1
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Yao R, Xie C, Xia X. Recent progress in mRNA cancer vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2307187. [PMID: 38282471 PMCID: PMC10826636 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2307187] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The research and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines have gradually overcome numerous challenges through the application of personalized cancer antigens, structural optimization of mRNA, and the development of alternative RNA-based vectors and efficient targeted delivery vectors. Clinical trials are currently underway for various cancer vaccines that encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), or immunomodulators. In this paper, we summarize the optimization of mRNA and the emergence of RNA-based expression vectors in cancer vaccines. We begin by reviewing the advancement and utilization of state-of-the-art targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), followed by presenting the primary classifications and clinical applications of mRNA cancer vaccines. Collectively, mRNA vaccines are emerging as a central focus in cancer immunotherapy, offering the potential to address multiple challenges in cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with current cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Kuhn CK, Stenzel U, Berndt S, Liebscher I, Schöneberg T, Horn S. The repertoire and structure of adhesion GPCR transcript variants assembled from publicly available deep-sequenced human samples. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3823-3836. [PMID: 38421639 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae145] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing and multiple transcription start and termination sites can produce a diverse repertoire of mRNA transcript variants from a given gene. While the full picture of the human transcriptome is still incomplete, publicly available RNA datasets have enabled the assembly of transcripts. Using publicly available deep sequencing data from 927 human samples across 48 tissues, we quantified known and new transcript variants, provide an interactive, browser-based application Splice-O-Mat and demonstrate its relevance using adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) as an example. On average, 24 different transcript variants were detected for each of the 33 human aGPCR genes, and several dominant transcript variants were not yet annotated. Variable transcription starts and complex exon-intron structures encode a flexible protein domain architecture of the N- and C termini and the seven-transmembrane helix domain (7TMD). Notably, we discovered the first GPCR (ADGRG7/GPR128) with eight transmembrane helices. Both the N- and C terminus of this aGPCR were intracellularly oriented, anchoring the N terminus in the plasma membrane. Moreover, the assessment of tissue-specific transcript variants, also for other gene classes, in our application may change the evaluation of disease-causing mutations, as their position in different transcript variants may explain tissue-specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Katharina Kuhn
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Udo Stenzel
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sandra Berndt
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Liebscher
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), PO Box 6955 Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Susanne Horn
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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3
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Holland R, Lam K, Jeng S, McClintock K, Palmer L, Schreiner P, Wood M, Zhao W, Heyes J. Silicon Ether Ionizable Lipids Enable Potent mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles with Rapid Tissue Clearance. ACS Nano 2024; 18:10374-10387. [PMID: 38567845 PMCID: PMC11025127 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09028] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of mRNA for nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics has unlocked many diverse areas of research and clinical investigation. However, the shorter intracellular half-life of mRNA compared with other NAs may necessitate more frequent dosing regimens. Because lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the principal delivery system used for mRNA, this could lead to tolerability challenges associated with an accumulated lipid burden. This can be addressed by introducing enzymatically cleaved carboxylic esters into the hydrophobic domains of lipid components, notably, the ionizable lipid. However, enzymatic activity can vary significantly with age, disease state, and species, potentially limiting the application in humans. Here we report an alternative approach to ionizable lipid degradability that relies on nonenzymatic hydrolysis, leading to a controlled and highly efficient lipid clearance profile. We identify highly potent examples and demonstrate their exceptional tolerability in multiple preclinical species, including multidosing in nonhuman primates (NHP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Holland
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Kieu Lam
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Sunny Jeng
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Kevin McClintock
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Lorne Palmer
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Petra Schreiner
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Mark Wood
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - Wenchen Zhao
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
| | - James Heyes
- Genevant
Science Corporation, Unit 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 4T5, Canada
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4
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Zeng Y, Zhang HW, Wu XX, Zhang Y. Structural basis of exoribonuclease-mediated mRNA transcription termination. Nature 2024; 628:887-893. [PMID: 38538796 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07240-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Efficient termination is required for robust gene transcription. Eukaryotic organisms use a conserved exoribonuclease-mediated mechanism to terminate the mRNA transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II)1-5. Here we report two cryogenic electron microscopy structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pol II pre-termination transcription complexes bound to the 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease Rat1 and its partner Rai1. Our structures show that Rat1 displaces the elongation factor Spt5 to dock at the Pol II stalk domain. Rat1 shields the RNA exit channel of Pol II, guides the nascent RNA towards its active centre and stacks three nucleotides at the 5' terminus of the nascent RNA. The structures further show that Rat1 rotates towards Pol II as it shortens RNA. Our results provide the structural mechanism for the Rat1-mediated termination of mRNA transcription by Pol II in yeast and the exoribonuclease-mediated termination of mRNA transcription in other eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Xian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, National Key Laboratory of Plant Design, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Cazzanelli G, Dalle Vedove A, Spagnolli G, Terruzzi L, Colasurdo E, Boldrini A, Patsilinakos A, Sturlese M, Grottesi A, Biasini E, Provenzani A, Quattrone A, Lolli G. Pliability in the m 6A-Binding Region Extends Druggability of YTH Domains. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1682-1690. [PMID: 38417111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00051] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic mRNA modifications affect gene expression, with their altered balance detected in various cancers. YTHDF proteins contain the YTH reader domain recognizing the m6A mark on mRNA and represent valuable drug targets. Crystallographic structures have been determined for all three family members; however, discrepancies are present in the organization of the m6A-binding pocket. Here, we present new crystallographic structures of the YTH domain of YTHDF1, accompanied by computational studies, showing that this domain can exist in different stable conformations separated by a significant energetic barrier. During the transition, additional conformations are explored, with peculiar druggable pockets appearing and offering new opportunities for the design of YTH-interfering small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cazzanelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Dalle Vedove
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Spagnolli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Terruzzi
- Sibylla Biotech S.p.A, Via Lillo del Duca 10, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Colasurdo
- Sibylla Biotech S.p.A, Via Lillo del Duca 10, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Boldrini
- Sibylla Biotech S.p.A, Via Lillo del Duca 10, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Sturlese
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Emiliano Biasini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Graziano Lolli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology─CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
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6
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Olenginski LT, Spradlin SF, Batey RT. Flipping the script: Understanding riboswitches from an alternative perspective. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105730. [PMID: 38336293 PMCID: PMC10907184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105730] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are broadly distributed regulatory elements most frequently found in the 5'-leader sequence of bacterial mRNAs that regulate gene expression in response to the binding of a small molecule effector. The occupancy status of the ligand-binding aptamer domain manipulates downstream information in the message that instructs the expression machinery. Currently, there are over 55 validated riboswitch classes, where each class is defined based on the identity of the ligand it binds and/or sequence and structure conservation patterns within the aptamer domain. This classification reflects an "aptamer-centric" perspective that dominates our understanding of riboswitches. In this review, we propose a conceptual framework that groups riboswitches based on the mechanism by which RNA manipulates information directly instructing the expression machinery. This scheme does not replace the established aptamer domain-based classification of riboswitches but rather serves to facilitate hypothesis-driven investigation of riboswitch regulatory mechanisms. Based on current bioinformatic, structural, and biochemical studies of a broad spectrum of riboswitches, we propose three major mechanistic groups: (1) "direct occlusion", (2) "interdomain docking", and (3) "strand exchange". We discuss the defining features of each group, present representative examples of riboswitches from each group, and illustrate how these RNAs couple small molecule binding to gene regulation. While mechanistic studies of the occlusion and docking groups have yielded compelling models for how these riboswitches function, much less is known about strand exchange processes. To conclude, we outline the limitations of our mechanism-based conceptual framework and discuss how critical information within riboswitch expression platforms can inform gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
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Dao HM, AboulFotouh K, Hussain AF, Marras AE, Johnston KP, Cui Z, Williams RO. Characterization of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles by Electron Density Mapping Reconstruction: X-ray Scattering with Density from Solution Scattering (DENSS) Algorithm. Pharm Res 2024; 41:501-512. [PMID: 38326530 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03671-9] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to test the feasibility of using Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) coupled with Density from Solution Scattering (DENSS) algorithm to characterize the internal architecture of messenger RNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs). METHODS The DENSS algorithm was employed to construct a three-dimensional model of average individual mRNA-LNP. The reconstructed models were cross validated with cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess size, morphology, and internal structure. RESULTS Cryo-TEM and DLS complemented SAXS, revealed a core-shell mRNA-LNP structure with electron-rich mRNA-rich region at the core, surrounded by lipids. The reconstructed model, utilizing the DENSS algorithm, effectively distinguishes mRNA and lipids via electron density mapping. Notably, DENSS accurately models the morphology of the mRNA-LNPs as an ellipsoidal shape with a "bleb" architecture or a two-compartment structure with contrasting electron densities, corresponding to mRNA-filled and empty lipid compartments, respectively. Finally, subtle changes in the LNP structure after three freeze-thaw cycles were detected by SAXS, demonstrating an increase in radius of gyration (Rg) associated with mRNA leakage. CONCLUSION Analyzing SAXS profiles based on DENSS algorithm to yield a reconstructed electron density based three-dimensional model can be a useful physicochemical characterization method in the toolbox to study mRNA-LNPs and facilitate their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy M Dao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Khaled AboulFotouh
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Aasim Faheem Hussain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alexander E Marras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program, Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Keith P Johnston
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Robert O Williams
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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8
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Acosta-Reyes FJ, Bhattacharjee S, Gottesman M, Frank J. How Dedicated Ribosomes Translate a Leaderless mRNA. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168423. [PMID: 38185325 PMCID: PMC11003707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168423] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In bacteriophage λ lysogens, the λcI repressor is encoded by the leaderless transcript (lmRNA) initiated at the λpRM promoter. Translation is enhanced in rpsB mutants deficient in ribosomal protein uS2. Although translation initiation of lmRNA is conserved in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, structural insight of a lmRNA translation initiation complex is missing. Here, we use cryo-EM to solve the structures of the uS2-deficient 70S ribosome of host E. coli mutant rpsB11 and the wild-type 70S complex with λcI lmRNA and fMet-tRNAfMet. Importantly, the uS2-deficient 70S ribosome also lacks protein bS21. The anti-Shine-Dalgarno (aSD) region is structurally supported by bS21, so that the absence of the latter causes the aSD to divert from the normal mRNA exit pathway, easing the exit of lmRNA. A π-stacking interaction between the monitor base A1493 and A(+4) of lmRNA potentially acts as a recognition signal. Coulomb charge flow, along with peristalsis-like dynamics within the mRNA entrance channel due to the increased 30S head rotation caused by the absence of uS2, are likely to facilitate the propagation of lmRNA through the ribosome. These findings lay the groundwork for future research on the mechanism of translation and the co-evolution of lmRNA and mRNA that includes the emergence of a defined ribosome-binding site of the transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Acosta-Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sayan Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Max Gottesman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joachim Frank
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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Xu J, Zhong X, Fan M, Xu Y, Xu Y, Wang S, Luo Z, Huang Y. Enhancing intracellular mRNA precise imaging-guided photothermal therapy with a nucleic acid-based polydopamine nanoprobe. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:849-859. [PMID: 38006441 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05062-2] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in cancer research, real-time monitoring and effective treatment of cancer through non-invasive techniques remain a challenge. Herein, a novel polydopamine (PDA) nucleic acid nanoprobe has been developed for imaging signal amplification of intracellular mRNA and precise photothermal therapy guidance in cancer cells. The PDA nucleic acid nanoprobe (PDA@DNA) is constructed by assembling an aptamer hairpin (H1) labeled with the Cy5 fluorophore and another nucleic acid recognition hairpin (H2) onto PDA nanoparticles (PDA NPs), which have exceptionally high fluorescence quenching ability and excellent photothermal conversion properties. The nanoprobe could facilitate cellular uptake of DNA molecules and their protection from nuclease degradation. Upon recognition and binding to the intracellular mRNA target, a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction occurs. The stem of H1 unfolds upon binding, allowing the exposed H1 to hybridize with H2, forming a flat and sturdy DNA double-stranded structure that detaches from the surface of PDA NPs. At the same time, the target mRNA is displaced and engages in a new cyclic reaction, resulting in the recovery and significant amplification of Cy5 fluorescence. Using thymidine kinase1 (TK1) mRNA as a model mRNA, this nanoprobe enables the analysis of TK1 mRNA with a detection limit of 9.34 pM, which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that of a non-amplifying imaging nucleic acid probe. Moreover, with its outstanding performance for in vitro detection, this nanoprobe excels in precisely imaging tumor cells. Through live-cell TK1 mRNA imaging, it can accurately distinguish between tumor cells and normal cells. Furthermore, when exposed to 808-nm laser irradiation, the nanoprobe fully harnesses exceptional photothermal conversion properties of PDA NPs. This results in a localized temperature increase within tumor cells, which ultimately triggers apoptosis in these tumor cells. The integration of PDA@DNA presents innovative prospects for tumor diagnosis and image-guided tumor therapy, offering the potential for high-precision diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Xu
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhu Fan
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xu
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqi Xu
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulong Wang
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhihui Luo
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Huang
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China.
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Choi KC, Lee DH, Lee JW, Lee JS, Lee YK, Choi MJ, Jeong HY, Kim MW, Lee CG, Park YS. Novel Lipid Nanoparticles Stable and Efficient for mRNA Transfection to Antigen-Presenting Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1388. [PMID: 38338667 PMCID: PMC10855810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031388] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as a pivotal tool in combating COVID-19, offering an advanced approach to immunization. A key challenge with these vaccines is their need for extremely-low-temperature storage, which affects their stability and shelf life. Our research addresses this issue by enhancing the stability of mRNA vaccines through a novel cationic lipid, O,O'-dimyristyl-N-lysyl aspartate (DMKD). DMKD effectively binds with mRNA, improving vaccine stability. We also integrated phosphatidylserine (PS) into the formulation to boost immune response by promoting the uptake of these nanoparticles by immune cells. Our findings reveal that DMKD-PS nanoparticles maintain structural integrity under long-term refrigeration and effectively protect mRNA. When tested, these nanoparticles containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA outperformed other commercial lipid nanoparticles in protein expression, both in immune cells (RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage) and non-immune cells (CT26 mouse colorectal carcinoma cells). Importantly, in vivo studies show that DMKD-PS nanoparticles are safely eliminated from the body within 48 h. The results suggest that DMKD-PS nanoparticles present a promising alternative for mRNA vaccine delivery, enhancing both the stability and effectiveness of these vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Chan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Do Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Jin Suk Lee
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeon Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Moon Jung Choi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Hwa Yeon Jeong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min Woo Kim
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chang-Gun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
| | - Yong Serk Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (K.C.C.); (D.H.L.); (J.W.L.); (Y.K.L.); (C.-G.L.)
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Porcelli F, Casavola AR, Grottesi A, Schiumarini D, Avaldi L. Probing the conformational dynamics of an Ago-RNA complex in water/methanol solution. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:2497-2508. [PMID: 38170800 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05530b] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Argonaute (Ago) proteins mediate target recognition guiding miRNA to bind complementary mRNA primarily in the seed region. However, additional pairing can occur beyond the seed, forming a supplementary duplex that can contribute to the guide-target affinity. In order to shed light on the connection, between protein-RNA interactions and miRNA-mRNA seed and supplementary duplex mobility, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations at the microsecond time-scale using a different approach compared to the ones normally used. Until now, theoretical investigations with classical MD on Ago-RNA complexes have been focused primarily on pure water solvent, which mimics the natural environment of biological molecules. Here, we explored the conformational space of a human Ago2 (hAgo2) bound to the seed + supplementary miRNA-mRNA duplex, using the solvent environment as a molecular probe. MD simulations have been performed in a mixture of water/MeOH at a molar ratio of 70 : 30 as well as in pure water for comparison. Our findings revealed that the mixed solvent promotes protein RNA association, principally enhancing salt-linkages between basic amino acid side-chains and acidic phosphates of the sugar-phosphate backbone. The primary effect registered was the restriction of supplementary duplex flexibility and the stabilization of the miRNA 3' terminus. Interestingly, we observed that the influence of the solvent appears to have almost no impact on the conformation of the seed duplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Porcelli
- CNR-Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, CP 10 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Casavola
- CNR-Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, CP 10 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
| | | | - Donatella Schiumarini
- CNR-Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, CP 10 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Avaldi
- CNR-Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, CP 10 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
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12
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Thelen JL, Leite W, Urban VS, O'Neill HM, Grishaev AV, Curtis JE, Krueger S, Castellanos MM. Morphological Characterization of Self-Amplifying mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS Nano 2024; 18:1464-1476. [PMID: 38175970 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08014] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA technology has emerged as a rapid modality to develop vaccines during pandemic situations with the potential to protect against endemic diseases. The success of mRNA in producing an antigen is dependent on the ability to deliver mRNA to the cells using a vehicle, which typically consists of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) is a synthetic mRNA platform that, besides encoding for the antigen of interest, includes the replication machinery for mRNA amplification in the cells. Thus, SAM can generate many antigen encoding mRNA copies and prolong expression of the antigen with lower doses than those required for conventional mRNA. This work describes the morphology of LNPs containing encapsulated SAM (SAM LNPs), with SAM being three to four times larger than conventional mRNA. We show evidence that SAM changes its conformational structure when encapsulated in LNPs, becoming more compact than the free SAM form. A characteristic "bleb" structure is observed in SAM LNPs, which consists of a lipid-rich core and an aqueous RNA-rich core, both surrounded by a DSPC-rich lipid shell. We used SANS and SAXS data to confirm that the prevalent morphology of the LNP consists of two-core compartments where components are heterogeneously distributed between the two cores and the shell. A capped cylinder core-shell model with two interior compartments was built to capture the overall morphology of the LNP. These findings provide evidence that bleb two-compartment structures can be a representative morphology in SAM LNPs and highlight the need for additional studies that elucidate the role of spherical and bleb morphologies, their mechanisms of formation, and the parameters that lead to a particular morphology for a rational design of LNPs for mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Thelen
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Wellington Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Volker S Urban
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hugh M O'Neill
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Alexander V Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
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13
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Tesei G, Hsiao YW, Dabkowska A, Grönberg G, Yanez Arteta M, Ulkoski D, Bray DJ, Trulsson M, Ulander J, Lund M, Lindfors L. Lipid shape and packing are key for optimal design of pH-sensitive mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2311700120. [PMID: 38175863 PMCID: PMC10786277 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311700120] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The ionizable-lipid component of RNA-containing nanoparticles controls the pH-dependent behavior necessary for an efficient delivery of the cargo-the so-called endosomal escape. However, it is still an empirical exercise to identify optimally performing lipids. Here, we study two well-known ionizable lipids, DLin-MC3-DMA and DLin-DMA using a combination of experiments, multiscale computer simulations, and electrostatic theory. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and experimentally measured polar headgroup pKa values, are used to develop a coarse-grained representation of the lipids, which enables the investigation of the pH-dependent behavior of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) through Monte Carlo simulations, in the absence and presence of RNA molecules. Our results show that the charge state of the lipids is determined by the interplay between lipid shape and headgroup chemistry, providing an explanation for the similar pH-dependent ionization state observed for lipids with headgroup pKa values about one-pH-unit apart. The pH dependence of lipid ionization is significantly influenced by the presence of RNA, whereby charge neutrality is achieved by imparting a finite and constant charge per lipid at intermediate pH values. The simulation results are experimentally supported by measurements of α-carbon 13C-NMR chemical shifts for eGFP mRNA LNPs of both DLin-MC3-DMA and DLin-DMA at various pH conditions. Further, we evaluate the applicability of a mean-field Poisson-Boltzmann theory to capture these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tesei
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, CopenhagenDK-2200, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Ya-Wen Hsiao
- The Hartree Centre, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, WarringtonWA4 4AD, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Dabkowska
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Grönberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Early Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Marianna Yanez Arteta
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - David Ulkoski
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - David J. Bray
- The Hartree Centre, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, WarringtonWA4 4AD, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Trulsson
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Johan Ulander
- Data Science and Modelling, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lund
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
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14
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Nishikawa S, Watanabe H, Terasaka N, Katoh T, Fujishima K. De Novo Single-Stranded RNA-Binding Peptides Discovered by Codon-Restricted mRNA Display. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:355-365. [PMID: 38051119 PMCID: PMC10777347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01024] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins participate in diverse cellular processes, including DNA repair, post-transcriptional modification, and cancer progression through their interactions with RNAs, making them attractive for biotechnological applications. While nature provides an array of naturally occurring RNA-binding proteins, developing de novo RNA-binding peptides remains challenging. In particular, tailoring peptides to target single-stranded RNA with low complexity is difficult due to the inherent structural flexibility of RNA molecules. Here, we developed a codon-restricted mRNA display and identified multiple de novo peptides from a peptide library that bind to poly(C) and poly(A) RNA with KDs ranging from micromolar to submicromolar concentrations. One of the newly identified peptides is capable of binding to the cytosine-rich sequences of the oncogenic Cdk6 3'UTR RNA and MYU lncRNA, with affinity comparable to that of the endogenous binding protein. Hence, we present a novel platform for discovering de novo single-stranded RNA-binding peptides that offer promising avenues for regulating RNA functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Nishikawa
- Earth-Life
Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Hidenori Watanabe
- Earth-Life
Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Earth-Life
Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katoh
- Department
of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kosuke Fujishima
- Earth-Life
Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
- Graduate
School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan
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15
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Liang Z, Ye H, Ma J, Wei Z, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Huang D, Song B, Meng J, Rigden DJ, Chen K. m6A-Atlas v2.0: updated resources for unraveling the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptome among multiple species. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D194-D202. [PMID: 37587690 PMCID: PMC10768109 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant internal chemical modifications on eukaryote mRNA and is involved in numerous essential molecular functions and biological processes. To facilitate the study of this important post-transcriptional modification, we present here m6A-Atlas v2.0, an updated version of m6A-Atlas. It was expanded to include a total of 797 091 reliable m6A sites from 13 high-resolution technologies and two single-cell m6A profiles. Additionally, three methods (exomePeaks2, MACS2 and TRESS) were used to identify >16 million m6A enrichment peaks from 2712 MeRIP-seq experiments covering 651 conditions in 42 species. Quality control results of MeRIP-seq samples were also provided to help users to select reliable peaks. We also estimated the condition-specific quantitative m6A profiles (i.e. differential methylation) under 172 experimental conditions for 19 species. Further, to provide insights into potential functional circuitry, the m6A epitranscriptomics were annotated with various genomic features, interactions with RNA-binding proteins and microRNA, potentially linked splicing events and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The collected m6A sites and their functional annotations can be freely queried and downloaded via a user-friendly graphical interface at: http://rnamd.org/m6a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanmin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Haokai Ye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jiongming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Zhen Wei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Department of Computer Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daiyun Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Department of Computer Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Bowen Song
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia Meng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- AI University Research Centre, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel J Rigden
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kunqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
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16
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Gilbert J, Ermilova I, Fornasier M, Skoda M, Fragneto G, Swenson J, Nylander T. On the interactions between RNA and titrateable lipid layers: implications for RNA delivery with lipid nanoparticles. Nanoscale 2024; 16:777-794. [PMID: 38088740 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03308b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Characterising the interaction between cationic ionisable lipids (CIL) and nucleic acids (NAs) is key to understanding the process of RNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formation and release of NAs from LNPs. Here, we have used different surface techniques to reveal the effect of pH and NA type on the interaction with a model system of DOPC and the CIL DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3). At only 5% MC3, differences in the structure and dynamics of the lipid layer were observed. Both pH and %MC3 were shown to affect the absorption behaviour of erythropoietin mRNA, polyadenylic acid (polyA) and polyuridylic acid (polyU). The adsorbed amount of all studied NAs was found to increase with decreasing pH and increasing %MC3 but with different effects on the lipid layer, which could be linked to the NA secondary structure. For polyA at pH 6, adsorption to the surface of the layer was observed, whereas for other conditions and NAs, penetration of the NA into the layer resulted in the formation of a multilayer structure. By comparison to simulations excluding the secondary structure, differences in adsorption behaviours between polyA and polyU could be observed, indicating that the NA's secondary structure also affected the MC3-NA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gilbert
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Naturvetarvägen 14, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden.
- NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Inna Ermilova
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marco Fornasier
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Naturvetarvägen 14, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Maximilian Skoda
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxford OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Giovanna Fragneto
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble, France
- European Spallation Source ERIC, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jan Swenson
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Naturvetarvägen 14, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden.
- NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-Ray Science, Scheelevägen 19, 223 70 Lund, Sweden
- School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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17
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Milicevic N, Jenner L, Myasnikov A, Yusupov M, Yusupova G. mRNA reading frame maintenance during eukaryotic ribosome translocation. Nature 2024; 625:393-400. [PMID: 38030725 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06780-4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the most critical steps of protein synthesis is coupled translocation of messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs) required to advance the mRNA reading frame by one codon. In eukaryotes, translocation is accelerated and its fidelity is maintained by elongation factor 2 (eEF2)1,2. At present, only a few snapshots of eukaryotic ribosome translocation have been reported3-5. Here we report ten high-resolution cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the elongating eukaryotic ribosome bound to the full translocation module consisting of mRNA, peptidyl-tRNA and deacylated tRNA, seven of which also contained ribosome-bound, naturally modified eEF2. This study recapitulates mRNA-tRNA2-growing peptide module progression through the ribosome, from the earliest states of eEF2 translocase accommodation until the very late stages of the process, and shows an intricate network of interactions preventing the slippage of the translational reading frame. We demonstrate how the accuracy of eukaryotic translocation relies on eukaryote-specific elements of the 80S ribosome, eEF2 and tRNAs. Our findings shed light on the mechanism of translation arrest by the anti-fungal eEF2-binding inhibitor, sordarin. We also propose that the sterically constrained environment imposed by diphthamide, a conserved eukaryotic posttranslational modification in eEF2, not only stabilizes correct Watson-Crick codon-anticodon interactions but may also uncover erroneous peptidyl-tRNA, and therefore contribute to higher accuracy of protein synthesis in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Milicevic
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lasse Jenner
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Marat Yusupov
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gulnara Yusupova
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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18
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Chang CT. Analysis of Human Endogenous mRNA Deadenylation Complexes by High-Resolution Gel Electrophoresis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2723:47-54. [PMID: 37824063 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3481-3_3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, poly(A) tails stabilize mRNA molecules and play a pivotal role in enhancing translational efficiency. Consequently, the enzymatic shortening of these poly(A) tails by deadenylase enzymes has a critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. However, deadenylases are usually large, multisubunit, and multifunctional complexes, which complicates their biochemical analysis. This chapter presents a methodology for isolating human deadenylation complexes from endogenous sources and conducting an in vitro deadenylation assay to examine their enzymatic activity. The reactions involving fluorescently labeled synthetic polyadenylated RNAs are subsequently analyzed using high-resolution denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Te Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Mulroney TE, Pöyry T, Yam-Puc JC, Rust M, Harvey RF, Kalmar L, Horner E, Booth L, Ferreira AP, Stoneley M, Sawarkar R, Mentzer AJ, Lilley KS, Smales CM, von der Haar T, Turtle L, Dunachie S, Klenerman P, Thaventhiran JED, Willis AE. N 1-methylpseudouridylation of mRNA causes +1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nature 2024; 625:189-194. [PMID: 38057663 PMCID: PMC10764286 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are modalities that can combat human disease, exemplified by their use as vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). IVT mRNAs are transfected into target cells, where they are translated into recombinant protein, and the biological activity or immunogenicity of the encoded protein exerts an intended therapeutic effect1,2. Modified ribonucleotides are commonly incorporated into therapeutic IVT mRNAs to decrease their innate immunogenicity3-5, but their effects on mRNA translation fidelity have not been fully explored. Here we demonstrate that incorporation of N1-methylpseudouridine into mRNA results in +1 ribosomal frameshifting in vitro and that cellular immunity in mice and humans to +1 frameshifted products from BNT162b2 vaccine mRNA translation occurs after vaccination. The +1 ribosome frameshifting observed is probably a consequence of N1-methylpseudouridine-induced ribosome stalling during IVT mRNA translation, with frameshifting occurring at ribosome slippery sequences. However, we demonstrate that synonymous targeting of such slippery sequences provides an effective strategy to reduce the production of frameshifted products. Overall, these data increase our understanding of how modified ribonucleotides affect the fidelity of mRNA translation, and although there are no adverse outcomes reported from mistranslation of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in humans, these data highlight potential off-target effects for future mRNA-based therapeutics and demonstrate the requirement for sequence optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tuija Pöyry
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Maria Rust
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lajos Kalmar
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Horner
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy Booth
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mark Stoneley
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Kathryn S Lilley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Mark Smales
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, University College Dublin, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias von der Haar
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susanna Dunachie
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul Klenerman
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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20
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Philipp J, Dabkowska A, Reiser A, Frank K, Krzysztoń R, Brummer C, Nickel B, Blanchet CE, Sudarsan A, Ibrahim M, Johansson S, Skantze P, Skantze U, Östman S, Johansson M, Henderson N, Elvevold K, Smedsrød B, Schwierz N, Lindfors L, Rädler JO. pH-dependent structural transitions in cationic ionizable lipid mesophases are critical for lipid nanoparticle function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310491120. [PMID: 38055742 PMCID: PMC10723131 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310491120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced core-shell particles for messenger RNA (mRNA) based therapies that are made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cationic ionizable lipid (CIL), cholesterol (chol), and mRNA. Yet the mechanism of pH-dependent response that is believed to cause endosomal release of LNPs is not well understood. Here, we show that eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) protein expression in the mouse liver mediated by the ionizable lipids DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), DLin-KC2-DMA (KC2), and DLinDMA (DD) ranks MC3 ≥ KC2 > DD despite similar delivery of mRNA per cell in all cell fractions isolated. We hypothesize that the three CIL-LNPs react differently to pH changes and hence study the structure of CIL/chol bulk phases in water. Using synchrotron X-ray scattering a sequence of ordered CIL/chol mesophases with lowering pH values are observed. These phases show isotropic inverse micellar, cubic Fd3m inverse micellar, inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] and bicontinuous cubic Pn3m symmetry. If polyadenylic acid, as mRNA surrogate, is added to CIL/chol, excess lipid coexists with a condensed nucleic acid lipid [Formula: see text] phase. The next-neighbor distance in the excess phase shows a discontinuity at the Fd3m inverse micellar to inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] transition occurring at pH 6 with distinctly larger spacing and hydration for DD vs. MC3 and KC2. In mRNA LNPs, DD showed larger internal spacing, as well as retarded onset and reduced level of DD-LNP-mediated eGFP expression in vitro compared to MC3 and KC2. Our data suggest that the pH-driven Fd3m-[Formula: see text] transition in bulk phases is a hallmark of CIL-specific differences in mRNA LNP efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Philipp
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Dabkowska
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Anita Reiser
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Kilian Frank
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Rafał Krzysztoń
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Christiane Brummer
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Bert Nickel
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Clement E. Blanchet
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg Outstation c/o Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg22607, Germany
| | - Akhil Sudarsan
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Mohd Ibrahim
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Svante Johansson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Pia Skantze
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Urban Skantze
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Sofia Östman
- Animal Sciences and Technologies, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Marie Johansson
- Animal Sciences and Technologies, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Neil Henderson
- Integrated Bioanalysis, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Bård Smedsrød
- Vascular Biology Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø9019, Norway
| | - Nadine Schwierz
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Joachim O. Rädler
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
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21
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Mogila I, Tamulaitiene G, Keda K, Timinskas A, Ruksenaite A, Sasnauskas G, Venclovas Č, Siksnys V, Tamulaitis G. Ribosomal stalk-captured CARF-RelE ribonuclease inhibits translation following CRISPR signaling. Science 2023; 382:1036-1041. [PMID: 38033086 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj2107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Prokaryotic type III CRISPR-Cas antiviral systems employ cyclic oligoadenylate (cAn) signaling to activate a diverse range of auxiliary proteins that reinforce the CRISPR-Cas defense. Here we characterize a class of cAn-dependent effector proteins named CRISPR-Cas-associated messenger RNA (mRNA) interferase 1 (Cami1) consisting of a CRISPR-associated Rossmann fold sensor domain fused to winged helix-turn-helix and a RelE-family mRNA interferase domain. Upon activation by cyclic tetra-adenylate (cA4), Cami1 cleaves mRNA exposed at the ribosomal A-site thereby depleting mRNA and leading to cell growth arrest. The structures of apo-Cami1 and the ribosome-bound Cami1-cA4 complex delineate the conformational changes that lead to Cami1 activation and the mechanism of Cami1 binding to a bacterial ribosome, revealing unexpected parallels with eukaryotic ribosome-inactivating proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmantas Mogila
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedre Tamulaitiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Konstanty Keda
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Albertas Timinskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Audrone Ruksenaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Sasnauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Česlovas Venclovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gintautas Tamulaitis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
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22
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Gao X, Yi Y, Lv J, Li Y, Arulsamy K, Babu S, Bruno I, Zhang L, Cao Q, Chen K. Low RNA stability signifies strong expression regulatability of tumor suppressors. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11534-11548. [PMID: 37831104 PMCID: PMC10681714 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad838] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA expression of a gene is determined by not only transcriptional regulation, but also post-transcriptional regulation of RNA decay. The precise regulation of RNA stability in the cell plays an important role in normal development. Dysregulation of RNA stability can lead to diseases such as cancer. Here we found tumor suppressor RNAs tended to decay fast in normal cell types when compared with other RNAs. Consistent with a negative effect of m6A modification on RNA stability, we observed preferential deposition of m6A on tumor suppressor RNAs. Moreover, abundant m6A and fast decay of tumor suppressor RNAs both tended to be further enhanced in prostate cancer cells relative to normal prostate epithelial cells. Further, knockdown of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 and reader YTHDF2 in prostate cancer cells both posed stronger effect on tumor suppressor RNAs than on other RNAs. These results indicated a strong post transcriptional expression regulatability mediated by abundant m6A modification on tumor suppressor RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Gao
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Yi
- Department of Urology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jie Lv
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanqiang Li
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kulandaisamy Arulsamy
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sahana Suresh Babu
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ivone Bruno
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lili Zhang
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Urology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Prostate Cancer Program, Dana-Farber Harvard cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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23
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Kosek DM, Banijamali E, Becker W, Petzold K, Andersson E. Efficient 3'-pairing renders microRNA targeting less sensitive to mRNA seed accessibility. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11162-11177. [PMID: 37819016 PMCID: PMC10639062 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad795] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to specific sites in mRNAs. Site recognition is primarily mediated by the seed region (nucleotides g2-g8 in the miRNA), but pairing beyond the seed (3'-pairing) is important for some miRNA:target interactions. Here, we use SHAPE, luciferase reporter assays and transcriptomics analyses to study the combined effect of 3'-pairing and secondary structures in mRNAs on repression efficiency. Using the interaction between miR-34a and its SIRT1 binding site as a model, we provide structural and functional evidence that 3'-pairing can compensate for low seed-binding site accessibility, enabling repression of sites that would otherwise be ineffective. We show that miRNA 3'-pairing regions can productively base-pair with nucleotides far upstream of the seed-binding site and that both hairpins and unstructured bulges within the target site are tolerated. We use SHAPE to show that sequences that overcome inaccessible seed-binding sites by strong 3'-pairing adopt the predicted structures and corroborate the model using luciferase assays and high-throughput modelling of 8177 3'-UTR targets for six miRNAs. Finally, we demonstrate that PHB2, a target of miR-141, is an inaccessible target rescued by efficient 3'-pairing. We propose that these results could refine predictions of effective target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Kosek
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elnaz Banijamali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Walter Becker
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Petzold
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre D9:3, Husargatan 3, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma R Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Gautam M, Jozic A, Su GLN, Herrera-Barrera M, Curtis A, Arrizabalaga S, Tschetter W, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Lipid nanoparticles with PEG-variant surface modifications mediate genome editing in the mouse retina. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6468. [PMID: 37833442 PMCID: PMC10575971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular delivery of lipid nanoparticle (LNPs) packaged mRNA can enable efficient gene delivery and editing. We generated LNP variants through the inclusion of positively charged-amine-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids (LNPa), negatively charged-carboxyl-(LNPz) and carboxy-ester (LNPx) modified PEG-lipids, and neutral unmodified PEG-lipids (LNP). Subretinal injections of LNPa containing Cre mRNA in the mouse show tdTomato signal in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) like conventional LNPs. Unexpectedly, LNPx and LNPz show 27% and 16% photoreceptor transfection, respectively, with striking localization extending from the photoreceptor synaptic pedicle to the outer segments, displaying pan-retinal distribution in the photoreceptors and RPE. LNPx containing Cas9 mRNA and sgAi9 leads to the formation of an oval elongated structure with a neutral charge resulting in 16.4% editing restricted to RPE. Surface modifications of LNPs with PEG variants can alter cellular tropism of mRNA. LNPs enable genome editing in the retina and in the future can be used to correct genetic mutations that lead to blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Grace Li-Na Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Marco Herrera-Barrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Allison Curtis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Sebastian Arrizabalaga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Wayne Tschetter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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25
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Wang MM, Wappelhorst CN, Jensen EL, Chi YCT, Rouse JC, Zou Q. Elucidation of lipid nanoparticle surface structure in mRNA vaccines. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16744. [PMID: 37798336 PMCID: PMC10556076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43898-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been used as a carrier for messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Surface properties of LNPs are important to the stability and function of mRNA vaccines. Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) is a functional lipid at the surface of LNPs that improves colloidal stability, increases circulation time, and impacts cellular uptake. In this study, we explore in-depth lipid composition at the surface of mRNA-LNPs using high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Our results provide a unique surface lipid profile of intact LNPs identifying PEG chains and partial ionizable lipids are present with quantification capability. The surface PEG density is determined to reveal the brush-like conformation on the surface of mRNA-LNPs. Furthermore, we implement a diffusion NMR strategy for routine testing of formulated drug products during drug development. Comparative NMR analysis of different vaccine preparations and stability samples provides a global view of the mRNA-LNP surface structure for enhanced product knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhang Maple Wang
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 875 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Caitlin N Wappelhorst
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 875 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Erika L Jensen
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 875 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Ying-Chih Thomas Chi
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 875 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Jason C Rouse
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA
| | - Qin Zou
- Analytical Research and Development, BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 875 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA.
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26
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Cardona AH, Ecsedi S, Khier M, Yi Z, Bahri A, Ouertani A, Valero F, Labrosse M, Rouquet S, Robert S, Loubat A, Adekunle D, Hubstenberger A. Self-demixing of mRNA copies buffers mRNA:mRNA and mRNA:regulator stoichiometries. Cell 2023; 186:4310-4324.e23. [PMID: 37703874 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis requires the robust control of biomolecule concentrations, but how do millions of mRNAs coordinate their stoichiometries in the face of dynamic translational changes? Here, we identified a two-tiered mechanism controlling mRNA:mRNA and mRNA:protein stoichiometries where mRNAs super-assemble into condensates with buffering capacity and sorting selectivity through phase-transition mechanisms. Using C. elegans oogenesis arrest as a model, we investigated the transcriptome cytosolic reorganization through the sequencing of RNA super-assemblies coupled with single mRNA imaging. Tightly repressed mRNAs self-assembled into same-sequence nanoclusters that further co-assembled into multiphase condensates. mRNA self-sorting was concentration dependent, providing a self-buffering mechanism that is selective to sequence identity and controls mRNA:mRNA stoichiometries. The cooperative sharing of limiting translation repressors between clustered mRNAs prevented the disruption of mRNA:repressor stoichiometries in the cytosol. Robust control of mRNA:mRNA and mRNA:protein stoichiometries emerges from mRNA self-demixing and cooperative super-assembly into multiphase multiscale condensates with dynamic storage capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Szilvia Ecsedi
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Mokrane Khier
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Zhou Yi
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Alia Bahri
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Amira Ouertani
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Florian Valero
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | | | - Sami Rouquet
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Robert
- Université Aix Marseille, Inserm, INRAE, C2VN, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Agnès Loubat
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
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27
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Zhang H, Zhang L, Lin A, Xu C, Li Z, Liu K, Liu B, Ma X, Zhao F, Jiang H, Chen C, Shen H, Li H, Mathews DH, Zhang Y, Huang L. Algorithm for optimized mRNA design improves stability and immunogenicity. Nature 2023; 621:396-403. [PMID: 37130545 PMCID: PMC10499610 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [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: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are being used to combat the spread of COVID-19 (refs. 1-3), but they still exhibit critical limitations caused by mRNA instability and degradation, which are major obstacles for the storage, distribution and efficacy of the vaccine products4. Increasing secondary structure lengthens mRNA half-life, which, together with optimal codons, improves protein expression5. Therefore, a principled mRNA design algorithm must optimize both structural stability and codon usage. However, owing to synonymous codons, the mRNA design space is prohibitively large-for example, there are around 2.4 × 10632 candidate mRNA sequences for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This poses insurmountable computational challenges. Here we provide a simple and unexpected solution using the classical concept of lattice parsing in computational linguistics, where finding the optimal mRNA sequence is analogous to identifying the most likely sentence among similar-sounding alternatives6. Our algorithm LinearDesign finds an optimal mRNA design for the spike protein in just 11 minutes, and can concurrently optimize stability and codon usage. LinearDesign substantially improves mRNA half-life and protein expression, and profoundly increases antibody titre by up to 128 times in mice compared to the codon-optimization benchmark on mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and varicella-zoster virus. This result reveals the great potential of principled mRNA design and enables the exploration of previously unreachable but highly stable and efficient designs. Our work is a timely tool for vaccines and other mRNA-based medicines encoding therapeutic proteins such as monoclonal antibodies and anti-cancer drugs7,8.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Vaccine Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ang Lin
- StemiRNA Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
- Vaccine Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Ziyu Li
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | - Kaibo Liu
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Boxiang Liu
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Coderna.ai, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
| | - Yujian Zhang
- StemiRNA Therapeutics, Shanghai, China.
- , Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Liang Huang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
- Coderna.ai, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
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28
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Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh S, Smith M, Xia Y, Dousis A, Grossfield A, Sur S. Ionizable Amino Lipids Distribution and Effects on DSPC/Cholesterol Membranes: Implications for Lipid Nanoparticle Structure. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:6928-6939. [PMID: 37498794 PMCID: PMC10424244 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable aminolipids are among the leading platforms for the successful delivery of nucleic-acid-based therapeutics, including messenger RNA (mRNA). The two recently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech belong to this category. Ionizable aminolipids, cholesterol, and DSPC lipids are among the key components of such formulations, crucially modulating physicochemical properties of these formulations and, consequently, the potency of these therapeutics. Despite the importance of these components, the distribution of these molecules in LNPs containing mRNA is not clear. In this study, we used all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the distribution and effects of the Lipid-5 (apparent pKa of the lipid nanoparticle = 6.56), a rationally designed and previously reported ionizable aminolipid by Moderna, on lipid bilayers [Mol. Ther. 2018, 26, 1509-1519]. The simulations were conducted with half of the aminolipids charged and half neutral approximately to the expected ionization in the microenvironment of the LNP surface. In all five simulated systems in this work, the cholesterol content was kept constant, whereas the DSPC and Lipid-5 concentrations were changed systematically. We found that at higher concentrations of the ionizable aminolipids, the neutral aminolipids form a disordered aggregate in the membrane interior that preferentially includes cholesterol. The rules underlying the lipid redistribution could be used to rationally choose lipids to optimize the LNP function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Theoretical
and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular
Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science
and Technology, Department of Biochemistry, and Center for Biophysics
and Quantitative Biology, University of
Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, United States
| | - Michael Smith
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yan Xia
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | | | - Alan Grossfield
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Sreyoshi Sur
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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29
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Horlacher M, Wagner N, Moyon L, Kuret K, Goedert N, Salvatore M, Ule J, Gagneur J, Winther O, Marsico A. Towards in silico CLIP-seq: predicting protein-RNA interaction via sequence-to-signal learning. Genome Biol 2023; 24:180. [PMID: 37542318 PMCID: PMC10403857 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03015-7] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We present RBPNet, a novel deep learning method, which predicts CLIP-seq crosslink count distribution from RNA sequence at single-nucleotide resolution. By training on up to a million regions, RBPNet achieves high generalization on eCLIP, iCLIP and miCLIP assays, outperforming state-of-the-art classifiers. RBPNet performs bias correction by modeling the raw signal as a mixture of the protein-specific and background signal. Through model interrogation via Integrated Gradients, RBPNet identifies predictive sub-sequences that correspond to known and novel binding motifs and enables variant-impact scoring via in silico mutagenesis. Together, RBPNet improves imputation of protein-RNA interactions, as well as mechanistic interpretation of predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Horlacher
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
- Helmholtz Association - Munich School for Data Science (MUDS), Munich, Germany.
| | - Nils Wagner
- Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Helmholtz Association - Munich School for Data Science (MUDS), Munich, Germany
| | - Lambert Moyon
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klara Kuret
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nicolas Goedert
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Salvatore
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jernej Ule
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Julien Gagneur
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Helmholtz Association - Munich School for Data Science (MUDS), Munich, Germany
| | - Ole Winther
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Annalisa Marsico
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Helmholtz Association - Munich School for Data Science (MUDS), Munich, Germany.
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30
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Solodushko V, Fouty B. Terminal hairpins improve protein expression in IRES-initiated mRNA in the absence of a cap and polyadenylated tail. Gene Ther 2023; 30:620-627. [PMID: 36828937 PMCID: PMC9951143 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00391-4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Synthesizing mRNA in vitro is a standard and simple procedure. Adding the 5' cap and 3' polyadenylated (poly(A)) tail to make this mRNA functional for use as a vaccine or therapy increases the time and cost of production and usually decreases the yield, however. We designed mRNA that lacked a cap and poly(A) tail but included an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) to initiate protein translation. To protect the 5' and 3' ends of mRNA from exonucleases, we added stable terminal hairpins. When compared against typical mRNA (i.e., mRNA that contained a cap and poly(A) tail but lacked hairpins), expression of the delivered reporter protein in HEK293 cells was similar. Using a triple instead of a single hairpin at each end increased protein expression even more. This method has the potential to simplify the production and reduce the cost of synthesizing exogenous mRNA for use as biologics or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Solodushko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
- The Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
| | - Brian Fouty
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
- The Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
- The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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31
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Saha A, Suga H, Brik A. Combining Chemical Protein Synthesis and Random Nonstandard Peptides Integrated Discovery for Modulating Biological Processes. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:1953-1965. [PMID: 37312234 PMCID: PMC10357587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00178] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemical manipulation of naturally occurring peptides offers a convenient route for generating analogs to screen against different therapeutic targets. However, the limited success of the conventional chemical libraries has urged chemical biologists to adopt alternative methods such as phage and mRNA displays and create libraries of a large number of variants for the screening and selection of novel peptides. Messenger RNA (mRNA) display provides great advantages in terms of the library size and the straightforward recovery of the selected polypeptide sequences. Importantly, the integration of the flexible in vitro translation (FIT) system with the mRNA display provides the basis of the random nonstandard peptides integrated discovery (RaPID) approach for the introduction of diverse nonstandard motifs, such as unnatural side chains and backbone modifications. This platform allows the discovery of functionalized peptides with tight binding against virtually any protein of interest (POI) and therefore shows great potential in the pharmaceutical industry. However, this method has been limited to targets generated by recombinant expression, excluding its applications to uniquely modified proteins, particularly those with post-translational modifications.Chemical protein synthesis allows a wide range of changes to the protein's chemical composition to be performed, including side chain and backbone modifications and access to post-translationally modified proteins, which are often inaccessible or difficult to achieve via recombinant expression methods. Notably, d-proteins can be prepared via chemical synthesis, which has been used in mirror image phase display for the discovery of nonproteolytic d-peptide binders.Combining chemical protein synthesis with the RaPID system allows the production of a library of trillions of cyclic peptides and subsequent selection for novel cyclic peptide binders targeting a uniquely modified protein to assist in studying its unexplored biology and possibly the discovery of new drug candidates.Interestingly, the small post-translational modifier protein ubiquitin (Ub), with its various polymeric forms, regulates directly or indirectly many biochemical processes, e.g., proteasomal degradation, DNA damage repair, cell cycle regulation, etc. In this Account, we discuss combining the RaPID approach against various synthetic Ub chains for selecting effective and specific macrocyclic peptide binders. This offers an advancement in modulating central Ub pathways and provides opportunities in drug discovery areas associated with Ub signaling. We highlight experimental approaches and conceptual adaptations required to design and modulate the activity of Lys48- and Lys63-linked Ub chains by macrocyclic peptides. We also present the applications of these approaches to shed light on related biological activities and ultimately their activity against cancer. Finally, we contemplate future developments still pending in this exciting multidisciplinary field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Saha
- Schulich
Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute
of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department
of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich
Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute
of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
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32
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Liu S, Wang H, Li X, Zhang F, Lee JKJ, Li Z, Yu C, Hu JJ, Zhao X, Suematsu T, Alvarez-Cabrera AL, Liu Q, Zhang L, Huang L, Aphasizheva I, Aphasizhev R, Zhou ZH. Structural basis of gRNA stabilization and mRNA recognition in trypanosomal RNA editing. Science 2023; 381:eadg4725. [PMID: 37410820 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg4725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
In Trypanosoma brucei, the editosome, composed of RNA-editing substrate-binding complex (RESC) and RNA-editing catalytic complex (RECC), orchestrates guide RNA (gRNA)-programmed editing to recode cryptic mitochondrial transcripts into messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The mechanism of information transfer from gRNA to mRNA is unclear owing to a lack of high-resolution structures for these complexes. With cryo-electron microscopy and functional studies, we have captured gRNA-stabilizing RESC-A and gRNA-mRNA-binding RESC-B and RESC-C particles. RESC-A sequesters gRNA termini, thus promoting hairpin formation and blocking mRNA access. The conversion of RESC-A into RESC-B or -C unfolds gRNA and allows mRNA selection. The ensuing gRNA-mRNA duplex protrudes from RESC-B, likely exposing editing sites to RECC-catalyzed cleavage, uridine insertion or deletion, and ligation. Our work reveals a remodeling event facilitating gRNA-mRNA hybridization and assembly of a macromolecular substrate for the editosome's catalytic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaorun Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jane K J Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zihang Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clinton Yu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jason J Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Takuma Suematsu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana L Alvarez-Cabrera
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qiushi Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liye Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Inna Aphasizheva
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruslan Aphasizhev
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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33
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Rhym LH, Manan RS, Koller A, Stephanie G, Anderson DG. Peptide-encoding mRNA barcodes for the high-throughput in vivo screening of libraries of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:901-910. [PMID: 37127709 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Developing safe and effective nanoparticles for the delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) is slow and expensive, partly due to the lack of predictive power of in vitro screening methods and the low-throughput nature of in vivo screening. While DNA barcoding and batch analysis present methods for increasing in vivo screening throughput, they can also result in incomplete or misleading measures of efficacy. Here, we describe a high-throughput and accurate method for the screening of pooled nanoparticle formulations within the same animal. The method uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect peptide barcodes translated from mRNAs in nanoparticle-transfected cells. We show the method's applicability by evaluating a library of over 400 nanoparticle formulations with 384 unique ionizable lipids using only nine mice to optimize the formulation of a biodegradable lipid nanoparticle for mRNA delivery to the liver. Barcoding lipid nanoparticles with peptide-encoding mRNAs may facilitate the rapid development of nanoparticles for mRNA delivery to specific cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke H Rhym
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rajith S Manan
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Antonius Koller
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Georgina Stephanie
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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34
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Tong Y, Lee Y, Liu X, Childs-Disney JL, Suresh BM, Benhamou RI, Yang C, Li W, Costales MG, Haniff HS, Sievers S, Abegg D, Wegner T, Paulisch TO, Lekah E, Grefe M, Crynen G, Van Meter M, Wang T, Gibaut QMR, Cleveland JL, Adibekian A, Glorius F, Waldmann H, Disney MD. Programming inactive RNA-binding small molecules into bioactive degraders. Nature 2023; 618:169-179. [PMID: 37225982 PMCID: PMC10232370 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Target occupancy is often insufficient to elicit biological activity, particularly for RNA, compounded by the longstanding challenges surrounding the molecular recognition of RNA structures by small molecules. Here we studied molecular recognition patterns between a natural-product-inspired small-molecule collection and three-dimensionally folded RNA structures. Mapping these interaction landscapes across the human transcriptome defined structure-activity relationships. Although RNA-binding compounds that bind to functional sites were expected to elicit a biological response, most identified interactions were predicted to be biologically inert as they bind elsewhere. We reasoned that, for such cases, an alternative strategy to modulate RNA biology is to cleave the target through a ribonuclease-targeting chimera, where an RNA-binding molecule is appended to a heterocycle that binds to and locally activates RNase L1. Overlay of the substrate specificity for RNase L with the binding landscape of small molecules revealed many favourable candidate binders that might be bioactive when converted into degraders. We provide a proof of concept, designing selective degraders for the precursor to the disease-associated microRNA-155 (pre-miR-155), JUN mRNA and MYC mRNA. Thus, small-molecule RNA-targeted degradation can be leveraged to convert strong, yet inactive, binding interactions into potent and specific modulators of RNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Yeongju Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Blessy M Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Raphael I Benhamou
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Chunying Yang
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matthew G Costales
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hafeez S Haniff
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Sonja Sievers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Compound Management and Screening Center, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Abegg
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Tristan Wegner
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Elizabeth Lekah
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Maison Grefe
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Gogce Crynen
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Core, The Scripps Research Institute and The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Montina Van Meter
- Histology Core, The Scripps Research Institute and The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Tenghui Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Quentin M R Gibaut
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - John L Cleveland
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Frank Glorius
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany.
- Compound Management and Screening Center, Dortmund, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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35
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Reynaud K, McGeachy AM, Noble D, Meacham ZA, Ingolia NT. Surveying the global landscape of post-transcriptional regulators. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:740-752. [PMID: 37231154 PMCID: PMC10279529 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous proteins regulate gene expression by modulating mRNA translation and decay. To uncover the full scope of these post-transcriptional regulators, we conducted an unbiased survey that quantifies regulatory activity across the budding yeast proteome and delineates the protein domains responsible for these effects. Our approach couples a tethered function assay with quantitative single-cell fluorescence measurements to analyze ~50,000 protein fragments and determine their effects on a tethered mRNA. We characterize hundreds of strong regulators, which are enriched for canonical and unconventional mRNA-binding proteins. Regulatory activity typically maps outside the RNA-binding domains themselves, highlighting a modular architecture that separates mRNA targeting from post-transcriptional regulation. Activity often aligns with intrinsically disordered regions that can interact with other proteins, even in core mRNA translation and degradation factors. Our results thus reveal networks of interacting proteins that control mRNA fate and illuminate the molecular basis for post-transcriptional gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Reynaud
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anna M McGeachy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - David Noble
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Zuriah A Meacham
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas T Ingolia
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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36
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Li J, Zhou J, Xia Y, Rui Y, Yang X, Xie G, Jiang G, Wang H. Rolling circle extension-assisted loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Rol-LAMP) method for locus-specific and visible detection of RNA N6-methyladenosine. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e51. [PMID: 36971119 PMCID: PMC10201442 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. Currently available detection methods for locus-specific m6A marks rely on RT-qPCR, radioactive methods, or high-throughput sequencing. Here, we develop a non-qPCR, ultrasensitive, isothermal, and naked-eye visible method for m6A detection based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), named m6A-Rol-LAMP, to verify putative m6A sites in transcripts obtained from the high-throughput data. When padlock probes hybridize to the potential m6A sites on targets, they are converted to circular form by DNA ligase in the absence of m6A modification, while m6A modification hinders the sealing of padlock probes. Subsequently, Bst DNA polymerase-mediated RCA and LAMP allow the amplification of the circular padlock probe to achieve the locus-specific detection of m6A. Following optimization and validation, m6A-Rol-LAMP can ultra-sensitively and quantitatively determine the existence of m6A modification on a specific target site as low as 100 amol under isothermal conditions. Detections of m6A can be performed on rRNA, mRNA, lincRNA, lncRNA and pre-miRNA from biological samples with naked-eye observations after dye incubation. Together, we provide a powerful tool for locus-specific detection of m6A, which can simply, quickly, sensitively, specifically, and visually determine putative m6A modification on RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Jiawang Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Yan Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Yalan Rui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Xianyuan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Guoyou Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
| | - Guanmin Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 2528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510006, China
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37
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Jung J, Popella L, Do PT, Pfau P, Vogel J, Barquist L. Design and off-target prediction for antisense oligomers targeting bacterial mRNAs with the MASON web server. RNA 2023; 29:570-583. [PMID: 36750372 PMCID: PMC10158992 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079263.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligomers (ASOs), such as peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), designed to inhibit the translation of essential bacterial genes, have emerged as attractive sequence- and species-specific programmable RNA antibiotics. Yet, potential drawbacks include unwanted side effects caused by their binding to transcripts other than the intended target. To facilitate the design of PNAs with minimal off-target effects, we developed MASON (make antisense oligomers now), a web server for the design of PNAs that target bacterial mRNAs. MASON generates PNA sequences complementary to the translational start site of a bacterial gene of interest and reports critical sequence attributes and potential off-target sites. We based MASON's off-target predictions on experiments in which we treated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with a series of 10-mer PNAs derived from a PNA targeting the essential gene acpP but carrying two serial mismatches. Growth inhibition and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data revealed that PNAs with terminal mismatches are still able to target acpP, suggesting wider off-target effects than anticipated. Comparison of these results to an RNA-seq data set from uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) treated with eleven different PNAs confirmed that our findings are not unique to Salmonella We believe that MASON's off-target assessment will improve the design of specific PNAs and other ASOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Jung
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Linda Popella
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Phuong Thao Do
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Pfau
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Barquist
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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38
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Turner M. Regulation and function of poised mRNAs in lymphocytes. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200236. [PMID: 37009769 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200236] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Pre-existing but untranslated or 'poised' mRNA exists as a means to rapidly induce the production of specific proteins in response to stimuli and as a safeguard to limit the actions of these proteins. The translation of poised mRNA enables immune cells to express quickly genes that enhance immune responses. The molecular mechanisms that repress the translation of poised mRNA and, upon stimulation, enable translation have yet to be elucidated. They likely reflect intrinsic properties of the mRNAs and their interactions with trans-acting factors that direct poised mRNAs away from or into the ribosome. Here, I discuss mechanisms by which this might be regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Turner
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
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39
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Abstract
Adenosine deamination by the ADAR family of enzymes is a natural process that edits genetic information as it passes through messenger RNA. Adenosine is converted to inosine in mRNAs, and this base is interpreted as guanosine during translation. Realizing the potential of this activity for therapeutics, a number of researchers have developed systems that redirect ADAR activity to new targets, ones that are not normally edited. These site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) systems can be broadly classified into two categories: ones that deliver an antisense RNA oligonucleotide to bind opposite a target adenosine, creating an editable structure that endogenously expressed ADARs recognize, and ones that tether the catalytic domain of recombinant ADAR to an antisense RNA oligonucleotide that serves as a targeting mechanism, much like with CRISPR-Cas or RNAi. To date, SDRE has been used mostly to try and correct genetic mutations. Here we argue that these applications are not ideal SDRE, mostly because RNA edits are transient and genetic mutations are not. Instead, we suggest that SDRE could be used to tune cell physiology to achieve temporary outcomes that are therapeutically advantageous, particularly in the nervous system. These include manipulating excitability in nociceptive neural circuits, abolishing specific phosphorylation events to reduce protein aggregation related to neurodegeneration or reduce the glial scarring that inhibits nerve regeneration, or enhancing G protein-coupled receptor signaling to increase nerve proliferation for the treatment of sensory disorders like blindness and deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Diaz Quiroz
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Louise D Siskel
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Joshua J C Rosenthal
- Eugene Bell Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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40
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Tanaka H, Hagiwara S, Shirane D, Yamakawa T, Sato Y, Matsumoto C, Ishizaki K, Hishinuma M, Chida K, Sasaki K, Yonemochi E, Ueda K, Higashi K, Moribe K, Tadokoro T, Maenaka K, Taneichi S, Nakai Y, Tange K, Sakurai Y, Akita H. Ready-to-Use-Type Lyophilized Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation for the Postencapsulation of Messenger RNA. ACS Nano 2023; 17:2588-2601. [PMID: 36719091 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on the clinical success of an in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) that is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs), there is a growing demand by researchers to test whether their own biological findings might be applicable for use in mRNA-based therapeutics. However, the equipment and/or know-how required for manufacturing such nanoparticles is often inaccessible. To encourage more innovation in mRNA therapeutics, a simple method for preparing mRNA-LNPs is prerequisite. In this study, we report on a method for encapsulating IVT-mRNA into LNPs by rehydrating a Ready-to-Use empty freeze-dried LNP (LNPs(RtoU)) formulation with IVT-mRNA solution followed by heating. The resulting mRNA-LNPs(RtoU) had a similar intraparticle structure compared to the mRNA-LNPs prepared by conventional microfluidic mixing. In vivo genome editing, a promising application of these types of mRNA-LNPs, was accomplished using the LNPs(RtoU) containing co-encapsulated Cas9-mRNA and a small guide RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Shinya Hagiwara
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Daiki Shirane
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Takuma Yamakawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Yuka Sato
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Chika Matsumoto
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kota Ishizaki
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Miho Hishinuma
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Chida
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kasumi Sasaki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Etsuo Yonemochi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ueda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Takashi Tadokoro
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science and Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi 756-0884, Japan
| | - Katsumi Maenaka
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science and Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Sakura Taneichi
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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Abstract
The mRNA cap structure is a major site of dynamic mRNA methylation. mRNA caps exist in either the Cap1 or Cap2 form, depending on the presence of 2'-O-methylation on the first transcribed nucleotide or both the first and second transcribed nucleotides, respectively1,2. However, the identity of Cap2-containing mRNAs and the function of Cap2 are unclear. Here we describe CLAM-Cap-seq, a method for transcriptome-wide mapping and quantification of Cap2. We find that unlike other epitranscriptomic modifications, Cap2 can occur on all mRNAs. Cap2 is formed through a slow continuous conversion of mRNAs from Cap1 to Cap2 as mRNAs age in the cytosol. As a result, Cap2 is enriched on long-lived mRNAs. Large increases in the abundance of Cap1 leads to activation of RIG-I, especially in conditions in which expression of RIG-I is increased. The methylation of Cap1 to Cap2 markedly reduces the ability of RNAs to bind to and activate RIG-I. The slow methylation rate of Cap2 allows Cap2 to accumulate on host mRNAs, yet ensures that low levels of Cap2 occur on newly expressed viral RNAs. Overall, these results reveal an immunostimulatory role for Cap1, and that Cap2 functions to reduce activation of the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Despic
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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42
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Amin PH, Carlson KR, Wek RC. An RNA stem-loop functions in conjunction with an upstream open reading frame to direct preferential translation in the integrated stress response. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102864. [PMID: 36596357 PMCID: PMC9971878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102864] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to environmental stresses, cells invoke translational control to conserve resources and rapidly reprogram gene expression for optimal adaptation. A central mechanism for translational control involves phosphorylation of the α subunit of eIF2 (p-eIF2α), which reduces delivery of initiator tRNA to ribosomes. Because p-eIF2α is invoked by multiple protein kinases, each responding to distinct stresses, this pathway is named the integrated stress response (ISR). While p-eIF2α lowers bulk translation initiation, many stress-related mRNAs are preferentially translated. The process by which ribosomes delineate gene transcripts for preferential translation is known to involve upstream open reading frames (uORFs) embedded in the targeted mRNAs. In this study, we used polysome analyses and reporter assays to address the mechanisms directing preferential translation of human IBTKα in the ISR. The IBTKα mRNA encodes four uORFs, with only 5'-proximal uORF1 and uORF2 being translated. Of importance, the 5'-leader of IBTKα mRNA also contains a phylogenetically conserved stem-loop of moderate stability that is situated 11 nucleotides downstream of uORF2. The uORF2 is well translated and functions in combination with the stem-loop to effectively lower translation reinitiation at the IBTKα coding sequence. Upon stress-induced p-eIF2α, the uORF2/stem loop element can be bypassed to enhance IBTKα translation by a mechanism that may involve the modestly translated uORF1. Our study demonstrates that uORFs in conjunction with RNA secondary structures can be critical elements that serve as the "bar code" by which scanning ribosomes can delineate which mRNAs are preferentially translated in the ISR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth H Amin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kenneth R Carlson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ronald C Wek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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43
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Verghese M, Wilkinson E, He YY. Recent Advances in RNA m 6A Modification in Solid Tumors and Tumor Immunity. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:95-142. [PMID: 38113000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
An analogous field to epigenetics is referred to as epitranscriptomics, which focuses on the study of post-transcriptional chemical modifications in RNA. RNA molecules, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and other non-coding RNA molecules, can be edited with numerous modifications. The most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNA is N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is a reversible modification found in over 7000 human genes. Recent technological advances have accelerated the characterization of these modifications, and they have been shown to play important roles in many biological processes, including pathogenic processes such as cancer. In this chapter, we discuss the role of m6A mRNA modification in cancer with a focus on solid tumor biology and immunity. m6A RNA methylation and its regulatory proteins can play context-dependent roles in solid tumor development and progression by modulating RNA metabolism to drive oncogenic or tumor-suppressive cellular pathways. m6A RNA methylation also plays dynamic roles within both immune cells and tumor cells to mediate the anti-tumor immune response. Finally, an emerging area of research within epitranscriptomics studies the role of m6A RNA methylation in promoting sensitivity or resistance to cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Overall, our understanding of m6A RNA methylation in solid tumors has advanced significantly, and continued research is needed both to fill gaps in knowledge and to identify potential areas of focus for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Verghese
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Emma Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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44
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Chakraborty A, Dharmaraj S, Truong N, Pearson RM. Excipient-Free Ionizable Polyester Nanoparticles for Lung-Selective and Innate Immune Cell Plasmid DNA and mRNA Transfection. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:56440-56453. [PMID: 36525379 PMCID: PMC9872050 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14424] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extrahepatic nucleic acid delivery using polymers typically requires the synthesis and purification of custom monomers, post-synthetic modifications, and incorporation of additional excipients to augment their stability, endosomal escape, and in vivo effectiveness. Here, we report the development of a single-component and excipient-free, polyester-based nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle platform comprising ionizable N-methyldiethanolamine (MDET) and various hydrophobic alkyl diols (Cp) that achieves lung-selective nucleic acid transfection in vivo. PolyMDET and polyMDET-Cp polyplexes displayed high serum and enzymatic stability, while delivering pDNA or mRNA to "hard-to-transfect" innate immune cells. PolyMDET-C4 and polyMDET-C6 mediated high protein expression in lung alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells without inducing tissue damage or systemic inflammatory responses. Improved strategies using readily available starting materials to produce a simple, excipient-free, non-viral nucleic acid delivery platform with lung-selective and innate immune cell tropism has the potential to expedite clinical deployment of polymer-based genetic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Nhu Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Ryan M Pearson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
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45
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Paunovska K, Da Silva Sanchez AJ, Lokugamage MP, Loughrey D, Echeverri ES, Cristian A, Hatit MZC, Santangelo PJ, Zhao K, Dahlman JE. The Extent to Which Lipid Nanoparticles Require Apolipoprotein E and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor for Delivery Changes with Ionizable Lipid Structure. Nano Lett 2022; 22:10025-10033. [PMID: 36521071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have delivered therapeutic RNA to hepatocytes in humans. Adsorption of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) onto these clinical LNP-mRNA drugs has been shown to facilitate hepatocyte entry via the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Since ApoE-LDLR trafficking is conserved in mice, non-human primates, and humans, characterizing this mechanism eased clinical transition. Recently, LNPs have delivered mRNA to non-hepatocytes in mice and non-human primates, suggesting they can target new cell types via ApoE- and LDLR-independent pathways. To test this hypothesis, we quantified how 60 LNPs delivered mRNA with cell type resolution in wild-type mice and three knockout mouse strains related to lipid trafficking: ApoE-/-, LDLR-/-, and PCSK9-/-. These data suggest that the hydrophobic tail length of diketopiperazine-based lipids can be changed to drive ApoE- and LDLR-independent delivery in vivo. More broadly, the results support the hypothesis that endogenous LNP trafficking can be tuned by modifying lipid chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Paunovska
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Alejandro J Da Silva Sanchez
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Melissa P Lokugamage
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - David Loughrey
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Elisa Schrader Echeverri
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Ana Cristian
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Marine Z C Hatit
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Philip J Santangelo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Kun Zhao
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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46
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Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA secondary structure has broad impact on the fate of RNA metabolism. The reduced stability of secondary structures near the translation initiation site/start codon of the coding region promotes the efficiency of translation in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic species. However, the inaccuracy of in silico folding and the focus on the coding region limit our understanding of the global relationship between the whole mRNA structure and translation efficiency. Leveraging high-throughput RNA structure probing data in the transcriptome, we aim to systematically investigate the role of RNA structure in regulating translation efficiency. RESULTS Here, we analyze the influences of hundreds of sequence and structural features on translation efficiency in the mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and zebrafish developmental stages. Our findings reveal that overall in vivo RNA structure has a higher relative importance in predicting translation efficiency than in vitro RNA structure in both mESCs and zebrafish. Also, RNA structures in 3' untranslated region (UTR) have much stronger influence on translation efficiency compared to those in coding regions or 5' UTR. Furthermore, strong alternation between in vitro and in vivo structures in 3' UTR are detected in highly translated mRNAs in mESCs but not zebrafish. Instead, moderate alteration between in vitro and in vivo RNA structures in the 5' UTR and proximal coding regions are detected in highly translated mRNAs in zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the openness of the 3' UTR promotes the translation efficiency in both mice and zebrafish, with the in vivo structure in 3' UTR more important in mice than in zebrafish. This reveals a novel role of RNA secondary structure on translational regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Lin
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Zhengqing Ouyang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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47
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Li Z, Zhang XQ, Ho W, Li F, Gao M, Bai X, Xu X. Enzyme-Catalyzed One-Step Synthesis of Ionizable Cationic Lipids for Lipid Nanoparticle-Based mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. ACS Nano 2022; 16:18936-18950. [PMID: 36269150 PMCID: PMC9589590 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ionizable cationic lipid-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced non-viral gene delivery platforms, holding great potential for gene therapeutics. This is exemplified by the two COVID-19 vaccines employing mRNA-LNP technology from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Herein, we develop a chemical library of ionizable cationic lipids through a one-step chemical-biological enzyme-catalyzed esterification method, and the synthesized ionizable lipids were further prepared to be LNPs for mRNA delivery. Through orthogonal design of experiment methodology screening, the top-performing AA3-DLin LNPs show outstanding mRNA delivery efficacy and long-term storage capability. Furthermore, the AA3-DLin LNP COVID-19 vaccines encapsulating SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNAs successfully induced strong immunogenicity in a BALB/c mouse model demonstrated by the antibody titers, virus challenge, and T cell immune response studies. The developed AA3-DLin LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery platform, and this study provides an overall perspective of the ionizable cationic lipids, from aspects of lipid design, synthesis, screening, optimization, fabrication, characterization, and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Li
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering,
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey07102,
United States
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic
Antibody Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai200240, P. R.
China
| | - William Ho
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering,
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey07102,
United States
| | - Fengqiao Li
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering,
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey07102,
United States
| | - Mingzhu Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic
Antibody Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai200240, P. R.
China
| | - Xin Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic
Antibody Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai200240, P. R.
China
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering,
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey07102,
United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New
Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark,
New Jersey07102, United States
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48
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Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles containing messenger RNA (mRNA-LNPs) have launched to the forefront of nonviral delivery systems with their realized potential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we investigate the impact of commonly used biological buffers on the performance and durability of mRNA-LNPs. We tested the compatibility of three common buffers─HEPES, Tris, and phosphate-buffered saline─with a DLin-MC3-DMA mRNA-LNP formulation before and after a single controlled freeze-thaw cycle. We hypothesized that buffer composition would affect lipid-aqueous phase separation. Indeed, the buffers imposed structural changes in LNP morphology as indicated by electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and membrane fluidity assays. We employed in vitro and in vivo models to measure mRNA transfection and found that Tris or HEPES-buffered LNPs yielded better cryoprotection and transfection efficiency compared to PBS. Understanding the effects of various buffers on LNP morphology and efficacy provides valuable insights into maintaining the stability of LNPs after long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Marco Herrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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49
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Kossinova OA, Gopanenko AV, Babaylova ES, Tupikin AE, Kabilov MR, Malygin AA, Karpova GG. Reorganization of the Landscape of Translated mRNAs in NSUN2-Deficient Cells and Specific Features of NSUN2 Target mRNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179740. [PMID: 36077143 PMCID: PMC9456143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179740] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA cytosine C5 methyltransferase NSUN2 has a variety of RNA substrates and plays an important role in mRNA metabolism. NSUN2 binds to specific sequences enriched in exosomal mRNAs, suggesting its possible involvement in the sorting of mRNAs into exosomes. We applied the photoactivatable.4-thiouridine-enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation assay involving high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to HEK293T cells to determine NSUN2 mRNA targets. NSUN2 cross-linking sites were found in more than one hundred relatively abundant mRNAs with a high GC content and a pronounced secondary structure. Then, utilizing RNA-seq for the total and polysome-associated mRNA from HEK293T cells with and without the knockdown of NSUN2, we identified differentially expressed genes, as well as genes with altered translational efficiency (GATEs). It turned out that the up-regulated GATE mRNAs were much shorter on average than the down-regulated ones, and their GC content was higher; moreover, they contained motifs with C residues located in GC-rich environments. Our findings reveal the specific features of mRNAs that make them potential targets for NSUN2 and expand our understanding of the role of NSUN2 in controlling translation and, possibly, in mRNA sorting into exosomes implemented through the methylation of cytosine residues.
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50
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Kipper K, Mansour A, Pulk A. Neuronal RNA granules are ribosome complexes stalled at the pre-translocation state. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167801. [PMID: 36038000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167801] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The polarized cell morphology of neurons dictates many neuronal processes, including the axodendridic transport of specific mRNAs and subsequent translation. mRNAs together with ribosomes and RNA-binding proteins form RNA granules that are targeted to axodendrites for localized translation in neurons. It has been established that localized protein synthesis in neurons is essential for long-term memory formation, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration. We have used proteomics and electron microscopy to characterize neuronal RNA granules (nRNAg) isolated from rat brain tissues or human neuroblastoma. We show that ribosome containing RNA granules are morula-like structures when visualized by electron microscopy. Crosslinking-coupled mass-spectrometry identified potential G3BP2 binding site on the ribosome near the eIF3d-binding site on the 40S ribosomal subunit. We used cryo-EM to resolve the structure of the ribosome-component of nRNAg. The cryo-EM reveals that predominant particles in nRNAg are 80S ribosomes, resembling the pre-translocation state where tRNA's are in the hybrid A/P and P/E site. We also describe a new kind of principal motion of the ribosome, which we call the rocking motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Kipper
- Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Abbas Mansour
- Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Arto Pulk
- Structural Biology Unit, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
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