Idera Pharmaceuticals and Collaborators Publish Promising Preclinical Data Targeting microRNA with Gene Silencing Oligonucleotide Technology
In this paper, Drs. Quax and Nossent and colleagues report on the identification of specific microRNAs that regulate genes in the pathway involved in neovascularization, including the 14q32 microRNA gene cluster. Idera’s proprietary GSO technology enabled inhibition of these specific microRNAs in both cell-based assays as well as in animal models. Treatment with GSOs led to microRNA-specific down-regulation and hence up-regulation of the microRNA’s target genes. In a mouse model of double femoral artery ligation, treatment with specific GSOs targeting the identified microRNAs led to improved blood flow recovery after ischemia, increased perfusion and full recovery of tissue perfusion. These data show that GSOs targeting specific microRNAs have therapeutic potential for neovascularization.
“In this important study, we identified a large cluster of microRNAs that is involved in the recovery of blood flow following cardiovascular events,” said Dr. Nossent. “Through our collaboration with Idera and our application of its GSOs, we were able to selectively target each of these microRNAs, elucidating their role in neovascularization. We were also able to demonstrate that inhibition of these specific microRNAs led to accelerated recovery of blood flow, thereby providing a rationale for a novel therapeutic approach.”
“GSOs are novel structures designed to overcome the limitations of the
currently practiced antisense technology, with a goal of providing an
increased therapeutic index,” said
Authors of the paper are
About Gene Silencing Oligonucleotides
Idera's gene silencing oligonucleotides (GSOs) are single-stranded RNA or DNA constructs with two exposed 3'-ends that are complementary to targeted mRNA sequences of therapeutic interest. In preclinical studies, GSOs have inhibited gene expression in vivo without requiring a delivery enhancement technology. GSOs are covered by issued (#8,431,544) and pending patents around the world.
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Source:
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jim Baker, 617-679-5516
jbaker@iderapharma.com