Figure 1 illustrates the most common type of ddRNAi DNA construct designed to express a shRNA. This figure consists of a promoter sequence driving the expression of sense and antisense sequences separated by a loop sequence, followed by a transcriptional terminator. The antisense sequence processed from the shRNA can bind to the target RNA and specify its degradation. shRNA constructs typically encode sense and antisense sequences of 20–30 nucleotides. Flexibility in construct design is possible; for example, the positions of sense and antisense sequences can be reversed, and other modifications and additions can alter intracellular shRNA processing. Moreover, a variety of promoter loop and terminator sequences can be used.
Delivery of ddRNAi DNA constructs is a major challenge for RNAi-based therapy. There are a number of clinically-approved gene therapy vectors developed for therapeutic use. Two broad strategies to facilitate the delivery of DNA constructs to the desired cells are available: these use either viral vectors or one of several classes of transfection reagents.
Two conserved PKCγ sequences across all key model species and humans have been identified, and both single and double DNA cassettes are designed. In vitro, the expression of PKCγ was silenced by 80%. When similar ddRNAi constructs were delivered intrathecally using a lentiviral vector, pain relief in a neuropathic-rat model was demonstrated.
Tributarna is a triple DNA cassette expressing three shRNA molecules each of which separately targets beta III tubulin and strongly inhibits its expression. Studies in an orthotopic-mouse model, where the construct is delivered by a modified polyethylenimine vector, jetPEI, that targets lung tissue are in progress.
Besides the ex vivo approach discussed above, the Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA) of the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, is extensively researching the therapeutic potential of multi-cassette DNA constructs for HIV.
Some gene therapy vectors integrate into the host genome, thereby acting as insertional mutagens. This was a particular issue with early retroviral vectors, where insertions adjacent to oncogenes resulted in the development of lymphoid tumors.
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are considered low-risk for host-genome integration, as AAV infection has not been associated with the induction of cancers in humans despite widespread prevalence across the general population. Moreover, extensive clinical use of AAV vectors has provided no evidence of carcinogenicity. While lentiviral vectors do integrate into the genome, they do not appear to show a propensity to activate oncogene expression.
High-level expression of shRNAs has been shown to be toxic. Strategies to minimize levels of shRNA expression or promote precise processing of shRNAs can mitigate this issue.
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