Ligands for a Hairpin Precursor of a MicroRNA Linked to Cancer and Heart Disease We propose to identify, develop, and evaluate small peptidomimetic ligands for an RNA hairpin that is a precursor to a microRNA up-regulated in the development of heart disease and in many cancers. MicroRNAs are short, naturally occurring RNA molecules that regulate translation of messenger RNAs. Defined patterns of microRNA expression coincide with the translational dysregulation of a number of disease states. One microRNA, miR-21, is highly up- regulated in heart tissue that has diminished contractility due to prolonged stress. It is also highly up-regulated in a variety of tumors. Knockdown of this microRNA decreases the pathological phenotype in heart tissue and promotes programmed cell death in tumors, implicating it as a therapeutic target. MiR-21 is produced by excision from a longer primary transcript, where it is found in the stem of a hairpin structure. Endonucleases cleave the hairpin loop from the primary transcript and remove the apical loop. Thus, binding of a small molecule within or adjacent to this loop is a strategy for interfering with the processing of this microRNA and remedying the pathological consequences of its overproduction. Ligands for this RNA hairpin will be discovered by screening small molecule microarrays for lead compounds. The microarrays will comprise combinatorial libraries of linear and cyclic N-substituted oligo glycines (peptoids), which are drug-like in their cell permeability and protease resistance. After identifying lead compounds, their solution phase affinities and specificities for the targeted RNA will be tested, and the functional groups that contribute to affinity and specificity will be determined. This information will be used to create focused, second-generation libraries from which to derive compounds of improved affinity and specificity. Specificity will be assessed in vitro by measuring affinity to related RNA and by measuring the effect of competitor nucleic acids on the affinity for the target. Effects on maturation of miR-21 in cultured cells, specificity of these effects for miR-21 over other microRNAs, and effects on cell viability will be assessed for the most promising compounds.

Public Health Relevance

The aim of the proposed research is to find compounds that bind to and diminish the function of RNA molecules involved in heart disease and cancer. The RNA molecules targeted are precursors to a recently discovered class called microRNAs. Thus, this research explores a potential new therapeutic strategy for the two diseases that are the leading causes of death in the United States.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM088842-04
Application #
8535782
Study Section
Synthetic and Biological Chemistry A Study Section (SBCA)
Program Officer
Fabian, Miles
Project Start
2010-09-10
Project End
2014-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$296,207
Indirect Cost
$109,914
Name
University of Texas Sw Medical Center Dallas
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771545
City
Dallas
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
75390
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Chirayil, Sara; Wu, Qiong; Amezcua, Carlos et al. (2014) NMR characterization of an oligonucleotide model of the miR-21 pre-element. PLoS One 9:e108231
Diaz, Jason P; Chirayil, Rachel; Chirayil, Sara et al. (2014) Association of a peptoid ligand with the apical loop of pri-miR-21 inhibits cleavage by Drosha. RNA 20:528-39
Chirayil, Sara; Luebke, Kevin J (2012) Cyclization of peptoids by formation of boronate esters. Tetrahedron Lett 53:726-729