1
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Nanayakkara AK, Moustafa DA, Pifer R, Goldberg JB, Greenberg DE. Sequence specificity defines the effectiveness of PPMOs targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0024523. [PMID: 37610213 PMCID: PMC10508178 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00245-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of new therapeutics against antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria is recognized as a priority across the globe. We have reported using peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) as species-specific antibiotics. The oligo sequences, 11 bases are designed to be complementary to specific essential genes near the Shine-Dalgarno site and inhibit translation. Here, we analyzed target specificity and the impact of genetic mutations on lead PPMOs targeting the rpsJ or acpP gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mutants in P. aeruginosa PAO1 were generated with four, two, or one base-pair mutations within the 11-base target sequence of the rpsJ gene. All mutants exhibited increased MICs compared to wild-type PAO1 when treated with the RpsJ PPMO, and the increase in the MICs was proportional to the number of base-pair mutations. Among single base-pair mutants, mutations in the middle of the sequence were more impactful than mutations in 5' or 3' end of the sequence. The increased MICs shown by the rpsJ mutants could be reversed by PPMOs designed to target the mutated rpsJ sequence. BALB/c mice infected intratracheally with mutants demonstrated increased lung burden when treated with RpsJ PPMO compared to wild-type PAO1-infected mice treated with RpsJ PPMO. Treating mice with a PPMOs designed to specifically target the mutant sequence was more effective against these mutant strains. These experiments confirm target specificity of two lead P. aeruginosa PPMOs and illustrate one potential mechanism of resistance that could emerge from an antisense approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. Nanayakkara
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - D. A. Moustafa
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Diseases Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - R. Pifer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - J. B. Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Diseases Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - D. E. Greenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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2
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Helm J, Schöls L, Hauser S. Towards Personalized Allele-Specific Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies for Toxic Gain-of-Function Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081708. [PMID: 36015334 PMCID: PMC9416334 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are single-stranded nucleic acid strings that can be used to selectively modify protein synthesis by binding complementary (pre-)mRNA sequences. By specific arrangements of DNA and RNA into a chain of nucleic acids and additional modifications of the backbone, sugar, and base, the specificity and functionality of the designed ASOs can be adjusted. Thereby cellular uptake, toxicity, and nuclease resistance, as well as binding affinity and specificity to its target (pre-)mRNA, can be modified. Several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by autosomal dominant toxic gain-of-function mutations, which lead to toxic protein products driving disease progression. ASOs targeting such mutations—or even more comprehensively, associated variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—promise a selective degradation of the mutant (pre-)mRNA while sparing the wild type allele. By this approach, protein expression from the wild type strand is preserved, and side effects from an unselective knockdown of both alleles can be prevented. This makes allele-specific targeting strategies a focus for future personalized therapies. Here, we provide an overview of current strategies to develop personalized, allele-specific ASO therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such Huntington’s disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Helm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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3
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Wang F, Liu LS, Li P, Lau CH, Leung HM, Chin YR, Tin C, Lo PK. Cellular uptake, tissue penetration, biodistribution, and biosafety of threose nucleic acids: Assessing in vitro and in vivo delivery. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100299. [PMID: 35637854 PMCID: PMC9142632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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4
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Hofmeister A, Jahn-Hofmann K, Krack A, Müller A, Kurz M, Scheidler S. Novel Dioxane and Morpholino Nucleotide Analogues: Syntheses and RNA-Hybridization Properties. Chembiochem 2020; 22:1072-1078. [PMID: 33112485 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A novel class of nucleotide analogues with a dioxane ring as central scaffold has been developed. Synthetic routes in two diastereomeric series were realized, and the final thymidine analogues were synthesized with common functionalities for the automated oligonucleotide synthesis. The chemical space of the initially derived nucleotides was expanded by changing the central dioxane to analogous morpholine derivatives. This opens up the possibility for further derivatization by attaching different substituents at the morpholine nitrogen. The novel nucleotide building blocks were incorporated into double-stranded RNA sequences, and their hybridization properties investigated by melting-temperature analysis. Both scaffolds, dioxanes and morpholines, had an equal impact on double-strand stability, but Tm values differed depending on the chirality in the six-membered ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Hofmeister
- Sanofi R&D, Industrial Park Hoechst, G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Arne Krack
- Sanofi R&D, Industrial Park Hoechst, G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Armin Müller
- Sanofi R&D, Industrial Park Hoechst, G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Kurz
- Sanofi R&D, Industrial Park Hoechst, G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Scheidler
- Sanofi R&D, Industrial Park Hoechst, G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Extensive antibiotic use combined with poor historical drug stewardship practices have created a medical crisis in which once treatable bacterial infections are now increasingly unmanageable. To combat this, new antibiotics will need to be developed and safeguarded. An emerging class of antibiotics based upon nuclease-stable antisense technologies has proven valuable in preclinical testing against a variety of bacterial pathogens. This review describes the current state of development of antisense-based antibiotics, the mechanisms thus far employed by these compounds, and possible future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Pifer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - David E Greenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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6
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Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that has the ability to aggregate as biofilm, representing one of the main agents in hospital infections, showing high rates of resistance to antibiotics. The K. pneumoniae biofilm aggregates are composed mainly of extracellular polysaccharides, eDNA and proteins. Besides, biofilms can attach to medical devices, such as endotracheal tubes and catheters, but are most dangerous on body surfaces. Here, we discuss the recent findings about the resistance mechanisms of K. pneumoniae biofilms, including genes and protein involved in 'classic', multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains, and also virulence factors. In addition, we also explore new strategies for possible treatment of these biofilms, and recently discovered molecules which may lead to future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson G de Oliveira Júnior
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117-900, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117-900, Brazil
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Wang F, Liu LS, Lau CH, Han Chang TJ, Tam DY, Leung HM, Tin C, Lo PK. Synthetic α-l-Threose Nucleic Acids Targeting BcL-2 Show Gene Silencing and in Vivo Antitumor Activity for Cancer Therapy. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:38510-38518. [PMID: 31556592 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We design and synthesize a sequence-defined α-l-threose nucleic acid (TNA) polymer, which is complementary to certain nucleotide sites of target anti-apoptotic proteins, BcL-2 involving in development and progression of tumors. Compared to scramble TNA, anti-BcL-2 TNA significantly suppresses target mRNA and protein expression in cancerous cells and shows antitumor activity in carcinoma xenografts, resulting in suppression of tumor cell growth and induction of tumor cell death. Together with good biocompatibility, very low toxicity, excellent specificity features, and strong binding affinity toward the complementary target RNAs, TNAs become new useful biomaterials and effective alternatives to traditional antisense oligonucleotides including locked nucleic acids, morpholino oligomers, and peptide nucleic acids in antisense therapy. Compared to conventional cancer therapy such as radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, we anticipate that this TNA-based polymeric system will work effectively in antisense cancer therapy and shortly start to play an important role in practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pik Kwan Lo
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care , Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518057 , China
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Kourounakis AP, Xanthopoulos D, Tzara A. Morpholine as a privileged structure: A review on the medicinal chemistry and pharmacological activity of morpholine containing bioactive molecules. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:709-752. [PMID: 31512284 DOI: 10.1002/med.21634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Morpholine is a heterocycle featured in numerous approved and experimental drugs as well as bioactive molecules. It is often employed in the field of medicinal chemistry for its advantageous physicochemical, biological, and metabolic properties, as well as its facile synthetic routes. The morpholine ring is a versatile and readily accessible synthetic building block, it is easily introduced as an amine reagent or can be built according to a variety of available synthetic methodologies. This versatile scaffold, appropriately substituted, possesses a wide range of biological activities. There are many examples of molecular targets of morpholine bioactive in which the significant contribution of the morpholine moiety has been demonstrated; it is an integral component of the pharmacophore for certain enzyme active-site inhibitors whereas it bestows selective affinity for a wide range of receptors. A large body of in vivo studies has demonstrated morpholine's potential to not only increase potency but also provide compounds with desirable drug-like properties and improved pharamacokinetics. In this review we describe the medicinal chemistry/pharmacological activity of morpholine derivatives on various therapeutically related molecular targets, attempting to highlight the importance of the morpholine ring in drug design and development as well as to justify its classification as a privileged structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki P Kourounakis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Xanthopoulos
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ariadni Tzara
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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9
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Geller BL, Li L, Martinez F, Sully E, Sturge CR, Daly SM, Pybus C, Greenberg DE. Morpholino oligomers tested in vitro, in biofilm and in vivo against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 73:1611-1619. [PMID: 29506074 PMCID: PMC6251509 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen and many strains are multidrug resistant. KPC is one of the most problematic resistance mechanisms, as it confers resistance to most β-lactams, including carbapenems. A promising platform technology for treating infections caused by MDR pathogens is the nucleic acid-like synthetic oligomers that silence bacterial gene expression by an antisense mechanism. Objectives To test a peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) in a mouse model of K. pneumoniae infection. Methods PPMOs were designed to target various essential genes of K. pneumoniae and screened in vitro against a panel of diverse strains. The most potent PPMOs were further tested for their bactericidal effects in broth cultures and in established biofilms. Finally, a PPMO was used to treat mice infected with a KPC-expressing strain. Results The most potent PPMOs targeted acpP, rpmB and ftsZ and had MIC75s of 0.5, 4 and 4 μM, respectively. AcpP PPMOs were bactericidal at 1-2 × MIC and reduced viable cells and biofilm mass in established biofilms. In a mouse pneumonia model, therapeutic intranasal treatment with ∼30 mg/kg AcpP PPMO improved survival by 89% and reduced bacterial burden in the lung by ∼3 logs. Survival was proportional to the dose of AcpP PPMO. Delaying treatment by 2, 8 or 24 h post-infection improved survival compared with control groups treated with PBS or scrambled sequence (Scr) PPMOs. Conclusions PPMOs have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against KPC-expressing, MDR K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce L Geller
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Lixin Li
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Fabian Martinez
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Erin Sully
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Carolyn R Sturge
- Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Seth M Daly
- Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Christine Pybus
- Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - David E Greenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Microbiology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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10
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Liu LS, Leung HM, Tam DY, Lo TW, Wong SW, Lo PK. α-l-Threose Nucleic Acids as Biocompatible Antisense Oligonucleotides for Suppressing Gene Expression in Living Cells. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2018; 10:9736-9743. [PMID: 29473733 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Because of the chemical simplicity of α-l-threose nucleic acid (TNA) and its ability to exchange genetic information between itself and RNA, it has attracted significant interest as the RNA ancestor. We herein explore the biological properties and evaluate the potency of sequence-designed TNA polymers to suppress the gene expression in living environments. We found that sequence-specific TNA macromolecules exhibit strong affinity and specificity toward the complementary RNA targets, are highly biocompatible and nontoxic in a living cell system, and readily enter a number of cell lines without using transfecting agents. Particularly, TNA exhibited much stronger enzymatic resistance toward fetal bovine serum or human serum as compared to traditional antisense oligonucleotides, which means that the intrinsic structure of TNA is thoroughly resistant to biological degradation. Importantly, the efficacy of the TNA molecule with green fluorescent protein (GFP) target sequence (anti-GFP TNAs) as antisense agents was first demonstrated in living cells in which these polymers revealed high antisense activity in terms of the degree of inhibition of GFP gene expression. The GFP gene inhibition studies in HeLa and HEK293 cells characterize sequence-controlled TNA as a functional biomaterial and a valuable alternative to traditional antisense oligonucleotides such as peptide nucleic acids, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, and locked nucleic acids for a wide range of applications in drug discovery and life science research. Additionally, we also first reported the cost-efficient approach to synthesize the four TNA phosphoramidite monomers using 2-cyanoethyl N, N, N', N'-tetraisopropylphosphoramidite as a key reagent. Furthermore, by increasing the frequency of the deblocking and coupling reactions together with extending their reaction time in each synthesis cycle, sequence-controlled TNAs can be easily synthesized in a quantitative yield and high purity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sum Liu
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care , Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518057 , China
| | - Hoi Man Leung
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care , Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518057 , China
| | - Dick Yan Tam
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care , Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518057 , China
| | - Tsz Wan Lo
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Sze Wing Wong
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Pik Kwan Lo
- Department of Chemistry , City University of Hong Kong , Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR , China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Care , Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen 518057 , China
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11
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Sully EK, Geller BL, Li L, Moody CM, Bailey SM, Moore AL, Wong M, Nordmann P, Daly SM, Sturge CR, Greenberg DE. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) restores carbapenem susceptibility to NDM-1-positive pathogens in vitro and in vivo. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:782-790. [PMID: 27999041 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of an inhibitor of the New Delhi metallo-β- lactamase (NDM-1). Inhibiting expression of this type of antibiotic-resistance gene has the potential to restore antibiotic susceptibility in all bacteria carrying the gene. Methods We have constructed a peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) that selectively inhibits the expression of NDM-1 and examined its ability to restore susceptibility to meropenem in vitro and in vivo . Results In vitro , the PPMO reduced the MIC of meropenem for three different genera of pathogens that express NDM-1. In a murine model of lethal E. coli sepsis, the PPMO improved survival (92%) and reduced systemic bacterial burden when given concomitantly with meropenem. Conclusions These data show that a PPMO can restore antibiotic susceptibility in vitro and in vivo and that the combination of PPMO and meropenem may have therapeutic potential against certain class B carbapenem-resistant infections in multiple genera of Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Sully
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bruce L Geller
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lixin Li
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Christina M Moody
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Wong
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrice Nordmann
- Medical and Molecular Microbiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Seth M Daly
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carolyn R Sturge
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David E Greenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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12
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Abstract
Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water-soluble molecules used to block complementary sequences of RNA, preventing processing, read-through, or protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to block translation of mRNA and to block splicing of pre-mRNA, though they can block other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non-antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA, but must be delivered into the nuclear/cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by any proteins and do not undergo protein-mediated catalysis-nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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13
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Abstract
This review highlights a unique research area in polymer-based nanomedicine designs. Drug-free macromolecular therapeutics induce apoptosis of malignant cells by the crosslinking of surface non-internalizing receptors. The receptor crosslinking is mediated by the biorecognition of high-fidelity natural binding motifs (such as antiparallel coiled-coil peptides or complementary oligonucleotides) that are grafted to the side chains of polymers or attached to targeting moieties against cell receptors. This approach features the absence of low-molecular-weight cytotoxic compounds. Here, we summarize the rationales, different designs, and advantages of drug-free macromolecular therapeutics. Recent developments of novel therapeutic systems for B-cell lymphomas are discussed, as well as relevant approaches for other diseases. We conclude by pointing out various potential future directions in this exciting new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Wei Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jindřich Kopeček
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA ; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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14
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Durso M, Gaglione M, Piras L, Mercurio ME, Terreri S, Olivieri M, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Incoronato M, Grieco P, Orsini G, Tonon G, Messere A, Cimmino A. Chemical modifications in the seed region of miRNAs 221/222 increase the silencing performances in gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 111:15-25. [PMID: 26854374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are characterized by KIT gene overexpression, which in turn is regulated by levels of microRNA 221 and microRNA 222. GISTs can also be distinguished by their miRNAs expression profile in which miRNAs 221/222 result reduced in comparison with GI normal tissues. In this paper, to restore normal miRNAs levels and to improve the silencing performances of miRNAs 221/222, new miRNA mimics in which guide strands are modified by Phosphorothioate (PS) and/or 2'-O-methyl RNA (2'-OMe) inside and outside the seed region, were synthesized and tested in GIST48 cells. We evaluated the positional effect of the chemical modifications on the miRNAs silencing activity, compared to natural and several commercial miRNA mimics. Our results show that chemically modified miRNAs 221/222 with alternating 2'-OMe-PS and natural nucleotides in the seed region are effective inhibitors of KIT gene expression and exhibit increased stability in rat plasma. Besides, their transfection in GIST 48 cells showed significant effects on different cellular processes in which KIT plays a functional role for tumor development (such as migration, cell proliferation, and apoptosis). Therefore, modified miRNAs 221/222 may provide an alternative therapeutic option for GIST treatment also aimed to overcome drug resistance concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montano Durso
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gaglione
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Linda Piras
- National Research Council-CNR, Institute of Crystallography-IC, Via G. Amendola, 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Emilia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Terreri
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Olivieri
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Messere
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Amelia Cimmino
- Institute of Genetic and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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15
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Herrington FD, Carmody RJ, Goodyear CS. Modulation of NF-κB Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Autoimmunity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:223-42. [PMID: 26597958 DOI: 10.1177/1087057115617456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases arise from the loss of tolerance to endogenous self-antigens, resulting in a heterogeneous range of chronic conditions that cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Western countries, over 5% of the population is affected by some form of autoimmune disease, with enhanced or inappropriate activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB implicated in a number of these conditions. Although treatment strategies for autoimmunity have improved significantly in recent years, current therapeutics are still not capable of achieving satisfactory disease management in all patients, and as such, the therapeutic modulation of NF-κB is an attractive target in autoimmunity. To date, no NF-κB inhibitors have progressed to the clinic for the treatment of autoimmunity, but a variety of promising approaches targeting multiple stages of the NF-κB pathway are currently being explored. This review focuses on the current strategies being investigated for the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in autoimmune diseases and considers potential future strategies for the therapeutic targeting of this crucial transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity D Herrington
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruaidhrí J Carmody
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carl S Goodyear
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK GLAZgo Discovery Centre, University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
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16
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Rouleau SG, Beaudoin JD, Bisaillon M, Perreault JP. Small antisense oligonucleotides against G-quadruplexes: specific mRNA translational switches. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:595-606. [PMID: 25510493 PMCID: PMC4288198 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are intricate RNA structures found throughout the transcriptome. Because they are associated with a variety of biological cellular mechanisms, these fascinating structural motifs are seen as potential therapeutic targets against many diseases. While screening of chemical compounds specific to G4 motifs has yielded interesting results, no single compound successfully discriminates between G4 motifs based on nucleotide sequences alone. This level of specificity is best attained using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). Indeed, oligonucleotide-based strategies are already used to modulate DNA G4 folding in vitro. Here, we report that, in human cells, the use of short ASO to promote and inhibit RNA G4 folding affects the translation of specific mRNAs, including one from the 5'UTR of the H2AFY gene, a histone variant associated with cellular differentiation and cancer. These results suggest that the relatively high specificity of ASO-based strategies holds significant potential for applications aimed at modulating G4-motif folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Rouleau
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de recherche appliquée sur le cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Denis Beaudoin
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de recherche appliquée sur le cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Martin Bisaillon
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de recherche appliquée sur le cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de recherche appliquée sur le cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, J1E 4K8, Canada
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17
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Wu SY, Yang X, Gharpure KM, Hatakeyama H, Egli M, McGuire MH, Nagaraja AS, Miyake TM, Rupaimoole R, Pecot CV, Taylor M, Pradeep S, Sierant M, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Choi HJ, Previs RA, Armaiz-Pena GN, Huang L, Martinez C, Hassell T, Ivan C, Sehgal V, Singhania R, Han HD, Su C, Kim JH, Dalton HJ, Kovvali C, Keyomarsi K, McMillan NAJ, Overwijk WW, Liu J, Lee JS, Baggerly KA, Lopez-Berestein G, Ram PT, Nawrot B, Sood AK. 2'-OMe-phosphorodithioate-modified siRNAs show increased loading into the RISC complex and enhanced anti-tumour activity. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3459. [PMID: 24619206 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving small interfering RNA (siRNA) efficacy in target cell populations remains a challenge to its clinical implementation. Here, we report a chemical modification, consisting of phosphorodithioate (PS2) and 2'-O-Methyl (2'-OMe) MePS2 on one nucleotide that significantly enhances potency and resistance to degradation for various siRNAs. We find enhanced potency stems from an unforeseen increase in siRNA loading to the RNA-induced silencing complex, likely due to the unique interaction mediated by 2'-OMe and PS2. We demonstrate the therapeutic utility of MePS2 siRNAs in chemoresistant ovarian cancer mouse models via targeting GRAM domain containing 1B (GRAMD1B), a protein involved in chemoresistance. GRAMD1B silencing is achieved in tumours following MePS2-modified siRNA treatment, leading to a synergistic anti-tumour effect in combination with paclitaxel. Given the previously limited success in enhancing siRNA potency with chemically modified siRNAs, our findings represent an important advance in siRNA design with the potential for application in numerous cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Y Wu
- 1] Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2]
| | - Xianbin Yang
- 1] AM Biotechnologies LLC, 12521 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Texas 77034, USA [2]
| | - Kshipra M Gharpure
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Hiroto Hatakeyama
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Michael H McGuire
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Archana S Nagaraja
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Takahito M Miyake
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Rajesha Rupaimoole
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Chad V Pecot
- Division of Cancer Medicine, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Morgan Taylor
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Sunila Pradeep
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Malgorzata Sierant
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, Lodz, Poland
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- 1] Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Hyun J Choi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Rebecca A Previs
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Guillermo N Armaiz-Pena
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Carlos Martinez
- Sigma Life Science, 9186 Six Pines, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, USA
| | - Tom Hassell
- Sigma Life Science, 9186 Six Pines, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, USA
| | - Cristina Ivan
- 1] Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Vasudha Sehgal
- Department of Systems Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Richa Singhania
- 1] University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia [2] Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Hee-Dong Han
- 1] Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA [3] Department of Immunology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 380-701, South Korea
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- 1] Department of Systems Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 136-701, Korea
| | - Heather J Dalton
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Chandra Kovvali
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Nigel A J McMillan
- 1] University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia [2] Griffith Health Institute and School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Willem W Overwijk
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Pathology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | | | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- 1] Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Prahlad T Ram
- Department of Systems Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Barbara Nawrot
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anil K Sood
- 1] Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, Texas 77054, USA [2] Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA [3] Department of Cancer Biology, MDACC, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
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18
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Kumar S, Mapa K, Maiti S. Understanding the effect of locked nucleic acid and 2'-O-methyl modification on the hybridization thermodynamics of a miRNA-mRNA pair in the presence and absence of AfPiwi protein. Biochemistry 2014; 53:1607-15. [PMID: 24564489 DOI: 10.1021/bi401677d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are some of the key epigenetic regulators of gene expression. They act through hybridization with their target mRNA and modulate the level of respective proteins via different mechanisms. Various cancer conditions are known to be associated with up- and downregulation of the oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs, respectively. The levels of aberrantly expressed oncogenic miRNAs can be downregulated in different ways. Similarly, restoration of tumor suppressor miRNAs to their normal levels can be achieved using miRNA mimics. However, the use of miRNA mimics is limited by their reduced biostability and function. We have studied the hybridization thermodynamics of the miRNA 26a (11-mer, including the seed sequence) guide strand with the mRNA (11-mer) target strand in the absence and presence of AfPiwi protein. We have also inserted locked nucleic acids (LNAs) and 2'-O-methyl-modified nucleotides into the guide strand, in a walk-through manner, to assess their effect on the binding efficiency between guide and target RNA. Insertion of LNA and 2'-O-methyl-modified nucleotides into the guide strand helped to strengthen the binding affinity irrespective of the position of insertion. However, in the presence of AfPiwi protein, these modifications reduced the binding affinity to different extents depending on the position of insertion. Insertion of a modification leads to an increase in the enthalpic contribution with an increased unfavorable entropic contribution, which negatively compensates for the higher favorable enthalpy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology , Mall Road, Delhi 110 007, India
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19
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Koebis M, Kiyatake T, Yamaura H, Nagano K, Higashihara M, Sonoo M, Hayashi Y, Negishi Y, Endo-Takahashi Y, Yanagihara D, Matsuda R, Takahashi MP, Nishino I, Ishiura S. Ultrasound-enhanced delivery of morpholino with Bubble liposomes ameliorates the myotonia of myotonic dystrophy model mice. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2242. [PMID: 23873129 DOI: 10.1038/srep02242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide (PMO)-mediated control of the alternative splicing of the chloride channel 1 (CLCN1) gene is a promising treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) because the abnormal splicing of this gene causes myotonia in patients with DM1. In this study, we optimised a PMO sequence to correct Clcn1 alternative splicing and successfully remedied the myotonic phenotype of a DM1 mouse model, the HSALR mouse. To enhance the efficiency of delivery of PMO into HSALR mouse muscles, Bubble liposomes, which have been used as a gene delivery tool, were applied with ultrasound exposure. Effective delivery of PMO led to increased expression of Clcn1 protein in skeletal muscle and the amelioration of myotonia. Thus, PMO-mediated control of the alternative splicing of the Clcn1 gene must be important target of antisense therapy of DM1.
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20
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Mourich DV, Oda SK, Schnell FJ, Crumley SL, Hauck LL, Moentenich CA, Marshall NB, Hinrichs DJ, Iversen PL. Alternative splice forms of CTLA-4 induced by antisense mediated splice-switching influences autoimmune diabetes susceptibility in NOD mice. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:114-26. [PMID: 24494586 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated and regulatory T cells express the negative co-stimulatory molecule cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) that binds B7 on antigen-presenting cells to mediate cellular responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene have been found to affect alternative splicing and are linked to autoimmune disease susceptibility or resistance. Increased expression of a soluble splice form (sCTLA-4), lacking the transmembrane domain encoded by exon 3, has been shown to accelerate autoimmune pathology. In contrast, an exon 2-deficient form lacking the B7 ligand binding domain (liCTLA-4), expressed by diabetes resistant mouse strains has been shown to be protective when expressed as a transgene in diabetes susceptible non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. We sought to employ an antisense-targeted splice-switching approach to independently produce these CTLA-4 splice forms in NOD mouse T cells and observe their relative impact on spontaneous autoimmune diabetes susceptibility. In vitro antisense targeting of the splice acceptor site for exon 2 produced liCTLA-4 while targeting exon 3 produced the sCTLA-4 form in NOD T cells. The liCTLA-4 expressing T cells exhibited reduced activation, proliferation and increased adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) similar to treatment with agonist α-CTLA-4. Mice treated to produce liCTLA-4 at the time of elevated blood glucose levels exhibited a significant reduction in the incidence of insulitis and diabetes, whereas a marked increase in the incidence of both was observed in animals treated to produce sCTLA-4. These findings provide further support that alternative splice forms of CTLA-4 affects diabetes susceptibility in NOD mice and demonstrates the therapeutic utility of antisense mediated splice-switching for modulating immune responses.
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Abstract
Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is the causative agent of equine viral arteritis (EVA), a respiratory and reproductive disease of equids. There has been significant recent progress in understanding the molecular biology of EAV and the pathogenesis of its infection in horses. In particular, the use of contemporary genomic techniques, along with the development and reverse genetic manipulation of infectious cDNA clones of several strains of EAV, has generated significant novel information regarding the basic molecular biology of the virus. Therefore, the objective of this review is to summarize current understanding of EAV virion architecture, replication, evolution, molecular epidemiology and genetic variation, pathogenesis including the influence of host genetics on disease susceptibility, host immune response, and potential vaccination and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Basu
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) , South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India
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23
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Iversen PL, Warren TK, Wells JB, Garza NL, Mourich DV, Welch LS, Panchal RG, Bavari S. Discovery and early development of AVI-7537 and AVI-7288 for the treatment of Ebola virus and Marburg virus infections. Viruses 2012; 4:2806-30. [PMID: 23202506 PMCID: PMC3509674 DOI: 10.3390/v4112806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There are no currently approved treatments for filovirus infections. In this study we report the discovery process which led to the development of antisense Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers (PMOs) AVI-6002 (composed of AVI-7357 and AVI-7539) and AVI-6003 (composed of AVI-7287 and AVI-7288) targeting Ebola virus and Marburg virus respectively. The discovery process involved identification of optimal transcript binding sites for PMO based RNA-therapeutics followed by screening for effective viral gene target in mouse and guinea pig models utilizing adapted viral isolates. An evolution of chemical modifications were tested, beginning with simple Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers (PMO) transitioning to cell penetrating peptide conjugated PMOs (PPMO) and ending with PMOplus containing a limited number of positively charged linkages in the PMO structure. The initial lead compounds were combinations of two agents targeting separate genes. In the final analysis, a single agent for treatment of each virus was selected, AVI-7537 targeting the VP24 gene of Ebola virus and AVI-7288 targeting NP of Marburg virus, and are now progressing into late stage clinical development as the optimal therapeutic candidates.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage
- Antiviral Agents/chemistry
- Base Sequence
- Ebolavirus/genetics
- Ebolavirus/metabolism
- Genes, Viral
- Guinea Pigs
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/mortality
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/therapy
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology
- Marburg Virus Disease/mortality
- Marburg Virus Disease/therapy
- Marburg Virus Disease/virology
- Marburgvirus/genetics
- Marburgvirus/metabolism
- Mice
- Morpholinos/administration & dosage
- Morpholinos/chemistry
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Primates
- Protein Biosynthesis/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Travis K. Warren
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Jay B. Wells
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Nicole L. Garza
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Dan V. Mourich
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Bothell, Washington 98021, USA; (P.L.I.); (D.V.M)
| | - Lisa S. Welch
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Rekha G. Panchal
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Sina Bavari
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA; (T.K.W.); (J.B.W.); (N.L.G.); (L.S.W.); (S.B.); (R.P.)
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24
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Warren TK, Shurtleff AC, Bavari S. Advanced morpholino oligomers: a novel approach to antiviral therapy. Antiviral Res 2012; 94:80-8. [PMID: 22353544 PMCID: PMC7114334 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) are synthetic antisense oligonucleotide analogs that are designed to interfere with translational processes by forming base-pair duplexes with specific RNA sequences. Positively charged PMOs (PMOplus™) are effective for the postexposure protection of two fulminant viral diseases, Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever in nonhuman primates, and this class of antisense agent may also have possibilities for treatment of other viral diseases. PMOs are highly stable, are effective by a variety of routes of administration, can be readily formulated in common isotonic delivery vehicles, and can be rapidly designed and synthesized. These are properties which may make PMOs good candidates for use during responses to emerging or reemerging viruses that may be insensitive to available therapies or for use during outbreaks, especially in regions that lack a modern medical infrastructure. While the efficacy of sequence-specific therapies can be limited by target-site sequence variations that occur between variants or by the emergence of resistant mutants during infections, various PMO design strategies can minimize these impacts. These strategies include the use of promiscuous bases such as inosine to compensate for predicted base-pair mismatches, the use of sequences that target conserved sites between viral strains, and the use of sequences that target host products that viruses utilize for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sina Bavari
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 301 619 4246.
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25
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Watts JK, Corey DR. Silencing disease genes in the laboratory and the clinic. J Pathol 2011; 226:365-79. [PMID: 22069063 DOI: 10.1002/path.2993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic nucleic acids are commonly used laboratory tools for modulating gene expression and have the potential to be widely used in the clinic. Progress towards nucleic acid drugs, however, has been slow and many challenges remain to be overcome before their full impact on patient care can be understood. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the two most widely used strategies for silencing gene expression. We first describe these two approaches and contrast their relative strengths and weaknesses for laboratory applications. We then review the choices faced during development of clinical candidates and the current state of clinical trials. Attitudes towards clinical development of nucleic acid silencing strategies have repeatedly swung from optimism to depression during the past 20 years. Our goal is to provide the information needed to design robust studies with oligonucleotides, making use of the strengths of each oligonucleotide technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Watts
- Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
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26
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Neuman BW, Bederka LH, Stein DA, Ting JP, Moulton HM, Buchmeier MJ. Development of peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomers as pan-arenavirus inhibitors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:4631-8. [PMID: 21825302 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00650-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Arenaviridae family are a threat to public health and can cause meningitis and hemorrhagic fever, and yet treatment options remain limited by a lack of effective antivirals. In this study, we found that peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) complementary to viral genomic RNA were effective in reducing arenavirus replication in cell cultures and in vivo. PPMO complementary to the Junín virus genome were designed to interfere with viral RNA synthesis or translation or both. However, only PPMO designed to potentially interfere with translation were effective in reducing virus replication. PPMO complementary to sequences that are highly conserved across the arenaviruses and located at the 5' termini of both genomic segments were effective against Junín virus, Tacaribe virus, Pichinde virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-infected cell cultures and suppressed viral titers in the livers of LCMV-infected mice. These results suggest that arenavirus 5' genomic termini represent promising targets for pan-arenavirus antiviral therapeutic development.
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27
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Schneider PN, Olthoff JT, Matthews AJ, Houston DW. Use of fully modified 2'-O-methyl antisense oligos for loss-of-function studies in vertebrate embryos. Genesis 2011; 49:117-23. [PMID: 21442720 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are commonly employed to study the roles of genes in development. Although morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligonucleotides (morpholinos) are widely used to block translation or splicing of target gene products' the usefulness of other modifications in mediating RNase-H independent inhibition of gene activity in embryos has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the extent that fully modified 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotides (2'-OMe oligos) that can function as translation inhibiting reagents in vivo, using Xenopus and zebrafish embryos. We find that oligos against Xenopus β-catenin, wnt11, and bmp4 and against zebrafish chordin (chd), which can efficiently and specifically generate embryonic loss-of-function phenotypes comparable with morpholino injection and other methods. These results show that fully modified 2'-OMe oligos can function as RNase-H independent antisense reagents in vertebrate embryos and can thus serve as an alternative modification to morpholinos in some cases.
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28
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Abstract
In order to improve physicochemical and biological properties of natural oligonucleotides in particular increasing their affinity for nucleic acids, the selectivity of action and biological sustainability, several types of DNA mimics were designed. The survey collected data on the synthesis and properties of the DNA mimics - peptide-nucleic acids analogues, which are derivatives of pyrrolidine and hydroxyproline. We examine some physicochemical and biological properties of negatively charged mimics of this type, containing phosphonate residues, and possessing a high affinity for DNA and RNA, selective binding with nucleic acids and stability in various biological systems. Examples of the use of these mimics as tools for molecular biological research, particularly in functional genomics are given. The prospects for their use in diagnostics and medicine are discussed.
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Eide K, Moerdyk-Schauwecker M, Stein DA, Bildfell R, Koelle DM, Jin L. Reduction of herpes simplex virus type-2 replication in cell cultures and in rodent models with peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomers. Antivir Ther 2011; 15:1141-9. [PMID: 21149921 DOI: 10.3851/imp1694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), is a recurrent, lifelong disease affecting tens of millions of people in the USA alone. HSV-2 can be treated therapeutically with acyclovir (ACV) and its derivatives; however, no treatment can prevent HSV reactivation. Novel topical anti-HSV microbicides are much needed to reduce HSV-2 transmission and to treat primary or reactivated infections, especially for ACV-resistant strains. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) are single-stranded DNA analogues that enter cells readily and can reduce target gene expression through steric blockage of complementary messenger RNA (mRNA). METHODS We investigated the antiviral activities of PPMOs targeted to the translation start-site regions of the mRNA for two HSV-2 immediate early genes, immediate early protein (ICP)0 and ICP27, and two early genes, unique long gene (UL)30 and UL39. RESULTS In cell cultures, PPMOs targeting ICP0 or ICP27 mRNA were found to be highly effective against two strains of HSV-2, one of which was ACV-resistant. In vivo, daily topical applications of up to 1 mM ICP27 PPMO caused no gross or microscopic damage to the genital tract of uninfected BALB/c mice or cotton rats. Cotton rats receiving topical application of ICP27 PPMO 24 h after HSV-2 inoculation showed a reduction in genital lesions and a 37.5% reduction in mortality at 14 days post-infection. Mice receiving topical application of 100 μM of an ICP27 and ICP0 PPMO combination before HSV-2 inoculation had no detectable viral replication in the genital tract at 3-5 days post-infection. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that topically applied PPMOs hold promise as candidate antiviral microbicides against HSV-2 genital infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Eide
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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30
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Deiters A, Garner RA, Lusic H, Govan JM, Dush M, Nascone-Yoder NM, Yoder JA. Photocaged morpholino oligomers for the light-regulation of gene function in zebrafish and Xenopus embryos. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 132:15644-50. [PMID: 20961123 DOI: 10.1021/ja1053863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Morpholino oligonucleotides, or morpholinos, have emerged as powerful antisense reagents for evaluating gene function in both in vitro and in vivo contexts. However, the constitutive activity of these reagents limits their utility for applications that require spatiotemporal control, such as tissue-specific gene disruptions in embryos. Here we report a novel and efficient synthetic route for incorporating photocaged monomeric building blocks directly into morpholino oligomers and demonstrate the utility of these caged morpholinos in the light-activated control of gene function in both cell culture and living embryos. We demonstrate that a caged morpholino that targets enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) disrupts EGFP production only after exposure to UV light in both transfected cells and living zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus frog embryos. Finally, we show that a caged morpholino targeting chordin, a zebrafish gene that yields a distinct phenotype when functionally disrupted by conventional morpholinos, elicits a chordin phenotype in a UV-dependent manner. Our results suggest that photocaged morpholinos are readily synthesized and highly efficacious tools for light-activated spatiotemporal control of gene expression in multiple contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States.
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31
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Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Stein DA, Klenk HD, Garten W. Inhibition of influenza virus infection in human airway cell cultures by an antisense peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer targeting the hemagglutinin-activating protease TMPRSS2. J Virol 2011; 85:1554-62. [PMID: 21123387 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01294-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses constitute a major and ongoing global public health concern. Current antiviral strategies target viral gene products; however, the emergence of drug-resistant viruses highlights the need for novel antiviral approaches. Cleavage of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) by host cell proteases is crucial for viral infectivity and therefore presents a potential drug target. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) are single-stranded-DNA-like antisense agents that readily enter cells and can act as antisense agents by sterically blocking cRNA. Here, we evaluated the effect of PPMO targeted to regions of the pre-mRNA or mRNA of the HA-cleaving protease TMPRSS2 on proteolytic activation and spread of influenza viruses in human Calu-3 airway epithelial cells. We found that treatment of cells with a PPMO (T-ex5) designed to interfere with TMPRSS2 pre-mRNA splicing resulted in TMPRSS2 mRNA lacking exon 5 and consequently the expression of a truncated and enzymatically inactive form of TMPRSS2. Altered splicing of TMPRSS2 mRNA by the T-ex5 PPMO prevented HA cleavage in different human seasonal and pandemic influenza A viruses and suppressed viral titers by 2 to 3 log(10) units, strongly suggesting that TMPRSS2 is responsible for HA cleavage in Calu-3 airway cells. The data indicate that PPMO provide a useful reagent for investigating HA-activating proteases and may represent a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutics to address influenza infections.
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32
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Zhang J, Stein DA, Timoney PJ, Balasuriya UB. Curing of HeLa cells persistently infected with equine arteritis virus by a peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer. Virus Res 2010; 150:138-42. [PMID: 20206215 PMCID: PMC7114391 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2009] [Revised: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A significant consequence of equine arteritis virus (EAV) infection of horses is persistence of the virus in a variable percentage of infected stallions. We recently established an in vitro model of EAV persistence in cell culture for the purpose of furthering our understanding of EAV biology in general and viral persistence in the stallion in particular. In this study we investigated whether persistently infected HeLa cells could be cured of EAV infection by treatment with an antisense peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) designed to target the 5'-terminal region of the EAV genome. We found that persistently infected HeLa cells passaged three times in the presence of 5-10 microM EAV-specific PPMO produced no detectable virus. The PPMO-cured HeLa cells were free of infectious virus, viral antigen and EAV RNA as measured by plaque assay, indirect immunofluorescence assay and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, when re-challenged with EAV at several passages after discontinuation of PPMO treatments, PPMO-cured HeLa cells were found to be refractory to re-infection and to the re-establishment of viral persistence. While these findings demonstrate that PPMO can be used to eliminate persistent EAV infection in cell culture, the efficacy of PPMO against EAV in vivo remains to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - David A. Stein
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Peter J. Timoney
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Udeni B.R. Balasuriya
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
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33
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Anantpadma M, Stein DA, Vrati S. Inhibition of Japanese encephalitis virus replication in cultured cells and mice by a peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010; 65:953-61. [PMID: 20299495 PMCID: PMC7109675 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkq074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has a significant impact on public health throughout Asia, and there is a pressing need for development of new therapeutics against it. Methods Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) are antisense agents that enter cells readily and interfere with gene expression. Four PPMOs, targeting various locations in the JEV genome, were evaluated for antiviral activity against JEV in cultured cells and the mouse model of JEV infection. Results A PPMO (P10882) targeting the JEV 3′ cyclization sequence (3′CSI) had significant antiviral activity in Vero (epithelial), Neuro2A (neuronal) and J774E (macrophage) cells at concentrations that were not cytotoxic. P10882 added before infection suppressed JEV replication to an undetectable level in Vero cells and produced a 93% and 66% reduction in titre in J774E and Neuro2A cells, respectively, when measured at 24 h post-infection. In uninfected cells, fluorescein-labelled PPMOs entered J774E cells most efficiently, followed by Vero and Neuro2A cells. The antiviral effect of P10882 was also demonstrated in vivo, where 60%–80% of 1-week-old mice treated intracerebrally with a 20 mg/kg dose of P10882 every 12 h for 5 days were protected from a lethal dose of JEV and showed an undetectable level of virus in brain tissue at 2 days post-infection. Conclusions P10882, which targets sequence that is highly conserved across members of the JEV serocomplex, was previously shown to be effective in a mouse model of West Nile disease, and represents a candidate antiviral agent against members of the JEV serocomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Anantpadma
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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Lüsebrink J, Schildgen V, Schildgen O. Novel therapies for an old virus: treatment of RSV infections in the 21st Century. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 7:1125-9. [PMID: 19883332 DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a pathogen whose existence has been known for decades, causing mild-to-severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections that bear the risk of subsequent asthma and can even lead to a fatal outcome. RSV infects all groups of patients and is a major cause of hospitalization in children and in the elderly. This review briefly summarizes the current status of RSV drug development and clinical trials for drugs available for the treatment of RSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lüsebrink
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
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35
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Abstract
Although respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was discovered > 40 years ago, treatment remains largely supportive. There are no safe and effective vaccines or specific treatments other than prophylaxis with passive antibody therapy (palivizumab). However, there are good reasons to think that the scene may soon change. As the pace of development of anti-viral drugs accelerates and optimism over vaccines increases, novel therapies are set to make a major impact in the management of this very common infection. The use and effect of such interventions are not easy to anticipate, but could ultimately include the interruption of RSV's transmission resulting in profound changes to the impact of RSV on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslawa Olszewska
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Centre for Respiratory Infection, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, Paddington, W21PG London, UK
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36
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Moerdyk-Schauwecker M, Stein DA, Eide K, Blouch RE, Bildfell R, Iversen P, Jin L. Inhibition of HSV-1 ocular infection with morpholino oligomers targeting ICP0 and ICP27. Antiviral Res 2009; 84:131-41. [PMID: 19665486 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 06/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alternative therapies are needed for HSV-1 infections in patients refractory to treatment with Acyclovir (ACV) and its derivatives. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) are single-stranded DNA analogues that enter cells readily and reduce target gene expression through steric blockage of complementary RNA. When applied before or soon after infection PPMO targeting the translation-start-site regions of HSV-1 ICP0 or ICP27 mRNA reduced HSV-1 plaque formation by 70-98% in vitro. The ICP0 PPMO also reduced ACV-resistant HSV-1 (strain 615.9) plaque formation by 70-90%, while an equivalent dose of ACV produced only 40-50% inhibition when the treatment was applied between 1 and 3hpi. Seven daily topical treatments of 100microg ICP0 PPMO caused no gross or microscopic damage to the corneas of uninfected mice. Topical application of 10microg ICP0 PPMO to the eyes of HSV-1 infected mice reduced the incidence of eye disease by 37.5-50% compared to controls. This study demonstrates that topically applied PPMO holds promise as an antiviral drug candidate against HSV-1 ocular infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Moerdyk-Schauwecker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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37
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Abstract
Morpholino oligonucleotides are the most common anti-sense "knockdown" technique used in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This review discusses common practices for the design, preparation, and deployment of morpholinos in this vertebrate model system. Off-targeting effects of morpholinos are discussed as well as method to minimize this potentially confounding variable via co-injection of a tP53-targeting morpholino. Finally, new uses of morpholinos are summarized and contextualized with respect to the complementary, DNA-based knockout technologies recently developed for zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent R Bill
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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38
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Abstract
Although Nature's antisense approaches are clearly impressive, this Perspectives article focuses on the experimental uses of antisense reagents (ASRs) for control of biological processes. ASRs comprise antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and their catalytically active counterparts ribozymes and DNAzymes, as well as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). ASOs and ribozymes/DNAzymes target RNA molecules on the basis of Watson-Crick base pairing in sequence-specific manner. ASOs generally result in destruction of the target RNA by RNase-H mediated mechanisms, although they may also sterically block translation, also resulting in loss of protein production. Ribozymes and DNAzymes cleave target RNAs after base pairing via their antisense flanking arms. siRNAs, which contain both sense and antisense regions from a target RNA, can mediate target RNA destruction via RNAi and the RISC, although they can also function at the transcriptional level. A considerable number of ASRs (mostly ASOs) have progressed into clinical trials, although most have relatively long histories in Phase I/II settings. Clinical trial results are surprisingly difficult to find, although few ASRs appear to have yet established efficacy in Phase III levels. Evolution of ASRs has included: (a) Modifications to ASOs to render them nuclease resistant, with analogous modifications to siRNAs being developed; and (b) Development of strategies to select optimal sites for targeting. Perhaps the biggest barrier to effective therapies with ASRs is the "Delivery Problem." Various liposomal vehicles have been used for systemic delivery with some success, and recent modifications appear to enhance systemic delivery, at least to liver. Various nanoparticle formulations are now being developed which may also enhance delivery. Going forward, topical applications of ASRs would seem to have the best chances for success. In summary, modifications to ASRs to enhance stability, improve targeting, and incremental improvements in delivery vehicles continue to make ASRs attractive as molecular therapeutics, but their advance toward the bedside has been agonizingly slow.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Binding Sites/genetics
- DNA, Catalytic/chemistry
- DNA, Catalytic/therapeutic use
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Delivery Systems/trends
- Humans
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/adverse effects
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/toxicity
- RNA, Catalytic/chemistry
- RNA, Catalytic/therapeutic use
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Pan
- Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation, Hershey Medical Center, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
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39
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Mourich DV, Jendrzejewski JL, Marshall NB, Hinrichs DJ, Iversen PL, Brand RM. Antisense targeting of cFLIP sensitizes activated T cells to undergo apoptosis and desensitizes responses to contact dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:1945-53. [PMID: 19225545 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2009.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Contact dermatitis is the result of inflammatory responses mediated by hapten-specific activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is a naturally occurring process regulating the resolution of T-cell responses through decreased expression of the antiapoptotic molecule cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (cFLIP). We show that targeting cFLIP expression in vitro and in vivo, with morpholino antisense applied systemically or topically in conjunction with antigen, sensitizes T cells to undergo "early" AICD resulting in tolerance. Analysis of antisense-treated CD8+ OT-1 splenocytes after co-culture with SIINFEKL-pulsed DCs showed apoptosis occurring in a dose-dependent manner with respect to cFLIP peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) concentration. A transplant acceptance model using male DO.11 donor cells and female BALB/c recipient mice showed that cFLIP antisense treatment could promote antigen tolerance. Hypersensitivity responses induced in mice by the epicutaneous application of the haptens FITC and oxazolone confirmed that topically applied cFLIP antisense could reduce inflammation. Treatment of the skin produced significant reduction in dermatitis and localized infiltration of lymphocytes. Moreover, the treatment was target- and antigen-specific, dose-dependent, and capable of inducing long-lived tolerance. These data suggest that the targeted expression of immune-regulating molecules is possible through the application of antisense to the skin.
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40
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Abstract
For almost three decades, researchers have studied the possibility to use nucleic acids as antiviral therapeutics. In theory, compounds such as antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes, and aptamers can be designed to trigger the sequence-specific inhibition of particular mRNA transcripts, including viral genomes. However, difficulties with their efficiency, off-target effects, toxicity, delivery, and stability halted the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics that can be used in the clinic. So far, only a single antisense drug, Vitravene for the treatment of CMV-induced retinitis in AIDS patients, has made it to the clinic. Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), there is a renewed interest in the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Antiviral RNAi approaches are highly effective in vitro and in animal models and are currently being tested in clinical trials. Here we give an overview of antiviral nucleic acid-based therapeutics. We focus on antisense and RNAi-based compounds that have been shown to be effective in animal model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Georg Kräusslich
- Hygiene Institute Department of Virology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, Heidelberg, 69120 Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Hygiene Institute Department of Virology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, Heidelberg, 69120 Germany
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41
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Abstract
We previously showed that a 9-nucleotide sequence from the 5' leader of the Gtx homeodomain mRNA facilitates translation initiation by base pairing to 18S rRNA. These earlier studies tested the Gtx element in isolation; we now assess the physiological relevance of this element in the context of two natural mRNAs that contain this sequence in their 5' leaders, Gtx itself and FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor 2). 2'-O-Methyl-modified RNA oligonucleotides were employed to block mRNA-rRNA base pairing by targeting either the Gtx-binding site in 18S rRNA or Gtx elements in recombinant mRNAs containing the Gtx or FGF2 5' leaders linked to a reporter cistron. Studies in cell-free lysates and transfected COS-7 cells showed that translation of mRNAs containing the Gtx or FGF2 5' leaders was decreased by > 50% when oligonucleotides targeting either the rRNA or mRNA were used. Specificity was demonstrated by showing that translation of the recombinant mRNAs was unaffected by control oligonucleotides. In addition, the specific oligonucleotides did not affect the translation of recombinant mRNAs in which the Gtx elements were mutated. Experiments performed using constructs containing Gtx and FGF2 5' leader and coding sequences ruled out possible effects of the reporter cistron. Furthermore, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that the oligonucleotides used in this study had little overall effect on the proteomes of cells transfected with these oligonucleotides. This study demonstrates that mRNA-rRNA base pairing affects the expression of two cellular mRNAs and describes a new approach for investigating putative mRNA-rRNA base pairing interactions in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Panopoulos
- Department of Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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42
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Bok K, Cavanaugh VJ, Matson DO, González-Molleda L, Chang KO, Zintz C, Smith AW, Iversen P, Green KY, Campbell AE. Inhibition of norovirus replication by morpholino oligomers targeting the 5'-end of the genome. Virology 2008; 380:328-37. [PMID: 18783811 PMCID: PMC3703767 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Revised: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 08/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Noroviruses are an important cause of non-bacterial epidemic gastroenteritis, but no specific antiviral therapies are available. We investigated the inhibitory effect of phosphorodiamidiate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) targeted against norovirus sequences. A panel of peptide-conjugated PMOs (PPMOs) specific for the murine norovirus (MNV) genome was developed, and two PPMO compounds directed against the first AUG of the ORF1 coding sequence near the 5'-end of the genome proved effective in inhibiting MNV replication in cells. A consensus PPMO (designated Noro 1.1), designed to target the corresponding region of several diverse human norovirus genotypes, decreased the efficiency of protein translation in a cell-free luciferase reporter assay and inhibited Norwalk virus protein expression in replicon-bearing cells. Our data suggest that PPMOs directed against the relatively conserved 5'-end of the norovirus genome may show broad antiviral activity against this genetically diverse group of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bok
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, 50 South Drive, Bldg. 50, Room 6316, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water-soluble molecules used to block complementary sequences of RNA, preventing processing, read-through, or protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to block translation of mRNA and to block splicing of pre-mRNA, though they can block other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non-antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA, but must be delivered into the nuclear/cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by any proteins and do not undergo protein-mediated catalysis; nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos.
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44
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Abstract
Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water-soluble molecules that bind to complementary sequences of RNA, thereby inhibiting mRNA processing, read-through, and protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to inhibit translation of mRNA, splicing of pre-mRNA, and maturation of miRNA, although they can also inhibit other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non-antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA. However, unmodified Morpholinos do not pass well through plasma membranes and must therefore be delivered into the nuclear or cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by proteins and do not undergo protein-mediated catalysis; nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos.
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45
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Gabriel G, Nordmann A, Stein DA, Iversen PL, Klenk HD. Morpholino oligomers targeting the PB1 and NP genes enhance the survival of mice infected with highly pathogenic influenza A H7N7 virus. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:939-948. [PMID: 18343835 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.83449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) are single-stranded nucleic acid-analogue antisense agents that enter cells readily and can reduce gene expression by steric blocking of complementary RNA (cRNA) sequences. Here, we tested a panel of PPMO designed to target conserved sequences in the RNA genome segments encoding polymerase subunits of a highly pathogenic mouse-adapted influenza A virus (SC35M; H7N7). Three PPMO, targeting the translation start site region of PB1 or NP mRNA or the 3'-terminal region of NP viral RNA (vRNA), potently inhibited virus replication in MDCK cells. Primer extension assays showed that treatment with any of the effective PPMO led to markedly reduced levels of mRNA, cRNA and vRNA. Initially, the potential toxicity of a range of intranasally administered PPMO doses was evaluated, by measuring their effect on body weight of uninfected mice. Subsequently, a non-toxic dosing regimen was used to investigate the effect of various PPMO on SC35M infection in a mouse model. Mice administered intranasal treatment of PPMO targeting the PB1-AUG region or NP vRNA, at 3 mug per dose, given once 3 h before and once 2 days after intranasal infection with 10xLD(50) of SC35M, showed a 2 log(10) reduction of viral titre in the lungs and 50 % survival for the 16 day duration of the experiment, whereas the NP-AUG-targeted PPMO treatment resulted in 30 % survival of an otherwise lethal infection. These data suggest that PPMO provide a useful reagent to investigate influenza virus molecular biology and may constitute a therapeutic strategy against highly pathogenic influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülsah Gabriel
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
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46
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Paessler S, Rijnbrand R, Stein DA, Ni H, Yun NE, Dziuba N, Borisevich V, Seregin A, Ma Y, Blouch R, Iversen PL, Zacks MA. Inhibition of alphavirus infection in cell culture and in mice with antisense morpholino oligomers. Virology 2008; 376:357-70. [PMID: 18468653 PMCID: PMC2447162 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2007] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The genus Alphavirus contains members that threaten human health, both as natural pathogens and as potential biological weapons. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) enter cells readily and can inhibit viral replication through sequence-specific steric blockade of viral RNA. Sindbis virus (SINV) has low pathogenicity in humans and is regularly utilized as a model alphavirus. PPMO targeting the 5′-terminal and AUG translation start site regions of the SINV genome blocked the production of infectious SINV in tissue culture. PPMO designed against corresponding regions in Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) were likewise found to be effective in vitro against several strains of VEEV. Mice treated with PPMO before and after VEEV infection were completely protected from lethal outcome while mice receiving only post-infection PPMO treatment were partially protected. Levels of virus in tissue samples correlated with animal survival. Uninfected mice suffered no apparent ill-effects from PPMO treatment. Thus, PPMO appear promising as candidates for therapeutic development against alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1019, USA.
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Lai SH, Stein DA, Guerrero-Plata A, Liao SL, Ivanciuc T, Hong C, Iversen PL, Casola A, Garofalo RP. Inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus infections with morpholino oligomers in cell cultures and in mice. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1120-8. [PMID: 18443602 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, young children, and high-risk adults. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent RSV infection, and the available therapeutic agents are of limited utility. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) are a class of antisense agents that can enter cells readily and interfere with viral protein expression through steric blocking of complementary RNA. Two antisense PPMOs, designed to target sequence that includes the 5'-terminal region and translation start-site region of RSV L mRNA, were tested for anti-RSV activity in cultures of two human-airway cell lines. Both PPMOs showed minimal cytotoxicity and one of them, (AUG-2), reduced viral titers by >2.0 log(10). Intranasal (i.n.) treatment of BALB/c mice with AUG-2 PPMO before the RSV inoculation produced a reduction in viral titer of 1.2 log(10) in lung tissue at day 5 postinfection (p.i.), and attenuated pulmonary inflammation at day 7 postinfection. These data show that the AUG-2 PPMO possesses potent anti-RSV activity and is worthy of further investigation as a candidate for potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Hao Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77555-0369, USA
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Lupfer C, Stein DA, Mourich DV, Tepper SE, Iversen PL, Pastey M. Inhibition of influenza A H3N8 virus infections in mice by morpholino oligomers. Arch Virol 2008; 153:929-37. [PMID: 18369525 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-008-0067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
New methods to combat influenza A virus (FLUAV) in humans and animals are needed. The H3N8 subtype virus was the cause of the pandemic of 1890 and has recently undergone cross-species transmission from horses to dogs in the USA. In 2007 H3N8 spread to Australia, a continent previously devoid of equine influenza. Here, we show that antisense-peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs), delivered by intranasal administration, are able to inhibit the replication of FLUAV A/Eq/Miami/1/63 (H3N8) in mice by over 95% compared to controls. Monitoring of body weight and immune cell infiltrates in the lungs of noninfected mice indicated that PPMO treatment was not toxic at a concentration shown to be effectively antiviral in vivo. In addition, we detected a naturally occurring mutation within the PPMO target site of a viral gene that may be the cause of resistance to one of the two antisense PPMO sequences tested. These data indicate that PPMOs targeting highly conserved regions of FLUAV are promising novel therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lupfer
- Genetics Program, College of Agricultural Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Stone JK, Rijnbrand R, Stein DA, Ma Y, Yang Y, Iversen PL, Andino R. A morpholino oligomer targeting highly conserved internal ribosome entry site sequence is able to inhibit multiple species of picornavirus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:1970-81. [PMID: 18347107 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00011-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genera Enterovirus and Rhinovirus (family Picornaviridae) cause a wide range of human diseases. An established vaccine is available only for poliovirus, and no effective therapy is available for the treatment of infections caused by any pathogenic picornavirus. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO) are single-stranded DNA-like antisense agents that readily enter cells. A panel of PPMO was tested for their antiviral activities against various picornaviruses. PPMO targeting conserved internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence were highly active against human rhinovirus type 14, coxsackievirus type B2, and poliovirus type 1 (PV1), reducing PV1 titers by up to 6 log(10) in cell cultures. Comparative sequence analysis led us to design a PPMO (EnteroX) targeting 22 nucleotides of IRES sequence that are perfectly conserved across greater than 99% of all human enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. EnteroX reduced PV1 replication in cell culture to an extent similar to that of other IRES-specific PPMO. Resistant PV1 arose in cell cultures after 12 passages in the presence of EnteroX and were found to have two mutations within the EnteroX target sequence. Nevertheless, cPVR transgenic mice treated once daily by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with EnteroX before and/or after i.p. infection with 3 x 10(8) PFU (three times the 50% lethal dose) of PV1 had an approximately 80% higher rate of survival than the controls. The viral titer in tissues taken at day 5 postinfection showed that animals in the EnteroX-treated group averaged over 3, 4, and 5 log(10) less virus in the small intestine, spinal cord, and brain, respectively, than the amount in the control animals. These results suggest that EnteroX may have broad therapeutic potential against entero- and rhinoviruses.
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