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[Antisense DNA].

Antisense DNA has been given a big attention as future therapeutic reagents. However, there are several shortcomings including biological instability and low membrane permeability. In order to overcome these shortcomings, the first generation of oligonucleotides has been synthesized. The efficacy of these analogues in vitro or in vivo seems to be promising. In this reviewing article, we mainly describe the intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides from the pharmaceutical point of view.

Animals↗

Glutathione-sensitive stabilization of block copolymer micelles composed of antisense DNA and thiolated poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lysine): a potential carrier for systemic delivery of antisense DNA.

Glutathione (GSH)-sensitive stabilization of polyion complex (PIC) micelles entrapping antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) was achieved by the reversible cross-linking of the core through disulfide bonds, aiming at the development of a novel DNA carrier system for antisense therapy following systemic administration. Thiolated poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lysine) (PEG-thioPLL) and ODN spontaneously associated to form the PIC micelles with the core cross-linked through disulfide bonds. The diameters of the cross-linked micelles were similar to those of the non-cross-linked micelles and were determined to be about 40 nm by light scattering measurements. The micelles have sufficient colloidal stability due to the PEG shell surrounding the core of the polyion complex composed of PLL and ODN. The polyanion exchange studies suggested that the dissociation of the micelles was suppressed through the core cross-linking. The stability of the ODN in the core cross-linked micelles against nuclease was appreciably increased compared to that of free ODN and that in the micelles without cross-linking. On the other hand, the micelles dissociated to release ODN in the presence of GSH at a concentration comparable to the intracellular environment, featuring the potential ability of this system for intracellular ODN delivery.

Cross-Linking Reagents↗

Current status of antisense DNA methods in behavioral studies.

The antisense DNA method has been used successfully to block the expression of specific genes in vivo in neuronal systems. An increasing number of studies in the last few years have shown that antisense DNA administered directly into the brain can modify various kinds of behaviors. These findings strongly suggest that the antisense DNA method can be used as a powerful tool to study causal relationships between molecular processes in the brain and behavior. In this article we review the current status of the antisense method in behavioral studies and discuss its potentials and problems by focusing on the following four aspects; (i) optimal application paradigms of antisense DNA methods in behavioral studies; (ii) efficiencies of different administration methods of antisense DNA used in behavioral studies; (iii) determination of specificity of behavioral effects of antisense DNA; and (iv) discrepancies between antisense DNA effects on behaviors and those on protein levels of the targeted gene.

Animals↗

Gene regulation by antisense DNA produced in vivo.

Antisense technology has been widely used for regulating gene expression. Single-stranded RNA or DNA complementary to a target mRNA can inhibit the translation of the mRNA. Antisense RNA is produced in vivo, while antisense DNA is chemically synthesized as an oligonucleotide, which is extracellularly added to the cells. To maintain the effect of antisense DNA, a synthetic oligonucleotide has to be constantly added to the system. An advantage of antisense DNA over antisense RNA is that the target mRNA hybridized with the antisense DNA can be specifically digested by ribonuclease H. Here, we attempted to produce in vivo short single-stranded DNAs complementary to a specific mRNA. We demonstrate that such antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide of a desired sequence can be produced in Escherichia coli using a retron, a bacterial retroelement, as a vector and that the antisense DNA thus produced in vivo can effectively inhibit the expression of a specific E. coli gene, such as the gene for the major outer membrane lipoprotein.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗

Expression of injected HPRT minigene DNA in mouse embryos and its inhibition by antisense DNA.

We have used a highly sensitive biochemical microassay to monitor the expression of a cloned minigene for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT, EC.2.4.2.8) in preimplantation mouse embryos. The mouse HPRT promoter and the mouse metallothionein promoter (MT-I) function equally well in embryos at the 2-cell stage whereas the viral SV40 promoter does not allow HPRT expression. Induced HPRT activity from the MT-I HPRT minigene construct occurs in cleavage embryos cultured in the presence of cadmium. In contrast, negation of enzyme expression from the injected minigene DNA is mediated by simultaneous injection of HPRT antisense DNA.

Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase↗

Targeted delivery of antisense DNA in woodchuck hepatitis virus-infected woodchucks.

An asialoglycoprotein-based DNA delivery system containing an antisense oligo DNA against the polyadenylation region and adjacent upstream sequences of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) was prepared. Experimental woodchucks were inoculated neonatally with the woodchuck virus 23 weeks before initiating the study, and all animals subsequently developed hepatitis as evidenced by the presence of measurable levels of circulating viral DNA. Animals were injected intravenously (i.v.) with asialoorosomucoid (AsOR)-poly-L-lysine complexes containing 0.1 mg kg-1 antisense DNA for five consecutive days. Levels of surface antigen did not differ substantially between treated and control animals. However, intravenous administration of complexed antisense DNA significantly decreased viraemia, as shown by a five- to 10-fold decrease in circulating viral DNA 25 days post treatment. The decline lasted for at least 2 weeks, after which there was a gradual increase in DNA levels. Antisense DNA alone or a complex containing a random oligo DNA of the same size and linkage failed to have any significant effect on viral DNA levels. We conclude that antisense oligo DNA can be targeted to the liver in vivo, resulting in a substantial and prolonged decrease in viral DNA levels in WHV-infected woodchucks.

Animals↗

Catalytic antisense DNA molecules targeting Egr-1 inhibit neointima formation following permanent ligation of rat common carotid arteries.

Animal models of neointima (NI) formation have proven useful in gaining insights into the mechanisms of restenosis after coronary angioplasty and stenting, but the events at a molecular level remain incompletely understood. Here, we describe a technically straightforward, rat model of NI formation, involving complete ligation of the common carotid artery and demonstrate the importance of the immediate-early gene and zinc finger transcription factor Egr-1 in this process. Acute cessation of common carotid blood flow by vessel ligation, was followed by the expression of Egr-1 in the arterial media within 3 h and NI formation proximal to the point of ligation at 18 days. Local delivery of catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) targeting rat Egr-1 mRNA at the time of ligation reduced both Egr-1 expression and NI formation in this model. In contrast, a scrambled version of this ODN had no inhibitory effect. These studies demonstrate for the first time that arterial intimal thickening following artery ligation is critically-dependent on the activation of Egr-1.

Animals↗

Application of antisense DNA method for the study of molecular bases of brain function and behavior.

The antisense DNA method has been used successfully not only in vitro but also with in vivo systems to block effectively the expression of specific genes. An increasing number of studies have shown that antisense DNA administered directly into the brain can modify various kinds of behaviors. These findings strongly suggest that the antisense DNA method can be widely used as a powerful tool for the study of the molecular bases of behavior. In addition to traditional methods of behavioral genetics, the antisense DNA method may provide a new approach for the study of the effects of gene in behavioral function. In this article, we review recent studies reporting in vivo effects of antisense DNA on brain function and behavior.

Animals↗

Selective binding of trisamine-modified phosphorothioate antisense DNA to target mRNA improves antisense activity and reduces toxicity.

Antisense activity in living cells has been thought to occur via a mechanism involving both DNA-mediated hybridization arrest of target mRNA and RNase H-mediated mRNA digestion. Therefore an ideal antisense agent should be permeable to the cell and possess capacities (1) to form a thermally stable duplex in vivo with its target, (2) to discriminate between mRNAs with different degrees of complementarity, and (3) to form antisense/RNA complexes that are susceptible to RNase H hydrolysis. A trisamine-modified deoxyuridine derivative of a novel phosphorothioate DNA 15-mer that meets all these criteria is described here. Compared with the unmodified phosphorothioate oligomer, the phosphorothioate derivative exhibits a higher antisense activity as well as reduced cytotoxicity in cells infected with HIV-1. Our data suggest that the melting temperature (T(m)) between antisense DNA and the target mRNA is not only one of the factors contributing to this derivative's improved antisense activity. Also important are an enhanced ability to discriminate between sequences and an increased susceptibility of the DNA/mRNA complex to RNase H hydrolysis. These results will be useful in designing more active, clinically useful antisense drugs.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Antisense DNA inhibition of tumor growth induced by c-Ha-ras oncogene in nude mice.

Antisense DNA has shown an ability to target specific oncogene transcripts and inhibit their expression in cells, but the degree to which sustained treatment can suppress total levels of an oncogenic product and alter tumorigenesis in vivo remains to be determined. In this study, NIH-3T3 cells transformed by the activated c-Ha-ras oncogene from T24 human bladder cancer cells were treated for 3 consecutive days in vitro with an antisense DNA pentadecamer complementary to a target in the 5'-flanking region of the c-Ha-ras RNA transcript. Following antisense DNA treatment, a portion of the cells was lysed for measurement of RAS p21 while the remaining cells were evaluated for tumorigeneity by injection s.c. into athymic nude mice at a dose of 5 x 10(5) cells/mouse. The 3 days of treatment with the anti-c-Ha-ras DNA reduced RAS p21 cellular levels by more than 90% while a nonspecific control DNA reduced p21 levels by approximately 20%. Tumor growth of cells treated with anti-c-Ha-ras DNA was significantly reduced for up to 14 days following the end of treatment and implantation into the mice whereas the nonspecific control DNA had no significant effect. These effects on tumor growth were evident in two different strains of nude mice and in both males and females. It is suggested that the pronounced decrease in RAS p21 levels produced by anti-c-Ha-ras DNA resulted in a reversal of the transformed phenotype, and it is this reversal which accounts for the prolonged inhibition of tumorigenesis following antisense DNA treatment.

3T3 Cells↗

Influence of different chelators (HYNIC, MAG3 and DTPA) on tumor cell accumulation and mouse biodistribution of technetium-99m labeled to antisense DNA.

We have shown recently that cell accumulation in culture of antisense DNA is strongly influenced by the presence of a 99mTc-MAG3 group for radiolabeling. We have now compared the in vitro and mouse in vivo behavior of 99mTc when radiolabeled to one antisense phosphorothioate DNA by three different methods. The 18-mer antisense DNA against the RIalpha subunit of PKA was conjugated via a primary amine on the 5'-end with the NHS esters of HYNIC and MAG3 and by the cyclic anhydride of DTPA. Surface plasmon resonance measurements revealed that the association rate constant for hybridization was unchanged for all three chelators as compared with that of the native DNA. Size exclusion HPLC showed rapid and quantitative protein binding for all three chelators upon incubation of labeled DNAs in 37 degrees C serum and cell culture medium. However, in each case, radiolabeled and intact oligonucleotide was still detectable after 24 h. Cellular uptake was tested in an RIalpha mRNA-positive cancer cell line. The order of cellular accumulation of 99mTc was DTPA>HYNIC(tricine) >MAG3, with the differences increasing with time between 4 and 24 h. The rate of 99mTc egress from cells was found to be MAG3>HYNIC>DTPA, which may explain the order of cellular accumulation. The biodistribution in normal mice was heavily influenced by the labeling method and followed a pattern similar to that seen previously by us for peptides labeled with the same chelators. In conclusion, although these studies concerned only one antisense DNA in one cell line, the results suggest that the success of antisense imaging may depend, in part, on the method of radiolabeling.

Animals↗

Lipofectin enhances cellular uptake of antisense DNA while inhibiting tumor cell growth.

A natural DNA oligomer (15-mer) was synthesized with a sequence complementary to the translation initiation codon region of the human TGF-alpha mRNA and mixed with Lipofectin to form unilamellar complexes. It was found that tumor cell growth was inhibited when HCT116 cells were treated with Lipofectin-DNA oligomer complexes or with Lipofectin alone. Uptake of 32P-labeled 15-mers into colon tumor cells was compared in the presence and absence of Lipofectin. The amount of labeled oligomer found in cells that received optimal ratios of Lipofectin to DNA was 4- to 10-fold higher than the amount found in cells that received 32P-labeled DNA alone. Although Lipofectin-antisense DNA oligomer treatment of HCT116 cells caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, there was a subsequent rise in target mRNA product. Because the mechanism of growth inhibition could not involve an inhibition of TGF-alpha expression, it was concluded that Lipofectin probably exerts a nonspecific, detergent-like effect upon the cell membrane, producing an enhancement of TGF-alpha processing and release.

Base Sequence↗

Method for phosphorothioate antisense DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis with UV detection.

The progress of antisense DNA therapy demands development of reliable and convenient methods for sequencing short single-stranded oligonucleotides. A method of phosphorothioate antisense DNA sequencing analysis using UV detection coupled to capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been developed based on a modified chain termination sequencing method. The proposed method reduces the sequencing cost since it uses affordable CE-UV instrumentation and requires no labeling with minimal sample processing before analysis. Cycle sequencing with ThermoSequenase generates quantities of sequencing products that are readily detectable by UV. Discrimination of undesired components from sequencing products in the reaction mixture, previously accomplished by fluorescent or radioactive labeling, is now achieved by bringing concentrations of undesired components below the UV detection range which yields a 'clean', well defined sequence. UV detection coupled with CE offers additional conveniences for sequencing since it can be accomplished with commercially available CE-UV equipment and is readily amenable to automation.

DNA Primers↗

Photoactivatable antisense DNA: suppression of ampicillin resistance in normally resistant Escherichia coli.

Antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to a segment of the beta-lactamase gene and containing psoralen monoadducts at specific sites were examined for their ability to make normally resistant bacteria sensitive to ampicillin. Irradiation of oligonucleotides and psoralens with long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (380-400 nm) produced monoadducted antisense molecules. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to purify microgram quantities of photoactivatable antisense DNA. Escherichia coli transformed with a plasmid containing the gene for beta-lactamase were used to test a series of oligonucleotides containing psoralen monoadducts after additional exposure to the photoactivating effects of long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (320-400 nm). Normally resistant bacteria treated with this photoactivatable form of antisense DNA (0.4 microM) were specifically sensitized to ampicillin. The reduction in colony formation ranged from 31 to 79% in comparison to control oligonucleotides which did not contain photoactivatable monoadduct moieties. Bacteria treated in a similar manner but in the presence of tetracycline instead of ampicillin were not affected. The activity of beta-galactosidase, whose gene is located on the same plasmid as beta-lactamase, was not affected.

Ampicillin Resistance↗

Inhibition of proliferation by L-myc antisense DNA for the translational initiation site in human small cell lung cancer.

We evaluated the antiproliferative effect of L-myc antisense DNA in NCI-H209, a human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line overexpressing the L-myc gene. The synthetic DNA used in the present study was oligodeoxynucleoside phosphorothioate, which showed rapid incorporation into NCI-H209 cells and localized mainly in the cell nucleus and weakly in the cytoplasm. The exposure of this cell line to L-myc antisense DNA covering the translational initiation site of L-myc proteins inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent sequence-specific manner. Furthermore, the growth inhibition by this antisense DNA was correlated with the level of L-myc expression in three SCLC cell lines, NCI-H209, NCI-H510, and NCI-H82. In Western blot analysis, expression of the L-myc proteins was down-regulated in the antisense-treated cells compared with control-treated cells in NCI-H209. Together with unique characteristics of the L-myc gene, including: (a) a frequently amplified and overexpressed state in SCLC; and (b) very restricted and low-level expression in human adult tissues, the present data indicate that L-myc is a good candidate for the target gene for antisense DNA therapy based on molecular biological diagnosis in SCLC.

Base Sequence↗

High-resolution NMR of an antisense DNA x RNA hybrid containing alternating chirally pure Rp methylphosphonates in the DNA backbone.

A high-resolution proton NMR study has been performed on a hybrid duplex formed by a methylphosphonate (MP) oligodeoxyribonucleotide (MPO) and its target oligoribonucleotide, d(T(MP)CC(MP)-TT(MP)AG(MP)CT(MP)CC(MP)TG) x r(CAGGAGCUAAGGA), where MP corresponds to positions of methylphosphonate linkages in the pure R(p) stereoconfiguration. MP-containing analogs of DNA are reported to be effective antisense agents capable of specifically inhibiting protein synthesis with the R(p) chiral MPOs exhibiting greater affinity for the target mRNA than their S(p) counterparts. Nearly complete proton resonance assignments of the hybrid duplex have been made using two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D NOE) spectra, at three different mixing times, and double quantum-filtered COSY (2QF-COSY) spectra. The 2QF-COSY cross-peak patterns which are resolved have been analyzed qualitatively to suggest sugar conformations. Distance restraints have been obtained from the 2D NOE spectra of the duplex in D(2)O. These interproton distance restraints were determined using a complete relaxation matrix method to improve accuracy. Specifically, a new approach termed RANDMARDI has been utilized to calculate these distance restraints, accounting for spectral noise and errors in 2D NOE peak volume integration. The calculated interproton distances and sugar puckers have been analyzed to assess the solution conformation of the hybrid. The hybrid duplex appears to have an overall solution structure which is distinct from standard B- and A-forms, but the RNA strand exhibits features of the A-form. The absence of H1'-H2' cross-peaks in the 2QF-COSY spectrum indicates a C3'-endo type of conformation for ribose sugars in the RNA strand. The deoxyriboses in the antisense DNA strand exhibit a mixed behavior with almost equal scalar coupling constant values for H1'-H2' and H1'-H2" and a strong H3'-H4' 2QF-COSY peak pattern. Variations in calculated values of interproton distances and sixth-root R factor analysis of experimental intensities indicate that the hybrid duplex may have a DNA strand with significant conformational plasticity.

Base Composition↗

Administration of antisense DNA for ghrelin causes an antidepressant and anxiolytic response in rats.

RATIONALE: Ghrelin is a peptide of 28 amino acids found in mammals that increases the release of growth hormone, food intake, and body weight. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between ghrelin and the states of anxiety and depression by giving rats either antisense DNA for ghrelin, scrambled DNA or vehicle into the lateral ventricle of rats. RESULTS: In forced swimming tests, rats that received antisense DNA decreased the length of time that they were immobile in the water. Ghrelin antisense oligonucleotides produced an anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze test, black and white test, or conditioned fear tests. Treatment with antisense DNA for ghrelin significantly decreased rat body weight. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was seen. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that administration of antisense DNA for ghrelin causes an antidepressant and anxiolytic response in rats.

Animals↗