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  • C07H—SUGARS; DERIVATIVES THEREOF; NUCLEOSIDES; NUCLEOTIDES; NUCLEIC ACIDS
  • C07H21/00—Compounds containing two or more mononucleotide units having separate phosphate or polyphosphate groups linked by saccharide radicals of nucleoside groups, e.g. nucleic acids
  • C07H21/04—Compounds containing two or more mononucleotide units having separate phosphate or polyphosphate groups linked by saccharide radicals of nucleoside groups, e.g. nucleic acids with deoxyribosyl as saccharide radical
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
  • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
  • A61K31/7088—Compounds having three or more nucleosides or nucleotides
  • A61K31/711—Natural deoxyribonucleic acids, i.e. containing only 2'-deoxyriboses attached to adenine, guanine, cytosine or thymine and having 3'-5' phosphodiester links
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
  • A61P17/02—Drugs for dermatological disorders for treating wounds, ulcers, burns, scars, keloids, or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
  • A61P17/12—Keratolytics, e.g. wart or anti-corn preparations
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
  • A61P17/16—Emollients or protectives, e.g. against radiation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
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  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
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  • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
  • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
  • C12N15/11—DNA or RNA fragments; Modified forms thereof; Non-coding nucleic acids having a biological activity
  • C12N15/111—General methods applicable to biologically active non-coding nucleic acids
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  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
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  • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
  • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
  • C12N15/11—DNA or RNA fragments; Modified forms thereof; Non-coding nucleic acids having a biological activity
  • C12N15/113—Non-coding nucleic acids modulating the expression of genes, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides; Antisense DNA or RNA; Triplex- forming oligonucleotides; Catalytic nucleic acids, e.g. ribozymes; Nucleic acids used in co-suppression or gene silencing
  • C12N15/1138—Non-coding nucleic acids modulating the expression of genes, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides; Antisense DNA or RNA; Triplex- forming oligonucleotides; Catalytic nucleic acids, e.g. ribozymes; Nucleic acids used in co-suppression or gene silencing against receptors or cell surface proteins
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
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  • C12N2310/00—Structure or type of the nucleic acid
  • C12N2310/10—Type of nucleic acid
  • C12N2310/11—Antisense
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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  • C12N2320/00—Applications; Uses
  • C12N2320/30—Special therapeutic applications
  • C12N2320/32—Special delivery means, e.g. tissue-specific

Definitions

• This invention relates to formulations for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatments, particularly those in which a localised disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.
• Gap junctions are cell membrane structures which facilitate direct cell-cell communication.
• a gap junction channel is formed of two hemichannels (connexons), each composed of six connexin subunits. These connexins are a family of proteins, commonly named according to their molecular weight or classified on a phylogenetic basis ie. into an ⁇ class and a ⁇ class.
• ODN's Anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides
• the invention provides a formulation for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment, which formulation comprises: at least one anti-sense polynucleotide to a connexin protein; together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle.
• the formulation contains polynucleotides to one connexin protein only. Most preferably, this connexin protein is connexin 43.
• oligodeoxynucleotides Many aspects of the invention are described with reference to oligodeoxynucleotides. However it is understood that other suitable polynucleotides (such as RNA polynucleotides) may be used in these aspects.
• the formulation contains oligodeoxynucleotides to more than one connexin protein.
• one of the connexin proteins to which oligodeoxynucleotides are directed is connexin 43.
• Other connexin proteins to which oligodeoxynucleotides are directed include connexin 26, connexin 31.1 and connexin 32.
• oligodeoxynucleotide to connexin 43 is selected from:
• oligodeoxynucleotide to connexin 43 is:
• oligodeoxynucleotide to connexin 26 is:
• the oligodeoxynucleotide to connexin 31.1 is: CGT CCG AGC CCA GAA AGA TGA GGT C.
• oligodeoxynucleotide to connexin 32 is:
• the anti-sense polynucleotides may be formulated for parenteral, intramuscular, intracerebral, intravenous, subcutaneous or transdermal administration.
• the antisense polynucleotides are preferably administered topically (at the site to be treated).
• the antisense polynucleotides are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent to provide a pharmaceutical composition.
• Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles include any of those commonly used for topical administration.
• the topical formulation may be in the form of a cream, ointment, gel, emulsion, lotion or paint.
• the formulation of the invention may also be presented in the form of an impregnated dressing.
• Suitable carrier materials include any carrier or vehicle commonly used as a base for creams, lotions, gels, emulsions, lotions or paints for topical adniinistration.
• examples include emulsifying agents, inert carriers including hydrocarbon bases, emulsifying bases, non-toxic solvents or water-soluble bases.
• Particularly suitable examples include lanolin, hard paraffin, liquid paraffin, soft yellow paraffin or soft white paraffin, white beeswax, yellow beeswax, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicones, emulsifying waxes, isopropyl myristate, microcrystalline wax, oleyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
• the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle is a gel, suitably a nonionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer gel, for example, a Pluronic gel, preferably Pluronic F-127 (BASF Corp.).
• a gel suitably a nonionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer gel, for example, a Pluronic gel, preferably Pluronic F-127 (BASF Corp.).
• This gel is particularly preferred as it is a liquid at low temperatures but rapidly sets at physiological temperatures, which confines the release of the ODN component to the site of application or immediately adjacent that site.
• An auxiliary agent such as casein, gelatin, albumin, glue, sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose or polyvinyl alcohol may also be included in the formulation of the invention.
• the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated to provide sustained release of the antisense polynucleotide.
• the formulation further includes a surfactant to assist with oligodeoxynucleotide cell penetration or the formulation may contain any suitable loading agent.
• a surfactant to assist with oligodeoxynucleotide cell penetration
• the formulation may contain any suitable loading agent.
• Any suitable non-toxic surfactant may be included, such as DMSO.
• a transdermal penetration agent such as urea may be included.
• the invention provides a method of site-specific downregulation of connexin protein expression for a therapeutic and/or cosmetic purpose which comprises administering a formulation as defined above to a site on or within a patient at which said downregulation is required.
• the invention provides a method of reducing neuronal cell death which would otherwise result from a neuronal insult to a specific site in the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve of a patient which comprises the step of aciministering a formulation as defined above to said site to downregulate expression of connexin protein(s) at and immediately adjacent said site.
• the formulation is administered to reduce neuronal loss due to physical trauma to the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve.
• the formulation is administered in a sufficient amount to downregulate expression of said connexin protein(s) for at least 24 hours post- administration.
• the invention provides a method of promoting wound healing in a patient which comprises the step of administering a formulation as defined above to said wound to downregulate expression of connexin protein(s) at and immediately adjacent the site of said wound.
• the wound will be the result of trauma, including burns. It may however be the result of surgery.
• the invention provides a method of reducing inflammation as part of treating a wound and/or tissue subjected to physical trauma which comprises the step of administering a formulation as defined above to or proximate to said wound or tissue.
• said wound is a burn.
• said wound is the result of physical trauma to tissue, including neuronal tissue such as the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve.
• the invention provides a method of decreasing scar formation in a patient who has suffered a wound which comprises the step of administering a formulation as defined above to said wound to downregulate expression of connexin protein(s) at and immediately adjacent the site of said wound.
• the wound may be the result of trauma or surgery, with the formulation being applied to the wound immediately prior to surgical repair and/or closure thereof.
• the invention provides a method of skin rejuvenation or thickening for a cosmetic or therapeutic purpose which comprises the step of administering, once or repeatedly, a formulation as defined above to the skin surface.
• said formulation includes oligodeoxynucleotides directed to connexin 26 or connexin 43 and is administered to regulate epithelial basal cell division and growth.
• said formulation includes oligodeoxynucleotides directed to connexin 31.1 and is administered to regulate outer layer keratinisation.
• the formulation is a cream or gel.
• Figures 1 to 5 show sections of rat brain lesions treated with Pluronic gel containing antisense oligodeoxynucleotides specific to connexin 43, or for control lesions, Pluronic gel alone. In all cases lesions were sectioned serially in a coronal plane and the mid point sections used for analysis. Each image (except Figure 5) shows 4 mm by 5.33 mm of tissue. Figure 5 is approximately 1.2 mm by 2 mm.
• Figure 1 Figures 1 A and 1C show two side of a control lesion 24 hours after lesioning. The lesion has been treated with Pluronic gel alone.
• FIGS. IB and ID show grey scale images of 1A and 1C respectively with the outline of the lesion marked. Note the large size of the lesion and the irregular spreading edges. The lesion has spread downwards toward the corpus callosum (dashed line) within just 24 hours of lesioning.
• Figure 2 A control lesion 24 hours after wounding.
• Figure 2 A shows Nissl staining (blue nuclei) and Neuronal-N labelling of viable neurons.
• Figure 2B is a grey scale equivalent with the lesion edge marked and the top of the corpus callosum marked (dashed line). The original needle tract is clear but neuronal death has occurred well back from the lesion edge as indicated by the Neuronal-N labelling. The edges of the lesion are irregular and the lesion, within just 24 hours, has spread right down into the corpus callosum.
• Figure 3 Figures 3 A and 3B are colour and grey scale images of a connexin 43 antisense treated lesion, 48 hours after lesioning.
• the lesion outline has been marked on Figure 3B to show the extent of the lesion and the top of the corpus callosum marked (dashed line).
• Figure 3 A has been stained for Nissl (blue nuclei) and Neuronal-N (pink cells). Note how compact the lesion is, even after 48 hours, compared with control lesions ( Figures 1 and 2). While there is some spread to the right hand side, the left side of the lesion essentially follows the original needle tract with little sign of spreading. The left side of the lesion is very straight and it has not spread down to the corpus callosum.
• Figure 4 Figures 4 A and 4B show another connexin 43 antisense treated lesion 48 hours after wounding.
• the labelling is the same as in Figure 3 with the lesion outlined on the grey scale image ( Figure 4B). Even after 48 hours this lesion is extremely compact with slight spreading only to the left (medial side). Note how straight the right hand side of the lesion is with viable neurons right up to the edge of the needle tract (and indeed surviving within the lesioned area). The lesion is well above the corpus callosum (dashed line) indicating virtually no downward spread.
• Figure 5 A higher magnification view showing the edge of a connexin 43 antisense treated lesion. The edge of the lesion has been marked showing viable neurons (Neuronal-N labelled) right up to the edge of the wounding needle tract even 48 hours after lesioning.
• Figure 6 GFAP (red) and connexin43 (green) immunohistochemical labelling of a connexin43 specific antisense treated lesion, 24 hours after lesioning. The image is taken at the lateral edge of the lesion at a point half way down the depth of the lesion. Activated astrocyte levels are elevated compared with controls ( Figure 7) and connexin 43 levels are markedly reduced. The connexin labelling remaining is generally associated with blood vessels (arrows).
• Figure 7 GFAP (red) and connexin43 (green) immunohistochemical labelling of a control lesion, 24 hours after lesioning. The image is from the medial edge of the lesion and shows GFAP levels slightly elevated over unlesioned cortex.
• Figure 8 shows a comparison of lesion cross sectional lower half areas 24 hours (circles) and 48 hours (diamonds) after lesioning. The analysis was carried out on a mid section of serially sectioned lesion cut on the coronal plane. Lesions were assessed using Neuronal-N antibody labelling to delineate viable neurons. DB1 treated lesions (green markers) have been treated with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides specific to connexin 43.
• the gel only lesion group also includes empty lesions while the HB3 group (purple markers) are treated with gel containing random sequence control oligodeoxynucleotides. Note that while connexin 43 antisense treated lesions can be large (presumably where the antisense has not been well delivered), the smallest lesions are all connexin 43 antisense treated. Lesions were made to a depth of 2 mm and analysis covers 1 mm and below so as to exclude the outer edge where the antisense did not sit.
• Figure 9 Lesions in rat spinal cord 24 hours after treatment with connexin 43 sense and antisense ODN's. The sense lesions were no different from untreated controls whereas the antisense treated lesions were smaller and with reduced inflammation.
• Figure 10 Lesions in neonatal mouse fore paws 24 hours after treatment with connexin 43 sense ODNs (left paw) or antisense ODNs (right paw). Note the reduction in inflammation and increased rate of healing on the antisense treated paw.
• Figure 11 Sections through the centre of the 24 hour wounds shown in Figure 10. The sections have been stained with toluidine blue to reveal neutrophils. There are significantly less neutrophils in the antisense treated wound which was also less inflamed.
• Figure 12 Pairs of rat paw lesions five days after lesioning that have been treated with connexin 43 specific antisense ODNs or sense control ODNs. Antisense treated lesions are healing quicker and show less signs of scarring.
• Figure 13 Pairs of rat paw lesions made at the neonate stage, and viewed here 8 days after lesioning. Lesions were treated with connexin 43 specific antisense or control sense ODN. Hair has grown and it is clear that antisense treatment has resulted in smaller scars and less hair loss. The site of the lesion remains prominent in the sense treated control but is difficult to detect in the antisense treated limb.
• the focus of the invention is on site-specific downregulation of connexin expression. This will have the effect of reducing direct cell-cell communication at the site at which connexin expression is downregulated, which gives rise to numerous therapeutic/cosmetic applications as described below.
• the downregulation of connexin expression is based generally upon the anti-sense approach using antisense polynucleotides (such as DNA or RNA polynucleotides), and more particularly upon the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN).
• antisense polynucleotides such as DNA or RNA polynucleotides
• ODN antisense oligodeoxynucleotides
• these polynucleotides eg. ODN
• the polynucleotides are single stranded, but may be double stranded.
• the antisense polynucleotide may inhibit transcription and/or translation of the connexin.
• the polynucleotide is a specific inhibitor of transcription and or translation from the connexin gene, and does not inhibit transcription and/or translation from other genes.
• the product may bind to the connexin gene or mRNA either (i) 5' to the coding sequence, and/or (ii) to the coding sequence, and/or (iii) 3' to the coding sequence.
• the antisense polynucleotide will cause the expression of connexin mRNA and/or protein in a cell to be reduced.
• the antisense polynucleotide is generally antisense to the connexin mRNA.
• a polynucleotide may be capable of hybridising to the connexin mRNA and may thus inhibit the expression of connexin by interfering with one or more aspects of connexin mRNA metabolism including transcription, mRNA processing, mRNA transport from the nucleus, translation or mRNA degradation.
• the antisense polynucleotide typically hybridises to the connexin mRNA to form a duplex which can cause direct inhibition of translation and/or destabilisation of the mRNA. Such a duplex may be susceptible to degradation by nucleases.
• the antisense polynucleotide may hybridize to all or part of the connexin mRNA. Typically the antisense polynucleotide hybridizes to the ribosome binding region or the coding region of the connexin mRNA.
• the polynucleotide may be complementary to all of or a region of the connexin mRNA.
• the polynucleotide may be the exact complement of all or a part of connexin mRNA.
• absolute complementarity is not required and polynucleotides which have sufficient complementarity to form a duplex having a melting temperature of greater than 20°C, 30°C or 40°C under physiological conditions are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.
• polynucleotide is typically a homologue of the mRNA.
• the polynucleotide may be a polynucleotide which hybridises to the connexin mRNA under conditions of medium to high stringency such as 0.03M sodium chloride and 0.03M sodium citrate at from about 50 to about 60 degrees centigrade.
• the polynucleotide will typically be from 6 to 40 nucleotides in length. Preferably it will be from 12 to 20 nucleotides in length.
• the polynucleotides may be at least 40, for example at least 60 or at least 80, nucleotides in length and up to 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 or more nucleotides in length.
• the connexin protein or proteins targeted by the ODN will be dependent upon the site at which downregulation is to be effected. This reflects the non- uniform make-up of gap junction(s) at different sites throughout the body in terms of connexin sub-unit composition.
• the connexin may be any connexin that naturally occurs in a human or animal.
• the connexin gene (including coding sequence) generally has homologue with any of the specific connexins mentioned herein, such as homology with the connexin 43 coding sequence shown in Table 1.
• the connexin is typically an ⁇ or ⁇ connexin.
• the connexin is expressed in the skin or nervous tissue (including brain cells).
• Some connexin proteins are however more ubiquitous than others in terms of distribution in tissue.
• One of the most widespread is connexin 43. ODN's targeted to connexin 43 are therefore particularly suitable for use in the present invention.
• ODN's targeted at separate connexin proteins be used in combination (for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or more different connexins may be targeted).
• ODN's targeted to connexin 43, and one or more other members of the connexin family can be used in combination.
• Individual antisense polynucleotides may be specific to a particular connexin, or may target 1, 2, 3 or more different connexins. Specific polynucleotides will generally target sequences in the connexin gene or mRNA which are not conserved between connexins, whereas non-specific polynucleotides will target conserved sequences.
• the ODN's for use in the invention will generally be unmodified phosphodiester oligomers. They will vary in length but with a 30 mer ODN being particularly suitable.
• the antisense polynucleotides may be chemically modified. This may enhance their resistance to nucleases and may enhance their ability to enter cells.
• phosphorothioate oligonucleotides may be used.
• Other deoxynucleotide analogs include methylphosphonates, phosphoramidates, phosphorodithioates, N3'P5'-phosphoramidates and oligoribonucleotide phosphorothioates and their 2'-O- alkyl analogs and 2'-O-methylribonucleotide methylphosphonates.
• MBOs Mixed backbone oligonucleotides
• MBOs contain segments of phosphothioate oligodeoxynucleotides and appropriately placed segments of modified oligodeoxy- or oligoribonucleotides.
• MBOs have segments of phosphorothioate linkages and other segments of other modified oligonucleotides, such as methylphosphonate, which is non-ionic, and very resistant to nucleases or 2'-O-alkyloligoribonucleotides.
• the precise sequence of the antisense polynucleotide used in the invention will depend upon the target connexin protein.
• the applicant's have found ODN's having the following sequences to be particularly suitable:
• ODN's directed to other connexin proteins can be selected in terms of their nucleotide sequence by any convenient, and conventional, approach.
• the computer programmes Mac Vector and OligoTech from Oligos etc. Eugene, Oregon, USA
• ODN's for connexins 26, 31.1 and 32 have the following sequences:
• the ODN's can be synthesised using a DNA synthesiser.
• the ODN(s) require site-specific delivery. They also require delivery over an extended period of time. While clearly the delivery period will be dependent upon both the site at which the downregulation is to be induced and the therapeutic effect which is desired, continuous delivery for 24 hours or longer will often be required.
• the ODN(s) in a formulation together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle, particularly in the form of a formulation for topical administration.
• a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle particularly in the form of a formulation for topical administration.
• the formulations of the invention have utility in any therapeutic/cosmetic approach where a transient and site-specific interruption in cell- cell communication is desirable. These include in treating neuronal damage in the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve (where the damage is to be localised as much as possible), in the promotion of wound healing and in reducing scar formation following, for example, cosmetic surgery or burns.
• topical formulations such as creams can be employed to regulate epithelial basal cell division and growth (using ODN's targeted to connexin 43) and outer layer keratinisation (using ODN's targeted to connexin 31.1).
• the antisense polynucleotides may be present in a substantially isolated form. It will be understood that the product may be mixed with carriers or diluents which will not interfere with the intended purpose of the product and still be regarded as substantially isolated.
• a product of the invention may also be in a substantially purified form, in which case it will generally comprise 90%, e.g. at least 95%, 98% or 99% of the polynucleotide or dry mass of the preparation.
• the antisense polynucleotides (including ODN's) of the invention may thus be administered to a human or animal in need of treatment, such as a human or animal with any of the diseases or conditions mentioned herein.
• the condition of the human or animal can thus be improved.
• the polynucleotide and formulation may thus be used in the treatment of the human or animal body by therapy. They may be used in the manufacture of a medicament to treat any of the conditions mentioned herein.
• the antisense polynucleotides may be administered by typically (at the site to be treated). Preferably the antisense polynucleotides are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent to produce a pharmaceutical composition.
• Suitable carriers and diluents include isotonic saline solutions, for example phosphate-buffered saline.
• the composition may be formulated for parenteral, intramuscular, intracerebral, intravenous, subcutaneous, or transdermal administration.
• the dose at which an antisense polynucleotide is administered to a patient will depend upon a variety of factors such as the age, weight and general condition of the patient, the condition that is being treated, and the particular antisense polynucleotide that is being administered.
• a suitable dose may however be from 0.1 to 100 mg/kg body weight such as 1 to 40 mg/kg body weight.
• Uptake of nucleic acids by mammalian cells is enhanced by several known transfection techniques for example those including the use of transfection agents.
• the formulation which is administered may contain such agents.
• Example of these agents include cationic agents (for example calcium phosphate and DEAE-dextran)
• TlV/f TVI and lipofectants for example lipofectam and transfectam .
• polynucleotides may be a homologue of sequence in connexin mRNA.
• Such polynucleotides typically have at least 70% homology, preferably at least 80, 90%, 95%, 97% or 99% homology with the relevant sequence, for example over a region of at least 15, 20, 40, 100 more contiguous nucleotides (of the homologous sequence).
• Homology may be calculated based on any method in the art.
• the UWGCG Package provides the BESTFIT program which can be used to calculate homology (for example used on its default settings) (Devereux et al (1984) Nucleic Acids Research 12, p387-395).
• the PILEUP and BLAST algorithms can be used to calculate homology or line up sequences (typically on their default settings), for example as described in Altschul S. F. (1993) J Mol Evol 36:290-300; Altschul, S, F et al (1990) J Mol Biol 215:403-10.
• HSPs high scoring sequence pair
• Extensions for the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached.
• the BLAST algorithm parameters W, T and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment.
• the BLAST algorithm performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences; see e.g., Karlin and Altschul (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 5873-5787.
• One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance.
• P(N) the smallest sum probability
• a sequence is considered similar to another sequence if the smallest sum probability in comparison of the first sequence to the second sequence is less than about 1, preferably less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.
• the homologous sequence typically differs from the relevant sequence by at least (or by no more than) 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 more mutations (which may be substitutions, deletions or insertions). These mutations may be measured across any of the regions mentioned above in relation to calculating homology.
• the homologous sequence typically hybridises selectively to the original sequence at a level significantly above background. Selective hybridisation is typically achieved using conditions of medium to high stringency (for example 0.03M sodium chloride and 0.03M sodium citrate at from about 50°C to about 60°C). However, such hybridisation may be carried out under any suitable conditions known in the art (see Sambrook et al (1989), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual). For example, if high stringency is required, suitable conditions include 0.2 x SSC at 60°C. If lower stringency is required, suitable conditions include 2 x SSC at 60°C.
• Pluronic gel is liquid at low temperatures, 0-4°C, but sets when dropped onto the embryo at physiological temperature, remaining in place for at least 12 hours.
• the gel has the additional advantage of being a mild surfactant and this, used either alone or in conjunction with DMSO, appeared to markedly expedite ODN penetration into cells (Wagner, 1994).
• ODN gel mixtures were prepared from concentrated stock solutions stored at -80°C.
• DBl is a mouse anti-sense sequence, complementary to bases 1094 - 1123 of the al connexin gene. It has four mismatches with chick al connexin sequence. CGI is complementary to chick al connexin bases 720-749. Efficacy of this probe was improved with 1% Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) added to the gel. DMSO had no added effect on other anti-sense ODN or control results.
• DMSO Dimethylsulphoxide
• Pluronic F-127 gel to deliver unmodified al connexin specific anti- sense ODN's to the developing chick embryo, protein expression can be interfered with at chosen time points and allows the anti-sense treatment to be targeted to specific regions of a chick embryo.
• a droplet of gel containing the anti-sense at a relatively low concentration was placed precisely onto individual embryos. The gel sets and remains in place for at least 12 hours and thus a sustained low dose of anti- sense is maintained in this region.
• the anti-sense applications were targeted and timed to block junction formation prior to the periods of elevated expression in the limb, neural tube and face.
• Astrocytes constitute the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain. They are extensively coupled to one another and to neurons through gap junctions composed predominantly of connexin 43 (Giaume and McCarthy (1996)). Following ischaemia induced or physical brain damage these channels remain open and a spreading wave of depression (initiated by raised interstitial potassium and glutamate and apoptotic signals) is propagated (Cotrina et al, (1998); Lin et al (1998)). Waves of increased cytosolic calcium and second messenger molecules such as IP3 are slowly spread via the gap junction channels to neurons beyond the core of the damaged region, resulting in lesion spread in the 24-48 hours following the insult. In this manner, undamaged neighbouring cells are destroyed (Lin et al, 1998), the so- called bystander effect.
• Oligodeoxynucleotides were prepared with the following sequences:
• ODN's Oligodeoxynucleotides
• BASF Pluronic F-127 gel
• PBS phosphate buffered saline
• Pluronic gel is liquid at low temperatures (0-4°C) and sets at physiological temperatures, and is also a mild surfactant.
• Unmodified ODN's normally have a half life of approximately 20 min in cells (Wagner, 1994) but the Pluronic gel loading method provides a continual diffusion source, the gel acting as a reservoir Becker et al., (1999)).
• ODN's specific to connexin 43 were applied, or control random ODN's of similar base composition, at 2mM final concentration. Gel only controls were also carried out.
• ODN's were 30 mers analysed to show that no hairpin looping or homodimerisation should occur.
• Brain lesions were carried out on 250-300 g male Wistar rats. Animals were anaesthetised with 1-2% halothane in oxygen and the head held in a steriotaxic clamp. The region around the lesion site was shaved and the skin over the skull slit in a civilital plane with a scalpel and pulled back to leave the skull plates clear. A 0.5 mm diameter hole was drilled through the skull plate 3 mm to the right of bregma using an Arlec engraver and a lesion made into the cortex of the brain using a 19G 1 '/2 gauge syringe needle attached to a micrometer stage.
• the stage allowed accurate directional control and a precise 2 mm penetration depth which kept the lesion within the cortex and well above the corpus callosum.
• 10ml of ice cold Pluronic F-127 gel (BASF) containing connexin 43 specific ODN (or a control ODN) was sucked into a precooled 19 G VA gauge syringe needle filed off so as to have a flat tip.
• the syringe needle was attached to a volumetric pipette via a cut down yellow pipette tip. The gel then set in the needle as it warmed to room temperature.
• the needle with the gel plug at its tip was transferred to a 1 ml syringe containing PBS and a sleeve slipped over the needle shaft so that the needle tip could be lowered into the lesion with the sleeve (coming up against the skull) preventing overpenetration.
• gentle pressure on the syringe plunger "popped" the gel plug out of the needle into the lesion.
• the wound was then treated with hydrogen peroxide to stop bleeding and the skin sutured back into place. Animals were carefully monitored and left until ready for sacrifice 24 hours, 48 hours or 12 days later.
• haemotoxylin and eosin staining sections were hydrated through a descending series of alcohols (absolute, 2 x 95%, 1 x 70% and water) and stained in Gill's haemotoxylin for 4 minutes. The sections were then washed in water, dipped in Scott's water and rewashed in water. They were then stained for 30 seconds in Moore's buffered eosin. The sections were washed once more in water before dehydration through a series of alcohols (2 x 95%, 1 x absolute), 50:50 alcohohxylol and dipped in xylene. The sections were then mounted using Histomounta mounting medium.
• Nissl staining sections were dehydrated in an ascending graded series of alochols (75%, 95%, 3 x 100%), five minutes in each, and defatted in xylene for five minutes. The sections were then rehydrated by descending through the same series of alcohols and washed in water. The sections were then placed in a Nissl staining solution (5 ml of a 2% aqueous Cresyl violet stock solution, 90 ml of a 6% glacial acetic acid in water solution, 10 ml of a 1.35% sodium acetate solution) for 10 minutes. The sections were then quickly dehydrated in a series of ascending alcohols for 5 minutes at 75%, then 2 minutes each at 95% and 3 x 100%, three charges of xylene for 10 minutes each. They were then coverslipped with Histomounta mounting medium.
• Nissl staining solution 5 ml of a 2% aqueous Cresyl violet stock solution, 90 ml of a 6% glaci
• Frozen sections were first allowed to come back up to room temperature in PBS. They were then permeabilised in methanol for two minutes, rinsed in PBS and transferred to a solution of 0.1 M lysine and 0.1% Triton-X 100 in PB S for blocking over 30 min. Two washes in PBS, each of two minutes, followed. PBS was removed and 50 ml per section of primary antibody was applied.
• Immunohistochemistry was carried out with primary antibodies against connexin 43, Neuronal-Nuclei (vertebrate specific nuclear protein NeuN) and GFAP (glial fabrillary acidic protein). The following antibodies were used:
• Rabbit anti-Cx 43 (Gourdie et al, (1991)) at a concentration of 1 :300.
• Mouse anti-Cx 43 (Chemicon International, Inc.) at a concentration of 1:100.
• Rabbit anti-rat GFAP (DAKO, Z0334), at a concentration of 1 : 1000.
• Mouse anti-Neuronal Nuclei (Chemicon International, Inc.) at a concentration 1:1000.
• a coverslip was lowered onto the sections and sealed with nail varnish.
• the secondary antibody was a biotinylated Goat anti-mouse followed by an avidin linked HRP and DAB reaction (Sigma ExtrAvidin or DAKO Quickstain kit).
• Immunofluorescent labelling was carried out using a Leica TCS 4D confocal laser scanning microscope. Double labelled images were subsequently combined using the Leica Combine function or in Adobe Photoshop. Haemotoxylin and eosin, and Nissl stained samples or Neuronal-N labelled sections were captured using a Kontron (Zeiss) Progress 3008 digital camera and lesion areas analysed using MetaMorph (Universal Imaging Corp). Lesion areas were analysed for the middle section of each lesion.
• GFAP glial fibrillary acidic protein
• connexin 43 protein levels are clearly reduced at many places along the edge of antisense treated lesions, particularly the basal and medial edges ( Figure 6) compared with controls ( Figure 7).
• the only connexin 43 labelling remaining 24 hours after connexin 43 specific antisense treatment is in blood vessel walls despite raised GFAP levels ( Figure 6).
• connexin 43 labelling around antisense treated lesion collocalises to a much lesser extent with GFAP labelling than in controls in which over half of the connexin 43 labelling is astrocyte related.
• Other connexin levels did not appear to be altered by the connexin 43 specific antisense treatments.
• the Pluronic gel plug - antisense ODN method has been used to study the effect of connexin 43 knockdown during astrocytosis which occurs following lesioning of the cerebral cortex of the mammalian brain.
• release of toxins from dying neurons causes what is known as the bystander effect, with the toxins spreading to neighbouring cells through gap junction channels (Lin et al, (1998)).
• slow release of toxins apparently leads to an upregulation of connexin 43 channels in astrocytes to enable the transport and removal of the toxins to the blood stream. In cases of severe trauma however, this upregulation aids the spread of high toxin levels to neighbouring neurons, killing them.
• Blocking of the connexin 43 upregulation and knockdown of connexin 43 channels prevents this spread leading to lesions up to 50% smaller in cross sectional area. This has significant implications in the management of ischeamic stroke, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and modulation of side effects from surgical intervention.
• Another tissue of similar composition to the brain is the spinal cord in which the neural population is supported by populations of glial cells, including astrocytes which are responsible for the neuroprotective effect by removing glutamate and excess calcium from the neural environment.
• This experiment investigates the ability of the formulations of the invention to reduce the spread of spinal cord lesions.
• Oligodeoxynucleotides were prepared with the following sequences:
• RESULTS Wistar rats were anaesthetised and their spinal cord exposed. A standard hemisection lesion was then made in the cord and 5 ml of chilled Pluronic gel, containing either antisense or sense ODN's to connexin 43 (5mM) was placed in the lesion. Applications were made blind. The exposed cord was then recovered and the rat returned to its cage. Some animals were sacrificed at 24 hours whereas others were maintained for 12 days and two months in order to determine the extent of neuronal regeneration and the final size of the lesion. For axonal regeneration studies the rats were anaesthetised and their axons severed prior to their entry site to the spinal cord.
• HRP Horse radish peroxidase
• the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide knockdown of connexin 43 significantly reduces the lesion spread which occurs in the first 24-48 hours after spinal cord injury.
• the knockdown of connexin 43 also reduces inflammation, further aiding in the neuroprotective effect, but there was no change in the ability for neurons to grow back across the lesion site.
• antisense treatment with connexin 43 specific oligodeoxynucleotides cannot aid regrowth of damaged neurons, but has a significant neuroprotective effect reducing the spread of the insult.
• fibroblasts To repair skin wounds a number of cell types, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells and keratinocytes are activated to proliferate, migrate and lay down extracellular matrix to fill the wound.
• Oligodeoxynucleotides were prepared with the following sequences:
• Neonatal mice, CD1 strain were anaesthetised with local anaesthetic by spray.
• 5 ml of chilled Pluronic gel, containing either Sense or Antisense ODN's was then applied to the wounds.
• the Pluronic gel is liquid between 0-4°C but sets at higher temperature.
• the gel sets in place and acts as a slow release reservoir for the ODN's as well as a mild surfactant, aiding the penetration of ODN's into the tissue.
• Application of Sense ODN's was made to one paw and Antisense to the other, alternating left and right between litters. Pups were warmed under a lamp and then returned to their mother. Wounds were examined daily and scored for quality of healing. Representative pups were selected at 1 day, 5 day and 8 day post operation and their forelimbs photographed before the pups were anaesthetised and perfused with 2% paraformaldehyde. The forelimbs were removed and immersion-fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde overnight and then processed for resin (1 day) or wax (2 days onward) histology.
• Inflammation of the wound was assessed 24 hours after wounding. Resin sections through the wound are stained with Toluidine blue to reveal nissl positive cells, neutrophils, which are the first cells to respond to injury. These can also be revealed using neutrophil specific markers.
• Granulation is a feature of healing connective tissue and is cased by the invasion of numerous capillaries. Macrophages are known to express potent angiogenic factors such as VEGF. The degree of vascularisation is monitored with antibodies to VEGF receptors, anti-PCAM and anti-fit- 1 which are both good blood vessel markers. Contraction of this tissue is brought about by the differentiation of wound fibroblasts into a contractile myofibroblast. After they have pulled the wound together they die apoptotically and are removed by macrophages. These cells can be revealed by smooth muscle actin specific antibodies and their formation and removal followed.
• connexin 43 antisense ODN's to a wound has a marked affect on the healing process.
• the first noticeable effect is a reduction in the inflammation of the wounds which is noticeable in sections which show a much lower inflammatory response in terms of levels of neutrophils.
• antisense treated wounds heal faster and with less scarring than control lesions.
• the antisense ODN's can reduce connexin expression in 4-8 hours so they will not have an effect on the initial signalling of wounding but play a role in the secondary signalling events. It is interesting to note that neutrophils which invade in response to the wounding normally express large amounts of connexin 43. It is also possible that they form gap junctions with other cells in the wound and communicate with them. Reduction in this form of communication may result in a reduction of secreted factors from the neutrophils and may reduce cell death in the wound as well as granulation and hyperinnervation.
• connexin protein levels (connexins 26, 31.1 and 43) are reduced in both the epithelial and subdermal layers of wounds starting within 6 hours, and remaining lowered for up to 6 days.
• the antisense approach may speed up this initial protein reduction by blocking translational processes as protein removal from the membrane is occurring.
• connexin 43 knockdown immediately following wounding has marked effects on reducing inflammatory levels and increasing healing rates.
• Reproducible bums are delivered to moistened skin, and Pluronic gel containing antisense ODN's injected subdermal to the bum.
• Pluronic gel containing antisense ODN's injected subdermal to the bum.
• a series of bums were made using a soldering iron to the left and right sides of the skull of six newborn mice.
• the bums on one side of the head were treated with connexin 43 -specific ODN in Pluronic gel and those on the other side with sense control ODN in Pluronic gel.
• formulations by which cell-cell communication can be downregulated in a transient and site-specific manner have application in methods of therapy and in cosmetic treatments.
• the delivery of the ODN component of the formulation for an extended period (24 hours or longer) is a particular advantage in treating neuronal damage. This is because, in most instances of direct physical neuronal insult, neuronal cell loss extends well beyond the site of actual injury to the surrounding cells. This secondary neuronal cell loss occurs within 24 hours of the original injury and is mediated by junction gap cell-cell communication. Downregulation of connexin protein expression therefore blocks or at least downregulates communication between the cells and minimises secondary neuronal cell damage.
• the formulations of the invention have been found effective in both promoting the wound healing process, reducing inflammation and in minimising scar formation.
• the formulations therefore have clear benefit in the treatment of wounds, whether the result of external trauma (including bums) or surgical intervention.

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