Antisense Makes Sense in Engineered Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

The use of antisense strategies such as ribozymes, oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) in gene therapy, in conjunction with the use of stem cells and tissue engineering, has opened up possibilities in curing degenerative diseases and injuries to non-regenerating organs and tissues. With their unique ability to down-regulate or silence gene expression, antisense oligonucleotides are uniquely suited in turning down the production of pathogenic or undesirable proteins and cytokines. Here, we review the antisense strategies and their applications in regenerative medicine with a focus on their efficacies in promoting cell viability, regulating cell functionalities as well as shaping an optimal microenvironment for therapeutic purposes.

Silencing of cellular prion protein (PrPC) expression by DNA-antisense oligonucleotides induces autophagy-dependent cell death in glioma cells

“…[23][24][25][26][27][28] We have performed an in vitro and in vivo study to ascertain the effects of an antisense anti-prion treatment on the inhibition of growth and on the induction of glioma cell death. Many different preclinical and clinical studies have indicated a role for antisense nucleotides as therapeutics for malignant diseases 18 and, in particular for astrocytomas. [29][30][31] In this study, three antisense molecules against PRNP were used.…”

“…Molecular-based strategies involving ODNs, siRNAs, microRNAs and protein peptides have been recently proposed. 18 Among these, ODNs, consisting of 18-25 nucleotides long DNA sequences complementary to a target RNA, were largely investigated as potential cancer therapeutic molecules. Once delivered into the cells, ODNs bind to their RNA counterparts and suppress expression of specific proteins.…”

Hemocompatibility of siRNA loaded dextran nanogels

“…Tissue engineering deals with the reconstruction of degenerative tissues using three-dimensional cell-laden scaffolds, where morphogenesis is precisely induced and cell-matrix interaction is highly emphasized [41,42]. Gradual release of naked or formulated (i.e.…”

Optimal Construction and Delivery of Dual-Functioning Lentiviral Vectors for Type I Collagen-Suppressed Chondrogenesis in Synovium-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…Therefore, it is imperative to suppress the expression of Col I in the application of SMSCs for chondrogenesis. RNA interference (RNAi) has provided a solution to meet this end (11,12). With either exogenous small interfering RNA (siRNA) or endogenously expressed shRNA that targets mRNA of Col I, the expression of Col I could be inhibited.…”