U.S. patent application number 13/497454 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for treatment of filaggrin (flg) related diseases by modulation of flg expression and activity.
This patent application is currently assigned to CuRNA, Inc.. Invention is credited to Carlos Coito, Joseph Collard, Olga Khorkova Sherman.
Application Number | 20120295952 13/497454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43796503 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120295952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collard; Joseph ; et
al. |
November 22, 2012 |
TREATMENT OF FILAGGRIN (FLG) RELATED DISEASES BY MODULATION OF FLG
EXPRESSION AND ACTIVITY
Abstract
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides
and/or compounds that modulate the expression of and/or function of
Filaggrin (FLG), in particular, by targeting natural antisense
polynucleotides of Filaggrin (FLG). The invention also relates to
the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and/or
compounds and their use in treating diseases and disorders
associated with the expression of FLG.
Inventors: |
Collard; Joseph; (Delray
Beach, FL) ; Khorkova Sherman; Olga; (Tequesta,
FL) ; Coito; Carlos; (West Palm Beach, FL) |
Assignee: |
CuRNA, Inc.
Miami
FL
|
Family ID: |
43796503 |
Appl. No.: |
13/497454 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US10/50173 |
371 Date: |
March 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61246080 |
Sep 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
61307654 |
Feb 24, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/44A ;
435/375; 436/501; 536/24.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12N 2310/14 20130101;
A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 19/02 20180101; A61K 31/325 20130101;
C12N 2310/315 20130101; A61P 11/06 20180101; C12N 2310/3231
20130101; A61K 31/357 20130101; A61P 37/08 20180101; C12N 2310/3181
20130101; A61P 21/02 20180101; C12N 2310/321 20130101; C12N 2310/11
20130101; A61P 17/02 20180101; A61P 17/06 20180101; A61P 17/18
20180101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P 37/02 20180101; A61K 31/713
20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61P 1/00 20180101; C12N 2310/322
20130101; A61P 17/16 20180101; A61K 45/06 20130101; C12N 15/113
20130101; A61K 31/4439 20130101; A61K 31/5415 20130101; A61K 31/135
20130101; A61P 37/00 20180101; A61P 17/00 20180101; A61P 25/16
20180101; A61K 31/444 20130101; A61K 31/7088 20130101; A61P 17/04
20180101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P 31/22 20180101; A61K 31/4406
20130101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61K 31/7088 20130101; A61K 2300/00
20130101; A61K 31/713 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/44.A ;
536/24.5; 435/375; 436/501 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/713 20060101
A61K031/713; A61P 17/00 20060101 A61P017/00; A61P 37/08 20060101
A61P037/08; A61P 17/06 20060101 A61P017/06; A61P 11/06 20060101
A61P011/06; A61P 9/00 20060101 A61P009/00; A61P 35/00 20060101
A61P035/00; A61P 29/00 20060101 A61P029/00; A61P 37/00 20060101
A61P037/00; A61P 1/00 20060101 A61P001/00; A61P 25/00 20060101
A61P025/00; A61P 25/28 20060101 A61P025/28; C12N 5/071 20100101
C12N005/071; G01N 25/04 20060101 G01N025/04; C12N 15/113 20100101
C12N015/113 |
Claims
1. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of a
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo
or in vitro comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at
least one antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in length
wherein, said at least one oligonucleotide has at least 50%
sequence identity to a reverse complement of a polynucleotide
comprising 5 to 30 consecutive nucleotides within nucleotides 1 to
4629 of SEQ ID NO: 2; thereby modulating a function of and/or the
expression of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells
or tissues in vivo or in vitro.
2. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of a
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo
or in vitro comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at
least one antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in length
wherein, said at least one oligonucleotide has at least 50%
sequence identity to a reverse complement of a natural antisense of
a Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide; thereby modulating a function of
and/or the expression of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in
patient, cells or tissues in vivo or in vitro.
3. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of a
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo
or in vitro comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at
least one antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in length
wherein said oligonucleotide has at least 50% sequence identity to
an antisense oligonucleotide to the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide;
thereby modulating a function of and/or the expression of the
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo
or in vitro.
4. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of a
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo
or in vitro comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at
least one antisense oligonucleotide that targets a region of a
natural antisense oligonucleotide of the Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide; thereby modulating a function of and/or the
expression of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in patient cells
or tissues in vivo or in vitro.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein a function of and/or the
expression of the Filaggrin (FLG) is increased in vivo or in vitro
with respect to a control.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one antisense
oligonucleotide targets a natural antisense sequence of a Filaggrin
(FLG) polynucleotide.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one antisense
oligonucleotide targets a nucleic acid sequence comprising coding
and/or non-coding nucleic acid sequences of a Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one antisense
oligonucleotide targets overlapping and/or non-overlapping
sequences of a Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide.
9. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one antisense
oligonucleotide comprises one or more modifications selected from:
at least one modified sugar moiety, at least one modified
internucleoside linkage, at least one modified nucleotide, and
combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more modifications
comprise at least one modified sugar moiety selected from; a
2'-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar moiety, a 2'-methoxy modified
sugar moiety, a 2'-O-alkyl modified sugar moiety, a bicyclic sugar
moiety, and combinations thereof.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more modifications
comprise at least one modified internucleoside linkage selected
from: a phosphorothioate, 2'-Omethoxyethyl (MOE),2'-fluoro,
alkylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, alkylphosphonothioate,
phosphoramidate, carbamate, carbonate, phosphate triester,
acetamidate, carboxymethyl ester, and combinations thereof.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more modifications
comprise at least one modified nucleotide selected from: a peptide
nucleic acid (PNA), a locked nucleic acid (LNA), an arabino-nucleic
acid (FANA), an analogue, a derivative, and combinations
thereof.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least, one
oligonucleotide comprises at least one oligonucleotide sequences
set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
14. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of a
Filaggrin (FLG) gene in mammalian, cells or tissues in vivo or in
vitro comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at least
one short interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotide 5 to 30
nucleotides in length, said at least one siRNA oligonucleotide
being specific for an antisense polynucleotide of a Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide, wherein said at least one siRNA oligonucleotide has
at least 50% sequence identity to a complementary sequence of at
least about five consecutive nucleic acids of the antisense and/or
sense nucleic acid molecule of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide;
and, modulating a function of and/or the expression of Filaggrin
(FLG) in mammalian cells or tissues in vivo or in vitro.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said oligonucleotide has at
least 80% sequence identity to a sequence of at least about five
consecutive nucleic acids that is complementary to the antisense
and/or sense nucleic acid molecule of the Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide.
16. A method of modulating a function of and/or the expression of
Filaggrin (FLG) in mammalian cells or tissues in vivo or in vitro
comprising: contacting said cells or tissues with at least one
antisense oligonucleotide of about 5 to 30 nucleotides in length
specific for noncoding and/or coding sequences of a sense and/or
natural antisense strand of a Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide
wherein said at least one antisense oligonucleotide has at least
50% sequence identity to at least one nucleic acid sequence set
forth as SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2; and, modulating the function and/or
expression of the Filaggrin (FLG) in mammalian cells or tissues in
vivo or in vitro.
17. A synthetic, modified oligonucleotide comprising at least one
modification wherein the at least one modification is selected
from: at least one modified sugar moiety; at least one modified
internucleotide linkage; at least one modified nucleotide, and
combinations thereof, wherein said oligonucleotide is an antisense
compound which hybridizes to and modulates the function and/or
expression of a Filaggrin (FLG) gene in vivo or in vitro as
compared to a normal control.
18. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the at least one
modification comprises an internucleotide linkage selected from the
group consisting of: phosphorothioate, alkylphosphonate,
phosphorodithioate, alkylphosphonothioate, phosphoramidate,
carbamate, carbonate, phosphate triester, acetamidate,
carboxymethyl ester, and combinations thereof.
19. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein said oligonucleotide
comprises at least one phosphorothioate internucleotide
linkage.
20. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein said oligonucleotide
comprises a backbone of phosphorothioate internucleotide
linkages.
21. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises at least one modified nucleotide, said modified
nucleotide selected from: a peptide nucleic acid, a locked nucleic
acid (LNA), analogue, derivative, and a combination thereof.
22. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises a plurality of modifications, wherein said modifications
comprise modified nucleotides selected from; phosphorothioate,
alkylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, alkylphosphonothioate,
phosphoramidate, carbamate, carbonate, phosphate triester,
acetamidate, carboxymethyl ester, and a combination thereof.
23. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises a plurality of modifications, wherein said modifications
comprise modified nucleotides selected from: peptide nucleic acids,
locked nucleic acids (LNA), analogues, derivatives, and a
combination thereof.
24. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises at least one modified sugar moiety selected from: a
2'-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar moiety, a 2'-methoxy modified
sugar moiety, a 2'-O-alkyl modified sugar moiety, a bicyclic sugar
moiety, and a combination thereof.
25. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises a plurality of modifications, wherein said modifications
comprise modified sugar moieties selected from: a 2'-O-methoxyethyl
modified sugar moiety, a 2'-methoxy modified sugar moiety, a
2'-O-alkyl modified sugar moiety, a bicyclic sugar moiety, and a
combination thereof.
26. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide is
of at least about 5 to 30 nucleotides in length and hybridizes to
an antisense and/or sense strand of a Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide wherein said oligonucleotide has at least about 20%
sequence identity to a complementary sequence of at least about
five consecutive nucleic acids of the antisense and/or sense coding
and/or noncoding nucleic acid, sequences of the Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide.
27. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
has at least about 80% sequence identity to a complementary
sequence of at least about five consecutive nucleic acids of the
antisense and/or sense coding and/or noncoding nucleic acid
sequence of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide.
28. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein said oligonucleotide
hybridizes to and modulates expression and/or function of at least
one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide in vivo or in vitro, as compared
to a normal control.
29. The oligonucleotide of claim 17, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises the sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
30. A composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides specific
for one or more Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides, said
polynucleotides comprising antisense sequences, complementary
sequences, alleles, homologs, isoforms, variants, derivatives,
mutants, fragments, or combinations thereof.
31. The composition of claim 30, wherein the composition further
comprises one or more FLG modulating molecules and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the molecule is selected
from the group of Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion,
Phenprobamate, Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine,
Nicorandil, Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron,
Memantine, Nimodipine and Amlodipine.
33. The composition of claim 30, wherein the oligonucleotides have
at least about 40% sequence identity as compared to any one of the
nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 1.3.
34. The composition of claim 30, wherein the oligonucleotides
comprise nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the oligonucleotides set
forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 1.3 comprise one or more modifications or
substitutions.
36. The composition of claim 35, wherein the one or more
modifications are selected from: phosphorothioate,
methylphosphonate, peptide nucleic acid, locked nucleic acid (LNA)
molecules, and combinations thereof.
37. A composition for use in treatment of a dermatological disease
or disorder, the composition comprising one or more FLG modulating
molecules and a pharmaceutically acceptable earner.
38. The composition of claim 37, wherein the compound is selected
from the group of Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion,
Phenprobamate, Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine,
Nicorandil, Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron,
Memantine, Nimodipine and Amlodipine.
39. The composition of claim 37, wherein the composition further
comprises an antisense oligonucleotide that modulates FLG
expression or activity.
40. The composition of claim 37, wherein the composition further
comprises one antisense oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural
antisense sequence, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide modulates
the FLG expression in a subject.
41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the oligonucleotide
comprises nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to
13.
42. The composition of claim 40, wherein the oligonucleotide set
forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13 comprise one or more modifications or
substitutions.
43. A method of preventing or treating a disease associated with at
least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and/or at least one
encoded product thereof, comprising: administering to a patient a
therapeutically effective dose of at least one antisense
oligonucleotide that binds to a natural antisense sequence of said
at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and modulates
expression of said at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide;
thereby preventing or treating the disease associated with the at
least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and/or at least one
encoded product thereof.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein a disease associated with the
at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide is selected from: a
disease or disorder associated with abnormal function and/or
expression of FLG, a dermatological disease or disorder, sign of
cutaneous aging, a skin condition caused due to external
aggression, a allergy, psoriasis, asthma, eczema, hay lever,
ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema herpeticum,
rheumatoid arthritis, a cardiovascular disease or disorder, cancer,
an inflammatory disease, an immune-mediated disease or disorder, a
hyper-immunity or hypoimmunity disease or disorder, an autoimmune
disease or disorder, asthma, psoriasis, an allergy (e.g., allergic
rhinitis, contact type allergy, food allergy etc), celiac disease,
a neurological disease or disorder, a neurodegenerative disease or
disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS etc.),
AIDS wasting, a disease or disorder associated with skin barrier
function, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, clinical dry
skin.
45. A method of identifying and selecting at least one
oligonucleotide for in vivo administration comprising: selecting a
target polynucleotide associated with a disease state; identifying
at least one oligonucleotide comprising at least five consecutive
nucleotides which are complementary to rise selected target
polynucleotide or to a polynucleotide that is antisense to the
selected target polynucleotide; measuring the thermal melting point
of a hybrid of an antisense oligonucleotide and the target
polynucleotide or the polynucleotide that is antisense to the
selected target polynucleotide under stringent hybridization
conditions; and selecting at least one oligonucleotide for in vivo
administration based on the information obtained.
46. A method of treating an FLG associated disease or disorder in a
subject, the method comprises administering to the subject a
composition comprising one or more FLG modulating molecules and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the compound is selected from
the group of Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate,
Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil,
Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine,
Nimodipine and Amlodipine.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein the composition further
comprises an antisense oligonucleotide that modulates FLG
expression or activity.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the composition further
comprises one antisense oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural
antisense sequence, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide modulates
the FLG expression in a subject.
50. The method of claim 46, wherein a disease associated with the
at least one Filaggrin polynucleotide is selected from: a
dermatological disease or disorder, sign, of cutaneous aging, a
skin condition caused due to external aggression, a allergy,
psoriasis, asthma, eczema, hay fever, ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic
dermatitis (AD), eczema herpeticum, rheumatoid arthritis, a
cardiovascular disease or disorder, cancer, an inflammatory
disease, an immune-mediated disease or disorder, a hyper-immunity
or hypoimmunity disease or disorder, an autoimmune disease or
disorder, asthma, psoriasis, an allergy (e.g., allergic rhinitis,
contact type allergy, food allergy etc.), celiac disease, a
neurological disease or disorder, a neurodegenerative disease or
disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS etc.),
AIDS wasting, a disease or disorder associated with skin barrier
function, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, clinical dry
skin.
53. A method of preventing or treating a skin condition associated
with at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and/or at least
one encoded product thereof, comprising: administering to a patient
having a skin condition or at risk of developing a skin condition a
therapeutically effective close, of a Filaggrin up-regulating
compound, at least one antisense oligonucleotide that binds to a
natural antisense sequence of said at least one Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide and modulates expression of said at least one
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier; thereby preventing or treating the disease skin condition
associated with the at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide
and/or at least one encoded product thereof.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound, is selected from
the group of Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate,
Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil,
Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine,
Nimodipine and Amlodipine.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein the skin condition is caused by
caused by inflammation, light damage or aging.
54. The method of claim 51, wherein the skin condition is the
development of wrinkles, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis,
actinic keratosis, keratinization disorders, an epidermolysis
bullosa disease, exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, an
erythema, discoid lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, skin
cancer, or an effect of natural aging.
55. A use of the composition of claim 30, in the manufacture of a
medicament for the treatment of a dermatological disease or
disorder.
56. The use of claim 55, wherein the composition further comprises
an antisense oligonucleotide that modulates FLG expression or
activity.
57. The use of claim 55, wherein the composition further comprises
one antisense oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural antisense
sequence, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide modulates the FLG
expression in a subject.
58. The use of claim 55, wherein the compound is selected from the
group of Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate,
Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil,
Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine,
Nimodipine and Amlodipine.
59. The use of claim 55, wherein the dermatological disease or
disorder is: development of wrinkles, contact dermatitis, atopic
dermatitis, actinic keratosis, keratinization disorders, an
epidermolysis bullosa disease, exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic
dermatitis, an erythema, discoid lupus erythematosus,
dermatomyositis, skin cancer, or an effect of natural aging.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/246,080 filed Sep. 25, 2009
and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/307,654 filed Feb.
24, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0002] Embodiments of the invention comprise oligonucleotides
modulating expression and/or function of FLG and associated
molecules.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Filaggrin is a highly charged, cationic protein that aids
aggregation and subsequent disulfide bonding of keratin filaments.
It is derived from profilaggrin, a large (4400 kD) phosphorylated
precursor expressed as keratohyalin granules in the granular layer
of the epidermis. During the transition from the granular layer to
the stratum corneum, profilaggrin is converted to filaggrin by
site-specific proteolysis and dephosphoryiation. In addition to
profilaggrin processing to filaggrin, the transition from a
granular cell to a corneocyte is characterized by the degradation
of the nucleus and other organelles, assembly of a cornified
envelope, and reorganization of the keratin intermediate filament
network into a two dimensional sheet. Fillagrin plays a critical
role in the generation and maintenance of a flexible and hydrated
stratum corneum and its hydrolysis is carefully regulated to
generate free amino acids that form a major part of the natural
moisturizing factors (NMF). The transition from a granular
precursor, profilaggrin, to a diffusely distributed protein happens
quickly at the granular to stratum corneum transition in response
to an initiating signal which is not yet known. That profilaggrin
is expressed as a precursor, rather than a mature protein, suggests
that filaggrin expression must be regulated to prevent cytotoxic
effects. Many inflammatory skin conditions are characterized by
attenuation of the granular layer with concomitant parakeratosis,
i.e. retained nuclei in the keratinocytes of the stratum corneum.
While the signals that are disrupting terminal differentiation in
these inflammatory conditions may be disparate, a common final
theme is loss of the granular layer with subsequent incomplete
terminal differentiation. In conditions where profilaggrin is
decreased, such as atopic dermatitis, or essentially absent, as in
ichthyosis vulgaris, the quality of the stratum corneum is
compromised due to the inability of an NMF-depleted stratum corneum
to remain hydrated under the desiccating action of the
environment.
[0004] The natural moisturizing factors (NMF) perform an important
function in maintaining the moisture content of the stratum
corneum. It has been reported that amino acids forming the
principal constituents of NMF are produced by the proteoliticaly
cleaved filaggrin originating from keratohyalin granules. Filaggrin
is a protein, composed of 317 amino acids. Since it was clarified
that amino acids forming the principal constituents of NMF are
derived from filaggrin, investigations on the relation of morbid
states exhibiting a dry skirt to filaggrin have been carried
forward. In recent years, it has been clarified that the amino acid
content of the stratum, corneum is reduced in a dry skin as seen in
senile xerosis, atopic diseases and the like, and that the
expression of filaggrin in such a dry skin is decreased. Moreover,
it is well known that skin troubles such as rough skin are caused
by a dry environment.
[0005] Filaggrin gene plays a role in building up the barrier
layers of the skin and mutations in this gene lead to conditions
such as eczema. Filaggrin is an abundant protein in the outermost
layers of the skin and is produced by the Filaggrin gene.
Filaggrin's function is to help produce the impermeable skin
barrier layers present at the skin's outermost surface and to keep
these hydrated. The skin's inherent barrier function is akin to
plastic or cling film--it acts to prevent water loss from the skin
and importantly, to protect the body from foreign materials in the
environment, such as allergens. Lack of an intact skin barrier
leads to allergens entering the body where they produce a range of
allergic responses that include eczema, asthma, hay fever and other
allergies.
[0006] DNA-RNA and RNA-RNA hybridization are important to many
aspects of nucleic acid function including DNA replication,
transcription, and translation. Hybridization is also central to a
variety of technologies that either detect a particular nucleic
acid or alter its expression, Antisense nucleotides, for example,
disrupt gene expression by hybridizing to target RNA, thereby
interfering with RNA splicing, transcription, translation, and
replication. Antisense DNA has the added feature that DNA-RNA
hybrids serve as a substrate for digestion by ribonuclease H, an
activity that is present in most cell types. Antisense molecules
can be delivered into cells, as is the ease for
oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), or they can be expressed from
endogenous genes as RNA molecules. The FDA recently approved an
antisense drug, VITRAVENE.TM. (for treatment of cytomegalovirus
retinitis), reflecting that antisense has therapeutic utility.
SUMMARY
[0007] This Summary is provided to present a summary of the
invention to briefly indicate the nature and substance of file
invention. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not
be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the
claims.
[0008] in one embodiment, the invention provides methods for
inhibiting the action of a natural antisense transcript, by using
antisense oligonucleotide(s) targeted to any region of the natural
antisense transcript resulting in up-regulation of the
corresponding sense gene. It is also contemplated herein that
inhibition of the natural antisense transcript can be achieved by
siRNA, ribozymes and small molecules, which are considered to be
within the scope of the present invention.
[0009] One embodiment provides a method of modulating function
and/or expression of an FLG polynucleotide in patient cells or
tissues in vivo or in vitro comprising contacting said cells or
tissues with an antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in
length wherein said oligonucleotide has at least 50% sequence
identity to a reverse complement of a polynucleotide comprising 5
to 30 consecutive nucleotides within nucleotides 1 to 4629 of SEQ
ID NO: 2 thereby modulating function and/or expression of the FLG
polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo or in vitro.
[0010] In an embodiment, an oligonucleotide targets a natural
antisense sequence of FLG polynucleotides, for example, nucleotides
set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 2, and any variants, alleles, homologs,
mutants, derivatives, fragments and complementary sequences
thereto. Examples of antisense oligonucleotides are set forth as
SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
[0011] Another embodiment provides a method of modulating function
and/or expression of an FLG polynucleotide in patient cells or
tissues in vivo or in vitro comprising contacting said cells or
tissues with an antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in
length wherein said oligonucleotide has at least 50% sequence
identity to a reverse complement of the an antisense of the FLG
polynucleotide; thereby modulating function and/or expression of
the FLG polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo or in
vitro.
[0012] Another embodiment provides a method of modulating function,
and/or expression of an FLG polynucleotide in patient cells or
tissues in vivo or in vitro comprising contacting said cells or
tissues with an antisense oligonucleotide 5 to 30 nucleotides in
length wherein said oligonucleotide has at least 50% sequence
identity to an antisense oligonucleotide to an FLG antisense
polynucleotide; thereby modulating function and/or expression of
the FLG polynucleotide in patient cells or tissues in vivo or in
vitro.
[0013] In an embodiment, a composition comprises one or more
antisense oligonucleotides which bind to sense and/or antisense FLG
polynucleotides.
[0014] In an embodiment, a composition comprises one or morn of
antisense oligonucleotides which bind to sense and/or antisense FLG
polynucleotides, one or more FLG modulating molecule, a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and combinations thereof.
[0015] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides comprise one or more
modified or substituted nucleotides.
[0016] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides comprise one or more
modified bonds.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the modified nucleotides comprise
modified bases comprising phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate,
peptide nucleic acids, 2-O-methyl, fluoro- or carbon, methylene or
other locked nucleic acid (LNA) molecules. Preferably, the modified
nucleotides are locked nucleic acid molecules, including
.alpha.-L-LNA.
[0018] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are administered to a
patient subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously or
intraperitoneally.
[0019] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are administered in a
pharmaceutical composition. A treatment regimen comprises
administering the antisense compounds at least once to patient;
however, this treatment can be modified to include multiple doses
over a period of time. The treatment can be combined with one or
more other types of therapies.
[0020] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are administered in a
pharmaceutical composition. A treatment regimen comprises
administering at least once to a patient a composition comprising
one or more of an antisense compound and one or more FLG modulating
molecule; this treatment can be modified to include multiple doses
over a period of time. The treatment can be combined with one or
more other types of therapies.
[0021] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are encapsulated in a
liposome or attached to a carrier molecule (e.g. cholesterol, TAT
peptide).
[0022] Other aspects are described infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a graph of real time PCR results fold
change+standard deviation in FLG1 mRNA after treatment of RepG2
cells with phosphothioate oligonucleotides introduced using
Lipofectamine 2000, as compared to control. Real time PCR results
show that the levels of FLG1 mRNA in HepG2 cells are significantly
increased with two of the oligos designed to FLG1 antisense
AK056431. Bars denoted as CUR-1157, CUR-1158, CUR-1159, and
CUR-1160 and CUR-1161 correspond to samples treated with SEQ ID
NOS: 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows fold change+standard deviation in FLG1 mRNA
after treatment of 518A2 cells with phosphodiester oligonucleotides
with a 3' inverted T and 2' O Methyl gapmer phosphodiester oligos
introduced using Lipofectamine 2000, as compared to control. Real
time PCR results show that the levels of FLG mRNA in 518A2 cells
are significantly increased with two of the oligos designed to FLG1
antisense AK056431. Bars denoted as CUR-1128, CUR-1129, CUR-1130,
and CUR-1131 correspond to samples treated with SEQ ID NOS: 8, 9,
10 and 11 respectively.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows fold change+standard deviation in FLG1 mRNA
after treatment of 518A2 cells with phosphodiester oligonucleotides
introduced using Lipofectamine 2000, as compared to control. Real
time PCR results show that the levels of FLG mRNA in 518A2 cells
are significantly increased with two of the oligos designed to FLG1
antisense AK056431. Bars denoted as CUR-1396 and CUR-1397
correspond to samples treated with SEQ ID NOS: 12, and 13
respectively.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows fold change in Filaggrin mRNA expression in
518A2 cells and primary keratinocytes treated with the
compounds--Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate,
Benidipine, Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil,
Piribedil, Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine,
Nimodipine and Amlodipine; as compared to untreated cells.
[0027] Sequence Listing Description--SEQ ID NO: 1: Homo sapiens
filaggrin (FLG), mRNA. (NCBI Accession No.: NM.sub.--002016); SEQ
ID NO: 2: Natural FLG antisense sequence AK056431; SEQ ID NOs: 3 to
13: Antisense oligonucleotides. * indicates phosphothioate bond and
`m` indicates 2'O me modification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Several aspects of the invention are described below with
reference to example applications for illustration. It should be
understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and
methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the
invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however,
will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without
one or more of the specific details or with other methods. The
present invention is not limited by the ordering of acts or events,
as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with, other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts
or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance
with the present invention.
[0029] All genes, gene names, and gene products disclosed herein
are intended to correspond to homologs from, any species for which
the compositions and methods disclosed herein are applicable. Thus,
the terms include, but are not limited to genes and gene products
from humans and mice. It is understood that when a gene or gene
product from a particular species is disclosed, this disclosure is
intended to be exemplary only, and is not to be interpreted as a
limitation unless the context in which it appears clearly
indicates. Thus, for example, for the genes disclosed herein, which
in some embodiments relate to mammalian nucleic acid and amino acid
sequences are intended, to encompass homologous and/or orthologous
genes and gene products from other animals including, but not
limited to other mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. In
an embodiment, the genes or nucleic acid sequences are human.
DEFINITIONS
[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent
that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or
variants thereof are used in either the detailed, description
and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a
manner similar to the term "comprising."
[0031] The term "about" or "approximately" means within an
acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by
one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how
the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the
measurement system. For example, "about" can mean within 1 or more
than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art.
Alternatively, "about" can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up
to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and more preferably still up to
1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to
biological systems or processes, the term cart mean within an order
of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within
2-fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the
application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term "about"
meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value
should be assumed.
[0032] As used herein, the term "mRNA" means the presently known
mRNA transcript(s) of a targeted gene, and any further transcripts
which may be elucidated.
[0033] By "antisense oligonucleotides" or "antisense compound" is
meant an RNA or DNA molecule that binds to another RNA or DNA
(target RNA, DNA). For example, if it is an RNA oligonucleotide it
binds to another RNA target by means of RNA-RNA interactions and
alters the activity of the target RNA. An antisense oligonucleotide
can upregulate or downregulate expression and/or Junction of a
particular polynucleotide. The definition is meant to include any
foreign RNA or DNA molecule which is useful from a therapeutic,
diagnostic, or other viewpoint. Such molecules include, for
example, antisense RNA or DNA molecules, interference RNA (RNAi),
micro RNA, decoy RNA molecules, siRNA, enzymatic RNA, therapeutic
editing RNA and agonist and antagonist RNA, antisense oligomeric
compounds, antisense oligonucleotides, external guide sequence
(EGS) oligonucleotides, alternate splicers, primers, probes, and
other oligomeric compounds that hybridize to at least a portion of
the target nucleic acid. As such, these compounds may be introduced
in the form of single-stranded, double-stranded, partially
single-stranded, or circular oligomeric compounds.
[0034] In the context of this invention, the term "oligonucleotide"
refers to an oligomer or polymer of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or mimetics thereof. The term
"oligonucleotide", also includes linear or circular oligomers of
natural and/or modified monomers or linkages, including
deoxyribonucleosides, ribonucleosides, substituted and alphanumeric
forms thereof, peptide nucleic acids (PNA), locked nucleic acids
(LNA), phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, and the like.
Oligonucleotides are capable of specifically binding to a target
polynucleotide by way of a regular pattern of monomer-to-monomer
interactions, such as Watson-Crick type of base pairing, Hoogsteen
or reverse Hoogsteen types of tee pairing, or the like.
[0035] The oligonucleotide may be "chimeric", that is, composed of
different regions. In the context of this invention "chimeric"
compounds are oligonucleotides, which contain two or more chemical
regions, for example, DMA region(s), RNA region(s), PNA region(s)
etc. Each chemical, region is made up of at least one monomer unit,
i.e., a nucleotide in the ease of an oligonucleotides compound.
These oligonucleotides typically comprise at least one region
wherein the oligonucleotide is modified in order to exhibit one or
more desired properties. The desired properties of the
oligonucleotide include, but are not limited, for example, to
increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular
uptake, and/or increased binding affinity for the target nucleic
acid. Different regions of the oligonucleotide may therefore have
different, properties. The chimeric oligonucleotides of the present
invention can be formed as mixed structures of two or more
oligonucleotides, modified oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides
and/or oligonucleotide analogs as described above.
[0036] The oligonucleotide can be composed of regions that can be
linked in "register" that is, when the monomers are linked
consecutively, as in native DNA, or linked via spacers. The spacers
are intended to constitute a covalent "bridge" between the regions
and have in preferred cases a length not exceeding about 100 carbon
atoms. The spacers may carry different functionalities, for
example, having positive or negative charge, carry special nucleic
acid binding properties (intercalators, groove binders, toxins,
fluorophors etc.), being lipophilic, inducing special secondary
structures like, for example, alanine containing peptides that
induce alpha-helices.
[0037] As used herein "FLG" and "Filaggrin" are inclusive of all
family members, mutants, alleles, fragments, species, coding and
noncoding sequences, sense and antisense polynucleotide strands,
etc.
[0038] As used herein, the words `Filaggrin`, FLG, FLG1 and ATOD2
are considered same in the literature and used interchangeably in
the present application.
[0039] As used herein, the term "oligonucleotide specific for" or
"oligonucleotide which targets" refers to an oligonucleotide having
a sequence (i) capable of forming a stable complex with a portion
of the targeted gene, or (ii) capable of forming a stable duplex
with a portion of a mRNA transcript of the targeted gene. Stability
of the complexes and duplexes can be determined by theoretical
calculations and/or in vitro assays. Exemplary assays for
determining stability of hybridization complexes and duplexes are
described in the Examples below.
[0040] As used herein, the term "target nucleic acid" encompasses
DNA, RNA (comprising premRNA and mRNA) transcribed from such DNA,
and also cDNA derived from such RNA, coding, noncoding sequences,
sense or antisense polynucleotides. The specific hybridization of
an oligomeric compound with its target nucleic acid interferes with
the normal function of the nucleic acid. This modulation of
function of a target nucleic acid, by compounds, which specifically
hybridize to it, is generally referred to as "antisense". The
functions of DNA to be interfered include, for example, replication
and transcription. The functions of RNA to be interfered, include
all vital functions such as, for example, translocation of the RNA
to the site of protein translation, translation of protein from the
RNA, splicing of the RNA to yield one or more mRNA species, and
catalytic activity which may be engaged in or facilitated by the
RNA. The overall effect of such interference with target nucleic
acid function is modulation of the expression of an encoded product
or oligonucleotides.
[0041] RNA interference "RNAi" is mediated by double stranded RNA
(dsRNA) molecules that have sequence-specific homology to their
"target" nucleic acid sequences. In certain embodiments of the
present invention, the mediators are 5-25 nucleotide "small
interfering" RNA duplexes (siRNAs). The siRNAs are derived from the
processing of dsRNA by an RNase enzyme known as Dicer. siRNA duplex
products are recruited into a multi-protein siRNA complex termed.
RISC (RNA Induced Silencing Complex). Without wishing to be bound
by any particular theory, a RISC is then believed to be guided to a
target nucleic acid (suitably mRNA), where the siRNA duplex
interacts in a sequence-specific way to mediate cleavage in a
catalytic fashion. Small interfering RNAs that can be used in
accordance with the present invention can be synthesized and used
according to procedures that are well known in the art and that
will be familiar to the ordinarily skilled artisan. Small
interfering RNAs for use in the methods of the present invention
suitably comprise between about 1 to about 50 nucleotides (nt). In
examples of non limiting embodiments, siRNAs can comprise about 5
to about 40 nt, about 5 to about 30 at, about 10 to about 30 nt,
about 15 to about 25 nt, or about 20-25 nucleotides.
[0042] Selection of appropriate oligonucleotides is facilitated by
using computer programs that automatically align nucleic acid
sequences and indicate regions of identity or homology. Such
programs are used to compare nucleic acid sequences obtained, for
example, by searching databases such as GenBank or by sequencing
PCR products. Comparison of nucleic acid sequences from a range of
species allows the selection of nucleic acid sequences that display
an appropriate degree of identity between species. In the case of
genes that have not been sequenced. Southern blots are performed to
allow a determination of the degree of identity between genes in
target species and other species. By performing Southern blots at
varying degrees of stringency, as is well known in the art, it is
possible to obtain an approximate measure of identity. These
procedures allow the selection of oligonucleotides that exhibit, a
high degree of complementarity to target nucleic acid sequences in
a subject to be controlled and a lower degree of complementarity to
corresponding nucleic acid sequences in other species. One skilled
in the art will realize that there is considerable latitude in
selecting appropriate regions of genes for use in the present
invention.
[0043] By "enzymatic RNA" is meant an RNA molecule with enzymatic
activity (Cech, (1988) J. American. Med. Assoc. 260, 3030-3035).
Enzymatic nucleic acids (ribozymes) act by first binding to a
target RNA. Such binding occurs through the target binding portion
of an enzymatic nucleic acid which is held in close proximity to an
enzymatic portion of the molecule that acts to cleave the target
RNA. Thus, the enzymatic nucleic acid first recognizes and then
binds a target RNA through base pairing, and once bound to the
correct site, acts enzymatically to cut die target RNA.
[0044] By "decoy RNA" is meant an RNA molecule that mimics the
natural binding domain for a ligand. The decoy RNA therefore
competes with natural binding target for the binding of a specific
ligand. For example, it has been shown that over-expression of HIV
trans-activation response (TAR) RNA can act as a "decoy" and
efficiently binds HIV tat protein, thereby preventing it from
binding to TAR sequences encoded in the HIV RNA. This is meant to
be a specific example. Those in the art will recognize that this is
but one example, and other embodiments can be readily generated
using techniques generally known in the art.
[0045] As used herein, the term "monomers" typically indicates
monomers linked by phosphodiester bonds or analogs thereof to form
oligonucleotides ranging in size from a few monomeric units, e.g.,
from about 3-4, to about several, hundreds of monomeric units.
Analogs of phosphodiester linkages include: phosphorothioate,
phosphorodithioate, methylphosphornates, phosphoroselenoate,
phosphoramidate, and the like, as more fully described below.
[0046] The term "nucleotide" covers naturally occurring nucleotides
as well as nonnaturally occurring nucleotides. It should be clear
to the person skilled in the art that various nucleotides which
previously have been considered `non-naturally occurring` have
subsequently been found in nature. Thus, "nucleotides" includes not
only the known purine and pyrimidine heterocycles-containing
molecules, but also heterocyclic analogues and tautomers thereof.
Illustrative examples of other types of nucleotides are molecules
containing adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine, uracil, purine,
xanthine, daminopurine, 8-oxo-N6-methyladenine, 7-deazaxanthine,
7-deazaguanine, N4,N4-ethanocytosin,
N6,N6-ethano-2,6-diaminopurine, 5-methylcytosine,
5-C3-C6)-alkynylcytosine, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil,
pseudoisocytosine, 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-triazolopyridin,
isocytosine, isoguanin, inosine and the `non-naturally occurring`
nucleotides described in Benner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,272.
The term "nucleotide" is intended to cover every and all of these
examples as well as analogues and tautomers thereof. Especially
interesting nucleotides are those containing adenine, guanine,
thymine, cytosine, and uracil, which are considered as the
naturally occurring nucleotides in relation to therapeutic and
diagnostic application in humans. Nucleotides include the natural
2'-deoxy and 2'-hydroxyl sugars, e.g., as described in Kornberg and
Baker, DNA Replication, 2nd Ed. (Freeman, San Francisco, 1992) as
well as their analogs.
[0047] "Analogs" in reference to nucleotides includes synthetic
nucleotides having modified base moieties and/or modified sugar
moieties (see e.g., described generally by Scheit, Nucleotide
Analogs, John Wiley, New York, 1980; Freier & Altmann, (1997)
Nucl. Acid Res:, 25(22), 4429-4443, Toulme, J. J., (2001) Nature
Biotechnology 19:17-18; Manoharan M, (1999) Biochemica et
Biophysica Acta 1489:117-139; Freier S. M., (1997) Nucleic Acid
Research, 25:4429-4443, Uhlman, E., (2000) Drug Discovery &
Development, 3: 203-213, Herdewin P., (2000)Antisense & Nucleic
Acid Drug Dev., 10:297-310); 2'-O, 3'-C-linked
[3.2.0]bicycloarabinonucleosides. Such analogs include synthetic
nucleotides designed to enhance binding properties, e.g., duplex or
triplex stability, specificity, or the like.
[0048] As used herein, "hybridization" means the pairing of
substantially complementary strands of oligomeric compounds. One
mechanism of pairing involves hydrogen bonding, which may be
Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding,
between complementary nucleoside or nucleotide bases (nucleotides)
of the strands of oligomeric compounds. For example, adenine and
thymine are complementary nucleotides which pair through the
formation of hydrogen bonds. Hybridization can occur under varying
circumstances.
[0049] An antisense compound is "specifically hybridizable" when
binding of the compound to the target nucleic acid interferes with
the normal function of the target nucleic acid to cause a
modulation of function and/or activity, and there is a sufficient
degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding of the
antisense compound to non-target nucleic acid sequences under
conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under
physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays or
therapeutic treatment, and under conditions in which assays are
performed in the ease of in vitro assays.
[0050] As used herein, the phrase "stringent hybridization
conditions" or "stringent conditions" refers to conditions under
which a compound of the invention will hybridize to its target
sequence, but to a minimal number of other sequences. Stringent
conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in
different circumstances and in the context of this invention,
"stringent conditions" under which, oligomeric compounds hybridize
to a target sequence are determined by the nature and composition
of the oligomeric compounds and the assays in which, they are being
investigated. In general, stringent hybridization conditions
comprise low concentrations (<0.15M) of salts with inorganic
cations such as Na++ or K++ (i.e., low ionic strength), temperature
higher than 20.degree. C.-25.degree. C. below the Tm of the
oligomeric compound:target sequence complex, and the presence of
denaturants such as formamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl
sulfoxide, or the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). For
example, the hybridization rate decreases 1.1% for each 1%
formamide. An example of a high stringency hybridization condition
is 0.1.times. sodium chloride-sodium citrate buffer (SSC)/0.1%
(w/v) SDS at 60.degree. C. for 30 minutes.
[0051] "Complementary," as used herein, refers to the capacity for
precise pairing between two nucleotides on one or two oligomeric
strands. For example, if a nucleobase at a certain, position of an
antisense compound is capable of hydrogen, bonding with a
nucleobase at a certain position of a target nucleic acid, said
target nucleic acid being a DNA, RNA, or oligonucleotide molecule,
then the position of hydrogen bonding between the oligonucleotide
and the target nucleic acid is considered to be a complementary
position. The oligomeric compound and the further DNA, RNA, or
oligonucleotide molecule are complementary to each other when a
sufficient number of complementary positions in each molecule are
occupied by nucleotides which can hydrogen bond with each other.
Thus, "specifically hybridizable" and "complementary" are terms
which are used to indicate a sufficient degree of precise pairing
or complementarity over a sufficient number of nucleotides such
that stable and specific binding occurs between the oligomeric
compound and a target nucleic acid.
[0052] It is understood in the art that the sequence of an
oligomeric compound need not be 100% complementary to that of its
target nucleic acid to be specifically hybridizable. Moreover, an
oligonucleotide may hybridize over one or more segments such that
intervening or adjacent segments are not involved in the
hybridization event (e.g., a loop structure, mismatch or hairpin
structure). The oligomeric compounds of the present invention
comprise at least about 70%, or at least about 75%, or at least
about 80%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at
least about 95%, or at least about 99% sequence complementarity to
a target region within the target nucleic acid sequence to which
they are targeted. For example, an antisense compound in which 18
of 20 nucleotides of the antisense compound are complementary to a
target region, and would therefore specifically hybridize, would
represent 90 percent complementarity. In this example, the
remaining noncomplementary nucleotides may be clustered or
interspersed with complementary nucleotides and need not be
contiguous to each other or to complementary nucleotides. As such,
an antisense compound which is 18 nucleotides in length having 4
(four) noncomplementary nucleotides which are flanked by two
regions of complete complementarity with the target nucleic acid
would have 77.8% overall complementarity with the target nucleic
acid and would thus fall within the scope of the present invention.
Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a region of a
target nucleic acid can be determined routinely using BLAST
programs (basic local alignment search tools) and PowerBLAST
programs known, in the art. Percent homology, sequence identity or
complementarity, can be determined by, for example, the Gap program
(Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics
Computer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using
default, settings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman
(Adv. Appl. Math., (1981) 2, 482-489).
[0053] As used herein, the term "Thermal Melting Point (Tm)" refers
to the temperature, under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleic
acid concentration, at which 50% of the oligonucleotides
complementary to the target sequence hybridize to the target
sequence at equilibrium. Typically, stringent, conditions will be
those in which the salt concentration is at least about 0.01 to 1.0
M Na ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the
temperature is at least about 30.degree. C. for short
oligonucleotides (e.g., 1.0 to 50 nucleotide). Stringent conditions
may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such
as formamide.
[0054] As used herein, "modulation" means either an increase
(stimulation) or a decrease (inhibition) in the expression of a
gene.
[0055] The term "variant", when used in the context of a
polynucleotide sequence, may encompass a polynucleotide sequence
related to a wild type gene. This definition may also include, for
example, "allelic," "splice," "species," or "polymorphic" variants.
A splice variant may have significant identity to a reference
molecule, but will generally have a greater or lesser number of
polynucleotides due to alternate splicing of exons during mRNA
processing. The corresponding polypeptide may possess additional
functional domains or an absence of domains. Species variants are
polynucleotide sequences that vary from one species to another. Of
particular utility in the invention are variants of wild type gene
products. Variants may result from at least one mutation in the
nucleic acid sequence and may result in altered mRNAs or in
polypeptides whose structure or function may or may not be altered.
Any given natural or recombinant gene may have none, one, or many
allelic forms. Common mutational changes that give rise to variants
are generally ascribed to natural deletions, additions, or
substitutions of nucleotides. Each of these types of changes may
occur alone, or in combination with the others, one or snore times
in a given sequence.
[0056] The resulting polypeptides generally will have significant
amino acid identity relative to each other. A polymorphic variant
is a variation in the polynucleotide sequence of a particular gene
between individuals of a given species. Polymorphic variants also
may encompass "single nucleotide polymorphisms" (SNPs,) or single
base mutations in which the polynucleotide sequence varies by one
base. The presence of SNPs may be indicative of, for example, a
certain population with a propensity for a disease state, that is
susceptibility versus resistance.
[0057] Derivative polynucleotides include nucleic acids subjected
to chemical modification, for example, replacement of hydrogen by
an alkyl, acyl, or amino group. Derivatives, e.g., derivative
oligonucleotides, may comprise non-naturally-occurring portions,
such as altered sugar moieties or inter-sugar linkages. Exemplary
among these are phosphorothioate and other sulfur containing
species which are known in the art. Derivative nucleic acids may
also contain labels, including radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescent
agents, chemiluminescent agents, chromogenic agents, substrates,
cofactors, inhibitors, magnetic particles, and the like.
[0058] A "derivative" polypeptide or peptide is one that is
modified, for example, by glycosylation, pegylation,
phosphorylation, sulfation, reduction/alkylation, acylation,
chemical coupling, or mild formalin treatment. A derivative may
also be modified to contain a detectable label, either directly or
indirectly, including, but not limited to, a radioisotope,
fluorescent, and enzyme label.
[0059] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to salts
prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases or acids.
When the compound of the present invention is acidic, its
corresponding salt can be conveniently prepared from
pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases, including inorganic
bases and organic bases. Salts derived from such inorganic bases
include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper (ic and ous), ferric,
ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganese (ic and ous), potassium,
sodium, zinc and the like salts. Salts derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts
of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, as well as cyclic
amines and substituted amines such as naturally occurring and
synthesized substituted amines. Other pharmaceutically acceptable
organic nontoxic bases from which salts can be formed include ion
exchange resins such as, for example, arginine, betaine, caffeine,
choline, N,N'-dibenzyl ethyl enediamine, diethylamide,
2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine,
ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine,
glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine,
methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine
resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine,
trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like.
[0060] When the compound of the present invention is basic, its
corresponding salt can be conveniently prepared from,
pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acids, including inorganic
and organic acids. Such acids include, for example, acetic,
benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic,
fumaric, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic,
lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic, nitric,
pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric,
p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like. Examples of pharmaceutically
acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or
organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or
organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the
like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the
conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of
the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic
or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts
include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric,
hydrobromic, sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, nitric and the like;
and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic,
propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric,
citric, ascorbic, pamoic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenyl acetic,
glutamic, benzoic, salicylic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic,
fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic,
oxalic, isethionic, and the like.
[0061] The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present
invention can be synthesized by conventional chemical methods.
Generally, the salts are prepared by reacting the free base or acid
with stoichiometric amounts or with an excess of the desired
salt-forming inorganic or organic acid or base, in a suitable
solvent or solvent combination.
[0062] The compounds of the present invention may have asymmetric
centers and occur as racemates, racemic mixtures, and as individual
diastereomers. All such isomers, including optical isomers, being
included in the present invention.
[0063] Example of skin care products include but are not limited to
moisturizers, fake tanning preparations, sun tan lotions, massage
oils, bath oils, perfumes, balms, creams, face packs, shaving foams
and gels. Examples of cosmetics include but are not limited to
lipsticks, foundation, eye-shadow, eyeliner, blusher and concealer.
Examples of cleansing products include but are not limited to
shampoos (in particular antidandruff shampoos), soap, personal wash
products including shower gel and bubble bath and fabric detergents
and dishwashing detergents. Examples of hair care products include
but are not limited to hair styling mousses, hair styling sprays,
hair styling gels, hair conditioners or hair colourants.
[0064] By assessing the profilaggrin genotype of an individual it
is possible to determine the individual's predisposition to a skin
condition. By "profilaggrin genotype", is meant the identity of
profilaggrin alleles in the genome of the individual. Individuals
tested by a method of the invention are typically mammalian. In one
embodiment the mammal may be a rodent. In another embodiment the
mammal may be a human. Thus individuals tested by a method of the
invention are diploid and so comprise two copies of the
profilaggrin gene within their genome, If an individual has two
identical copies of a profilaggrin gene then they are homozygous
for that allele. If an individual has two different copies of a
profilaggrin gene, i.e. one is polymorphic to the other, then the
individual is heterozygous for that allele. By "predispositions is
meant that the presence of an individual profilaggrin allele in the
genome of an individual, or the combination of profilaggrin alleles
present in the genome of an individual, are associated with, or are
predictive of, a skin condition.
[0065] The term "skin conditions" as used heroin includes within
its meaning all physical parameters of the skin, including the
scalp, such as moisture retention, substance production or barrier
formation. In one embodiment the term "skin conditions refers to
the ability of the skin to maintain healthy levels of NMF
production. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of
determining the predisposition of an individual to maintain a
healthy level of NMF production. To put it another way the
invention provides a method of determining the individual's
susceptibility to conditions related to aberrant NMF production.
Typically skin conditions caused or i exacerbated by aberrant NMF
production are caused by the production of less NMF than by healthy
skin. Conditions associated with aberrant filaggrin and NMF
production include ichthyosis Vulgaris. In another embodiment the
term "skin conditions refers to dry skin. Dry skin conditions
include senile/post-menopausal xerosis, surfactant: induced
xerosis, winter xerosis, sunburn. In another embodiment the term
"skin condition" refers to conditions of the scalp such as
dandruff. In another embodiment the term "skin conditions refers to
erythema, such as detergent-induced erythema.
[0066] The expression "care of the keratinous substrates" refers to
all the actions intended to preserve or restore the healthy
functioning of skin and/or hair and/or nails or any process
providing the means to preserve or improve their appearance and/or
texture. Thus, care includes hydration, appeasement, protection
against all types of aggression, notably sun protection, and
fighting against and preventing the signs of aging.
[0067] The phrase "signs of cutaneous aging" includes all of the
modifications regarding external appearance of skin due to aging.
Examples of these modifications include wrinkles and fine lines,
limp skin, slackened skin, thin looking skin, loss of elasticity
and/or skin tone, dull skin, and skin which lacks radiance, ft also
includes internal skin, modifications that do not translate
directly as changes in external skin appearance. An example of
these internal modifications is the degradation that occurs
internally in skin resulting from consecutive exposure to UV
radiation. The expression "to enhance skin appearance" includes all
the phenomena which are likely to have as consequences a visual
improvement of skin appearance. The skirt will have a nicer look;
it will be, for example, much more beautiful, firm, and/or smooth.
All the small imperfections will be decreased or removed. The
papery appearance of the skin, for example, will be attenuated.
Moreover, the active ingredient according to the invention, or the
composition containing it, can be intended to protect keratinous
substrates and, particularly, the skin, hair, and nails from all
types of external aggression. The use of these active agents, or
the composition containing them, will allow the keratinous
substrates to be protected and to better resist stress inflicted
upon them by the environment.
[0068] The phrase "external aggression" refers to aggressions
produced by the environment. These can be of chemical, physical,
biological, or thermic origin.
[0069] The expression "dermatological disease or disorder" refers
to all the diseases affecting the skin that may or may not have
visible consequences. Therefore, by way of example: differentiation
and cell proliferation disorders, keratinization disorders, signs
of cutaneous aging, inflammatory or allergic reactions, disorders
of sebaceous functions, dermal or epidermal proliferations
(malignant or non-malignant), cutaneous disorders due to UV ray
exposure, and pathologies associated with chronological or actinic
aging can be mentioned.
[0070] As used herein, the term "animal" or "patient" is meant to
include, for example, humans, sheep, elks, deer, mule deer, minks,
mammals, monkeys, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, rats,
mice, birds, chicken, reptiles, fish, insects and arachnids.
[0071] "Mammal" covers warm blooded mammals that are typically
under medical care (e.g., humans and domesticated animals).
Examples include feline, canine, equine, bovine, and human, as well
as just human.
[0072] "Treating" or "treatment" covers the treatment of a
disease-state in a mammal, and includes: (a) preventing tire
disease-state from occurring in a mammal, in particular, when such
mammal is predisposed to the disease-state but has not yet been
diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting the disease-state, e.g.,
arresting it development; and/or (c) relieving the disease-state,
e.g., causing regression of the disease state until a desired
endpoint is reached. Treating also includes the amelioration of a
symptom of a disease (e.g. lessen the pain or discomfort), wherein
such amelioration may or may not be directly affecting the disease
(e.g., cause, transmission, expression, etc.).
[0073] As used herein, "cancer" refers to all types of cancer or
neoplasm or malignant tumors found in mammals, including, but not
limited to: leukemias, lymphomas, melanomas, carcinomas and
sarcomas. The cancer manifests itself its a "tumor" or tissue
comprising malignant cells of the cancer. Examples of tumors
include sarcomas and carcinomas such as, but not limited to:
fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteogenic
sarcoma, chordoma, angiosarcoma, endotheliosarcoma,
lymphangiosarcoma, lymphangioendotheliosarcoma, synovioma,
mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma,
colon carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma,
adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma,
papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, cystadenocarcinoma,
medullary carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma,
hepatoma, bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal
carcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical cancer, testicular tumor, lung
carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, epithelial
carcinoma, glioma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma,
ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma,
oligodendroglioma, meningioma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, and
retinoblastoma. Additional cancers which can be treated by the
disclosed composition according to the invention include but not
limited to, for example, Hodgkin's Disease, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma,
multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
lung cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, primary thrombocytosis, primary
macroglobulinemia, small-cell lung tumors, primary brain tumors,
stomach cancer, colon cancer, malignant pancreatic insulanoma,
malignant carcinoid, urinary bladder cancer, gastric cancer,
premalignant skin lesions, testicular cancer, lymphomas, thyroid
cancer, neuroblastoma, esophageal cancer, genitourinary tract
cancer, malignant hypercalcemia, cervical cancer, endometrial
cancer, adrenal cortical cancer, and prostate cancer.
[0074] "Neurological disease or disorder" refers to any disease or
disorder of die nervous system and/or visual system. "Neurological
disease or disorder" include disease or disorders that involve the
central nervous system (brain, brainstem and cerebellum), the
peripheral nervous system (including cranial nerves), and the
autonomic nervous system (parts of which axe located in both
central and peripheral nervous system). Examples of neurological
disorders include but are not limited to, headache, stupor and
coma, dementia, seizure, sleep disorders, trauma, infections,
neoplasms, neuroopthalmology, movement disorders, demyelinating
diseases, spinal cord disorders, and disorders of peripheral
nerves, muscle and neuromuscular junctions. Addiction and mental
illness, include, but are not limited to, bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia, are also included in the definition of neurological
disorder. The following is a list of several neurological
disorders, symptoms, signs and syndromes that can be treated using
compositions and methods according to the present invention:
acquired epileptiform aphasia; acute disseminated
encephalomyelitis: adrenoleukodystrophy: age-related macular
degeneration; agenesis of the corpus callosum; agnosia; Aicardi
syndrome; Alexander disease; Alpers' disease; alternating
hemiplegia; Vascular dementia; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
anencephaly; Angelman syndrome; angiomatosis; anoxia; aphasia;
apraxia; arachnoid cysts; arachnoiditis; Anronl-Chiari
malformation; arteriovenous malformation; Asperger syndrome; ataxia
telegiectasia; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism;
autonomic dysfunction; back pain; Batten disease; Behcet's disease;
Bell's palsy; benign essential blepharospasm; benign focal;
amyotrophy; benign intracranial hypertension; Binswanger's disease;
blepharospasm; Bloch Sulzberger syndrome; brachial plexus injury;
brain abscess; brain injury; brain tumors (including glioblastoma
multiforme); spinal tumor; Brown-Sequard syndrome; Canavan disease;
carpal tunnel syndrome; causalgia; central pain syndrome; central
pontine myclinolysis; cephalic disorder; cerebral aneurysm;
cerebral arteriosclerosis; cerebral atrophy; cerebral gigantism;
cerebral palsy; Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; chemotherapy-induced
neuropathy and neuropathic pain; Chiari malformation; chorea;
chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; chronic pain;
chronic regional pain syndrome; Coffin Lowry syndrome; coma,
including persistent vegetative state; congenital facial diplegia;
corticobasal degeneration; cranial arteritis; craniosynostosis;
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; cumulative trauma disorders; Caching's
syndrome; cytomegalic inclusion body disease; cytomegalovirus
infection; dancing eyes-dancing feet syndrome; DandyWalker
syndrome; Dawson disease; De Morsier's syndrome; Dejerine-Klumke
palsy; dementia; dermatomyositis; diabetic neuropathy; diffuse
sclerosis; dysautonomia; dysgraphia; dyslexia; dystonias; early
infantile epileptic encephalopathy; empty sella syndrome;
encephalitis; encephaloceles; encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis;
epilepsy; Erb's palsy; essential tremor; Fabry's disease; Fahr's
syndrome; fainting; familial spastic paralysis; febrile seizures;
Fisher syndrome; Friedreich's ataxia; fronto-temporal dementia and
other "tauopathies"; Gaucher's disease; Gerstmann's syndrome; giant
cell arteritis; giant cell inclusion disease; globoid cell
leukodystrophy; Guillain-Barre syndrome; HTLV-1-associated
myelopathy; Hallervorden-Spatz disease; head injury; headache;
hemifacial spasm; hereditary spastic paraplegia: heredopathia
atactic a polyneuritiformis; herpes zoster oticus; herpes zoster;
Hirayama syndrome; HIV associated dementia and neuropathy (also
neurological manifestations of AIDS); holoprosencephaly;
Huntington's disease and other polyglutamine repeat diseases;
hydranencephaly; hydrocephalus; hypercortisolism; hypoxia;
immune-mediated encephalomyelitis; inclusion body myositis;
incontinentia pigmenti; infantile phytanic acid storage disease;
infantile refsum disease; infantile spasms; inflammatory myopathy;
intracranial cyst; intracranial hypertension; Joubert syndrome;
Keams-Sayre syndrome; Kennedy disease Kinsbourne syndrome; Klippel
Feil syndrome; Krabbe disease; Kugelberg-Welander disease; kuru;
Lafora disease; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; Landau-Kleffner
syndrome; lateral medullary (Wallenberg) syndrome; learning
disabilities; Leigh's disease; Lennox-Gustaut syndrome; Lesch-Nyhan
syndrome; leukodystrophy; Lewy body dementia; Lissencephaly;
locked-in syndrome; Lou Gehrig's disease (i.e., motor neuron
disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); lumbar disc disease;
Lyme disease-neurological sequelae; Machado-Joseph disease;
macrencephaly; megalencephaly; Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome;
Menieres disease; meningitis; Menkes disease; metachromatic
leukodystrophy; microcephaly; migraine; Miller Fisher syndrome;
mini-strokes; mitochondrial myopathies; Mobius syndrome; monomelic
amyotrophy; motor neuron disease; Moyamoya disease;
mucopolysaccharidoses; milti-infarct dementia; multifocal motor
neuropathy; multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders;
multiple system atrophy with postural hypotension; p muscular
dystrophy; myasthenia gravis; myelinoelastic diffuse sclerosis;
myoclonic encephalopathy of infants; myoclonus; myopathy; myotonia
congenital; narcolepsy; neurofibromatosis; neuroleptic malignant
syndrome; neurological manifestations of AIDS; neurological
sequelae oflupus; neuromyotonia; neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis;
neuronal migration disorders; Niemann-Pick disease;
O'Sullivan-McLeod syndrome; occipital neuralgia; occult spinal
dysraphism sequence; Ohtahara syndrome; olivopontocerebellar
atrophy; opsoclonus myoclonus; optic neuritis; orthostatic
hypotension; overuse syndrome; paresthesia; Neurodegenerative
disease or disorder (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease,
Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia,
multiple sclerosis and other diseases and disorders associated with
neuronal cell death); paramyotonia congenital; paraneoplastic
diseases; paroxysmal attacks; Parry Romberg syndrome;
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease; periodic paralyses; peripheral
neuropathy; painful neuropathy and neuropathic pain; persistent
vegetative state; pervasive developmental disorders; photic sneeze
reflex; phytanic acid storage disease; Pick's disease; pinched
nerve; pituitary tumors; polymyositis; porencephaly; post-polio
syndrome; postherpetic neuralgia; postinfectious encephalomyelitis;
postural hypotension; Prader-Willi syndrome; primary lateral
sclerosis; prion diseases; progressive hemifacial atrophy;
progressive multifocalleukoeneephalopathy; progressive sclerosing
poliodystrophy; progressive supranuclear palsy; pseudotumor
cerebri; Ramsay-Hunt syndrome (types I and II); Rasmussen's
encephalitis; reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome; Refsum
disease; repetitive motion disorders; repetitive stress injuries;
restless legs syndrome; retrovirus-associated myelopathy; Rett
syndrome; Reye's syndrome; Saint Vitus dance; Sandhoff disease;
Schilder's disease; schizencephaly; septo-optic dysplasia; shaken
baby syndrome; shingles; Shy-Drager syndrome; Sjogren's syndrome;
sleep apnea; Soto's syndrome; spasticity; spina bifida; spinal cord
injury; spinal cord tumors; spinal muscular atrophy; Stiff-Person
syndrome; stroke; Sturge-Weber syndrome; subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis; subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy;
Sydenham chorea; syncope; syringomyelia; tardive dyskinesia;
Tay-Sachs disease; temporal arteritis; tethered spinal cord
syndrome; Thomsen disease; thoracic outlet syndrome; Tic
Douloureux; Todd's paralysis; Tourette syndrome; transient ischemic
attack; transmissible spongiform encephalopathies; transverse
myelitis; traumatic brain injury; tremor; trigeminal neuralgia;
tropical spastic paraparesis; tuberous sclerosis; vascular dementia
(multi-infarct dementia); vasculitis including temporal arteritis;
Von Hippel-Lindau disease; Wallenberg's syndrome; Werdnig-Hoffman
disease; West syndrome; whiplash; Williams syndrome; Wildon's
disease; and Zellweger syndrome.
[0075] An "Inflammation" refers to systemic inflammatory conditions
and conditions associated locally with migration and attraction of
monocytes, leukocytes and/or neutrophils. Examples of inflammation
include, but are not limited to, Inflammation resulting from
infection with pathogenic organisms (including gram-positive
bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
such as protozoa and helminths), transplant rejection, (including
rejection of solid organs such as kidney, liver, heart, lung or
cornea, as well as rejection of bone marrow transplants including
graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)), or from localized chronic or
acute autoimmune or allergic reactions. Autoimmune diseases include
acute glomerulonephritis; rheumatoid or reactive arthritis; chronic
glomerulonephritis; inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis and necrotizing enterocolitis;
hepatitis; sepsis; alcoholic liver disease; non-alcoholic
steatosis; granulocyte transfusion associated syndromes;
inflammatory dermatoses such as contact dermatitis, atopic
dermatitis, psoriasis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and some forms of
diabetes, or any other autoimmune state where attack by the
subject's own immune system results in pathologic tissue
destruction. Allergic reactions include allergic asthma, chronic
bronchitis, acute and delayed hypersensitivity. Systemic
inflammatory disease states include inflammation associated with
trauma, burns, reperfusion following ischemic events (e.g.
thrombotic events in heart, brain, intestines or peripheral
vasculature, including myocardial infarction and stroke), sepsis,
ARDS or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, inflammatory cell
recruitment also occurs in atherosclerotic plaques. Inflammation
includes, but is not limited, to, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Wegener's
granulomatosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hepatocellular carcinoma,
thymus atrophy, chronic pancreatitis, rheumatoid arthritis,
reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis,
papillary carcinoma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, acute
cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, cirrhosis, chronic
sialadenitis, peritonitis, acute pancreatitis, chronic
pancreatitis, chronic Gastritis, adenomyosis, endometriosis, acute
cervicitis, chronic cervicitis, lymphoid hyperplasia, multiple
sclerosis, hypertrophy secondary to idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura, primary IgA nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus,
psoriasis, pulmonary emphysema, chronic pyelonephritis, and chronic
cystitis.
[0076] A cardiovascular disease or disorder includes those
disorders that can either cause ischemia or are caused by
reperfusion of the heart. Examples include, but are not limited to,
atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, granulomatous
myocarditis, chronic myocarditis (non-granulomatous), primary
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD),
peripheral vascular disease, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary
embolism, stroke, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction,
cardiovascular tissue damage caused by cardiac arrest,
cardiovascular tissue damage caused by cardiac bypass, cardiogenic
shock, and related conditions that would be known by those of
ordinary skill in the art or which involve dysfunction of or tissue
damage to the heart or vasculature, especially, but not limited to,
tissue damage related to FLG activation. CVS diseases include, but
are not limited to, atherosclerosis, granulomatous myocarditis,
myocardial infarction, myocardial fibrosis secondary to valvular
heart disease, myocardial, fibrosis without infarction, primary
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and chronic myocarditis
(non-granulomatous).
[0077] "Neurodegenerative disease or disorder" refers to a wide
range of diseases and disorders of the central and peripheral
nervous system including, for example, Parkinson's Disease,
Huntington's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), dementia, multiple sclerosis and other diseases
and disorders associated with neuronal cell death.
Polynucleotide and Oligonucleotide Compactions and Molecules
[0078] Targets:
[0079] In one embodiment, the targets comprise nucleic acid
sequences of Filaggrin (FLG), including without limitation sense
and/or antisense noncoding and/or coding sequences associated with
FLG.
[0080] Filaggrin gene plays a role in building up the barrier
layers of the skin, and mutations in this gene lead to conditions
such as eczema. Filaggrin is an abundant protein in the outermost
layers of the skin and is produced by the filaggrin gene.
Filaggrin's function is to help produce the impermeable skin
barrier layers present at the skin's outermost surface and to keep
these hydrated. The skin's inherent barrier function is akin, to
plastic or cling film--it acts to prevent water loss from the skin
and importantly, to protect the body from, foreign materials in the
environment, such as allergens. Lack of an intact skin barrier
leads to allergens entering the body where they produce a range of
allergic responses that include eczema, asthma, hay fever and other
allergies.
[0081] Lack of expression of the protein filaggrin has been shown
to predispose individuals to the development of ichthyosis vulgaris
and, more recently, atopic eczema or dermatitis. The filaggrin gene
resides on human chromosome 1q21 within the epidermal
differentiation complex, a region that also harbors genes for
several other proteins that are important for the normal barrier
function of the epidermis. The primary function of filaggrin seems
to be to aggregate the epidermal cytoskeleton to form a dense
protein-lipid matrix thereby regulating permeability of the skin to
water and external particles such as allergens.
[0082] Pioglitazone--ACTOS (pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an oral
antidiabetic agent that acts primarily by decreasing insulin
resistance. ACTOS is used in the management of type 2 diabetes
mellitus (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
[NIDDM] or adult-onset diabetes). Pharmacological studies indicate
that ACTOS improves sensitivity to insulin in muscle and adipose
tissue and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. ACTOS improves
glycemic control while reducing circulating insulin levels.
Pioglitazone
(.+-.)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-]thiazolid-
inedione monohydrochloride belongs to a different chemical class
and has a different pharmacological action than the sulfonylureas,
metformin, or the .alpha.-glucosidase inhibitors. The molecule
contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and
used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone
interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the
pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers.
[0083] Pioglitazone hydrochloride is an odorless while crystalline
powder that has a molecular formula of
C.sub.19H.sub.20N.sub.2O.sub.3S.HCl and a molecular weight of
392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide, slightly
soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and
acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in
ether.
[0084] ACTOS is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to
improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pioglitazone has also been used to treat non-alcoholic
steatohepatitis (fatty liver), but this use is presently considered
experimental.
[0085] Pioglitazone, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0086] Lomerizine--is a calcium channel blocker with antimigraine
properties and selectively inhibits the constriction of cerebral
arteries. It has been known to be a neuroprotective and is in
trials for glaucoma. Side effects of Lomerizine include minimal
cardiovascular side effects, sleepiness and flushing.
[0087] Lomerizine, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0088] Bupropion--also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban, Voxra,
Budeprion, or Aplenzin; formerly known as amfebutamone is an
antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated,
to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor,
or other known antidepressant agents. Its structure closely
resembles that of diethylpropion; it is related to
phenylethylamines.
[0089] Bupropion is designated as
(.+-.)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone
hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 276.2. The molecular formula
is C.sub.13H.sub.18ClNO.HCl. Bupropion hydrochloride powder is
white, crystalline, and highly soluble in water. It has a bitter
taste and produces the sensation of local anesthesia on the oral
mucosa.
[0090] Bupropion is indicated for the treatment of major depressive
disorder. A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies the presence
of 1) depressed mood or 2) loss of interest or pleasure; in
addition, at least 5 of the following symptoms have been present
during the same 2 week period and represent a change from previous
functioning: depressed mood, markedly diminished interest or
pleasure in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or
appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or
retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness,
slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt, or
suicidal ideation.
[0091] Bupropion has shown some success in treating social phobia
and anxiety comorbid with depression, but not panic disorder with
agoraphobia. Its anxiolytic potential has been compared to that of
sertraline and doxepin. However, it can cause agitation in some
patients, especially at higher doses, and often increases anxiety,
much like methylphenidate. As a psychostimulant, it is inherently
an anxiogenic compound and contrary benefits are poorly understood
and seemingly paradoxical.
[0092] Bupropion reduces the severity of nicotine cravings and
withdrawal symptoms. Other indications for Bupropion are obesity
and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Bupropion has
been approved by the FDA for the prevention of seasonal affective
disorder. According to several case studies and a pilot study,
bupropion lowers the level of an inflammatory mediator TNF-alpha
and may be useful in autoinflammatory conditions such as Crohn's
disease and psoriasis.
[0093] Bupropion, however, has not yet been investigated for use in
the field of dermatology.
[0094] Phenprobamate--is a centrally acting skeletal muscle
relaxant, with additional sedative and anticonvulsant effects.
Overdose is similar to barbiturate, its mechanism of action is
probably similar to meprobamate. Phenprobamate was previously used
in humans as an anxiolytic, and is still sometimes used in general
anaesthesia and for treating muscle cramps and spasticity.
Phenprobamate is still used in some European countries, but it has
generally been replaced by newer drugs. Phenprobamate is
metabolised by oxidative degradation of the amide group and
ortho-hydroxylation of the benzene ring, and is eliminated in urine
by the kidneys.
[0095] Phenprobamate, however, has not yet been investigated for
use in the field of dermatology.
[0096] Benidipine--also known as Benidipinum or benidipine
hydrochloride, is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker for the
treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Benidipine is a
dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker inhibiting not only L-type
but also T-type calcium, channels. The chemical name for Benidipine
is
(4R)-rel-1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxy-
lic acid 3-methyl 5-[(3R)-1-(phenylmethyl)-3-piperidinyl]ester
hydrochloride. Orally active antihypertensive agent which displays
a wide range of activities in vitro and in vivo, inhibits L-, N-
and T-type Ca.sup.2+ channels. Also inhibits aldosterone-induced
mineralocorticoid receptor activation. Exhibits cardioprotective
and antiartherosclerotic effects.
[0097] Benidipine, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0098] Piroxicam--is a member of the oxicam group of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drags (NSAIDs). Each maroon and blue capsule
contains 10 mg piroxicam, each maroon capsule contains 20 mg
piroxicam for oral administration. The chemical name for piroxicam
is
4-hydroxyl-2-methyl-N-2-pyridinyl-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide
1,1-dioxide. Piroxicam occurs as a white crystalline solid,
sparingly soluble in water, dilute acid and most organic solvents,
it is slightly soluble in alcohol and in aqueous solutions, it
exhibits a weakly acidic 4-hydroxy proton (pKa 5.1) and weak basic
pyridyl nitrogen (pKa 1.8). The molecular weight of piroxicam is
331.35. Its molecular formula is
C.sub.15H.sub.13N.sub.3O.sub.4S.
[0099] Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to
relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, primary
dysmenorrhoea, postoperative pain; and act as an analgesic,
especially where there is an inflammatory component. It is also
used in veterinary medicine to treat certain neoplasias expressing
cyclooxygenase (COX) receptors, such as bladder, colon, and
prostate cancers.
[0100] Piroxicam, however, has not yet been investigated for use in
the field of dermatology.
[0101] Topiramate--is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide.
TOPAMAX.RTM. (topiramate) Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg,
100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration.
TOPAMAX.RTM. (topiramate capsules) Sprinkle Capsules are available
as 15 mg and 25 mg sprinkle capsules for oral administration as
whole capsules or opened and sprinkled onto soft food.
[0102] Topiramate is a while crystalline powder with a bitter
taste. Topiramate is most soluble in alkaline solutions containing
sodium hydroxide or sodium phosphate and having a pH of 9 to 10. It
is freely soluble in acetone, chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide, and
ethanol. The solubility in water is 9.8 mg/mL. Its saturated
solution has a pH of 6.3. Topiramate has the molecular formula
C.sub.12H.sub.21NO.sub.8S and a molecular weight of 339.36.
Topiramate is designated chemically as
2,3:4,5-Di-O-isopropylidene-.beta.-D-fructopyranose sulfamate.
[0103] Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to treat
certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Topiramate
is also used with other medications to control seizures in people
who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures
and developmental delays). Topiramate is used to treat patients who
continue to have seizures even when they take other anti-seizure
medications. Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches,
but not to relieve the pain of migraine headaches when they occur.
Topiramate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants, it
works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
[0104] Topiramate treats epilepsy in children and adults and was
originally marketed as an anticonvulsant. In children it is
indicated for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a disorder
that causes seizures and developmental delay. It is also Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approved for, and most frequently
prescribed for, the prevention of migraines. Psychiatrists have
used topiramate to treat bipolar disorder, and often use topiramate
to augment psychotrophics or counteract weight gain associated with
numerous antidepressants.
[0105] Topiramate, has been investigated for use in treating
alcoholism and obesity, especially to reduce binge eating.
[0106] Topiramate, is also used in clinical trials to treat
posttraumatic stress disorder. A pilot study suggested that
topiramate is effective against infantile spasms. Another study
recommends topiramate as an effective treatment in the prevention
of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants after a
hypoxic-ischemic injury. Other off-label and investigational uses
of topiramate include the treatment of essential tremor, bulimia
nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcoholism, smoking
cessation, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, neuropathic pain,
cluster headache, and cocaine dependence. Topiramate is also being
studied with a mixture of phentermine to form a drug called Qnexa
for the treatment of obesity.
[0107] Topiramate, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0108] Isradipine--is a calcium antagonist. Chemically, isradipine
is 3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid,
4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-, methyl
1-methylethyl ester. Isradipine is a yellow, fine crystalline
powder which is odorless or has a faint characteristic odor.
Isradipine is practically insoluble in water (<10 mg/L at
37.degree. C.), but is soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in
acetone, chloroform and methylene chloride.
[0109] Isradipine is indicated in the management of hypertension,
it may be used alone or concurrently with thiazide-type diuretics.
It is usually prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure
in order to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. More recent
research in animal, models suggests that isradipine may have
potential uses for treating Parkinson's disease.
[0110] Isradipine, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0111] Nicorandil--is one of the common drugs used in the treatment
of Angina. The drug can be categorized as a vasodilator drug.
[0112] The action of Nicorandil is understood to be by the process
of smoothing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels. The action is
especially especially marked in case of the venous system.
[0113] Nicoradil acts by activating potassium channels, and by
donating nitric oxide to activate the enzyme guanylate cyclase. The
enzyme Guanylate cyclase causes activation of cGMP which in turn,
leads to arterial and venous vasodilatation by de-phosphorylation
of the myosin light chain. Being selective for vascular potassium
channels, Nicorandil has no significant action on cardiac
contractility and conduction.
[0114] Nicorandil can dilate the coronary vessels of a healthy
individual, however, its effects on the coronary vessels of someone
with ischaemic heart disease will be small as they will already be
completely dilated. Instead, it dilates the venous system, reducing
preload and the work of the heart.
[0115] Nicorandil, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0116] Piribedil--is the D2 agonist which is mainly used to treat
Parkinson's disease. It acts by stimulating dopamine receptors
thereby alleviating various symptoms like tremors. It is also used
to treat other conditions like circulatory problems clue to its D2
antagonistic effects. The drug also comes under the brand name
Trivastal that comes in the form of extended-release capsules which
should be taken by mouth. Piribedil can be used as monotherapy or
together with L-dopa therapy in early and advanced Parkinson's
Disease. A lot of elderly patients have benefited because of its
relative effects in cognition such as treating impaired memory,
attention and focus.
[0117] Piribedil works by stimulating dopamine receptors present in
the brain which in effect treats the deficit of the postsynaptic D2
and D3 receptors of the mesolimbic and mesocorticai pathways. The
drug also has vasodilating effects thereby improving different
cognitive symptoms and reinforces noradrenergic transmission
resulting to improvement in focus, attention and memory.
[0118] Piribedil is also indicated in the treatment of pathological
cognitive deficits in the elderly (impaired attention, motivation,
memory, etc), treatment of dizziness in the elderly, treatment of
retinal ischemic manifestations, adjuvant treatment in intermittent
claudication due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the lower
limbs (stage 2), anhedonia and treatment-resistant depression in
unipolar and bipolar depressives (off label).
[0119] Piribedil, however, has not yet been investigated for use in
the field of dermatology.
[0120] Oxaprozin--is a member of the propionic acid group of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The chemical name
for oxaprozin potassium is 4,5-diphenyl-2-oxazolepropionic acid,
potassium salt. Its empirical formula is C18H14NO3K and molecular
weight is 331, Oxaprozin potassium is a white to off white powder
with a melting point of 215.degree. C. It is slightly soluble in
alcohol and very soluble in water. The PK in water is 9.7.
[0121] Oxaprozin is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling,
stiffness, and joint pain associated, with osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.
[0122] Oxaprozin, however, has not yet been investigated for use in
the field of dermatology.
[0123] Glycopyrrolate--is a quaternary ammonium salt with the
chemical name: 3[(cyclopentylhydroxyphenylacetyl)oxy]-1,1-dimethyl
pyrrolidinium bromide. The molecular formulas is C19H28BrNO3 and
the molecular weight is 398.33.
[0124] Glycopyrrolate Injection is indicated for use as a
preoperative antimuscarinic to reduce salivary, tracheobronchial,
and pharyngeal secretions; to reduce the volume and free acidity of
gastric secretions; and to block cardiac vagal inhibitory reflexes
during induction of anesthesia and intubation. When indicated,
Robinul Injection may be used intraoperatively to counteract
surgically or drug-induced or vagal reflexes associated
arrhythmias. Glycopyrrolate protects against the peripheral
muscarinic effects (e.g., bradycardia and excessive secretions) of
cholinergic agents such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine given to
reverse the neuromuscular blockade due to non-depolarizing muscle
relaxants.
[0125] Glycopyrrolate is indicated in Peptic Ulcer, for use in
adults as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of peptic nicer when
rapid anticholinergic effect is desired or when oral medication is
not tolerated.
[0126] In anesthesia, glycopyrrolate injection can be used as a
preoperative medication in order to reduce salivary,
tracheobronchial, and pharyngeal secretions, as well as decreasing
the acidity of gastric secretion. It is also used in conjunction
with neostigmine, a neuromuscular blocking reversal agent, to
prevent neostigmine's muscarinic effects such, as bradycardia. It
is also used to reduce excessive saliva (sialorrhea), ft decreases
acid secretion in the stomach and so may be used for treating
stomach ulcers, in combination with other medications. Use in
treating asthma and COPD has been described. It has been used,
topically and orally to treat hyperhidrosis.
[0127] Glycopyrrolate, however, has not yet been investigated for
use in the field of dermatology.
[0128] Granisetron--Granisetron hydrochloride, an antinauseant and
antiemetic agent. Chemically it is endo-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo
[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride
with a molecular weight of 348.9 (312.4 free base). Its empirical
formula is C18H24N4.HCl.
[0129] Granisetron Indications: Granisetron hydrochloride is used
for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial
and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer therapy, including
high-dose cisplatin. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
5-HT3 receptor antagonists are the primary drugs used to treat and
prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Many times they
are given intravenously about 30 minutes before beginning therapy.
Post-operative and post-radiation nausea and vomiting. Is a
possible therapy for nausea and vomiting due to acute or chronic
medical illness or acute gastroenteritis. Treatment of Cyclic
vomiting syndrome although there are no formal trials to confirm
efficacy. Nausea and vomiting associated with radiation, including
total body irradiation and fractionated abdominal radiation.
[0130] Granisetron, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0131] Memantine--is an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist. The
chemical name for memantine hydrochloride is
1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane hydrochloride.
[0132] Memantine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of
moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine is
also being tested for generalized anxiety disorder, epilepsy,
opioid dependence, systemic lupus erythematosus, depression,
obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette Syndrome, problem gambling,
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), glaucoma,
tinnitus, neuropathic pain including Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders. HIV associated
dementia, nystagmus, multiple sclerosis and autism.
[0133] Memantine, however, has not yet been investigated for use in
the field of dermatology.
[0134] Nimodipine--belongs to the class of pharmacological, agents
known as calcium, channel blockers. Nimodipine is isopropyl
2-methoxyethyl
1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(m-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate.
It has a molecular weight of 418.5 and a molecular formula of
C.sub.21H.sub.26N.sub.2O.sub.7.
[0135] Nimodipine is indicated for the improvement of neurological
outcome by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits
in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured intracranial
berry aneurysms regardless of their post-ictus neurological
condition (i.e., Hunt and Hess Grades I-V).
[0136] Nimodipine's main use is in the prevention of cerebral
vasospasm and resultant ischemia, a complication of subarachnoid
hemorrhage (a form of cerebral bleed), specifically from ruptured
intracranial berry aneurysms irrespective of the patient's
post-ictus neurological condition, its administration begins within
4 days of a subarachnoid hemorrhage and is continued for three
weeks. If blood pressure drops by over 5%, dosage is adjusted.
While nimodipine is not used in head injury currently, it has shown
promise in clinical studies. A 2009 study (Asian A et al, February
2009 Pharmacol. Res. 59 (2): 120-4), found that patients with
severe head trauma who were given nimodipine, via peripheral vein
injection, along with the standard procedures had significantly
higher cerebral perfusion pressure and jugular venous oxygen
saturation, while intracranial pressure, jugular lactate and
jugular glucose were lower. The study concluded that Glasgow
outcome score values were higher, and that the cerebral metabolism
was improved.
[0137] Nimodipine, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0138] Amlodipine--Amlodipine besylate is chemically described as
3-Ethyl-5-methyl(.+-.)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-d-
ihydro-6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, monobenzenesulphonate.
Its empirical formula is
C.sub.20H.sub.25ClN.sub.2O.sub.5.C.sub.6H.sub.6O.sub.3S.
[0139] Amlodipine Base (as besylate, mesylate or maleate) is a
long-acting calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine class) used as
an anti-hypertensive and in the treatment of angina. Like other
calcium channel blockers, amlodipine acts by relaxing the smooth
muscle in the arterial wall, decreasing total peripheral resistance
and hence reducing blood pressure.
[0140] Amlodipine is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
It may be used alone or in combination with, other antihypertensive
agents. It is also indicated for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Amlodipine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of chronic
stable angina. Amlodipine may be used alone or in combination with,
other antianginal agents.
[0141] Amlodipine is also indicated for the treatment of confirmed
or suspected vasospastic angina. Amlodipine may be used as
monotherapy or in combination with other antianginal agents.
[0142] In patients with recently documented Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) by angiography and without heart failure or an ejection
fraction <40%, Amlodipine is indicated to reduce the risk of
hospitalization due to angina and to reduce the risk of a coronary
revascularization procedure.
[0143] Amlodipine, however, has not yet been investigated for use
in the field of dermatology.
[0144] In an embodiment, antisense oligonucleotides and
compositions of the present invention are used to prevent or treat
diseases or disorders associated with FLG family members. Exemplary
Filaggrin (FLG) mediated diseases and disorders which can be
treated with cell/tissues regenerated from stem cells obtained
using the antisense compounds comprise: a disease or disorder
associated with abnormal function and/or expression of FLG, a
dermatological disease or disorder, sign of cutaneous aging, a skin
condition caused due to external aggression, a allergy, psoriasis,
asthma, eczema, hay fever, ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis
(AD), eczema herpeticum, rheumatoid arthritis, a cardiovascular
disease or disorder, cancer, an inflammatory disease, an
immune-mediated disease or disorder, a hyper-immunity or
hypoimmunity disease or disorder, an autoimmune disease or
disorder, asthma, psoriasis, an allergy (e.g., allergic rhinitis,
contact type allergy, food allergy etc), celiac disease, a
neurological disease or disorder, a neurodegenerative disease or
disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS etc.),
AIDS wasting, a disease or disorder associated with skin barrier
function, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, clinical dry
skin.
[0145] In an embodiment, modulation of FLG by one or more antisense
oligonucleotides and/or compositions of the present invention is
administered to a patient in need thereof, to prevent or treat any
disease or disorder related to FLG abnormal expression, function,
activity as compared to a normal control.
[0146] In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention
comprises one or more oligonucleotides specific for one or more
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides, said polynucleotides comprising
antisense sequences, complementary sequences, alleles, homologs,
isoforms, variants, derivatives, mutants, fragments, or
combinations thereof.
[0147] In an embodiment the composition of the present invention
comprises one or more oligonucleotides specific for one or more
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides and one or more FLG modulating
molecule, said polynucleotides comprising antisense sequences,
complementary sequences, alleles, homologs, isoforms, variants,
derivatives, mutants, fragments, or combinations thereof.
[0148] One embodiment of the present, invention provides a
composition, wherein the molecule is selected from the group of
Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate, Benidipine,
Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil, Piribedil,
Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine, Nimodipine and
Amlodipine.
[0149] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition for use in treatment of a dermatological disease or
disorder, the composition comprising one or more FLG modulating
molecules and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0150] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition, wherein the compound is selected from the group of
Pioglitazone, Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate, Benidipine,
Piroxicam, Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil, Piribedil,
Oxaprozin, Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine, Nimodipine and
Amlodipine.
[0151] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition, wherein the composition further comprises art
antisense oligonucleotide that modulates FLG expression or
activity.
[0152] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition, wherein the composition, further comprises one
antisense oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural antisense
sequence, wherein the antisense oligonucleotide modulates the FLG
expression in a subject.
[0153] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide
sequences set form as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
[0154] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition, wherein the oligonucleotide set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3
to 13 comprise one or more modifications or substitutions.
[0155] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of
treating art FLG associated disease or disorder in a subject, the
method comprises administering to the subject a composition
comprising one or more FLG modulating molecules and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0156] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the compound is selected from the group of Pioglitazone,
Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate, Benidipine, Piroxicam,
Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil, Piribedil, Oxaprozin,
Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine, Nimodipine and
Amlodipine.
[0157] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the composition further comprises an antisense
oligonucleotide that modulates FLG expression or activity.
[0158] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the composition further comprises one antisense
oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural antisense sequence, wherein
the antisense oligonucleotide modulates the FLG expression in a
subject.
[0159] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein a disease associated with, the at least one Filaggrin
polynucleotide is selected from: a dermatological disease or
disorder, sign of cutaneous aging, a skin condition caused due to
external aggression, a allergy, psoriasis, asthma, eczema, hay
fever, ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema
herpeticum, rheumatoid arthritis, a cardiovascular disease or
disorder, cancer, an inflammatory disease, an immune-mediated
disease or disorder, a hyper-immunity or hypoimmunity disease or
disorder, an autoimmune disease or disorder, asthma, psoriasis, an
allergy (e.g., allergic rhinitis, contact type allergy, food
allergy etc.), celiac disease, a neurological disease or disorder,
a neurodegenerative disease or disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, ALS etc.), AIDS wasting, a disease or disorder
associated with skin barrier function, a chronic inflammatory skin
disease, clinical dry skin.
[0160] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of
preventing or treating a skin condition associated with at least
one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and/or at least one encoded
product thereof, comprising: administering to a patient having a
skin condition or at risk of developing a skin condition a
therapeutically effective dose of a Filaggrin up-regulating
compound, at least one antisense oligonucleotide that binds to a
natural antisense sequence of said at least one Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotide and modulates expression of said at least one
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier; thereby preventing or treating the disease skin condition
associated with the at least one Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotide
and/or at least one encoded product thereof.
[0161] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the compound is selected from the group of Pioglitazone,
Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate, Benidipine, Piroxicam,
Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil, Piribedil, Oxaprozin,
Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine, Nimodipine and
Amlodipine.
[0162] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the skin condition is caused by caused by inflammation,
light damage or aging.
[0163] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,
wherein the skin condition is the development of wrinkles, contact
dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, actinic keratosis, keratinization
disorders, an epidermolysis bullosa disease, exfoliative
dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, an erythema, discoid lupus
erythematosus, dermatomyositis, skin cancer, or an effect of
natural aging.
[0164] One embodiment of the present invention provides a use of
the composition of claim 30, in the manufacture of a medicament for
the treatment of a dermatological disease or disorder.
[0165] One embodiment of the present invention provides a use,
wherein the composition further comprises an antisense
oligonucleotide that modulates FLG expression or activity.
[0166] One embodiment of the present invention provides a use,
wherein the composition further comprises one antisense
oligonucleotide to a Filaggrin natural antisense sequence, wherein
the antisense oligonucleotide modulates the FLG expression in a
subject.
[0167] One embodiment of the present invention provides a use,
wherein the compound is selected from the group of Pioglitazone,
Lomerizine, Bupropion, Phenprobamate, Benidipine, Piroxicam,
Topiramate, Isradipine, Nicorandil, Piribedil, Oxaprozin,
Glycopyrrolate, Granisetron, Memantine, Nimodipine and
Amlodipine.
[0168] One embodiment of the present invention provides a use
wherein the dermatological disease or disorder is: development of
wrinkles, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, actinic keratosis,
keratinization disorders, an epidermolysis bullosa disease,
exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, an erythema, discoid
lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, skin cancer, or an effect of
natural aging.
[0169] In embodiments of the present invention, therapeutic and/or
cosmetic regimes and related tailored treatments are provided to
subjects requiring skin treatments or at risk of developing
conditions for which they would require skin treatments. Diagnosis
can be made, e.g., based on the subject's FLG status. A patient's
FLG expression levels in a given tissue such, as skin can be
determined by methods known to those of skill in the art and
described elsewhere herein, e.g., by analyzing tissue using PCR or
antibody-based detection methods.
[0170] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition for skin treatment and/or a cosmetic application
comprising the compounds of the present invention, e.g., to
modulate expression of FLG in the skin. In embodiments, topical
treatment by the compounds of the present invention, to increase
cell lifespan of prevent apoptosis. For example, skin can be
protected from aging, e.g., developing wrinkles, by treating skin,
e.g., epithelial cells, as described herein. In an exemplary
embodiment, skin is contacted with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic
composition of the present invention. Exemplary skin afflictions or
skin conditions include disorders or diseases associated with or
caused by inflammation, sun damage or natural aging. For example,
the compositions find utility in the prevention or treatment of
contact dermatitis (including irritant contact dermatitis and
allergic contact dermatitis), atopic dermatitis (also known as
allergic eczema), actinic keratosis, keratinization disorders
(including eczema), epidermolysis bullosa diseases (including
penfigus), exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, erythemas
(including erythema multiforme and erythema nodosum), damage caused
by the sun or other light sources, discoid lupus erythematosus,
dermatomyositis, skin cancer and the effects of natural aging.
[0171] In an embodiment of the present invention the composition is
incorporated into a topical formulation containing a topical
carrier that is generally suited to topical drug administration and
comprising any such material known in the art. The topical carrier
may be selected so as to provide the composition in the desired
form, e.g., as an ointment, lotion, cream, microemulsion, gel, oil,
solution, or the like, and may be comprised of a material of either
naturally occurring or synthetic origin. It is preferable that the
selected carrier not adversely affect the active agent or other
components of the topical formulation. Examples of suitable topical
carriers for use herein include water, alcohols and other nontoxic
organic solvents, glycerin, mineral oil silicone, petroleum jelly,
lanolin, fatty acids, vegetable oils, parabens, waxes, and the
like. Formulations may be colorless, odorless ointments, lotions,
creams, microemulsions and gels.
[0172] The composition of the invention may be incorporated into
ointments, which generally are semisolid preparations which are
typically based on petrolatum or other petroleum derivatives. The
specific ointment base to be used, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, is one that will provide for optimum drug
delivery, and, preferably, will provide for other desired
characteristics as well, e.g., emolliency or the like. As with
other carriers or vehicles, an ointment base should be inert,
stable, nonirritating and nonsensitizing. As explained in
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Pub. Co.), ointment bases
may be grouped into four classes: oleaginous bases; emulsifiable
bases; emulsion bases; and water-soluble bases. Oleaginous ointment
bases include, for example, vegetable oils, fats obtained from
animals, and semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.
Emulsifiable ointment bases, also known as absorbent ointment
bases, contain little or no water and include, for example,
hydroxystearin sulfate, anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic
petrolatum. Emulsion ointment bases are either water-in-oil (W/O)
emulsions or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, and include, for
example, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin and stearic
acid. Exemplary water-soluble ointment bases are prepared from
polyethylene glycols (PEGs) of varying molecular weight (see, e.g.
Remington's, supra).
[0173] The composition of the invention may be incorporated into
lotions, which generally are preparations to be applied to the
skin, surface without friction, and are typically liquid or
semiliquid preparations in which solid particles, including the
active agent, are present in a water or alcohol base. Lotions are
usually suspensions of solids, and may comprise a liquid oily
emulsion of the oil-in-water type. Lotions are preferred
formulations for treating large body areas, because of the ease of
applying a more fluid composition. It is generally necessary that
the insoluble matter in a lotion be finely divided. Lotions will
typically contain suspending agents to produce better dispersions
as well as compounds useful for localizing and holding the active
agent in contact with the skin, e.g., methylcellulose, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose, or the like. An exemplary lotion
formulation for use in conjunction with the present method contains
propylene glycol mixed with a hydrophilic petrolatum such as that
which may be obtained under the trademark Aquaphor.sup..TM. from
Beiersdorf, Inc. (Norwalk, Conn.).
[0174] The composition of the invention may be incorporated into
creams, which generally are viscous liquid or semisolid emulsions,
either oil-in-water or water-in-oil. Cream bases are
water-washable, and contain an oil phase, an emulsifier and an
aqueous phase. The oil phase is generally comprised of petrolatum
and a fatty alcohol such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol; the aqueous
phase usually, although not necessarily, exceeds the oil phase in
volume, and generally contains a humectant. The emulsifier in a
cream formulation, as explained in Remington's, supra, is generally
a nonionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant.
[0175] The composition of the invention may be incorporated into
microemulsions, which generally are thermodynamically stable,
isotropically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids, such as
oil and water, stabilized by an interracial film of surfactant
molecules (Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology (New York;
Marcel Dekker, 1992), volume 9). For the preparation of
microemulsions, surfactant (emulsifier), co-surfactant
(co-emulsifier), an oil phase and a water phase are necessary.
Suitable surfactants include any surfactants that are useful in the
preparation of emulsions, e.g., emulsifiers that are typically used
in the preparation of creams. The co-surfactant (or "co-emulsifer")
is generally selected from the group of polyglycerol derivatives,
glycerol derivatives and fatty alcohols. Preferred
emulsifier/co-emulsifier combinations are generally although not
necessarily selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl
monostearate and polyoxyethylene stearate; polyethylene glycol and
ethylene glycol palmitostearate; and caprilic and capric
triglycerides and oleoyl macrogolglycerides. The water phase
includes not only water but also, typically, buffers, glucose,
propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, preferably lower molecular
weight polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG 300 and PEG 400), and/or
glycerol, and the like, while the oil phase will generally
comprise, for example, fatty acid esters, modified vegetable oils,
silicone oils, mixtures of mono-di- and triglycerides, mono- and
di-esters of PEG (e.g., oleoyl macrogol glycerides), etc.
[0176] The composition of the invention may be incorporated into
gel formulations, which generally are semisolid systems consisting
of either suspensions made rip of small inorganic particles
(two-phase systems) or large organic molecules distributed
substantially uniformly throughout a carrier liquid (single phase
gels). Single phase gels can be made, for example, by combining the
active agent, a carrier liquid and a suitable gelling agent such as
tragacanth (at 2 to 5%), sodium alginate (at 2-10%), gelatin (at
2-1.5%), methylcellulose (at 3-5%), sodium carboxymethylcellulose
(at 2-5%), carbomer (at 0.3-5%) or polyvinyl alcohol (at 10-20%)
together and mixing until a characteristic semisolid product is
produced. Other suitable gelling agents include
methylhydroxycellulose, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene,
hydroxyethylcellulose and gelatin. Although gels commonly employ
aqueous carrier liquid, alcohols and oils can be used as the
carrier liquid as well.
[0177] Various additives, known to those skilled in the art, may be
included in formulations, e.g., topical formulations. Examples of
additives include, but are not limited to, solubilizers, skin
permeation enhancers, opacifiers, preservatives (e.g.,
anti-oxidants), gelling agents, buffering agents, surfactants
(particularly nonionic and amphoteric surfactants), emulsifiers,
emollients, thickening agents, stabilizers, humectants, colorants,
fragrance, and the like. Inclusion of solubilizers and/or skin
permeation enhancers is particularly preferred, along with
emulsifiers, emollients and preservatives. An optimum topical
formulation comprises approximately; 2 wt % to 60 wt. %, preferably
2 wt. % to 50 wt, %, solubilizer and/or skin permeation enhancer; 2
wt. % to 50 wt. %, preferably 2 wt % to 20 wt. %, emulsifiers; 2
wt. % to 20 wt. % emollient; and 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % preservative,
with the active agent and carrier (e.g., water) making of the
remainder of the formulation.
[0178] A skin permeation enhancer serves to facilitate passage of
therapeutic levels of active agent to pass through a reasonably
sized area of unbroken skin. Suitable enhancers are well known in
the art and include, for example: lower alkanols such as methanol
ethanol and 2-propanol; alkyl methyl sulfoxides such as
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), decylmethylsulfoxide (C.sub.10 MSO) and
tetradecylmethyl sulfboxide; pyrrolidones such as 2-pyrrolidone,
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-(-hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidone; urea;
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide; C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkanediols; miscellaneous
solvents such as dimethyl formamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide
(DMA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol; and the 1-substituted,
azacycloheptan-2-ones, particularly
1-n-dodecylcyclazacycloheptan-2-one (laurocapram; available under
the trademark Azone.sup..TM. from Whitby Research Incorporated,
Richmond, Va.).
[0179] Examples of solubilizers include, but are not limited to,
the following: hydrophilic ethers such as diethylene glycol
monoethyl ether (ethoxydiglycol, available commercially as
Transcutol.sup..TM.) and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether oleate
(available commercially as Soficutol.sup..TM.); polyethylene castor
oil derivatives such as polyoxy 35 castor oil, polyoxy 40
hydrogenated castor oil, etc; polyethylene glycol, particularly
lower molecular weight polyethylene glycols such as PEG 300 and PEG
400, and polyethylene glycol derivatives such as PEG-8
caprylic/capric glycerides (available commercially as
Labrasol.sup..TM.); alkyl methyl sulfoxides such as DMSO;
pyrrolidones such as 2-pyrrolidone and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; and
DMA. Many solubilizers can also act as absorption enhancers. A
single solubilizer may be incorporated into the formulation, or a
mixture of solubilizers may be incorporated therein.
[0180] Suitable emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers include, without
limitation, those emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers described with
respect to microemulsion formulations. Emollients include, for
example, propylene glycol, glycerol, isopropyl myristate,
polypropylene glycol-2 (PPG-2) myristyl ether propionate, and the
like.
[0181] Other active agents may also be included in formulations,
e.g., other anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antimicrobial
agents, antifungal agents, antibiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, and
sunblock agents commonly found in sunscreen formulations including,
but not limited to, anthranilates, benzophenones (particularly
benzophenone-3), camphor derivatives, cinnamates (e.g., octyl
methoxycinnamate), dibenzoyl methanes (e.g., butyl methoxydibenzoyl
methane), p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and derivatives thereof, and
salicylates (e.g., octyl salicylate).
[0182] The compositions, according to the present invention, can be
applied most notably as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition
for use on the skin, mucous membranes, and/or semi-mucous
membranes. The compositions can be applied as skin protection
and/or as skin care products, or as an anti-wrinkle and/or an
anti-aging composition. We can also envision other applications in
the domain of combined, compositions for example, with other active
agents. We can also use the compounds according to the invention in
the cosmetic compositions for body and hair health.
[0183] Moreover, the compounds according to the invention, such as
previously defined, stimulate the metabolic functioning of skin
cells. They allow protein synthesis to increase, which is
essential, for its functioning, notably by increasing the synthesis
of constitutive proteins of the extracellular matrix. The
compounds, according to the invention, or the composition
containing them, thus have a positive action on tissue
regeneration. The compounds according to the invention are
particularly efficient, in order to treat wound-healing
disorders.
[0184] The compositions, intended to activate the endogenous
synthesis of FLG proteins, previously defined, are used in or for
the manufacture of pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic compositions, for
topical use. They will be used, in a more general way, in order to
treat, dermatological disorders.
[0185] Moreover, according to another aspect, compounds previously
defined according to the invention, intended to activate the
endogenous synthesis of FLG proteins in skin cells, are used for
the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of dermal
conditions. The present invention also relates to the use of the
compounds previously defined as medicaments.
[0186] Moreover, according to another aspect, the present invention
relates to a cosmetic process of treatment for skin care and/or
hair and nail care consisting of applying, to the surface of the
skin, an effective amount of the active agent, such as previously
defined, in order to obtain the desired action. The processes can
notably be used in order to treat in a curative and/or preventive
manner the signs of cutaneous aging, but also to protect the skin
and/or hair and/or nails from external aggressions such as negative
effects of radiation, and in particular UV radiation, or in order
to combat the signs of cutaneous inflammation and irritation.
[0187] The process of cosmetic treatment related to the invention
can be implemented notably by applying the cosmetic compositions
defined above according to methods usually used for compositions,
such as the application of creams, gels, serums, lotions, milks,
shampoos, and sun protection creams, on skin or hair, and as a
toothpaste applied to the gums. Particular modes of embodiment of
this cosmetic treatment process also result from the preceding
description.
[0188] The compounds of the present invention are useful in both
therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications. In one embodiment
compounds of the invention are used for therapeutic applications.
In another embodiment compounds of the invention are used for
non-therapeutic applications, such as cosmetic applications.
Therapeutic applications of methods of the invention include means
of diagnosing the cause of a medical skin condition. Accordingly
the method of treatment for the medical skin condition can be
tailored to complement the individual's phenotype. Therapeutic
applications of methods of the invention also include means of
determining whether an individual's skin is likely to react
adversely to a pharmaceutical preparation, such as a topically
administered pharmaceutical preparation. In that case the
individual can be matched to a particular pharmaceutical
preparation in order to provide maximum therapeutic benefit whilst
minimizing or avoiding any undesirable effects on the condition of
the individual's skin.
[0189] Non-therapeutic applications of methods of the invention
include means of grouping individuals for the purposes of trials
for agents, for example, cosmetics or any other form of preparation
introduced to the body. This can be useful for interpreting the
results obtained from such trials, for example where the reaction
of the skin of different individuals during the trial is not
uniform.
[0190] The heterogeneity of responses might be interpreted more
clearly by grouping or stratifying individuals according to their
predisposition to skin conditions. The skilled person, will
appreciate that using this method it may be possible to develop
agents that axe suitable for use with some individuals but not
suitable with others. Accordingly a panel of agents can be built
up, which panel includes different agents having suitability for
use with, different individuals. Following the trials, individuals
wishing to use such an agent can use a method of the invention to
determine which agents are most suitable for use based on their own
predisposition to skin conditions. Thus the method of the invention
allows an individual to be matched with a personal care product
such as those listed above.
[0191] Methods of identifying the profilaggrin genotype of an
individual are performed, on biological material of the individual.
Preferably the biological material is removed; from the individual
prior to performing the method of identification. In other words,
typically the biological material is ex vivo. The ex vivo material
may be further cultured in vitro prior to performing the
method.
[0192] An ex vivo sample may comprise tissue or cells taken from
any part of the body. A preferred ex vivo sample comprises material
taken from the circulatory system, or material taken from a bodily
cavity, such as the oral cavity. A particularly preferred ex Vito
sample is a saliva sample.
[0193] The alleles present in an individual can be determined from
a saliva sample using methods known in the art, such as that
described in Schie and Wilson (1997, Journal of Immunological
Methods, 208, 91-101). Accordingly the ex vivo sample may be
provided by an individual without need for specialized collection
means. For example, a saliva sample or buccal swab can be simply
provided, by the individual prior to testing.
[0194] The profilaggrin gene and protein are well known in the art
and are described in Gan et al (1990, Biochemistry, 29, 9432-9440).
Numerous profilaggrin sequences have been deposited in publicly
accessible databases. A profilaggrin gene comprises multiple
filaggrin repeals, usually 10, 11 or 12 repeats. The filaggrin
repeats are typically of the same length (972 bp, 324 amino acids
in humans) as each other, although this is less typical of
filaggrin repeats at the 5'- and 3'-ends of the mRNA. The filaggrin
repeats may display considerable sequence variation, typically of
from 0-50%, more typically of from 2-30%, yet more typically of
from 10-15%, between repeats on the same allele and between
different alleles. Usually variations are attributable to a
single-base change but may also involve a change in charge (Gan et
al (1990) Biochemistry, 29, 9432-9440), A consensus amino acid
sequence map of a human filaggrin repeat is known (Gan et al (1990)
Biochemistry, 29, 9432-9440) and preferably a filaggrin repeat will
have at least 50%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably
90%, yet more preferably at least 95% sequence identity to that
consensus sequence or a variant of the consensus sequence shown in
Gan et al (1990, Biochemistry, 29, 9432-9440). Normally the amino
acid sequences encoding the amino and carboxy termini are more
conserved, as are the 5' and 3' DNA sequences flanking the coding
portions of the gene (Presland et al (1992) J Biol Chew, 267(33),
23772-23781).
[0195] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are specific for
polynucleotides of FLG, which includes, without limitation
noncoding regions. The FLG targets comprise variants of FLG;
mutants of FLG, including SNPs; noncoding sequences of FLG:
alleles, fragments and the like. Preferably the oligonucleotide is
an antisense RNA molecule.
[0196] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the target
nucleic acid molecule is not limited to FLG polynucleotides alone
but extends to any of the isoforms, receptors, homologs, non-coding
regions and the like of FLG.
[0197] In an embodiment, an oligonucleotide targets a natural
antisense sequence (natural antisense to the coding and non-coding
regions) of FLG targets, including, without limitation, variants,
alleles, homologs, mutants, derivatives, fragments and
complementary sequences thereto. Preferably the oligonucleotide is
an antisense RNA or DNA molecule.
[0198] In an embodiment, the oligomeric compounds of the present
invention also include variants in which a different base is
present at one or more of the nucleotide positions in the compound.
For example, if the first nucleotide is an adenine, variants may be
produced which contain thymidine, guanosine, cytidine or other
natural or unnatural nucleotides at this position. This may be done
at any of the positions of the antisense compound. These compounds
are then tested using the methods described herein to determine
their ability to inhibit expression of a target nucleic acid.
[0199] In some embodiments, homology, sequence identity or
complementarity, between the antisense compound and target is from
about 50% to about 60%. In some embodiments, homology, sequence
identity or complementarity, is from about 60% to about 70%. In
some embodiments, homology, sequence identity or complementarity,
is from about 70% to about 80%. In some embodiments, homology,
sequence identity or complementarity, is from about 80% to about
90%. In some embodiments, homology, sequence identity or
complementarity, is about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 95%,
about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99% or about 100%.
[0200] An antisense compound is specifically hybridizable when
binding of the compound to the target nucleic acid interferes with
the normal function of the target nucleic acid to cause a loss of
activity, and there is a sufficient degree of complementarity to
avoid non-specific binding of the antisense compound to non-target
nucleic acid sequences under conditions in which specific binding
is desired. Such conditions include, i.e., physiological conditions
in the case of in vivo assays or therapeutic treatment, and
conditions in which assays are performed in the case of in vitro
assays.
[0201] An antisense compound, whether DNA, RNA, chimeric,
substituted etc, is specifically hybridizable when binding of the
compound to the target DNA or RNA molecule interferes with the
normal function of the target DNA or RNA to cause a loss of
utility, and there is a sufficient degree of complementarity to
avoid non-specific binding of the antisense compound to non-target
sequences under conditions in which specific binding is desired,
i.e., under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays
or therapeutic treatment, and in the ease of in vitro assays, under
conditions in which the assays are performed.
[0202] In an embodiment, targeting of FLG including without
limitation, antisense sequences which are identified and expanded,
using for example, PCR, hybridization etc., one or more of the
sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 2, and the like, modulate the
expression or function of FLG. In one embodiment, expression or
function is up-regulated as compared to a control. In an
embodiment, expression or function is down-regulated as compared to
a control.
[0203] In an embodiment, oligonucleotides comprise nucleic acid
sequences set form as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13 including antisense
sequences which, are identified and expanded, using for example,
PCR, hybridization etc. These oligonucleotides can comprise one or
more modified nucleotides, shorter or longer fragments, modified
bonds and the like. Examples of modified bonds or internucleotide
linkages comprise phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate or the like.
In an embodiment, the nucleotides comprise a phosphorus derivative.
The phosphorus derivative for modified phosphate group) which may
be attached to the sugar or sugar analog moiety in the modified
oligonucleotides of the present invention may be a monophosphate,
diphosphate, triphosphate, alkylphosphate, alkanephosphate,
phosphorothioate and the like. The preparation of the above-noted
phosphate analogs, and their incorporation into nucleotides,
modified nucleotides and oligonucleotides, per se, is also known
and need not be described here.
[0204] The specificity and sensitivity of antisense is also
harnessed by those of skill in the art for therapeutic uses,
Antisense oligonucleotides have been employed as therapeutic
moieties in the treatment of disease states in animals and man.
Antisense oligonucleotides have been safely and effectively
administered to humans and numerous clinical trials are presently
underway, ft is thus established that, oligonucleotides can be
useful therapeutic modalities that can be configured to be useful
in treatment regimes for treatment of cells, tissues and animals,
especially humans.
[0205] In embodiments of the present invention oligomeric antisense
compounds, particularly oligonucleotides, bind to target nucleic
acid molecules and modulate the expression and/or function of
molecules encoded by a target gene. The functions of DNA to be
interfered comprise, for example, replication and transcription.
The functions of RNA to be interfered comprise all vital functions
such as, for example, translocation of the RNA to the site of
protein translation, translation of protein from the RNA, splicing
of the RNA to yield one or more mRNA species, and catalytic
activity which may be engaged in or facilitated by the RNA. The
functions may be up-regulated or inhibited depending on the
functions desired.
[0206] The antisense compounds, include, antisense oligomeric
compounds, antisense oligonucleotides, external guide sequence
(EGS) oligonucleotides, alternate splicers, primers, probes, and
other oligomeric compounds that hybridize to at least a portion of
the target nucleic acid. As such, these compounds may be introduced
in the form of single-stranded, double-stranded, partially
single-stranded, or circular oligomeric compounds.
[0207] Targeting an antisense compound to a particular nucleic acid
molecule, in the context of this invention, can be a multistep
process. The process usually begins with the identification of a
target nucleic acid whose function is to be modulated. This target
nucleic acid may be, for example, a cellular gene (or mRNA
transcribed from the gene) whose expression is associated with a
particular disorder or disease state, or a nucleic acid molecule
from an infectious agent. In the present invention, the target
nucleic acid encodes Filaggrin (FLG).
[0208] The targeting process usually also includes determination of
at least one target region, segment, or site within the target
nucleic acid for the antisense interaction to occur such that the
desired effect, e.g., modulation of expression, will result. Within
the context of the present invention, the term "region" is defined
as a portion of the target nucleic acid having at least, one
identifiable structure, function, or characteristic. Within regions
of target nucleic acids are segments. "Segments" are defined as
smaller or sub-portions of regions within a target nucleic acid.
"Sites," as used in the present invention, are defined as positions
within a target nucleic acid.
[0209] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides bind to the
natural antisense sequences of Filaggrin (FLG) and modulate the
expression and/or function of FLG (SEQ ID NO: 1). Examples of
antisense sequences include SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 13.
[0210] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides bind to one
or more segments of Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides and modulate
the expression and/or function of FLG. The segments comprise at
least five consecutive nucleotides of the FLG sense or antisense
polynucleotides.
[0211] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides are
specific tor natural antisense sequences of FLG wherein binding of
the oligonucleotides to the natural antisense sequences of FLG
modulate expression and/or function of FLG.
[0212] In an embodiment, oligonucleotide compounds comprise
sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13, antisense sequences
which are identified and expanded, using for example, PCR,
hybridization etc. These oligonucleotides can comprise one or more
modified nucleotides, shorter or longer fragments, modified bonds
and the like. Examples of modified bands or internucleotide
Linkages comprise phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate or the like.
In an embodiment, the nucleotides comprise a phosphorus derivative.
The phosphorus derivative, (or modified phosphate group) which may
be attached to the sugar or sugar analog moiety in the modified
oligonucleotides of the present invention may be a monophosphate,
diphosphate, triphosphate, alkylphosphate, alkanephosphate,
phosphorothioate and the like. The preparation of the above-noted
phosphate analogs, and their incorporation into nucleotides,
modified nucleotides and oligonucleotides, per se, is also known
and need not be described here.
[0213] Since, as is known in the art, the translation initiation
codon is typically 5'-AUG (in transcribed mRNA molecules; 5'-ATG in
the corresponding DNA molecule), the translation initiation codon
is also referred to as the "AUG codon," the "start codon" or the
"AUG start codon". A minority of genes has a translation initiation
codon having the RNA sequence 5'-GUG, 5'-UUG or 5'-CUG; and 5'-AUA,
5'-ACG and 5'-CUG have been shown to function in vivo. Thus, the
terms "translation initiation codon" and "start codon" can
encompass many codon sequences, even though the initiator amino
acid in each instance is typically methionine (in eukaryotes) or
formylmethionine (in prokaryotes). Eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes
may have two or more alternative start, codons, any one of which
may be preferentially utilized for translation initiation in a
particular cell type or tissue, or under a particular set of
conditions. In the context, of the invention, "start codon" and
"translation initiation codon" refer to the codon or codons that
are used in vivo to initiate translation of an mRNA transcribed
from a gene encoding Filaggrin (FLG), regardless of the sequencers)
of such codons. A translation termination codon (or "stop codon")
of a gene may have one of three sequences, i.e., 5'-UAA, 5'-UAG and
5'-UGA (the corresponding DNA sequences are 5'-TAA, 5'-TAG and
5'-TGA, respectively).
[0214] The terms "start codon region" and "translation initiation
codon region" refer to a portion of such, an mRNA or gene that
encompasses from about 25 to about 50 contiguous nucleotides in
either direction (i.e., 5' or 3') from a translation initiation
codon. Similarly, the terms "stop codon region" and "translation
termination codon region" refer to a portion of such an mRNA or
gene that encompasses from about 25 to about 50 contiguous
nucleotides in either direction (i.e., 5' or 3') from a translation
termination codon. Consequently, the "start codon region" (or
`translation initiation codon region`) and the "stop codon region"
(or "translation termination codon region") are all regions that
may be targeted effectively with the antisense compounds of the
present invention.
[0215] The open reading frame (ORF) or "coding region," which is
known in the art to refer to the region between the translation
initiation codon and the translation termination, codon, is also a
region which may be targeted effectively. Within the context of the
present invention, a targeted region is the intragenic region
encompassing the translation initiation or termination codon of the
open reading frame (ORF) of a gene.
[0216] Another target region includes the 5' untranslated region
(5'UTR), known in the art to refer to the portion of an mRNA in the
5' direction from the translation initiation codon, and thus
including nucleotides between the 5' cap site and the translation
initiation codon of an mRNA (or corresponding nucleotides on the
gene). Still another target region includes the 3' untranslated
region (3'UTR), known in the art to refer to the portion of an mRNA
in the 3' direction from the translation termination codon, and
thus including nucleotides between the translation termination
codon and 3' end of an mRNA (or corresponding nucleotides on the
gene). The 5' cap site of an mRNA comprises an N7-methylated
guanosine residue joined to the 5'-most residue of the mRNA via a
5'-5' triphosphate linkage. The 5' cap region, of an mRNA is
considered to include the 5' cap structure itself as well as the
first 50 nucleotides adjacent to the cap site. Another target
region for this invention is the 5' cap region.
[0217] Although some eukaryotic mRNA transcripts are directly
translated, many contain one or more regions, known as "introns,"
which are excised from a transcript before it is translated. The
remaining (and therefore translated) regions are known as "exons"
and are spliced together to form a continuous mRNA sequence. In one
embodiment, targeting splice sites, i.e., intron-exon junctions or
exon-intron junctions, is particularly useful in situations where
aberrant splicing is implicated in disease, or where an
overproduction of a particular splice product is implicated in
disease. An aberrant fusion junction due to rearrangement or
deletion is another embodiment of a target site. mRNA transcripts
produced via the process of splicing of two (or more) mRNAs from
different gene sources are known as "fusion transcripts". Introns
can be effectively targeted using antisense compounds targeted to,
for example, DNA or pre-mRNA.
[0218] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides bind to
coding and/or non-coding regions of a target polynucleotide and
modulate the expression and/or function of the target molecule.
[0219] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides bind to
natural antisense polynucleotides and modulate the expression
and/or function of the target molecule.
[0220] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides bind to
sense polynucleotides and modulate the expression and/or function
of the target molecule.
[0221] Alternative RNA transcripts can be produced from the same
genomic region of DNA. These alternative transcripts are generally
known as "variants". More specifically, "pre-mRNA variants" are
transcripts produced from the same genomic DNA that differ from
other transcripts produced from the same genomic DNA in either
their start or stop position and contain both intronic and exonic
sequence.
[0222] Upon excision of one or more exon or intron regions, or
portions thereof during splicing, pre-mRNA variants produce smaller
"mRNA variants". Consequently, mRNA variants are processed pre-mRNA
variants and each unique pre-mRNA variant must always produce a
unique mRNA variant as a result of splicing. These mRNA variants
are also known as "alternative splice variants". If no splicing of
the pre-mRNA variant occurs then the pre-mRNA variant is identical
to the mRNA variant.
[0223] Variants can be produced through the use of alternative
signals to start or stop transcription. Pre-mRNAs and mRNAs can
possess more than one start codon or stop codon. Variants that
originate from a pre-mRNA or mRNA that use alternative start codons
are known as "alternative start variants" of that pre-mRNA or mRNA.
Those transcripts that use an alternative stop codon are known as
"alternative stop variants" of that pre-mRNA or mRNA. One specific
type of alternative stop variant is the "polyA variant" in which
the multiple transcripts produced result from the alternative
selection of one of the "polyA stop signals" by the transcription
machinery, thereby producing transcripts that terminate at unique
polyA sites. Within the context of the invention, the types of
variants described, herein are also embodiments of target nucleic
acids.
[0224] The locations on the target nucleic acid to which the
antisense compounds hybridize are defined as at least a
5-nucleotide long portion of a target region to which an active
antisense compound is targeted.
[0225] While the specific sequences of certain exemplary target
segments are set forth herein, one of skill in the art will
recognize that these serve to illustrate and describe particular
embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Additional
target segments are readily identifiable by one having ordinary
skill in the art in view of this disclosure.
[0226] Target segments 5-100 nucleotides in length comprising a
stretch of at least five (5) consecutive nucleotides selected from
within the illustrative preferred target segments are considered to
be suitable for targeting as well.
[0227] Target segments can include DNA or RNA sequences that
comprise at least the 5 consecutive nucleotides from the
5'-terminus of one of the illustrative preferred target segments
(the remaining nucleotides being a consecutive stretch of the same
DNA or RNA beginning immediately upstream of the 5'-terminus of the
target segment and continuing until the DNA or RNA contains about 5
to about 100 nucleotides). Similarly preferred target segments are
represented by DNA or RNA sequences that comprise at least the 5
consecutive nucleotides from the 3'-terminus of one of the
illustrative preferred target segments (the remaining nucleotides
being a consecutive stretch of the same DNA or RNA beginning
immediately downstream of the 3'-terminus of the target segment and
continuing until the DNA or RNA contains about 5 to about 100
nucleotides). One having skill in the art armed with the target
segments illustrated herein will be able, without undue
experimentation, to identify further preferred target segments.
[0228] Once one or more target regions, segments or sites have been
identified, antisense compounds are chosen which are sufficiently
complementary to the target, i.e., hybridize sufficiently well and
with sufficient specificity, to give the desired effect.
[0229] In embodiments of the invention the oligonucleotides bind to
an antisense strand of a particular target. The oligonucleotides
are at least 5 nucleotides in length and can be synthesized so each
oligonucleotide targets overlapping sequences such that
oligonucleotides are synthesized to cover the entire length of the
target polynucleotide. The targets also include coding as well as
non coding regions.
[0230] In one embodiment, it is preferred to target specific
nucleic acids by antisense oligonucleotides. Targeting an antisense
compound to a particular nucleic acid, is a multistep process. The
process usually begins with the identification of a nucleic acid
sequence whose function is to be modulated. This may be, for
example, a cellular gene (or mRNA transcribed from the gene) whose
expression is associated with a particular disorder or disease
state, or a non coding polynucleotide such as for example, non
coding RNA (ncRNA).
[0231] RNAs can be classified into (1) messenger RNAs (mRNAs),
which are translated into proteins, and (2) non-protein-coding RNAs
(ncRNAs) ncRNAs comprise microRNAs, antisense transcripts and other
Transcriptional. Units (TU) containing a high density of stop
codons and lacking any extensive "Open Reading Frame". Many ncRNAs
appear to start from initiation sites in 3' untranslated regions
(3'UTRs) of protein-coding loci, ncRNAs are often rare and at least
half of the ncRNAs that have been sequenced by the FANTOM
consortium seem not to be polyadenylated. Most researchers have for
obvious reasons focused on polyadenylated mRNAs that are processed
and exported to the cytoplasm. Recently, it was shown that the set
of non-polyadenylated nuclear RNAs may be very large, and that many
such transcripts arise from so-called intergenic regions. The
mechanism by which ncRNAs may regulate gene expression is by base
pairing with target transcripts. The RNAs that function by base
pairing can be grouped into (1) cis encoded RNAs that are encoded
at the same genetic location, but on the opposite strand to the
RNAs they act upon and therefore display perfect complementarity to
their target, and (2) trans-encoded RNAs that are encoded at a
chromosomal location distinct from the RNAs they act upon and
generally do not exhibit perfect base-pairing potential with their
targets.
[0232] Without wishing to be bound by theory, perturbation of an
antisense polynucleotide by the antisense oligonucleotides
described herein can alter the expression of the corresponding
sense messenger RNAs. However, this regulation can either be
discordant (antisense knockdown results in messenger RNA elevation)
or concordant (antisense knockdown results in concomitant messenger
RNA reduction). In these cases, antisense oligonucleotides can be
targeted to overlapping or non-overlapping parts of the antisense
transcript resulting in its knockdown or sequestration. Coding as
well as non-coding antisense can be targeted in an identical manner
and that either category is capable of regulating the corresponding
sense transcripts--either in a concordant or disconcordant manner.
The strategies that are employed in identifying new
oligonucleotides for use against a target can be based on the
knockdown of antisense RNA transcripts by antisense
oligonucleotides or any other means of modulating the desired
target.
[0233] Strategy 1: In the case of discordant regulation, knocking
down the antisense transcript elevates the expression of the
conventional (sense) gene. Should that latter gene encode for a
known or putative drug target, then knockdown of its antisense
counterpart could conceivably mimic the action of a receptor
agonist or an enzyme stimulant.
[0234] Strategy 2: In the case of concordant regulation, one could
concomitantly knock down both antisense and sense transcripts and
thereby achieve synergistic reduction of the conventional (sense)
gene expression. If, for example, an antisense oligonucleotide is
used to achieve knockdown, then this strategy can be used to apply
one antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the sense transcript and
another antisense oligonucleotide to the corresponding antisense
transcript; or a single energetically symmetric antisense
oligonucleotide that simultaneously targets overlapping sense and
antisense transcripts.
[0235] According to the present invention, antisense compounds
include antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, external guide
sequence (EGS) oligonucleotides, siRNA compounds, single- or
double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) compounds such as siRNA
compounds, and other oligomeric compounds which hybridize to at
least a portion of the target nucleic acid and modulate its
function. As such, they may be DNA, RNA, DNA-like, RNA-like, or
mixtures thereof, or may be mimetics of one or more of these. These
compounds may be single-stranded, doublestranded, circular or
hairpin oligomeric compounds and may contain structural elements
such as internal or terminal bulges, mismatches or loops. Antisense
compounds are routinely prepared linearly but can be joined or
otherwise prepared to be circular and/or branched. Antisense
compounds can include constructs such as, for example, two strands
hybridized to form a wholly or partially double-stranded compound
or a single strand with sufficient self-complementarity to allow
for hybridization and formation of a fully or partially
double-stranded compound. The two strands can be linked internally
leaving free 3' or 5' termini or can be linked to form a continuous
hairpin structure or loop. The hairpin structure may contain an
overhang on either the 5' or 3' terminus producing an extension of
single stranded character. The double stranded compounds optionally
can include overhangs on the ends. Further modifications can
include conjugate groups attached to one of the termini, selected,
nucleotide positions, sugar positions or to one of the
internucleoside linkages. Alternatively, the two strands cm be
linked via a non-nucleic acid moiety or linker group. When formed
from, only one strand, dsRNA can take the form of a
self-complementary hairpin-type molecule that doubles back on
itself to form a duplex. Thus, the dsRNAs can be fully or partially
double stranded. Specific modulation of gene expression can be
achieved by stable expression of dsRNA hairpins in transgenic cell
lines, however, in some embodiments, the gene expression or
function is up regulated. When formed from two strands, or a single
strand that takes the form of a self-complementary hairpin-type
molecule doubled back on itself to form a duplex, the two strands
(or duplex-forming regions of a single strand) are complementary
RNA strands that base pair in Watson-Crick fashion.
[0236] Once introduced to a system, the compounds of the invention,
may elicit the action of one or more enzymes or structural proteins
to effect cleavage or other modification of the target nucleic acid
or may work, via occupancy-based mechanisms. In general, nucleic
acids (including oligonucleotides) may be described as "DNA-like"
(i.e., generally having one or more 2'-deoxy sugars and, generally,
T rather than U bases) or "RNA-like" (i.e., generally having one or
more 2'-hydroxyl or 2'-modified sugars and, generally U rather than
T bases). Nucleic acid helices can adopt more than one type of
structure, most commonly the A- and B-forms. It is believed that,
in general, oligonucleotides which have B-form-like structure are
"DMA-like" and those which have A-formlike structure are
"RNA-like." in some (chimeric) embodiments, an antisense compound
may contain both A- and B-form regions.
[0237] In an embodiment, the desired oligonucleotides or antisense
compounds, comprise at least one of: antisense RNA, antisense DNA,
chimeric antisense oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotides
comprising modified linkages, interference RNA (RNAi), short
interfering RNA (siRNA); a micro, interfering RNA (miRNA); a small,
temporal RNA (stRNA); or a short, hairpin RNA (shRNA); small
RNA-induced gene activation (RNAa); small activating RNAs (saRNAs),
or combinations thereof.
[0238] dsRNA can also activate gene expression, a mechanism that
has been termed `small RNA-induced gene activation` or RNAa, dsRNAs
targeting gene promoters induce potent transcriptional activation
of associated genes. RNAa was demonstrated in human cells using
synthetic dsRNAs, termed "small activating RNAs" (saRNAs). It is
currently not known whether RNAa is conserved in other
organisms.
[0239] Small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), such as small interfering
RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), have been found to be the trigger
of an evolutionary conserved mechanism known as RNA interference
(RNAi). RNAi invariably leads to gene silencing via remodeling
chromatin to thereby suppress transcription, degrading
complementary mRNA, or blocking protein translation. However, in
instances described in detail in the examples section which
follows, oligonucleotides are shown to increase the expression
and/or function of the Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides and encoded
products thereof. dsRNAs may also act as small activating RNAs
(saRNA). Without wishing to be bound by theory, by targeting
sequences in gene promoters, saRNAs would induce target gene
expression in a phenomenon referred to as dsRNA-induced
transcriptional activation (RNAa).
[0240] In a further embodiment, the "preferred target segments"
identified herein may be employed in a screen, for additional
compounds that modulate the expression of Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotides. "Modulators" are those compounds that decrease or
increase the expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding FLG and
which comprise at least a 5-nucleotide portion that is
complementary to a preferred target segment. The screening method
comprises the steps of contacting a preferred target segment of a
nucleic acid molecule encoding sense or natural antisense
polynucleotides of FLG with one or more candidate modulators, and
selecting for one or more candidate modulators which decrease or
increase the expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding FLG
polynucleotides, e.g. SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13, Once it is shown that
the candidate modulator or modulators are capable of modulating
(e.g. either decreasing or increasing) the expression of a nucleic
acid molecule encoding FLG polynucleotides, the modulator may then
be employed in further investigative studies of the function of FLG
polynucleotides, or for use as a research, diagnostic, or
therapeutic agent in accordance with the present invention.
[0241] Targeting the natural antisense sequence preferably
modulates the function of the target gene. For example, the FLG
gene (e.g. accession number NM.sub.--002016). In an embodiment, the
target is an antisense polynucleotide of the FLG gene. In an
embodiment, an antisense oligonucleotide targets sense and/or
natural antisense sequences of FLG polynucleotides (e.g. accession
number NM.sub.--002016), variants, alleles, isoforms, homologs,
mutants, derivatives, fragments and complementary sequences
thereto. Preferably the oligonucleotide is an antisense molecule
and the targets include coding and noncoding regions of antisense
and/or sense FLG polynucleotides.
[0242] The preferred target segments of the present invention may
be also be combined with their respective complementary antisense
compounds of the present invention to form stabilized
double-stranded (duplexed) oligonucleotides.
[0243] Such double stranded oligonucleotide moieties have been
shown in the art to modulate target expression and regulate
translation as well as RNA processing via an antisense mechanism.
Moreover, the double-stranded moieties may be subject to chemical
modifications. For example, such double-stranded moieties have been
shown to inhibit the target by the classical hybridization of
antisense strand of the duplex to the target, (hereby triggering
enzymatic degradation of the target.
[0244] In an embodiment, an antisense oligonucleotide targets
Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides (e.g. accession number
NM.sub.--002016), variants, alleles, isoforms, homologs, mutants,
derivatives, fragments and complementary sequences thereto.
Preferably the oligonucleotide is an antisense molecule.
[0245] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the target
nucleic acid molecule is not limited to FLG alone but extends to
any of the isoforms, receptors, homologs and the like of FLG
molecules.
[0246] In an embodiment, an oligonucleotide targets a natural
antisense sequence of FLG polynucleotides, for example,
polynucleotides set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 2, and any variants,
alleles, homologs, mutants, derivatives, fragments and
complementary sequences thereto. Examples of antisense
oligonucleotides are set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13.
[0247] In one embodiment, the oligonucleotides are complementary to
or bind to nucleic acid sequences of FLG antisense, including
without limitation noncoding sense and/or antisense sequences
associated with FLG polynucleotides and modulate expression and/or
function of FLG molecules.
[0248] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides are complementary to
or bind to nucleic acid sequences of FLG
[0249] natural antisense, set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 2 and modulate
expression and/or function of FLG molecules.
[0250] In an embodiment, oligonucleotides comprise sequences of at
least 5 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13 and modulate
expression and/or function of FLG molecules.
[0251] The polynucleotide targets comprise FLG, including family
members thereof, variants of FLG; mutants of FLG, including SNPs;
noncoding sequences of FLG; alleles of FLG; species variants,
fragments and fire like. Preferably the oligonucleotide is an
antisense molecule.
[0252] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotide targeting FLG
ribonucleotides, comprise: antisense RNA, interference RNA (RNAi),
short interfering RNA (siRNA); micro interfering RNA (miRNA); a
small, temporal RNA (stRNA); or a short, hairpin RNA. (shRNA);
small RNA-induced gene activation (RNAa); or, small activating RNA
(saRNA).
[0253] In an embodiment, targeting of Filaggrin (FLG)
polynucleotides, e.g. SEQ ID NOS: 2 modulate the expression or
function of these targets. In one embodiment, expression or
function is up-regulated as compared to a control. In an
embodiment, expression or function is down-regulated as compared to
a contro.
[0254] In an embodiment, antisense compounds comprise sequences set
forth as SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13. These oligonucleotides can comprise
one or more modified nucleotides, shorter or longer fragments,
modified bonds and the like.
[0255] In an embodiment, SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13 comprise one or more
LNA nucleotides.
[0256] The modulation of a desired target nucleic acid can be
carried out in several ways known in the art. For example,
antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA etc. Enzymatic nucleic acid
molecules (e.g., ribozymes) are nucleic acid molecules capable of
catalyzing one or more of a variety of reactions, including the
ability to repeatedly cleave other separate nucleic acid molecules
in a nucleotide base sequence-specific manner. Such enzymatic
nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, to target
virtually any RNA transcript.
[0257] Because of their sequence-specificity, trans-cleaving
enzymatic nucleic acid molecules show promise as therapeutic agents
for human disease (Usman & McSwiggen, (1995) Ann. Rep. Med.
Chem. 30, 285-294; Christoffersen and Marr, (1995) J. Med. Chem.
38, 2023-2037). Enzymatic nucleic acid molecules can be designed to
cleave specific RNA targets within the background of cellular RNA.
Such a cleavage event renders the mRNA non-functional and abrogates
protein expression from that RNA. In this manner, synthesis of a
protein associated with a disease state can be selectively
inhibited.
[0258] In general, enzymatic nucleic acids with RNA cleaving
activity act by first binding to a target RNA. Such binding occurs
through the target binding portion of an enzymatic nucleic acid
which is held in close proximity to an enzymatic portion of the
molecule that acts to cleave the target RNA. Thus, the enzymatic
nucleic acid first recognizes and then binds a target RNA through
complementary base pairing, and once bound to the correct site,
acts enzymatically to cut the target RNA. Strategic cleavage of
such a target RNA will destroy its ability to direct synthesis of
an encoded protein. After an enzymatic nucleic acid has bound and
cleaved its RNA target, it is released from that RNA to search for
another target and can repeatedly bind and cleave new targets.
[0259] Several approaches such as in vitro selection (evolution)
strategies (Orgel, (1979) Proc. R. Soc. London, B 205, 435) have
been used to evolve new nucleic acid catalysts capable of
catalyzing a variety of reactions, such as cleavage and ligation of
phosphodiester linkages and amide linkages.
[0260] The development of ribozymes that are optimal for catalytic
activity would contribute significantly to any strategy that
employs RNA-cleaving ribozymes for die purpose of regulating gene
expression. The hammerhead ribozyme, for example, functions with a
catalytic rate (keat) of about 1 min-1 in the presence of
saturating (10 mM) concentrations of Mg2+ cofactor. An artificial
"RNA ligase" ribozyme has been shown to catalyze the corresponding
self-modification reaction with a rate of about 100 min-1. In
addition, it is known that certain modified hammerhead ribozymes
that have substrate binding arms made of DMA catalyze RNA cleavage
with multiple turn-over rates that approach 100 min-1. Finally,
replacement of a specific residue within the catalytic core of the
hammerhead with certain nucleotide analogues gives modified
ribozymes that show as much as a 10-fold improvement in catalytic
rate. These findings demonstrate that ribozymes can promote
chemical transformations with catalytic rates that are
significantly greater than those displayed in vitro by most natural
self-cleaving ribozymes. It is then possible that the structures of
certain selfcleaving ribozymes may be optimized to give maximal
catalytic activity, or that entirely new RNA motifs can be made
that display significantly faster rates for RNA phosphodiester
cleavage.
[0261] Intermolecular cleavage of an RNA substrate by an RNA
catalyst that fits the "hammerhead" model was first shown in 1987
(Uhlenbeck, O. C. (1987) Nature, 328; 596-600). The RNA catalyst
was recovered and reacted with multiple RNA molecules,
demonstrating that it was truly catalytic.
[0262] Catalytic RNAs designed based on the "hammerhead" motif have
been used to cleave specific target sequences by making appropriate
base changes in the catalytic RNA to maintain necessary base
pairing with the target sequences. This has allowed use of the
catalytic RNA to cleave specific target sequences and indicates
that catalytic RNAs designed according to the "hammerhead" model
may possibly cleave specific substrate RNAs in vivo.
[0263] RNA interference (RNAi) has become a powerful tool for
modulating gene expression in mammals and mammalian cells. This
approach requires the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA)
either as RNA itself or as DNA, using an expression plasmid or
virus and the coding sequence for small hairpin RNAs that are
processed to siRNAs. This system enables efficient transport of the
pre-siRNAs to the cytoplasm where they are active and permit the
use of regulated and tissue specific promoters for gene
expression.
[0264] In an embodiment, an oligonucleotide or antisense compound
comprises an oligomer or polymer of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and/or
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), or a mimetic, chimera, analog or
homolog thereof. This term includes oligonucleotides composed of
naturally occurring nucleotides, sugars and covalent
internucleoside (backbone) linkages as well as oligonucleotides
having non-naturally occurring portions which function similarly.
Such modified or substituted oligonucleotides are often desired
over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for
example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for a target
nucleic acid and increased stability in the presence of
nucleases.
[0265] According to the present invention, the oligonucleotides or
"antisense compounds" include antisense oligonucleotides (e.g. RNA,
DNA, mimetic, chimera, analog or homolog thereof), ribozymes,
external guide sequence (EGS) oligonucleotides, siRNA compounds,
single- or double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) compounds such
as siRNA compounds, saRNA, aRNA, and other oligomeric compounds
which hybridize to at least a portion, of the target nucleic acid
and modulate its function. As such, they may be DNA, RNA, DNA-like,
RNA-like, or mixtures thereof, or may be mimetics of one or more of
these. These compounds may be single-stranded, double-stranded,
circular or hairpin oligomeric compounds and may contain structural
elements such as internal or terminal bulges, mismatches or loops.
Antisense compounds are routinely prepared linearly but can be
joined or otherwise prepared to be circular and/or branched.
Antisense compounds can include constructs such as, for example,
two strands hybridized to form a wholly or partially
double-stranded compound or a single strand with sufficient
self-complementarity to allow for hybridization and formation of a
fully or partially double-stranded compound. The two strands can be
linked internally leaving free 3' or 5' termini or can be linked to
form a continuous hairpin structure or loop. The hairpin structure
may contain an overhang on either the 5' or 3' terminus producing
an extension of single stranded character. The double stranded
compounds optionally can include overhangs on the ends. Further
modifications can include conjugate groups attached to one of the
termini, selected nucleotide positions, sugar positions or to one
of the internucleoside linkages. Alternatively, the two strands can
be linked via a non-nucleic acid moiety or linker group. When
formed from only one strand, dsRNA can take the form of a
self-complementary hairpin-type molecule that doubles back on
itself to form a duplex. Thus, the dsRNAs can be fully or partially
double stranded. Specific modulation of gene expression can be
achieved by stable expression of dsRNA hairpins in transgenic cell
lines. When formed from two strands, or a single strand that takes
the form of a self-complementary hairpin-type molecule doubled back
on itself to form a duplex, the two strands (or duplex-forming
regions of a single strand) are complementary RNA strands that base
pair in Watson-Crick fashion.
[0266] Once introduced to a system, the compounds of the invention
may elicit the action of one or more enzymes or structural proteins
to effect cleavage or other modification of the target nucleic acid
or may work via occupancy-based mechanisms. In general, nucleic
acids (including oligonucleotides) may be described as "DNA-like"
(i.e., generally having one or more 2'-deoxy sugars and, generally,
T rather than U bases) or "RNA-like" (i.e., generally having one or
more 2'-hydroxyl or 2'-modified sugars and, generally U rather than
T bases). Nucleic acid helices can adopt more than one type of
structure, most commonly the A- and B-forms. It is believed that,
in general, oligonucleotides which have B-form-like structure are
"DNA-like" and those which have A-formlike structure are
"RNA-like." In some (chimeric) embodiments, an antisense compound
may contain both A- and B-form regions.
[0267] The antisense compounds in accordance with this invention
can comprise an antisense portion from about 5 to about 80
nucleotides (i.e. from about 5 to about 80 linked nucleosides) in
length. This refers to the length of the antisense strand or
portion, of the antisense compound. In other words, a
single-stranded antisense compound of the invention comprises from
5 to about 80 nucleotides, and a double-stranded antisense compound
of the invention (such as a dsRNA, for example) comprises a sense
and an antisense strand or portion of 5 to about 80 nucleotides in
length. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this
comprehends antisense portions of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,
65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80
nucleotides in length, or any range therewithin.
[0268] In one embodiment, the antisense compounds of tire invention
have antisense portion of 10 to 50 nucleotides in length. One
having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this embodies
oligonucleotides having antisense portions of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48,
49, or 50 nucleotides in length, or any range therewithin. In some
embodiments, the oligonucleotides are 15 nucleotides in length.
[0269] In one embodiment, the antisense or oligonucleotide
compounds of the invention have antisense portions of 12 or 13 to
30 nucleotides in length. One having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that this embodies antisense compounds having antisense
portions of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 nucleotides in length, or any range
therewithin.
[0270] In an embodiment the oligomeric compounds of the present
invention also include variants in which a different base is
present at one or more of the nucleotide positions in the compound.
For example, if the first nucleotide is an adenosine, variants may
be produced which contain thymidine, guanosine or cytidine at this
position. This may be done at any of the positions of the antisense
or dsRNA compounds. These compounds are then tested using the
methods described herein to determine their ability to inhibit
expression of a target nucleic acid.
[0271] In some embodiments, homology, sequence identity or
complementarity, between the antisense compound and target is from
about 40% to about 60%. In some embodiments, homology, sequence
identity or complementarity, is from about 60% to about 70% in some
embodiments, homology, sequence identity or complementarity, is
from about 70% to about 80%. In some embodiments, homology,
sequence identity or complementarity, is from about 80% to about
90%. In some embodiments, homology, sequence identity or
complementarity, is about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 95%,
about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99% or about 100%.
[0272] In an embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotides, such as
for example, nucleic acid molecules set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 2 to
13 comprise one or more substitutions or modifications, in one
embodiment, the nucleotides are substituted with locked nucleic
acids (LNA).
[0273] In an embodiment, the oligonucleotides target one or more
regions of the nucleic acid molecules sense and/or antisense of
coding and/or non-coding sequences associated with FLG and the
sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2. The oligonucleotides
are also targeted to overlapping regions of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and
2.
[0274] Certain preferred oligonucleotides of this invention are
chimeric oligonucleotides. `Chimeric oligonucleotides` or
"chimeras," in the context of this invention, are oligonucleotides
which contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up
of at least one nucleotide. These oligonucleotides typically
contain at least one region of modified nucleotides that confers
one or more beneficial properties (such as, for example, increased
nuclease resistance, increased uptake into cells, increased binding
affinity for the target and a region that is a substrate for
enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids. By way of
example, RNase H is a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA
strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. Activation of RNase H, therefore,
results in cleavage of the RNA target, thereby greatly enhancing
the efficiency of antisense modulation of gene expression.
Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter
oligonucleotides when chimeric oligonucleotides are used, compared
to phosphorothioate deoxyoligonucleotides hybridizing to the same
target region. Cleavage of the RNA target can be routinely detected
by gel electrophoresis and, if necessary, associated nucleic acid
hybridization techniques known in the art. In one an embodiment, a
chimeric oligonucleotide comprises at least one region modified to
increase target binding affinity, and, usually, a region that acts
as a substrate for RNAse H. Affinity of an oligonucleotide for its
target (in this case, a nucleic acid encoding ras) is routinely
determined by measuring the Tm of an oligonucleotide/target pair,
which is the temperature at which the oligonucleotide and target
dissociate; dissociation is detected spectrophotometrically. The
higher the Tm, the greater is the affinity of the oligonucleotide
for the target.
[0275] Chimeric antisense compounds of the invention may be formed
as composite structures of two or more oligonucleotides, modified
oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides and/or oligonucleotides mimetics
as described above. Such; compounds have also been referred to in
the art as hybrids or gapmers. Representative United States patents
that teach the preparation of such hybrid structures comprise, but
are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,830; 5,149,797; 5,
220,007; 5,256,775; 5,366,878; 5,403,711; 5,491,133; 5,565,350;
5,623,065; 5,652,355; 5,652,356; and 5,700,922, each of which is
herein incorporated by reference.
[0276] In an embodiment, the region of the oligonucleotide which is
modified comprises at least one nucleotide modified at the 2'
position of the sugar, most preferably a 2''-Oalkyl,
2'-O-alkyl-O-alkyl or 2'-fluoro-modified nucleotide. In other an
embodiment, RNA modifications include 2'-fluoro, 2-amino and 2'
O-methyl modifications on the ribose of pyrimidines, a basic
residues or an inverted base at the 3' end of the RNA. Such
modifications are routinely incorporated into oligonucleotides and
these oligonucleotides have been shown to have a higher Tm (i.e.,
higher target binding affinity) than; 2,-deoxyoligonucleotides
against a given target. The effect of such increased affinity is to
greatly enhance RNAi oligonucleotide inhibition of gene expression,
RNAse H is a cellular endonuclease that cleaves the RNA strand of
RNA:DNA duplexes; activation of this enzyme therefore results in
cleavage of the RNA target, and thus can greatly enhance the
efficiency of RNAi inhibition. Cleavage of the RNA target can be
routinely demonstrated by gel electrophoresis, in an embodiment,
the chimeric oligonucleotide is also modified to enhance nuclease
resistance. Cells contain a variety of exo- and endo-nucleases
which can degrade nucleic acids. A number of nucleotide and
nucleoside modifications have been shown to make the
oligonucleotide into which they are incorporated more resistant to
nuclease digestion than the native oligodeoxynucleotide. Nuclease
resistance is routinely measured by incubating oligonucleotides
with cellular extracts or isolated nuclease solutions and measuring
the extent of intact oligonucleotide remaining over time, usually
by gel electrophoresis. Oligonucleotides which have been modified
to enhance their nuclease resistance survive intact for a longer
time than unmodified oligonucleotides. A variety of oligonucleotide
modifications have been demonstrated to enhance or confer nuclease
resistance. Oligonucleotides which contain at least one
phosphorothioate modification are presently more preferred. In some
cases, oligonucleotide modifications which enhance target binding
affinity are also, independently, able to enhance nuclease
resistance.
[0277] Specific examples of some preferred oligonucleotides
envisioned tor this invention include those comprising modified
backbones, for example, phosphorothioates, phosphotriesters, methyl
phosphonates, short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl intersugar linkages
or short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic intersugar linkages.
Most preferred are oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate backbones
and those with heteroatom backbones, particularly CH2-NH--O--CH2,
CH, --N(CH3)-O--CH2 [known as a methylene(methylimino) or MMI
backbone], CH2-O--N (CH3)-CH2, CH2-N(CH3)-N(CH3)-CH2 and
O--N(CH3)-CH2-CH2 backbones, wherein the native phosphodiester
backbone is represented as O--P--O--CH,). The amide backbones
disclosed by De Mesmaeker et al. (1995) Ace. Chem. Res. 28:366-374
are also preferred. Also preferred are oligonucleotides having
morpholino backbone structures (Summerton and Weller, U.S. Pat. No.
5,034,506). In other an embodiment, such as the peptide nucleic
acid (PNA) backbone, the phosphodiester backbone of the
oligonucleotide is replaced with a polyamide backbone, the
nucleotides being bound directly or indirectly to the aza nitrogen
atoms of the polyamide backbone. Oligonucleotides may also comprise
one or more substituted sugar moieties. Preferred oligonucleotides
comprise one of die following at the 2' position; OH, SB, SCH3, F,
OCN, OCH3 OCH3, OCH3O(CH2)n CH3, O(CH2)n NH2 or O(CH2)n CH3 where n
is from 1 to about 10; C1 to C10 lower alkyl, alkoxyalkoxy,
substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl; Cl; Br; CN; CF3; OCF3;
O-, S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; SOCH3; SO2 CH3; ONO2;
NO2; N3; NH2; heterocycloalkyl; heterocycloalkaryl;
aminoalkylamino; polyalkykimino; substituted silyl; an RNA cleaving
group; a reporter group; an intercalator; a group for improving the
pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide; or a group for
improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide and
other substituents having similar properties. A preferred
modification includes 2-methoxyethoxy [2-O--CH2 CH2OCH3, also known
as 2, --O-(2-methoxyethyl)]. Other preferred modifications include
2-methoxy(2'-O--CH3), 2'-propoxy(2'-OCH2 CH2CH3) and 2'-fluoro
(2'-F). Similar modifications may also be made at other positions
on the oligonucleotide, particularly the 3' position of the sugar
on the 3' terminal nucleotide and the 5' position of 5' terminal
nucleotide. Oligonucleotides may also have sugar mimetics such as
cyclobutyls in place of the pentofuranosyl group.
[0278] Oligonucleotides may also include, additionally or
alternatively, nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as
"base") modifications or substitutions. As used herein,
"unmodified" or "natural" nucleotides include adenine (A), guanine
(G), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleotides
include nucleotides found, only infrequently or transiently in
natural, nucleic acids, e.g., hypoxanthine, 6-methyladenine, 5-Me
pyrimidines, particularly 5-methylcytosine (also referred to as
5-methyl-2' deoxycytosine and often referred to in the art as
5-Me-C), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (HMC), glycosyl HMC and
gentobiosyl HMC, as well as synthetic nucleotides, e.g.,
2-aminoadenine, 2-(methylamino)adenine, 2-(imidazolylalkyl)adenine,
2-(aminoalklyamino)adenine or other heterosubstituted
alkyladenines, 2-thiouracil 2-thiothymine, 5-bromouracil,
5-hydroxymethyluracil, 8-azaguanine, 7-deazaguanine, N6
(6-aminohexyl)adenine and 2,6-diaminopurine, A "universal" base
known in the art, e.g., inosine, may be included. 5-Me-C
substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex
stability by 0.6-1.2.degree. C. and are presently preferred base
substitutions.
[0279] Another modification of the oligonucleotides of the
invention involves chemically linking to the oligonucleotide one or
more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity or cellular
uptake of the oligonucleotide. Such moieties include but are not
limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety, a
cholesteryl moiety, an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or
undecyl residues, a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain, or
Adamantane acetic acid. Oligonucleotides comprising lipophilic
moieties, and methods for preparing such oligonucleotides are known
in the art, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,045, 5,218,105 and
5,459,255.
[0280] It is not necessary for all positions in a given
oligonucleotide to be uniformly modified, and in fact more than one
of the aforementioned modifications may be incorporated in a single
oligonucleotide or even at within a single nucleoside within an
oligonucleotide. The present invention, also includes
oligonucleotides which, are chimeric oligonucleotides as
hereinbefore defined.
[0281] In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the
present invention is conjugated with another moiety including but
not limited, to a basic nucleotides, polyether, polyamine,
polyamides, peptides, carbohydrates, lipid, or polyhydrocarbon
compounds. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these
molecules can be linked to one or more of any nucleotides
comprising the nucleic acid molecule at several positions on the
sugar, base or phosphate group.
[0282] The oligonucleotides used in accordance with this invention
may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known
technique of solid phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is
sold by several vendors including Applied Biosystems. Any other
means for such synthesis may also be employed; the actual synthesis
of the oligonucleotides is well within the talents of one of
ordinary skill in the art. It is also well known to use similar
techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides such as the
phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives. It is also well known
to use similar techniques and commercially available modified
amidites and controlled-pore glass (CPG) products such as biotin,
fluorescein, acridine or psoralen-modified amidites and/or CPG
(available from Glen Research, Sterling Va.) to synthesize
fluorescently labeled, biotinylated or other modified
oligonucleotides such as cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides.
[0283] In accordance with the invention, use of modifications such
as the use of LNA monomers to enhance the potency, specificity and
duration of action and broaden the routes of administration of
oligonucleotides comprised of current chemistries such as MOE, ANA,
FANA, PS etc. This can be achieved by substituting some of the
monomers in the current oligonucleotides by LNA monomers. The LNA
modified oligonucleotide may have a size similar to the parent
compound or may be larger or preferably smaller. It is preferred
that such LNA-modified oligonucleotides contain less than about
70%, more preferably less than about 60%, most preferably less than
about 50% LNA monomers and that their sizes are between about 5 and
25 nucleotides, more preferably between about 12 and 20
nucleotides.
[0284] Preferred modified oligonucleotide backbones comprise, but
not limited to, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates,
phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters,
methyl and other alkyl phosphonates comprising 3'alkylene
phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates,
phosphoramidates comprising 3-amino phosphoramidate and
aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates,
thionoalkylphospbonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and
boranophosphates having normal 3'-5' linkages, 2-5' linked analogs
of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent
pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3-5' to 5'-3' or 2'-5' to
5'-2'. Various salts, mixed salts and fee acid forms are also
included.
[0285] Representative United States patents that teach the
preparation of the above phosphorus containing linkages comprise,
but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808; 4,469,863;
4,476,301; 5,023,243; 5,177,196; 5,188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019;
5,278,302; 5,286,717; 5,321,131; 5,399,676; 5,405,939; 5,453,496;
5.455, 233; 5,466,677; 5,476,925; 5,519,126; 5,536,821; 5,541,306;
5,550,111; 5,563,253; 5,571,799; 5,587,361; and 5,625,050, each of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0286] Preferred modified oligonucleotide backbones that do not
include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by
short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed
heteroatom and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one
or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside
linkages. These comprise those having morpholino linkages (formed
in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane
backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and
thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl
backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones;
methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and
sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N,
O, S and CH2 component parts.
[0287] Representative United States patents that teach the
preparation of the above oligonucleotides comprise, but are not
limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444;
5,214,134; 5,216,141; 5,235,033; 5,264,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938;
5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541,307; 5,561,225;
5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,610,289; 5,602,240; 5,608,046; 5,610,289;
5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,677,437; and
5,677,439, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0288] In other preferred oligonucleotide mimetics, both the sugar
and the internucleoside linkage, i.e., the backbone, of the
nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. The base units are
maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid
target compound. One such oligomeric compound, an oligonucleotide
mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization
properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA
compounds, the sugar-backbone of an oligonucleotide is replaced
with an amide containing backbone, in particular an
aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are retained and are
bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide
portion of the backbone. Representative United States patents that
teach the preparation of PNA compounds comprise, but are not
limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262,
each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Further teaching
of PNA compounds can be found in Nielsen, et al (1991) Science 254,
1497-1500.
[0289] In an embodiment of the invention the oligonucleotides with
phosphorothioate backbones and oligonucleosides with heteroatom
backbones, and in particular-- CH2-NH--O--CH2-,
--CH2-N(CH3)-O--CH2- known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI
backbone, --CH2-O--N(CH3)-CH2-, --CH2N(CH3)-N(CH3) CH2- and
--O--N(CH3)-CH2--CH2- wherein the native phosphodiester backbone is
represented as --O--P--CH2- of the above referenced U.S. Pat. No.
5,489,677, and the amide backbones of the above referenced U.S.
Pat. No. 5,602,240. Also preferred are oligonucleotides having
morpholino backbone structures of the above-referenced U.S. Pat.
No. 5,034,506.
[0290] Modified oligonucleotides may also contain one or more
substituted sugar moieties. Preferred oligonucleotides comprise one
of the following at the 2' position: OH; F.sup.-; O-, S-, or
N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; O-, S- or N-alkynyl; or O
alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl may be
substituted or unsubstituted C to CO alkyl or C2 to CO alkenyl and
alkynyl. Particularly preferred are O(CH2)n OmCH3, O(CH2)n, OCH3,
O(CH2)nNH2, O(CH2)nCH3, O(CH2)nONH2, and O(CH2nON(CH2)nCH3)2 where
n and m can be from 1 to about 10. Oilier preferred
oligonucleotides comprise one of the following at the 2' position:
C to CO, (lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl,
O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SB, SCH3, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3,
SOCH3, SO2CH3, ONO2, NO2, N3, NH2, heterocycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted
silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a
group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an
oligonucleotide, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic
properties of an oligonucleotide, and other substituents having
similar properties. A preferred modification comprises
2-methoxyethoxy(2'-O-CH2CH2OCH3, also known as
2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2'-MOE) i.e., an alkoxyalkoxy group. A
further preferred modification comprises 2'-dimethylaminooxyethoxy,
i.e., a O(CH2)2ON(CH3)2 group, also known as 2'-DMAOE, as described
in examples herein below, and 2'-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also
known in the art as 2'-O-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2'-DMAEOE),
i.e., 2'-O--CH2OCH2-N(CH2)2.
[0291] Other preferred modifications comprise 2'-methoxy (2'-O
CH3), 2'-aminopropoxy (2'-O CH2CH2CH2NH2) and 2'-fluoro (2'-F).
Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the
oligonucleotide, particularly the 3' position of the sugar on the
3' terminal nucleotide or in 2-5' linked oligonucleotides and the
5' position of 5' terminal nucleotide, Oligonucleotides may also
have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the
pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative United States patents that
teach the preparation of such modified sugar structures comprise,
but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,957; 5,118,800;
5,319,080; 5,359,044; 5,393,878; 5,446,137; 5,466,786; 5,514, 785;
5,519,134; 5,567,811; 5,576,427; 5,591,722; 5,597,909; 5,610,300;
5,627,053; 5,639,873; 5,646,265; 5,658,873; 5,670,633; and
5,700,920, each of which, is herein incorporated by reference.
[0292] Oligonucleotides may also comprise nucleobase (often
referred to in the art simply as "base") modifications or
substitutions. As used herein, "unmodified" or "natural"
nucleotides comprise the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G),
and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U).
Modified, nucleotides comprise other synthetic and natural
nucleotides such as 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl
cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and
other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other
alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil,
2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine,
5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine,
S-uracil (pseudo-uracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol,
8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines and
guanines, 5-halo particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other
5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and
7-methyladenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and
7-deazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine.
[0293] Further, nucleotides comprise those disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in `The Concise Encyclopedia of
Polymer Science And Engineering`, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. L,
ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, those disclosed by Englisch et al,
`Angewandle Chemie, International Edition`, 1991, 30, page 613, and
those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y. S., Chapter 15, `Antisense Research
and Applications`, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B. ea.,
CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleotides are particularly
useful for increasing the binding affinity of the oligomeric
compounds of the invention. These comprise 5-substituted
pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and 0-6 substituted
purines, comprising 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and
5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown
to increase nucleic acid duplex, stability by 0.6.about.1.2.degree.
C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., eds, `Antisense
Research and Applications`, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp.
276-278) and are presently preferred base substitutions, even more
particularly when combined with 2'-Omethoxyethyl sugar
modifications.
[0294] Representative United States patents that teach the
preparation of the above noted modified nucleotides as well as
other modified nucleotides comprise, but are not limited to, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,687,808, as well as 4,845,205; 5,130,302; 5,134,066;
5,175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457,187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908;
5,502,177; 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,596,091; 5,614,617;
5,750,692, and 5,681,941, each of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
[0295] Another modification of the oligonucleotides of the
invention involves chemically linking to the oligonucleotide one or
more moieties or conjugates, which enhance the activity, cellular
distribution, or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide.
[0296] Such moieties comprise but are not limited to, lipid
moieties such as a cholesterol moiety, cholic acid, a thioether,
e.g., hexyl-5-tritylthiol, a thiocholesterol, an aliphatic chain,
e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues, a phospholipid, e.g.,
di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium
1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate, a polyamine or a
polyethylene glycol chain, or Adamantane acetic acid, a palmityl
moiety, or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-1
oxycholesterol moiety.
[0297] Representative United States patents that teach the
preparation of such oligonucleotides conjugates comprise, but are
not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105;
5,525,465; 5,541,313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717; 5,580,731;
5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077;
5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735;
4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335;
4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830;
5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536;
5,272,250; 5:292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241, 5,391,723; 5,416,203,
5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810;
5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923;
5,599,928 and 5,688,941, each of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
[0298] Drug Discovery
[0299] The compounds of the present invention can also be applied
in the areas of drug discovery and target, validation. The present
invention comprehends the use of the compounds and preferred target
segments identified herein in drug discovery efforts to elucidate
relationships that exist between Filaggrin (FLG) polynucleotides
and a disease state, phenotype, or condition. These methods include
detecting or modulating FLG polynucleotides comprising contacting a
sample, tissue, cell, or organism with the compounds of the present
invention, measuring the nucleic acid or protein level of FLG
polynucleotides and/or a related phenotypic or chemical endpoint at
some time after treatment, and optionally comparing the measured
value to a non-treated sample or sample treated with a further
compound of the invention. These methods can also be performed in
parallel or in combination with other experiments to determine the
function of unknown genes for the process of target validation or
to determine the validity of a particular gene product as a target
for treatment or prevention of a particular disease, condition, or
phenotype.
Assessing Up-Regulation or Inhibition of Gene Expression:
[0300] Transfer of an exogenous nucleic acid into a host cell or
organism can be assessed by directly detecting the presence of the
nucleic acid in the cell or organism. Such detection can be
achieved by several methods well known in the art. For example, the
presence of the exogenous nucleic acid can be detected, by Southern
blot or by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using
primers that specifically amplify nucleotide sequences associated
with the nucleic acid. Expression of the exogenous nucleic acids
can also be measured using conventional methods including gene
expression analysis. For instance, mRNA produced from an exogenous
nucleic acid can be detected and quantified using a Northern blot
and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).
[0301] Expression of RNA from the exogenous nucleic acid can also
be detected by measuring an enzymatic activity or a reporter
protein activity. For example, antisense modulatory activity can be
measured indirectly as a decrease or increase in target nucleic
acid expression as an indication that the exogenous nucleic acid is
producing the effector RNA. Based on sequence conservation, primers
can be designed and used to amplify coding regions of the target
genes, initially, the most highly expressed coding region from each
gene can be used to build a model control gene, although any coding
or non coding region can be used. Each control gene is assembled by
inserting each coding region between a reporter coding region and
its poly(A) signal. These plasmids would produce an mRNA with a
reporter gene in the upstream portion of the gene and a potential
RNAi target in the 3' non-coding region. The effectiveness of
individual antisense oligonucleotides would be assayed by
modulation of the reporter gene. Reporter genes useful in the
methods of the present invention include acetohydroxyacid synthase
(AHAS), alkaline phosphatase (AP), beta galactosidase (LacZ), beta
glucuronidase (GUS), chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), green
fluorescent protein (GFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), yellow
fluorescent protein (YFP), cyan fluorescent protein (CFP),
horseradish peroxidase (HRP), luciferase (Luc), nopaline synthase
(NOS), octopine synthase (OCS), and derivatives thereof. Multiple
selectable markers are available that confer resistance to
ampicillin, bleomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, hygromycin,
kanamycin, lincomycin, methotrexate, phosphinothricin, puromycin,
and tetracycline. Methods to determine modulation of a reporter
gene are well known in the art, and include, but are not limited
to, fluorometric methods (e.g. fluorescence spectroscopy.
Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), fluorescence
microscopy), antibiotic resistance determination.
[0302] FLG protein and mRNA expression can be assayed using methods
known to those of skill in the art and described elsewhere herein.
For example, immunoassays such as the ELISA can be used to measure
protein levels. FLG ELISA assay kits are available commercially,
e.g., from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.).
[0303] In embodiments, FLG expression (e.g., mRNA or protein) in a
sample (e.g., cells or tissues in vivo or in vitro) treated using
an antisense oligonucleotide of the invention is evaluated by
comparison with FLG expression in a control sample. For example,
expression of the protein or nucleic acid can be compared using
methods known to those of skill in the art with, that in a
mock-treated or untreated sample. Alternatively, comparison with a
sample treated with a control antisense oligonucleotide (e.g., one
having an altered or different sequence) can be made depending on
the information desired. In another embodiment, a difference in the
expression of the FLG protein or nucleic acid in a treated vs. an
untreated sample can be compared with the difference in expression
of a different nucleic acid (including any standard deemed
appropriate by the researcher, e.g., a housekeeping gene) in a
treated sample vs. an untreated sample.
[0304] Observed differences can be expressed as desired, e.g., in
the form of a ratio or fraction, for use in a comparison with
control. In embodiments, the level of FLG mRNA or protein, in a
sample treated with an antisense oligonucleotide of the present
invention, is increased or decreased by about 1.25-fold to about
10-fold or more relative to an untreated sample or a sample treated
with a control nucleic acid. In embodiments, the level of FLG mRNA
or protein is increased or decreased by at least about 1.25-fold at
least about 1.3-fold, at least about 1.4-fold, at least about
1.5-fold, at least about 1.6-fold, at least about 1.7-fold, at
least about 1-fold, at least about 2-fold, at least about 2.5-fold,
at least, about 3-fold, at least about 3.5-fold, at least about
4-fold, at least about 4.5-fold, at least about 5-fold, at least
about 5.5-fold, at least about 6-fold, at least about 6.5-fold, at
least about 7-fold, at least about 7.5-fold, at least about 8-fold,
at least about 8.5-fold, at least about 9-fold, at least about
9.5-fold, or at least about 10-fold or more.
Kits, Research Reagents, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics
[0305] The compounds of the present invention can be utilized for
diagnostics, therapeutics, and prophylaxis, and as research
reagents and components of kits. Furthermore, antisense
oligonucleotides, which are able to inhibit gene expression with
exquisite specificity, are often used by those of ordinary skill to
elucidate the function of particular genes or to distinguish
between functions of various members of a biological pathway.
[0306] For use in kits and diagnostics and in various biological
systems, the compounds of the present invention, either alone or in
combination with other compounds or therapeutics, are useful as
tools in differential and/or combinatorial analyses to elucidate
expression patterns of a portion or the entire complement of genes
expressed within cells and tissues.
[0307] As used herein the term "biological system" or "system" is
defined as any organism, cell, cell culture or tissue that
expresses, or is made competent to express products of the
Filaggrin (FLG) genes. These include, but are not limited to,
humans, transgenic animals, cells, cell cultures, tissues,
xenografts, transplants and combinations thereof.
[0308] As one non limiting example, expression patterns within
cells or tissues treated with one or more antisense compounds are
compared to control cells or tissues not treated with antisense
compounds and the patterns produced are analyzed for differential
levels of gene expression as they pertain, for example, to disease
association, signaling pathway, cellular localization, expression
level, size, structure or function of the genes examined. These
analyses can be performed on stimulated or unstimulated cells and
in the presence or absence of other compounds that affect
expression patterns.
[0309] Examples of methods of gene expression analysis known in the
art include DNA arrays or microarrays, SAGE (serial analysis of
gene expression), READS (restriction enzyme amplification of
digested cDNAs), TOGA (total gene expression analysis), protein
arrays and proteomics, expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing,
subtractive RNA fingerprinting (SuRF), subtractive cloning,
differential display (DD), comparative genomic hybridization, FISH
(fluorescent in situ hybridization) techniques and mass
spectrometry methods.
[0310] The compounds of the invention are useful for research and
diagnostics, because these compounds hybridize to nucleic acids
encoding Filaggrin (FLG). For example, oligonucleotides that
hybridize with such efficiency and under such conditions as
disclosed herein as to be effective FLG modulators are effective
primers or probes under conditions favoring gene amplification or
detection, respectively. These primers and probes are useful in
methods requiring the specific detection of nucleic acid molecules
encoding FLG and in the amplification of said nucleic acid
molecules for detection or for use in further studies of FLG.
Hybridization of the antisense oligonucleotides, particularly the
primers and probes, of the invention with a nucleic acid encoding
FLG can be detected by means known in the art. Such means may
include conjugation of an enzyme to the oligonucleotide,
radiolabeling of the oligonucleotide, or any other suitable
detection means. Kits using such detection means for detecting the
level of FLG in a sample may also be prepared.
[0311] The specificity and sensitivity of antisense are also
harnessed by those of skill in the art for therapeutic uses.
Antisense compounds have been employed as therapeutic moieties in,
the treatment of disease states in animals, including humans.
Antisense oligonucleotide drugs have been safely and effectively
administered to humans and numerous clinical trials are presently
underway. It is thus established that antisense compounds can be
useful therapeutic modalities that can be configured to be useful
in treatment regimes for the treatment of cells, tissues and
animals, especially humans.
[0312] For therapeutics, an animal, preferably a human, suspected
of having a disease or disorder which can be treated by modulating
the expression of FLG polynucleotides is treated by administering
antisense compounds in accordance with this invention. For example,
in one non-limiting embodiment, the methods comprise the step of
administering to the animal in need of treatment, a therapeutically
effective amount of FLG modulator. The FLG modulators of the
present invention effectively modulate the activity of the FLG or
modulate the expression of the FLG protein. In one embodiment, the
activity or expression of FLG in an animal is inhibited by about
10% as compared to a control. Preferably, the activity or
expression of FLG in an animal is inhibited by about 30%. More
preferably, the activity or expression of FLG in an animal is
inhibited by 50% or more. Thus, the oligomeric compounds modulate
expression of Filaggrin (FLG) mRNA by at least 10%, by at least
50%, by at least 25%, by at least 30%, by at least 40%, by at least
50%, by at least 60%, by at least 70%, by at least 75%, by at least
80%, by at least 85%, by at least 90%, by at least 95%, by at least
98%, by at least 99%, or by 100% as compared to a control.
[0313] In one embodiment, the activity or expression of Filaggrin
(FLG) and/or in an animal is increased by about 10% as compared to
a control. Preferably, the activity or expression of FLG in an
animal is increased by about 30%. More preferably, the activity or
expression of FLG in an animal is increased by 50% or more. Thus,
the oligomeric compounds modulate expression of FLG mRNA by at
least 10%, by at least 50%, by at least 25%, by at least 30%, by at
least 40%, by at least 50%, by at least 60%, by at least 70%, by at
least 75%, by at least 80%, by at least 85%, by at least 90%, by at
least 95%, by at least 98%, by at least 99%, or by 100% as compared
to a control.
[0314] For example, the reduction of the expression of Filaggrin
(FLG) may be measured in serum, blood, adipose tissue, liver or any
other body fluid, tissue or organ of the animal. Preferably, the
cells contained within said fluids, tissues or organs being
analyzed contain a nucleic acid molecule encoding FLG peptides
and/or the FLG protein itself.
[0315] The compounds of the invention can be utilized in
pharmaceutical compositions by adding an effective amount of a
compound to a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or
carrier. Use of the compounds and methods of the invention may also
be useful prophylactically.
Conjugates
[0316] Another modification of the oligonucleotides of the
invention involves chemically linking to the oligonucleotide one or
more moieties or conjugates that enhance the activity, cellular
distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide. These
moieties or conjugates can include conjugate groups covalently
bound to functional groups such as primary or secondary hydroxyl
groups. Conjugate groups of the invention include intercalators,
reporter molecules, polyamines, polyamides, polyethylene glycols,
polyethers, groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties of
oligomers, and groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties
of oligomers. Typical conjugate groups include cholesterols,
lipids, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine,
anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and
dyes. Groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties, in the
context of this invention, include groups that improve uptake,
enhance resistance to degradation, and/or strengthen
sequence-specific hybridization with the target nucleic acid.
Groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties, in fee context
of this invention, include groups that improve uptake,
distribution, metabolism or excretion of the compounds of the
present invention. Representative conjugate groups are disclosed in
international Patent Application No. PCT/US92/09196, filed Oct. 23,
1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which are incorporated herein by
reference. Conjugate moieties include, but are not limited to,
lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety, cholic acid, a
thioether, e.g., hexyl-5-tritylthiol, a thiocholesterol, an
aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues, a
phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium
1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3Hphosphonate, a polyamine or a
polyethylene glycol chain, or Adamantane acetic acid, a palmityl
moiety, or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol
moiety. Oligonucleotides of the invention may also be conjugated to
active drug substances, for example, aspirin, warfarin,
phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, suprofen, fenbufen, ketoprofen,
(S)-(+)-pranoprofen, carprofen, dansylsarcosine,
2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, flufenamic acid, folinic acid, a
benzothiadiazide, chlorothiazide, a diazepine, indomethicin, a
barbiturate, a cephalosporin, a sulfa drag, an antidiabetic, an
antibacterial or an antibiotic.
[0317] Representative United States patents that teach the
preparation of such oligonucleotides conjugates include, but are
not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105;
5,525,465; 5,541/313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717; 5,580,731;
5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077;
5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735;
4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335;
4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830;
5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536;
5,272,250; 5,292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241; 5,391,723; 5,416,203;
5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810;
5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923;
5,599,928 and 5,688,941.
Formulations
[0318] The compounds of the invention may also be admixed,
encapsulated, conjugated or otherwise associated with other
molecules, molecule structures or mixtures of compounds, as for
example, liposomes, receptor-targeted molecules, oral, rectal,
topical or other formulations, for assisting in uptake,
distribution and/or absorption. Representative United States
patents that teach the preparation of such uptake, distribution
and/or absorption-assisting formulations include, but are not
limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,108,921; 5,354,844; 5,416,016;
5,459,127; 5,521,291; 5,543,165; 5,547,932; 5,583,020; 5,591,721;
4,426,330; 4,534,899; 5,013,556; 5,108,921; 5,213,804; 5,227,170;
5,264,221; 5,356,633; 5,395,619; 5,416,016; 5,417,978; 5,462,854;
5,469,854; 5,512,295; 5,527,528; 5,534,259; 5,543,152; 5,556,948;
5,580,575; and 5,595,756, each of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
[0319] Although, the antisense oligonucleotides do not need to be
administered in the context of a vector in order to modulate a
target expression and/or function, embodiments of the invention
relates to expression vector constructs for the expression of
antisense oligonucleotides, comprising promoters, hybrid promoter
gene sequences and possess a strong constitutive promoter activity,
or a promoter activity which can be induced in the desired
case.
[0320] In an embodiment, invention practice involves administering
at least one of the foregoing antisense oligonucleotides with a
suitable nucleic acid delivery system. In one embodiment, that
system includes a non-viral vector operably linked to the
polynucleotide. Examples of such nonviral vectors include the
oligonucleotide alone (e.g. any one or more of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 13)
or in combination with a suitable protein, polysaccharide or lipid
formulation.
[0321] Additionally suitable nucleic acid delivery systems include
viral vector, typically sequence from at least one of an
adenovirus, adenovirus-associated virus (AAV), helper-dependent
adenovirus, retrovirus, or hemagglutination virus of Japan-liposome
(HVJ) complex. Preferably, the viral vector comprises a strong
eukaryotic promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide e.g., a
cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter.
[0322] Additionally preferred vectors include viral vectors, fusion
proteins and chemical conjugates. Retroviral vectors include
Moloney murine leukemia viruses and HIV-based viruses. One
preferred HIV-based viral vector comprises at least two vectors
wherein the gag and pot genes are from an HIV genome and the env
gene is from another virus. DNA viral vectors are preferred. These
vectors include pox vectors such as orthopox or avipox vectors,
herpesvirus vectors such as a herpes simplex I virus (HSV) vector.
Adenovirus Vectors and Adeno-associated Virus Vectors.
[0323] The antisense compounds of the invention encompass any
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters,
or any other compound which, upon administration to an animal,
including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly)
the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof.
[0324] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to
physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the
compounds of the invention: i.e., salts that retain the desired
biological activity of the parent compound and do not impart
undesired toxicological effects thereto. For oligonucleotides,
preferred examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and their
uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0325] The present invention also includes pharmaceutical
compositions and formulations that include the antisense compounds
of the invention. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present
invention may be administered in a number of ways depending upon
whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to
be treated. Administration may be topical (including ophthalmic and
to mucous membranes including vaginal and rectal delivery),
pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or
aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal,
epidermal and transdermal), oral or parenteral. Parenteral
administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous,
intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; or
intracranial, e.g., intrathecal or intraventricular,
administration.
[0326] For treating tissues in the central nervous system,
administration can be made by, e.g., injection or infusion into the
cerebrospinal fluid. Administration of antisense RNA into
cerebrospinal fluid is described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.
2007/0117772, "Methods for slowing familial ALS disease
progression," incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0327] When it is intended that the antisense oligonucleotide of
the present invention be administered to cells in the central
nervous system, administration can be with one or more agents
capable of promoting penetration of the subject antisense
oligonucleotide across the blood-brain barrier. Injection, can be
made, e.g., in the entorhinal cortex or hippocampus. Delivery of
neurotrophic factors by administration of an adenovirus vector to
motor neurons in muscle tissue is described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
6,632,427, `Adenoviral-vector-mediated gene transfer into medullary
motor neurons,` incorporated herein by reference. Delivery of
vectors directly to the brain, e.g., the striatum, the thalamus,
the hippocampus, or the substantia nigra, is known in the art and
described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,523, "Adenovirus vectors
for the transfer of foreign genes into cells of the central nervous
system particularly in brain," incorporated herein by reference.
Administration can be rapid as by injection or made over a period
of time as by slow infusion or administration of slow release
formulations.
[0328] The subject antisense oligonucleotides can also be linked or
conjugated with agents that provide desirable pharmaceutical or
pharmacodynamic properties. For example, the antisense
oligonucleotide can be coupled to any substance, known in the art
to promote penetration or transport across the blood-brain barrier,
such as an antibody to the transferrin receptor, and administered
by intravenous injection. The antisense compound can be linked with
a viral vector, for example, that makes the antisense compound more
effective and/or increases the transport of the antisense compound
across the blood-brain barrier. Osmotic blood brain barrier
disruption can also be accomplished by, e.g., infusion of sugars
including, but not limited to, meso erythritol, xylitol, D(+)
galactose, D(+) lactose, D(+) xylose, dulcitol myoinositol, L(-)
fructose, D(-) mannitol, D(+) glucose, D(+) arabinose, D(-)
arabinose, cellobiose, D(+) maltose, D(+) raffinose, L(+) rhamnose,
D(+) melibiose, D(-) ribose, adonitol, D(+) arabitol, L(-)
arabitol, D(+) fucose, L(-) fucose, D(-) lyxose, L(+) lyxose, and
L(-) lyxose, or amino acids including, but not limited to,
glutamine, lysine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine,
glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, leucine, methionine,
phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, valine, and
taurine. Methods and materials for enhancing blood brain barrier
penetration are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,042,
`Method for the delivery of genetic material across the blood brain
barrier,` U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,520, "Material for passage through
the blood-brain barrier," and U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,589, `Parenteral
delivery systems,` all incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0329] The subject antisense compounds may be admixed,
encapsulated, conjugated or otherwise associated with other
molecules, molecule structures or mixtures of compounds, for
example, liposomes, receptor-targeted molecules, oral, rectal,
topical or other formulations, for assisting in uptake,
distribution and/or absorption. For example, canonic lipids may be
included in the formulation to facilitate oligonucleotide uptake.
One such composition shown, to facilitate uptake is LIPOFECTIN
(available from GIBCO-BRL, Bethesda, Md.).
[0330] Oligonucleotides with at least one 2'-O-methoxyethyl
modification are believed to be particularly useful for oral
administration. Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for
topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments,
lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and
powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or
oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable.
Coated condoms, gloves and the like may also be useful.
[0331] The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention,
which may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, may be
prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the
pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of
bringing into association the active ingredients with the
pharmaceutical carriers) or excipient(s). In general, the
formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into
association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely
divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the
product.
[0332] The compositions of the present invention may be formulated
into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to,
tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels,
suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present
invention may also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous,
non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions may further contain
substances that increase the viscosity of the suspension including,
for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or
dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.
[0333] Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, foams and
liposome-containing formulations. The pharmaceutical compositions
and formulations of the present invention may comprise one or more
penetration enhancers, carriers, excipients or other active or
inactive ingredients.
[0334] Emulsions are typically heterogeneous systems of one liquid
dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1
.mu.m in diameter. Emulsions may contain additional components in
addition to the dispersed phases, and the active drug that may be
present as a solution in either the aqueous phase, oily phase or
itself as a separate phase. Microemulsions are included as an
embodiment of the present invention. Emulsions and their uses are
well known in the art and are further described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,287,860.
[0335] Formulations of the present invention include liposomal
formulations. As used in the present invention, the term "liposome"
means a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in a
spherical bilayer or bilayers. Liposomes are unilamellar or
multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a
lipophilic material and an aqueous interior that contains the
composition to be delivered. Cationic liposomes are positively
charged liposomes that are believed to interact with negatively
charged DNA molecules to form a stable complex. Liposomes that are
pH-sensitive or negatively-charged are believed to entrap DNA
rather than complex with it. Both cationic and noncationic
liposomes have been used to deliver DNA to cells.
[0336] Liposomes also include "statically stabilized" liposomes, a
term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or
more specialized lipids. When incorporated into liposomes, these
specialized lipids result in liposomes with enhanced circulation
lifetimes relative to liposome slacking such specialized lipids.
Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part
of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome comprises one
or more glycolipids or is derivatized with one or more hydrophilic
polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. Liposomes and
their uses are farther described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860.
[0337] The pharmaceutical formulations and compositions of the
present invention may also include surfactants. The use of
surfactants in drug products, formulations and in emulsions is well
known in tire art. Surfactants and their uses are further described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0338] In one embodiment, the present invention employs various
penetration enhancers to effect the efficient delivery of nucleic
acids, particularly oligonucleotides. In addition to aiding the
diffusion of non-lipophilic drugs across cell membranes,
penetration enhancers also enhance the permeability of lipophilic
drugs. Penetration enhancers may be classified as belonging to one
of five broad categories, i.e., surfactants, fatty acids, bile
salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating nonsurfactants.
Penetration enhancers and their uses are farther described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0339] One of skill in the art will recognize that formulations are
routinely designed according to their intended use, i.e. route of
administration.
[0340] Preferred formulations for topical administration include
those in which the oligonucleotides of the invention are in
admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes,
fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and
surfactants. Preferred lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g.
dioleoyl-phosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl
choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g.
dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g.
dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoyl-phosphatidyl
ethanolamine DOTMA).
[0341] For topical or other administration, oligonucleotides of the
invention may be encapsulated within liposomes or may form
complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes.
Alternatively, oligonucleotides may be complexed to lipids, in
particular to cationic lipids. Preferred fatty acids and esters,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and their uses are
further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860.
[0342] Compositions and formulations for oral administration,
include powders or granules, microparticulates, nanoparticulates,
suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules,
gel capsules, sachets, tablets or minitablets. Thickeners,
flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders
may be desirable. Preferred oral formulations are those in which
oligonucleotides of the invention are administered in conjunction
with one or more penetration enhancers surfactants and chelators.
Preferred surfactants include fatty acids and/or esters or salts
thereof, bile acids and/or salts thereof. Preferred bile
acids/salts and fatty acids and their uses are further described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Also preferred are combinations of penetration enhancers, for
example, fatty acids/salts in combination with bile acids/salts. A
particularly preferred combination is the sodium salt of lauric
acid, capric acid and UDCA. Further penetration enhancers include
polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether.
Oligonucleotides of the invention may be delivered orally, in
granular form including sprayed dried particles, or complexed to
form micro or nanoparticles. Oligonucleotide complexing agents and
their uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0343] Compositions and formulations for parenteral, intrathecal or
intraventricular administration may include sterile aqueous
solutions that, may also contain buffers, diluents and other
suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration
enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers or excipients.
[0344] Certain embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical
compositions containing one or more oligomeric compounds and one or
more other chemotherapeutic agents that function by a non-antisense
mechanism. Examples of such chemotherapeutic agents include but are
not limited to cancer chemotherapeutic drugs such as daunorubicin,
daunomycin, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin,
esorubicin, bleomycin, mafosfamide, ifosfamide, cytosine
arabinoside, bischloroethyl-nitrosurea, busulfan, mitomycin C,
actinomycin D, mithramycin, prednisone, hydroxyprogesterone,
testosterone, tamoxifen, dacarbazine, procarbazine,
hexamethylmelamine, pentamethylmelamine, mitoxantrone, amsacrine,
chlorambucil, methylcyclohexylnitrosurea, nitrogen mustards,
melphalan, cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine,
cytarabine, 5-azacytidine, hydroxyurea, deoxycoformycin,
4-hydroxyperoxycyclo-phosphoramide, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU),
5-fluorodeoxyuridine (5-FUdR), methotrexate (MTX), colchicine,
taxol, vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide (VP-16), trimetrexate,
irinotecan, topotecan, gemcitabine, teniposide, cisplatin and
diethylstilbestrol (DES). When used with the compounds of the
invention, such chemotherapeutic agents may be used individually
(e.g., 5-FU and oligonucleotide), sequentially (e.g., 5-FU and
oligonucleotide for a period of time followed by MTX and
oligonucleotide), or in combination with one or more other such
chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., 5-FU, MTX and oligonucleotide, or
5-FU, radiotherapy and oligonucleotide). Anti-inflammatory drugs,
including but not limited to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
and corticosteroids, and antiviral drugs, including but not limited
to ribivirin, vidarabine, acyclovir and ganciclovir, may also be
combined in compositions of the invention. Combinations of
antisense compounds and other non-antisense drags are also within
the scope of this invention. Two or more combined compounds may be
used together or sequentially.
[0345] In another related embodiment, compositions of the invention
may contain one or more antisense compounds, particularly
oligonucleotides, targeted to a first nucleic acid and one or snore
additional antisense compounds targeted to a second nucleic acid
target. For example, the first target may be a particular antisense
sequence of Filaggrin (FLG), and the second target may be a region
from another nucleotide sequence. Alternatively, compositions of
the invention may contain two or more antisense compounds targeted
to different regions of the same Filaggrin (FLG) nucleic acid
target. Numerous examples of antisense compounds are illustrated
herein, and others may be selected from among suitable compounds
known in the art. Two or more combined compounds may be used
together or sequentially.
Dosing:
[0346] The formulation of therapeutic compositions and their
subsequent administration (dosing) is believed to be within the
skill of those in the art. Dosing is dependent on seventy and
responsiveness of the disease state to be treated, with the course
of treatment lasting from several days to several months, or until
a cure is effected or a diminution of the disease state is
achieved. Optimal dosing schedules can be calculated from
measurements of drug accumulation in the body of the patient.
Persons of ordinary skill can easily determine optimum dosages,
dosing methodologies and repetition rates. Optimum dosages may vary
depending on tire relative potency of individual oligonucleotides,
and can generally be estimated based on EC50s found to be effective
in vitro and in vivo animal models. In general, dosage is from 0.01
.mu.g to 100 g per kg of body weight, and may be given, once or
more dally, weekly, monthly or yearly, or even once every 2 to 20
years. Persons of ordinary skill in the art can easily estimate
repetition rates for dosing based on measured residence times and
concentrations of the drug in bodily fluids or tissues. Following
successful treatment, it may be desirable to have the patient
undergo maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of the
disease state, wherein the oligonucleotide is administered in
maintenance doses, ranging from 0.01 .mu.g to 100 g per kg of body
weight, once or more daily, to once every 20 years.
[0347] In embodiments, a patient is treated with a dosage of drug
that is at least about I, at least about 2, at least about 3, at
least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about
7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least
about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30,
at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least
about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80,
at least about 90, or at least about 100 mg/kg body weight. Certain
injected dosages of antisense oligonucleotides are described, e.g.,
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,563,884, "Antisense modulation of PTP1B
expression," incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0348] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous
changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with
the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention
should not be limited by any of the above described
embodiments.
[0349] All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference. All publications and patent, documents cited in this
application are incorporated by reference for all purposes to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent document
were so individually denoted. By their citation of various
references in this document. Applicants do not admit any particular
reference is "prior art" to their invention. Embodiments of
inventive compositions and methods are illustrated in the following
examples.
EXAMPLES
[0350] The following non-limiting Examples serve to illustrate
selected embodiments of the invention, ft will be appreciated that
variations in proportions and alternatives in elements of the
components shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art and
are within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.
Example 1
Design of Antisense Oligonucleotides Specific for a Nucleic Acid
Molecule Antisense to a Filaggrin (FLG) and/or a Sense Strand of
FLG Polynucleotide
[0351] As indicated above the term "oligonucleotide specific for"
or "oligonucleotide targets" refers to an oligonucleotide having a
sequence (i) capable of forming a stable complex with a portion of
the targeted gene, or (it) capable of forming a stable duplex with
a portion of an mRNA transcript of the targeted gene.
[0352] Selection of appropriate oligonucleotides is facilitated by
using computer programs that automatically align nucleic acid
sequences and indicate regions of identity or homology. Such
programs are used, to compare nucleic acid sequences obtained, for
example, by searching databases such as GenBank or by sequencing
PCR products. Comparison of nucleic acid sequences from a range of
species allows the selection of nucleic acid sequences that display
an appropriate degree of identity between species. In the case of
genes that have not been sequenced, Southern blots are performed to
allow a determination of the degree of identity between genes in
target species and other species. By performing Southern, blots at
varying degrees of stringency, as is well known in the art, it is
possible to obtain an approximate measure of identity. These
procedures allow the selection of oligonucleotides that exhibit a
high degree of complementarity to target nucleic acid sequences in
a subject to be controlled and a lower degree of complementarity to
corresponding nucleic acid sequences in other species. One skilled
in the art will realize that there is considerable latitude in
selecting appropriate regions of genes for use in fee present
invention.
[0353] An antisense compound is "specifically hybridizable" when
binding of the compound to the target nucleic acid interferes with
the normal function of the target nucleic acid to cause a
modulation of function and/or activity, and there is a sufficient
degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding of the
antisense compound to non-target nucleic acid sequences under
conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under
physiological conditions in the ease of in vivo assays or
therapeutic treatment, and under conditions in which assays are
performed in the ease of in vitro assays.
[0354] The hybridization properties of the oligonucleotides
described herein can be determined by one or more in vitro assays
as known in the art. For example, the properties of the
oligonucleotides described herein can be obtained by determination
of binding strength between the target natural antisense and a
potential drug molecules using melting curve assay.
[0355] The binding strength between the target natural antisense
and a potential drug molecule (Molecule) can be estimated using any
of the established methods of measuring the strength of
intermolecular interactions, for example, a melting curve
assay.
[0356] Melting curve assay determines the temperature at which a
rapid transition from double-stranded to single-stranded
conformation occurs for the natural antisense/Molecule complex.
This temperature is widely accepted as a reliable measure of the
interaction strength between the two molecules.
[0357] A melting curve assay can be performed using a cDNA copy of
the actual natural antisense RNA molecule or a synthetic DNA or RNA
nucleotide corresponding to the binding site of the Molecule.
Multiple kits containing all necessary reagents to perform this
assay are available (e.g. Applied Biosystems Inc. MeltDoctor kit).
These kits include a suitable buffer solution containing one of the
double strand DNA (dsDNA) binding dyes (such as ABI HRM dyes, SYBR
Green, SYTO, etc.). The properties of the dsDNA dyes are such that
they emit almost no fluorescence in free form, but are highly
fluorescent when bound to dsDNA.
[0358] To perform toe assay the cDNA or a corresponding
oligonucleotide are mixed with Molecule in concentrations defined
by the particular manufacturer's protocols. The mixture is heated
to 95.degree. C. to dissociate all pre-formed. dsDNA complexes,
then slowly cooled to room temperature or other lower temperature
defined by the kit manufacturer to allow the DNA molecules to
anneal. The newly formed complexes are then slowly heated to
95.degree. C. with simultaneous continuous collection of data on
the amount of fluorescence that is produced by the reaction. The
fluorescence intensity is inversely proportional to the amounts of
dsDNA present in the reaction. The data can be collected using a
real time PCR instrument compatible with the kit. (e.g. ABI's
StepOne Plus Real Time PCR System or LighyTyper instrument, Roche
Diagnostics, Lewes, UK).
[0359] Melting peaks are constructed by plotting the negative
derivative of fluorescence with respect to temperature
(-d(Fluorescence)/dT) on the y-axis) against temperature (x-axis)
using appropriate software (for example LightTyper (Roche) or SDS
Dissociation Curve, ABI). The data is analyzed to identify the
temperature of the rapid transition from dsDNA complex to single
strand molecules. This temperature is called Tm and is directly
proportional to the strength of interaction between the two
molecules. Typically, Tm will exceed 40.degree. C.
Example 2
Modulation of FLG Polynucleotides
[0360] Treatment of HEPG2 Cell with Antisense Oligonucleotides
[0361] HepG2 cells from ATCC (cat# HB-8065) were grown in growth
media (MEM/EBSS (Hyclone cat #SH30024, or Mediated) cat
#MT-10-010-CV)+10% FBS (Mediatech cat
#MT35-011-CV)+penicillin/streptomycin (Mediatech cat# MT30-002-C1))
at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2. On the day of the experiment the
media in the 6 well plates was changed to fresh growth media. All
antisense oligonucleotides were diluted to the concentration of 20
.mu.M. Two .mu.l of this solution was incubated with 400 .mu.l of
Opti-MEM media (Gibco cat#31985-070) and 4 .mu.l of Lipofectamine
2000 (Invitrogen cat#11668019) at room temperature for 20 min and
applied to each well of the 6 well plates with HEPG2 cells. A
Similar mixture including 2 .mu.l of water instead of the
oligonucleotide solution was used for the mock-transfected
controls. After 3-18 h of incubation at 37.degree. C. and 5%
CO.sub.2 the media was changed to fresh growth media, 48 h after
addition of antisense oligonucleotides the media was removed and
RNA was extracted from the cells using SV Total RNA isolation
System from Promega (cat # Z3105) or RNeasy Total RNA isolation kit
from Qiagen (cat#74181) following the manufacturers' instructions.
600 ng of RNA was added to the reverse transcription reaction
performed using Verso cDNA kit from Thermo Scientific (cat#AB1453B)
or High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (cat#4368813) as
described in the manufacturer's protocol. The cDNA from this
reverse transcription reaction was used to monitor gene expression
by real time PCR using ABI Taqman Gene Expression Mix (cat#4369510)
and primers/probes designed by ABI (Applied Biosystems Taqman Gene
Expression Assay; Hs00856927_g1 by Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster
City Calif.). The following PCR cycle was used: 50.degree. C. for 2
min, 95.degree. C. for 10 min, 40 cycles of (95.degree. C. for 15
seconds, 60.degree. C. for 1 min) using Mx4000 thermal cycler
(Stratagene). Fold change in gene expression after treatment with
antisense oligonucleotides was calculated based on the difference
in 18S-normalized dCt values between treated and mock-transfected
samples.
Results:
[0362] Real time PCR results show that the levels of FLG1 mRNA in
HepG2 cells are significantly increased with two of the oligos
designed to FLG1 antisense AK056431 (FIG. 1).
Treatment of 518A2 Cells with Antisense Oligonucleotides
[0363] 518A2 cells obtained from Albert Einstein-Montefiore Cancer
Center, NY were grown in growth media (MEM/EBSS (Hyclone cat #
SH30024, or Mediatech cat # MT-10-010-CV)+10% FBS (Mediatech cat #
MT35-011-CV)+penicillin/streptomycin (Mediatech cat# MT30-002-CI))
at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO2. One day before the experiment the
cells were replated at the density of 1.5.times.105/ml into 6 well
plates and incubated at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO2. On the day of the
experiment the media in the 6 well plates was changed to fresh
growth media. All antisense oligonucleotides were diluted to the
concentration of 20 .mu.M, Two .mu.l of this solution was incubated
with 400 .mu.l of Opti-MEM media (Gibco cat#31985-070) and 4 .mu.l
of Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen cat#11668019) at room temperature
for 20 min. and applied to each well of the 6 well plates with
518A2 cells. Similar mixture including 2 .mu.l of water instead of
the oligonucleotide solution was used for the mock-transfected
controls. After 3-18 h of incubation at 37.times. and 5% CO2 the
media was changed to fresh growth media. 48 h after addition of
antisense oligonucleotides the media was removed and RNA was
extracted from the cells using SV Total RNA Isolation System, from
Promega (cat ft 23105) or RNeasy Total RNA Isolation kit from
Qiagen (cat#74181) following the manufacturers' instructions. 600
ng of RNA was added to the reverse transcription reaction performed
using Verso cDNA kit from Thermo Scientific (cat# AB1453B) or High
Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (cat#4368813 as described
in the manufacturer's protocol. The cDNA from this reverse
transcription reaction was used to monitor gene expression by real
time PCR using ABI Taqman Gene Expression Mix (cat#4369510) and
primers/probes designed by ABI (Applied Biosystems Taqman Gene
Expression Assay: Hs00856927_g1 by Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster
City Calif.), The following PCR cycle was used: 50.degree. C. for 2
min, 95.degree. C. for 10 min, 40 cycles of (95.degree. C. for 15
seconds, 60.degree. C. for 1 min) using StepOne Plus Real Time PCR
Machine (Applied Biosystems). Fold change in gene expression after
treatment with antisense oligonucleotides was calculated based on
the difference in 18S-normalized dCt values between treated and
mock-transfected samples.
Results:
[0364] Real time PCR results show that the levels of FLG mRNA in
518A2 cells are significantly increased with two of the oligos
designed to FLG1 antisense AK056431 (FIG. 2). Another set of Real
time PCR results show that the levels of FLG mRNA in 518A2 cells
are significantly increased with two of the oligos designed to FLG1
antisense AK056431 (FIG. 3).
Example 3
Modulation of FLG Expression and Activity
[0365] Treatment of 518A2 Cells with Small Compounds
[0366] 518A2 cells were grown in a growth media [DMEM (Mediatech
cat #10-013-CV)+5% FBS (Mediatech cat#
MT35-011-CV)+penicillin/streptomycin (Mediatech cat# MT30-002-CI)]
at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2. One day before the experiment
the cells were replaced at approximately 1.times.10 4/ml (or about
1/5 dilution from 90% confluency) into 6-well plates and incubated
at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2 overnight. On the day of the
experiment the media in the 6-well plates was changed to 2 ml fresh
growth media. Small compounds were diluted in DMSO to the
concentration of 1000 uM. On the day of the experiment this
solution was diluted 1:100 in fresh growth media. Pure DMSO was
diluted in media at the same ratio (1:100) to treat vehicle control
samples. To dose one well, 200 ul of the compound or pure DMSO
solution was added directly to well of a 6-well plate. The final
concentration of compounds was 1 uM. Dosing volume was adjusted if
a different concentration of compound was desired. After dosing the
plates were incubated overnight at 37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2. 24 h
after addition, of small compounds the media was replaced with
fresh growth media and the dosing was repeated as described above.
24 h after second dosing RNA was extracted from the cells using SV
Total RNA Isolation System from Promega (cat # Z3105) following the
manufacturers' instructions. 600 ng of total RNA was added to the
reverse transcription reaction performed using High Capacity cDNA
kit from Applied Biosystems (cat#4368813) as described in the
manufacturer's protocol. The cDNA from this reverse transcription
reaction was used to monitor gene expression by real, time PCR
using ABI Taqman Gene Expression Mix (cat#4369510) and
primers/probes designed by ABI (for example, assay ID#Hs00856927_g1
for FLG). The following PCR cycle was used; 50.degree. C. for 2 mm,
95.degree. C. for 10 min, 40 cycles of (95.degree. C. for 15
seconds, 60.degree. C. for 1 min) using StepOne thermal cycler
(ABI). The assay for 18S used to normalize the mRNA levels was
manufactured by ABI (cat#4319413E), Fold change in gene expression
after treatment with small compounds was calculated based on the
difference in 18S-normalized dCt values between treated and
mock-transfected samples.
Results:
[0367] Real Time PCR results shows fold change in Filaggrin mRNA
expression in 518A2 cells treated with the small molecules (FIG.
4)
Treatment of Primary Keratinocytes with Small Compounds
[0368] Primary keratinocytes (from Promocell) were grown in a
growth media (Keratinocyte Growth Media, Promocell cat # C-20011)
at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO2. One day before the experiment the
cells were replated at approximately 5.times.10 4/ml (or about 1/3
dilution from 90% confluency) into 24-well collagen-coated plates
(Beckton Dickinson BioCoat plates cat #35 6408) and incubated at
37.degree. C. and 5% CO2 overnight. On the day of the experiment
the media in the 24-well plates was changed to 1 ml fresh growth
media. Small compounds were diluted in DMSO to the concentration of
1000 uM. On the day of the experiment this solution was diluted
1:100 in fresh growth media. Pure DMSO was diluted in media at the
same ratio (1:100) to treat vehicle control samples. To dose one
well, 100 ul of the compound or pure DMSO solution was added
directly to well of a 24-well plate. The final concentration of
compounds was 1 uM. Dosing volume was adjusted if a different
concentration of compound was desired. After dosing the plates were
incubated overnight at 37.degree. C., 5% CO2. 24 h after addition
of small compounds the media was replaced with fresh growth media
and the dosing was repeated as described above, 24 h after second
dosing RNA was extracted from the cells using SV Total RNA
Isolation System from Promega (cat # Z3105) following the
manufacturers' instructions. 600 ng of total RNA was added to the
reverse transcription reaction performed using High Capacity cDNA
kit from Applied Biosystems (cat#4368813) as described in the
manufacturer's protocol. The cDNA from, this reverse transcription
reaction was used to monitor gene expression by real time PCR using
ABI. Taqman Gene Expression Mix (cat#4369510) and primers/probes
designed by ABI (for example, assay ID#Hs00856927_g1 for FLG). The
following PCR cycle was used: 50.degree. C. for 2 min, 95.degree.
C. for 10 min, 40 cycles of(95.degree. C. for 15 seconds,
60.degree. C. for 1 min) using StepOne thermal cycler (ABI). The
assay for 18S used to normalize the mRNA levels was manufactured by
ABI (cat#4319413E). Fold change in gene expression after treatment
with small compounds was calculated based on the difference in.
18S-normalized dCt values between treated and mock-transfected
samples.
Results:
[0369] Real Time PCR results shows fold change in Filaggrin. mRNA
expression in primary keratinocytes treated with the small
molecules (FIG. 4). Another set of Real Time PCR results show that
the levels of FLG Natural Antisense Transcripts in primary
keratinocytes are significantly decreased after treatment with
small molecules Bupropion, Bendipine and Topiramate (FIG. 5).
[0370] Although the invention has been illustrated and described
with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations
and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the
reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed
drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention
may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several
implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more
other features of the other implementations as may be desired and
advantageous for any given or particular application.
[0371] The Abstract of the disclosure will allow the reader to
quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the following claims.
Sequence CWU 1 SEQUENCE LISTING <160> NUMBER OF SEQ ID
NOS: 13 <210> SEQ ID NO 1 <211> LENGTH: 12747
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Homo sapiens
<300> PUBLICATION INFORMATION: <308> DATABASE ACCESSION
NUMBER: NM_002016 <309> DATABASE ENTRY DATE: 2010-08-08
<313> RELEVANT RESIDUES IN SEQ ID NO: (1)..(12747)
<400> SEQUENCE: 1 cttttggtga acaaggttca catttattgc caaaagatgt
ctactctcct ggaaaacatc 60 tttgccataa ttaatctttt caagcaatat
tcaaaaaaag ataaaaacac tgacacattg 120 agtaaaaaag agctgaagga
acttctggaa aaggaatttc ggcaaatcct gaagaatcca 180 gatgacccag
atatggttga tgtcttcatg gatcacttgg atatagacca caacaagaaa 240
attgacttca ctgagtttct tctgatggta ttcaagttgg ctcaagcata ttatgagtct
300 accagaaaag agaatttacc gatatcagga cacaagcaca gaaagcacag
tcatcatgat 360 aaacatgaag ataataaaca ggaagaaaac aaagaaaaca
gaaaaagacc ctcaagtctg 420 gaaagaagaa acaatagaaa agggaataag
ggaagatcca agagcccaag agaaacaggg 480 gggaaaaggc atgaatctag
ttctgaaaaa aaagaaagaa aaggatattc acctactcat 540 agagaagaag
aatatggaaa aaaccatcat aactcaagta aaaaagagaa aaacaagact 600
gaaaatacta gattaggaga caataggaag aggctaagtg aaagacttga agagaaagaa
660 gacaatgaag aaggagtata tgattatgaa aatacaggaa gaatgactca
aaaatggata 720 caatcaggcc atattgccac atattacaca atccaggatg
aagcctatga caccactgat 780 agtctattag aagaaaacaa aatatatgaa
agatcaaggt catctgatgg caaatcatca 840 tctcaagtga acaggtcaag
acatgaaaat acaagccagg taccattgca ggagtccagg 900 acaagaaagc
gtaggggatc cagagttagc caggacaggg acagtgaggg acactcagaa 960
gactctgaga ggcactctgg gtcggcttcc agaaaccatc atggatctgc gtgggagcag
1020 tcaagagatg gctccagaca ccccaggtcc catgatgaag acagagccag
tcatgggcac 1080 tctgcagaca gctccagaca atcaggcact cgtcacgcag
agacttcctc tcgtggacag 1140 actgcatcat cccatgaaca ggcaagatca
agtccaggag aaagacatgg atccggccac 1200 cagcagtcag cagacagctc
cagacactca gccactgggc gcgggcaagc ttcatctgca 1260 gtcagcgatc
gtggacaccg ggggtctagc ggtagtcagg ccagtgacag tgagggacat 1320
tcagaaaact cagacacaca atcagtgtca ggccacggaa aggctgggct gagacagcag
1380 agccaccaag agtccacacg tggccggtca ggggaacggt ctggacgttc
agggtcttcc 1440 ctctaccagg tgagcactca tgaacagcct gactctgccc
atggacggac cgggaccagc 1500 actggaggaa gacaaggatc gcaccacgag
caggcacgag acagctccag gcattcagcg 1560 tcccaagagg gtcaggacac
cattcgtgga cacccggggt caagcagagg aggaaggcag 1620 ggatcccacc
acgagcaatc ggtaaatagg tctggacact caggttccca tcacagccac 1680
accacatccc agggaaggtc tgatgcctcc catgggcagt caggatccag aagtgcaagc
1740 agacaaacac gaaatgagga acaatcagga gacggcacca ggcactcagg
gtcacgtcat 1800 catgaagctt cctctcaggc tgacagctct agacactcac
aggtgggcca gggacaatca 1860 tcggggccca ggacaagtag gaaccaggga
tccagtgtta gccaggacag tgacagtcag 1920 ggacactcag aagactctga
gaggtggtct gggtctgctt ccagaaacca tcatggatct 1980 gctcaggagc
agtcaagaga tggctccaga caccccaggt cccatcacga agacagagct 2040
ggtcatgggc actctgcaga cagctccaga aaatcaggca ctcgtcacac acagaattcc
2100 tctagtggac aggctgcgtc atcccatgaa caggcaagat caagtgcagg
agaaagacat 2160 ggatcccgcc accagctcca gtcagcagac agctccagac
actcaggcac tgggcacgga 2220 caagcttcat ctgcagtcag agacagtgga
caccgagggt ccagtggtag tcaggccact 2280 gacagtgagg gacattcaga
agactcagac acacagtcag tgtcaggcca tggacaggct 2340 ggtcaccatc
agcagagcca ccaagagtcc gcacgtgacc ggtcagggga aaggtctcga 2400
cgttcagggt ctttcctcta ccaggtgagc actcataaac agtctgagtc ctcccatgga
2460 tggacagggc ccagcactgg agtaagacaa ggatcccacc atgagcaggc
acgagacaac 2520 tccaggcact cagcatccca agatggtcag gacaccattc
gtggacaccc ggggtcaagc 2580 agaagaggaa ggcaggggtc ccaccacgag
caatcggtag ataggtctgg acactcaggg 2640 tcccatcaca gccacaccac
atcccaggga aggtctgatg cctcccgtgg gcagtcagga 2700 tccagaagtg
caagcagaac aacacgtaat gaggaacaat caagagacgg ctccaggcac 2760
tcagggtcac gtcaccatga agcttcctct catgccgaca tctctagaca ctcacaggca
2820 ggccagggac aatcagaggg gtccaggaca agcaggcgcc agggatccag
tgttagccag 2880 gacagtgaca gtgagggaca ttcagaagac tctgagaggt
ggtctgggtc tgcttccaga 2940 aaccatcgtg gatctgctca ggagcagtca
agacatggct ccagacaccc caggtcccat 3000 cacgaagaca gagccggtca
cgggcactct gcagacagct ccagacaatc aggaactcct 3060 cacgcagaga
cttcctctgg tggacaggct gcgtcatccc atgaacaggc aagatcaagt 3120
ccaggagaaa gacacggatc ccgccaccag cagtcagcag acagctccag acactcaggc
3180 attccgcgca gacaagcttc atctgcagtc agagacagtg gacactgggg
gtccagtggt 3240 agtcaggcca gtgatagtga gggacattca gaggagtcag
acacacagtc agtgtcaggc 3300 catggacagg atgggcccca tcagcagagc
caccaagagt ccgcacgtga ctggtcaggg 3360 ggaaggtctg gacgttcagg
gtctttcatc taccaggtga gcactcatga acagtctgag 3420 tctgcccatg
ggcggaccag gaccagcact ggacgaagac aaggatccca ccacgagcag 3480
gcacgagaca gctccaggca ctcagcgtcc caagagggtc aggacaccat tcgtgcacac
3540 ccggggtcaa ggagaggagg aaggcaggga tcccaccatg agcaatcggt
agatagatct 3600 ggacactcag ggtcccatca cagccacacc acatcccagg
gaaggtctga tgcctcccat 3660 gggcagtcag gatccagaag tgcaagcaga
caaactcgta aggacaaaca atcaggagac 3720 ggctccaggc actcagggtc
acgtcaccat gaagctgcct cttgggctga cagctctaga 3780 cactcacagg
tgggacagga acaatcatcg gggtccagga caagcaggca ccagggatcc 3840
agtgttagcc aggacagtga cagtgagaga cactcagacg actccgagag gttgtctggg
3900 tctgcttcca gaaaccatca tggatcttct cgggagcagt caagagatgg
ctccagacac 3960 cctgggttcc atcaagaaga cagagccagt cacgggcact
ctgcagacag ctccagacaa 4020 tcaggcactc atcacacaga gtcttcctct
catggacagg ctgtgtcatc ccatgaacag 4080 gcaagatcaa gtccaggaga
aagacatgga tcccgccacc agcagtcagc agacagctcc 4140 agacactcag
gcattgggca cagacaagct tcatctgcag tcagagacag tggacaccga 4200
gggtccagtg gtagtcaggt cactaacagt gagggacatt cagaagactc agacacacag
4260 tcagtgtcag cccacggaca agctgggccc catcagcaga gccacaaaga
gtccgcacgt 4320 ggccagtcag gggaaagctc tggacgttca aggtctttcc
tctaccaggt gagctctcat 4380 gaacagtctg agtccacaca cggacagact
gcacccagca ctggaggaag acaaggatcc 4440 cgccatgagc aggcacgaaa
cagctctagg cactcagcat cccaagacgg tcaggacacc 4500 attcgtggac
acccggggtc aagcagagga ggaaggcagg gatcctacca cgagcaatca 4560
gtagataggt ctggacactc agggtaccat cacagccaca ccacacccca gggaaggtct
4620 gatgcctccc atgggcagtc aggacccaga agtgcaagca ggcaaacaag
aaatgaggaa 4680 caatcaggag acggctccag gcactcaggg tcacgtcacc
atgaaccttc cactcgggcc 4740 ggcagctcta gacactcaca ggtgggccag
ggagaatcag cggggtccaa gacaagcagg 4800 cgccagggat ccagtgttag
tcaggacagg gacagtgagg gacactcaga agactctgag 4860 aggcggtctg
agtcggcttc cagaaaccat tatggatctg ctcgggagca gtcaagacat 4920
ggctccagga accccaggtc ccatcaagaa gatagagcca gtcatgggca ctctgcagag
4980 agctccagac aatcaggcac tcgtcatgca gagacttcct ctggtggaca
ggctgcatca 5040 tcccaggaac aggcaaggtc aagtccagga gaaagacatg
gatcccgcca ccagcagtca 5100 gcagacagct ccacagactc aggcactggg
cgcagacaag attcatctgt agtcggagac 5160 agtggaaacc gagggtccag
tggtagccag gccagtgaca gcgagggaca ctcagaagag 5220 tcagacacac
agtcagtgtc agcccacgga caggctgggc cccatcagca gagccaccaa 5280
gagtccacac gtggccagtc aggggaaagg tctggacgtt cagggtcttt cctctaccag
5340 gtgagcactc atgaacagtc tgagtccgcc catggacgca cagggcccag
cactggagga 5400 agacaaagat cccgccacga gcaggcacga gacagctcca
ggcactcagc gtcccaagag 5460 ggtcaggaca ccattcgtgg acacccaggg
tcaagcagag gaggaaggca gggatcccac 5520 tatgagcaat cggtagatag
ttctggacac tcagggtctc atcacagcca caccacgtcc 5580 caggaaaggt
ctgatgtctc ccgtgggcag tcaggatcca gaagtgtcag cagacaaaca 5640
cgtaatgaga aacaatcagg agacggctcc aggcactcag ggtcgcgtca ccatgaagct
5700 tcctctcggg ccgacagctc tagacactcg caggtgggcc agggacaatc
atcagggccc 5760 aggacaagca ggaaccaggg atccagtgtt agccaggaca
gtgacagtca gggacactca 5820 gaagactctg agaggtggtc tgggtctgct
tccagaaacc atcttggatc tgcttgggag 5880 cagtcaagag atggctccag
acaccctggg tcccatcacg aagacagagc cggtcacggg 5940 cactctgcag
acagctccag acaatcaggc actcgtcaca cagagtcttc ctctcgtgga 6000
caggctgcgt catcccatga acaggcaaga tcaagtgcag gagaaagaca tggatcccac
6060 caccagctcc agtcagcaga cagctccaga cactcaggca ttgggcatgg
acaagcttca 6120 tctgcagtca gagacagtgg acaccgaggg tacagtggta
gtcaggccag tgacagtgag 6180 ggacattcag aagactcaga cacacagtca
gtgtcagcac agggaaaagc tgggccccat 6240 cagcagagcc acaaagagtc
cgcacgtggc cagtcagggg aaagctctgg acgttcaggg 6300 tctttcctct
accaggtgag cactcatgaa cagtctgagt ccacccatgg acagtctgcg 6360
cccagcactg gaggaagaca aggatcccat tatgatcagg cacaagacag ctccaggcac
6420 tcagcatccc aagagggtca ggacaccatt cgtggacacc cggggccaag
cagaggagga 6480 agacaggggt cccaccaaga gcaatcggta gataggtctg
gacactcagg gtctcatcac 6540 agccacacca catcccaggg aaggtctgat
gcctcccgtg ggcagtcagg atccagaagt 6600 gcaagcagaa aaacatatga
caaggaacaa tcaggagatg gctctaggca ctcagggtcg 6660 catcatcatg
aagcttcctc ttgggccgac agctctagac actcactggt gggccaggga 6720
caatcatcag ggcccaggac aagcaggccc cggggatcca gtgttagcca ggacagtgac
6780 agtgagggac actcagaaga ttctgagagg cggtctgggt ctgcgtccag
aaaccatcat 6840 ggatctgctc aggagcagtc aagagatggc tccagacacc
ccaggtccca tcacgaagac 6900 agagccggtc atgggcactc tgcagagagc
tccagacaat caggcactca tcatgcagag 6960 aattcctctg gtggacaggc
tgcatcatcc catgaacagg caagatcaag tgcaggagag 7020 agacacggat
cccaccacca gcagtcagca gacagctcca gacactcagg cattgggcac 7080
ggacaagctt catctgcagt cagagacagt ggacaccgag ggtccagtgg tagtcaggcc
7140 agtgacagtg agggacattc agaagactca gacacacagt cagtgtcagc
ccacggacag 7200 gctgggcccc atcagcagag ccaccaagag tccacacgtg
gccggtcagc aggaaggtct 7260 ggacgttcag ggtctttcct ctaccaggtg
agcactcatg aacagtctga gtccgcccat 7320 ggacggaccg ggaccagcac
tggaggaaga caaggatccc accacaagca ggcacgagac 7380 agctccaggc
actcaacgtc ccaagagggt caggacacca ttcatggaca cccggggtca 7440
agcagtggag gaaggcaggg atcccactac gagcaattgg tagatagatc tggacactca
7500 gggtctcatc acagccacac cacatcccag ggaaggtctg atgcctccca
tgggcactca 7560 ggatccagaa gtgcaagcag acaaactcgt aacgatgaac
aatcaggaga cggctccagg 7620 cactcagggt cgcgtcacca tgaagcttcc
tctcgggccg acagctctgg acactcgcag 7680 gtgggccagg gacaatcaga
ggggcccagg acaagcagga actggggatc cagttttagc 7740 caggacagtg
acagtcaggg acactcagaa gactctgaga ggtggtctgg gtctgcttcc 7800
agaaaccatc atggatctgc tcaggagcag ctaagagatg gctccagaca ccccaggtcc
7860 catcaagaag acagagctgg tcatgggcac tctgcagaca gctccagaca
atcaggcact 7920 cgtcacacac agacttcctc tggtggacag gctgcatcat
cccatgaaca ggcaagatca 7980 agtgcaggag aaagacatgg atcccaccac
cagcagtcag cagacagctc cagacactca 8040 ggcattgggc acggacaagc
ttcatctgca gtcagagaca gtggacaccg agggtacagt 8100 ggtagtcagg
ccagtgacaa tgagggacat tcagaagact cagacacaca gtcagtgtca 8160
gcccacggac aggctgggtc ccatcagcag agccaccaag agtccgcacg tggccggtca
8220 ggggaaacgt ctggacattc aggatctttc ctctaccagg tgagcactca
tgaacagtct 8280 gagtcctccc atggatggac ggggcccagc actagaggaa
gacaaggatc ccgccatgag 8340 caggcacaag acagctccag gcactcagca
tcccaagacg gtcaggacac cattcgtgga 8400 cacccggggt caagcagagg
aggaaggcag gggtaccacc acgagcattc ggtagatagc 8460 tctggacact
cagggtccca tcacagccac accacatccc agggaaggtc tgatgcctcc 8520
cgtgggcagt caggatccag aagtgcaagc agaacaacac gtaatgagga acaatcagga
8580 gacggctcca ggcactcagg gtcgcgtcac catgaagctt ccactcatgc
cgacatctct 8640 agacactcac aggcagtcca gggacaatca gaggggtcca
ggagaagcag gcgccaggga 8700 tccagtgtga gccaggacag tgacagtgag
ggacattcag aagactctga gaggtggtct 8760 gggtctgctt ccagaaacca
tcatggatct gctcaggagc agctaagaga tggctccaga 8820 caccccaggt
cccatcaaga agacagagct ggtcatgggc actctgcaga cagctccaga 8880
caatcaggca ctcgtcacac acagacttcc tctggtggac aggctgcatc atcccatgaa
8940 caggcaagat caagtgcagg agaaagacat ggatcccacc accagcagtc
agcagacagc 9000 tccagacact caggcattgg gcacggacaa gcttcatctg
cagtcagaga cagtggacac 9060 cgagggtaca gtggtagtca ggccagtgac
aatgagggac attcagaaga ctcagacaca 9120 cagtcagtgt cagcccacgg
acaggctggg tcccatcagc agagccacca agagtccgca 9180 cgtggccggt
caggggaaac gtctggacat tcaggatctt tcctctacca ggtgagcact 9240
catgaacagt ctgagtcctc ccatggatgg acggggccca gcactagagg aagacaagga
9300 tcccgccatg agcaggcaca agacagctcc aggcactcag catcccaata
cggtcaggac 9360 accattcgtg gacacccggg gtcaagcaga ggaggaaggc
aggggtacca ccacgagcat 9420 tcggtagata gctctggaca ctcagggtcc
catcacagcc acaccacatc ccagggaagg 9480 tctgatgcct cccgtgggca
gtcaggatcc agaagtgcaa gcagaacaac acgtaatgag 9540 gaacaatcag
gagacagctc caggcactca gtgtcacgtc accatgaagc ttccactcat 9600
gccgacatct ctagacactc acaggcagtc cagggacaat cagaggggtc caggagaagc
9660 aggcgccagg gatccagtgt gagccaggac agtgacagtg agggacattc
agaagactct 9720 gagaggtggt ctgggtctgc ttccagaaac catcgtggat
ctgttcagga gcagtcaagg 9780 cacggctcca gacaccccag gtcccatcac
gaagacagag ccggtcacgg gcactctgca 9840 gaccgctcca gacaatcagg
cactcgtcac gcagagactt cctctggtgg acaggctgca 9900 tcatcccatg
aacaggcaag atcaagtcca ggagagagac acggatcccg ccaccagcag 9960
tcagcagaca gctccagaca ctcaggcatt ccgcgtggac aagcttcatc tgcagtcaga
10020 gacagtagac actgggggtc cagtggtagt caggccagtg atagtgaggg
acattcagaa 10080 gagtcagaca cacagtcagt gtcaggccat ggacaggctg
ggccccatca gcagagccac 10140 caagagtccg cacgtgaccg gtcaggggga
aggtctggac gttcagggtc tttcctctac 10200 caggtgagca ctcatgaaca
gtctgagtct gcccatgggc ggaccaggac cagcactgga 10260 cgaagacaag
gatcccacca cgagcaggca cgagacagct ccaggcactc agcgtcccaa 10320
gagggtcagg acaccattcg tggacacccg gggtcaagca gaagaggaag gcagggatcc
10380 cactacgagc aatcggtaga taggtctgga cactcagggt cccatcacag
ccacaccaca 10440 tcccagggaa ggtctgatgc ctcccgtggg cagtcaggat
ccagaagtgc cagcagacaa 10500 actcgtaatg acgaacaatc aggagatggc
tccaggcact catggtcgca tcaccatgaa 10560 gcttccactc aggcggacag
ctctagacac tcacagtccg gccagggaca atcagcgggg 10620 cccaggacaa
gcaggaacca gggatccagt gttagccagg acagtgacag tcagggacac 10680
tcagaagact ctgagaggtg gtctgggtct gcttccagaa accatcgtgg atctgctcag
10740 gagcagtcaa gagatggctc cagacacccc acgtcccatc acgaagacag
agccggtcac 10800 gggcactctg cagagagctc cagacaatca ggcactcatc
atgcagagaa ttcctctggt 10860 ggacaggctg catcatccca tgaacaggca
agatcaagtg caggagagag acatggatcc 10920 caccaccagc agtcagcaga
cagctccaga cactcaggca ttgggcacgg acaagcttca 10980 tctgcagtca
gagacagtgg acaccgaggg tccagtggta gtcaggccag tgacagtgag 11040
ggacattcag aagactcaga cacacagtca gtgtcagccc acggacaggc tgggccccat
11100 cagcagagcc accaagagtc cacacgtggc cggtcagcag gaaggtctgg
acgttcaggg 11160 tctttcctct accaggtgag cactcatgaa cagtctgagt
ctgcccatgg acgggctggg 11220 cccagtactg gaggaagaca aggatcccgc
cacgagcagg cacgagacag ctccaggcac 11280 tcagcgtccc aagagggtca
ggacaccatt cgtggacacc cggggtcaag gagaggagga 11340 agacagggat
cctaccacga gcaatcggta gataggtctg gacactcagg gtcccatcac 11400
agccacacca catcccaggg aaggtctgat gcctcccatg ggcagtcagg atccagaagt
11460 gcaagcagag aaacacgtaa tgaggaacag tcaggagacg gctccaggca
ctcagggtcg 11520 cgtcaccatg aagcttccac tcaggctgac agctctagac
actcacagtc cggccagggt 11580 gaatcagcgg ggtccaggag aagcaggcgc
cagggatcca gtgttagcca ggacagtgac 11640 agtgaggcat acccagagga
ctctgagagg cgatctgagt ctgcttccag aaaccatcat 11700 ggatcttctc
gggagcagtc aagagatggc tccagacacc ccggatcctc tcaccgcgat 11760
acagccagtc atgtacagtc ttcacctgta cagtcagact ctagtaccgc taaggaacat
11820 ggtcacttta gtagtctttc acaagattct gcgtatcact caggaataca
gtcacgtggc 11880 agtcctcaca gttctagttc ttatcattat caatctgagg
gcactgaaag gcaaaaaggt 11940 caatcaggtt tagtttggag acatggcagc
tatggtagtg cagattatga ttatggtgaa 12000 tccgggttta gacactctca
gcacggaagt gttagttaca attccaatcc tgttgttttc 12060 aaggaaagat
ctgatatctg taaagcaagt gcgtttggta aagatcatcc aaggtattat 12120
gcaacgtata ttaataagga cccaggttta tgtggccatt ctagtgatat atcgaaacaa
12180 ctgggattta gtcagtcaca gagatactat tactatgagt aagaaattaa
tggcaaagga 12240 attaatccaa gaatagaaga atgaagcaag ttcactttca
atcaagaaac ttcataatac 12300 tttcagggaa gttatctttt cctgtcaatc
tgtttaaaat atgctatagt atttcattag 12360 tttggtggta gcttattttt
attgtgtaat gatctttaaa cgctatattt cagaaatatt 12420 aaatggaaga
aatcaatatc atggagagct aactttagaa aactagctgg agtattttag 12480
gagattctgg gtcaagtaat gttttatgtt tttgaaagtt taagttttag acactcccca
12540 aatttctaaa ttaatctttt tcagaaatat cgaaggagcc aaaaatataa
aacagttctg 12600 tataccaaag tggctatatc aacatcaggg ctagcacatc
tttctctatt atccttctat 12660 tggaattcta gtattctgta ttcaaaaaat
catcttggac ataattaata ttatagtaag 12720 ctgcatctaa attaaaaata
aactatt 12747 <210> SEQ ID NO 2 <211> LENGTH: 4629
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Homo sapiens
<400> SEQUENCE: 2 aaatgctcca catggcccca gtcaccctgc agaaaagaaa
tcatcagctt tctgcagcat 60 cagacttagc agcatcttcc tgtcccaaga
gaagagggga tgggaggatg gcatggttca 120 gggcttaggg gaggataggg
gagaaaaagt ggaagcaaag ggagaggccc aggaaggatc 180 ttgttgcgac
atgttacctg ggctgcacct gctgtatgca agagaagagg ctgggagtcc 240
cctctgcagg gtgttcatgc cccatctctg tgccacgagg agttgggctg ctgaaggata
300 tatcagcaca acttctctgc tccaactagt ctacattgca aagcatctcc
tagtgtcttt 360 ggaagaagga tctatgtcat gagtgctcac ctggtagagg
gaagaccctg aacgtccaga 420 ccgttcccct gaccggccac gtgtggactc
ttggtggctc tgctgtctca gcccagcctt 480 tccgtggcct gacactgatt
gtgtgtctga gttttctgaa tgtccctcac tgtcactggc 540 ctgactaccg
ctagaccccc ggtgtccacg atcgctgact gcagatgaag cttgcccgcg 600
cccagtggct gagtgtctgg agctgtctgc tgactgctgg tggccggatc catgtctttc
660 tcctggactt gatcttgcct gttcatggga tgatgcagtc tgtccacgag
aggaagtctc 720 tgcgtgacga gtgcctgatt gtctggagct gtctgcagag
tgcccatgac tggctctgtc 780 ttcatcatgg gacctggggt gtctggagcc
atctcttgac tgctcccacg cagatccatg 840 atggtttctg gaagccgacc
cagagtgcct ctcagagtct tctgagtgtc cctcactgtc 900 cctgtcctgg
ctaactctgg atcccctacg ctttcttgtc ctggactcct gcaatgactc 960
ataatatgct tgagccaact tgaataccat cagaagaaac tcagtgaagt caattttctt
1020 gttgtggtct atatccaagt gatccatgaa gacatcaacc atatctgggt
catctggatt 1080 ctgtacagag ggaagtcaca gagggagact gcatcagaca
gaatcacatt atcagccaat 1140 taattcaaag ttaatttaag gaacctgatc
tttgagtatt aaaaagtggg acaaaatctt 1200 ttttttttta agactttttt
gtctcatcct cattcaggtg ttatatgtga acaaagatgt 1260 agactagtaa
ggtatcaaga tttgatgggg atatccagac aacttggagc caagtcccca 1320
cagctggatc agacaacttt tggtgacatc tcacagtgtg gattatcaag ccagtgtatc
1380 agtctggagc ctaggttttt ttgcctttag ctttgctcag gatgacttct
gctcttctat 1440 ggcaatactt gagaagctac agctttgatt agacgagagg
ctatttcaat aactttctcc 1500 tgataagaag accaccgacc gtggacggat
tctggccagt ttacaaaggc tgcataccat 1560 agggcagggc accccactat
ggcaaacact aataatgata ttgctcctga ttttgtttct 1620 gaagggaatg
cctctaagat ttcttcatta attataagag actgggtctc actctgttgc 1680
ccaagctgga gaacagtggc accatcatag ctcactgcag ccttcaactt ctgggctcaa
1740 gtgcttctcc cacctcagcc tcccaagtag ctgggacaac aggtgaaatt
gaaggccagc 1800 ttttggaact caaccttcaa aggaacttaa aatttccatt
atgtagagtc cctgaggaaa 1860 ctggatccac tagctacact ggctgagaat
gctctcaccc caggatttca tttttatttt 1920 accacatcat tgttggtatc
ttaagatcaa tgtactggag cagcggggtc tcacaaagag 1980 gatacctggt
gacacgccca ggctttcaga atgcactata gggctttagt gacttgtcca 2040
ggttcagctg aaatgtgcca tctgggacct actaatgctt gttgaacttt actggatctc
2100 agaagctggg tctcagaagc tcagatgttc ctcagagcta cgatatcaac
aacctgtgat 2160 gacagagaga aggttgctcc atgatggatt tggaaactta
ctggctagct aaacctgact 2220 gaatgggaag gaatgtggat agctttggaa
ctctagtttc actagatgag ctggaatttg 2280 tattttgaca aattgcacgt
tatgattatt aagtaatgca actgattttt ttttccctta 2340 aaacaaacaa
tctagaatct gtgtaatcaa aataatttct ctaaaaggct gcaagtatat 2400
gcttaaagtg ttggggcatt cagagcattt ggaacattac attcttttga atgtcaattg
2460 gtagatgaaa ataccagctt ttaagtcata catttgattt tttgaaacaa
tatgcattta 2520 gagtttgtaa gtcaagtgaa taactgataa ggtaaaaaaa
agggggagtt cattgttgag 2580 tatgaattta aagtaaccag actgcctttt
gtccagtggc tgtcagtaat ttacttcagc 2640 aggcattttt tttttttgag
gctgttctat gatatcatga cccttcttgt aggaatgtgc 2700 ttccagtggt
gaggcagtct gagaatgtgt gaagcagtat aatgaagcca gaccaagatg 2760
gaagcttggc ctgggatttg agcatcagga aaactgttga agggttatgt atacatcaca
2820 cacacacaca cacacacaca cacacacaca cacacacaca ctctcttcca
tactcctata 2880 acaacgtata gtatttacta tacctggtga caggtattta
ctatacattg ttgaagatct 2940 ataacatgga atgcctagtg ctaagtgcag
tgtccttagt gaaattgtat tggtttggaa 3000 ttatttatga gtttgggatt
atttgtcact acccttaaat gatcttgaca ctcacctatt 3060 tgaaaagata
ttgaggattt gccatttgat attgaccagg gtgtattgtg cacaaatatt 3120
gtgaatatac atctgtctgt ccttaaatca ctgtaagttt taactggaat agatttgctc
3180 cacattactc ggtagggctg atatttcatg cctcatggat gagaaaagaa
taggcaaaaa 3240 ttatatctcg ggctgcctca cacatctttt aacaggataa
gggaaaaata aatataagac 3300 ctatgagtta tggcatcagg cttgaacttt
aatttatgaa ttaaaccaac aatattattg 3360 attattgcaa ttatctatct
taatttcatt tgttctcctt ttaaaaatta attatgttta 3420 ttttacctat
tgtgaataaa gtcactcctc ccatgtgctt atttcttgac tctggcacta 3480
attattcttc agtgcctaga tttcctggga ctgctcagtt taagtaactt ctgaacattg
3540 gtctctgaga gaaaagacag tgaagtggga tctgtggaaa aacacatctg
caaatgtctc 3600 atttttttct tcaggggtaa gttttcttcc ttggagactc
ttgtcttgaa aaagtgatac 3660 tagatcacca tttggcaaga taattacaaa
aggcagatag agtaattatt ttacatagct 3720 gttatagggt gactaagatc
tcagggaatg actgtgttct gtaatccact tgccccactc 3780 aataccccaa
gttttataca agccaaagat gcttggagca gaatctgcta cctgaggctc 3840
cagggccttg gcctagggaa actaatactt aactttttaa gtggtcattg atgacatccc
3900 actcctttct gagatgggta tgatttgaaa ggcaggtgta ttcatggaga
gcagggcttg 3960 ggacctttgc tgcaagagga ggaactatta gcctagactt
ttctaataag gactttctca 4020 tacctgtttc ctagatctgg tccacataga
agaaatcagg gaacacacag ggtaggactc 4080 ttaaaggagt atgtttcttg
gctttttcct aaaaactaaa acaaaaacat tcatagcaaa 4140 gcagtttagc
ccagtgacta agagtataga cattggaatc tgaaagatct gggttggaat 4200
tctgcttcag ccatttacta attatgtaac ttcacatctc tgagaatggg ggaaattttc
4260 tttgcagggt tgttacaaag cttaaaagag ttaagtcaag tgcctggaac
agaacagcca 4320 ttcaataaat catagaaatt tttgttttta cacaaatttt
taaaaagtaa tattttttgc 4380 atttgttaga aagactatat tttctgttta
gtggatgaca tcatcatcat aaaaatcact 4440 gttacaagtt ttgttttgag
aattaaaatc atatattaat cccaatcaca ttgtgttggg 4500 attaatcaac
atctctgggc atctaatact gtaaaaacat ggcctgtgat tggtctgctt 4560
ggaagtgcat cttggttctg gctcagttgg ctagtgggcc acattgatta aagatgaata
4620 caatgccaa 4629 <210> SEQ ID NO 3 <211> LENGTH: 21
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 3 ctccctctgt gacttccctc t 21
<210> SEQ ID NO 4 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE:
DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide
<400> SEQUENCE: 4 gctatccaca ttccttccca 20 <210> SEQ ID
NO 5 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213>
ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223>
OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE:
5 gcagagccac caagagtcca 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 6 <211>
LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 6 gtgtgtgtgt
gtgtgtgtgt 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 7 <211> LENGTH: 20
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 7 tccacattcc ttcccattca 20
<210> SEQ ID NO 8 <211> LENGTH: 18 <212> TYPE:
DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide
<400> SEQUENCE: 8 ccctctgtga cttccctc 18 <210> SEQ ID
NO 9 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213>
ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223>
OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE:
9 ccacattcct tcccattcag 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 10 <211>
LENGTH: 30 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 10 mumcmcmcmu
ctgtgacttc mcmcmumcmu 30 <210> SEQ ID NO 11 <211>
LENGTH: 31 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 11 mcmumcmcmc
tctgtgactt cmcmcmumcm u 31 <210> SEQ ID NO 12 <211>
LENGTH: 21 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 12 ctccctctgt
gacttccctc t 21 <210> SEQ ID NO 13 <211> LENGTH: 20
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 13 tccacattcc ttcccattca
20
1 SEQUENCE LISTING <160> NUMBER OF SEQ ID NOS: 13 <210>
SEQ ID NO 1 <211> LENGTH: 12747 <212> TYPE: DNA
<213> ORGANISM: Homo sapiens <300> PUBLICATION
INFORMATION: <308> DATABASE ACCESSION NUMBER: NM_002016
<309> DATABASE ENTRY DATE: 2010-08-08 <313> RELEVANT
RESIDUES IN SEQ ID NO: (1)..(12747) <400> SEQUENCE: 1
cttttggtga acaaggttca catttattgc caaaagatgt ctactctcct ggaaaacatc
60 tttgccataa ttaatctttt caagcaatat tcaaaaaaag ataaaaacac
tgacacattg 120 agtaaaaaag agctgaagga acttctggaa aaggaatttc
ggcaaatcct gaagaatcca 180 gatgacccag atatggttga tgtcttcatg
gatcacttgg atatagacca caacaagaaa 240 attgacttca ctgagtttct
tctgatggta ttcaagttgg ctcaagcata ttatgagtct 300 accagaaaag
agaatttacc gatatcagga cacaagcaca gaaagcacag tcatcatgat 360
aaacatgaag ataataaaca ggaagaaaac aaagaaaaca gaaaaagacc ctcaagtctg
420 gaaagaagaa acaatagaaa agggaataag ggaagatcca agagcccaag
agaaacaggg 480 gggaaaaggc atgaatctag ttctgaaaaa aaagaaagaa
aaggatattc acctactcat 540 agagaagaag aatatggaaa aaaccatcat
aactcaagta aaaaagagaa aaacaagact 600 gaaaatacta gattaggaga
caataggaag aggctaagtg aaagacttga agagaaagaa 660 gacaatgaag
aaggagtata tgattatgaa aatacaggaa gaatgactca aaaatggata 720
caatcaggcc atattgccac atattacaca atccaggatg aagcctatga caccactgat
780 agtctattag aagaaaacaa aatatatgaa agatcaaggt catctgatgg
caaatcatca 840 tctcaagtga acaggtcaag acatgaaaat acaagccagg
taccattgca ggagtccagg 900 acaagaaagc gtaggggatc cagagttagc
caggacaggg acagtgaggg acactcagaa 960 gactctgaga ggcactctgg
gtcggcttcc agaaaccatc atggatctgc gtgggagcag 1020 tcaagagatg
gctccagaca ccccaggtcc catgatgaag acagagccag tcatgggcac 1080
tctgcagaca gctccagaca atcaggcact cgtcacgcag agacttcctc tcgtggacag
1140 actgcatcat cccatgaaca ggcaagatca agtccaggag aaagacatgg
atccggccac 1200 cagcagtcag cagacagctc cagacactca gccactgggc
gcgggcaagc ttcatctgca 1260 gtcagcgatc gtggacaccg ggggtctagc
ggtagtcagg ccagtgacag tgagggacat 1320 tcagaaaact cagacacaca
atcagtgtca ggccacggaa aggctgggct gagacagcag 1380 agccaccaag
agtccacacg tggccggtca ggggaacggt ctggacgttc agggtcttcc 1440
ctctaccagg tgagcactca tgaacagcct gactctgccc atggacggac cgggaccagc
1500 actggaggaa gacaaggatc gcaccacgag caggcacgag acagctccag
gcattcagcg 1560 tcccaagagg gtcaggacac cattcgtgga cacccggggt
caagcagagg aggaaggcag 1620 ggatcccacc acgagcaatc ggtaaatagg
tctggacact caggttccca tcacagccac 1680 accacatccc agggaaggtc
tgatgcctcc catgggcagt caggatccag aagtgcaagc 1740 agacaaacac
gaaatgagga acaatcagga gacggcacca ggcactcagg gtcacgtcat 1800
catgaagctt cctctcaggc tgacagctct agacactcac aggtgggcca gggacaatca
1860 tcggggccca ggacaagtag gaaccaggga tccagtgtta gccaggacag
tgacagtcag 1920 ggacactcag aagactctga gaggtggtct gggtctgctt
ccagaaacca tcatggatct 1980 gctcaggagc agtcaagaga tggctccaga
caccccaggt cccatcacga agacagagct 2040 ggtcatgggc actctgcaga
cagctccaga aaatcaggca ctcgtcacac acagaattcc 2100 tctagtggac
aggctgcgtc atcccatgaa caggcaagat caagtgcagg agaaagacat 2160
ggatcccgcc accagctcca gtcagcagac agctccagac actcaggcac tgggcacgga
2220 caagcttcat ctgcagtcag agacagtgga caccgagggt ccagtggtag
tcaggccact 2280 gacagtgagg gacattcaga agactcagac acacagtcag
tgtcaggcca tggacaggct 2340 ggtcaccatc agcagagcca ccaagagtcc
gcacgtgacc ggtcagggga aaggtctcga 2400 cgttcagggt ctttcctcta
ccaggtgagc actcataaac agtctgagtc ctcccatgga 2460 tggacagggc
ccagcactgg agtaagacaa ggatcccacc atgagcaggc acgagacaac 2520
tccaggcact cagcatccca agatggtcag gacaccattc gtggacaccc ggggtcaagc
2580 agaagaggaa ggcaggggtc ccaccacgag caatcggtag ataggtctgg
acactcaggg 2640 tcccatcaca gccacaccac atcccaggga aggtctgatg
cctcccgtgg gcagtcagga 2700 tccagaagtg caagcagaac aacacgtaat
gaggaacaat caagagacgg ctccaggcac 2760 tcagggtcac gtcaccatga
agcttcctct catgccgaca tctctagaca ctcacaggca 2820 ggccagggac
aatcagaggg gtccaggaca agcaggcgcc agggatccag tgttagccag 2880
gacagtgaca gtgagggaca ttcagaagac tctgagaggt ggtctgggtc tgcttccaga
2940 aaccatcgtg gatctgctca ggagcagtca agacatggct ccagacaccc
caggtcccat 3000 cacgaagaca gagccggtca cgggcactct gcagacagct
ccagacaatc aggaactcct 3060 cacgcagaga cttcctctgg tggacaggct
gcgtcatccc atgaacaggc aagatcaagt 3120 ccaggagaaa gacacggatc
ccgccaccag cagtcagcag acagctccag acactcaggc 3180 attccgcgca
gacaagcttc atctgcagtc agagacagtg gacactgggg gtccagtggt 3240
agtcaggcca gtgatagtga gggacattca gaggagtcag acacacagtc agtgtcaggc
3300 catggacagg atgggcccca tcagcagagc caccaagagt ccgcacgtga
ctggtcaggg 3360 ggaaggtctg gacgttcagg gtctttcatc taccaggtga
gcactcatga acagtctgag 3420 tctgcccatg ggcggaccag gaccagcact
ggacgaagac aaggatccca ccacgagcag 3480 gcacgagaca gctccaggca
ctcagcgtcc caagagggtc aggacaccat tcgtgcacac 3540 ccggggtcaa
ggagaggagg aaggcaggga tcccaccatg agcaatcggt agatagatct 3600
ggacactcag ggtcccatca cagccacacc acatcccagg gaaggtctga tgcctcccat
3660 gggcagtcag gatccagaag tgcaagcaga caaactcgta aggacaaaca
atcaggagac 3720 ggctccaggc actcagggtc acgtcaccat gaagctgcct
cttgggctga cagctctaga 3780 cactcacagg tgggacagga acaatcatcg
gggtccagga caagcaggca ccagggatcc 3840 agtgttagcc aggacagtga
cagtgagaga cactcagacg actccgagag gttgtctggg 3900 tctgcttcca
gaaaccatca tggatcttct cgggagcagt caagagatgg ctccagacac 3960
cctgggttcc atcaagaaga cagagccagt cacgggcact ctgcagacag ctccagacaa
4020 tcaggcactc atcacacaga gtcttcctct catggacagg ctgtgtcatc
ccatgaacag 4080 gcaagatcaa gtccaggaga aagacatgga tcccgccacc
agcagtcagc agacagctcc 4140 agacactcag gcattgggca cagacaagct
tcatctgcag tcagagacag tggacaccga 4200 gggtccagtg gtagtcaggt
cactaacagt gagggacatt cagaagactc agacacacag 4260 tcagtgtcag
cccacggaca agctgggccc catcagcaga gccacaaaga gtccgcacgt 4320
ggccagtcag gggaaagctc tggacgttca aggtctttcc tctaccaggt gagctctcat
4380 gaacagtctg agtccacaca cggacagact gcacccagca ctggaggaag
acaaggatcc 4440 cgccatgagc aggcacgaaa cagctctagg cactcagcat
cccaagacgg tcaggacacc 4500 attcgtggac acccggggtc aagcagagga
ggaaggcagg gatcctacca cgagcaatca 4560 gtagataggt ctggacactc
agggtaccat cacagccaca ccacacccca gggaaggtct 4620 gatgcctccc
atgggcagtc aggacccaga agtgcaagca ggcaaacaag aaatgaggaa 4680
caatcaggag acggctccag gcactcaggg tcacgtcacc atgaaccttc cactcgggcc
4740 ggcagctcta gacactcaca ggtgggccag ggagaatcag cggggtccaa
gacaagcagg 4800 cgccagggat ccagtgttag tcaggacagg gacagtgagg
gacactcaga agactctgag 4860 aggcggtctg agtcggcttc cagaaaccat
tatggatctg ctcgggagca gtcaagacat 4920 ggctccagga accccaggtc
ccatcaagaa gatagagcca gtcatgggca ctctgcagag 4980 agctccagac
aatcaggcac tcgtcatgca gagacttcct ctggtggaca ggctgcatca 5040
tcccaggaac aggcaaggtc aagtccagga gaaagacatg gatcccgcca ccagcagtca
5100 gcagacagct ccacagactc aggcactggg cgcagacaag attcatctgt
agtcggagac 5160 agtggaaacc gagggtccag tggtagccag gccagtgaca
gcgagggaca ctcagaagag 5220 tcagacacac agtcagtgtc agcccacgga
caggctgggc cccatcagca gagccaccaa 5280 gagtccacac gtggccagtc
aggggaaagg tctggacgtt cagggtcttt cctctaccag 5340 gtgagcactc
atgaacagtc tgagtccgcc catggacgca cagggcccag cactggagga 5400
agacaaagat cccgccacga gcaggcacga gacagctcca ggcactcagc gtcccaagag
5460 ggtcaggaca ccattcgtgg acacccaggg tcaagcagag gaggaaggca
gggatcccac 5520 tatgagcaat cggtagatag ttctggacac tcagggtctc
atcacagcca caccacgtcc 5580 caggaaaggt ctgatgtctc ccgtgggcag
tcaggatcca gaagtgtcag cagacaaaca 5640 cgtaatgaga aacaatcagg
agacggctcc aggcactcag ggtcgcgtca ccatgaagct 5700 tcctctcggg
ccgacagctc tagacactcg caggtgggcc agggacaatc atcagggccc 5760
aggacaagca ggaaccaggg atccagtgtt agccaggaca gtgacagtca gggacactca
5820 gaagactctg agaggtggtc tgggtctgct tccagaaacc atcttggatc
tgcttgggag 5880 cagtcaagag atggctccag acaccctggg tcccatcacg
aagacagagc cggtcacggg 5940 cactctgcag acagctccag acaatcaggc
actcgtcaca cagagtcttc ctctcgtgga 6000 caggctgcgt catcccatga
acaggcaaga tcaagtgcag gagaaagaca tggatcccac 6060 caccagctcc
agtcagcaga cagctccaga cactcaggca ttgggcatgg acaagcttca 6120
tctgcagtca gagacagtgg acaccgaggg tacagtggta gtcaggccag tgacagtgag
6180 ggacattcag aagactcaga cacacagtca gtgtcagcac agggaaaagc
tgggccccat 6240 cagcagagcc acaaagagtc cgcacgtggc cagtcagggg
aaagctctgg acgttcaggg 6300 tctttcctct accaggtgag cactcatgaa
cagtctgagt ccacccatgg acagtctgcg 6360 cccagcactg gaggaagaca
aggatcccat tatgatcagg cacaagacag ctccaggcac 6420 tcagcatccc
aagagggtca ggacaccatt cgtggacacc cggggccaag cagaggagga 6480
agacaggggt cccaccaaga gcaatcggta gataggtctg gacactcagg gtctcatcac
6540 agccacacca catcccaggg aaggtctgat gcctcccgtg ggcagtcagg
atccagaagt 6600 gcaagcagaa aaacatatga caaggaacaa tcaggagatg
gctctaggca ctcagggtcg 6660 catcatcatg aagcttcctc ttgggccgac
agctctagac actcactggt gggccaggga 6720 caatcatcag ggcccaggac
aagcaggccc cggggatcca gtgttagcca ggacagtgac 6780 agtgagggac
actcagaaga ttctgagagg cggtctgggt ctgcgtccag aaaccatcat 6840
ggatctgctc aggagcagtc aagagatggc tccagacacc ccaggtccca tcacgaagac
6900 agagccggtc atgggcactc tgcagagagc tccagacaat caggcactca
tcatgcagag 6960 aattcctctg gtggacaggc tgcatcatcc catgaacagg
caagatcaag tgcaggagag 7020
agacacggat cccaccacca gcagtcagca gacagctcca gacactcagg cattgggcac
7080 ggacaagctt catctgcagt cagagacagt ggacaccgag ggtccagtgg
tagtcaggcc 7140 agtgacagtg agggacattc agaagactca gacacacagt
cagtgtcagc ccacggacag 7200 gctgggcccc atcagcagag ccaccaagag
tccacacgtg gccggtcagc aggaaggtct 7260 ggacgttcag ggtctttcct
ctaccaggtg agcactcatg aacagtctga gtccgcccat 7320 ggacggaccg
ggaccagcac tggaggaaga caaggatccc accacaagca ggcacgagac 7380
agctccaggc actcaacgtc ccaagagggt caggacacca ttcatggaca cccggggtca
7440 agcagtggag gaaggcaggg atcccactac gagcaattgg tagatagatc
tggacactca 7500 gggtctcatc acagccacac cacatcccag ggaaggtctg
atgcctccca tgggcactca 7560 ggatccagaa gtgcaagcag acaaactcgt
aacgatgaac aatcaggaga cggctccagg 7620 cactcagggt cgcgtcacca
tgaagcttcc tctcgggccg acagctctgg acactcgcag 7680 gtgggccagg
gacaatcaga ggggcccagg acaagcagga actggggatc cagttttagc 7740
caggacagtg acagtcaggg acactcagaa gactctgaga ggtggtctgg gtctgcttcc
7800 agaaaccatc atggatctgc tcaggagcag ctaagagatg gctccagaca
ccccaggtcc 7860 catcaagaag acagagctgg tcatgggcac tctgcagaca
gctccagaca atcaggcact 7920 cgtcacacac agacttcctc tggtggacag
gctgcatcat cccatgaaca ggcaagatca 7980 agtgcaggag aaagacatgg
atcccaccac cagcagtcag cagacagctc cagacactca 8040 ggcattgggc
acggacaagc ttcatctgca gtcagagaca gtggacaccg agggtacagt 8100
ggtagtcagg ccagtgacaa tgagggacat tcagaagact cagacacaca gtcagtgtca
8160 gcccacggac aggctgggtc ccatcagcag agccaccaag agtccgcacg
tggccggtca 8220 ggggaaacgt ctggacattc aggatctttc ctctaccagg
tgagcactca tgaacagtct 8280 gagtcctccc atggatggac ggggcccagc
actagaggaa gacaaggatc ccgccatgag 8340 caggcacaag acagctccag
gcactcagca tcccaagacg gtcaggacac cattcgtgga 8400 cacccggggt
caagcagagg aggaaggcag gggtaccacc acgagcattc ggtagatagc 8460
tctggacact cagggtccca tcacagccac accacatccc agggaaggtc tgatgcctcc
8520 cgtgggcagt caggatccag aagtgcaagc agaacaacac gtaatgagga
acaatcagga 8580 gacggctcca ggcactcagg gtcgcgtcac catgaagctt
ccactcatgc cgacatctct 8640 agacactcac aggcagtcca gggacaatca
gaggggtcca ggagaagcag gcgccaggga 8700 tccagtgtga gccaggacag
tgacagtgag ggacattcag aagactctga gaggtggtct 8760 gggtctgctt
ccagaaacca tcatggatct gctcaggagc agctaagaga tggctccaga 8820
caccccaggt cccatcaaga agacagagct ggtcatgggc actctgcaga cagctccaga
8880 caatcaggca ctcgtcacac acagacttcc tctggtggac aggctgcatc
atcccatgaa 8940 caggcaagat caagtgcagg agaaagacat ggatcccacc
accagcagtc agcagacagc 9000 tccagacact caggcattgg gcacggacaa
gcttcatctg cagtcagaga cagtggacac 9060 cgagggtaca gtggtagtca
ggccagtgac aatgagggac attcagaaga ctcagacaca 9120 cagtcagtgt
cagcccacgg acaggctggg tcccatcagc agagccacca agagtccgca 9180
cgtggccggt caggggaaac gtctggacat tcaggatctt tcctctacca ggtgagcact
9240 catgaacagt ctgagtcctc ccatggatgg acggggccca gcactagagg
aagacaagga 9300 tcccgccatg agcaggcaca agacagctcc aggcactcag
catcccaata cggtcaggac 9360 accattcgtg gacacccggg gtcaagcaga
ggaggaaggc aggggtacca ccacgagcat 9420 tcggtagata gctctggaca
ctcagggtcc catcacagcc acaccacatc ccagggaagg 9480 tctgatgcct
cccgtgggca gtcaggatcc agaagtgcaa gcagaacaac acgtaatgag 9540
gaacaatcag gagacagctc caggcactca gtgtcacgtc accatgaagc ttccactcat
9600 gccgacatct ctagacactc acaggcagtc cagggacaat cagaggggtc
caggagaagc 9660 aggcgccagg gatccagtgt gagccaggac agtgacagtg
agggacattc agaagactct 9720 gagaggtggt ctgggtctgc ttccagaaac
catcgtggat ctgttcagga gcagtcaagg 9780 cacggctcca gacaccccag
gtcccatcac gaagacagag ccggtcacgg gcactctgca 9840 gaccgctcca
gacaatcagg cactcgtcac gcagagactt cctctggtgg acaggctgca 9900
tcatcccatg aacaggcaag atcaagtcca ggagagagac acggatcccg ccaccagcag
9960 tcagcagaca gctccagaca ctcaggcatt ccgcgtggac aagcttcatc
tgcagtcaga 10020 gacagtagac actgggggtc cagtggtagt caggccagtg
atagtgaggg acattcagaa 10080 gagtcagaca cacagtcagt gtcaggccat
ggacaggctg ggccccatca gcagagccac 10140 caagagtccg cacgtgaccg
gtcaggggga aggtctggac gttcagggtc tttcctctac 10200 caggtgagca
ctcatgaaca gtctgagtct gcccatgggc ggaccaggac cagcactgga 10260
cgaagacaag gatcccacca cgagcaggca cgagacagct ccaggcactc agcgtcccaa
10320 gagggtcagg acaccattcg tggacacccg gggtcaagca gaagaggaag
gcagggatcc 10380 cactacgagc aatcggtaga taggtctgga cactcagggt
cccatcacag ccacaccaca 10440 tcccagggaa ggtctgatgc ctcccgtggg
cagtcaggat ccagaagtgc cagcagacaa 10500 actcgtaatg acgaacaatc
aggagatggc tccaggcact catggtcgca tcaccatgaa 10560 gcttccactc
aggcggacag ctctagacac tcacagtccg gccagggaca atcagcgggg 10620
cccaggacaa gcaggaacca gggatccagt gttagccagg acagtgacag tcagggacac
10680 tcagaagact ctgagaggtg gtctgggtct gcttccagaa accatcgtgg
atctgctcag 10740 gagcagtcaa gagatggctc cagacacccc acgtcccatc
acgaagacag agccggtcac 10800 gggcactctg cagagagctc cagacaatca
ggcactcatc atgcagagaa ttcctctggt 10860 ggacaggctg catcatccca
tgaacaggca agatcaagtg caggagagag acatggatcc 10920 caccaccagc
agtcagcaga cagctccaga cactcaggca ttgggcacgg acaagcttca 10980
tctgcagtca gagacagtgg acaccgaggg tccagtggta gtcaggccag tgacagtgag
11040 ggacattcag aagactcaga cacacagtca gtgtcagccc acggacaggc
tgggccccat 11100 cagcagagcc accaagagtc cacacgtggc cggtcagcag
gaaggtctgg acgttcaggg 11160 tctttcctct accaggtgag cactcatgaa
cagtctgagt ctgcccatgg acgggctggg 11220 cccagtactg gaggaagaca
aggatcccgc cacgagcagg cacgagacag ctccaggcac 11280 tcagcgtccc
aagagggtca ggacaccatt cgtggacacc cggggtcaag gagaggagga 11340
agacagggat cctaccacga gcaatcggta gataggtctg gacactcagg gtcccatcac
11400 agccacacca catcccaggg aaggtctgat gcctcccatg ggcagtcagg
atccagaagt 11460 gcaagcagag aaacacgtaa tgaggaacag tcaggagacg
gctccaggca ctcagggtcg 11520 cgtcaccatg aagcttccac tcaggctgac
agctctagac actcacagtc cggccagggt 11580 gaatcagcgg ggtccaggag
aagcaggcgc cagggatcca gtgttagcca ggacagtgac 11640 agtgaggcat
acccagagga ctctgagagg cgatctgagt ctgcttccag aaaccatcat 11700
ggatcttctc gggagcagtc aagagatggc tccagacacc ccggatcctc tcaccgcgat
11760 acagccagtc atgtacagtc ttcacctgta cagtcagact ctagtaccgc
taaggaacat 11820 ggtcacttta gtagtctttc acaagattct gcgtatcact
caggaataca gtcacgtggc 11880 agtcctcaca gttctagttc ttatcattat
caatctgagg gcactgaaag gcaaaaaggt 11940 caatcaggtt tagtttggag
acatggcagc tatggtagtg cagattatga ttatggtgaa 12000 tccgggttta
gacactctca gcacggaagt gttagttaca attccaatcc tgttgttttc 12060
aaggaaagat ctgatatctg taaagcaagt gcgtttggta aagatcatcc aaggtattat
12120 gcaacgtata ttaataagga cccaggttta tgtggccatt ctagtgatat
atcgaaacaa 12180 ctgggattta gtcagtcaca gagatactat tactatgagt
aagaaattaa tggcaaagga 12240 attaatccaa gaatagaaga atgaagcaag
ttcactttca atcaagaaac ttcataatac 12300 tttcagggaa gttatctttt
cctgtcaatc tgtttaaaat atgctatagt atttcattag 12360 tttggtggta
gcttattttt attgtgtaat gatctttaaa cgctatattt cagaaatatt 12420
aaatggaaga aatcaatatc atggagagct aactttagaa aactagctgg agtattttag
12480 gagattctgg gtcaagtaat gttttatgtt tttgaaagtt taagttttag
acactcccca 12540 aatttctaaa ttaatctttt tcagaaatat cgaaggagcc
aaaaatataa aacagttctg 12600 tataccaaag tggctatatc aacatcaggg
ctagcacatc tttctctatt atccttctat 12660 tggaattcta gtattctgta
ttcaaaaaat catcttggac ataattaata ttatagtaag 12720 ctgcatctaa
attaaaaata aactatt 12747 <210> SEQ ID NO 2 <211>
LENGTH: 4629 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Homo
sapiens <400> SEQUENCE: 2 aaatgctcca catggcccca gtcaccctgc
agaaaagaaa tcatcagctt tctgcagcat 60 cagacttagc agcatcttcc
tgtcccaaga gaagagggga tgggaggatg gcatggttca 120 gggcttaggg
gaggataggg gagaaaaagt ggaagcaaag ggagaggccc aggaaggatc 180
ttgttgcgac atgttacctg ggctgcacct gctgtatgca agagaagagg ctgggagtcc
240 cctctgcagg gtgttcatgc cccatctctg tgccacgagg agttgggctg
ctgaaggata 300 tatcagcaca acttctctgc tccaactagt ctacattgca
aagcatctcc tagtgtcttt 360 ggaagaagga tctatgtcat gagtgctcac
ctggtagagg gaagaccctg aacgtccaga 420 ccgttcccct gaccggccac
gtgtggactc ttggtggctc tgctgtctca gcccagcctt 480 tccgtggcct
gacactgatt gtgtgtctga gttttctgaa tgtccctcac tgtcactggc 540
ctgactaccg ctagaccccc ggtgtccacg atcgctgact gcagatgaag cttgcccgcg
600 cccagtggct gagtgtctgg agctgtctgc tgactgctgg tggccggatc
catgtctttc 660 tcctggactt gatcttgcct gttcatggga tgatgcagtc
tgtccacgag aggaagtctc 720 tgcgtgacga gtgcctgatt gtctggagct
gtctgcagag tgcccatgac tggctctgtc 780 ttcatcatgg gacctggggt
gtctggagcc atctcttgac tgctcccacg cagatccatg 840 atggtttctg
gaagccgacc cagagtgcct ctcagagtct tctgagtgtc cctcactgtc 900
cctgtcctgg ctaactctgg atcccctacg ctttcttgtc ctggactcct gcaatgactc
960 ataatatgct tgagccaact tgaataccat cagaagaaac tcagtgaagt
caattttctt 1020 gttgtggtct atatccaagt gatccatgaa gacatcaacc
atatctgggt catctggatt 1080 ctgtacagag ggaagtcaca gagggagact
gcatcagaca gaatcacatt atcagccaat 1140 taattcaaag ttaatttaag
gaacctgatc tttgagtatt aaaaagtggg acaaaatctt 1200 ttttttttta
agactttttt gtctcatcct cattcaggtg ttatatgtga acaaagatgt 1260
agactagtaa ggtatcaaga tttgatgggg atatccagac aacttggagc caagtcccca
1320 cagctggatc agacaacttt tggtgacatc tcacagtgtg gattatcaag
ccagtgtatc 1380 agtctggagc ctaggttttt ttgcctttag ctttgctcag
gatgacttct gctcttctat 1440 ggcaatactt gagaagctac agctttgatt
agacgagagg ctatttcaat aactttctcc 1500
tgataagaag accaccgacc gtggacggat tctggccagt ttacaaaggc tgcataccat
1560 agggcagggc accccactat ggcaaacact aataatgata ttgctcctga
ttttgtttct 1620 gaagggaatg cctctaagat ttcttcatta attataagag
actgggtctc actctgttgc 1680 ccaagctgga gaacagtggc accatcatag
ctcactgcag ccttcaactt ctgggctcaa 1740 gtgcttctcc cacctcagcc
tcccaagtag ctgggacaac aggtgaaatt gaaggccagc 1800 ttttggaact
caaccttcaa aggaacttaa aatttccatt atgtagagtc cctgaggaaa 1860
ctggatccac tagctacact ggctgagaat gctctcaccc caggatttca tttttatttt
1920 accacatcat tgttggtatc ttaagatcaa tgtactggag cagcggggtc
tcacaaagag 1980 gatacctggt gacacgccca ggctttcaga atgcactata
gggctttagt gacttgtcca 2040 ggttcagctg aaatgtgcca tctgggacct
actaatgctt gttgaacttt actggatctc 2100 agaagctggg tctcagaagc
tcagatgttc ctcagagcta cgatatcaac aacctgtgat 2160 gacagagaga
aggttgctcc atgatggatt tggaaactta ctggctagct aaacctgact 2220
gaatgggaag gaatgtggat agctttggaa ctctagtttc actagatgag ctggaatttg
2280 tattttgaca aattgcacgt tatgattatt aagtaatgca actgattttt
ttttccctta 2340 aaacaaacaa tctagaatct gtgtaatcaa aataatttct
ctaaaaggct gcaagtatat 2400 gcttaaagtg ttggggcatt cagagcattt
ggaacattac attcttttga atgtcaattg 2460 gtagatgaaa ataccagctt
ttaagtcata catttgattt tttgaaacaa tatgcattta 2520 gagtttgtaa
gtcaagtgaa taactgataa ggtaaaaaaa agggggagtt cattgttgag 2580
tatgaattta aagtaaccag actgcctttt gtccagtggc tgtcagtaat ttacttcagc
2640 aggcattttt tttttttgag gctgttctat gatatcatga cccttcttgt
aggaatgtgc 2700 ttccagtggt gaggcagtct gagaatgtgt gaagcagtat
aatgaagcca gaccaagatg 2760 gaagcttggc ctgggatttg agcatcagga
aaactgttga agggttatgt atacatcaca 2820 cacacacaca cacacacaca
cacacacaca cacacacaca ctctcttcca tactcctata 2880 acaacgtata
gtatttacta tacctggtga caggtattta ctatacattg ttgaagatct 2940
ataacatgga atgcctagtg ctaagtgcag tgtccttagt gaaattgtat tggtttggaa
3000 ttatttatga gtttgggatt atttgtcact acccttaaat gatcttgaca
ctcacctatt 3060 tgaaaagata ttgaggattt gccatttgat attgaccagg
gtgtattgtg cacaaatatt 3120 gtgaatatac atctgtctgt ccttaaatca
ctgtaagttt taactggaat agatttgctc 3180 cacattactc ggtagggctg
atatttcatg cctcatggat gagaaaagaa taggcaaaaa 3240 ttatatctcg
ggctgcctca cacatctttt aacaggataa gggaaaaata aatataagac 3300
ctatgagtta tggcatcagg cttgaacttt aatttatgaa ttaaaccaac aatattattg
3360 attattgcaa ttatctatct taatttcatt tgttctcctt ttaaaaatta
attatgttta 3420 ttttacctat tgtgaataaa gtcactcctc ccatgtgctt
atttcttgac tctggcacta 3480 attattcttc agtgcctaga tttcctggga
ctgctcagtt taagtaactt ctgaacattg 3540 gtctctgaga gaaaagacag
tgaagtggga tctgtggaaa aacacatctg caaatgtctc 3600 atttttttct
tcaggggtaa gttttcttcc ttggagactc ttgtcttgaa aaagtgatac 3660
tagatcacca tttggcaaga taattacaaa aggcagatag agtaattatt ttacatagct
3720 gttatagggt gactaagatc tcagggaatg actgtgttct gtaatccact
tgccccactc 3780 aataccccaa gttttataca agccaaagat gcttggagca
gaatctgcta cctgaggctc 3840 cagggccttg gcctagggaa actaatactt
aactttttaa gtggtcattg atgacatccc 3900 actcctttct gagatgggta
tgatttgaaa ggcaggtgta ttcatggaga gcagggcttg 3960 ggacctttgc
tgcaagagga ggaactatta gcctagactt ttctaataag gactttctca 4020
tacctgtttc ctagatctgg tccacataga agaaatcagg gaacacacag ggtaggactc
4080 ttaaaggagt atgtttcttg gctttttcct aaaaactaaa acaaaaacat
tcatagcaaa 4140 gcagtttagc ccagtgacta agagtataga cattggaatc
tgaaagatct gggttggaat 4200 tctgcttcag ccatttacta attatgtaac
ttcacatctc tgagaatggg ggaaattttc 4260 tttgcagggt tgttacaaag
cttaaaagag ttaagtcaag tgcctggaac agaacagcca 4320 ttcaataaat
catagaaatt tttgttttta cacaaatttt taaaaagtaa tattttttgc 4380
atttgttaga aagactatat tttctgttta gtggatgaca tcatcatcat aaaaatcact
4440 gttacaagtt ttgttttgag aattaaaatc atatattaat cccaatcaca
ttgtgttggg 4500 attaatcaac atctctgggc atctaatact gtaaaaacat
ggcctgtgat tggtctgctt 4560 ggaagtgcat cttggttctg gctcagttgg
ctagtgggcc acattgatta aagatgaata 4620 caatgccaa 4629 <210>
SEQ ID NO 3 <211> LENGTH: 21 <212> TYPE: DNA
<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide
<400> SEQUENCE: 3 ctccctctgt gacttccctc t 21 <210> SEQ
ID NO 4 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213>
ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223>
OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE:
4 gctatccaca ttccttccca 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 5 <211>
LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 5 gcagagccac
caagagtcca 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 6 <211> LENGTH: 20
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 6 gtgtgtgtgt gtgtgtgtgt 20
<210> SEQ ID NO 7 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE:
DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide
<400> SEQUENCE: 7 tccacattcc ttcccattca 20 <210> SEQ ID
NO 8 <211> LENGTH: 18 <212> TYPE: DNA <213>
ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223>
OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE:
8 ccctctgtga cttccctc 18 <210> SEQ ID NO 9 <211>
LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial
Sequence <220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION:
Antisense oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 9 ccacattcct
tcccattcag 20 <210> SEQ ID NO 10 <211> LENGTH: 30
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 10 mumcmcmcmu ctgtgacttc
mcmcmumcmu 30 <210> SEQ ID NO 11 <211> LENGTH: 31
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 11 mcmumcmcmc tctgtgactt
cmcmcmumcm u 31 <210> SEQ ID NO 12 <211> LENGTH: 21
<212> TYPE: DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE: <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense
oligonucleotide <400> SEQUENCE: 12 ctccctctgt gacttccctc t 21
<210> SEQ ID NO 13 <211> LENGTH: 20 <212> TYPE:
DNA <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Antisense oligonucleotide
<400> SEQUENCE: 13 tccacattcc ttcccattca 20
* * * * *