Yufei Pan,Jing Guan,Yujing Gao,Yuejie Zhu,Huantong Li,Hua Guo,Qianyi He,Zhu Guan,Zhenjun Yang
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a class of therapeutics targeting mRNAs or genes that have attracted much attention. However, effective delivery and optimal accumulation in target tissues in vivo are still challenging issues. CT102 is an ASO that targets IGF1R mRNA and induces cell apoptosis. Herein, a detailed exploration of the tissue distribution of ASOs delivered by liposomes was carried out. A formulation that resulted in increased hepatic accumulation was identified based on multiple intermolecular interactions between DCP (cytidinyl/cationic lipid DNCA/CLD and DSPE-PEG) and oligonucleotides, including hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and electrostatic interactions. The structurally optimized CT102s present a novel strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The gapmer CT102 MOE5 and conjugate Glu-CT102 MOE5 showed superior antiproliferation and IGF1R mRNA suppression effects at 100 nM in vitro and achieved greater efficacy at a lower dose and administration frequency in vivo . Combined transcriptome and proteome analyses revealed that additional associated targets and functional regulations might simultaneously exist in ASO therapy. These results showed that a combination of lipid encapsulation and structural optimization in the delivery of oligonucleotide drugs has favorable prospects for clinical application.
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline and neuronal loss, with cellular senescence emerging as a key driver. The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway is implicated in aging and AD pathology. IGF2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) can stabilize IGF1R mRNA, but its role in AD-associated neuronal senescence remains unclear. Methods We established AD mouse models and H 2 O 2 -induced senescent neuronal cell models to explore the impact of IGF2BP2 in neuronal senescence and cognitive deficits. RNA pull-down assays, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR, and behavioral tests were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of targeting IGF2BP2. Results IGF2BP2 was significantly up-regulated in the hippocampal neurons of AD mice. This upregulation correlated with increased β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, neuronal damage, and cognitive impairments. In vitro , IGF2BP2 knockdown in H 2 O 2 -induced senescent neurons reduced IGF1R expression and alleviated neuronal senescence, as evidenced by decreased senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and improved cell viability. Mechanistically, IGF2BP2 stabilized IGF1R mRNA through m6A modification, enhancing its expression. Knockdown of IGF2BP2 decreased IGF1R mRNA stability and expression, thereby mitigating neuronal senescence. In AD mice, IGF2BP2 knockdown improved cognitive function, reduced Aβ deposition, and delayed neuronal senescence. Conclusion IGF2BP2 contributes to neuronal senescence and cognitive deficits in AD by regulating IGF1R expression through m6A modification.