FUS/TLS (fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma) and TDP-43 are integrally involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. We found that FUS/TLS binds to RNAs from >5,500 genes in mouse and human brain, primarily through a GUGGU-binding motif. We identified a sawtooth-like binding pattern, consistent with co-transcriptional deposition of FUS/TLS. Depletion of FUS/TLS from the adult nervous system altered the levels or splicing of >950 mRNAs, most of which are distinct from RNAs dependent on TDP-43. Abundance of only 45 RNAs was reduced after depletion of either TDP-43 or FUS/TLS from mouse brain, but among these were mRNAs that were transcribed from genes with exceptionally long introns and that encode proteins that are essential for neuronal integrity. Expression levels of a subset of these were lowered after TDP-43 or FUS/TLS depletion in stem cell-derived human neurons and in TDP-43 aggregate–containing motor neurons in sporadic ALS, supporting a common loss-of-function pathway as one component underlying motor neuron death from misregulation of TDP-43 or FUS/TLS.

The nuclease stability and melting temperatures (Tm) were compared for fully modified oligoribonucleotide sequences containing 2'-fluoro, 2'-O-methyl, 2'-O-propyl and 2'-O-pentyl nucleotides. Duplexes formed between 2' modified oligoribonucleotides and RNA have typical A-form geometry as observed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Modifications, with the exception of 2'-O-pentyl, were observed to increase the Tm of duplexes formed with complementary RNA. Modified homoduplexes showed significantly higher Tms, with the following Tm order: 2'-fluoro:2'fluoro > 2'-O-propyl:2'-O-propyl > 2'-O-methyl:2'-O- methyl > RNA:RNA > DNA:DNA. The nuclease stability of 2'-modified oligoribonucleotides was examined using snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVPD) and nuclease S1. The stability imparted by 2' modifications was observed to correlate with the size of the modification. An additional level of nuclease stability was present in oligoribonucleotides having the potential for forming secondary structure, but only for 2' modified oligoribonucleotides and not for 2'-deoxy oligoribonucleotides.

.β-Thalassemia and HFE-related hemochromatosis are 2 of the most frequently inherited disorders worldwide. Both disorders are characterized by low levels of hepcidin (HAMP), the hormone that regulates iron absorption. As a consequence, patients affected by these disorders exhibit iron overload, which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. HAMP expression is controlled by activation of the SMAD1,5,8/SMAD4 complex. TMPRSS6 is a serine protease that reduces SMAD activation and blocks HAMP expression. We identified second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting mouse Tmprss6. ASO treatment in mice affected by hemochromatosis (Hfe -/-) significantly decreased serum iron, transferrin saturation and liver iron accumulation. Furthermore, ASO treatment of mice affected by β-thalassemia (HBB th3/+ mice, referred to here after as th3/+ mice) decreased the formation of insoluble membrane-bound globins, ROS, and apoptosis, and improved anemia. These animals also exhibited lower erythropoietin levels, a significant amelioration of ineffective erythropoiesis (IE) and splenomegaly, and an increase in total hemoglobin levels. These data suggest that ASOs targeting Tmprss6 could be beneficial in individuals with hemochromatosis, β-thalassemia, and related disorders.

No abstract

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a rare disease that results from the deposition of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein from the plasma into tissues as amyloid fibrils, leading to polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. IONIS-TTR (ISIS 420915) is a 2nd-Generation 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) modified "2'-MOE" antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that targets the TTR RNA transcript and reduces the levels of the TTR transcript through an RNaseH1 mechanism of action, leading to reductions in both mutant and wild-type TTR protein. The activity of IONIS-TTR to decrease TTR protein levels was studied in transgenic mice bearing the Ile84Ser human TTR mutant, in cynomolgus monkeys and in healthy human volunteers. Robust (>80%) reductions of plasma TTR protein were obtained in all three species treated with IONIS-TTR, which in mice and monkeys was associated with substantial reductions in hepatic TTR RNA levels. These effects were dose-dependent and lasted for weeks post-dosing. In a Phase 1 healthy volunteer study, treatment with IONIS-TTR for four weeks was well tolerated without any remarkable safety issues. TTR protein reductions up to 96% in plasma were observed. These nonclinical and clinical results support the ongoing Phase 3 development of IONIS-TTR in patients with ATTR amyloidosis.