Effective Perturbations on the Amplitude and Hysteresis of Erg-Mediated Potassium Current Caused by 1-Octylnonyl 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)[6-oxo-6(undecyloxy)hexyl]amino]-octanoate (SM-102), a Cationic Lipid

Development and application of an uncapped mRNA platform

BACKGROUND

A novel uncapped mRNA platform was developed.

METHODS

Five lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA constructs were made to evaluate several aspects of our platform, including transfection efficiency and durability in vitro and in vivo and the activation of humoral and cellular immunity in several animal models. The constructs were eGFP-mRNA-LNP (for enhanced green fluorescence mRNA), Fluc-mRNA-LNP (for firefly luciferase mRNA), SδT-mRNA-LNP (for Delta strain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer mRNA), gDED-mRNA-LNP (for truncated glycoprotein D mRNA coding ectodomain from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)) and gDFR-mRNA-LNP (for truncated HSV2 glycoprotein D mRNA coding amino acids 1-400).

RESULTS

Quantifiable target protein expression was achieved in vitro and in vivo with eGFP- and Fluc-mRNA-LNP. SδT-mRNA-LNP, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced both humoral and cellular immune responses comparable to those obtained by previously reported capped mRNA-LNP constructs. Notably, SδT-mRNA-LNP elicited neutralizing antibodies in hamsters against the Omicron and Delta strains. Additionally, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced potent neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and mice. The mRNA constructs with uridine triphosphate (UTP) outperformed those with N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1mψTP) in the induction of antibodies via SδT-mRNA-LNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our uncapped, process-simplified and economical mRNA platform may have broad utility in vaccines and protein replacement drugs.KEY MESSAGESThe mRNA platform described in our paper uses internal ribosome entry site (IRES) (Rapid, Amplified, Capless and Economical, RACE; Register as BH-RACE platform) instead of caps and uridine triphosphate (UTP) instead of N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1mψTP) to synthesize mRNA.Through the self-developed packaging instrument and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system, mRNA can be expressed in cells more efficiently, quickly and economically.Particularly exciting is that potent neutralizing antibodies against Delta and Omicron real viruses were induced with the new coronavirus S protein mRNA vaccine from the BH-RACE platform.

Investigating the influence of XAV-939, a tankyrase inhibitor, on the density and gating of erg-mediated K+ currents in mouse MA-10 Leydig tumor cells

XAV-939(XAV) is a chemical compound that inhibits the activity of tankyrase. However, the precise way in which XAV alters membrane ionic currents is not well understood. In this study,our goal was to examine the impact of XAV on the ionic currents in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells, specifically focusing on the magnitude, gating properties,and voltage-dependent hysteresis of erg-mediated K+currents(IK(erg)). In our whole-cell current recordings we observed that the addition of XAV inhibited the density of IK(erg) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 3.1 μM. Furthermore we found that continued exposure to XAV, further addition of neither liraglutide nor insulin-like growth factor-1 counteracted XAV-mediated inhibition of IK(erg). Additionally the presence of XAV suppressed the mean current versus voltage relationship of IK(erg) across the entire voltage-clamp step analyzed. This compound shifted the steady-state activation curve of IK(erg) to a less negative potential by approximately 12 mV. The presence of XAV increased the time constant of deactivating IK(erg) in MA-10 cells. The voltage-dependent clockwise hysteresis of IK(erg) responding to prolonged upright isosceles-triangular ramp voltage became diminished by adding XAV; moreover subsequent addition of NS3623 effectively reversed XAV-induced decrease of hysteretic area of IK(erg). XAV also inhibited the proliferation of this cell line and the IC50 value of XAV-induced inhibition of cell proliferation was 2.8M. Overall the suppression of IK(erg) by XAV may serve as a significant ionic mechanism that contribute to the functional properties of MA-10 cells. However, it is important to note that this effect cannot be attributed solely to the inhibition of tankyrase.

Lipid Nanoparticles Optimized for Targeting and Release of Nucleic Acid

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most promising clinical nucleic acids drug delivery vehicles. LNPs prevent the degradation of cargo nucleic acids during blood circulation. Upon entry into the cell, specific components of the lipid nanoparticles can promote the endosomal escape of nucleic acids. These are the basic properties of lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid carriers. As LNPs exhibit hepatic aggregation characteristics, enhancing targeting out of the liver is a crucial way to improve LNPs administrated in vivo. Meanwhile, endosomal escape of nucleic acids loaded in LNPs is often considered inadequate, and therefore, much effort is devoted to enhancing the intracellular release efficiency of nucleic acids. Here, different strategies to efficiently deliver nucleic acid delivery from LNPs are concluded and their mechanisms are investigated. In addition, based on the information on LNPs that are in clinical trials or have completed clinical trials, the issues that are necessary to be approached in the clinical translation of LNPs are discussed, which it is hoped will shed light on the development of LNP nucleic acid drugs.

Liver-Specific Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Mediated Efficient RNA Interference to Clear "Bad Cholesterol"

Background

High-level low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays a vital role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) are scavengers that bind to LDL-C in the liver. LDLR proteins are regulated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which mediates the degradation of LDLR and adjusts the level of the plasma LDL-C. The low expression of PCSK9 leads to the up-regulation of liver LDLRs and the reduction of plasma LDL-C. Hepatocytes are attractive targets for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery to silence Pcsk9 gene, due to their significant role in LDL-C regulation.

Methods

Here, a type of liver-specific ionizable lipid nanoparticles is developed for efficient siRNA delivery. This type of nanoparticles shows high stability, enabling efficient cargo delivery specifically to hepatocytes, and a membrane-active polymer that reversibly masks activity until an acidic environment is reached.

Results

Significantly, the siPcsk9 (siRNA targeting to Pcsk9)-loaded nanoparticles (GLP) could silence 90% of the Pcsk9 mRNA in vitro. In vivo study showed that the improved accumulation of GLP in the liver increased LDLR level by 3.35-fold and decreased plasma LDL-C by 35%.

Conclusion

GLP has shown a powerful effect on reducing LDL-C, thus providing a potential therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Characterization in Potent Modulation on Voltage-Gated Na+ Current Exerted by Deltamethrin, a Pyrethroid Insecticide

Deltamethrin (DLT) is a type-II pyrethroid ester insecticide used in agricultural and domestic applications as well as in public health. However, transmembrane ionic channels perturbed by this compound remain largely unclear, although the agent is thought to alter the gating characteristics of voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channel current. In this study, we reappraised whether and how it and other related compounds can make any further modifications on voltage-gated Na+ current (INa) in pituitary tumor (GH3) cells. Cell exposure to DLT produced a differential and dose-dependent stimulation of peak (transient, INa(T)) or sustained (late, INa(L)) INa; consequently, the EC50 value required for DLT-stimulated INa(T) or INa(L) was determined to be 11.2 or 2.5 μM, respectively. However, neither the fast nor slow component in the inactivation time constant of INa(T) activated by short depolarizing pulse was changed with the DLT presence; conversely, tefluthrin (Tef), a type-I pyrethroid insecticide, can accentuate INa with a slowing in inactivation time course of the current. The INa(L) augmented by DLT was attenuated by further application of either dapagliflozin (Dapa) or amiloride, but not by chlorotoxin. During pulse train (PT) stimulation, with the Tef or DLT presence, the cumulative inhibition of INa(T) became slowed; moreover, following PT stimuli, a large tail current with a slowly recovering process was observed. Alternatively, during rapid depolarizing pulse, the amplitude of INa(L) and tail INa (INa(Tail)) for each depolarizing pulse became progressively increased by adding DLT, not by Tef. The recovery time constant following PT stimulation with continued presence of Tef or DLT was shortened by further addition of Dapa. The voltage-dependent hysteresis (Hys(V)) of persistent INa was differentially augmented by Tef or DLT. Taken together, the magnitude, gating, frequency dependence, as well as Hys(V) behavior of INa exerted by the presence of DLT or Tef might exert a synergistic impact on varying functional activities of excitable cells in culture or in vivo.

Effective Perturbations by Small-Molecule Modulators on Voltage-Dependent Hysteresis of Transmembrane Ionic Currents

The non-linear voltage-dependent hysteresis (Hys(V)) of voltage-gated ionic currents can be robustly activated by the isosceles-triangular ramp voltage (Vramp) through digital-to-analog conversion. Perturbations on this Hys(V) behavior play a role in regulating membrane excitability in different excitable cells. A variety of small molecules may influence the strength of Hys(V) in different types of ionic currents elicited by long-lasting triangular Vramp. Pirfenidone, an anti-fibrotic drug, decreased the magnitude of Ih's Hys(V) activated by triangular Vramp, while dexmedetomidine, an agonist of α2-adrenoceptors, effectively suppressed Ih as well as diminished the Hys(V) strength of Ih. Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based anti-neoplastic drug, was noted to enhance the Ih's Hys(V) strength, which is thought to be linked to the occurrence of neuropathic pain, while honokiol, a hydroxylated biphenyl compound, decreased Ih's Hys(V). Cell exposure to lutein, a xanthophyll carotenoid, resulted in a reduction of Ih's Hys(V) magnitude. Moreover, with cell exposure to UCL-2077, SM-102, isoplumbagin, or plumbagin, the Hys(V) strength of erg-mediated K+ current activated by triangular Vramp was effectively diminished, whereas the presence of either remdesivir or QO-58 respectively decreased or increased Hys(V) magnitude of M-type K+ current. Zingerone, a methoxyphenol, was found to attenuate Hys(V) (with low- and high-threshold loops) of L-type Ca2+ current induced by long-lasting triangular Vramp. The Hys(V) properties of persistent Na+ current (INa(P)) evoked by triangular Vramp were characterized by a figure-of-eight (i.e., ∞) configuration with two distinct loops (i.e., low- and high-threshold loops). The presence of either tefluthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, or t-butyl hydroperoxide, an oxidant, enhanced the Hys(V) strength of INa(P). However, further addition of dapagliflozin can reverse their augmenting effects in the Hys(V) magnitude of the current. Furthermore, the addition of esaxerenone, mirogabalin, or dapagliflozin was effective in inhibiting the strength of INa(P). Taken together, the observed perturbations by these small-molecule modulators on Hys(V) strength in different types of ionic currents evoked during triangular Vramp are expected to influence the functional activities (e.g., electrical behaviors) of different excitable cells in vitro or in vivo.

Effective Perturbations by Phenobarbital on INa, IK(erg), IK(M) and IK(DR) during Pulse Train Stimulation in Neuroblastoma Neuro-2a Cells

Phenobarbital (PHB, Luminal Sodium®) is a medication of the barbiturate and has long been recognized to be an anticonvulsant and a hypnotic because it can facilitate synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system through acting on the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABAA) receptors. However, to what extent PHB could directly perturb the magnitude and gating of different plasmalemmal ionic currents is not thoroughly explored. In neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cells, we found that PHB effectively suppressed the magnitude of voltage-gated Na+ current (INa) in a concentration-dependent fashion, with an effective IC50 value of 83 µM. The cumulative inhibition of INa, evoked by pulse train stimulation, was enhanced by PHB. However, tefluthrin, an activator of INa, could attenuate PHB-induced reduction in the decaying time constant of INa inhibition evoked by pulse train stimuli. In addition, the erg (ether-à-go-go-related gene)-mediated K+ current (IK(erg)) was also blocked by PHB. The PHB-mediated inhibition on IK(erg) could not be overcome by flumazenil (GABA antagonist) or chlorotoxin (chloride channel blocker). The PHB reduced the recovery of IK(erg) by a two-step voltage protocol with a geometrics-based progression, but it increased the decaying rate of IK(erg), evoked by the envelope-of-tail method. About the M-type K+ currents (IK(M)), PHB caused a reduction of its amplitude, which could not be counteracted by flumazenil or chlorotoxin, and PHB could enhance its cumulative inhibition during pulse train stimulation. Moreover, the magnitude of delayed-rectifier K+ current (IK(DR)) was inhibited by PHB, while the cumulative inhibition of IK(DR) during 10 s of repetitive stimulation was enhanced. Multiple ionic currents during pulse train stimulation were subject to PHB, and neither GABA antagonist nor chloride channel blocker could counteract these PHB-induced reductions. It suggests that these actions might conceivably participate in different functional activities of excitable cells and be independent of GABAA receptors.

Comparison of DLin-MC3-DMA and ALC-0315 for siRNA Delivery to Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate Cells

Ionizable cationic lipids are essential for efficient in vivo delivery of RNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), ALC-0315, and SM-102 are the only ionizable cationic lipids currently clinically approved for RNA therapies. ALC-0315 and SM-102 are structurally similar lipids used in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, while MC3 is used in siRNA therapy to knock down transthyretin in hepatocytes. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are particularly attractive targets for RNA therapy because they synthesize many plasma proteins, including those that influence blood coagulation. While LNPs preferentially accumulate in the liver, evaluating the ability of different ionizable cationic lipids to deliver RNA cargo into distinct cell populations is important for designing RNA-LNP therapies with minimal hepatotoxicity. Here, we directly compared LNPs containing either ALC-0315 or MC3 to knock-down coagulation factor VII (FVII) in hepatocytes and ADAMTS13 in HSCs. At a dose of 1 mg/kg siRNA in mice, LNPs with ALC-0315 achieved a 2- and 10-fold greater knockdown of FVII and ADAMTS13, respectively, compared to LNPs with MC3. At a high dose (5 mg/kg), ALC-0315 LNPs increased markers of liver toxicity (ALT and bile acids), while the same dose of MC3 LNPs did not. These results demonstrate that ALC-0315 LNPs achieves potent siRNA-mediated knockdown of target proteins in hepatocytes and HSCs, in mice, though markers of liver toxicity can be observed after a high dose. This study provides an initial comparison that may inform the development of ionizable cationic LNP therapeutics with maximal efficacy and limited toxicity.

Characterization of Inhibitory Capability on Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Current Caused by Lutein (β,ε-Carotene-3,3'-Diol), a Dietary Xanthophyll Carotenoid

Lutein (β,ε-carotene-3,3'-diol), a xanthophyll carotenoid, is found in high concentrations in the macula of the human retina. It has been recognized to exert potential effectiveness in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether and how its modifications on varying types of plasmalemmal ionic currents occur in electrically excitable cells remain incompletely answered. The current hypothesis is that lutein produces any direct adjustments on ionic currents (e.g., hyperpolarization-activated cation current, Ih [or funny current, If]). In the present study, GH3-cell exposure to lutein resulted in a time-, state- and concentration-dependent reduction in Ih amplitude with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM. There was a hyperpolarizing shift along the voltage axis in the steady-state activation curve of Ih in the presence of this compound, despite being void of changes in the gating charge of the curve. Under continued exposure to lutein (3 μM), further addition of oxaliplatin (10 μM) or ivabradine (3 μM) could be effective at either reversing or further decreasing lutein-induced suppression of hyperpolarization-evoked Ih, respectively. The voltage-dependent anti-clockwise hysteresis of Ih responding to long-lasting inverted isosceles-triangular ramp concentration-dependently became diminished by adding this compound. However, the addition of 10 μM lutein caused a mild but significant suppression in the amplitude of erg-mediated or A-type K+ currents. Under current-clamp potential recordings, the sag potential evoked by long-lasting hyperpolarizing current stimulus was reduced under cell exposure to lutein. Altogether, findings from the current observations enabled us to reflect that during cell exposure to lutein used at pharmacologically achievable concentrations, lutein-perturbed inhibition of Ih would be an ionic mechanism underlying its changes in membrane excitability.

The Effectiveness of Isoplumbagin and Plumbagin in Regulating Amplitude, Gating Kinetics, and Voltage-Dependent Hysteresis of erg-mediated K+ Currents

Isoplumbagin (isoPLB, 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a naturally occurring quinone, has been observed to exercise anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic activities. Notably, whether and how isoPLB, plumbagin (PLB), or other related compounds impact transmembrane ionic currents is not entirely clear. In this study, during GH3-cell exposure to isoPLB, the peak and sustained components of an erg (ether-à-go-go related gene)-mediated K+ current (IK(erg)) evoked with long-lasting-step hyperpolarization were concentration-dependently decreased, with a concomitant increase in the decaying time constant of the deactivating current. The presence of isoPLB led to a differential reduction in the peak and sustained components of deactivating IK(erg) with effective IC50 values of 18.3 and 2.4 μM, respectively, while the KD value according to the minimum binding scheme was estimated to be 2.58 μM. Inhibition by isoPLB of IK(erg) was not reversed by diazoxide; however, further addition of isoPLB, during the continued exposure to 4,4'-dithiopyridine, did not suppress IK(erg) further. The recovery of IK(erg) by a two-step voltage pulse with a geometric progression was slowed in the presence of isoPLB, and the decaying rate of IK(erg) activated by the envelope-of-tail method was increased in its presence. The strength of the IK(erg) hysteresis in response to an inverted isosceles-triangular ramp pulse was diminished by adding isoPLB. A mild inhibition of the delayed-rectifier K+ current (IK(DR)) produced by the presence of isoPLB was seen in GH3 cells, while minimal changes in the magnitude of the voltage-gated Na+ current were demonstrated in its presence. Moreover, the IK(erg) identified in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells was blocked by adding isoPLB. Therefore, the effects of isoPLB or PLB on ionic currents (e.g., IK(erg) and IK(DR)) demonstrated herein would be upstream of our previously reported perturbations on mitochondrial morphogenesis or respiration. Taken together, the perturbations of ionic currents by isoPLB or PLB demonstrated herein are likely to contribute to the underlying mechanism through which they, or other structurally similar compounds, result in adjustments in the functional activities of different neoplastic cells (e.g., GH3 and MA-10 cells), presuming that similar in vivo observations occur.

Activation of Voltage-Gated Na+ Current by GV-58, a Known Activator of CaV Channels

GV-58 ((2R)-2-[(6-{[(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methyl]amino}-9-propyl-9H-purin-2-yl)amino]butan-1-ol) is recognized to be an activator of N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ currents. However, its modulatory actions on other types of ionic currents in electrically excitable cells remain largely unanswered. This study was undertaken to explore the possible modifications caused by GV-58 in ionic currents (e.g., voltage-gated Na+ current [INa], A-type K+ current [IK(A)], and erg-mediated K+ current [IK(erg)]) identified from pituitary GH3 lactotrophs. GH3 cell exposure to GV-58 enhanced the transient and late components of INa with varying potencies; consequently, the EC50 values of GV-58 required for its differential increase in peak and late INa in GH3 cells were estimated to be 8.9 and 2.6 μM, respectively. The INa in response to brief depolarizing pulse was respectively stimulated or suppressed by GV-58 or tetrodotoxin, but it failed to be altered by ω-conotoxin MVIID. Cell exposure to this compound increased the recovery of INa inactivation evoked by two-pulse protocol based on a geometrics progression; however, in its presence, there was a slowing in the inactivation rate of current decay evoked by a train of depolarizing pulses. The existence of GV-58 also resulted in an increase in the amplitude of ramp-induced resurgent and window INa. The presence of this compound inhibited IK(A) magnitude, accompanied by a shortening in inactivation time course of the current; however, it mildly decreased IK(erg). Under current-clamp conditions, GV-58 increased the frequency of spontaneous action potentials in GH3 cells. Moreover, in NSC-34 motor neuron-like cells, the presence of GV-58 not only raised INa amplitude but also reduced current inactivation. Taken together, the overall work provides a noticeable yet unidentified finding which implies that, in addition to its agonistic effect on Ca2+ currents, GV-58 may concertedly modify the amplitude and gating kinetics of INa in electrically excitable cells, hence modifiying functional activities in these cells.

Evidence for Inhibitory Perturbations on the Amplitude, Gating, and Hysteresis of A-Type Potassium Current, Produced by Lacosamide, a Functionalized Amino Acid with Anticonvulsant Properties

Lacosamide (Vimpat®, LCS) is widely known as a functionalized amino acid with promising anti-convulsant properties; however, adverse events during its use have gradually appeared. Despite its inhibitory effect on voltage-gated Na+ current (INa), the modifications on varying types of ionic currents caused by this drug remain largely unexplored. In pituitary tumor (GH3) cells, we found that the presence of LCS concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude of A-type K+ current (IK(A)) elicited in response to membrane depolarization. The IK(A) amplitude in these cells was sensitive to attenuation by the application of 4-aminopyridine, 4-aminopyridine-3-methanol, or capsaicin but not by that of tetraethylammonium chloride. The effective IC50 value required for its reduction in peak or sustained IK(A) was calculated to be 102 or 42 µM, respectively, while the value of the dissociation constant (KD) estimated from the slow component in IK(A) inactivation at varying LCS concentrations was 52 µM. By use of two-step voltage protocol, the presence of this drug resulted in a rightward shift in the steady-state inactivation curve of IK(A) as well as in a slowing in the recovery time course of the current block; however, no change in the gating charge of the inactivation curve was detected in its presence. Moreover, the LCS addition led to an attenuation in the degree of voltage-dependent hysteresis for IK(A) elicitation by long-duration triangular ramp voltage commands. Likewise, the IK(A) identified in mouse mHippoE-14 neurons was also sensitive to block by LCS, coincident with an elevation in the current inactivation rate. Collectively, apart from its canonical action on INa inhibition, LCS was effective at altering the amplitude, gating, and hysteresis of IK(A) in excitable cells. The modulatory actions on IK(A), caused by LCS, could interfere with the functional activities of electrically excitable cells (e.g., pituitary tumor cells or hippocampal neurons).

Fluorescence Approaches for Characterizing Ion Channels in Synthetic Bilayers

Ion channels are membrane proteins that play important roles in a wide range of fundamental cellular processes. Studying membrane proteins at a molecular level becomes challenging in complex cellular environments. Instead, many studies focus on the isolation and reconstitution of the membrane proteins into model lipid membranes. Such simpler, in vitro, systems offer the advantage of control over the membrane and protein composition and the lipid environment. Rhodopsin and rhodopsin-like ion channels are widely studied due to their light-interacting properties and are a natural candidate for investigation with fluorescence methods. Here we review techniques for synthesizing liposomes and for reconstituting membrane proteins into lipid bilayers. We then summarize fluorescence assays which can be used to verify the functionality of reconstituted membrane proteins in synthetic liposomes.