Bioconjugated Oligonucleotides: Recent Developments and Therapeutic Applications

Bioconjug Chem. 2019 Feb 20;30(2):366-383. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00761. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Abstract

Oligonucleotide-based agents have the potential to treat or cure almost any disease, and are one of the key therapeutic drug classes of the future. Bioconjugated oligonucleotides, a subset of this class, are emerging from basic research and being successfully translated to the clinic. In this Review, we first briefly describe two approaches for inhibiting specific genes using oligonucleotides-antisense DNA (ASO) and RNA interference (RNAi)-followed by a discussion on delivery to cells. We then summarize and analyze recent developments in bioconjugated oligonucleotides including those possessing GalNAc, cell penetrating peptides, α-tocopherol, aptamers, antibodies, cholesterol, squalene, fatty acids, or nucleolipids. These novel conjugates provide a means to enhance tissue targeting, cell internalization, endosomal escape, target binding specificity, resistance to nucleases, and more. We next describe those bioconjugated oligonucleotides approved for patient use or in clinical trials. Finally, we summarize the state of the field, describe current limitations, and discuss future prospects. Bioconjugation chemistry is at the centerpiece of this therapeutic oligonucleotide revolution, and significant opportunities exist for development of new modification chemistries, for mechanistic studies at the chemical-biology interface, and for translating such agents to the clinic.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Humans
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / administration & dosage*
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / chemistry
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • RNA, Small Interfering