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Ojo TO, Elegbeleye OE, Bolaji OQ, Adelusi TI, Oladipo EK, Olawuyi MO, Afolayan BO, Oyaronbi AO, Ogunjobi TT, Oyewole MP, Folorunso KP, Ogunlana AT. Hitting Epstein Barr virus where it hurts: computational methods exploration for siRNA therapy in alleviating Epstein Barr virus-induced multiple sclerosis. Neurogenetics 2024:10.1007/s10048-024-00764-w. [PMID: 38809364 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an intricate neurological disorder, continues to challenge our understanding of the pivotal interplay between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). This condition arises from the immune system's misdirected attack on nerve fiber protection, known as myelin sheath, alongside nerve fibers themselves. This enigmatic condition, characterized by demyelination and varied clinical manifestations, prompts exploration into its multifaceted etiology and potential therapeutic avenues. Research has revealed a potential connection between Epstein Barr virus (EBV), specifically Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA-1), and MS. The immune response to EBNA-1 antigen triggers the production of anti-EBNA-1 molecules, including IgG that identify a similar amino acid sequence to EBNA-1 in myelin, inadvertently targeting myelin sheath and contributing to MS progression. Currently, no treatment exists for EBNA-1-induced MS apart from symptom management. Addressing this, a novel potential therapeutic avenue utilizing small interference RNAs (siRNA) has been designed. By targeting the conserved EBNA-1 gene sequences in EBV types 1 and 2, five potential siRNAs were identified in our analysis. Thorough evaluations encompassing off-target binding, thermodynamics and secondary structure elucidation, efficacy prediction, siRNA-mRNA sequence binding affinity exploration, melting temperature, and docking of siRNAs with human argonaute protein 2 (AGO2) were conducted to elucidate the siRNAs efficiency. These designed siRNA molecules harnessed promising silencing activity in the EBNA-1 gene encoding the EBNA-1 antigen protein and thus have the potential to mitigate the severity of this dangerous virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo Ooreoluwa Ojo
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Division of Vaccine Design and Development, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, 210214, Nigeria
| | - Oluwabamise Emmanuel Elegbeleye
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Olawale Quadri Bolaji
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Temitope Isaac Adelusi
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington Ave, Connecticut, 06030, United States of America
| | - Elijah Kolawole Oladipo
- Division of Vaccine Design and Development, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, 210214, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Immunology and Bioinformatics, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, 232104, Nigeria
| | - Matthew Oluwaseun Olawuyi
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Bukola Oluwafunmilayo Afolayan
- Computational Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Taiwo Temitope Ogunjobi
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Kolade Pelumi Folorunso
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Abdeen Tunde Ogunlana
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200005, Nigeria.
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Nematian M, Noormohammadi Z, Rahimi P, Irani S, Arefian E. Exploring the potential of structural modeling and molecular docking for efficient siRNA screening: A promising approach to Combat viral mutants, with a focus on HIV-1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 708:149769. [PMID: 38518723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149769] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) holds immense potential for sequence-specific downregulation of disease-related genes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy has made remarkable strides, with FDA approval for treating specific human diseases, showcasing its promising future in disease treatment. Designing highly efficient siRNAs is a critical step in this process. Previous studies have introduced various algorithms and parameters for siRNA design and scoring. However, these attempts have often fallen short of meeting all essential criteria or required modifications, resulting in variable and unclear effectiveness of screened siRNAs, particularly against viral mutants with non-conserved short sequences. In this study, we present a fully optimized siRNA screening system considering all necessary parameters. Notably, we highlight the critical role of molecular docking simulations between siRNA and two functional domains of the Argonaute protein (PAZ and PIWI) in identifying the most efficient siRNAs, since the appropriate interaction between the guide siRNA strand and the RISC complex is crucial. Through our stringent method, we designed approximately 50 potential siRNAs targeting the HIV-1 vpr gene. Evaluation through XTT, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry analysis on RAW 264.7 macrophage stable cells revealed negligible cytotoxicity and exceptional gene-silencing efficiency at both the transcriptional and translational levels for the top-ranked screened siRNAs. Given the growing interest in siRNA-based therapeutics, we anticipate that the insights from this study will contribute to improving treatment strategies against mutant viruses, particularly HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nematian
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noormohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooneh Rahimi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Viral Vaccine Research Center (VVRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Fopase R, Panda C, Rajendran AP, Uludag H, Pandey LM. Potential of siRNA in COVID-19 therapy: Emphasis on in silico design and nanoparticles based delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1112755. [PMID: 36814718 PMCID: PMC9939533 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1112755] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated mRNA degradation approach have imparted its eminence against several difficult-to-treat genetic disorders and other allied diseases. Viral outbreaks and resulting pandemics have repeatedly threatened public health and questioned human preparedness at the forefront of drug design and biomedical readiness. During the recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, mRNA-based vaccination strategies have paved the way for a new era of RNA therapeutics. RNA Interference (RNAi) based approach using small interfering RNA may complement clinical management of the COVID-19. RNA Interference approach will primarily work by restricting the synthesis of the proteins required for viral replication, thereby hampering viral cellular entry and trafficking by targeting host as well as protein factors. Despite promising benefits, the stability of small interfering RNA in the physiological environment is of grave concern as well as site-directed targeted delivery and evasion of the immune system require immediate attention. In this regard, nanotechnology offers viable solutions for these challenges. The review highlights the potential of small interfering RNAs targeted toward specific regions of the viral genome and the features of nanoformulations necessary for the entrapment and delivery of small interfering RNAs. In silico design of small interfering RNA for different variants of SARS-CoV-2 has been discussed. Various nanoparticles as promising carriers of small interfering RNAs along with their salient properties, including surface functionalization, are summarized. This review will help tackle the real-world challenges encountered by the in vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs, ensuring a safe, stable, and readily available drug candidate for efficient management of SARS-CoV-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushikesh Fopase
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Chinmaya Panda
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amarnath P. Rajendran
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludag
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Lalit M. Pandey, ; Hasan Uludag,
| | - Lalit M. Pandey
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India,*Correspondence: Lalit M. Pandey, ; Hasan Uludag,
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Ayyagari VS. Design of Linear B Cell Epitopes and Evaluation of Their Antigenicity, Allergenicity, and Toxicity: An Immunoinformatics Approach. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2673:197-209. [PMID: 37258916 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3239-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunoinformatics is a modern branch of science formed as a result of the intersection between immunology and computer science. One of the important steps in the design of multi-epitope vaccines is the prediction of B cell epitopes. B cell epitopes are of two types, linear and discontinuous. Linear epitope residues lie next to each other in the primary structure of a protein. The amino acids that constitute discontinuous epitopes lie close to each other in the three-dimensional structure of the protein. Recognition of B cell epitopes by antibodies on an antigen constitutes an important event in the immune responses toward the antigenic challenge and also forms the basis for several immunological applications. Prediction of B cell epitopes in an antigen constitutes one of the important steps in the design of multi-epitope-based vaccines. This chapter explains the prediction of linear B cell epitopes in an antigen as well as their allergenicity, antigenicity, and toxicity by using online tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Sai Ayyagari
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (Deemed to be University), Vadlamudi, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Cheminformatics Modeling of Gene Silencing for Both Natural and Chemically Modified siRNAs. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196412. [PMID: 36234948 PMCID: PMC9570765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In designing effective siRNAs for a specific mRNA target, it is critically important to have predictive models for the potency of siRNAs. None of the published methods characterized the chemical structures of individual nucleotides constituting a siRNA molecule; therefore, they cannot predict the potency of gene silencing by chemically modified siRNAs (cm-siRNA). We propose a new approach that can predict the potency of gene silencing by cm-siRNAs, which characterizes each nucleotide (NT) using 12 BCUT cheminformatics descriptors describing its charge distribution, hydrophobic and polar properties. Thus, a 21-NT siRNA molecule is described by 252 descriptors resulting from concatenating all the BCUT values of its composing nucleotides. Partial Least Square is employed to develop statistical models. The Huesken data (2431 natural siRNA molecules) were used to perform model building and evaluation for natural siRNAs. Our results were comparable with or superior to those from Huesken’s algorithm. The Bramsen dataset (48 cm-siRNAs) was used to build and test the models for cm-siRNAs. The predictive r2 of the resulting models reached 0.65 (or Pearson r values of 0.82). Thus, this new method can be used to successfully model gene silencing potency by both natural and chemically modified siRNA molecules.
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