Liver-specific DICER1 syndrome model mice develop cystic liver tumors with defective primary cilia.

DICER1 syndrome is a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by familial genetic mutations in DICER1. Pathogenic variants of DICER1 have been discovered in many rare cancers, including cystic liver tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying liver lesions induced by these variants remain unclear. In the present study, we sought to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these variants by generating a mouse model of liver-specific DICER1 syndrome. The mouse model developed bile duct hyperplasia with fibrosis, similar to congenital hepatic fibrosis, as well as cystic liver tumors resembling those in Caroli's syndrome, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, the mouse model of DICER1 syndrome showed abnormal formation of primary cilia in the bile duct epithelium, which is a known cause of bile duct hyperplasia and cyst formation. These results indicated that DICER1 mutations contribute to cystic liver tumors by inducing defective primary cilia. The mouse model generated in this study will be useful for elucidating the potential mechanisms of tumorigenesis induced by DICER1 variants and for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of DICER1 syndrome. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Smooth muscle differentiation of coronary intima in autopsy tissues after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation.

BACKGROUND: In coronary atherosclerotic disease, the proliferation of intimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is regarded as beneficial with respect to stable and unstable plaques, but is thought detrimental in discussions on coronary stent restenosis. To resolve this discrepancy, we focused on the quality, not quantity, of intimal SMCs in coronary atherosclerotic disease. METHODS: Autopsied coronary artery specimens from seven patients implanted with bare metal stents (BMS), three with paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES), and 10 with sirolimus (rapamycin)-eluting stents (SES) were immunostained for SMC markers. Cultured human coronary artery SMCs were also treated with sirolimus and paclitaxel. RESULTS: Intimal SMC differentiation, estimated by the ratio of h-caldesmon+ cells to α-smooth muscle actin+ (α-SMA+) cells, was significantly increased whereas dedifferentiation, estimated from the ratio of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα)+ cells to α-SMA+ cells, was significantly decreased, in tissues of SES compared with BMS cases. No difference in the degree of differentiation was found between PES and BMS cases or between the three groups in nonstented arteries used as controls. Correlation analyses for each field of view revealed a significant positive correlation between h-caldesmon and calponin staining but significant negative correlations with FAPα staining in α-SMA+ cells. Cultured SMCs were shorter (dedifferentiated) and showed an increased FAPα/α-SMA protein when treated with paclitaxel, whereas they became elongated (differentiated) and showed increased calponin/α-SMA proteins with sirolimus. CONCLUSIONS: The SMCs of the coronary intima may differentiate after SES implantation. SMC differentiation may explain both the plaque stabilization and reduced risk of reintervention associated with SES.

MiR-34a induces myofibroblast differentiation from renal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Renal fibrosis is the common outcome of progressive kidney diseases. To avoid dialysis, the molecular mechanism of renal fibrosis must be explored further. MicroRNAs play key roles in renal fibrosis. MiR-34a is a transcriptional target of p53, which regulates the cell cycle and apoptosis. Previous studies demonstrated that miR-34a promotes renal fibrosis. However, the distinct roles of miR-34a in renal fibrosis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we identified the roles of miR-34a in renal fibrosis. METHOD: We first analyzed p53 and miR-34a expression in kidney tissues in s UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction) mouse model. Then, to confirm the effects of miR-34a in vitro, we transfected a miR-34a mimic into a kidney fibroblast cell line (NRK-49F) and analyzed. RESULTS: We found that the expression of p53 and miR-34a was upregulated after UUO. Furthermore, after transfection of the miR-34a mimic into kidney fibroblasts, the expression of α-SMA was upregulated dramatically. In addition, α-SMA upregulation was greater upon transfection of the miR-34a mimic than upon treatment with TGF-ß1. Moreover, high expression of Acta2 was maintained despite sufficient removal of the miR-34a mimic by changing the medium 4 times during the 9-day culture. After transfection of the miR-34a mimic into kidney fibroblasts, we did not detect phospho-SMAD2/3 by immunoblotting analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that miR-34a induces myofibroblast differentiation from renal fibroblasts. Moreover, the miR-34a-induced upregulation of α-SMA was independent of the TGF-ß/SMAD signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study indicated that the p53/miR-34a axis promotes the development of renal fibrosis.

Hypoxia-induced paclitaxel resistance in cervical cancer modulated by miR-100 targeting of USP15.

Objective: Hypoxia, which occurs during the development of cervical cancer, confers chemotherapy resistance. MicroRNA expression is regulated by hypoxia and is associated with the onset and progression of certain types of cancer. MicroRNA-100 (miR-100) is a microRNA, associated with nasopharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinomas, whose expression is decreased in cervical cancer. This study aims to ascertain the effect of hypoxia on expression levels of both miR-100 and its target genes, as well as exploring the sensitivity to paclitaxel under hypoxic conditions. Methods: We investigated the effect of hypoxia on miR-100 expression. We also explored the regulators of paclitaxel response under hypoxic conditions of cervical cancer. Results: Using RT-qPCR, we found that expression of miR-100 in cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and HeLa is significantly higher under hypoxic conditions (1% O2). We also confirmed that human ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) is the one of the target proteins of miR-100. Hypoxia and overexpression of miR-100 both reduced the activity of the luciferase reporter containing the 3'-untranslated region of USP15, which contains the miR-100 binding site. Furthermore, a western blot analysis showed that hypoxia suppresses the expression of the USP15 protein, while RT-qPCR showed hypoxia-induced downregulation of USP15 mRNA levels. We also discovered that overexpression of miR-100 induces paclitaxel resistance, thereby reducing the drug's therapeutic effect on cell death. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that cervical cancer cells overexpress miR-100 in response to hypoxia and that miR-100 is a facilitator of USP15 downregulation and inactivation.

Prevalence of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Primary Eyelid Merkel Cell Carcinomas and Association With Clinicopathological Features.

PURPOSE: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection is a known to be a critical risk factor for the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Various reports on cutaneous MCC have shown that the differences in clinicohistopathological characteristics depend on the presence of MCPyV, but the situation in eyelid MCC is unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MCPyV in patients with eyelid MCC and examine the clinicohistopathological characteristics of MCPyV-associated eyelid MCC. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series with laboratory investigations. METHODS: Ten patients treated for eyelid MCC were included. Histopathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemical staining using 12 antibodies. MCPyV infection was evaluated by PCR using primer sets targeting large T antigens of the MCPyV genome and by immunohistochemical staining using CM2B4 and Ab3 monoclonal antibodies. The MCPyV viral load was also quantified by PCR using 3 primer sets. RESULTS: All patients (4 males and 6 females) were Japanese with mean age of 79 (range: 63 to 87) years. One patient died due to distant metastasis 8 months after surgery for MCC. Immunohistochemical studies showed typical MCC findings in all cases, including CK20 and neuroendocrine marker positivity. PCR and immunohistochemistry with CM2B4 and Ab3 detected MCPyV antigen in all tumors. Quantitative PCR using sT, LT4, and TAg primers yielded 0.94, 1.72, and 1.05 copies per cell, respectively. CONCLUSION: Clinical and histopathological characteristics of 10 patients with eyelid MCC were elucidated. MCPyV infection was detected in all eyelids. These results provide insight for understanding the tumorigenesis of eyelid MCC.

Nuclear microRNAs release paused Pol II via the DDX21-CDK9 complex.

RNA activation (RNAa) is an uncharacterized mechanism of transcriptional activation mediated by small RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). A critical issue in RNAa research is that it is difficult to distinguish between changes in gene expression caused indirectly by post-transcriptional regulation and direct induction of gene expression by RNAa. Therefore, in this study, we seek to identify a key factor involved in RNAa, using the induction of ZMYND10 by miR-34a as a system to evaluate RNAa. We identify the positive transcription elongation factors CDK9 and DDX21, which form a complex with nuclear AGO and TNRC6A, as important transcriptional activators of RNAa. In addition, we find that inhibition of DDX21 suppresses RNAa by miR-34a and other miRNAs without inhibiting post-transcriptional regulation. Our findings reveal a strong connection between RNAa and release of paused Pol II, facilitating RNAa research by making it possible to separately analyze post-transcriptional regulation and RNAa.

Cisplatin induces differentiation in teratomas derived from pluripotent stem cells.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be induced to differentiate at the cellular level but not to form mature tissues or organs suitable for transplantation. ESCs/iPSCs form immature teratomas after injection into immunodeficient mice. In humans, immature teratomas often transform into fully differentiated mature teratomas after administration of anticancer agents. METHODS: We first investigated the ability of cisplatin to induce changes in mouse ESCs/iPSCs in vitro. Next, we designed experiments to analyze ESC/iPSC-derived immature teratoma tissue in vivo after treatment of cisplatin. Groups of six mice carrying ESC- or iPSC-derived teratomas were given either low or high dose intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin, while the control group received saline for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Treatment of ESC/iPSC cultures with cisplatin for 3 days caused a dose-related decrease in cell numbers without inducing any morphological changes to the cells. ESC/iPSC-derived teratomas showed lower growth rates with a significantly higher mature components ratio in a concentration dependent manner after cisplatin treatment (P < 0.05); however, immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a significantly reduced PCNA labelling index and an increase in an apoptosis marker on immature neural components (P < 0.05) along with emergence of h-Caldesmon+ mature smooth muscle cells in treated mice. Moreover, newly differentiated components not found in the control group, such as mature adipose tissue, cartilage, and pancreas, as well as striated muscle, salivary glands, gastric mucosa with fundic glands, and hair follicles emerged. The identities of these components were confirmed by immunostaining for specific markers. CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin has the ability to reduce immature components in ESC/iPSC-derived teratomas, presumably through apoptosis, and also to induce them to differentiate.

WAPL induces cervical intraepithelial neoplasia modulated with estrogen signaling without HPV E6/E7.

Since cervical cancer still afflicts women around the world, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanism of cervical cancer development. Infection with HPV is essential for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In addition, estrogen receptor signaling is implicated in the development of cervical cancer. Previously, we have isolated human wings apart-like (WAPL), which is expected to cause chromosomal instability in the process of HPV-infected precancerous lesions to cervical cancer. However, the role of WAPL in the development of CIN is still unknown. In this study, in order to elucidate the role of WAPL in the early lesion, we established WAPL overexpressing mice (WAPL Tg mice) and HPV E6/E7 knock-in (KI) mice. WAPL Tg mice developed CIN lesion without HPV E6/E7. Interestingly, in WAPL Tg mice estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) showed reduction as compared with the wild type, but cell growth factors MYC and Cyclin D1 controlled by ESR1 expressed at high levels. These results suggested that WAPL facilitates sensitivity of ESR1 mediated by some kind of molecule, and as a result, affects the expression of MYC and Cyclin D1 in cervical cancer cells. To detect such molecules, we performed microarray analysis of the uterine cervix in WAPL Tg mice, and focused MACROD1, a co-activator of ESR1. MACROD1 expression was increased in WAPL Tg mice compared with the wild type. In addition, knockdown of WAPL induced the downregulation of MACROD1, MYC, and Cyclin D1 but not ESR1 expression. Furthermore, ESR1 sensitivity assay showed lower activity in WAPL or MACROD1 downregulated cells than control cells. These data suggested that WAPL increases ESR1 sensitivity by activating MACROD1, and induces the expression of MYC and Cyclin D1. Therefore, we concluded that WAPL not only induces chromosomal instability in cervical cancer tumorigenesis, but also plays a key role in activating estrogen receptor signaling in early tumorigenesis.

Acerola exosome-like nanovesicles to systemically deliver nucleic acid medicine via oral administration.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mammalian cells could be useful carriers for drug delivery systems (DDSs); however, with regard to clinical application, there are several issues to be overcome. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a popular health food. In this study, the feasibility of orally administered nucleic acid drug delivery by acerola exosome-like nanoparticles (AELNs) was examined. AELNs were recovered from acerola juice using an affinity column instead of ultracentrifugation. MicroRNA (miRNA) was sufficiently encapsulated in AELNs by 30-min incubation on ice and was protected against RNase, strong acid, and base treatments. The administration of an AELN/miRNA mixture in cells achieved downregulation of the miRNA's target gene, and this mixture showed cytoplasmic localization. AELNs orally delivered small RNA to the digestive system in vivo. The target gene-suppressing effect in the small intestine and liver peaked 1 day after administration, indicating potential for use as an oral DDS for nucleic acid in the digestive system.

A case report on death from acute bacterial cholangitis accompanied by von Meyenburg complexes: Use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify pathogenic microbes from postmortem formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.

RATIONALE: In some cases, autopsy is the first opportunity to find a previously unrecognized critical infection. Pathogens are identified by various methods, such as microscopic examination, special stains, culture tests, and immunohistochemistry. Here, we report a case of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing using a postmortem formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, which was useful for identifying pathogenic microbes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Autopsy was performed on an 87-year-old man who had chronic renal failure and had developed sepsis from a central venous catheter infection 10 days before his death. Prior to these events, von Meyenburg complexes (VMCs) were also found during regular checkups. DIAGNOSIS: Postmortem microscopic examination revealed acute purulent cholangitis with numerous microabscesses, accompanied by VMCs. Gram-negative rods were observed in some microabscesses, which were considered causative pathogens. INTERVENTIONS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing using postmortem FFPE tissue. OUTCOMES: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified, different from the one detected in the central venous catheter culture while alive. LESSONS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a useful tool for identifying pathogenic microbes in postmortem FFPE tissues. This technique may be useful for amplicon sizes of approximately 100 bp or less.

Distinctive Tissue and Serum MicroRNA Profile of IgG4-Related Ophthalmic Disease and MALT Lymphoma.

The molecular pathogenesis of orbital lymphoproliferative disorders, such as immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) and orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, remains essentially unknown. Differentiation between the two disorders, which is important since the work-up and treatment can vary greatly, is often challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers. Although miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of carcinogenesis and inflammation, the relationship between miRNA and orbital lymphoproliferative diseases remains unknown. We performed a comprehensive analysis of 2565 miRNAs from biopsy and serum specimens of 17 cases with IgG4-ROD, where 21 cases with orbital MALT lymphoma were performed. We identified specific miRNA signatures and their miRNA target pathways, as well as the network analysis for IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma. Machine-learning analysis identified miR-202-3p and miR-7112-3p as the best discriminators of IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma, respectively. Enrichment analyses of biological pathways showed that the longevity-regulating pathway in IgG4-ROD and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in orbital MALT lymphoma was most enriched by target genes of downregulated miRNAs. This is the first evidence of miRNA profiles of biopsy and serum specimens of patients with IgG4-ROD and orbital MALT lymphoma. These data will be useful for developing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as well as elucidating the pathogenesis of these disorders.

rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery suppresses renal fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that microRNA-29b (miR-29b) inhibits renal fibrosis. Therefore, miR-29b replacement therapy represents a promising approach for treating renal fibrosis. However, an efficient method of kidney-targeted miRNA delivery has yet to be established. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have great potential for clinical application. For kidney-targeted gene delivery, the most suitable AAV serotype has yet to be established. Here, we identified the most suitable AAV serotype for kidney-targeted gene delivery and determined that AAV-mediated miR-29b delivery can suppress renal fibrosis in vivo. METHOD: To determine which AAV serotype is suitable for kidney cells, GFP-positive cells were identified by flow cytometry after the infection of rAAV serotype 1-9 vectors containing the EGFP gene. Next, we injected rAAV vectors into the renal pelvis to determine transduction efficiency in vivo. GFP expression was measured seven days after injecting rAAV serotype 1-9 vectors carrying the EGFP gene. Finally, we investigated whether rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery can suppress renal fibrosis in UUO mouse model. RESULTS: We found that rAAV6 vector is the most suitable for targeting kidney cells regardless of animal species in vitro and rAAV6 is the most suitable vector for kidney-targeted in vivo gene delivery in mice. Intra-renal pelvic injection of rAAV vectors can transduce genes into kidney TECs. Furthermore, rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery attenuated renal fibrosis in UUO model by suppressing Snail1 expression. CONCLUSION: Our study has revealed that rAAV6 is the most suitable serotype for kidney-targeted gene delivery and rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery into kidney TECs can suppress established renal fibrosis.

Difference in immunohistochemical characteristics between Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis: It may be better to distinguish them in the same age.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare Takayasu arteritis (TAK) with giant cell arteritis (GCA) through immunohistochemistry principally of inflammatory cells; these two disorders may be on the spectrum within a single disease state.Methods: Nine TAK and 5 GCA surgically resected vessel specimens were selected. TAK specimen was divided into each three acute-, chronic-, and healed-phase samples based on intimal and adventitial thickening. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed of smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, where three healed-phase TAK specimens were excluded due to paucity of inflammation. Immunopositive cells per three different fields in intima, media, and adventitia were counted in each specimen, and their numbers in these three layers along with total 3 layers were compared between the two disorders.Results: Intimal smooth muscle maturity estimated by ratio of h-Caldesmon+ cells to α-SMA+ cells significantly increased in chronic- and healed- over acute-phase increases in TAK. Mann-Whitney tests demonstrated significantly more adventitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and less intimal fascin+ dendritic cells, as well as overall more CD8+ T-cells, more CD20+ B-cells and lower CD4/8 ratio in TAK than in GCA.Conclusion: Different inflammatory involvement is suggested in the pathogenesis of TAK and GCA.

Expression level of microRNA-200c is associated with cell morphology in vitro and histological differentiation through regulation of ZEB1/2 and E-cadherin in gastric carcinoma.

Scirrhous type gastric cancer is characterized by diffuse infiltration of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells and poor prognosis. Although association of poorly differentiated histology with reduction in E-cadherin expression, as well as association of microRNA (miR)-200c with E-cadherin through regulation of ZEB1/2, has been reported, participation of miR-200c in gastric carcinogenesis is not fully understood. We used 6 cell lines originating from gastric cancers, and investigated levels of miR-200c along with its target mRNAs ZEB1/2 and E-cadherin by qRT-PCR. ZEB1 and E-cadherin protein expression was also assessed via western blotting. Furthermore, we investigated the expression levels of miR­200c by in situ hybridization, along with the expression of ZEB1 and E-cadherin by immunohistochemistry, in 97 gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. Inverse correlation between miR­200c and ZEB1 levels were obtained by qRT-PCR in cell lines (P<0.05). Cell lines with low miR-200c and high ZEB1 exhibited low E-cadherin expression in both qRT-PCR and western blotting, and exhibited spindle-shaped morphology, in contrast to round cell morphology in those cell lines with high miR-200c levels. Inverse correlations were also obtained between miR-200c and ZEB1 as well as between ZEB1 and E-cadherin levels in tissue samples (P<0.001). Cancer tissues with low miR-200c, high ZEB1, and low E-cadherin expression were associated with poorly differentiated histology, in contrast to tubular form in cancers with high miR-200c expression levels (P<0.001). Our data revealed that downregulation of miR-200c primarily regulated cell morphology by downregulation of E-cadherin through upregulation of ZEB1, leading to poorly differentiated histology in gastric cancer.

Novel form of miR-29b suppresses bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

MicroRNA 29b (miR-29b) replacement therapy is effective for suppressing fibrosis in a mouse model. However, to develop clinical applications for miRNA mimics, the side effects of nucleic acid drugs have to be addressed. In this study, we focused on miRNA mimics in order to develop therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We developed a single-stranded RNA, termed "miR-29b Psh-match," that has a unique structure to avoid problems associated with the therapeutic uses of miRNAs. A comparison of miR-29b Psh-match and double-stranded one, termed "miR-29b mimic" indicated that the single-stranded form was significantly effective towards fibrosis according to both in vivo and in vitro experiments. This novel form of miR-29b may become the foundation for developing an effective therapeutic drug for pulmonary fibrosis.

An improved Red/ET recombineering system and mouse ES cells culture conditions for the generation of targeted mutant mice.

Targeted mutant mice generated on a C57BL/6 background are powerful tools for analysis of the biological functions of genes, and gene targeting technologies using mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells have been used to generate such mice. Recently, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) recombineering system was established for the construction of targeting vectors. However, gene retrieval from BACs for the generation of gene targeting vectors using this system remains difficult. Even when construction of a gene targeting vector is successful, the efficiency of production of targeted mutant mice from ES cells derived from C57BL/6 mice are poor. Therefore, in this study, we first improved the strategy for the retrieval of genes from BACs and their transfer into a DT-A plasmid, for the generation of gene targeting vectors using the BAC recombineering system. Then, we attempted to generate targeted mutant mice from ES cell lines derived from C57BL/6 mice, by culturing in serum-free medium. In conclusion, we established an improved strategy for the efficient generation of targeted mutant mice on a C57BL/6 background, which are useful for the in vivo analysis of gene functions and regulation.

Exosome-Mediated Targeted Delivery of miRNAs.

Many types of cells release phospholipid membrane vesicles that are thought to play key roles in cell-cell communication, antigen presentation, and the spread of infectious agents. These membrane vesicles, derived from the late endosomes, are called exosomes. Various proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) are carried by exosomes to cells in remote locations, like a message in a bottle. Because they can protect encapsulated small RNAs from ribonucleases (RNases) in body fluid, exosomes represent ideal carriers for nucleic acid drugs. In addition, because exosomes are constructed from self components, they are predicted to have low antigenicity and toxicity, extremely important properties for carriers used in drug delivery. This article describes a protocol for using exosomes as carriers for RNA drug delivery systems.

Development of Novel Small Hairpin RNAs That do not Require Processing by Dicer or AGO2.

The innate cytokine response to nucleic acid is the most challenging problem confronting the practical use of nucleic acid medicine. The degree of stimulation of the innate cytokine response strongly depends on the length of the nucleic acid. In this study, we developed a 30-nucleotide single-strand RNA, termed "guide hairpin RNA (ghRNA, ghR)", that has a physiological function similar to that of miRNA and siRNA. The ghR caused no innate cytokine response either in vitro or in vivo. In addition, its structure does not contain a passenger strand seed sequence, reducing the unwanted gene repression relative to existing short RNA reagents. Systemic and local injection of ghR-form miR-34a (ghR-34a) suppressed tumor growth in a mouse model of RAS-induced lung cancer. Furthermore, Dicer and AGO2 are not required for ghR-34a function. This novel RNA interference (RNAi) technology may provide a novel, safe, and effective nucleic acid drug platform that will increase the clinical usefulness of nucleic acid therapy.

Topical Use of Angiopoietin-like Protein 2 RNAi-loaded Lipid Nanoparticles Suppresses Corneal Neovascularization.

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a sight-threatening condition that is encountered in various inflammatory settings including chemical injury. We recently confirmed that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a potent angiogenic and proinflammatory factor in the cornea, and we have produced a single-stranded proline-modified short hairpin anti-ANGPTL2 RNA interference molecule that is carried in a lipid nanoparticle (ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA) for topical application. In this study, we have further examined the topical delivery and anti-ANGPTL2 activity of this molecule and have found that fluorescence-labeled ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA eye drops can penetrate all layers of the cornea and that ANGPTL2 mRNA expression was dramatically inhibited in both epithelium and stroma at 12 and 24 hours after administration. We also examined the inhibitory effect of ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA on CNV in a mouse chemical injury model and found that the area of angiogenesis was significantly decreased in corneas treated with ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA eye drops compared to controls. Together, these findings indicate that this modified RNA interference agent is clinically viable in a topical formulation for use against CNV.

Focus on Extracellular Vesicles: Development of Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutic Systems.

Many types of cells release phospholipid membrane vesicles thought to play key roles in cell-cell communication, antigen presentation, and the spread of infectious agents. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry various proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), like a "message in a bottle" to cells in remote locations. The encapsulated molecules are protected from multiple types of degradative enzymes in body fluids, making EVs ideal for delivering drugs. This review presents an overview of the potential roles of EVs as natural drugs and novel drug-delivery systems.