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Xie H, Zhan H, Gao Q, Li J, Zhou Q, Chen Z, Liu Y, Ding M, Xiao H, Liu Y, Huang W, Cai Z. Synthetic artificial "long non-coding RNAs" targeting oncogenic microRNAs and transcriptional factors inhibit malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 422:94-106. [PMID: 29501702 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Both oncogenic transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in human cancers, acting as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators, respectively. These phenomena raise questions about the ability of an artificial device to simultaneously regulate miRNAs and TFs. In this study, we aimed to construct artificial long non-coding RNAs, "alncRNAs", and to investigate their therapeutic effects on bladder cancer cell lines. Based on engineering principles of synthetic biology, we combined tandem arrayed aptamer cDNA sequences for TFs with tandem arrayed cDNA copies of binding sites for the miRNAs to construct alncRNAs. In order to prove the utility of this platform, we chose β-catenin and the miR-183-182-96 cluster as the functional targets and used the bladder cancer cell lines 5637 and SW780 as the test models. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and related phenotypic experiments were used to test the expression of related genes and the therapeutic effects of our devices. The result of dual-luciferase reporter assay and qRT-PCR showed that alncRNAs could inhibit transcriptional activity of TFs and expression of corresponding microRNAs. Using functional experiments, we observed decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and motility inhibition in alncRNA-infected bladder cancer cells. What's more, follow-up mechanism experiments further confirmed the anti-tumor effect of our devices. In summary, our synthetic devices indeed function as anti-tumor regulators, which synchronously accomplish transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in bladder cancer cells. Most importantly, anti-cancer effects were induced by the synthetic alncRNAs in the bladder cancer lines. Our devices, all in all, provided a novel strategy and methodology for cancer studies, and might show a great potential for cancer therapy if the challenges of in vivo DNA delivery are overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibiao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Hengji Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Qunjun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jianfa Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, 518039, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhicong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Mengting Ding
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Huizhong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Weiren Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China.
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China.
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Groff K, Brown J, Clippinger AJ. Modern affinity reagents: Recombinant antibodies and aptamers. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:1787-98. [PMID: 26482034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Affinity reagents are essential tools in both basic and applied research; however, there is a growing concern about the reproducibility of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. The need for higher quality affinity reagents has prompted the development of methods that provide scientific, economic, and time-saving advantages and do not require the use of animals. This review describes two types of affinity reagents, recombinant antibodies and aptamers, which are non-animal technologies that can replace the use of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. Recombinant antibodies are protein-based reagents, while aptamers are nucleic-acid-based. In light of the scientific advantages of these technologies, this review also discusses ways to gain momentum in the use of modern affinity reagents, including an update to the 1999 National Academy of Sciences monoclonal antibody production report and federal incentives for recombinant antibody and aptamer efforts. In the long-term, these efforts have the potential to improve the overall quality and decrease the cost of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Jeffrey Brown
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Amy J Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
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Gao Y, Yu X, Xue B, Zhou F, Wang X, Yang D, Liu N, Xu L, Fang X, Zhu H. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection by DNA aptamer against NS2 protein. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90333. [PMID: 24587329 PMCID: PMC3938669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NS2 protein is essential for hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. NS2 protein was expressed and purified. Aptamers against NS2 protein were raised and antiviral effects of the aptamers were examined. The molecular mechanism through which the aptamers exert their anti-HCV activity was investigated. The data showed that aptamer NS2-3 inhibited HCV RNA replication in replicon cell line and infectious HCV cell culture system. NS2-3 and another aptamer NS2-2 were demonstrated to inhibit infectious virus production without cytotoxicity in vitro. They did not affect hepatitis B virus replication. Interferon beta (IFN-β) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were not induced by the aptamers in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Furthermore, our study showed that N-terminal region of NS2 protein is involved in the inhibition of HCV infection by NS2-2. I861T within NS2 is the major resistance mutation identified. Aptamer NS2-2 disrupts the interaction of NS2 with NS5A protein. The data suggest that NS2-2 aptamer against NS2 protein exerts its antiviral effects through binding to the N-terminal of NS2 and disrupting the interaction of NS2 with NS5A protein. NS2-specific aptamer is the first NS2 inhibitor and can be used to understand the mechanisms of virus replication and assembly. It may be served as attractive candidates for inclusion in the future HCV direct-acting antiviral combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Gao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Binbin Xue
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Darong Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Translational Medicine Research Center of Liver Cancer, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital (Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University), Changsha, China
| | - Nianli Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Translational Medicine Research Center of Liver Cancer, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital (Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University), Changsha, China
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haizhen Zhu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Translational Medicine Research Center of Liver Cancer, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital (Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University), Changsha, China
- * E-mail:
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Hwang SD, Midorikawa N, Punnarak P, Kikuchi Y, Kondo H, Hirono I, Aoki T. Inhibition of Hirame rhabdovirus growth by RNA aptamers. J Fish Dis 2012; 35:927-934. [PMID: 22943666 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA aptamers are artificial nucleic acids that specifically bind to a wide variety of targets. They are an effective tool for pharmaceutical research and development of antiviral agents. Here, we describe four Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV)-RNA aptamers (H1, H2, H3 and H4) that we obtained from an in vitro process called the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). The HIRRV-RNA aptamers specifically bind to HIRRV. Hirame natural embryo (HINAE) cells treated with virus and the RNA aptamer showed a decrease in appearance of cytopathic effect when compared with control (treated only with virus). Rhodovulum sulfidophilum was transformed with genes for the RNA aptamers, and the aptamers were detected in the culture medium, indicating that they were secreted from the cells. Thus, the recombinant R. sulfidophilum might be a powerful tool for the prevention of HIRRV in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Hwang
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Liang H, Yang S, Zhang T, Hu G, Xia X. [Aptamers: characteristics and applications in pathogenic microorganism]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2011; 27:698-703. [PMID: 21845835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are a group of artificial oligonucleotides identified by exponential enrichment system evolution technology (Selective expansion of ligands by exponential enrichment, SELEX). Aptamers have been widely used in basic research, clinical diagnostics, and nano-technology. In this article we will introduce the technology of aptamer and summarize its applications in medical microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Liang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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Huang Z, Pei W, Han Y, Jayaseelan S, Shekhtman A, Shi H, Niu L. One RNA aptamer sequence, two structures: a collaborating pair that inhibits AMPA receptors. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:4022-32. [PMID: 19417060 PMCID: PMC2709572 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA is ideally suited for in vitro evolution experiments, because a single RNA molecule possesses both genotypic (replicable sequence) and phenotypic (selectable shape) properties. Using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we found a single 58-nt aptamer sequence that assumes two structures with different functions, both of which are required to inhibit the GluR2 AMPA receptor channel. Yet, the two structures, once formed during transcription, appear to be incapable of interconverting through unfolding and refolding, presumably due to their extraordinary structural stability. Thus, our results suggest more broadly that natural RNA molecules can evolve to acquire alternative structures and associated functions. Such divergence of RNA phenotype may precede gene duplication at the genome level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Weimin Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sabarinath Jayaseelan
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Alexander Shekhtman
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Hua Shi
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Li Niu
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Neuroscience Research and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 518 591 8819; Fax: +1 518 591 8820;
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Qin LH, Ma ZZ, Zheng RJ, Liu ZH, Lu JM, Hu ZY. [Selecting and affinity analysis of DNA aptamers to MPT64 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis]. Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi 2008; 31:453-458. [PMID: 19031807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To obtain DNA oligonucleotide aptamers which can specifically bind to MPT64 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis by SELEX technology. METHODS An in vitro synthesized 78 per random DNA library was subjected to 12 rounds of selection by SELEX (Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) method against MPT64 protein. Binding of the aptamers to the protein was examined by biotin-streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase system. DNAMAN package was employed to analyze the sequences and the second structures of the aptamers. Moreover, target protein was bound to one aptamer and another aptamer modified with biotin together forming a sandwich-like complex, which was captured in microwell, to be tested in negative group including BCG and reference strains from nontuberculous mycobacteria, and positive group including H37Rv, Mycobacterium bovis reference strain, and clinical strains from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. RESULTS After 12 rounds of selection, high-affinity aptamers to MPT64 was obtained. The OD value at 450 nm of affinity of aptamers to MPT64 protein was from 0. 492 to 1.243, in which 73.3% was over 1.0. Pocket and stem-loops was the basis of aptamers binding to MPT64 protein by the analysis of structures,with several GC pairs among bridges between pocket and stem-loops. The analysis of the sandwich-like complex system based on two aptamers and protein showed that the positive percentage was 87. 9% in the positive group while the negative percentage was 85.7% in the negative group, with positive H37Rv and Mycobacterium bovis, and negative BCG, when the cut-off value for a positive response was 0.61 OD. CONCLUSION A set of aptamers with considerable binding affinity to MPT64 protein were successfully selected from the initial random DNA library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Hua Qin
- Shanghai Tuberculosis Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Choi KH, Park MW, Lee SY, Jeon MY, Kim MY, Lee HK, Yu J, Kim HJ, Han K, Lee H, Park K, Park WJ, Jeong S. Intracellular expression of the T-cell factor-1 RNA aptamer as an intramer. Mol Cancer Ther 2006; 5:2428-34. [PMID: 16985077 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-05-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
T-cell factor (TCF)-1 protein forms the transcriptional complex with beta-catenin and regulates the expression of diverse target genes during early development and carcinogenesis. We have selected previously an RNA aptamer that binds to the DNA-binding domain of TCF-1 and have shown that it interfered with binding of TCF-1 to its specific DNA recognition sequences in vitro. As an approach to modulate the transcription by TCF/beta-catenin complex in the cells, we have developed the RNA expression vector for stable expression of RNA aptamer inside of the mammalian cells. High level of RNA was expressed as an intramer in the fusion with the stable RNA transcript. The RNA intramer inhibited TCF/beta-catenin transcription activity as shown by luciferase assay. It also modulated the expression of TCF/beta-catenin target genes, such as cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-7, as predicted to be as an effective inhibitor of the TCF function. In addition, it efficiently reduced the growth rate and tumorigenic potential of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Such RNA intramer could lead to valuable gene therapeutics for TCF/beta-catenin-mediated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Hyun Choi
- Department of Molecular Biology, BK21 Graduate Program for RNA Biology, Institute of Nanosensor and Biotechnology, Dankook University, Hannam-dong san 8, Yongsan-ku, Seoul 140-714, Korea
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Kolb G, Reigadas S, Castanotto D, Faure A, Ventura M, Rossi JJ, Toulmé JJ. Endogenous expression of an anti-TAR aptamer reduces HIV-1 replication. RNA Biol 2006; 3:150-6. [PMID: 17299271 DOI: 10.4161/rna.3.4.3811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An anti-TAR RNA aptamer called R06, which binds tightly and specifically to the trans-activation responsive (TAR) element of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through loop-loop interactions has been previously selected.(1) We used HIV-based retroviral vectors to express the R06 aptamer. Its synthesis was driven by the U16 snoRNA. We investigated the ability of this cassette to interfere with TAR-mediated transcription using HeLa P4 cells stably expressing the beta-galactosidase gene under the control of the HIV-1 5'LTR. We demonstrated that, upon HIV-1 infection, the beta-galactosidase activity was reduced in cells expressing the nucleolar U16-R06 transcript. The replication of HIV-1 in these cells was also reduced as shown by quantification of the HIV-1 protease gene 24 h post-infection. This effect was specific and related to the formation of R06 TAR complex as an aptamer with a mutated loop, which was no longer able to bind to TAR, did not show any effect. The nucleolus is likely a compartment of interest for targeting the TAR-protein complex responsible for the trans-activation of transcription of the HIV-1 genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Kolb
- INSERM U 869, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Pessac, France
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Mi J, Zhang X, Rabbani ZN, Liu Y, Su Z, Vujaskovic Z, Kontos CD, Sullenger BA, Clary BM. H1 RNA polymerase III promoter-driven expression of an RNA aptamer leads to high-level inhibition of intracellular protein activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2006; 34:3577-84. [PMID: 16855294 PMCID: PMC1524923 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkl482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers offer advantages over other oligonucleotide-based approaches that artificially interfere with target gene function due to their ability to bind protein products of these genes with high affinity and specificity. However, RNA aptamers are limited in their ability to target intracellular proteins since even nuclease-resistant aptamers do not efficiently enter the intracellular compartments. Moreover, attempts at expressing RNA aptamers within mammalian cells through vector-based approaches have been hampered by the presence of additional flanking sequences in expressed RNA aptamers, which may alter their functional conformation. In this report, we successfully expressed a ‘pure’ RNA aptamer specific for NF-κB p50 protein (A-p50) utilizing an adenoviral vector employing the H1 RNA polymerase III promoter. Binding of the expressed aptamer to its target and subsequent inhibition of NF-κB mediated intracellular events were demonstrated in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), murine mammary carcinoma cells (4T1) as well as a human tumor xenograft model. This success highlights the promise of RNA aptamers to effectively target intracellular proteins for in vitro discovery and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Mi
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Xiuwu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Zahid N Rabbani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Yingmiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Zhen Su
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Zeljko Vujaskovic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Bryan M. Clary
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at Box 3629 and Box 2633, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Tel: +1 919 684 3381; Fax: +1 919 668 0487;
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Yang C, Yan N, Parish J, Wang X, Shi Y, Xue D. RNA aptamers targeting the cell death inhibitor CED-9 induce cell killing in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:9137-44. [PMID: 16467303 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m511742200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2 family proteins include anti- and proapoptotic factors that play important roles in regulating apoptosis in diverse species. Identification of compounds that can modulate the activities of Bcl-2 family proteins will facilitate development of drugs for treatment of apoptosis-related human diseases. We used an in vitro selection method named systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to isolate RNA aptamers that bind the Caenorhabditis elegans Bcl-2 homolog CED-9 with high affinity and specificity and tested whether these aptamers modulate programmed cell death in C. elegans. Five CED-9 aptamers were isolated and classified into three groups based on their predicted secondary structures. Biochemical analyses indicated that two of these aptamers, R9-2 and R9-7, and EGL-1, an endogenous CED-9-binding proapoptotic protein, bound to distinct regions of CED-9. However, these two aptamers shared overlapping CED-9 binding sites with CED-4, another CED-9-binding proapoptotic factor. Importantly ectopic expression of these two aptamers in touch receptor neurons induced efficient killing of these neurons largely in a CED-3 caspase-dependent manner. These findings suggest that RNA aptamers can be used to modulate programmed cell death in vivo and can potentially be used to develop drugs to treat human diseases caused by abnormal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonglin Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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