Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: State of the Art.

Article Details

Citation
Copy to clipboard

Smith CIE, Zain R

Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: State of the Art.

Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019 Jan 6;59:605-630. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021050. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

PubMed ID
30285540 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Oligonucleotides (ONs) can interfere with biomolecules representing the entire extended central dogma. Antisense gapmer, steric block, splice-switching ONs, and short interfering RNA drugs have been successfully developed. Moreover, antagomirs (antimicroRNAs), microRNA mimics, aptamers, DNA decoys, DNAzymes, synthetic guide strands for CRISPR/Cas, and innate immunity-stimulating ONs are all in clinical trials. DNA-targeting, triplex-forming ONs and strand-invading ONs have made their mark on drug development research, but not yet as medicines. Both design and synthetic nucleic acid chemistry are crucial for achieving biologically active ONs. The dominating modifications are phosphorothioate linkages, base methylation, and numerous 2'-substitutions in the furanose ring, such as 2'-fluoro, O-methyl, or methoxyethyl. Locked nucleic acid and constrained ethyl, a related variant, are bridged forms where the 2'-oxygen connects to the 4'-carbon in the sugar. Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, carrying a modified heterocyclic backbone ring, have also been commercialized. Delivery remains a major obstacle, but systemic administration and intrathecal infusion are used for treatment of the liver and brain, respectively.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs