Single-stranded γPNAs for in vivo site-specific genome editing via Watson-Crick recognition

Curr Gene Ther. 2014;14(5):331-42. doi: 10.2174/1566523214666140825154158.

Abstract

Triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) facilitate gene editing by stimulating recombination of donor DNAs within genomic DNA via site-specific formation of altered helical structures that further stimulate DNA repair. However, PNAs designed for triplex formation are sequence restricted to homopurine sites. Herein we describe a novel strategy where next generation single-stranded gamma PNAs (γPNAs) containing miniPEG substitutions at the gamma position can target genomic DNA in mouse bone marrow at mixed-sequence sites to induce targeted gene editing. In addition to enhanced binding, γPNAs confer increased solubility and improved formulation into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for efficient intracellular delivery. Single-stranded γPNAs induce targeted gene editing at frequencies of 0.8% in mouse bone marrow cells treated ex vivo and 0.1% in vivo via IV injection, without detectable toxicity. These results suggest that γPNAs may provide a new tool for induced gene editing based on Watson-Crick recognition without sequence restriction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism
  • DNA / administration & dosage
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics*
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids / chemistry
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids / genetics*
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • RNA Editing
  • Tissue Donors
  • beta-Globins / genetics*

Substances

  • Peptide Nucleic Acids
  • beta-Globins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • DNA