncology therapies. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that fold into sequence-specific, 3-dimensional shapes that, like protein antibodies, interact with targeted ligands with high affinity and specificity. Aptamer technology has recently been applied to neuro-oncology as a potential approach to innovative therapy. Preclinical research has demonstrated the ability of aptamers to overcome some obstacles that have traditionally rendered neuro-oncology therapies ineffective. Potential aptamer advantages include their small size, ability in some cases to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, inherent lack of immunogenicity, and applicability for discovering novel biomarkers. Herein, we review recent reports of aptamer applications in neuro-oncology including aptamers found by cell- and in vivo- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment approaches, aptamer-targeted therapeutic delivery modalities, and aptamers in diagnostics and imaging. We further identify crucial future directions for the field that will be important to advance aptamer-based drugs or tools to clinical application in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Doherty
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brandon Wilbanks
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Louis James Maher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Baddam SR, Kalagara S, Kuna K, Enaganti S. Recent advancements and theranostics strategies in glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Mater 2023; 18:052007. [PMID: 37582381 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/acf0ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal malignant brain tumor, and it is challenging to cure with surgery and treatment. The prevention of permanent brain damage and tumor invasion, which is the ultimate cause of recurrence, are major obstacles in GBM treatment. Besides, emerging treatment modalities and newer genetic findings are helping to understand and manage GBM in patients. Accordingly, researchers are focusing on advanced nanomaterials-based strategies for tackling the various problems associated with GBM. In this context, researchers explored novel strategies with various alternative treatment approaches such as early detection techniques and theranostics approaches. In this review, we have emphasized the recent advancement of GBM cellular models and their roles in designing GBM therapeutics. We have added a special emphasis on the novel genetic and drug target findings as well as strategies for early detection. Besides, we have discussed various theranostic approaches such as hyperthermia therapy, phototherapy and image-guided therapy. Approaches utilized for targeted drug delivery to the GBM were also discussed. This article also describes the recentin vivo, in vitroandex vivoadvances using innovative theranostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar Reddy Baddam
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, RNA Therapeutics Institute,Worcester,MA 01655, United States of America
| | - Sudhakar Kalagara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,University of the Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave,El Paso,TX 79968, United States of America
| | - Krishna Kuna
- Department of Chemistry,University College of Science, Saifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad,Telangana,India
| | - Sreenivas Enaganti
- Department of Bioinformatics, Averinbiotech Laboratories,208, 2nd Floor, Windsor Plaza, Nallakunta, Hyderabad, Telangana,India
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Barranco C. Promising results for antisense RNA therapy in mouse models of diffuse midline glioma. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:386. [PMID: 37253852 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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7
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Barranco C. Antisense oligonucleotide slows glioma growth. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023:10.1038/d41573-023-00077-x. [PMID: 37165091 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-023-00077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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8
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Gupta R, Salave S, Rana D, Karunakaran B, Butreddy A, Benival D, Kommineni N. Versatility of Liposomes for Antisense Oligonucleotide Delivery: A Special Focus on Various Therapeutic Areas. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051435. [PMID: 37242677 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics, specifically antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), can effectively modulate gene expression and protein function, leading to long-lasting curative effects. The hydrophilic nature and large size of oligonucleotides present translational challenges, which have led to the exploration of various chemical modifications and delivery systems. The present review provides insights into the potential role of liposomes as a drug delivery system for ASOs. The potential benefits of liposomes as an ASO carrier, along with their method of preparation, characterization, routes of administration, and stability aspects, have been thoroughly discussed. A novel perspective in terms of therapeutic applications of liposomal ASO delivery in several diseases such as cancer, respiratory disease, ophthalmic delivery, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disease, neuronal disorders, hematological malignancies, myotonic dystrophy, and neuronal disorders remains the major highlights of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Gupta
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India
| | - Sagar Salave
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India
| | - Dhwani Rana
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India
| | - Bharathi Karunakaran
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India
| | - Arun Butreddy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA
| | - Derajram Benival
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, India
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