miRNAs are the key players of the RNAi mechanism, which regulates the expression of a large number of mRNAs in human cells. shRNAs are man-made synthetic miRNA mimics that exploit similar intracellular RNA processing routes. Massive amounts of data derived from next-generation sequencing have revealed miRNA species that are derived from alternative biosynthesis pathways. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of these noncanonical routes of miRNA and shRNA biosynthesis. We focus on ways to use these novel insights for the design of more potent and specific RNAi reagents for therapeutic applications, including the AgoshRNA design, which is processed differently than regular shRNAs. We will also discuss the development of a durable gene therapy against HIV1.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/fmb.14.5 | DOI Listing |
Pharmaceutics
January 2025
Integrative Health and Environmental Analysis Research Laboratory, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
Cyclodextrins can serve as carriers for various payloads, utilizing their capacity to form unique host-guest inclusion complexes within their cavity and their versatile surface functionalization. Recently, cationic cyclodextrins have gained considerable attention, as they can improve drug permeability across negatively charged cell membranes and efficiently condense negatively charged nucleic acid due to electrostatic interactions. This review focuses on state-of-the-art and recent advances in the construction of cationic cyclodextrin-based delivery systems.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceutics
December 2024
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences I, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany.
Background/objectives: Bringing small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the cell cytosol to achieve specific gene silencing is an attractive but also very challenging option for improved therapies. The first step for successful siRNA delivery is the complexation with a permanent cationic or ionizable compound. This protects the negatively charged siRNA and enables transfection through the cell membrane.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, A94 X099 Dublin, Ireland.
Recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a popular vector for treating genetic diseases caused by absent or defective genes. rAAVs can be produced that contain a therapeutic transgene, i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenes (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Ave Extension, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
The notion of RNA-based therapeutics has gained wide attractions in both academic and commercial institutions. RNA is a polymer of nucleic acids that has been proven to be impressively versatile, dating to its hypothesized RNA World origins, evidenced by its enzymatic roles in facilitating DNA replication, mRNA decay, and protein synthesis. This is underscored through the activities of riboswitches, spliceosomes, ribosomes, and telomerases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomolecules
January 2025
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1R1, Canada.
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a promising strategy as the siRNA molecule can specifically target proteins involved in abnormal cell proliferation. The development of a clinically applicable method for delivering siRNA molecules is imperative due to the challenges involved in effectively delivering the siRNA into cells. We investigated the delivery of siRNA to AML MOLM-13 cells with the use of two lipid-substituted polyethyleneimines (PEIs), a commercially available reagent (Prime-Fect) and a recently reported reagent with improved lipid substitution (PEI1.
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