WO2013088853A1 - オリゴヌクレオチド、グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤、医薬組成物、及び発現ベクター - Google Patents
オリゴヌクレオチド、グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤、医薬組成物、及び発現ベクター Download PDFInfo
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Definitions
- the present invention relates to an oligonucleotide, a glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer, a pharmaceutical composition, and an expression vector.
- Glucocorticoids are a type of hormone made in the adrenal cortex and are involved in metabolism and immunity. Since glucocorticoid has a strong anti-inflammatory action and an immunosuppressive action, its artificial composition has been used as a therapeutic agent for allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. In addition, since glucocorticoid has a growth-inhibiting action on cancerous lymphocytes, an artificial compound thereof has been used for chemotherapy of lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia. Since side effects such as myelosuppression and severe gastrointestinal symptoms rarely occur with glucocorticoid administration, glucocorticoid is an indispensable therapeutic agent for lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia.
- glucocorticoid resistance has been reported to be as high as 5-10% of patients with asthma, approximately 30% of patients with rheumatism, 20-50% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and 10-25% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Therefore, the development of a technology for releasing glucocorticoid resistance is awaited.
- Glucocorticoid receptor Glucocorticoid receptor
- GR glucocorticoid receptor
- N3C1 Gene ID: 2908, NCBI Reference Sequence: NC_000005.9
- GR ⁇ and GR ⁇ are created by alternative splicing within exon 9 (base number 4111).
- GR ⁇ is a 777 amino acid residue protein translated from mature mRNA linked to exons 1-9.
- GR ⁇ translocates into the nucleus in a ligand-dependent manner and functions as a transcription factor.
- GR ⁇ is a protein of 742 amino acid residues that is translated from a mature mRNA in which exons 1 to 8 and a part of exon 9 are linked (2631 to 4111 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9).
- GR ⁇ lacks a part of the ligand binding domain and has no ligand binding ability.
- GR ⁇ competitively antagonizes GR ⁇ bound to the ligand and inhibits the transcription factor activity of GR ⁇ .
- glucocorticoid resistance of cells the following reports have been made.
- CL-1 cells, GL-1 cells glucocorticoid resistance is released by inhibiting the function of Nuclear factor- ⁇ B (NF- ⁇ B).
- NF- ⁇ B Nuclear factor- ⁇ B
- cell proliferation is suppressed (for example, see Document 1). From this, it was considered that inhibition of the function of NF- ⁇ B increases the expression level of GR in the cell, and the cell growth inhibitory action of glucocorticoid is likely to reach the cell.
- glucocorticoid resistance is released, and GR ⁇ expression It has been reported that the amount increases (for example, see Document 2). From this, it was suggested that the glucocorticoid resistance may be released by increasing the expression level of GR ⁇ in the cell.
- the SR protein is a splicing factor, and is a protein that controls splicing from pre-mRNA to mature mRNA in the nucleus of the cell.
- SRp30c serine / arginine-rich protein 30c
- SRp30c is one type of SR protein. That is, it is considered that the exon 9 of the pre-mRNA of GR has a site to which SRp30c binds, and SRp30c binds to this site and splices the pre-mRNA of GR into the mature mRNA of GR ⁇ .
- SRp30c binds to this site and splices the pre-mRNA of GR into the mature mRNA of GR ⁇ .
- Reference 1 Matsuda A, et al. Res. Vet. Sci., 2010, 89 (3): 378-382.
- Reference 2 Matsuda A, et al. The 14th International Congress of Immunology, Aug. 2010, Volume 22, Supplement number 1, p. V8.
- Reference 3 Piotrowska H, et al. Arch. Med. Res., 2009, 40: 156-162.
- Reference 4 Watanuki T, et al. J. Affect. Disord., 2008, 110 (1-2): 62-69.
- Reference 5 Xu Q, et al. J. Biol. Chem., 2003, 278: 27112-27118.
- Reference 6 Paradis C, et al. RNA, 2007, 13: 1287-1300.
- Reference 7 Karakama Y, et al. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2010, 54 (8): 3179-318.
- Reference 8 Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2005/063293
- SRp30c is known to be involved in gonadotropin receptor splicing in addition to GR, and even when the activity of SRp30c alone is suppressed, the possibility of disturbing homeostasis cannot be denied.
- a technique for selectively inhibiting the control of the GR splicing variant carried by SRp30c is required.
- the present invention has been made under the above circumstances. Under the above circumstances, there is a need for novel compounds having an activity to increase the sensitivity of cells to glucocorticoids.
- oligonucleotide that prevents binding between the pre-mRNA of the glucocorticoid receptor gene and serine / arginine-rich protein 30c (SRp30c) in vivo.
- SRp30c serine / arginine-rich protein 30c
- oligonucleotide according to ⁇ 1> which is a base sequence having a length of 15 to 50 bases complementary to a continuous part of the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22.
- SEQ ID NO: 22 a base sequence having a total molar ratio of adenine and guanine of 50% or more.
- ⁇ 4> an oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, an oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, an oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, and an oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4
- the oligonucleotide according to ⁇ 1> which is any one of the oligonucleotides having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.
- a glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer comprising at least one of the oligonucleotides according to ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 4> as an active ingredient.
- a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one of the oligonucleotides according to ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 4>.
- An expression vector comprising at least one of the oligonucleotides according to ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 4>.
- an oligonucleotide having an activity to increase glucocorticoid sensitivity of cells.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer which contains the said oligonucleotide as an active ingredient is provided.
- the pharmaceutical composition containing the said oligonucleotide is provided.
- an expression vector for expressing the oligonucleotide is provided.
- 4 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 2.
- 4 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 2.
- 4 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 2.
- 4 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 2.
- 4 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 2.
- 10 is a graph showing the cell growth inhibition rate in Example 4.
- a numerical range indicated by using “to” indicates a range including the numerical values described before and after “to” as the minimum value and the maximum value, respectively.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention is an oligonucleotide that prevents binding of a pre-mRNA of a glucocorticoid receptor gene (GR gene) and a serine / arginine-rich protein 30c (SRp30c) in vivo. is there. Since the oligonucleotide inhibits the pre-mRNA of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from being spliced into mature mRNA of GR ⁇ , it is considered that the relative expression level of GR ⁇ to GR ⁇ is increased. As a result, the glucocorticoid sensitivity of the cells is considered to increase.
- GR gene glucocorticoid receptor gene
- SRp30c serine / arginine-rich protein 30c
- SR protein As a candidate site (splice element) that is present in exon 9 of GR pre-mRNA and to which SRp30c binds, it is a continuous part of exon 9 of GR pre-mRNA, and is the sum of adenine (A) and guanine (G) Base sequences having a molar ratio of 50% or more.
- SR protein is considered to easily bind to a base sequence rich in A and / or G
- SRp30c which is one type of SR protein, is also likely to bind to a base sequence rich in A and / or G. . Therefore, a base sequence that is a continuous part of exon 9 of the pre-mRNA of GR and whose total molar ratio of adenine and guanine is 50% or more is highly likely to be the splice element.
- the total molar ratio of adenine and guanine is 50% or more (preferably 60% or more) from exon 9 of human GR gene (NR3C1, Gene ID: 2908, NCBI Reference Sequence: NC_000005.9).
- a base sequence having a length of 15 to 50 bases may be selected, and a base sequence having a length of 15 to 50 bases complementary to this base sequence may be used as the oligonucleotide of the present invention.
- This oligonucleotide is considered to bind to the pre-mRNA of the GR either completely or partially overlapping the splice element, or bind to the pre-mRNA of the GR at a position sufficiently close to the splice element.
- the binding between SRp30c and the splice element is inhibited, the production of mature mRNA of GR ⁇ is inhibited, and the relative expression level of GR ⁇ to GR ⁇ is increased.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity of the cells is considered to increase.
- the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22 corresponds to nucleotide numbers 156091 to 157582 of the human GR gene, that is, corresponds to a part of exon 9 of human GR gene (2620th to 4111th from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9).
- GR ⁇ is a protein translated from mature mRNA in which exons 1 to 8 of GR pre-mRNA are linked to a part of exon 9 (in human, positions 2631 to 4111 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9). Therefore, it is considered that the splice element is present in the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22 of the pre-mRNA of human GR.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention preferably has a base sequence length of 15 to 50 bases complementary to a continuous part of the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22. Furthermore, the oligonucleotide of the present invention is complementary to a nucleotide sequence that is a continuous part of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22 and has a total molar ratio of adenine and guanine of 50% or more (more preferably 60% or more). More preferably, the base sequence is 15 to 50 bases long.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention is preferably any of the following oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5. Oligonucleotides 1 to 5 have an activity to increase glucocorticoid sensitivity of cells.
- Oligonucleotide 1 An oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 (5′-CTTTCTGGTTTAACCCACATAACATTCTA-3 ′).
- the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is a base sequence that is complementary to a continuous part of exon 9 of the human GR gene (2626-2656th from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9).
- Oligonucleotide 2 An oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 (5′-AAAAGGGCACAGCTTCTTTTCCCATTAATGAAA-3 ′).
- the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 is a base sequence complementary to a continuous part of exon 9 of the human GR gene (2796th to 2829th from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9).
- Oligonucleotide 3 An oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 (5′-TAAGATGAACTTTCTTTTCCCCCACGTATCCCT-3 ′).
- the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 is a nucleotide sequence complementary to a continuous part of exon 9 of the human GR gene (2830 to 2860th from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9).
- Oligonucleotide 4 An oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 (5′-TTTGTCCCCATTATATAGCATTT-3 ′).
- the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 is a base sequence complementary to a continuous part of exon 9 of human GR gene (position 3730 to 3752 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9).
- Oligonucleotide 5 An oligonucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 (5′-CAGATTTTTTTATTATGAGT-3 ′).
- the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 is a base sequence complementary to a continuous part of exon 9 of the human GR gene (4080 to 4100th from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9).
- Oligonucleotides 1-5 are thought to bind to the pre-mRNA of GR either completely or partially overlapping with the splice element, or bind to the pre-mRNA of GR at a position sufficiently close to the splice element. Therefore, it is considered that the binding between SRp30c and the splice element is inhibited, the production of mature mRNA of GR ⁇ is inhibited, and the relative expression level of GR ⁇ to GR ⁇ is increased. As a result, the glucocorticoid sensitivity of the cells is considered to increase. Oligonucleotides 1 to 5 are considered to bind in a sequence-specific manner to a specific site of exon 9 of the GR pre-mRNA from its base sequence.
- oligonucleotides 1 to 5 do not affect the functions of SR proteins other than SRp30c, and do not affect splicing other than exon 9 of GR among the splicing controlled by SRp30c. It is done.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention also includes oligonucleotides that are homologous to any of oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- an oligonucleotide that is recognized to be homologous with oligonucleotide 1 only needs to exhibit an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 1, and is preferably 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and still more preferably It has a homology of 95% or more.
- oligonucleotide having homology with any of oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- the homology is, for example, BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) (NCBI or Altschul, SF et al. J. Mol. Biol., 215: 403-410 (1990)), which is a widely used homology search algorithm. Can be determined by sequence comparison using.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with an oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1 as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 1. Is done.
- the length of the oligonucleotide hybridized under stringent conditions with the oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 1.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 15 to 45 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 15 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 45 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 20 to 40 bases, further preferably 22 to 38 bases, particularly preferably 23 to 35 bases, and most preferably 24 to 30 bases.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with an oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 2 as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 2. Is done.
- the length of the oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the oligonucleotide that is complementary to the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action comparable to that of oligonucleotide 2.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 15 to 50 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 15 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 50 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 20 to 45 bases, further preferably 25 to 40 bases, particularly preferably 28 to 38 bases, and most preferably 30 to 34 bases.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with an oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 3 as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 3. Is done.
- the length of the oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 3 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 3.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 15 to 45 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 15 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 45 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 20 to 40 bases, further preferably 22 to 38 bases, particularly preferably 23 to 35 bases, and most preferably 24 to 30 bases.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with an oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 4 as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 4. Is done.
- the length of the oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the oligonucleotide that is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 4.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 12 to 35 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 12 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 35 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 15 to 32 bases, further preferably 18 to 30 bases, particularly preferably 20 to 28 bases, and most preferably 22 to 25 bases.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with an oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 5 as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 5. Is done.
- the length of the oligonucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the oligonucleotide having a base sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 5 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of oligonucleotide 5.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 12 to 35 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 12 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is 35 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 15 to 30 bases, further preferably 16 to 25 bases, particularly preferably 18 to 23 bases, and most preferably 20 to 22 bases.
- Oligonucleotide hybridization should be performed according to a known method or a method analogous thereto, for example, the method described in Molecular Cloning 2nd (J. Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Press, 1989). Can do.
- the stringent conditions are, for example, conditions in which the sodium concentration is about 19 mM to about 40 mM, preferably about 19 mM to about 20 mM, and the temperature is about 50 ° C. to about 70 ° C., preferably about 60 ° C. to about 65 ° C. Show. In particular, the case where the sodium concentration is about 19 mM and the temperature is about 65 ° C. is preferable.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention includes an oligonucleotide in which a base is deleted, substituted or added in any of oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- an oligonucleotide in which a base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 1 only needs to exhibit an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 1, and the position of the base deletion, substitution or addition is not particularly limited.
- oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in any of oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- the number of deleted bases includes 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases. It is.
- the number of substituted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 10 bases, preferably 1 base to 5 bases, more preferably 1 base or 2 bases.
- the number of added bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 1 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 1.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 20 to 40 bases. When the length of the oligonucleotide is 20 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high. On the other hand, when the length of the oligonucleotide is 40 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei. From the above viewpoint, the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 22 to 38 bases, further preferably 23 to 35 bases, and particularly preferably 24 to 30 bases.
- the number of deleted bases is 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases. It is.
- the number of substituted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 10 bases, preferably 1 base to 5 bases, more preferably 1 base or 2 bases.
- the number of added bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 2 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 2.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 20 to 45 bases. When the length of the oligonucleotide is 20 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high. On the other hand, when the length of the oligonucleotide is 45 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei. From the above viewpoint, the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 25 to 40 bases, more preferably 28 to 38 bases, and particularly preferably 30 to 34 bases.
- the number of deleted bases is 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases. It is.
- the number of substituted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 10 bases, preferably 1 base to 5 bases, more preferably 1 base or 2 bases.
- the number of added bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 3 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 3.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 20 to 40 bases. When the length of the oligonucleotide is 20 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high. On the other hand, when the length of the oligonucleotide is 40 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei. From the above viewpoint, the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 22 to 38 bases, further preferably 23 to 35 bases, and particularly preferably 24 to 30 bases.
- examples of the number of deleted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases. It is.
- examples of the number of substituted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 10 bases, preferably 1 base to 5 bases, more preferably 1 base or 2 bases.
- Examples of the number of added bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 4 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 4.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 15 to 32 bases. When the length of the oligonucleotide is 15 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high. On the other hand, when the length of the oligonucleotide is 32 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei. From the above viewpoint, the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 18 to 30 bases, more preferably 20 to 28 bases, and particularly preferably 22 to 25 bases.
- the number of deleted bases is 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases. It is.
- the number of substituted bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 10 bases, preferably 1 base to 5 bases, more preferably 1 base or 2 bases.
- the number of added bases include 1 base or 2 bases or more, for example, 1 base to 15 bases, preferably 1 base to 10 bases, more preferably 1 base to 5 bases.
- the length of the oligonucleotide in which the base is deleted, substituted or added in the oligonucleotide 5 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an action equivalent to that of the oligonucleotide 5.
- the length of the oligonucleotide is preferably 15 to 30 bases. When the length of the oligonucleotide is 15 bases or more, non-sequence-specific binding is unlikely to occur, and the stability of binding to the target mRNA is high. On the other hand, when the length of the oligonucleotide is 30 bases or less, it is easy to move into cells and nuclei. From the above viewpoint, the length of the oligonucleotide is more preferably 16 to 25 bases, further preferably 18 to 23 bases, and particularly preferably 20 to 22 bases.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention may be phosphorothioate oligo DNA and phosphorothioate oligo RNA as well as oligo DNA and oligo RNA.
- a phosphorothioate nucleotide is a nucleotide in which the oxygen atom of the phosphate group at the binding site between nucleotides is replaced with a sulfur atom. Since phosphorothioate nucleotides are resistant to various nucleolytic enzymes, they are preferred because they are more stable than nucleotides. From the viewpoint of stability, the oligonucleotide of the present invention is preferably an oligo DNA, more preferably a phosphorothioate oligo DNA.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention can be obtained by chemical synthesis according to a general method of oligonucleotide synthesis.
- Oligonucleotide 1 can be synthesized by PCR using an appropriate primer with a site containing the 2626 to 2656th sequence from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of human GR gene as a template.
- Oligonucleotide 2 can be synthesized by PCR using an appropriate primer with a site containing the 2796th to 2829th sequence from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of human GR gene as a template.
- Oligonucleotide 3 can be synthesized by PCR using an appropriate primer with a site containing the 2830 to 2860th sequence from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of human GR gene as a template.
- Oligonucleotide 4 can be synthesized by PCR using appropriate primers and a site containing the 3730th to 3752th sequence from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene.
- Oligonucleotide 5 can be synthesized by PCR using an appropriate primer with a site containing 4080 to 4100th sequence from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of human GR gene as a template.
- the “activity for increasing the sensitivity of a cell to glucocorticoid” as used for an oligonucleotide means that when the oligonucleotide is brought into contact with a cell, the glucocorticoid of the cell is compared with the case where the oligonucleotide is not brought into contact with the cell.
- the activity which raises the sensitivity with respect to. Whether or not an oligonucleotide has an “activity to increase glucocorticoid sensitivity of a cell” is to compare the cell growth rate when the oligonucleotide and glucocorticoid are brought into contact with the cell and when not in contact with the cell. It can be confirmed with. For example, it can be confirmed by introducing the oligonucleotide into a cell derived from lymphoma or lymphocytic leukemia and adding glucocorticoid to the cell culture medium to reduce the cell growth rate.
- the oligonucleotide of the present invention can be introduced into a cell by culturing the cell in a medium containing the oligonucleotide. At this time, the efficiency of introduction into cells can be increased by using a mixture of oligonucleotide and lipofectamine. In addition, the efficiency of introduction into cells can be increased by electroporation.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer of the present invention contains at least one of the oligonucleotides of the present invention as an active ingredient in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.
- the relative expression level of GR ⁇ to GR ⁇ in cells can be increased.
- the said glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer can be used as a chemical
- medium and formulation additive used in the preparation of the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer.
- the medium include a solid medium (for example, gelatin and lactose) and a liquid medium (for example, water, physiological saline, and aqueous glucose solution).
- the additive for preparation include surfactants (for example, sugars, polyhydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohol esters), buffers (for example, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate) and the like.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is preferably one in which an appropriate amount of at least one of the oligonucleotides of the present invention is contained in a liquid medium suitable for intravenous administration.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is administered by intravenous injection or instillation into the application subject.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is also preferably freeze-dried from the viewpoint of storage stability. In this case, it may be used by dissolving in a liquid medium at the time of use.
- the said glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is normally used with the glucocorticoid which is a corticosteroid.
- the said glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer may be administered simultaneously with glucocorticoid, and may be administered before administration of glucocorticoid or after administration of glucocorticoid.
- the glucocorticoid used together may be a natural product or a synthetic steroid (eg, dexamethasone, betamethasone, prednisolone, etc.).
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is an allergic disease such as asthma and atopic dermatitis, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease, and all patients who can be administered steroids such as lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia. Can be administered.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer can be used not only for patients who are resistant to glucocorticoid in the above patients but also for patients who are not resistant to glucocorticoid. In this case, it is useful in that the dose of glucocorticoid can be reduced.
- the glucocorticoid sensitivity-enhancing agent is preferably administered in an amount of 0.01 mg / kg to 100 mg / kg as an effective dose per adult, although it depends on the type and severity of the target disease. A dose of ⁇ 30 mg / kg is more preferred.
- count of administration It may be used by single administration, may be used by repeated administration, and may be used by continuous administration.
- the administration interval and administration period can be selected by those skilled in the art according to clinical findings, imaging findings, blood findings, comorbid diseases, past medical history, and the like.
- glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is not limited to human use. You may use for domestic animals, such as a cow, a horse, and a sheep, and pets, such as a dog, a cat, and a monkey.
- the oligonucleotide contained as an active ingredient in the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- Oligonucleotides 1 to 5 are considered to bind specifically to a specific site of exon 9 in the pre-mRNA of GR and selectively inhibit the binding between SRp30c and the splice element. Therefore, a glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer containing at least one of oligonucleotides 1 to 5 as an active ingredient has few side effects even when administered to a living body.
- the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises at least one oligonucleotide of the present invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium.
- the said pharmaceutical composition provides the pharmaceutical composition which can increase the relative expression level with respect to GR (beta) of GR (alpha) in a cell, and can enhance the glucocorticoid sensitivity of a biological body.
- the type of the medium used for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition and the additive for the preparation is not particularly limited.
- Examples of the medium and the additive for preparation include the solid medium, the liquid medium, the surfactant, and the buffer agent described above for the glucocorticoid sensitivity enhancer.
- the pharmaceutical composition can be used for treatment of various diseases such as allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, endocrine diseases, psychiatric diseases, infectious diseases, trauma, and body damage.
- the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for patients who can be administered steroids such as allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, lymphomas, and lymphocytic leukemias.
- the pharmaceutical composition can be administered to a patient by methods such as intravascular administration, bladder administration, intraperitoneal administration, and local administration. Therefore, according to the pharmaceutical composition, there are provided methods for treating various diseases and body damage (for example, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, endocrine diseases, mental diseases, infectious diseases, trauma, etc.). .
- the therapeutic method involves administering the pharmaceutical composition to patients with various diseases and physical injuries (for example, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, endocrine diseases, psychiatric diseases, infectious diseases, trauma, etc.). including.
- diseases and physical injuries for example, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, endocrine diseases, psychiatric diseases, infectious diseases, trauma, etc.
- treatment may be any improvement of symptoms, and the term also includes suppression of severity and reduction or alleviation of symptoms.
- the pharmaceutical composition can be used with a glucocorticoid that is a corticosteroid. When both are used together, the pharmaceutical composition may be administered simultaneously with the glucocorticoid, or may be administered before administration of the glucocorticoid or after administration of the glucocorticoid.
- the glucocorticoid used together may be a natural product or a synthetic steroid (eg, dexamethasone, betamethasone, prednisolone, etc.).
- the use of the pharmaceutical composition is not limited to human use. You may use for domestic animals, such as a cow, a horse, and a sheep, and pets, such as a dog, a cat, and a monkey.
- the oligonucleotide contained in the pharmaceutical composition is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5.
- Oligonucleotides 1 to 5 are considered to bind specifically to a specific site of exon 9 in the pre-mRNA of GR and selectively inhibit the binding between SRp30c and the splice element. Therefore, a pharmaceutical composition containing at least one of oligonucleotides 1 to 5 as an active ingredient has few side effects even when administered to a living body.
- the expression vector of the present invention contains the oligonucleotide of the present invention and is used for expression of the oligonucleotide of the present invention.
- the expression vector can be obtained by inserting a double-stranded nucleotide (preferably double-stranded DNA) containing the oligonucleotide (preferably DNA) of the present invention in one strand into an arbitrary vector.
- the vector for inserting the double-stranded nucleotide is not particularly limited as long as it can be replicated in a host cell, and examples thereof include plasmid DNA and phage DNA.
- Plasmid DNA includes plasmids derived from E. coli (eg, pBR322, pBR325, pUC118, pUC119, pUC18, pUC19, etc.), plasmids derived from Bacillus subtilis (eg, pUB110, pTP5 etc.), yeast-derived plasmids (eg, YEp13, YEp24).
- phage DNA includes ⁇ phage DNA (for example, Charon4A, Charon21A, EMBL3, EMBL4, ⁇ gt10, ⁇ gt11, ⁇ ZAP, etc.).
- vectors derived from animal viruses such as retrovirus or vaccinia virus, and vectors derived from insect viruses such as baculovirus can also be used.
- Double-stranded nucleotides containing oligonucleotide 1 in one strand can be obtained, for example, using primers 2626 to 2656 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene as a template, and primers containing appropriate restriction enzyme sites, It can be synthesized by the PCR method.
- the double-stranded nucleotide containing the oligonucleotide of oligonucleotide 2 in one strand is, for example, a primer containing an appropriate restriction enzyme site using the 2796-2829th position from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene as a template. And can be synthesized by the PCR method.
- the double-stranded nucleotide containing the oligonucleotide 3 in one strand is, for example, using a primer containing an appropriate restriction enzyme site using the 2830 to 2860th position from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene as a template, It can be synthesized by the PCR method.
- the double-stranded nucleotide containing oligonucleotide 4 in one strand is, for example, using a primer containing an appropriate restriction enzyme site from 3730 to 3752 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene as a template, It can be synthesized by the PCR method.
- the double-stranded nucleotide containing the oligonucleotide 5 in one strand is, for example, using primers 4080 to 4100 from the 5 ′ end of exon 9 of the human GR gene as a template and using a primer containing an appropriate restriction enzyme site, It can be synthesized by the PCR method.
- the double-stranded nucleotide thus obtained is cleaved with a suitable restriction enzyme and inserted into a restriction enzyme site or a multicloning site of a suitable vector to obtain the expression vector.
- oligonucleotide 1 [Examination of expression level of GR ⁇ and GR ⁇ ]
- oligonucleotide 2 As oligonucleotides to be introduced into cells, oligonucleotide 1, oligonucleotide 2, oligonucleotide 3, oligonucleotide 4, and oligonucleotide 5 were prepared. These oligonucleotides were obtained by conventional chemical synthesis. These base sequences are shown in Table 1.
- corresponding position in exon 9 means the position (from the 5 ′ end side of exon 9) where a base sequence complementary to each oligonucleotide exists in exon 9 (base number 4110) of the human GR gene. Counted base number).
- the base sequence of oligonucleotide 1 is a base sequence complementary to the 2626 to 2656th base sequence from the 5 'end of exon 9 of the human GR gene.
- Raji cells manufactured by Japan Health Science Foundation derived from human Burkitt lymphoma were used. Raji cells are cultured in RPMI 1640 medium (Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (manufactured by Filtoron), 100 U / ml penicillin and 100 ⁇ g / ml streptomycin at 37 ° C./5% CO 2 atmosphere. And maintained.
- RPMI 1640 medium Gibco
- FBS fetal bovine serum
- GR ⁇ and GR ⁇ The expression levels of GR ⁇ and GR ⁇ in Raji cells into which the oligonucleotide was introduced were measured by RT-PCR method and PCR method. As an endogenous control, the expression level of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was measured. Raji cells were washed with PBS, RNA was extracted using FastPure RNA Kit (manufactured by Takara Bio), and reverse transcription reaction was performed using PrimeScript 1st strand cDNA synthesis kit (manufactured by Takara bio).
- GPDH glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- the obtained cDNA was amplified using Platinum Taq DNA polymerase (manufactured by Invitrogen) and PCR primers specific to the target gene (the base sequence is shown in Table 2).
- PCR conditions an initial dissociation treatment was performed at 94 ° C. for 2 minutes, and 35 cycles of dissociation (94 ° C., 30 seconds), annealing (55 ° C., 30 seconds), and extension (72 ° C., 1 minute) were performed. Further, final extension was performed at 72 ° C. for 4 minutes.
- Table 3 shows the expression levels of GAPDH, GR ⁇ , and GR ⁇ in Raji cells into which any of oligonucleotides 1 to 5 have been introduced.
- the “relative value of GR ⁇ / GR ⁇ ” in Table 3 is a relative value when “value obtained by dividing the expression amount of GR ⁇ by the expression amount of GR ⁇ ” in a cell into which no oligonucleotide is introduced is 1.
- Table 4 shows the expression levels of GAPDH, GR ⁇ , and GR ⁇ in Raji cells into which oligonucleotide 1 was introduced at different concentrations. Each experiment was performed three times. Tables 3 and 4 show the average.
- Raji cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium without serum for 12 hours, then resuspended in RPMI 1640 medium with serum and seeded in a 96-well plate. After the addition of dexamethasone, the cells were cultured for 22 hours, and BrdU was added, followed by further incubation for 2 hours. After centrifugation, the supernatant was discarded, dried and fixed, and then reacted with peroxidase-labeled anti-BrdU antibody for 1 hour at room temperature. Thereafter, the plate was washed three times with PBS, tetramethylbenzidine was added, and when an appropriate color was obtained, H 2 SO 4 (1M) was added to stop the reaction. After stirring well, the absorbance was measured at 450 nm with a plate reader. The results are shown in Table 5.
- the oligonucleotide which has the activity which raises the glucocorticoid sensitivity of a cell can be provided.
- the rate of cell growth inhibition by dexamethasone was significant in Raji cells into which any of oligonucleotides 2 to 5 were introduced, compared to Raji cells into which no oligonucleotide was introduced. Increased to. From this, it can be seen that introduction of any of oligonucleotides 2 to 5 increased the glucocorticoid sensitivity of the cells. Therefore, according to this invention, the oligonucleotide which has the activity which raises the glucocorticoid sensitivity of a cell can be provided.
- ER The estrogen receptor
- SRp30c is involved in splicing control of ER mRNA.
- the expression levels of ER ⁇ and ER ⁇ in Raji cells into which oligonucleotide 1 was introduced were measured by the RT-PCR method and the PCR method.
- Raji cells into which oligonucleotide 1 was introduced were obtained in the same manner as in [Cell culture] and [Introduction of oligonucleotide into cells] in Example 1.
- the concentration of oligonucleotide 1 when introduced into the cells was 300 nM.
- Table 9 shows the expression levels of GAPDH, ER ⁇ , and ER ⁇ in Raji cells into which oligonucleotide 1 has been introduced.
- the “relative value of ER ⁇ / ER ⁇ ” in Table 9 is a relative value when “value obtained by dividing the expression level of ER ⁇ by the expression level of ER ⁇ ” in a cell into which no oligonucleotide has been introduced is 1.
- oligonucleotides ON4-Sense and ON4-Antisense
- annealed 95 ° C. for 30 seconds, then 72 ° C. for 2 minutes, then 37 ° C. for 2 minutes
- double-stranded DNA was prepared at 25 ° C. for 2 minutes. This double-stranded DNA was stored at ⁇ 20 ° C. until used in subsequent experiments.
- RNAi-Ready pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector (Takara bio) and the above double-stranded DNA were mixed, and ligation was performed using a Ligation kit (Takara bio). Similarly, the control DNA attached to the kit was also ligated with RNAi-Ready pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector to obtain a negative control vector. PCR was performed using the primers shown in Table 11, and it was confirmed that the vector and double-stranded DNA were ligated to produce a circular plasmid (plasmid vector).
- the plasmid vector obtained above was mixed with HIT competent cells HIT-DH5a (manufactured by RBC Bioscience), held at 4 ° C. for 5 minutes, seeded on an agar medium, and cultured at 37 ° C. for 18 hours.
- HIT competent cells HIT-DH5a manufactured by RBC Bioscience
- the generated E. coli colonies were collected and PCR was performed using the primers shown in Table 11 to confirm that the plasmid vector was introduced into E. coli.
- Escherichia coli into which the above plasmid vector was introduced was seeded in a liquid medium and cultured at 37 ° C. for 16 hours, and then the plasmid vector was extracted using Endofree plasmid purification kit (manufactured by Qiagen). PCR was performed using the primers shown in Table 11 to confirm that the target plasmid vector was extracted.
- the above plasmid vector and pCMV-VSV-G envelope vector were introduced into Platinum-GP retroviral packaging cell line (Cell Biolabs) using FuGene HD transfection reagent (Roche) to produce a retroviral vector .
- the culture supernatant containing this retroviral vector was collected, filtered, and stored at -20 ° C.
- oligonucleotide 4 expressing Raji cells are cultured in a medium containing the above culture supernatant for 48 hours, Raji cells are infected with a retrovirus vector, and Raji cells constitutively expressing oligonucleotide 4 (this cell is labeled with the fluorescent protein ZsGreen) .) was produced. And ZsGreen positive cells were fractionated by FACS sorting.
- mice inoculated with the control Raji cells and the mice inoculated with the oligonucleotide 4 expressing Raji cells had comparable lethality.
- Administration of dexamethasone to mice inoculated with control Raji cells did not increase the survival rate of mice, but administration of dexamethasone to mice inoculated with oligonucleotide 4-expressing Raji cells significantly increased the survival rate of mice. I let you.
- RNA chromatin immunoprecipitation reaction Oligonucleotide 4 expressing Raji cells and control Raji cells were fixed with 1% formaldehyde, and the nucleic acid and protein were cross-linked. After washing each cell, lysis, DNase treatment and anti-RNase treatment were performed using RNA ChIP-IT kit (Active motif), and immunization was carried out with anti-SRp30c antibody and protein G magnetic beads (hereinafter “beads”). A sedimentation reaction (reaction at 4 ° C. for 4 hours) was carried out. Subsequently, the beads were collected and washed, and a decrosslinking process was performed.
- GR pre-mRNA bound to SRp30c was detected by RT-PCR and PCR.
- an initial dissociation treatment was performed at 94 ° C. for 2 minutes, and 35 cycles of dissociation (94 ° C., 30 seconds), annealing (55 ° C., 30 seconds), and extension (72 ° C., 1 minute) were performed. Further, final extension was performed at 72 ° C. for 4 minutes.
- the primers shown in Table 15 were designed to amplify a site corresponding to base numbers 152873 to 153556 of the human GR gene, which is a part of the GR pre-mRNA.
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Abstract
Description
また、グルココルチコイドは、がん化したリンパ球に対して増殖抑制作用を有することから、その人工合成物がリンパ腫及びリンパ性白血病の化学療法に用いられてきた。骨髄抑制や激しい消化器症状などの副作用がグルココルチコイド投与で発現することは非常に稀であることから、グルココルチコイドはリンパ腫及びリンパ性白血病に対して必須の治療薬である。
GRは、グルココルチコイドと結合すると、核内で転写因子として働く。
ヒトGR遺伝子の塩基配列は既知である(NR3C1、Gene ID:2908、NCBI Reference Sequence:NC_000005.9)。ヒトGR遺伝子には9個のエキソンが存在し、エキソン9(塩基数4111)の内部の選択的スプライシングによって、2つのスプライシングバリアント、GRαとGRβが作られる。
GRαは、エキソン1~9が連結した成熟mRNAから翻訳される、777アミノ酸残基の蛋白質である。GRαはリガンド依存的に核内移行し、転写因子として働く。
GRβは、エキソン1~8とエキソン9の一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から2631~4111番目)とが連結した成熟mRNAから翻訳される、742アミノ酸残基の蛋白質である。GRβはリガンド結合ドメインの一部が欠損しており、リガンド結合能を有しない。GRβは、核内において、リガンドと結合したGRαと競合的に拮抗し、GRαの転写因子活性を阻害する。
イヌのリンパ腫及び白血病に由来する細胞株(CL-1細胞、GL-1細胞)において、Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)の機能を阻害することでグルココルチコイド耐性が解除され、グルココルチコイド添加によって細胞増殖が抑制されることが報告されている(例えば、文献1参照)。このことから、NF-κBの機能を阻害すると細胞内のGRの発現量が増加し、グルココルチコイドの細胞増殖抑制作用が細胞に及びやすくなるものと考えられた。
また、ヒトのバーキットリンパ腫由来のRaji細胞及び急性リンパ性白血病患者の末梢血由来細胞において、siRNAを用いてNF-κBの機能を阻害すると、グルココルチコイド耐性が解除されることと、GRαの発現量が増加することが報告されている(例えば、文献2参照)。このことから、細胞内においてGRαの発現量が増加することで、グルココルチコイド耐性が解除される可能性が示唆された。
大腸癌細胞株(HT-29細胞)及び乳癌細胞株(MCF-7細胞)において、ヒストン脱アセチル化酵素の阻害剤であるトリコスタチンAや酪酸ナトリウム、及びDNAメチル基転移酵素の阻害剤である5-アザ-2’-デオキシシチジンが、GRαの発現量を増加させGRβの発現量を減少させることが報告されている(例えば、文献3参照)。そのとき同時にセリン/アルギニンリッチ蛋白質(Serine/arginine-rich protein、SR蛋白質)の1種であるASF/SF2の発現量が増加していることから、ASF/SF2は、GRのmRNAのスプライシング制御に関与している可能性が示唆された。SR蛋白質はスプライシング因子であり、細胞の核内でプレmRNAから成熟mRNAへのスプライシングを制御する蛋白質である。
ほかに、28人の健康なボランティアの末梢血白血球におけるmRNAの発現量を比較した研究で、SR蛋白質の1種であるセリン/アルギニンリッチ蛋白質30c(Serine/arginine-rich protein 30c、SRp30c)の発現量と、GRαとGRβとの発現量比(GRα/GRβ)に負の相関関係があることが報告されている(例えば、文献4参照)。
さらに、好中球様細胞株(レチノイン酸によって刺激されたPLB-985細胞)において、SRp30cをアンチセンスオリゴヌクレオチドによってノックダウンすると、GRβのmRNA発現量が減少しGRαのmRNA発現量が増加することが報告されている(例えば、文献5参照)。
また、GR遺伝子にはAGGACという5塩基が比較的高い頻度で存在することが見出され、SRp30cの認識配列と予想された(例えば、文献6参照)。
ただし、SRp30cの機能阻害によって細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性が実際に変化するかについては、これまで報告がなく、不明である。
文献2:Matsuda A, et al. The 14th International Congress of Immunology, Aug. 2010, Volume 22, Supplement number 1, p. v8.
文献3:Piotrowska H, et al. Arch. Med. Res., 2009, 40:156-162.
文献4:Watanuki T, et al. J. Affect. Disord., 2008, 110(1-2):62-69.
文献5:Xu Q, et al. J. Biol. Chem., 2003, 278:27112-27118.
文献6:Paradis C, et al. RNA, 2007, 13:1287-1300.
文献7:Karakama Y, et al. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2010, 54(8):3179-318.
文献8:国際公開第2005/063293号パンフレット
また、SRp30cは、GRのほかに、性腺刺激ホルモン受容体のスプライシングにも関与することが知られており、SRp30cのみの活性を抑制した場合でも、生体の恒常性を乱す可能性は否定できない。
副作用を起こすことなく細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を上げるには、SRp30cが担っているGRスプライシングバリアント制御を選択的に阻害する技術が要求される。
上記状況のもと、細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を上げる活性を有する新規な化合物が必要とされている。
<1> 生体内において、グルココルチコイド受容体遺伝子のプレmRNAとセリン/アルギニンリッチ蛋白質30c(SRp30c)との結合を妨げるオリゴヌクレオチド。
<2> 配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部に相補的な15~50塩基長の塩基配列である、前記<1>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。
<3> 前記配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部は、アデニンとグアニンの合計のモル比が50%以上の塩基配列である、前記<2>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。
<4> 配列番号1に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、配列番号2に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、配列番号3に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、配列番号4に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、及び、配列番号5に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、のいずれかである、前記<1>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。
<5> 前記<1>~<4>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を有効成分として含むグルココルチコイド感受性増強剤。
<6> 前記<1>~<4>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を含む医薬組成物。
<7> 前記<1>~<4>に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を含む発現ベクター。
また、本発明によれば、前記オリゴヌクレオチドを有効成分として含むグルココルチコイド感受性増強剤が提供される。
また、本発明によれば、前記オリゴヌクレオチドを含む医薬組成物が提供される。
さらに、本発明によれば、前記オリゴヌクレオチドを発現する発現ベクターが提供される。
本明細書において「~」を用いて示された数値範囲は、「~」の前後に記載される数値をそれぞれ最小値及び最大値として含む範囲を示す。
本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドは、生体内において、グルココルチコイド受容体遺伝子(GR遺伝子)のプレmRNAと、セリン/アルギニンリッチ蛋白質30c(Serine/arginine-rich protein 30c、SRp30c)との結合を妨げるオリゴヌクレオチドである。
前記オリゴヌクレオチドは、グルココルチコイド受容体(Glucocorticoid receptor、GR)のプレmRNAがGRβの成熟mRNAへとスプライシングされることを阻害するので、GRαのGRβに対する相対的な発現量を増加させると考えられる。その結果、細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性が上昇すると考えられる。
SR蛋白質はA及び/又はGが豊富な塩基配列と結合しやすいと考えられており、SR蛋白質の1種であるSRp30cも、A及び/又はGが豊富な塩基配列と結合しやすいと考えられる。したがって、GRのプレmRNAのエキソン9の連続する一部であって、アデニンとグアニンの合計のモル比が50%以上である塩基配列は前記スプライス要素である可能性が高い。
このオリゴヌクレオチドは、前記スプライス要素に完全に若しくは部分的に重なってGRのプレmRNAに結合するか、または前記スプライス要素に充分に近い位置でGRのプレmRNAに結合するものと考えられる。そのため、SRp30cと前記スプライス要素との結合が阻害され、GRβの成熟mRNAの作製が阻害され、GRαのGRβに対する相対的な発現量が増加するものと考えられる。その結果、細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性が上がるものと考えられる。
上記を理由に、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドは、配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部に相補的な15~50塩基長の塩基配列であることが好ましい。
さらに、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドは、配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部であってアデニンとグアニンの合計のモル比が50%以上(より好ましくは60%以上)である塩基配列に相補的な、15~50塩基長の塩基配列であることがより好ましい。
配列番号1の塩基配列は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の連続する一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から2626~2656番目)に相補的な塩基配列である。
配列番号2の塩基配列は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の連続する一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から2796~2829番目)に相補的な塩基配列である。
配列番号3の塩基配列は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の連続する一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から2830~2860番目)に相補的な塩基配列である。
配列番号4の塩基配列は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の連続する一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から3730~3752番目)に相補的な塩基配列である。
配列番号5の塩基配列は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の連続する一部(エキソン9の5’末端側から4080~4100番目)に相補的な塩基配列である。
オリゴヌクレオチド1~5は、その塩基配列から、GRのプレmRNAのエキソン9の特定部位に配列特異的に結合するものと考えられる。そのため、オリゴヌクレオチド1~5は、SRp30c以外のSR蛋白質の機能には影響を及ぼさず、また、SRp30cが制御しているスプライシングのうち、GRのエキソン9以外のスプライシングには影響を及ぼさないと考えられる。
例えば、オリゴヌクレオチド1と相同性が認められるオリゴヌクレオチドは、オリゴヌクレオチド1と同等程度の作用を示せばよく、好ましくは80%以上の相同性、より好ましくは90%以上の相同性、更に好ましくは95%以上の相同性を有する。オリゴヌクレオチド2、オリゴヌクレオチド3、オリゴヌクレオチド4、及びオリゴヌクレオチド5のいずれかと相同性が認められるオリゴヌクレオチドについても、上記と同様である。
相同性は、例えば、汎用されている相同性検索アルゴリズムであるBLAST(Basic Local Alignment Search Tool)(NCBI、又はAltschul, S. F. et al. J. Mol. Biol., 215:403-410(1990))を用いた配列比較で決定することができる。
配列番号1と相補的な塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチドとストリンジェントな条件下でハイブリダイズするオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド1と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは15~45塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが15塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが45塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、20~40塩基長がより好ましく、22~38塩基長が更に好ましく、23~35塩基長が特に好ましく、24~30塩基長が最も好ましい。
配列番号2と相補的な塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチドとストリンジェントな条件下でハイブリダイズするオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド2と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは15~50塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが15塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが50塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、20~45塩基長がより好ましく、25~40塩基長が更に好ましく、28~38塩基長が特に好ましく、30~34塩基長が最も好ましい。
配列番号3と相補的な塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチドとストリンジェントな条件下でハイブリダイズするオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド3と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは15~45塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが15塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが45塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、20~40塩基長がより好ましく、22~38塩基長が更に好ましく、23~35塩基長が特に好ましく、24~30塩基長が最も好ましい。
配列番号4と相補的な塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチドとストリンジェントな条件下でハイブリダイズするオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド4と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは12~35塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが12塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが35塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、15~32塩基長がより好ましく、18~30塩基長が更に好ましく、20~28塩基長が特に好ましく、22~25塩基長が最も好ましい。
配列番号5と相補的な塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチドとストリンジェントな条件下でハイブリダイズするオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド5と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは12~35塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが12塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが35塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、15~30塩基長がより好ましく、16~25塩基長が更に好ましく、18~23塩基長が特に好ましく、20~22塩基長が最も好ましい。
前記ストリンジェントな条件とは、例えば、ナトリウム濃度が約19mM~約40mM、好ましくは約19mM~約20mMで、温度が約50℃~約70℃、好ましくは約60℃~約65℃の条件を示す。特に、ナトリウム濃度が約19mMで温度が約65℃の場合が好ましい。
例えば、オリゴヌクレオチド1において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドは、オリゴヌクレオチド1と同等程度の作用を示せばよく、塩基の欠失、置換又は付加の位置は特に限定されない。オリゴヌクレオチド2、オリゴヌクレオチド3、オリゴヌクレオチド4、及びオリゴヌクレオチド5のいずれかにおいて塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドについても、上記と同様である。
オリゴヌクレオチド1において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド1と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは20~40塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが20塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが40塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、22~38塩基長がより好ましく、23~35塩基長が更に好まし、24~30塩基長が特に好ましい。
オリゴヌクレオチド2において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド2と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは20~45塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが20塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが45塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、25~40塩基長がより好ましく、28~38塩基長が更に好まし、30~34塩基長が特に好ましい。
オリゴヌクレオチド3において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド3と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは20~40塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが20塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが40塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、22~38塩基長がより好ましく、23~35塩基長が更に好まし、24~30塩基長が特に好ましい。
オリゴヌクレオチド4において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド4と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは15~32塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが15塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが32塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、18~30塩基長がより好ましく、20~28塩基長が更に好まし、22~25塩基長が特に好ましい。
オリゴヌクレオチド5において塩基が欠失、置換又は付加したオリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、オリゴヌクレオチド5と同等程度の作用を示せば特に限定されない。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、好ましくは15~30塩基長である。当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが15塩基長以上であると、配列非特異的な結合が起こりにくく、また、標的mRNAとの結合の安定性が高い。他方、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さが30塩基長以下であると、細胞内及び核内に移行しやすい。上記観点から、当該オリゴヌクレオチドの長さは、16~25塩基長がより好ましく、18~23塩基長が更に好まし、20~22塩基長が特に好ましい。
ホスホロチオエートヌクレオチドは、ヌクレオチド間の結合部位にあるリン酸基の酸素原子が硫黄原子で置換されたヌクレオチドである。ホスホロチオエートヌクレオチドは、各種の核酸分解酵素に対して耐性があることから、ヌクレオチドよりも安定性が高く好ましい。
本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドは、安定性の観点から、オリゴDNAが好ましく、ホスホロチオエートオリゴDNAがより好ましい。
また、オリゴヌクレオチド1は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から2626~2656番目の配列を含む部位を鋳型にして、適当なプライマーを用いてPCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド2は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から2796~2829番目の配列を含む部位を鋳型にして、適当なプライマーを用いてPCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド3は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から2830~2860番目の配列を含む部位を鋳型にして、適当なプライマーを用いてPCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド4は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から3730~3752番目の配列を含む部位を鋳型にして、適当なプライマーを用いてPCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド5は、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から4080~4100番目の配列を含む部位を鋳型にして、適当なプライマーを用いてPCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチドが「細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を上げる活性」を有するか否かは、当該オリゴヌクレオチドとグルココルチコイドとを細胞に接触させた場合と細胞に接触させない場合とについて、細胞増殖率を比較することで確認できる。例えば、リンパ腫またはリンパ性白血病に由来する細胞に当該オリゴヌクレオチドを導入し、当該細胞の培地にグルココルチコイドを添加して、細胞増殖率が低下することで確認できる。
本発明のグルココルチコイド感受性増強剤は、薬学的に許容し得る媒質中に、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を有効成分として含む。
前記グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤の投与により、細胞におけるGRαのGRβに対する相対的な発現量を増やすことができる。このため、前記グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤は、生体のグルココルチコイド感受性を増強させる薬剤として用いることができる。
前記グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤は、保存安定性の観点からは、凍結乾燥された状態も好ましい。この場合は用時に液体媒質に溶かして用いればよい。
共に用いられるグルココルチコイドは、天然物の精製物でもよく、人工合成物であるステロイド剤(例えば、デキサメタゾン、ベタメタゾン、プレドニゾロン等)でもよい。
前記グルココルチコイド感受性増強剤は、上記の患者でグルココルチコイド耐性になっている患者に使用するほか、グルココルチコイド耐性になっていない患者にも使用できる。この場合、グルココルチコイド投与量の減量が可能になるという点で有用である。
オリゴヌクレオチド1~5は、GRのプレmRNAにおけるエキソン9の特定部位に配列特異的に結合し、SRp30cと前記スプライス要素との結合を選択的に阻害するものと考えられる。そのため、オリゴヌクレオチド1~5の少なくとも1種を有効成分として含むグルココルチコイド感受性増強剤は、生体へ投与しても副作用の懸念が少ない。
本発明の医薬組成物は、薬学的に許容し得る媒質中に、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を含む。
前記医薬組成物は、細胞におけるGRαのGRβに対する相対的な発現量を増やし、生体のグルココルチコイド感受性を増強させうる医薬組成物を提供するものである。
前記医薬組成物は、血管内投与、膀胱投与、腹腔内投与、局所投与等の方法で患者に投与することができる。
したがって、前記医薬組成物によれば、各種の疾患や身体損傷(例えば、アレルギー性疾患、自己免疫性疾患、がん、内分泌疾患、精神疾患、感染症、外傷など)の治療方法が提供される。当該治療方法は、各種の疾患や身体損傷(例えば、アレルギー性疾患、自己免疫性疾患、がん、内分泌疾患、精神疾患、感染症、外傷など)の患者に、前記医薬組成物を投与することを含む。当該治療方法において「治療」とは、症状の改善であればよく、重症化の抑制や症状の軽減若しくは緩和もこの用語に包摂される。
共に用いられるグルココルチコイドは、天然物の精製物でもよく、人工合成物であるステロイド剤(例えば、デキサメタゾン、ベタメタゾン、プレドニゾロン等)でもよい。
オリゴヌクレオチド1~5は、GRのプレmRNAにおけるエキソン9の特定部位に配列特異的に結合し、SRp30cと前記スプライス要素との結合を選択的に阻害するものと考えられる。そのため、オリゴヌクレオチド1~5の少なくとも1種を有効成分として含む医薬組成物は、生体へ投与しても副作用の懸念が少ない。
本発明の発現ベクターは、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドを含み、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチドの発現に用いられる。前記発現ベクターは、本発明のオリゴヌクレオチド(好ましくはDNA)を一方の鎖に含む二本鎖ヌクレオチド(好ましくは二本鎖DNA)を、任意のベクターに挿入することにより得ることができる。
オリゴヌクレオチド2のオリゴヌクレオチドを一方の鎖に含む二本鎖ヌクレオチドは、例えば、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から2796~2829番目を鋳型にして、適当な制限酵素部位を含むプライマーを用いて、PCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド3を一方の鎖に含む二本鎖ヌクレオチドは、例えば、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から2830~2860番目を鋳型にして、適当な制限酵素部位を含むプライマーを用いて、PCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド4を一方の鎖に含む二本鎖ヌクレオチドは、例えば、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から3730~3752番目を鋳型にして、適当な制限酵素部位を含むプライマーを用いて、PCR法により合成できる。
オリゴヌクレオチド5を一方の鎖に含む二本鎖ヌクレオチドは、例えば、ヒトGR遺伝子のエキソン9の5’末端側から4080~4100番目を鋳型にして、適当な制限酵素部位を含むプライマーを用いて、PCR法により合成できる。
そして、このようにして得た二本鎖ヌクレオチドを適当な制限酵素で切断し、適当なベクターの制限酵素部位又はマルチクローニングサイトに挿入すれば、前記発現ベクターが得られる。
〔GRα及びGRβの発現量の検討〕
[オリゴヌクレオチドの用意]
細胞内に導入するオリゴヌクレオチドとして、オリゴヌクレオチド1、オリゴヌクレオチド2、オリゴヌクレオチド3、オリゴヌクレオチド4、及びオリゴヌクレオチド5を用意した。これらのオリゴヌクレオチドは、常法の化学合成によって得た。これらの塩基配列を表1に示す。
実験には、ヒトのバーキットリンパ腫由来のRaji細胞(Japan Health Science Foundation製)を用いた。
Raji細胞は、10%牛胎児血清(FBS)(Filtoron製)、100U/mlのペニシリン及び100μg/mlのストレプトマイシンを含むRPMI1640培地(Gibco製)を用いて、37℃/5%CO2雰囲気で培養し維持した。
2×106個のRaji細胞をリン酸緩衝生理食塩水(PBS)にて洗浄後、Amaxa cell line Nucleofector Kit V(Lonza製)のトランスフェクション用試薬100μlに懸濁した。オリゴヌクレオチドを300nMの濃度となるように添加した後、速やかにNucleofector I device(Lonza製)を用いて電気穿孔法による細胞内への導入を行なった。
濃度依存性を確かめる実験においては、オリゴヌクレオチドの濃度を5nM、10nM、50nM、100nM、及び500nMとした。
Raji細胞は、前記培地で24時間培養した後、以降の各種実験に供した。
オリゴヌクレオチドを導入したRaji細胞における、GRα及びGRβの発現量を、RT-PCR法及びPCR法により測定した。内在性コントロールとしては、グリセルアルデヒド-3-リン酸デヒドロゲナーゼ(GAPDH)の発現量を測定した。
Raji細胞はPBSで洗浄した後、FastPure RNA Kit(Takara bio製)を用いてRNAを抽出し、PrimeScript 1st strand cDNA synthesis kit(Takara bio製)を用いて逆転写反応を行なった。得られたcDNAは、Platinum Taq DNA polymerase(Invitrogen製)及び目的遺伝子に特異的なPCR用プライマー(表2にその塩基配列を示す)を用いて増幅した。PCR条件は、初回解離処理を94℃で2分間行ない、解離(94℃、30秒間)、アニーリング(55℃、30秒間)、伸長(72℃、1分間)を35サイクル行なった。さらに最終伸長を72℃で4分間行なった。
オリゴヌクレオチド1~5のいずれかを導入したRaji細胞における、GAPDH、GRα及びGRβの発現量を表3に示す。表3中の「GRα/GRβの相対値」は、オリゴヌクレオチドを導入していない細胞における「GRαの発現量をGRβの発現量で除した値」を1としたときの相対値である。
また、濃度を変えてオリゴヌクレオチド1を導入したRaji細胞における、GAPDH、GRα及びGRβの発現量を表4に示す。
なお、各実験は3回行った。表3及び表4にはその平均を示す。
表4に明らかなように、オリゴヌクレオチド1は、濃度依存的にGRβの発現量を低下させた。
〔オリゴヌクレオチド導入細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性の検討〕
[オリゴヌクレオチド1導入細胞]
オリゴヌクレオチド1の導入による細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性の変化を検討するため、5-ブロモ-2-デオキシウリジン(BrdU)取り込み試験を行い、細胞増殖の定量を行った。グルココルチコイドとしてデキサメサゾン(Biomol製)を使用し、デキサメサゾンの濃度は、0μM(添加なし)、0.1μM、0.5μM、1μM、5μM、及び10μMとした。
デキサメサゾンの添加後22時間培養し、BrdUを添加してさらに2時間培養した。遠心分離した後、上清を捨て、乾燥させ固定した後、ペルオキシダーゼ標識抗BrdU抗体と1時間、室温で反応させた。その後、PBSで3回洗浄し、テトラメチルベンジディンを加え、適度な発色が得られた段階でH2SO4(1M)を添加して反応を停止した。よく攪拌した後、プレートリーダーによって450nmで吸光度を測定した。その結果を表5に示す。
なお、各実験は3回行った。表5及び表6にはその平均を示す。
したがって、本発明によれば、細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を上げる活性を有するオリゴヌクレオチドを提供できる。
上記と同様にしてBrdU取り込み試験を行い、オリゴヌクレオチド2~5いずれかの導入による細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性の変化を検討した。細胞増殖抑制率(%)を表7及び図2~図5に示す。なお、各実験は4回行い、表7にはその平均を示す。
したがって、本発明によれば、細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を上げる活性を有するオリゴヌクレオチドを提供できる。
〔エストロゲン受容体の発現量の検討〕
エストロゲン受容体(ER)には2つのスプライシングバリアント、ERαとERβが存在する。ERのmRNAのスプライシング制御に、SRp30cが関与することが知られている。
オリゴヌクレオチド1を導入したRaji細胞における、ERα及びERβの発現量を、RT-PCR法及びPCR法により測定した。
Raji細胞はPBSで洗浄した後、FastPure RNA Kit(Takara bio製)を用いてRNAを抽出し、PrimeScript 1st strand cDNA synthesis kit(Takara bio製)を用いて逆転写反応を行なった。得られたcDNAは、Platinum Taq DNA polymerase(Invitrogen製)及び目的遺伝子に特異的なPCR用プライマー(表8にその塩基配列を示す)を用いて増幅した。PCR条件は、初回解離処理を94℃で2分間行ない、解離(94℃、30秒間)、アニーリング(55℃、30秒間)、伸長(72℃、1分間)を35サイクル行なった。さらに最終伸長を72℃で4分間行なった。
内在性コントロールとして、配列番号10及び11のPCRプライマーを用いてGAPDHの発現量を測定した。
オリゴヌクレオチド1を導入したRaji細胞における、GAPDH、ERα及びERβの発現量を表9に示す。表9中の「ERα/ERβの相対値」は、オリゴヌクレオチドを導入していない細胞における「ERαの発現量をERβの発現量で除した値」を1としたときの相対値である。
〔オリゴヌクレオチドの抗腫瘍効果の検討〕
[オリゴヌクレオチド4発現用ベクターの作製]
オリゴヌクレオチド4をベクターへ挿入するため、表10に示すオリゴヌクレオチドを用意した。
表11に示すプライマーを用いてPCRを行い、上記ベクターと二本鎖DNAがライゲーションされ環状プラスミド(プラスミドベクター)が作製されたことを確認した。
発生した大腸菌コロニーを採取し、表11に示すプライマーを用いてPCRを行い、プラスミドベクターが大腸菌に導入されていることを確認した。
上記培養上清を含む培地でRaji細胞を48時間培養し、レトロウイルスベクターをRaji細胞に感染させ、オリゴヌクレオチド4を恒常的に発現するRaji細胞(この細胞は、蛍光タンパク質ZsGreenによって標識されている。)を作製した。
そして、ZsGreen陽性細胞をFACSソーティングにより分取した。
実施例1における[GRα及びGRβの発現量の測定]と同様にして、オリゴヌクレオチド4発現Raji細胞における、GRα及びGRβの発現量を測定した。内在性コントロールとしては、GAPDHの発現量を測定した。
GAPDH、GRα及びGRβの発現量を表12に示す。表12中の「GRα/GRβの相対値」は、コントロールRaji細胞における「GRαの発現量をGRβの発現量で除した値」を1としたときの相対値である。なお、実験は3回行い、表12にはその平均を示す。
オリゴヌクレオチド4発現Raji細胞のグルココルチコイド感受性を検討するため、実施例2と同様にしてBrdU取り込み試験を行い、細胞増殖の定量を行った。デキサメサゾンの濃度は、0μM(添加なし)及び5μMとした。吸光度の測定結果を表13に示す。なお、各実験は3回行い、表13にはその平均を示す。
6週齢のSCIDマウス(n=10)に、オリゴヌクレオチド4発現Raji細胞及びコントロールRaji細胞をそれぞれ1×107細胞/匹、腹腔内に接種し、デキサメサゾン15mg/kgを毎日、腹腔内投与して観察した。生存率(%)を表14に示し、生存曲線を図6に示す。
〔オリゴヌクレオチドのブロッキング活性の検討〕
オリゴヌクレオチド4によってSRp30cとGRのプレmRNAとの結合が阻害されていることを確認するため、RNAクロマチン免疫沈降反応を行った。
オリゴヌクレオチド4発現Raji細胞及びコントロールRaji細胞を1%ホルムアルデヒドで固定し、核酸とタンパク質をクロスリンケージさせた。
各細胞を洗浄後、RNA ChIP-IT kit(Active motif製)を用いて、細胞の溶解、DNase処理、及び抗RNase処理を行い、抗SRp30c抗体とprotein G magnetic beads(以下「ビーズ」)で免疫沈降反応(4℃で4時間の反応)を行った。
続いて、ビーズを回収し洗浄し、脱クロスリンケージ処理を行った。
表15に示すプライマーを使用し、RT-PCR法及びPCR法により、SRp30cと結合していたGRのプレmRNAを検出した。PCR条件は、初回解離処理を94℃で2分間行ない、解離(94℃、30秒間)、アニーリング(55℃、30秒間)、伸長(72℃、1分間)を35サイクル行なった。さらに最終伸長を72℃で4分間行なった。
なお、表15に示すプライマーは、GRのプレmRNAの一部であって、ヒトGR遺伝子の塩基番号152873~153556に対応する部位を増幅するように設計した。
本明細書に記載された全ての文献、特許出願、及び技術規格は、個々の文献、特許出願、及び技術規格が参照により取り込まれることが具体的かつ個々に記された場合と同程度に、本明細書中に参照により取り込まれる。
Claims (7)
- 生体内において、グルココルチコイド受容体遺伝子のプレmRNAとセリン/アルギニンリッチ蛋白質30c(SRp30c)との結合を妨げるオリゴヌクレオチド。
- 配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部に相補的な15~50塩基長の塩基配列である、請求項1に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。
- 前記配列番号22に示す塩基配列の連続する一部は、アデニンとグアニンの合計のモル比が50%以上の塩基配列である、請求項2に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。
- 配列番号1に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、
配列番号2に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、
配列番号3に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、
配列番号4に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、及び、
配列番号5に示す塩基配列であるオリゴヌクレオチド、
のいずれかである、請求項1に記載のオリゴヌクレオチド。 - 請求項1~請求項4に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を有効成分として含むグルココルチコイド感受性増強剤。
- 請求項1~請求項4に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を含む医薬組成物。
- 請求項1~請求項4に記載のオリゴヌクレオチドの少なくとも1種を含む発現ベクター。
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