Systemic delivery of a Peptide-linked morpholino oligonucleotide neutralizes mutant RNA toxicity in a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy

AJ Leger, LM Mosquea, NP Clayton, IH Wu… - nucleic acid …, 2013 - liebertpub.com
AJ Leger, LM Mosquea, NP Clayton, IH Wu, T Weeden, CA Nelson, L Phillips, E Roberts…
nucleic acid therapeutics, 2013liebertpub.com
Expansions of CUG trinucleotide sequences in RNA transcripts provide the basis for toxic
RNA gain-of-function that leads to detrimental changes in RNA metabolism. A CTG repeat
element normally resides in the 3′ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica-protein
kinase (DMPK) gene, but when expanded it is the genetic lesion of myotonic dystrophy type
1 (DM1), a hereditary neuromuscular disease. The pathogenic DMPK transcript containing
the CUG expansion is retained in ribonuclear foci as part of a complex with RNA-binding …
Expansions of CUG trinucleotide sequences in RNA transcripts provide the basis for toxic RNA gain-of-function that leads to detrimental changes in RNA metabolism. A CTG repeat element normally resides in the 3′ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica-protein kinase (DMPK) gene, but when expanded it is the genetic lesion of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a hereditary neuromuscular disease. The pathogenic DMPK transcript containing the CUG expansion is retained in ribonuclear foci as part of a complex with RNA-binding proteins such as muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1), resulting in aberrant splicing of numerous RNA transcripts and consequent physiological abnormalities including myotonia. Herein, we demonstrate molecular and physiological amelioration of the toxic effects of mutant RNA in the HSALR mouse model of DM1 by systemic administration of peptide-linked morpholino (PPMO) antisense oligonucleotides bearing a CAG repeat sequence. Intravenous administration of PPMO conjugates to HSALR mice led to redistribution of Mbnl1 protein in myonuclei and corrections in abnormal RNA splicing. Additionally, myotonia was completely eliminated in PPMO-treated HSALR mice. These studies provide proof of concept that neutralization of RNA toxicity by systemic delivery of antisense oligonucleotides that target the CUG repeat is an effective therapeutic approach for treating the skeletal muscle aspects of DM1 pathology.
Mary Ann Liebert