Objective The regulatory functions of RNAs rely on their propensity to adopt defined secondary structures. G-rich nucleic acid sequences have a propensity to form highly stable four-stranded structures (termed quadruplexes) in the presence of physiological monovalent cations. Using an approach that consists in targeting simultaneously the quadruplex structure itself but also the two single-stranded RNA flanking regions in a sequence-specific manner, we demonstrate that RNA quadruplexes represent a valid therapeutic target for chemical intervention to modulate the translation of specific genes (notably N-Ras, Aurora kinases A and C) both in vitro and in vivo. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are used as antisense oligonucleotide analogues to direct a quadruplex-stabilising platform to the only gene of interest, thus making this class of compounds capable of discriminating between an RNA quadruplex and other nucleic acid secondary structures, including other RNA quadruplexes. This novel approach for specifically silencing genes is likely to have great therapeutic potential. Once validated in vitro, this strategy will be applied in vivo, using for the first time microbubbles to facilitate the delivery of neutral oligonucleotide analogues (i.e. PNAs) in cellulo. Co-injection of microbubbles and antisense oligonucleotides, combined with localised ultrasound treatment has been successfully applied for gene delivery to specific organs. Herein, transfection of the PNA-based RNA quadruplex ligands will be carried out using microbubbles with variable shell compositions and different transfection methods (co-injection, encapsidation, covalent attachment) will also be considered. Transfection efficiency will be quantitatively evaluated by fluorescence confocal microscopy and correlated with the changes in levels of expression of specific genes. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnucleic acidsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyconfocal microscopynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAnatural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Shaun Power (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
