Antisense Oligonucleotide in LNA-Gapmer Design Targeting TGFBR2—A Key Single Gene Target for Safe and Effective Inhibition of TGFβ Signaling

oleh: Sabrina Kuespert, Rosmarie Heydn, Sebastian Peters, Eva Wirkert, Anne-Louise Meyer, Mareile Siebörger, Siw Johannesen, Ludwig Aigner, Ulrich Bogdahn, Tim-Henrik Bruun

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2020-03-01

Deskripsi

Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging drug class in gene modification. In our study we developed a safe, stable, and effective ASO drug candidate in locked nucleic acid (LNA)-gapmer design, targeting TGF&#946; receptor II (TGFBR2) mRNA. Discovery was performed as a process using state-of-the-art library development and screening. We intended to identify a drug candidate optimized for clinical development, therefore human specificity and gymnotic delivery were favored by design. A staggered process was implemented spanning <i>in-silico</i>-design, <i>in-vitro</i> transfection, and <i>in-vitro</i> gymnotic delivery of small batch syntheses. Primary <i>in-vitro</i> and <i>in-vivo</i> toxicity studies and modification of pre-lead candidates were also part of this selection process. The resulting lead compound NVP-13 unites human specificity and highest efficacy with lowest toxicity. We particularly focused at attenuation of TGF&#946; signaling, addressing both safety and efficacy. Hence, developing a treatment to potentially recondition numerous pathological processes mediated by elevated TGF&#946; signaling, we have chosen to create our data in human lung cell lines and human neuronal stem cell lines, each representative for prospective drug developments in pulmonary fibrosis and neurodegeneration. We show that TGFBR2 mRNA as a single gene target for NVP-13 responds well, and that it bears great potential to be safe and efficient in TGF&#946; signaling related disorders.