U.S. patent application number 17/503072 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for capped and uncapped rna molecules and block copolymers for intracellular delivery of rna.
This patent application is currently assigned to Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM). The applicant listed for this patent is Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Universite de Nantes. Invention is credited to BRUNO PITARD.
Application Number | 20220105203 17/503072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220105203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PITARD; BRUNO |
April 7, 2022 |
CAPPED AND UNCAPPED RNA MOLECULES AND BLOCK COPOLYMERS FOR
INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY OF RNA
Abstract
The present invention relates to the use of at least one
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer as a vehicle
for capped or uncapped mRNA for intracellular delivery for gene
therapy.
Inventors: |
PITARD; BRUNO; (Nantes
cedex, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale
(INSERM)
Universite de Nantes
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique |
Paris
Nantes
Paris |
|
FR
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Institut National de la Sante et de
la Recherche Medicale (INSERM)
Paris
FR
Universite de Nantes
Nantes
FR
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Paris
FR
|
Appl. No.: |
17/503072 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15129912 |
Sep 28, 2016 |
11179478 |
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PCT/IB2015/052405 |
Apr 1, 2015 |
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17503072 |
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International
Class: |
A61K 48/00 20060101
A61K048/00; C12N 15/88 20060101 C12N015/88; C08G 65/32 20060101
C08G065/32; A61K 38/18 20060101 A61K038/18; A61K 38/47 20060101
A61K038/47; A61K 47/34 20060101 A61K047/34; C08G 65/333 20060101
C08G065/333 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 2014 |
EP |
14305472.4 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A method for intracellular delivery, comprising one or more
than one administration to a subject of a composition comprising a
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer as a vehicle
for capped or uncapped mRNA; wherein said tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer comprises hydrophilic blocks comprising
polyethylene oxide units and hydrophobic blocks comprising
polypropylene oxide units, and is selected from the group
consisting of: ##STR00042## ##STR00043## and mixtures thereof.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said mRNA is a
modified mRNA.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said mRNA is a capped
and modified mRNA.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein said mRNA is a
messenger .sub.5'pppRNA, .sub.5'ppRNA, .sub.5'pRNA or
.sub.5'OHRNA.
22. The method according to claim 18, wherein said tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer is selected from:
##STR00044## and mixtures thereof.
23. The method according to claim 18, wherein said tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer is: ##STR00045##
24. The method according to claim 18, wherein said tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer is: ##STR00046##
25. The method according to claim 18, wherein said tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer is: ##STR00047##
26. The method according to claim 18, wherein at least one terminal
block of the tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer
is glycosylated and/or functionalized.
27. The method according to claim 18, wherein said tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer comprises at least one
terminal hydrophilic or hydrophobic block conjugated with at least
one glycosyl moiety.
28. The method according to claim 18, wherein said method comprises
more than one administration to the subject of the composition
comprising a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer.
29. The method according to claim 19, wherein said method comprises
more than one administration to the subject of the composition
comprising a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer.
30. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer, in combination with at least
one capped modified mRNA or uncapped modified mRNA; wherein said
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer comprises
hydrophilic blocks comprising polyethylene oxide units and
hydrophobic blocks comprising polypropylene oxide units, and is
selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00048## ##STR00049##
and mixtures thereof.
31. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 30, wherein
the tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer comprises
at least one terminal block which is glycosylated and/or
functionalized.
32. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 30, wherein
said tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer and mRNA
are formulated in a Tyrode's medium or an equivalent medium.
33. A method for increasing, improving, and/or maintaining the
expression of a protein in an eukaryotic host, comprising a step of
transfecting into said host at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer, as a vehicle for at least one capped
or uncapped mRNA; wherein said tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer comprises hydrophilic blocks comprising
polyethylene oxide units and hydrophobic blocks comprising
polypropylene oxide units, and is selected from the group
consisting of: ##STR00050## ##STR00051## and mixtures thereof.
34. A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer of
formula: ##STR00052## or one of its pharmaceutically acceptable
salts.
35. The tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer
according to claim 34, comprising at least one terminal block which
is glycosylated and/or functionalized.
36. The tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer
according to claim 35, comprising at least one terminal block which
is glycosylated and/or functionalized.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/129,912, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, entitled
"CAPPED AND UNCAPPED RNA MOLECULES AND BLOCK COPOLYMERS FOR
INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY OF RNA," which is a national stage
application of PCT/IB2015/052405, filed on Apr. 1, 2015, which
claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 14305472.4,
filed on Apr. 1, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The instant invention relates to the field of gene therapy,
and more particularly to the vectorisation of RNA molecules such as
messenger RNAs (mRNA). In particular, the invention relates to the
use of a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer as a
vehicle for mRNAs.
[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to the
vectorisation of capped and uncapped mRNAs by tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The instant invention relates to the field of gene therapy,
and more particularly to the vectorisation of RNA molecules such as
messenger RNAs (mRNA). In particular, the invention relates to the
use of a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer as a
vehicle for messenger RNAs.
[0005] Different strategies have been proposed in the Art for the
intracellular delivery of compounds, and more particularly of RNA
molecules.
[0006] In particular, numerous non-viral cationic vectors or
cationic transfection agents have been synthesized and are
currently used for delivery of nucleic acids into cultured cells.
The principle of non-viral gene delivery relies on the interaction
of nucleic acids with cationic residues present on the vector
through electrostatic forces.
[0007] WO2003018603A1 relates to aminoglycoside lipid derivatives
for transfection. This document teaches the use of
lipoaminoglycosides as nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery. Such
lipoaminoglycosides are generally composed of a polar head which is
an aminoglycoside, of one spacer and of an hydrophobic tail which
may be composed of dioleyl chains and/or cholesterol. Examples of
such transfection reagents include DOSP, DOST, DOSK, DOSN, CHOLP,
CHOLT, CHOLK and CHOLN. Those transfection reagents tend to form
lamellar complexes. Although they have proven to be useful as
transfection reagents in vitro, they also tend to be less efficient
in vivo or in situ.
[0008] WO2010026537A1 relates to stabilized multimodular
self-assemblies for intracellular delivery, which are composed of
at least one cationic transfection agent, of at least one
negatively charged macromolecule, and of at least one amphiphilic
block copolymer acting as a steric colloidal stabilizer.
[0009] More recently, glycosylated tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymers have also been reported as immune
adjuvants in WO2013128423A1.
[0010] However the transfection of RNA molecules, and more
particularly messenger RNAs, does not always lead to in vivo
satisfactory protein production, which may be due in part to poor
transfection efficiency and/or lack of stability of the transfected
RNA molecules once they have been internalized.
[0011] What is more, those systems have mostly been used so far for
nucleic acids of the DNA type.
[0012] Thus there is still a need for novel transfection reagents
with respect to RNA molecules, and with a good safety profile
suitable for human use and therapy.
[0013] There is also a need for novel methods for improving
intracellular delivery, and more specifically gene therapy and/or
gene silencing.
[0014] In particular, there remains a need for providing methods
and reagents which allow not only efficient intracellular delivery
of a nucleic acid, such as messenger RNA, but which may further
provide efficient protein expression in vivo and/or a controlled
immune response.
[0015] There is also a need for novel strategies for transfecting
RNA molecules into an host, which may further provide long-lasting
effects in the context of gene therapy and/or gene silencing.
[0016] The instant invention has for object to meet those
needs.
[0017] Thus, a first object of the invention relates to the use of
at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer,
as a vehicle for capped or uncapped mRNAs for intracellular
delivery for gene therapy.
[0018] In particular, the inventors have unexpectedly observed, as
detailed in the examples below, that the combination of (i)
uncapped RNA molecules, and more particularly uncapped mRNAs, with
(ii) block copolymers of the invention led to in vivo protein
expression.
[0019] They have also observed that messenger RNA molecules
transfected with a block copolymer of the invention as a vehicle
led to in vivo transfection efficiency, coupled with almost no
induction of specific immune reaction.
[0020] Thus, the inventors now show herein that the specific
combination of RNA molecules, such as mRNAs, with block copolymers
of the invention is particularly efficient for intracellular
delivery for gene therapy.
[0021] This result was unexpected because it is known in the Art
that primary RNA transcripts have to go through multiple
co-transcriptional modifications in order to be converted into a
mature RNA. In particular, it has been known for years that the
so-called "Capping" step of pre-mature RNA transcripts is essential
for efficient gene expression and RNA stability (see Hocine et al.;
"RNA Processing and Export"; Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol.; 2010.
See also Schoenberg et al.; "Re-capping the message"; Trends
Biochem Sci.; 2009).
[0022] Even more surprisingly, it is now shown that by transfecting
an RNA molecule with a block copolymer of the invention as a
vehicle, said transfection does not trigger, or at least in a
very-limited way, nons-elf recognition and/or innate immune
stimulation and antiviral innate immunity.
[0023] RIG-I (of sequence SEQ ID No 4) was initially reported as a
retinoic acid-inducible gene in 1997 (GenBank: AF038963) and
belongs to the Pattern-Recognition Receptor (PRR) family. It is
also known to trigger type 1 interferon expression upon detection
of viral RNA.
[0024] Without wishing to be bound by the theory, it is believed
that the combination of the invention does not trigger any RIG-I
dependent-response, or at least in a very-limited way, which thus
results in higher stability of the transfected RNA molecules.
[0025] This other result was also unexpected, as it is known in the
Art that the RIG-I (retinoic acid-inducible gene I) receptor, which
is heavily involved in innate immunity recognition of exogenous
(non-host) RNA molecules, such as RNAs of viral origin, is known to
interact specifically with uncapped RNA molecules (see Kolakofsky
et al.; "A structure-based model of RIG-I activation"; RNA;
2012).
[0026] Even more surprisingly, it is shown herein that, uncapped or
capped, and modified RNA molecules such as mRNAs, are also
efficient for intracellular delivery and for triggering in vivo
protein expression in combination with a block polymer of the
invention.
[0027] In particular, it is also shown herein that the combination
of (i) uncapped modified or uncapped unmodified RNA molecules and
of (ii) block copolymers of the invention as a vehicle are a
particularly efficient combination, and a promising tool not only
for intracellular delivery for gene therapy.
[0028] Without wishing to be bound by the theory, it is believed
that this combination is also efficient for abrogating RNA
interaction with Toll-like receptors such as TLR3, TLR7 and TLR8
(see Kormann et al.; "Expression of therapeutic proteins after
delivery of chemically modified mRNA in mice"; Nature
Biotechnology; 2010).
[0029] In other words, it is believed that the specific combination
of (i) RNA molecules and (ii) block copolymers of the invention
provides efficient intracellular delivery, as well as decreased
activation of the immune system, presumably due to surprisingly
reduced binding in vivo to pattern recognition receptors.
[0030] In particular, it is proposed that a surprisingly reduced
activation of RIG-I dependent and Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
dependent pathways in vivo may both account for the synergistic
effect of (i) uncapped mRNAs and (ii) block copolymers of the
invention on in vivo protein expression efficiency (Katze et al.;
"Innate immune modulation by RNA viruses: emerging insights from
functional genomics"; Nature Reviews Immunology; 2008). An amino
acid sequence or RIG-I (SEQ ID No 3) is provided herein solely for
reference.
[0031] As shown from the examples, this surprisingly high in vivo
protein expression efficiency is specific to nanocarriers which
involve block copolymers of the invention, such as the
tetrafunctional block copolymer 704, as vehicles.
[0032] The decreased activation of the immune system corresponding
to the transfection of a given nucleic acid into an eukaryotic cell
may be assessed using either one of the protocols which have been
described in the Material& Methods section, relating to EPO or
.beta.-galactosidase.
[0033] This decreased activation may correspond to a decreased
type-I or humoral immune response associated with both:
[0034] (i) a low or moderate variation of the percentage of
CD8+IFN.gamma.+ cells among total splenic CD8+ cells; and/or
[0035] (ii) a low or moderate production of antibodies directed
towards the recombinant protein encoded by the transfected RNA
molecule.
[0036] Furthermore, the inventors have unexpectedly discovered that
the efficiency of expression is observed even with low
concentrations of block copolymer of the invention. Thus, block
copolymer can be used at a concentration as low as 2010.sup.-4%
(w/v) which is a 75 fold lower concentration than that used for
optimal in vivo delivery of DNA.
[0037] The efficiency of expression may be assessed based on the
level of expression of a given protein after administration of
block copolymers of the invention in combination with a messenger
RNA suitable for expression of the said protein. The level of
expression is then compared to a reference value determined after
administration of naked mRNA (without the said block
copolymer).
[0038] Because the amount of block copolymer that is administered
with the mRNA may have an impact on the level of expression of a
protein, the efficiency of expression may also be assessed as a
ratio between the level of expression of the said protein and the
amount that is administered (i.e. expressed as a weight percentage
compared to the total volume of a given dose).
[0039] Methods for determining the level of expression are further
detailed in the Material & Methods section, in particular for
.beta.-gal, EPO and luciferase expression.
[0040] For example, the efficiency of expression for a given block
copolymer may be assessed in vivo on mice by:
[0041] (i) administering to mice, preferably intramuscularly, a
given block copolymer in combination with a mRNA encoding the said
.beta.-gal, EPO and/or luciferase;
[0042] (ii) measuring the level of expression of the said
.beta.-gal, EPO and/or luciferase in the said mice;
[0043] (iii) comparing the level of expression measured at step
(ii) to a reference value, or alternatively comparing the ratio
between the said level of expression and the amount that was
administered to a reference value.
[0044] According to exemplary embodiments, the block copolymer is
administered at a concentration as low as 2010.sup.-4% (w/v).
[0045] According to said exemplary embodiment, the block copolymer
may be administered on mice at a volume of about 50 .mu.L.
[0046] Also, and in a general manner, the increase of expression
for a given mRNA does not necessarily follow strictly the increase
of the amount of its corresponding "carrier", and with a linear
relation; in other words, there is not necessarily a strict
correlation between those two values, which may thus lead to a
phenomenon of saturation, or alternatively inadequate or delayed
expression of a given protein in the eukaryotic host.
[0047] On the other hand, the inventors have also unexpectedly
discovered that the maximal efficiency of expression can also be
increased significantly (see FIGS. 7 and 8), even at high
concentrations.
[0048] Thus, the block copolymers of the invention, when in
combination with RNA molecules, as vehicles, are particularly
efficient for intracellular delivery and gene therapy due to:
[0049] (i) high efficiency of expression even when used in low
amounts;
[0050] (ii) maximal efficiency of expression;
[0051] (iii) low immunogenicity.
[0052] According to one of its aspects, the invention relates to at
least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer, as
a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule and in particular at least
one capped or uncapped mRNA, either as such or for use for
intracellular delivery.
[0053] According to another of its aspects, the invention relates
to a pharmaceutical composition and/or a transfection reagent
comprising at last one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer, as a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule and in
particular at least one capped or uncapped mRNA.
[0054] According to another of its aspects, the invention relates
to a therapeutic and/or non-therapeutic method for increasing,
improving, or maintaining the expression of a protein in an
eukaryotic host, which comprises a step of transfecting into said
host at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer, as a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule and in
particular at least one capped or uncapped mRNA, suitable for
encoding said protein within said host.
[0055] According to the invention, an "eukaryotic host" may
encompass any human or non-human mammal, as well as any in vitro or
ex vivo sample, such as a cell or tissue sample.
[0056] Methods and reagents of the invention are also suitable for
gene therapy. Thus, it is clear that the invention further relates
to a combination of (i) at least one block copolymer, in a
particular at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer, and (ii) at least one RNA molecule such as a mRNA, for
use for intracellular delivery, and in the context of gene
therapy.
[0057] For gene therapy, block copolymers of the invention may
serve as a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule and in particular
one messenger RNA such as an uncapped messenger RNA.
[0058] According to another of its aspects, the invention relates
to the use of at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic
block copolymer, as a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule and in
particular at least one uncapped RNA molecule for the manufacture
of a medicament intended to be used for intracellular delivery for
gene therapy.
[0059] According to the invention, "comprising" also includes
"consisting of".
RNA Molecules
[0060] These may be sequences of natural or artificial origin, and
in particular mRNA (messenger RNA), tRNA (transfer RNA), rRNA
(ribosomal RNA), siRNA (silencing RNA), miRNA (micro RNA), mtRNA
(mitochondrial RNA), shRNA (short hairpin RNA), tmRNA
(transfer-messenger RNA), vRNA (viral RNA),
single-stranded,double-stranded and/or base-paired RNA (ssRNA;
dsRNA and bpRNA respectively), blunt-ended RNA or not, mature and
immature mRNAs, coding and non-coding RNAs, hybrid sequences or
synthetic or semisynthetic sequences of oligonucleotides, modified
or otherwise, and mixtures thereof.
[0061] Accordingly, these may be messenger RNAs (mRNA), which
includes mature and immature mRNAs, such as precursor mRNAs
(pre-mRNA) or heterogeneous nuclear mRNAs (hnRNA) and mature mRNAs.
Thus, RNA molecules of the invention also encompass monocistronic
and polycistronic messenger RNAs.
[0062] For the sake of clarity, a mRNA encompasses any coding RNA
molecule, which may be translated by an eukaryotic host into a
protein.
[0063] A coding RNA molecule generally refers to a RNA molecule
comprising a sequence coding for a protein of interest and which
may be translated by the eukaryotic host, said sequence starting
with a start codon (ATG) and preferably terminated by a stop codon
(i.e. TAA, TAG, TGA).
[0064] According to a general embodiment, a mRNA of the invention
comprises or consists of the following general formula:
[5'UTR].sub.x-[Gene of Interest]-[3'UTR].sub.y-[PolyA].sub.z
wherein [5'UTR] and [3'UTR] are untranslated regions (UTR), wherein
[5'UTR] contains a Kozak sequence, wherein [Gene of Interest] is
any gene coding for a protein of interest, wherein [PolyA] is a
poly(A) tail, and wherein x, y, and z, are identical or different,
and equal to 0 or 1.
[0065] Preferably, a mRNA of the invention consists of the
following general formula:
[5'UTR]-[Gene of Interest]-[3'UTR]-[PolyA]
wherein [5'UTR] and [3'UTR] are untranslated regions, wherein
[5'UTR] contains a Kozak sequence, wherein [Gene of Interest] is
any nucleic acid coding for a protein of interest, and wherein
[PolyA] is a poly(A) tail.
[0066] It is reminded that a Kozak sequence refers to a sequence,
which is generally a consensus sequence, occurring on eukaryotic
mRNAs and which plays a major role in the initiation of the
translation process. Kozak sequences and Kozak consensus sequences
are well known in the Art.
[0067] It is also reminded that a poly(A) tail consists of multiple
adenosine monophosphates that is well known in the Art. A poly(A)
tail is generally produced during a step called polyadenylation
that is one of the post-translation modifications which generally
occur during the production of mature messenger RNAs; such poly(A)
tail contribute to the stability and the half-life of said mRNAs,
and can be of variable length.
[0068] In particular, a poly(A) tail may be equal or longer than 10
A nucleotides, which includes equal or longer than 20 A
nucleotides, which includes equal or longer than 100 A nucleotides,
and for example about 120 A nucleotides.
[0069] The [3'UTR] does not express any proteins. The purpose of
the [3'UTR] is to increase the stability of the mRNA. According to
a particular embodiment, the .alpha.-globin UTR is chosen because
it is known to be devoid of instability.
[0070] Advantageously, the sequence corresponding to the gene of
interest may be codon-optimized in order to obtain a satisfactory
protein production within the host which is considered.
[0071] RNA molecules of the invention may be of variable length.
Thus, they may be short RNA molecules, for instance RNA molecules
shorter than about 100 nucleotides, or long RNA molecules, for
instance longer than about 100 nucleotides, or even longer than
about 300 nucleotides.
[0072] According to exemplary embodiments, the gene of interest may
code for a reporter protein, such as Luciferase or
.beta.-galactosidase. The nucleic acid sequence of Luciferase (SEQ
ID No 5) is solely provided herein for reference. The nucleic acid
sequence of .beta.-galactosidase (SEQ ID No 1) and the amino acid
sequence of .beta.-galactosidase (SEQ ID No 2) are solely provided
herein for reference.
[0073] These nucleic acids may be of eukaryotic or procaryotic
origin, and more particularly of human, animal, plant, bacterial,
yeast or viral origin and the like. They may be obtained by any
technique known to persons skilled in the art, and in particular by
screening libraries, by chemical synthesis or alternatively by
mixed methods including chemical or enzymatic modification of
sequences obtained by screening libraries. They may be chemically
modified.
[0074] Thus, RNA molecules of the invention, such as mRNAs, may
encompass synthetic or artificial RNA molecules, but also
naturally-occurring RNA molecules.
[0075] According to the invention, a RNA molecule, such as a
messenger RNA (or mRNA), encompasses the following species:
[0076] (i) capped unmodified RNA molecule;
[0077] (ii) capped modified RNA molecule;
[0078] (iii) uncapped unmodified RNA molecule;
[0079] (iv) uncapped modified RNA molecule.
[0080] The above-mentioned terms are further detailed
herebelow.
[0081] Capped and Uncapped RNA Molecules
[0082] According to a most general embodiment, a "capped RNA
molecule" refers to a RNA molecule of which the 5'end is linked to
a guanosine or a modified guanosine, preferably a 7-methyl
guanosine (m.sup.7G), connected to a 5' to 5' triphosphate linkage
or analog. This definition is commensurate with the most
widely-accepted definition of a 5'cap, in particular of a
naturally-occurring and/or physiological cap.
[0083] In the sense of the invention, "cap analogs" include caps
which are biologically equivalent to a 7-methyl guanosine
(m.sup.7G), connected to a 5' to 5' triphosphate linkage, and which
can thus be also substituted without impairing the protein
expression of the corresponding messenger RNA in the eukaryotic
host.
[0084] Thus, an "uncapped RNA molecule" refers to any RNA molecule
that does not belong to the definition of a "capped RNA
molecule".
[0085] Thus, according to a general and preferred embodiment, an
"uncapped mRNA" may refer to a mRNA of which the 5'end is not
linked to a 7-methylguanosine, through a 5' to 5' triphosphate
linkage, or an analog as previously defined.
[0086] An uncapped RNA molecule, such as a messenger RNA, may be an
uncapped RNA molecule having a (5')ppp(5'), a (5')pp(5'), a
(5')p(5') or even a (5')OH extremity. Such RNA molecules may be
respectively abbreviated as .sub.5'pppRNA; .sub.5'ppRNA;
.sub.5'pRNA; .sub.5'OHRNA. Preferably, an uncapped RNA molecule of
the invention is a messenger .sub.5'pppRNA.
[0087] Thus, when the RNA molecule is a single-stranded RNA
molecule, it may be respectively abbreviated as .sub.5'pppssRNA;
.sub.5'ppssRNA; .sub.5'pssRNA; .sub.5'OHssRNA.
[0088] Thus, when the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA
molecule, it may be respectively abbreviated as .sub.5'pppdsRNA;
.sub.5'ppdsRNA; .sub.5'pdsRNA; .sub.5'OHdsRNA.
[0089] Preferably, an uncapped mRNA of the invention is an uncapped
single-stranded mRNA.
[0090] According to an even more preferred embodiment, an uncapped
single-stranded mRNA may be an uncapped messenger
.sub.5'pppssRNA.
[0091] In a non-limitative manner, the first base of said uncapped
RNA molecule may be either an adenosine, a guanosine, a cytosine,
or an uridine.
[0092] Thus, an uncapped RNA molecule may be an uncapped RNA
molecule having a (5')ppp(5'), a (5')pp(5'), a (5')p(5') or even a
blunt-ended 5' guanosine extremity.
[0093] Examples of synthetic caps and/or cap analogs can be
selected in a list consisting of: glyceryl, inverted deoxy abasic
residue (moiety), 4', 5' methylene nucleotide,
1-(beta-D-erythrofuranosyl) nucleotide, 4'-thio nucleotide,
carbocyclic nucleotide, 1,5-anhydrohexitol nucleotide,
L-nucleotides, alpha-nucleotide, modified base nucleotide,
threo-pentofuranos 1 nucleotide, acyclic 3',4'-seco nucleotide,
acyclic 3,4-dihydroxybutyl nucleotide, acyclic 3,5 dihydroxypentyl
nucleotide, 3'-3'-inverted nucleotide moiety, 3'-3'-inverted abasic
moiety, 3'-2'-inverted nucleotide moiety, 3'-2'-inverted abasic
moiety, 1,4-butanediol phosphate, 3'-phosphoramidate,
hexylphosphate, aminohexyl phosphate, 3'-phosphate,
3'phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, or bridging or non-bridging
methylphosphonate moiety.
[0094] Other examples of synthetic caps or cap analogs include ARCA
cap analogs, N1-methyl-guanosine, 2'-fluoro-guanosine,
7-deaza-guanosine, 8-oxo-guanosine, 2-amino-guanosine,
LNA-guanosine, and 2-azido-guanosine.
[0095] Of note, among synthetic caps, some of the above-mentioned
caps are suitable as analogs, but not others which may on the
contrary hinder protein expression. Such distinction is understood
by the man skilled in the Art.
[0096] For reference, and in a non-limitative manner, the structure
of an Anti Reverse Cap Analog (ARCA) 3'-O-Me-m.sup.7G(5')ppp(5')G
Cap analog is presented herebelow:
##STR00001##
[0097] The ARCA cap analog is, for instance, an example of cap
analog used during in vitro transcription: it is a modified cap in
which the 3'OH group (closer to m.sup.7G) is replaced with
--OCH.sub.3. However, 100% of the transcripts synthesized with ARCA
at the 5' end are translatable leading to a strong stimulatory
effect on translation.
[0098] According to the invention, the "activation of PRR(s)" is
understood as the stimulation, upon binding to the said PRR(s), of
innate immunity, and more particularly of the expression of type 1
interferons.
[0099] According to said embodiment, a requirement for RIG-I
activation may be a blunt-ended base-paired RNA (bpRNA), 10-20 bp
long with a 5'triphosphate and free of mismatches near the blunt
end.
[0100] According to another embodiment, a requirement for RIG-I
activation may be a short, blunt-ended .sub.5'OHbpRNA (see
Kolakofsky et al.; "A structure-based model of RIG-I activation";
RNA; 2012).
[0101] Modified and Unmodified RNA Molecules
[0102] Within the invention, a "modified RNA molecule", refers to a
RNA molecule which contains at least one modified nucleotide,
nucleoside or base, such as a modified purine or a modified
pyrimidine. A modified nucleoside or base can be any nucleoside or
base that is not A, U, C or G (respectively Adenosine, Uridine,
Cytidine or Guanosine for nucleosides; and Adenine, Uracil,
Cytosine or Guanine when referring solely to the sugar moiety).
[0103] According to the invention, the expression "at least one . .
. " such as in "at least one modified base" should be understood as
having one or more modified bases. Thus, in this context, such term
may encompass any RNA molecule having two or more modified bases,
or even only modified bases.
[0104] Accordingly, an "unmodified RNA molecule" refers to any RNA
molecule that is NOT commensurate with the definition of a modified
RNA molecule.
[0105] In the sense of the invention, the terms "modified and
unmodified" are considered distinctly from the terms "capped and
uncapped", as the latter specifically relates to the base at the
5'-end of a RNA molecule in the sense of the invention.
[0106] According to the most preferred embodiment, a "modified RNA
molecule", refers to a RNA molecule, such as a mRNA, which contains
at least one base or sugar modification as described above, and
preferably at least one base modification as described above.
[0107] In a non-limitative manner, examples of modified
nucleotides, nucleosides and bases are disclosed in
WO2015024667A1.
[0108] Thus, a modified RNA molecule may contain modified
nucleotides, nucleosides or bases, including backbone
modifications, sugar modifications or base modifications.
[0109] A backbone modification in connection with the present
invention includes modifications, in which phosphates of the
backbone of the nucleotides contained in a RNA molecule as defined
herein are chemically modified
[0110] A sugar modification in connection with the present
invention includes chemical modifications of the sugar of the
nucleotides of the RNA molecule as defined herein.
[0111] A base modification in connection with the present invention
includes chemical modifications of the base moiety of the
nucleotides of the RNA. In this context nucleotide analogues or
modifications are preferably selected from nucleotide analogues
which are suitable for transcription and/or translation of the RNA
molecule in an eukaryotic cell.
[0112] Sugar modifications may consist in replacement or
modification of the T hydroxy (OH) group, which can be modified or
replaced with a number of different "oxy" or "deoxy"
substituents.
[0113] Examples of "oxy"-2' hydroxyl group modifications include,
but are not limited to, alkoxy or aryloxy (--OR, e.g., R=H, alkyl,
cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar);
polyethyleneglycols (PEG),
--O(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O)nCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OR; "locked" nucleic acids
(LNA) in which the 2' hydroxyl is connected, e.g., by a methylene
bridge, to the 4' carbon of the same ribose sugar; and amino groups
(--O-amino, wherein the amino group, e.g., NRR, can be alkylamino,
dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diarylamino,
heteroarylamino, or diheteroaryl amino, ethylene diamine,
polyamino) or aminoalkoxy.
[0114] "Deoxy" modifications include hydrogen, amino (e.g.
NH.sub.2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl
amino, heteroaryl amino, diheteroaryl amino, or amino acid); or the
amino group can be attached to the sugar through a linker, wherein
the linker comprises one or more of the atoms C, N, and O
[0115] The sugar group can also contain one or more carbons that
possess the opposite stereochemical configuration than that of the
corresponding carbon in ribose. Thus, a modified RNA can include
nucleotides containing, for instance, arabinose as the sugar.
[0116] The phosphate backbone may further be modified and
incorporated into the modified RNA molecule, as described herein.
The phosphate groups of the backbone can be modified by replacing
one or more of the oxygen atoms with a different substituent.
Further, the modified nucleosides and nucleotides can include the
full replacement of an unmodified phosphate moiety with a modified
phosphate as described herein.
[0117] Examples of modified phosphate groups include, but are not
limited to, phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, borano
phosphates, borano phosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates,
phosphoroamidates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates and phosphotriesters.
Phosphorodithioates have both non-linking oxygens replaced by
sulfur. The phosphate linker can also be modified by the
replacement of a linking oxygen with nitrogen (bridged
phosphoroamidates), sulfur (bridged phosphorothioates) and carbon
(bridged methylene-phosphonates).
[0118] The modified nucleosides and nucleotides, which may be
incorporated into the modified RNA molecule, as described herein,
can further be modified in the nucleobase moiety For example, the
nucleosides and nucleotides described herein can be chemically
modified on the major groove face. In some embodiments, the major
groove chemical modifications can include an amino group, a thiol
group, an alkyl group, or a halo group.
[0119] For examples, the nucleotide analogues/modifications are
selected from base modifications selected in a list consisting of:
2-amino-6-chloropurineriboside-5'-triphosphate,
2-Aminopurine-riboside-5'-triphosphate;
2-aminoadenosine-5'-triphosphate,
2'-Amino-2'-deoxycytidine-triphosphate,
2-thiocytidine-5'-triphosphate, 2-thiouridine-5'-triphosphate,
2'-Fluorothymidine-5'-triphosphate, 2'-O-Methyl
inosine-5'-triphosphate 4-thiouridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-aminoallylcytidine-5'-triphosphate,
5-aminoallyluridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-bromocytidine-5'-triphosphate, 5-bromouridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-Bromo-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate,
5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-iodocytidine-5'-triphosphate,
5-lodo-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate,
5-iodouridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-lodo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-methylcytidine-5'-triphosphate, 5-methyluridine-5'-triphosphate,
5-Propynyl-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate,
5-Propynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate,
6-azacytidine-5'-triphosphate, 6-azauridine-5'-triphosphate,
6-chloropurineriboside-5'-triphosphate,
7-deazaadenosine-5'-triphosphate, 7-deazaguanosine-5'-triphosphate,
8-azaadenosine-5'-triphosphate, 8-azidoadenosine-5'-triphosphate,
benzimidazole-riboside-5'-triphosphate,
N1-methyladenosine-5'-triphosphate,
N1-methylguanosine-5'-triphosphate,
N6-methyladenosine-5'-triphosphate,
06-methylguanosine-5'-triphosphate, pseudouridine-5'-triphosphate,
or puromycin-5'-triphosphate, xanthosine-5'-triphosphate.
[0120] In some embodiments, modified nucleosides may be selected
from a list consisting of: pyridin-4-one ribonucleoside,
5-aza-uridine, 2-thio-5-aza-uridine, 2-thiouridine,
4-thio-pseudouridine, 2-thio-pseudouridine, 5-hydroxyuridine,
3-methyluridine, 5-carboxymethyl-uridine,
1-carboxymethyl-pseudouridine, 5-propynyl-uridine,
1-propynyl-pseudouridine, 5-taurinomethyluridine,
1-taurinomethyl-pseudouridine, 5-taurinomethyl-2-thio-uridine,
l-taurinomethyl-4-thio-uridine, 5-methyl-uridine,
1-methyl-pseudouridine, 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine,
2-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine,
2-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine, dihydrouridine,
dihydropseudouridine, 2-thio-dihydrouridine,
2-thio-dihydropseudouridine, 2-methoxyuridine,
2-methoxy-4-thio-uridine/4-methoxy-pseudouridine, and
4-methoxy-2-thio-pseudouridine.
[0121] In some embodiments, modified nucleosides and nucleotides
include 5-azacytidine, pseudoisocytidine, 3-methyl-cytidine,
N4-acetylcytidine, 5-formylcytidine, N4-methylcytidine,
5-hydroxymethylcytidine, 1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine,
pyrrolo-cytidine, pyrrolo-pseudoisocytidine, 2-thio-cytidine,
2-thio-5-methyl-cytidine, 4-thio-pseudoisocytidine,
4-thio-1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine,
4-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudoisocytidine,
1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudoisocytidine, zebularine, 5-aza-zebularine,
5-methyl-zebularine, 5-aza-2-thio-zebularine, 2-thio-zebularine,
2-methoxy-cytidine, 2-methoxy-5-methyl-cytidine,
4-methoxy-pseudoisocytidine, and
4-methoxy-1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine.
[0122] In other embodiments, modified nucleosides include
2-aminopurine, 2,6-diaminopurine, 7-deaza-adenine,
7-deaza-8-aza-adenine, 7-deaza-2-aminopurine,
7-deaza-8-aza-2-aminopurine, 7-deaza-2,6-diaminopurine,
7-deaza-8-aza-2,6-diaminopurine, 1-methyladenosine,
N6-methyladenosine, N6-isopentenyladenosine,
N6-(cis-hydroxyisopentenyl)adenosine,
2-methylthio-N6-(cis-hydroxyisopentenyl) adenosine,
N6-glycinylcarbamoyladenosine, N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine,
2-methylthio-N6-threonyl carbamoyladenosine,
N6,N6-dimethyladenosine, 7-methyladenine, 2-methylthio-adenine, and
2-methoxy-adenine.
[0123] In other embodiments, modified nucleosides include inosine,
1-methylinosine, wyosine, wybutosine, 7-deaza-guanosine,
7-deaza-8-aza-guanosine, 6-thio-guanosine,
6-thio-7-deaza-guanosine, 6-thio-7-deaza-8-aza-guanosine,
7-methyl-guanosine, 6-thio-7-methyl-guanosine, 7-methylinosine,
6-methoxy-guanosine, 1-methylguanosine, N2-methylguanosine,
N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, 8-oxo-guanosine, 7-methyl-8-oxo-guanosine,
l-methyl-6-thio-guanosine, N2-methyl-6-thio-guanosine, and
N2,N2-dimethyl-6-thio-guanosine.
[0124] In some embodiments, the nucleotide can be modified on the
major groove face and can include replacing hydrogen on C-5 of
uracil with a methyl group or a halo group.
[0125] According to a further embodiment, the modified RNA as
defined herein can contain a lipid modification.
[0126] Modified bases and/or modified RNA molecules are known in
the Art and are, for instance, further taught in Warren et al.
("Highly Efficient Reprogramming to Pluripotency and Directed
Differentiation of Human Cells with Synthetic Modified mRNA"; Cell
Stem Cell; 2010).
[0127] In view of the above, a modified base may be a modified
purine base or a modified pyrimidine base.
[0128] In a non-limitative manner, examples of modified purine
bases include modified adenosine and/or modified guanosine, such as
hypoxanthine; xanthine; 7-methylguanine; inosine; xanthosine and
7-methylguanosine.
[0129] According to some embodiments, a modified RNA molecule or
mRNA corresponds to a RNA for which each nucleoside corresponding
to either Uridine, Cytidine, Adenosine and/or Ribothymidine is
modified.
[0130] In a non-limitative manner, examples of modified pyrimidine
bases include modified cytidine and/or modified uridine, such as
5,6-dihydrouracil; pseudouridine; 5-methylcytidine;
5-hydroxymethylcytidine; dihydrouridine and 5-methylcytidine.
[0131] Preferably, a modified base of the invention may be a
modified uridine or cytidine, such a pseudouridine and
5-methylcytidine.
[0132] According to some embodiments, a modified RNA molecule or
mRNA corresponds to a RNA for which each base corresponding to
either U (for Uracile), C (for Cytosine), A (for Adenine) and/or T
(for Thymine) is modified.
[0133] According to some exemplary embodiments, a modified RNA
molecule or mRNA corresponds to a RNA for which each base
corresponding to U (for Uracile) and C (for Cytosine) is
modified.
[0134] For reference a structure of Pseudouridine-5'-Triphosphate,
or Pseudo-UTP, or 5-Ribosyl Uracil is presented herebelow:
##STR00002##
[0135] For reference a structure of
5-Methylcytidine-5'-Triphosphate, or 5-Methyl-CTP, or 5-Me-CTP, is
presented herebelow:
##STR00003##
[0136] Capped and uncapped mRNAs, whether modified or unmodified,
may also be obtained commercially.
[0137] In a non-limitative manner, mRNAs which have been described
herein may be ordered from TriLink Biotechnologies, Inc., and
selected in the list consisting of: [0138] L-6309 .beta.-gal mRNA
unmodified ARC A cap (Batch #T1-APG01 A) [0139] L-6109 .beta.-gal
mRNA fully substituted with Pseudo-U and 5-Methyl-C, ARC A cap
(Batch #T1-AOL03 A) [0140] L-6309 .beta.-gal mRNA unmodified, NO
Cap (Batch #I9-B01A) [0141] L-6109 .beta.-gal mRNA fully
substituted with Pseudo-U and 5-Methyl-C, No Cap (Batch #I9-B02A)
[0142] L-6007 Flue mRNA unmodified ARC A cap (I99-A01 A), and
[0143] L-6007 EPO mRNA unmodified ARC A cap (I9-A01 A).
[0144] A nucleic acid encoding EPO (SEQ ID No 4) is provided herein
solely for reference.
[0145] It is understood that an uncapped RNA molecule may be either
a modified RNA molecule or an unmodified RNA molecule.
[0146] Accordingly, a capped RNA molecule may be either a modified
RNA molecule or an unmodified RNA molecule.
[0147] Preferably, a RNA molecule of the invention is a messenger
RNA (mRNA).
[0148] An RNA molecule of the invention is preferably an uncapped
messenger RNA, either in a modified or in an unmodified form.
[0149] According to a most preferred embodiment, an uncapped mRNA
is an uncapped unmodified mRNA or an uncapped modified mRNA.
[0150] In a non-limitative manner, an uncapped RNA molecule, such
as a messenger RNA may also be an uncapped RNA molecule having only
naturally-occurring bases.
[0151] According to the invention, a "naturally-occurring base"
relates to a base that can be naturally incorporated in vivo into a
RNA molecule, such as a messenger RNA, by the host. Thus, a
"naturally-occurring base" is distinct from a synthetic base for
which there would be not natural equivalent within said host.
However, a "naturally-occurring base" may or may not be a modified
base, as both terms shall not be confused in the sense of the
invention.
[0152] An uncapped messenger RNA may also be an uncapped and
modified messenger RNA, and thus contain at least one modified
base.
[0153] Thus, an uncapped messenger RNA may also be an uncapped and
modified messenger RNA having a (5')ppp(5') guanosine extremity and
containing at least one modified base.
[0154] An uncapped messenger RNA may also be an uncapped and
modified messenger RNA having a (5')ppp(5') guanosine extremity and
containing at least one pseudouridine and at least one
5-methylcytosine.
[0155] A capped messenger RNA may be a messenger RNA of which the
5'end is linked to a 7-methyl guanosine connected to a 5' to 5'
triphosphate linkage, and containing naturally-occurring bases or
modified bases such as pseudourine or 5-methyl cytosine.
[0156] It is also understood that, when both modified and
unmodified RNA molecules are used within one embodiment of the
invention, they may be used either as mixtures and/or in purified
forms.
Tetrafunctional Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer
[0157] Tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers have
been previously reported in the Art, such as in WO2010026537A1
and/or WO2013128423A1.
[0158] Within the invention, the feature "block copolymer" intends
to refer to a polymer comprising at least two sets, or blocks, of
polymerized monomeric units. A "block" refers to a motif, obtained
by polymerization of a monomer, and which may be repeated within
the polymer. A block copolymer comprises necessarily at least two
distinct kind of blocks of polymerized monomers.
[0159] Within the invention, the feature "non-ionic amphiphilic
block copolymer" intends to refer to a block copolymer comprising
at least one hydrophilic block and at least one hydrophobic block,
the blocks being non-ionic, namely they do not contain moiety
forming ion.
[0160] Within the invention, the feature "tetrafunctional" in
relation with "block copolymer" refers to a compound comprising
four block copolymers bound to four reactive functions born by a
tetrafunctional linking moiety. Otherwise said, a "tetrafunctional
block copolymer" comprises four branches of block copolymers bound
to a central tetrafunctional linking moiety.
[0161] The four block copolymers may be, independently of each
other, identical or different, and preferably are identical.
[0162] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer of
the invention comprises four branches of block copolymer
comprising, each, at least one hydrophilic block and at least one
hydrophobic block.
[0163] In a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block co-polymer
useful for the invention the hydrophilic block may be selected in
the group consisting of polyoxyalkylenes, polyvinyl alcohols,
polyvinyl-pyrrolidones, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline), or saccharides,
and the hydrophobic block may be selected in the group consisting
of polyoxyalkylenes, aliphatic chains, alkylidene polyesters,
polyethylene glycol with a benzyl polyether head, and
cholesterol.
[0164] In particular, the hydrophilic block may be selected in the
group consisting of polyoxyalkylenes, polyvinyl alcohols,
polyvinyl-pyrrolidones, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline),
polytetrahydrofurane, and the hydrophobic block may be selected in
the group consisting of polyoxyalkylenes, aliphatic chains,
alkylidene polyesters, polyethylene glycol with a benzyl polyether
head, and cholesterol.
[0165] More particularly, the hydrophilic block may be selected in
the group consisting of polyoxyethylene, polyvinyl alcohols,
polyvinyl-pyrrolidones, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline), and the
hydrophobic block may be selected in the group consisting of
polyoxypropylene, aliphatic chains, alkylidene polyesters,
polyethylene glycol with a benzyl polyether head, and
cholesterol.
[0166] According to one embodiment, the hydrophilic blocks of a
block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist in, polyethylene oxide units.
[0167] According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic blocks of a
block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist, in polypropylene oxide units.
[0168] According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic blocks of a
block copolymer of the invention may be selected in the group
consisting of polypropylene oxide units, polycaprolactone units and
polylactide units.
[0169] According to one embodiment, the hydrophilic blocks of a
block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist in, polyethylene oxide units; and the hydrophobic blocks of
a block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist, in polycaprolactone units.
[0170] According to one embodiment, the hydrophilic blocks of a
block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist in, polyethylene oxide units; and the hydrophobic blocks of
a block copolymer of the invention are comprised of, and preferably
consist in units selected from: polypropylene oxide units,
polycaprolactone units and polylactide units.
[0171] According to a preferred embodiment, a block copolymer of
the invention comprises hydrophilic blocks comprising, and
preferably consisting in, polyethylene oxide units, and hydrophobic
blocks comprising, and preferably consisting in, polypropylene
oxide units.
[0172] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer of
the invention comprises at least one terminal hydrophilic or
hydrophobic block, which includes at least two, three or four
terminal hydrophilic or hydrophobic blocks.
[0173] In a preferred embodiment, a tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer of the invention comprises at least one
terminal hydrophilic block. A "terminal hydrophilic block" is a
block located at one end of a copolymer, and in particular at a
distal end of a branch of a tetrafunctional polymer of the
invention. Preferably, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic
block copolymer comprises at least two, preferably three, and more
preferably four terminal hydrophilic blocks.
[0174] According to a preferred embodiment, a block copolymer of
the invention comprises at least one, preferably two, even
preferably three, and more preferably four terminal oxyethylene
unit(s), each at one end of each branch of the polymer.
[0175] Preferably, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer of the invention comprises hydrophilic and hydrophobic
blocks in a ratio hydrophilic block/hydrophobic block ranging from
about 0.5 to about 1.5.
[0176] According to one embodiment, a tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer of the invention comprises 40% of
polyethylene oxide.
[0177] According to one embodiment, a tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer of the invention comprises a
polyethylene oxide (PEO) to polypropylene oxide (PPO) ratio of
50/56.
[0178] According to one embodiment, a tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer of the invention comprises a
polyethylene oxide (PEO) to polypropylene oxide (PPO) ratio of
61/68.
[0179] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic tetrafunctional
block copolymer useful for the invention may be a (A-B).sub.nL
branched block copolymer, with A representing an hydrophilic block,
B representing an hydrophobic block, L representing a linking
moiety, and n being 4 and figuring the number of (A-B) group linked
to L.
[0180] According to an alternative embodiment, a tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic tetrafunctional block copolymer useful for
the invention may be a (B-A).sub.nL branched block copolymers, with
A representing an hydrophilic block, B representing an hydrophobic
block, L representing a linking moiety, and n being 4 and figuring
the number of (B-A) group linked to L.
[0181] According to one embodiment, the hydrophilic block A is a
polyoxyethylene block; and the hydrophobic block B is a
polyoxypropylene block or a polycaprolactone block or a polylactide
block.
[0182] Preferably, the hydrophilic block A is a polyoxyethylene
block, and the hydrophobic block B is a polyoxypropylene block.
[0183] The tetravalent linking moiety L may be selected from:
[0184] an alkylene diamino moiety, in particular a C.sub.1-C.sub.6
or even C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkylene diamino moiety; and preferably is
an ethylene diamino moiety; or [0185] an alkylene or a
cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenylene; in particular a
cycloalkylene of 5 or 6 carbons, or [0186] a radical of formula
(Y):
##STR00004##
[0187] wherein n' is equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and most
preferably is equal to 1.
[0188] According to specific embodiments, a tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer useful for the invention may
be of formula (Ia), (lb) or (Ic):
##STR00005##
or
[0189] wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D represent
independently of one another:
*--[B].sub.i-[A].sub.j-Re or
*-[A].sub.i-[B].sub.j--Re;
[0190] in which [0191] A is a hydrophilic block, preferably
comprising or consisting of polyethylene oxide units, [0192] B is a
hydrophobic block as defined above, [0193] Re means an hydrogen
atom, a glycosyl residue, a methyl or methoxy group, a
C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl or alkoxy group, an acid, a dicarboxylic acid
such as an ethanedioic or propanedioic or butanedioic acid, an
amine, an aminoglycoside, or an amide, [0194] i has values from
about 3 to about 125, which includes equal or less than 60, [0195]
j has values from 3 to about 85, which includes equal or less than
50, and [0196] Y is as defined above, [0197] R* is an alkylene of 1
to 6 carbons, a cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenylene, in
particular an alkylene diamine moiety and preferably is an ethylene
diamine moiety.
[0198] According to a particular embodiment, a tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer useful for the invention may
thus be of formula (Ia) or (lb):
##STR00006##
[0199] wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D, R* and Y are as
defined above.
[0200] Preferably, R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D represent
independently of one another
##STR00007##
[0201] in which [0202] Re means an hydrogen atom, a glycosyl
residue, a methyl, an acid, an amine, an aminoglycoside, or an
amide, [0203] i has values from about 3 to about 125, in particular
from about 10 to about 100, and more particularly from about 10 to
about 60, and [0204] j has values from 3 to about 85, in particular
from about 10 to about 50, in particular from about 10 to about 20,
and more particularly equal to or greater than 13, [0205] for
R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, either (a) both are hydrogen or (b) one is
hydrogen and the other is methyl, [0206] for R.sup.3 and R.sup.4
either (a) both are hydrogen or (b) one is hydrogen and the other
is methyl, and [0207] if both of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen,
then one R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 is hydrogen and the other is methyl,
or if one of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is methyl, then both of R.sup.5
and R.sup.6 are hydrogen.
[0208] Most preferably, R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D as
defined above are identical.
[0209] Preferably, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer is of formula (Ia) wherein: [0210] i has values from
about 3 to about 125, in particular from about 10 to about 100, and
more particularly from about 10 to about 60, and [0211] j has
values from 3 to about 85, in particular from about 10 to about 50,
in particular from about 10 to about 20, and more particularly
equal to or greater than 13.
[0212] Preferably, R* is an alkylene of 2, 4 or 6 carbons, a
cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenylene; and most preferably
is an alkylene of 2, 4 or 6 carbons.
[0213] Protocols for the synthesis of those polymers have already
been described in the Art, such as in WO2010026537A1 and/or
WO2013128423A1 (See also: Schmola, I. R.; J. Am. Oil Chem.; Soc.
54:110; 1977 & Schmolka, I. R., Surf Sci. Ser. 1967, 1,
300-371). Other block copolymers are available as commercial
products. Examples of such block copolymers are commercially
available under the references PI0321, PI0257, P3848, P3152, sold
by the company Polymer Source.TM. (Dorval (Montreal)--Canada).
[0214] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer of
the invention, may further comprise at least one terminal block,
that is/are optionally glycosylated and/or functionalised.
[0215] Thus, and in a non-limitative manner, the at least one
terminal block may be glycosylated and/or functionalised by a
glycosyl residue, an alkyl chain such as a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
or even a methyl, an acid, a dicarboxylic acid, an amine, an
aminoglycoside, or an amide, A tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer of the invention, as defined above and
herebelow, may comprise at least one terminal block, and preferably
one terminal hydrophilic block, that is optionally glycosylated
and/or functionalised by a group consisting of aminoglycosides such
as tobramycin, paromomycin, kanamycin, neomycin, mannose, glucose,
glucosamine.
[0216] In particular, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer of the invention, as defined above, may optionally
comprise at least one terminal block, which may include one
terminal hydrophilic or hydrophobic block, and preferably one
terminal hydrophilic block, conjugated with at least one glycosyl
moiety.
[0217] In a non-limitative manner, glycosylated tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers of the invention and methods
for producing said block copolymers are disclosed in
WO2013128423A1.
[0218] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer
useful for the invention may thus be of formulas (Ha) or
(II'a):
##STR00008##
[0219] in which [0220] R* is an alkylene of 2 to 6 carbons, a
cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenyl ene, [0221] i has
values from about 3 to about 125, and [0222] j has values from 3 to
about 85, [0223] wherein for each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 pair, one shall
be hydrogen and the other shall be a methyl group, [0224] wherein
each terminal block is optionally further glycosylated and/or
functionalized.
[0225] Thus, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer useful for the invention may thus be of formula (Ha):
##STR00009##
[0226] in which [0227] R* is an alkylene of 2 to 6 carbons, a
cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenylene, and preferably is
an alkylene of 2, 4 or 6 carbons, [0228] i has values from about 3
to about 125, in particular from about 10 to about 100, and more
particularly from about 10 to about 60, and [0229] j has values
from about 3 to about 85, in particular from about 10 to about 50,
in particular from about 10 to about 20, [0230] and wherein for
each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 pair, one shall be hydrogen and the other
shall be a methyl group.
[0231] Alternatively, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer useful for the invention is of formula (IT a):
##STR00010##
[0232] in which [0233] R* is an alkylene of 2 to 6 carbons, a
cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or a phenylene, and preferably is
an alkylene of 2, 4 or 6 carbons, [0234] i has values from about 3
to about 125, in particular from about 10 to about 100, and more
particularly from about 10 to about 60, and preferably from about
10 to 30 [0235] j has values from about 3 to about 85, in
particular from about 10 to about 50, more particular from about 10
to about 30, and preferably from about 20 to 25, [0236] and wherein
for each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 pair, one shall be hydrogen and the other
shall be a methyl group.
[0237] In particular, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic
tetrafunctional block copolymer useful for the invention may be of
formula (lib):
##STR00011##
[0238] in which [0239] i has values from about 3 to about 125, in
particular from about 10 to about 100, and more particularly from
about 10 to about 60, and [0240] j has values from about 3 to about
85, in particular from about 10 to about 50, in particular from
about 10 to about 20 or alternatively from about 30 to about 50,
[0241] and wherein for each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 pair, one shall be
hydrogen and the other shall be a methyl group.
[0242] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer
useful for the invention may also be of formula (II'b):
##STR00012##
[0243] Preferably, i may range from about 3 to about 125, in
particular from about 10 to about 100, and more particularly from
about 10 to about 60, and j may range from about 5 to about 50, in
particular from about 10 to about 25, in particular from about 10
to about 20.
[0244] All the tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymers of the invention for which i and j values are defined,
are explicitly considered for each possible combination of i and
j.
[0245] All the tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymers of the invention, and their pharmaceutically acceptable
salts, are further considered alone or in the form of mixtures,
and/or in which at least one terminal block, or even each terminal
block, is optionally further glycosylated and/or
functionalized.
[0246] A block copolymer of the invention may have a molecular
weight ranging from 1000 to 35000, which includes from 1000 to
20000 and from 4000 to 35000, in particular ranging from 1000 to
10000 g/mol.
[0247] A block copolymer of the invention may comprise, and
preferably consist in, an ethylene-oxide units content from about
40% to about 80%, in particular ranging from about 40 to 70%, and
more particularly from about 40% to about 60%.
[0248] A number of tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymers of the invention, in particular of non-ionic amphiphilic
tetrafunctional block copolymers, are commercially available under
generic trade names as "poloxamines".
[0249] In particular, non-ionic amphiphilic tetrafunctional block
copolymers of the invention are available from BASF (Wyandotte,
Mich.) under the tradename Tetronic.TM..
[0250] Further details of suitable poloxamines for the invention
can be found in Surfactant Systems, Eds. Attwood and Florence,
Chapman and Hall, London 1983, p 356-361; in The Condensed
Encyclopaedia of Surfactants, Ed. Ash and Ash, Edward Arnold,
London, 1989, in Non-ionic Surfactants, pp. 300-371, Ed. Nace,
Dekker, New York, 1996, in Santon, Am. Perfumer Cosmet. 72(4):54-58
(1958); (Dekker, N.Y., 1967), or in U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,055.
[0251] Tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers which
belong to formula (Ib) are also disclosed hereafter.
[0252] A tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer of
the invention may be selected from a group consisting of
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers as disclosed
here-after, including 304, 414, 616, 618, 704, 904, 1014, 1107 as
disclosed here-after and mixtures thereof, more preferably 704 or
904, and most preferably 704.
[0253] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 304 (1600 g/mol) of the invention is of sequence:
##STR00013##
wherein PEO means polyethylene oxide, and PPO means polypropylene
oxide.
[0254] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 414 (3880 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00014##
[0255] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 616 of the invention is of formula:
##STR00015##
[0256] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 618 of the invention is of formula:
##STR00016##
[0257] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 704 (5500 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00017##
[0258] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 904 (6700 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00018##
[0259] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 1014 (8100 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00019##
[0260] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 606 (5829 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00020##
[0261] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 608 (5528 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00021##
[0262] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 1614 (14463 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00022##
[0263] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 7426 (7423 g/mol) of the invention is of formula:
##STR00023##
[0264] For reference, a functionalized tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer 704-NH.sub.2 (5568 g/mol) of the
invention is of formula:
##STR00024##
[0265] For reference, a functionalized tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer 704-Me (5624 g/mol) of the invention is
of formula:
##STR00025##
wherein Me is (--CH.sub.3).
[0266] For reference, a functionalized tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer 704-Oox (5808 g/mol) of the invention
is of formula:
##STR00026##
[0267] For reference, a functionalized tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer 704-Nox (5900 g/mol) of the invention
is of formula:
##STR00027##
[0268] For reference, a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer 704-paromomycine (7700 g/mol) of the invention is of
formula:
##STR00028##
[0269] Tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers which
belong to formula (Ib) are also disclosed hereafter.
[0270] For reference, a tetrafunctional PLA-POE non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer "3648" (8996 g/mol) of the invention is
of formula:
##STR00029##
wherein POE means polyethylene oxide and PLA means polylactide.
[0271] For reference, a tetrafunctional POE-PCL non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer "10321" (4332 g/mol) of the invention
is of formula:
##STR00030##
wherein POE means polyethylene oxide and PCL means
polycaprolactone. Of note, the value "6.5" refers to block
copolymers of which the value is either 6 or 7, and mixtures
thereof.
[0272] For reference, a tetrafunctional POE-PPO non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer "10257" (7332 g/mol) of the invention
is of formula:
##STR00031##
wherein POE means polyethylene oxide and PPO means polypropylene
oxide.
[0273] According to exemplary embodiments, the tetrafunctional
non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer is selected from:
##STR00032## ##STR00033## ##STR00034##
wherein each terminal block is optionally further glycosylated
and/or functionalized; or one of its pharmaceutically acceptable
salts; and mixtures thereof.
[0274] As stated previously, the block copolymers of the invention
are unexpectedly used in very low concentrations for efficiently
transfecting RNA compared to the usual concentration considered for
transfecting DNA. Indeed here it has be observed that optimal
concentration of block copolymers is 75 fold lower to that used for
optimal in vivo delivery of DNA.
[0275] In particular, and as shown from the examples; RNA molecules
such as mRNAs, may be transfected at a concentration equal or lower
than 2010.sup.-4% (w/v), or even equal or lower than 1010.sup.-4%
(w/v), and/or as low as 510.sup.-4% (w/v).
[0276] In the sense of the invention, percentages related to
concentrations of RNA molecules are expressed in (w/v), and as
described above.
[0277] Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Treatment
[0278] The invention relates to tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymers as such and as defined above, and
their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and mixtures thereof.
[0279] The invention further relates to compositions, and more
particularly to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least
an effective amount of at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer as defined above.
[0280] Thus, the invention also relates to a composition, and more
particularly to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least
an effective amount of at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymer as a vehicle for at least one RNA
molecule, such as a capped or uncapped mRNA.
[0281] Thus, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer,
as a vehicle for at least one RNA molecule, such as a capped or
uncapped mRNA, and preferably at least one uncapped mRNA.
[0282] Thus the invention also relates to any of the
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers as described
above, for the preparation of a medicament and/or a pharmaceutical
composition, including compositions for use for intracellular
delivery and gene therapy.
[0283] A pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise a
vehicle that is pharmaceutically acceptable, and suitable for any
mode of administration, which includes enteral and parenteral
administration, which includes topical administration, needle
injection and needle-free injection.
[0284] In the sense of the invention, a needle-free injection may
include jet injection. Jet injection is known in the Art, as shown
for instance in WO2015024667A1.
[0285] Jet injection includes forcing the passage of a
pharmaceutical composition as described above, optionally
containing further suitable excipients, through an orifice and
thereby generating an ultra-fine liquid stream of high pressure
that is capable of penetrating mammalian skin and, depending on the
injection settings, subcutaneous tissue or muscle tissue. In
principle, the liquid stream forms a hole in the skin, through
which the liquid stream is pushed into the target tissue.
Preferably, jet injection is used for intradermal, subcutaneous or
intramuscular injection of the nucleic acid according to the
invention.
[0286] A pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise a
vehicle that is pharmaceutically acceptable, in particular for an
injectable formulation, in particular for systemic injection,
injection directly into the desired organ or for topical
administration, for example to the skin and/or mucous membranes.
They may be sterile isotonic solutions or dry, in particular
lyophilized, compositions which, by means of the addition,
according to the case, of sterilized water or of physiological
saline, make it possible to constitute injectable solutes.
[0287] It is clear that the doses used for the injection and also
the number of administrations may be adjusted by means of various
parameters, and in particular as a function of the method of
administration under consideration, of the pathology involved, of
the nature of the negatively charged macromolecules to be
administered, of the therapeutic or prophylactic effect to be
reached, of the individual to be treated, and of the conditions to
be treated or prevented.
[0288] For example, in the field of gene therapy, the doses will
depend of the gene to be expressed or repressed, or of the nature
of the messenger RNA.
[0289] Within the meaning of the invention, the term "to prevent"
with respect to a disease is to be understood as meaning to reduce
the risk of occurrence of said disease.
[0290] With regards more particularly to the method of
administration, it may involve either direct injection into the
tissues or the circulatory system, or treatment of cells in culture
followed by re-implantation in vivo by injection or graft.
[0291] For the purpose of the present invention, the term "internal
administration" means that a composition of the invention is
compatible with administration into the tissue of an organism, for
example a muscle (intra-muscular), intra-dermally or
subcutaneously. Furthermore, topical, oral, pulmonary, nasal and
mucosal, such as, for example, buccal, vaginal or rectal,
administration may be used.
[0292] The compositions according to the invention are particularly
advantageous from a therapeutic point of view, in particular in
gene therapy, and for use as a medicament.
[0293] The compositions thus prepared are then injected into cells,
preferably muscle cells or dendritic cells.
[0294] Insofar as a composition of the invention is particularly
advantageous for increasing the amount of proteins synthesized by
the transfected cells.
[0295] The administration can be carried out topically, directly
into the cells under consideration, or by means of one of the
routes of administration discussed above.
[0296] According to one preferred embodiment, a block copolymer of
the invention is formulated in a Tyrode's medium (CaCl.sub.2 3 mM,
MgCl.sub.2 2 mM, KCl 6 mM, NaCl 140 mM, glucose 10 mM, and Hepes 10
mM, pH 7.4; Tyrode Pharmacology. Philadelphia, 1908, 2nd Edition,
1912) or an equivalent medium.
[0297] However other equivalent mediums may also be considered, in
particular mediums wherein HEPES is substituted by NAHCO.sub.3.
Indeed, results have shown (see FIG. 6) that the transfection
efficiency is increased with such buffers.
[0298] Thus, the invention also relates to a pharmaceutical
composition comprising a tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic
block copolymer as a vehicle for at least one capped or uncapped
mRNA, wherein said tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer and mRNA are formulated in a Tyrode's medium or an
equivalent medium.
[0299] The invention further relates to kits which are suitable for
use for intracellular delivery, and/or for gene therapy,
comprising:
[0300] (i) at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymer as defined above, and mixtures thereof; and
[0301] (ii) at least one RNA molecule, and more particularly at
least one capped or uncapped mRNA.
[0302] The invention further relates to a method for increasing,
improving, and/or maintaining the expression of a protein in an
eukaryotic host, comprising a step of transfecting into said host
at least one tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer,
as a vehicle for at least one capped or uncapped mRNA, as defined
above.
[0303] According to exemplary embodiments, the above-mentioned
tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymer, as vehicles
for at least one capped or uncapped mRNA, are particularly
efficient for increasing, improving, and/or maintaining the
expression of erythropoietin (EPO) in an eukaryotic host.
[0304] Thus, the tetrafunctional non-ionic amphiphilic block
copolymers of the invention, as vehicles for at least one RNA
molecule, especially a capped or uncapped mRNA, are particularly
efficient, as a medicament and/or in a pharmaceutical composition,
for treating or preventing, and/or reducing the likelihood of
occurrence of a disorder associated with impaired erythropoiesis,
or impaired red blood cell production, such as disorders selected
from anemia and kidney failure.
[0305] According to some embodiments, the RNA molecule is a mRNA
suitable for the expression of erythropoietin in an individual.
[0306] According to some embodiments, tetrafunctional non-ionic
amphiphilic block copolymers of the invention, as vehicles for a
RNA molecule suitable for the expression of EPO in an individual,
are particularly efficient for improving, restoring or stabilizing
the percentage of hematocrit in said individual.
[0307] A combination as described above is particularly efficient
for improving, restoring or stabilizing the percentage of
hematocrit in an individual at a physiological level, including
above 40%, which includes 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,
50, 51, 52, 52, 54, and 55%.
[0308] The present invention will be more fully described with the
aid of the following examples and figures which should be
considered as illustrative and nonlimiting.
FIGURES
[0309] FIGS. 1A-1D. Influence of the mRNA capping and/or nucleotide
modification on .beta.-galactosidase expression in C57Bl6 mouse
skeletal muscle and immune reaction against .beta.-galactosidase.
FIG. 1A .beta.-galactosidase activity one day after intramuscular
injection of 20 .mu.g uncapped fully modified or unmodified mRNA
either naked or formulated with 2010.sup.-4% 704. FIG. 1B
.beta.-galactosidase activity one day after intramuscular injection
of 20 .mu.g capped fully modified or unmodified mRNA either naked
or formulated with 2010.sup.-4% 704. FIG. 1C Humoral response at 42
days after a vaccination scheme consisting in one intramuscular
injections at day 0 and 21 of 20 .mu.g capped or uncapped modified
and/or unmodified mRNA either naked or formulate with 2010.sup.-4%
704. Each column represents the mean antibody titer determined by
ELISA of at least eight individual mice. FIG. 1D Specific
CD8+IFN.gamma.+.beta.-galactosidase cells percentage. Splenocytes
were prepared at day 42 stimulated overnight with murine dendritic
cell line (Jaws) transfected with ICAFectin.RTM.441 and plasmid DNA
encoding .beta.-galactosidase or as control with plasmid DNA
encoding the AlphaFetoproteine. After washing, cells were stained
with an anti-CD8 antibody and anti-IFN.gamma.. Each column
represents the percentage of CD8+IFN.gamma. cells in total splenic
CD8++/-SEM of at least six individual mice.
[0310] FIG. 2. Influence of the mRNA capping and/or nucleotide
modification on .beta.-galactosidase expression in cells in
culture. Hela (upper part of FIG. 2), C2C12 (middle of FIG. 2) and
JAWII cells (bottom of FIG. 2) were transfected with aminoglycoside
lipidic derivative DOST at a charge ratio of 5 (+/-) with 0.5 .mu.g
of formulated mRNA or formulated DNA encoding beta galactosidase.
RNA molecules were either capped or uncapped with fully modified U
and C by Pseudo-U or 5-Methyl-Cytosine or unmodified U and C. After
24h, cells were collected and beta galactosidase expression was
measured. Results are expressed by pg of beta galactosidase per mg
of cellular protein (pg/mg prot). Data are shown as the
average.+-.SEM of the (beta gal (pg/mg prot) of the transfected
cells. As control, cells transfected with RNA alone or DNA alone
gave no significant expression of the beta galactosidase.
[0311] FIGS. 3A-3C. Mouse hematocrit as a function of time after
injection of block copolymer formulations. FIG. 3A Mouse hematocrit
as a function of time after intramuscular injection of 704/RNA
formulations containing 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding murine EPO and
10.times.10.sup.-4% (open circles), 20.times.10.sup.-4% (open
squares) or 100.times.10.sup.-4% (open triangles) 704. As control,
mice were also injected with 20 .mu.g of naked RNA encoding murine
EPO (solid circles). As control a group of mice was also uninjected
(solid squares). FIG. 3B mouse hematocrit as a function of time
after intramuscular injected of 704/DNA formulation containing 10
.mu.g of plasmid DNA encoding murine EPO and 0.15% 704 (open
circles). As control, mice were also injected with 10 .mu.g of
naked DNA encoding murine EPO (close circles). As control a group
of mice was also uninjected (solid squares). FIG. 3C mouse
hematocrit as a function of time after intramuscular injection of
904/RNA formulations containing 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding murine EPO
and 10.times.10.sup.-4% 4 (open circles), 20.times.10.sup.-4% (open
squares) or 100.times.10.sup.-4% (open triangles) 904. As control,
mice were also injected with 20 .mu.g of naked RNA encoding murine
EPO (solid circles). As control a group of mice was also uninjected
(solid squares).
[0312] FIGS. 4A-4D. Modulation of the hematocrit in mice
intramuscularly injected with block copolymer/RNA formulations and
704/DNA formulations (B). FIG. 4A Six mice were treated 2 times at
day 0 and 42 with 2 successive injections with one week interval.
Treatments consisted of 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding murine EPO either
naked (open triangles) or formulated with and 100.times.10.sup.-4%
(solid squares) 904 and 20.times.10.sup.-4% (solid circles) 704. At
day 100 after the beginning of the treatment mice received a single
injection consisting of 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding EPO either naked
(open triangles) or formulated with 100.times.10.sup.-4% (solid
squares) 904 and 20.times.10.sup.-4% (w/v) (solid circles) 704. At
day 134 after the beginning of the treatment, mice received a
single injection of 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding the murine EPO with
100.times.10.sup.-4% 904 (solid squares). As control, mice were
also uninjected (open squares). Dotted lines represent the
fluctuation over the of the hematocrit of healthy non injected
mice. (FIG. 4B Six mice were treated at day 0, 56 and 100 with 10
.mu.g naked DNA (open diamond) or formulated with 0,15% 704 (solid
diamond). As control, mice were also uninjected (open squares).
Dotted lines represent the fluctuation over the of the hematocrit
of healthy non injected mice. FIG. 4C Murine EPO expression
measured at day 135 in serum of mice 24 hours after injection of 20
.mu.g RNA encoding murine EPO either naked of formulated with
100.times.10.sup.-4% 904 and 10 .mu.g plasmid DNA encoding EPO
either naked or formulated with 0.15% 704. Each bar represents the
mean+/-SEM of 6 individual values. FIG. 4D Humoral response at 170
days after the beginning of the treatment with either DNA or mRNA
encoding the murine EPO formulated with tetra functional block
copolymers. Each column represents the mean antibody amount against
murine EPO measured in the serum of mice injected with the various
compositions, determined by ELISA using a standard curve made of
known amount of commercially available antibodies against murine
EPO.
[0313] FIG. 5: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle after
intramuscular injection of mRNA formulated with 704 at
2010.sup.-4%. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 10 .mu.g mRNA formulated with 704 in various medium
buffered either with Hepes, NaHCO.sub.3 or sodium Lactate
corresponding respectively to pH of 7.4, 7.4 and 6.7. The effect of
the concentration of CaCl.sub.2 ranging from 1 to 5 mM on
luciferase expression was also measured on two different medium
buffered either by Hepes or NaHCO.sub.3. As a control a group of
mice was injected with a medium consisting of 150 mM NaCl. Each
column represents the mean+/-SEM of at least six individual
values.
[0314] FIG. 6: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle after
intramuscular injection of mRNA formulated with 704 at various
concentrations. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 10 .mu.g mRNA formulated with 704 at various
concentrations ranging from 1010.sup.-4 to 100010.sup.-4% (w/v).
Each column represents the mean+/-SEM of at least six individual
values.
[0315] FIG. 7: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle after
intramuscular injection of capped modified mRNA either naked or
formulated with tetrafunctional PEO-PPO amphilic block copolymer of
14 463 g/mol. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 5 .mu.g mRNA formulated with the block copolymer at
various concentrations ranging from 5 to 100010.sup.-4% (w/v). Each
column represents the mean+/-SEM of at least six individual values.
The column "naked" relates to the expression of luciferase after
administration of the same mRNA but without the block copolymer.
The column "ref" relates to the expression of luciferase after
administration of the same mRNA in combination with the
tetrafunctional block copolymer 704. when administered at a
concentration of about 2010.sup.-4% (w/v).
[0316] FIG. 8: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle after
intramuscular injection of capped modified mRNA either naked or
formulated with tetrafunctional PPO-POE amphilic block copolymer of
7423 g/mol. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 5 .mu.g mRNA formulated with the block copolymer at
various concentrations ranging from 5 to 100010.sup.-4% (w/v). Each
column represents the mean+/-SEM of at least six individual values.
The column "naked" relates to the expression of luciferase after
administration of the same mRNA but without the block copolymer.
The column "ref" relates to the expression of luciferase after
administration of the same mRNA in combination with the
tetrafunctional block copolymer 704. when administered at a
concentration of about 2010.sup.-4% (w/v).
[0317] FIG. 9: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle after
intramuscular injection of capped modified mRNA either naked or
formulated with tetrafunctional PLA-POE amphilic block copolymer of
8996 g/mol. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 5 .mu.g mRNA formulated with the block copolymer at 10
and 10010.sup.-4% (w/v). Each column represents the mean+/-SEM of
at least six individual values. The column "naked" relates to the
expression of luciferase after administration of the same mRNA but
without the block copolymer.
[0318] FIG. 10: Luciferase expression in mouse skeletal muscle
after intramuscular injection of capped modified mRNA either naked
or formulated with tetrafunctional POE-PPO amphilic block copolymer
of 7332 g/mol. Luciferase activity 24 hours after intramuscular
injection of 5 .mu.g mRNA formulated with the block copolymer at 10
and 10010.sup.-4% (w/v). Each column represents the_mean+/-SEM of
at least six individual values. The column "naked" relates to the
expression of luciferase after administration of the same mRNA but
without the block copolymer.
[0319] FIG. 11A-11C: Mouse hematocrit and EPO levels as a function
of time after injection of block copolymer formulations. FIG. 11A
Mouse hematocrit as a function of time after intramuscular
injection of 704/RNA formulations containing 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding
murine EPO and 10.times.10.sup.-4% (open circles),
20.times.10.sup.-4% (open squares) or 100.times.10.sup.-4% (open
triangles) 704. As control, mice were also injected with 20 .mu.g
of naked RNA encoding murine EPO (solid circles). As control a
group of mice was also uninjected (solid squares). FIG. 11B mouse
hematocrit as a function of time after intramuscular injection of
904/RNA formulations containing 20 .mu.g mRNA encoding murine EPO
and 10.times.10.sup.-4% 4 (open circles), 20.times.10.sup.-4% (open
squares) or 100.times.10.sup.-4% (open triangles) 904. As control,
mice were also injected with 20 .mu.g of naked RNA encoding murine
EPO (solid circles). As control a group of mice was also uninjected
(solid squares). FIG. 11C mouse EPO as a function of time after
intramuscular injection of 704/RNA formulations containing
20.times.10.sup.-4% 704 and various amounts of mRNA encoding murine
including 1 (open circles), 5 (open diamonds), 10 (open triangles)
and 50 .mu.g (open octagon). As control, mice were also injected
with 1 (solid circles), 5 (solid diamonds), 10 (solid triangles)
and 50 .mu.g (solid octagon) of naked RNA encoding murine EPO. As
control a group of mice was also uninjected (solid squares, dotted
line). FIG. 11D Hematocrit level as a function of time of the same
described in FIG. 11C. After 10 hours, mouse EPO levels were
measured in serum FIG. 11E and in the muscles FIG. 11F of mice
injected intramuscularly either with plasmid DNA encoding murine
EPO formulated with 704 (solid symbols) or with mRNA formulated
with 704 (empty symbols). Each symbol represents the mean+/-SEM of
at least 6 individual mice.
[0320] FIG. 12: .beta.-galactosidase expression after intramuscular
injection of uncapped modified mRNA in combination with block
copolymers of the invention. The y-axis represents the
.beta.-galactosidase expression in cps. The x-axis represents from
left to right, the datasets corresponding to block copolymers 704;
10257; 3648; 1614 and 7426.
[0321] FIG. 13: Humoral response in mice at day 35 after 2
intramuscular injections of capped unmodified mRNA at day 0 and 21,
in the presence of block copolymers 904 and 10257. The y-axis
represents the mean antibody titer determined ELISA of at least six
individual mice. The x-axis represents from left to right the
datasets corresponding to naked mRNAs, block copolymers 904 an
10257. For each dataset, the column on the left represents DNA, and
the column on the right RNA.
EXAMPLES
Material and Methods
Nucleic Acids Molecules
[0322] mRNA either capped or not and fully substituted or not for
every U or C by Pseudo-U and 5-methyl-C respectively, encoding
.beta.-galactosidase, luciferase, Erythropoietin (EPO) were
purchased at Trilink (San Diego, USA). The plasmid containing the
murine EPO cDNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) IE1
promoter/enhancer was constructed by recovering mEPO cDNA by PCR
from plasmid pTetO-mEPO (Richard et al., Human Gene Therapy 2005)
and introduced into the pcDNA-3 vector (Invitrogen, Cergy Pontoise,
France). The pCMV-bGal plasmid (Clontech, St Germain en Laye,
France) coding for b-galactosidase controlled by the human
cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene promoter was used as antigen.
Plasmids were purified from transformed recombinant Escherichia
coli by means of EndoFree plasmid purification columns (Qiagen,
Chatsworth, Calif., EISA).
Animals Experiments and Nucleic Acids Formulations
[0323] All animal experiments were performed in accordance with the
guidelines of the French Institut National de la Sante et de la
Recherche Medicale. Eight-week old female Swiss and C57bl/6 mice
were obtained from Janvier (Le Genest Saint Isle, France). At least
six to eight mice were injected in each experimental group. For
intramuscular injections, mice were anaesthetized. Fifty
microliters of synthetic formulations were injected into shaved
tibial anterior muscles at a single site, using a microfine syringe
(U100, Becton Dickinson, Rungis, France). Stock solutions of block
copolymers were prepared at 2% (w/v) in water and stored at
4.degree. C. Formulations of DNA and mRNA with block copolymer were
prepared by equivolumetric mixing of block copolymer in water at
the desired concentration with plasmid DNA solution at the desired
concentration in buffer.
Cell Culture
[0324] Hela, C2C12, JAW II were grown at 37.degree. C., 5% CO2 in
Dublecco's modified Eagles medium supplementaed with penicillin,
streptomycine, L glutamine and 10% fetal calf serum. One day before
transfection, cells were plated in 1 mL complete growth medium so
that cells reach 70-80% confluence at the time of transfection
(0.5-2.times.10.sup.5 cells per well). One day after transfection,
cells were harvested and Reporter Lysis Buffer (Promega)
supplemented with a protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche Diagnostics)
was added to each wells. After centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 4
min, luciferase activity was measured from an aliquot of
supernatant with Victor.sup.2 (PerkinElmer), using a Luciferase
Assay System (Promega). Luciferase activity was determined by
measuring the light emission after addition of 100 .mu.l of
luciferase assay substrate to 10 .mu.l of supernatant.
EPO Expression Analysis
[0325] Hematocrit values were measured by microcapillary
centrifugation. At different time points after intramuscular
injection, mouse blood was collected from the retro-orbital cavity
and serum obtained by centrifugation (3 minutes at 1000 g). For
plasma samples, blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus in
heparinized tubes and centrifuged 3 minutes at 1000 g. Mouse serum
EPO levels were measured by Enzyme Linked-ImmunoAssay (ELISA)
following the instructions provided by the manufacturer (R&D
Systems).
Anti-Murine EPO Specific Immune Response
[0326] Humoral immune responses were measured by ELISA. Briefly,
96-well plates (Nunc Maxisorp) were coated overnight at 4.degree.
C. with recombinant murine EPO in 50 mM NaHCO.sub.3 pH 9.5, then
blocked for 1 hour at room temperature with PBS 0.05% Tween-20 1%
bovine serum albumin (BSA) before distributing diluted sera in
triplicate. Plates were incubated at 37.degree. C. for 90 minutes,
then EPO specific IgG was detected using peroxidase-conjugated goat
anti-mouse IgG (Jackson Immunoresearch, Newmarket, UK) diluted
1/5000 in PBS 0.05% Tween-20 1% BSA. Plates were washed three times
in PBS 0.05% Tween-20 between steps, and peroxidase activity was
revealed with 1 mg/mL OPD in pH5 citrate buffer. Reactions were
stopped by addition of 1M H.sub.2SO.sub.4, then absorption was
measured at 492 nm. Sera were tested at 1/100, 1/1000 and 1/10000,
and anti-murine EPO antibody amount was calculated with respect to
a standard curve consisting of fixed known amounts of increasing
anti-murine EPO commercially available antibodies present in each
ELISA plate.
Luciferase Expression
[0327] Luciferase protein expression was evaluated by live animal
imaging using a PhotonIMAGER Optima system
(http://www.biospacelab.com). Briefly, 2 mg of in-vivo luciferase
substrate (beetle luciferin substrate, Promega) was injected
intraperitoneally in mice and after 10 minutes, mice were
anesthetized and luminescent signal will be measured until the
baseline was stable. After stabilization of the luminescent signal,
measurement of the luminescent was performed for 30s.
.beta.-Gal Expression
[0328] .beta.-Gal expression was quantified in muscle extracts
using the BetaGlo Assay System (Promega, Charbonnieres, France)
according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Anti-.beta.-Gal Specific Immune Response
[0329] Humoral immune responses were measured by ELISA. Briefly,
96-well plates (Nunc Maxisorp) were coated overnight at 4.degree.
C. with recombinant bGal in 50 mM NaHCO.sub.3 pH 9.5, then blocked
for 1 hour at room temperature with PBS 0.05% Tween-20 1% bovine
serum albumin (BSA) before distributing diluted sera in triplicate.
Plates were incubated at 37.degree. C. for 90 minutes, then bGal
specific IgG was detected using peroxidase-conjugated goat
anti-mouse IgG (Jackson Immunoresearch, Newmarket, UK) diluted
1/5000 in PBS 0.05% Tween-20 1% BSA. Plates were washed three times
in PBS 0.05% Tween-20 between steps, and peroxidase activity was
revealed with 1 mg/mL OPD in pH5 citrate buffer. Reactions were
stopped by addition of 1M H.sub.2SO.sub.4, then absorption was
measured at 492 nm. Sera were tested at 1/100, 1/1000 and 1/10000,
and titres were calculated with respect to doubling dilutions of a
control serum present in each ELISA plate.
[0330] To measure the percentage of CD8 cell expressing IFNg in the
total of splenic CD8 cells, splenocytes were cultured at
5.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL in complete medium. A murine dendritic
cell line (JAWS) was transfected with ICAFectin.RTM.441 with
plasmid DNA encoding either b-galactosidase or murine
AlphaFetoprotein, and cells were incubated at 37.degree. C. and 5%
C02. Cells were harvested at 24 hours, then stained with an
anti-CD8 antibody and anti-IFN.gamma. and quantified by FACS.
Protocols for the Functionalization of Block Copolymers 704 at
their Terminal Blocks
I-- Preparation of 704-Me
[0331] 704 (1.07 g, 0.19 mmol, 1 eq.) was dried for 30 min under
vacuum, and then dissolved in dry THF (25 mL). At 0.degree. C., NaH
(95%, 56 mg, 2.33 mmol, 12 eq.) was added and the mixture was
stirred for 30 min at rt. Iodomethane (0.14 mL, 2.33 mmol, 12 eq.)
was then added and the mixture stirred at rt overnight. After
concentration, the residue was purified by flash chromatography
(DCM/MeOH) to give 704-Me (0.93 g, 88%).
II-- Preparation of 704-NH.sub.2
[0332] To a solution of 704 (4.7 g, 0.85 mmol, 1 eq.) in DCM (120
mL) was added p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.95 g, 10.25 mmol, 12
eq.). Powdered KOH (0.77 g, 13.67 mmol, 16 eq.) was then added
portionwise over 30 min and the mixture was stirred at rt for 2
days. DCM (100 mL) was added and the mixture washed with H.sub.2O,
brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was
purified by flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH) to give 704-Tos (4.37
g, 84%).
[0333] For reference, 704-Tos is of formula:
##STR00035##
wherein TsO refers to a tosyl group.
[0334] To a solution of 704-Tos (4.37 g, 0.71 mmol, 1 eq.) in EtOH
(100 mL) was added sodium azide (1.16 g, 17.85 mmol, 25 eq.). The
mixture was refluxed for 20 h. After cooling to rt, volatiles were
evaporated. The residue was taken up with DCM (100 mL), washed with
NaHCO.sub.3 sat, H.sub.2O, brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and
concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography
(DCM/MeOH) to give 704-N.sub.3 (3.30 g, 82%).
[0335] For reference, 704-N.sub.3 is of formula:
##STR00036##
[0336] To a solution of 704-N.sub.3 (3.30 g, 0.58 mmol, 1 eq.) in
EtOH (60 mL) was added Pd/C (10%, 0.75 g, 0.11 mmol, 0.2 eq.). 3
cycles of vacuum/N.sub.2 were applied, followed by 3 cycles of
vacuum/H.sub.2. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 days, then
filtered over a pad of celite, washed with MeOH and concentrated.
The residue was purified by flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH) to give
704-NH.sub.2 (2.81 g, 88%).
III-- Preparation of 704-NOx
[0337] To a solution of 704-NH.sub.2 (0.2 g, 0.036 mmol, 1 eq.) in
DCM (20 mL) were successively added Et.sub.3N (0.06 mL, 0.36 mmol,
10 eq.) and succinic anhydride (0.036 g, 0.36 mmol, 10 eq.). The
mixture was stirred at rt overnight, then washed with HCl 1M,
H.sub.2O, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was
purified by flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH) to give 704-NOx (0.185
g, 87%).
IV-- Preparation of 704-Paromo
[0338] To a solution of 704-NOx (0.185 g, 0.031 mmol, 1 eq.) in DMF
(15 ml) were successively added Paromo(Teoc)-NH.sub.2 (0.224 g,
0.188 mmol, 6 eq.), HBTU (0.083 g, 0.220 mmol, 7 eq.) and DMAP
(0.053 g, 0.440 mmol, 14 eq.). The mixture was stirred at
50.degree. C. for 48h, then concentrated and purified by flash
chromatography (DCM/MeOH) to give 704-Paromo(Teoc) (0.149 g,
48%).
[0339] For reference, 704-Paromo(Teoc) is of formula:
##STR00037##
[0340] To a solution of 704-Paromo(Teoc) (0.149 g, 0.014 mmol) in
DCM (3 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL) at 0.degree. C.
After 30 min at 0.degree. C., the mixture was stirred for 1h at rt,
then concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography
(DCM/MeOH) to give 704-Paromo (0.042 g, 39%).
V-- Preparation of 704-OOx
[0341] To a solution of 704 (2 g, 0.36 mmol, 1 eq.) in pyridine (15
mL) was added succinic anhydride (0.36 g, 3.63 mmol, 10 eq.). The
mixture was stirred at 55.degree. C. overnight, and then
concentrated. The residue was taken up with EtOAc (100 mL), washed
with HCl 1M, H.sub.2O, brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and
concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography
(DCM/MeOH) to give 704-OOx (1.78 g, 84%).
Example 1: In Vivo Transfection of Skeletal Muscles and
Immunogenicity, Using Different mRNA Structures and Sequences
[0342] Purpose: this experiment provides a comparative study of the
influence of mRNA capping and nucleotide modification on protein
expression on a C57BI6 skeletal muscle, and also to assess the
importance of immune reaction after injection.
[0343] As shown from figures A1-1D, transfection of a mRNA encoding
a .beta.-galactosidase using the tetrafunctional block copolymer
704 as a vehicle allows both (i) efficient protein expression and
(ii) minimal immune reaction.
Example 2: In Vitro Transfection of Cultured Cells, Using Different
mRNA Structures and Sequences
[0344] Purpose: this experiment (see FIG. 2) provides evidence that
aminoglycoside lipid derivatives are not so satisfactory for mRNA
transfection on three different cell lines
Example 3: Secretion of Murine Erythropoietin
[0345] Purpose: this experiment provides a follow-up, over 20 days,
of the injection of an mRNA coding for murine EPO using block
copolymer 704 as a vehicle (see FIGS. 3A-3C).
Example 4: Repeated mRNA and DNA Injection and Mouse Murine EPO
Expression
[0346] Purpose: this experiment provides a follow-up, over 180
days, of the injection of an mRNA coding for murine EPO using block
copolymers 704 or 904 as vehicles, and with repeated mRNA
injections. A comparative study is further provided which shows the
efficiency of block copolymers 704 and 904 as vehicles for RNA
transfection (see FIGS. 4A-4D).
Example 5: Influence of the Medium of Complexation on Luciferase
Expression
[0347] Purpose: using Luciferase as a reporter gene, this
comparative study provides good evidence that Tyrode's medium and
equivalents are endowed with excellent properties regarding RNA
transfection using block copolymers of the invention (see FIG.
5).
Example 6: Influence of the Concentration of 704 on Transfection
Efficiency
[0348] Purpose: This comparative study provides evidence that block
copolymers of the invention are very efficient for transfection of
RNA molecules even at low concentrations of block copolymers (see
FIG. 6).
Example 7: Influence of the Concentration of a Tetrafunctional
PEO-PPO Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer of 14463 g/Mol on
Transfection Efficiency
[0349] Purpose: This comparative study provides evidence of the
efficiency of a block copolymer of general formula:
##STR00038##
[0350] Indeed, it is observed that block copolymers of the
invention are very efficient for transfection of RNA molecules even
at low concentrations of block copolymers (see FIG. 7) after
intramuscular administration in mouse skeletal muscle. What is
more, it has been found that the expression of luciferase after
administration of this particular block copolymer is also
significantly higher than the expression after administration of
the tetrafunctional block copolymer 704.
Example 8: Influence of the Concentration of a Tetrafunctional
PEO-PPO Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer of 7423 g/Mol on
Transfection Efficiency
[0351] Purpose: This comparative study provides evidence of the
efficiency of a block copolymer of general formula:
##STR00039##
[0352] Indeed, it is observed that block copolymers of the
invention are very efficient for transfection of RNA molecules even
at low concentrations of block copolymers (see FIG. 8) after
intramuscular administration in mouse skeletal muscle. What is
more, it has been found that the expression of luciferase after
administration of this particular block copolymer is also
significantly higher than the expression after administration of
the tetrafunctional block copolymer 704.
Example 9: Influence of the Concentration of a Tetrafunctional
PLA-POE Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer of 8996 g/Mol on
Transfection Efficiency
[0353] Purpose: This comparative study provides evidence of the
efficiency of a block copolymer of general formula:
##STR00040##
[0354] Indeed, it is observed that block copolymers of the
invention are very efficient for transfection of RNA molecules even
at low concentrations of block copolymers (see FIG. 9) after
intramuscular administration in mouse skeletal muscle.
Example 10: Influence of the Concentration of a Tetrafunctional
POE-PPO Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer of 7332 g/Mol on
Transfection Efficiency
[0355] Purpose: This comparative study provides evidence of the
efficiency of a block copolymer of general formula:
##STR00041##
[0356] Indeed, it is observed that block copolymers of the
invention are very efficient for transfection of RNA molecules even
at low concentrations of block copolymers (see FIG. 10) after
intramuscular administration in mouse skeletal muscle.
Example 11: In Vivo Effect of an Intramuscular Administration of
Block Copolymers Formulations with an mRNA Encoding EPO, on the
Level of Hematocrit in Mice
[0357] Purpose: This study provides evidence of the variation of
EPO and hematocrit in mice over time, after intramuscular
administration in mice (see FIGS. 11A-11F).
Example 12: Influence of Block Copolymers of the Invention as
Vehicles for Uncapped Modified mRNAs
[0358] Purpose: This study provides evidence that block copolymers
of the invention are particularly efficient for promoting the
expression of uncapped modified mRNAs in an eukaryotic host (see
FIG. 12).
[0359] .beta.-galactosidase activity one day after intramuscular
injection of 15 .mu.g uncapped modified mRNA encoding the
.beta.-galactosidase formulated with 704 at 20.times.10.sup.-4% as
reference and 10257 at 100.times.10.sup.-4%, 3648 at
10.times.10.sup.-4%, 1614 at 20.times.10.sup.-4% and 7426 at
100.times.10.sup.-4%.
[0360] The modified RNAs which were used were modified on all
Uracile and Cytosine bases, respectively using
pseudouridine-5'-triphosphate and 5-methylcytidine-5'-triphosphate
nucleotides. Twenty four hours after injection, muscles were
harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Beta gal expression was
assessed with the help of beta-Glo assay system following
manufacturer's instructions (Promega #E4720) in pure muscle
extract. The results show that block copolymers 10257, 3648, 1614
and 7426 are particularly efficient as vehicles, even in comparison
to the 704 block copolymer.
Example 13
[0361] Purpose: This study provides evidence of the lack of immune
response after administration of RNA molecules in combination with
block copolymers of the invention (see FIG. 13). Mice were injected
with 20 .mu.g of plasmid DNA or capped unmodified mRNA encoding
beta-galactosidase either naked or formulated with tetrafunctional
block copolymer 904 or 10257. Each column represents the mean
antibody titer determined by ELISA of at least six individual mice.
It is observed that said block copolymers are particularly
efficient for intracellular delivery of RNA molecules and for gene
therapy.
TABLE-US-00001 SEQUENCE LISTING SEQ ID No 1: nucleic acid coding
for .beta.-galactosidase E. Coli
ATGTCGTTTACTTTGACCAACAAGAACGTGATTTTCGTTGCCGGTCTGGGA
GGCATTGGTCTGGACACCAGCAAGGAGCTGCTCAAGCGCGATCCCGTCGTT
TTACAACGTCGTGACTGGGAAAACCCTGGCGTTACCCAACTTAATCGCCTT
GCAGCACATCCCCCTTTCGCCAGCTGGCGTAATAGCGAAGAGGCCCGCACC
GATCGCCCTTCCCAACAGTTGCGCAGCCTGAATGGCGAATGGCGCTTTGCC
TGGTTTCCGGCACCAGAAGCGGTGCCGGAAAGCTGGCTGGAGTGCGATCTT
CCTGAGGCCGATACTGTCGTCGTCCCCTCAAACTGGCAGATGCACGGTTAC
GATGCGCCCATCTACACCAACGTAACCTATCCCATTACGGTCAATCCGCCG
TTTGTTCCCACGGAGAATCCGACGGGTTGTTACTCGCTCACATTTAATGTT
GATGAAAGCTGGCTACAGGAAGGCCAGACGCGAATTATTTTTGATGGCGTT
AACTCGGCGTTTCATCTGTGGTGCAACGGGCGCTGGGTCGGTTACGGCCAG
GACAGTCGTTTGCCGTCTGAATTTGACCTGAGCGCATTTTTACGCGCCGGA
GAAAACCGCCTCGCGGTGATGGTGCTGCGTTGGAGTGACGGCAGTTATCTG
GAAGATCAGGATATGTGGCGGATGAGCGGCATTTTCCGTGACGTCTCGTTG
CTGCATAAACCGACTACACAAATCAGCGATTTCCATGTTGCCACTCGCTTT
AATGATGATTTCAGCCGCGCTGTACTGGAGGCTGAAGTTCAGATGTGCGGC
GAGTTGCGTGACTACCTACGGGTAACAGTTTCTTTATGGCAGGGTGAAACG
CAGGTCGCCAGCGGCACCGCGCCTTTCGGCGGTGAAATTATCGATGAGCGT
GGTGGTTATGCCGATCGCGTCACACTACGTCTGAACGTCGAAAACCCGAAA
CTGTGGAGCGCCGAAATCCCGAATCTCTATCGTGCGGTGGTTGAACTGCAC
ACCGCCGACGGCACGCTGATTGAAGCAGAAGCCTGCGATGTCGGTTTCCGC
GAGGTGCGGATTGAAAATGGTCTGCTGCTGCTGAACGGCAAGCCGTTGCTG
ATTCGAGGCGTTAACCGTCACGAGCATCATCCTCTGCATGGTCAGGTCATG
GATGAGCAGACGATGGTGCAGGATATCCTGCTGATGAAGCAGAACAACTTT
AACGCCGTGCGCTGTTCGCATTATCCGAACCATCCGCTGTGGTACACGCTG
TGCGACCGCTACGGCCTGTATGTGGTGGATGAAGCCAATATTGAAACCCAC
GGCATGGTGCCAATGAATCGTCTGACCGATGATCCGCGCTGGCTACCGGCG
ATGAGCGAACGCGTAACGCGAATGGTGCAGCGCGATCGTAATCACCCGAGT
GTGATCATCTGGTCGCTGGGGAATGAATCAGGCCACGGCGCTAATCACGAC
GCGCTGTATCGCTGGATCAAATCTGTCGATCCTTCCCGCCCGGTGCAGTAT
GAAGGCGGCGGAGCCGACACCACGGCCACCGATATTATTTGCCCGATGTAC
GCGCGCGTGGATGAAGACCAGCCCTTCCCGGCTGTGCCGAAATGGTCCATC
AAAAAATGGCTTTCGCTACCTGGAGAGACGCGCCCGCTGATCCTTTGCGAA
TACGCCCACGCGATGGGTAACAGTCTTGGCGGTTTCGCTAAATACTGGCAG
GCGTTTCGTCAGTATCCCCGTTTACAGGGCGGCTTCGTCTGGGACTGGGTG
GATCAGTCGCTGATTAAATATGATGAAAACGGCAACCCGTGGTCGGCTTAC
GGCGGTGATTTTGGCGATACGCCGAACGATCGCCAGTTCTGTATGAACGGT
CTGGTCTTTGCCGACCGCACGCCGCATCCAGCGCTGACGGAAGCAAAACAC
CAGCAGCAGTTTTTCCAGTTCCGTTTATCCGGGCAAACCATCGAAGTGACC
AGCGAATACCTGTTCCGTCATAGCGATAACGAGCTCCTGCACTGGATGGTG
GCGCTGGATGGTAAGCCGCTGGCAAGCGGTGAAGTGCCTCTGGATGTCGCT
CCACAAGGTAAACAGTTGATTGAACTGCCTGAACTACCGCAGCCGGAGAGC
GCCGGGCAACTCTGGCTCACAGTACGCGTAGTGCAACCGAACGCGACCGCA
TGGTCAGAAGCCGGGCACATCAGCGCCTGGCAGCAGTGGCGTCTGGCGGAA
AACCTCAGTGTGACGCTCCCCGCCGCGTCCCACGCCATCCCGCATCTGACC
ACCAGCGAAATGGATTTTTGCATCGAGCTGGGTAATAAGCGTTGGCAATTT
AACCGCCAGTCAGGCTTTCTTTCACAGATGTGGATTGGCGATAAAAAACAA
CTGCTGACGCCGCTGCGCGATCAGTTCACCCGTGCACCGCTGGATAACGAC
ATTGGCGTAAGTGAAGCGACCCGCATTGACCCTAACGCCTGGGTCGAACGC
TGGAAGGCGGCGGGCCATTACCAGGCCGAAGCAGCGTTGTTGCAGTGCACG
GCAGATACACTTGCTGATGCGGTGCTGATTACGACCGCTCACGCGTGGCAG
CATCAGGGGAAAACCTTATTTATCAGCCGGAAAACCTACCGGATTGATGGT
AGTGGTCAAATGGCGATTACCGTTGATGTTGAAGTGGCGAGCGATACACCG
CATCCGGCGCGGATTGGCCTGAACTGCCAGCTGGCGCAGGTAGCAGAGCGG
GTAAACTGGCTCGGATTAGGGCCGCAAGAAAACTATCCCGACCGCCTTACT
GCCGCCTGTTTTGACCGCTGGGATCTGCCATTGTCAGACATGTATACCCCG
TACGTCTTCCCGAGCGAAAACGGTCTGCGCTGCGGGACGCGCGAATTGAAT
TATGGCCCACACCAGTGGCGCGGCGACTTCCAGTTCAACATCAGCCGCTAC
AGTCAACAGCAACTGATGGAAACCAGCCATCGCCATCTGCTGCACGCGGAA
GAAGGCACATGGCTGAATATCGACGGTTTCCATATGGGGATTGGTGGCGAC
GACTCCTGGAGCCCGTCAGTATCGGCGGAATTACAGCTGAGCGCCGGTCGC
TACCATTACCAGTTGGTCTGGTGTCAAAAATAA SEQ ID No 2: .beta.-galactosidase
protein sequence E. Coli
MSFTLTNKNVIFVAGLGGIGLDTSKELLKRDPVVLQRRDWENPGVTQLNRL
AAHPPFASWRNSEEARTDRPSQQLRSLNGEWRFAWFPAPEAVPESWLECDL
PEADTVVVPSNWQMHGYDAPIYTNVTYPITVNPPFVPTENPTGCYSLTFNV
DESWLQEGQTRIIFDGVNSAFHLWCNGRWVGYGQDSRLPSEFDLSAFLRAG
ENRLAVMVLRWSDGSYLEDQDMWRMSGIFRDVSLLHKPTTQISDFHVATRF
NDDFSRAVLEAEVQMCGELRDYLRVTVSLWQGETQVASGTAPFGGEIIDER
GGYADRVTLRLNVENPKLWSAEIPNLYRAVVELHTADGTLIEAEACDVGFR
EVRIENGLLLLNGKPLLIRGVNRHEHHPLHGQVMDEQTMVQDILLMKQNNF
NAVRCSHYPNHPLWYTLCDRYGLYVVDEANIETHGMVPMNRLTDDPRWLPA
MSERVTRMVQRDRNHPSVIIWSLGNESGHGANHDALYRWIKSVDPSRPVQY
EGGGADTTATDIICPMYARVDEDQPFPAVPKWSIKKWLSLPGETRPLILCE
YAHAMGNSLGGFAKYWQAFRQYPRLQGGFVWDWVDQSLIKYDENGNPWSAY
GGDFGDTPNDRQFCMNGLVFADRTPHPALTEAKHQQQFFQFRLSGQTIEVT
SEYLFRHSDNELLHWMVALDGKPLASGEVPLDVAPQGKQLIELPELPQPES
AGQLWLTVRVVQPNATAWSEAGHISAWQQWRLAENLSVTLPAASHAIPHLT
TSEMDFCIELGNKRWQFNRQSGFLSQMWIGDKKQLLTPLRDQFTRAPLDND
IGVSEATRIDPNAWVERWKAAGHYQAEAALLQCTADTLADAVLITTAHAWQ
HQGKTLFISRKTYRIDGSGQMAITVDVEVASDTPHPARIGLNCQLAQVAER
VNWLGLGPQENYPDRLTAACFDRWDLPLSDMYTPYVFPSENGLRCGTRELN
YGPHQWRGDFQFNISRYSQQQLMETSHRHLLHAEEGTWLNIDGFHMGIGGD
DSWSPSVSAELQLSAGRYHYQLVWCQK SEQ ID No 3: RIG-I helicase Homo
Sapiens MTTEQRRSLQAFQDYIRKTLDPTYILSYMAPWFREEEVQYIQAEKNNKGPM
EAATLFLKFLLELQEEGWFRGFLDALDHAGYSGLYEAIESWDFKKIEKLEE
YRLLLKRLQPEFKTRIIPTDIISDLSECLINQECEEILQICSTKGMMAGAE
KLVECLLRSDKENWPKTLKLALEKERNKFSELWIVEKGIKDVETEDLEDKM
ETSDIQIFYQEDPECQNLSENSCPPSEVSDTNLYSPFKPRNYQLELALPAM
KGKNTIICAPTGCGKTFVSLLICEHHLKKFPQGQKGKVVFFANQIPVYEQQ
KSVFSKYFERHGYRVTGISGATAENVPVEQIVENNDIIILTPQILVNNLKK
GTIPSLSIFTLMIFDECHNTSKQHPYNMIMFNYLDQKLGGSSGPLPQVIGL
TASVGVGDAKNTDEALDYICKLCASLDASVIATVKHNLEELEQVVYKPQKF
FRKVESRISDKFKYIIAQLMRDTESLAKRICKDLENLSQIQNREFGTQKYE
QWIVTVQKACMVFQMPDKDEESRICKALFLYTSHLRKYNDALIISEHARMK
DALDYLKDFFSNVRAAGFEEIEQDLTQRFEEKLQELESVSRDPSNENPKLE
DLCFILQEEYHLNPETITILFVKTRALVDALKNWIEGNPKLSFLKPGILTG
RGKTNQNTGMTLPAQKCILDAFKASGDHNILIATSVADEGIDIAQCNLVIL
YEYVGNVIKMIQTRGRGRARGSKCFLLTSNAGVIEKEQINMYKEKMMNDSI
LRLQTWDEAVFREKILHIQTHEKFIRDSQEKPKPVPDKENKKLLCRKCKAL
ACYTADVRVIEECHYTVLGDAFKECFVSRPHPKPKQFSSFEKRAKIFCARQ
NCSHDWGIHVKYKTFEIPVIKIESFVVEDIATGVQTLYSKWKDFHFEKIPF DPAEMSK SEQ ID
No 4: EPO mus musculus
ATGGGGGTGCCCGAACGTCCCACCCTGCTGCTTTTACTCTCCTTGCTACTG
ATTCCTCTGGGCCTCCCAGTCCTCTGTGCTCCCCCACGCCTCATCTGCGAC
AGTCGAGTTCTGGAGAGGTACATCTTAGAGGCCAAGGAGGCAGAAAATGTC
ACGATGGGTTGTGCAGAAGGTCCCAGACTGAGTGAAAATATTACAGTCCCA
GATACCAAAGTCAACTTCTATGCTTGGAAAAGAATGGAGGTGGAAGAACAG
GCCATAGAAGTTTGGCAAGGCCTGTCCCTGCTCTCAGAAGCCATCCTGCAG
GCCCAGGCCCTGCTAGCCAATTCCTCCCAGCCACCAGAGACCCTTCAGCTT
CATATAGACAAAGCCATCAGTGGTCTACGTAGCCTCACTTCACTGCTTCGG
GTACTGGGAGCTCAGAAGGAATTGATGTCGCCTCCAGATACCACCCCACCT
GCTCCACTCCGAACACTCACAGTGGATACTTTCTGCAAGCTCTTCCGGGTC
TACGCCAACTTCCTCCGGGGGAAACTGAAGCTGTACACGGGAGAGGTCTGC
AGGAGAGGGGACAGGTGA SEQ ID No 5: Firefly luciferase
ATGCACATATCGAGGTGAACATCACGTACGCGGAATACTTCGAAATGTCCG
TTCGGTTGGCAGAAGCTATGAAACGATATGGGCTGAATACAAATCACAGAA
TCGTCGTATGCAGTGAAAACTCTCTTCAATTCTTTATGCCGGTGTTGGGCG
CGTTATTTATCGGAGTTGCAGTTGCGCCCGCGAACGACATTTATAATGAAC
GTAAGCACCCTCGCCATCAGACCAAAGGGAATGACGTATTTAATTTTTAAG
GTGAATTGCTCAACAGTATGAACATTTCGCAGCCTACCGTAGTGTTTGTTT
CCAAAAAGGGGTTGCAAAAAATTTTGAACGTGCAAAAAAAATTACCAATAA
TCCAGAAAATTATTATCATGGATTCTAAAACGGATTACCAGGGATTTCAGT
CGATGTACACGTTCGTCACATCTCATCTACCTCCCGGTTTTAATGAATACG
ATTTTGTACCAGAGTCCTTTGATCGTGACAAAACAATTGCACTGATAATGA
ATTCCTCTGGATCTACTGGGTTACCTAAGGGTGTGGCCCTTCCGCATAGAA
CTGCCTGCGTCAGATTCTCGCATGCCAGGTATGTCGTATAACAAGAGATTA
AGTAATGTTGCTACACACATTGTAGAGATCCTATTTTTGGCAATCAAATCA
TTCCGGATACTGCGATTTTAAGTGTTGTTCCATTCCATCACGGTTTTGGAA
TGTTTACTACACTCGGATATTTGATATGTGGATTTCGAGTCGTCTTAATGT
ATAGATTTGAAGAAGAGCTGTTTTTACGATCCCTTCAGGATTACAAAATTC
AAAGTGCGTTGCTAGTACCAACCCTATTTTCATTCTTCGCCAAAAGCACTC
TGATTGACAAATACGATTTATCTAATTTACACGAAATTGCTTCTGGGGGCG
CACCTCTTTCGAAAGAAGTCGGGGAAGCGGTTGCAAAACGGTGAGTTAAGC
GCATTGCTAGTATTTCAAGGCTCTAAAACGGCGCGTAGCTTCCATCTTCCA
GGGATACGACAAGGATATGGGCTCACTGAGACTACATCAGCTATTCTGATT
ACACCCGAGGGGGATGATAAACCGGGCGCGGTCGGTAAAGTTGTTCCATTT
TTTGAAGCGAAGGTTGTGGATCTGGATACCGGGAAAACGCTGGGCGTTAAT
CAGAGAGGCGAATTATGTGTCAGAGGACCTATGATTATGTCCGGTTATGTA
AACAATCCGGAAGCGACCAACGCCTTGATTGACAAGGATGGATGGCTACAT
TCTGGAGACATAGCTTACTGGGACGAAGACGAACACTTCTTCATAGTTGAC
CGCTTGAAGTCTTTAATTAAATACAAAGGATATCAGGTAATGAAGATTTTT
ACATGCACACACGCTACAATACCTGTAGGTGGCCCCCGCTGAATTGGAATC
GATATTGTTACAACACCCCAACATCTTCGACGCGGGCGTGGCAGGTCTTCC
CGACGATGACGCCGGTGAACTTCCCGCCGCCGTTGTTGTTTTGGAGCACGG
AAAGACGATGACGGAAAAAGAGATCGTGGATTACGTCGCCAGTAAATGAAT
TCGTTTTACGTTACTCGTACTACAATTCTTTTCATAGGTCAAGTAACAACC
GCGAAAAAGTTGCGCGGAGGAGTTGTGTTTGTGGACGAAGTACCGAAAGGT
CTTACCGGAAAACTCGACGCAAGAAAAATCAGAGAGATCCTCATAAAGGCC
AAGAAGGGCGGAAAGTCCAAATTGTAAAATGTAACTGTATTCAGCGATGAC
GAAATTCTTAGCTATTGTAATATTATATGCAAATTGATGAATGGTAATTTT
GTAATTGTGGGTCACTGTACTATTTTAACGAATAATAAAATCAGGTATAGG TAACTAAAAA
Sequence CWU 1
1
513144DNAEscherichia coli 1atgtcgttta ctttgaccaa caagaacgtg
attttcgttg ccggtctggg aggcattggt 60ctggacacca gcaaggagct gctcaagcgc
gatcccgtcg ttttacaacg tcgtgactgg 120gaaaaccctg gcgttaccca
acttaatcgc cttgcagcac atcccccttt cgccagctgg 180cgtaatagcg
aagaggcccg caccgatcgc ccttcccaac agttgcgcag cctgaatggc
240gaatggcgct ttgcctggtt tccggcacca gaagcggtgc cggaaagctg
gctggagtgc 300gatcttcctg aggccgatac tgtcgtcgtc ccctcaaact
ggcagatgca cggttacgat 360gcgcccatct acaccaacgt aacctatccc
attacggtca atccgccgtt tgttcccacg 420gagaatccga cgggttgtta
ctcgctcaca tttaatgttg atgaaagctg gctacaggaa 480ggccagacgc
gaattatttt tgatggcgtt aactcggcgt ttcatctgtg gtgcaacggg
540cgctgggtcg gttacggcca ggacagtcgt ttgccgtctg aatttgacct
gagcgcattt 600ttacgcgccg gagaaaaccg cctcgcggtg atggtgctgc
gttggagtga cggcagttat 660ctggaagatc aggatatgtg gcggatgagc
ggcattttcc gtgacgtctc gttgctgcat 720aaaccgacta cacaaatcag
cgatttccat gttgccactc gctttaatga tgatttcagc 780cgcgctgtac
tggaggctga agttcagatg tgcggcgagt tgcgtgacta cctacgggta
840acagtttctt tatggcaggg tgaaacgcag gtcgccagcg gcaccgcgcc
tttcggcggt 900gaaattatcg atgagcgtgg tggttatgcc gatcgcgtca
cactacgtct gaacgtcgaa 960aacccgaaac tgtggagcgc cgaaatcccg
aatctctatc gtgcggtggt tgaactgcac 1020accgccgacg gcacgctgat
tgaagcagaa gcctgcgatg tcggtttccg cgaggtgcgg 1080attgaaaatg
gtctgctgct gctgaacggc aagccgttgc tgattcgagg cgttaaccgt
1140cacgagcatc atcctctgca tggtcaggtc atggatgagc agacgatggt
gcaggatatc 1200ctgctgatga agcagaacaa ctttaacgcc gtgcgctgtt
cgcattatcc gaaccatccg 1260ctgtggtaca cgctgtgcga ccgctacggc
ctgtatgtgg tggatgaagc caatattgaa 1320acccacggca tggtgccaat
gaatcgtctg accgatgatc cgcgctggct accggcgatg 1380agcgaacgcg
taacgcgaat ggtgcagcgc gatcgtaatc acccgagtgt gatcatctgg
1440tcgctgggga atgaatcagg ccacggcgct aatcacgacg cgctgtatcg
ctggatcaaa 1500tctgtcgatc cttcccgccc ggtgcagtat gaaggcggcg
gagccgacac cacggccacc 1560gatattattt gcccgatgta cgcgcgcgtg
gatgaagacc agcccttccc ggctgtgccg 1620aaatggtcca tcaaaaaatg
gctttcgcta cctggagaga cgcgcccgct gatcctttgc 1680gaatacgccc
acgcgatggg taacagtctt ggcggtttcg ctaaatactg gcaggcgttt
1740cgtcagtatc cccgtttaca gggcggcttc gtctgggact gggtggatca
gtcgctgatt 1800aaatatgatg aaaacggcaa cccgtggtcg gcttacggcg
gtgattttgg cgatacgccg 1860aacgatcgcc agttctgtat gaacggtctg
gtctttgccg accgcacgcc gcatccagcg 1920ctgacggaag caaaacacca
gcagcagttt ttccagttcc gtttatccgg gcaaaccatc 1980gaagtgacca
gcgaatacct gttccgtcat agcgataacg agctcctgca ctggatggtg
2040gcgctggatg gtaagccgct ggcaagcggt gaagtgcctc tggatgtcgc
tccacaaggt 2100aaacagttga ttgaactgcc tgaactaccg cagccggaga
gcgccgggca actctggctc 2160acagtacgcg tagtgcaacc gaacgcgacc
gcatggtcag aagccgggca catcagcgcc 2220tggcagcagt ggcgtctggc
ggaaaacctc agtgtgacgc tccccgccgc gtcccacgcc 2280atcccgcatc
tgaccaccag cgaaatggat ttttgcatcg agctgggtaa taagcgttgg
2340caatttaacc gccagtcagg ctttctttca cagatgtgga ttggcgataa
aaaacaactg 2400ctgacgccgc tgcgcgatca gttcacccgt gcaccgctgg
ataacgacat tggcgtaagt 2460gaagcgaccc gcattgaccc taacgcctgg
gtcgaacgct ggaaggcggc gggccattac 2520caggccgaag cagcgttgtt
gcagtgcacg gcagatacac ttgctgatgc ggtgctgatt 2580acgaccgctc
acgcgtggca gcatcagggg aaaaccttat ttatcagccg gaaaacctac
2640cggattgatg gtagtggtca aatggcgatt accgttgatg ttgaagtggc
gagcgataca 2700ccgcatccgg cgcggattgg cctgaactgc cagctggcgc
aggtagcaga gcgggtaaac 2760tggctcggat tagggccgca agaaaactat
cccgaccgcc ttactgccgc ctgttttgac 2820cgctgggatc tgccattgtc
agacatgtat accccgtacg tcttcccgag cgaaaacggt 2880ctgcgctgcg
ggacgcgcga attgaattat ggcccacacc agtggcgcgg cgacttccag
2940ttcaacatca gccgctacag tcaacagcaa ctgatggaaa ccagccatcg
ccatctgctg 3000cacgcggaag aaggcacatg gctgaatatc gacggtttcc
atatggggat tggtggcgac 3060gactcctgga gcccgtcagt atcggcggaa
ttacagctga gcgccggtcg ctaccattac 3120cagttggtct ggtgtcaaaa ataa
314421047PRTEscherichia coli 2Met Ser Phe Thr Leu Thr Asn Lys Asn
Val Ile Phe Val Ala Gly Leu1 5 10 15Gly Gly Ile Gly Leu Asp Thr Ser
Lys Glu Leu Leu Lys Arg Asp Pro 20 25 30Val Val Leu Gln Arg Arg Asp
Trp Glu Asn Pro Gly Val Thr Gln Leu 35 40 45Asn Arg Leu Ala Ala His
Pro Pro Phe Ala Ser Trp Arg Asn Ser Glu 50 55 60Glu Ala Arg Thr Asp
Arg Pro Ser Gln Gln Leu Arg Ser Leu Asn Gly65 70 75 80Glu Trp Arg
Phe Ala Trp Phe Pro Ala Pro Glu Ala Val Pro Glu Ser 85 90 95Trp Leu
Glu Cys Asp Leu Pro Glu Ala Asp Thr Val Val Val Pro Ser 100 105
110Asn Trp Gln Met His Gly Tyr Asp Ala Pro Ile Tyr Thr Asn Val Thr
115 120 125Tyr Pro Ile Thr Val Asn Pro Pro Phe Val Pro Thr Glu Asn
Pro Thr 130 135 140Gly Cys Tyr Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Val Asp Glu Ser
Trp Leu Gln Glu145 150 155 160Gly Gln Thr Arg Ile Ile Phe Asp Gly
Val Asn Ser Ala Phe His Leu 165 170 175Trp Cys Asn Gly Arg Trp Val
Gly Tyr Gly Gln Asp Ser Arg Leu Pro 180 185 190Ser Glu Phe Asp Leu
Ser Ala Phe Leu Arg Ala Gly Glu Asn Arg Leu 195 200 205Ala Val Met
Val Leu Arg Trp Ser Asp Gly Ser Tyr Leu Glu Asp Gln 210 215 220Asp
Met Trp Arg Met Ser Gly Ile Phe Arg Asp Val Ser Leu Leu His225 230
235 240Lys Pro Thr Thr Gln Ile Ser Asp Phe His Val Ala Thr Arg Phe
Asn 245 250 255Asp Asp Phe Ser Arg Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Glu Val Gln
Met Cys Gly 260 265 270Glu Leu Arg Asp Tyr Leu Arg Val Thr Val Ser
Leu Trp Gln Gly Glu 275 280 285Thr Gln Val Ala Ser Gly Thr Ala Pro
Phe Gly Gly Glu Ile Ile Asp 290 295 300Glu Arg Gly Gly Tyr Ala Asp
Arg Val Thr Leu Arg Leu Asn Val Glu305 310 315 320Asn Pro Lys Leu
Trp Ser Ala Glu Ile Pro Asn Leu Tyr Arg Ala Val 325 330 335Val Glu
Leu His Thr Ala Asp Gly Thr Leu Ile Glu Ala Glu Ala Cys 340 345
350Asp Val Gly Phe Arg Glu Val Arg Ile Glu Asn Gly Leu Leu Leu Leu
355 360 365Asn Gly Lys Pro Leu Leu Ile Arg Gly Val Asn Arg His Glu
His His 370 375 380Pro Leu His Gly Gln Val Met Asp Glu Gln Thr Met
Val Gln Asp Ile385 390 395 400Leu Leu Met Lys Gln Asn Asn Phe Asn
Ala Val Arg Cys Ser His Tyr 405 410 415Pro Asn His Pro Leu Trp Tyr
Thr Leu Cys Asp Arg Tyr Gly Leu Tyr 420 425 430Val Val Asp Glu Ala
Asn Ile Glu Thr His Gly Met Val Pro Met Asn 435 440 445Arg Leu Thr
Asp Asp Pro Arg Trp Leu Pro Ala Met Ser Glu Arg Val 450 455 460Thr
Arg Met Val Gln Arg Asp Arg Asn His Pro Ser Val Ile Ile Trp465 470
475 480Ser Leu Gly Asn Glu Ser Gly His Gly Ala Asn His Asp Ala Leu
Tyr 485 490 495Arg Trp Ile Lys Ser Val Asp Pro Ser Arg Pro Val Gln
Tyr Glu Gly 500 505 510Gly Gly Ala Asp Thr Thr Ala Thr Asp Ile Ile
Cys Pro Met Tyr Ala 515 520 525Arg Val Asp Glu Asp Gln Pro Phe Pro
Ala Val Pro Lys Trp Ser Ile 530 535 540Lys Lys Trp Leu Ser Leu Pro
Gly Glu Thr Arg Pro Leu Ile Leu Cys545 550 555 560Glu Tyr Ala His
Ala Met Gly Asn Ser Leu Gly Gly Phe Ala Lys Tyr 565 570 575Trp Gln
Ala Phe Arg Gln Tyr Pro Arg Leu Gln Gly Gly Phe Val Trp 580 585
590Asp Trp Val Asp Gln Ser Leu Ile Lys Tyr Asp Glu Asn Gly Asn Pro
595 600 605Trp Ser Ala Tyr Gly Gly Asp Phe Gly Asp Thr Pro Asn Asp
Arg Gln 610 615 620Phe Cys Met Asn Gly Leu Val Phe Ala Asp Arg Thr
Pro His Pro Ala625 630 635 640Leu Thr Glu Ala Lys His Gln Gln Gln
Phe Phe Gln Phe Arg Leu Ser 645 650 655Gly Gln Thr Ile Glu Val Thr
Ser Glu Tyr Leu Phe Arg His Ser Asp 660 665 670Asn Glu Leu Leu His
Trp Met Val Ala Leu Asp Gly Lys Pro Leu Ala 675 680 685Ser Gly Glu
Val Pro Leu Asp Val Ala Pro Gln Gly Lys Gln Leu Ile 690 695 700Glu
Leu Pro Glu Leu Pro Gln Pro Glu Ser Ala Gly Gln Leu Trp Leu705 710
715 720Thr Val Arg Val Val Gln Pro Asn Ala Thr Ala Trp Ser Glu Ala
Gly 725 730 735His Ile Ser Ala Trp Gln Gln Trp Arg Leu Ala Glu Asn
Leu Ser Val 740 745 750Thr Leu Pro Ala Ala Ser His Ala Ile Pro His
Leu Thr Thr Ser Glu 755 760 765Met Asp Phe Cys Ile Glu Leu Gly Asn
Lys Arg Trp Gln Phe Asn Arg 770 775 780Gln Ser Gly Phe Leu Ser Gln
Met Trp Ile Gly Asp Lys Lys Gln Leu785 790 795 800Leu Thr Pro Leu
Arg Asp Gln Phe Thr Arg Ala Pro Leu Asp Asn Asp 805 810 815Ile Gly
Val Ser Glu Ala Thr Arg Ile Asp Pro Asn Ala Trp Val Glu 820 825
830Arg Trp Lys Ala Ala Gly His Tyr Gln Ala Glu Ala Ala Leu Leu Gln
835 840 845Cys Thr Ala Asp Thr Leu Ala Asp Ala Val Leu Ile Thr Thr
Ala His 850 855 860Ala Trp Gln His Gln Gly Lys Thr Leu Phe Ile Ser
Arg Lys Thr Tyr865 870 875 880Arg Ile Asp Gly Ser Gly Gln Met Ala
Ile Thr Val Asp Val Glu Val 885 890 895Ala Ser Asp Thr Pro His Pro
Ala Arg Ile Gly Leu Asn Cys Gln Leu 900 905 910Ala Gln Val Ala Glu
Arg Val Asn Trp Leu Gly Leu Gly Pro Gln Glu 915 920 925Asn Tyr Pro
Asp Arg Leu Thr Ala Ala Cys Phe Asp Arg Trp Asp Leu 930 935 940Pro
Leu Ser Asp Met Tyr Thr Pro Tyr Val Phe Pro Ser Glu Asn Gly945 950
955 960Leu Arg Cys Gly Thr Arg Glu Leu Asn Tyr Gly Pro His Gln Trp
Arg 965 970 975Gly Asp Phe Gln Phe Asn Ile Ser Arg Tyr Ser Gln Gln
Gln Leu Met 980 985 990Glu Thr Ser His Arg His Leu Leu His Ala Glu
Glu Gly Thr Trp Leu 995 1000 1005Asn Ile Asp Gly Phe His Met Gly
Ile Gly Gly Asp Asp Ser Trp Ser 1010 1015 1020Pro Ser Val Ser Ala
Glu Leu Gln Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Tyr His Tyr1025 1030 1035 1040Gln
Leu Val Trp Cys Gln Lys 10453925PRTHomo sapiens 3Met Thr Thr Glu
Gln Arg Arg Ser Leu Gln Ala Phe Gln Asp Tyr Ile1 5 10 15Arg Lys Thr
Leu Asp Pro Thr Tyr Ile Leu Ser Tyr Met Ala Pro Trp 20 25 30Phe Arg
Glu Glu Glu Val Gln Tyr Ile Gln Ala Glu Lys Asn Asn Lys 35 40 45Gly
Pro Met Glu Ala Ala Thr Leu Phe Leu Lys Phe Leu Leu Glu Leu 50 55
60Gln Glu Glu Gly Trp Phe Arg Gly Phe Leu Asp Ala Leu Asp His Ala65
70 75 80Gly Tyr Ser Gly Leu Tyr Glu Ala Ile Glu Ser Trp Asp Phe Lys
Lys 85 90 95Ile Glu Lys Leu Glu Glu Tyr Arg Leu Leu Leu Lys Arg Leu
Gln Pro 100 105 110Glu Phe Lys Thr Arg Ile Ile Pro Thr Asp Ile Ile
Ser Asp Leu Ser 115 120 125Glu Cys Leu Ile Asn Gln Glu Cys Glu Glu
Ile Leu Gln Ile Cys Ser 130 135 140Thr Lys Gly Met Met Ala Gly Ala
Glu Lys Leu Val Glu Cys Leu Leu145 150 155 160Arg Ser Asp Lys Glu
Asn Trp Pro Lys Thr Leu Lys Leu Ala Leu Glu 165 170 175Lys Glu Arg
Asn Lys Phe Ser Glu Leu Trp Ile Val Glu Lys Gly Ile 180 185 190Lys
Asp Val Glu Thr Glu Asp Leu Glu Asp Lys Met Glu Thr Ser Asp 195 200
205Ile Gln Ile Phe Tyr Gln Glu Asp Pro Glu Cys Gln Asn Leu Ser Glu
210 215 220Asn Ser Cys Pro Pro Ser Glu Val Ser Asp Thr Asn Leu Tyr
Ser Pro225 230 235 240Phe Lys Pro Arg Asn Tyr Gln Leu Glu Leu Ala
Leu Pro Ala Met Lys 245 250 255Gly Lys Asn Thr Ile Ile Cys Ala Pro
Thr Gly Cys Gly Lys Thr Phe 260 265 270Val Ser Leu Leu Ile Cys Glu
His His Leu Lys Lys Phe Pro Gln Gly 275 280 285Gln Lys Gly Lys Val
Val Phe Phe Ala Asn Gln Ile Pro Val Tyr Glu 290 295 300Gln Gln Lys
Ser Val Phe Ser Lys Tyr Phe Glu Arg His Gly Tyr Arg305 310 315
320Val Thr Gly Ile Ser Gly Ala Thr Ala Glu Asn Val Pro Val Glu Gln
325 330 335Ile Val Glu Asn Asn Asp Ile Ile Ile Leu Thr Pro Gln Ile
Leu Val 340 345 350Asn Asn Leu Lys Lys Gly Thr Ile Pro Ser Leu Ser
Ile Phe Thr Leu 355 360 365Met Ile Phe Asp Glu Cys His Asn Thr Ser
Lys Gln His Pro Tyr Asn 370 375 380Met Ile Met Phe Asn Tyr Leu Asp
Gln Lys Leu Gly Gly Ser Ser Gly385 390 395 400Pro Leu Pro Gln Val
Ile Gly Leu Thr Ala Ser Val Gly Val Gly Asp 405 410 415Ala Lys Asn
Thr Asp Glu Ala Leu Asp Tyr Ile Cys Lys Leu Cys Ala 420 425 430Ser
Leu Asp Ala Ser Val Ile Ala Thr Val Lys His Asn Leu Glu Glu 435 440
445Leu Glu Gln Val Val Tyr Lys Pro Gln Lys Phe Phe Arg Lys Val Glu
450 455 460Ser Arg Ile Ser Asp Lys Phe Lys Tyr Ile Ile Ala Gln Leu
Met Arg465 470 475 480Asp Thr Glu Ser Leu Ala Lys Arg Ile Cys Lys
Asp Leu Glu Asn Leu 485 490 495Ser Gln Ile Gln Asn Arg Glu Phe Gly
Thr Gln Lys Tyr Glu Gln Trp 500 505 510Ile Val Thr Val Gln Lys Ala
Cys Met Val Phe Gln Met Pro Asp Lys 515 520 525Asp Glu Glu Ser Arg
Ile Cys Lys Ala Leu Phe Leu Tyr Thr Ser His 530 535 540Leu Arg Lys
Tyr Asn Asp Ala Leu Ile Ile Ser Glu His Ala Arg Met545 550 555
560Lys Asp Ala Leu Asp Tyr Leu Lys Asp Phe Phe Ser Asn Val Arg Ala
565 570 575Ala Gly Phe Glu Glu Ile Glu Gln Asp Leu Thr Gln Arg Phe
Glu Glu 580 585 590Lys Leu Gln Glu Leu Glu Ser Val Ser Arg Asp Pro
Ser Asn Glu Asn 595 600 605Pro Lys Leu Glu Asp Leu Cys Phe Ile Leu
Gln Glu Glu Tyr His Leu 610 615 620Asn Pro Glu Thr Ile Thr Ile Leu
Phe Val Lys Thr Arg Ala Leu Val625 630 635 640Asp Ala Leu Lys Asn
Trp Ile Glu Gly Asn Pro Lys Leu Ser Phe Leu 645 650 655Lys Pro Gly
Ile Leu Thr Gly Arg Gly Lys Thr Asn Gln Asn Thr Gly 660 665 670Met
Thr Leu Pro Ala Gln Lys Cys Ile Leu Asp Ala Phe Lys Ala Ser 675 680
685Gly Asp His Asn Ile Leu Ile Ala Thr Ser Val Ala Asp Glu Gly Ile
690 695 700Asp Ile Ala Gln Cys Asn Leu Val Ile Leu Tyr Glu Tyr Val
Gly Asn705 710 715 720Val Ile Lys Met Ile Gln Thr Arg Gly Arg Gly
Arg Ala Arg Gly Ser 725 730 735Lys Cys Phe Leu Leu Thr Ser Asn Ala
Gly Val Ile Glu Lys Glu Gln 740 745 750Ile Asn Met Tyr Lys Glu Lys
Met Met Asn Asp Ser Ile Leu Arg Leu 755 760 765Gln Thr Trp Asp Glu
Ala Val Phe Arg Glu Lys Ile Leu His Ile Gln 770 775 780Thr His Glu
Lys Phe Ile Arg Asp Ser Gln Glu Lys Pro Lys Pro Val785 790 795
800Pro Asp Lys Glu Asn Lys Lys Leu Leu Cys Arg Lys Cys Lys Ala Leu
805 810 815Ala Cys Tyr Thr Ala Asp Val Arg Val Ile Glu Glu Cys His
Tyr Thr 820 825 830Val Leu Gly Asp Ala Phe Lys Glu Cys Phe Val Ser
Arg Pro His Pro 835 840 845Lys Pro Lys Gln Phe Ser Ser Phe Glu Lys
Arg Ala Lys Ile Phe Cys 850 855 860Ala Arg Gln Asn Cys Ser His Asp
Trp Gly Ile His Val Lys Tyr Lys865 870 875 880Thr Phe Glu Ile Pro
Val Ile Lys Ile Glu Ser Phe Val Val Glu Asp 885
890 895Ile Ala Thr Gly Val Gln Thr Leu Tyr Ser Lys Trp Lys Asp Phe
His 900 905 910Phe Glu Lys Ile Pro Phe Asp Pro Ala Glu Met Ser Lys
915 920 9254579DNAMus musculus 4atgggggtgc ccgaacgtcc caccctgctg
cttttactct ccttgctact gattcctctg 60ggcctcccag tcctctgtgc tcccccacgc
ctcatctgcg acagtcgagt tctggagagg 120tacatcttag aggccaagga
ggcagaaaat gtcacgatgg gttgtgcaga aggtcccaga 180ctgagtgaaa
atattacagt cccagatacc aaagtcaact tctatgcttg gaaaagaatg
240gaggtggaag aacaggccat agaagtttgg caaggcctgt ccctgctctc
agaagccatc 300ctgcaggccc aggccctgct agccaattcc tcccagccac
cagagaccct tcagcttcat 360atagacaaag ccatcagtgg tctacgtagc
ctcacttcac tgcttcgggt actgggagct 420cagaaggaat tgatgtcgcc
tccagatacc accccacctg ctccactccg aacactcaca 480gtggatactt
tctgcaagct cttccgggtc tacgccaact tcctccgggg gaaactgaag
540ctgtacacgg gagaggtctg caggagaggg gacaggtga 57951897DNAPhotinus
pyralis 5atgcacatat cgaggtgaac atcacgtacg cggaatactt cgaaatgtcc
gttcggttgg 60cagaagctat gaaacgatat gggctgaata caaatcacag aatcgtcgta
tgcagtgaaa 120actctcttca attctttatg ccggtgttgg gcgcgttatt
tatcggagtt gcagttgcgc 180ccgcgaacga catttataat gaacgtaagc
accctcgcca tcagaccaaa gggaatgacg 240tatttaattt ttaaggtgaa
ttgctcaaca gtatgaacat ttcgcagcct accgtagtgt 300ttgtttccaa
aaaggggttg caaaaaattt tgaacgtgca aaaaaaatta ccaataatcc
360agaaaattat tatcatggat tctaaaacgg attaccaggg atttcagtcg
atgtacacgt 420tcgtcacatc tcatctacct cccggtttta atgaatacga
ttttgtacca gagtcctttg 480atcgtgacaa aacaattgca ctgataatga
attcctctgg atctactggg ttacctaagg 540gtgtggccct tccgcataga
actgcctgcg tcagattctc gcatgccagg tatgtcgtat 600aacaagagat
taagtaatgt tgctacacac attgtagaga tcctattttt ggcaatcaaa
660tcattccgga tactgcgatt ttaagtgttg ttccattcca tcacggtttt
ggaatgttta 720ctacactcgg atatttgata tgtggatttc gagtcgtctt
aatgtataga tttgaagaag 780agctgttttt acgatccctt caggattaca
aaattcaaag tgcgttgcta gtaccaaccc 840tattttcatt cttcgccaaa
agcactctga ttgacaaata cgatttatct aatttacacg 900aaattgcttc
tgggggcgca cctctttcga aagaagtcgg ggaagcggtt gcaaaacggt
960gagttaagcg cattgctagt atttcaaggc tctaaaacgg cgcgtagctt
ccatcttcca 1020gggatacgac aaggatatgg gctcactgag actacatcag
ctattctgat tacacccgag 1080ggggatgata aaccgggcgc ggtcggtaaa
gttgttccat tttttgaagc gaaggttgtg 1140gatctggata ccgggaaaac
gctgggcgtt aatcagagag gcgaattatg tgtcagagga 1200cctatgatta
tgtccggtta tgtaaacaat ccggaagcga ccaacgcctt gattgacaag
1260gatggatggc tacattctgg agacatagct tactgggacg aagacgaaca
cttcttcata 1320gttgaccgct tgaagtcttt aattaaatac aaaggatatc
aggtaatgaa gatttttaca 1380tgcacacacg ctacaatacc tgtaggtggc
ccccgctgaa ttggaatcga tattgttaca 1440acaccccaac atcttcgacg
cgggcgtggc aggtcttccc gacgatgacg ccggtgaact 1500tcccgccgcc
gttgttgttt tggagcacgg aaagacgatg acggaaaaag agatcgtgga
1560ttacgtcgcc agtaaatgaa ttcgttttac gttactcgta ctacaattct
tttcataggt 1620caagtaacaa ccgcgaaaaa gttgcgcgga ggagttgtgt
ttgtggacga agtaccgaaa 1680ggtcttaccg gaaaactcga cgcaagaaaa
atcagagaga tcctcataaa ggccaagaag 1740ggcggaaagt ccaaattgta
aaatgtaact gtattcagcg atgacgaaat tcttagctat 1800tgtaatatta
tatgcaaatt gatgaatggt aattttgtaa ttgtgggtca ctgtactatt
1860ttaacgaata ataaaatcag gtataggtaa ctaaaaa 1897
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References