Compounds for synthesizing modified small activating RNA molecules, modified small activating RNA molecules and uses thereof
Modified saRNA compounds with specific chemical modifications address the inefficiencies of existing saRNAs by improving gene expression modulation, offering enhanced stability, biodistribution, and reduced toxicity for effective gene activation in various environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/085845
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-29
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing saRNAs face challenges in achieving efficient gene activation, particularly in enhancing the expression of target genes both in vitro and in vivo, due to limitations in stability, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.
Development of modified saRNA compounds with 2'-OCD3 nucleotide, 5'-vinyl phosphonate, and/or 5'-deuterated vinyl phosphonate modifications, along with a pharmaceutical composition that includes pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, to enhance gene expression modulation activities.
The modified saRNA compounds demonstrate improved bioactive and pharmacological properties, such as enhanced cell uptake, higher potency, longer duration, and reduced toxicity, leading to more effective gene expression modulation both in vitro and in vivo.
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Figure CN2025085845_02102025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
COMPOUNDS FOR SYNTHESIZING MODIFIED SMALL ACTIVATING RNA MOLECULES, MODIFIED SMALL ACTIVATING RNA MOLECULES AND USES THEREOFFIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of epigenetic modulation, and in particular to unique compounds useful for enhancing the activity of oligonucleotides both in vitro and in vivo.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to the filing date of provisional patent application Serial No. PCT / CN2024 / 084705 filed March 29, 2024, the disclosure of which application is herein incorporated by reference.SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] The instant application contains a sequence listing which has been submitted electronically in a computer readable format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have emerged as a promising technology due to their ability to regulate the expression of a wide range of target genes. The administration of oligonucleotides to patients, organs, tissues, or cells can elicit various biochemical reactions, allowing for functions such as gene silencing, inhibition, activation, and modulation. To improve stability, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics (PK) / pharmacodynamics (PD) profile, as well as minimizing immunogenicity and off-target effects, chemical modifications have been explored for enhancing the drug properties of oligonucleotides. These modifications can be applied to the nucleosides, backbones, bases, and terminals of the oligonucleotides.
[0005] Therapeutic oligonucleotide agents can be categorized into single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) . dsRNAs can be further classified into two main categories: small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and small activating RNAs (saRNAs) . Although both siRNAs and saRNAs require argonaute (AGO) proteins, they differ significantly in their mechanistic framework. saRNA-mediated gene activation, known as RNA activation (RNAa) , offers a practical strategy for up-regulating the expression of target genes by promoting endogenous transcription. saRNAs achieve gene activation by directly binding to target genes in the promoter region or interacting with antisense transcripts transcribed from overlapping promoter sequences. However, achieving efficient gene activation by saRNA often remains a challenge for many genes.
[0006] Therefore, there is a continued need for the development of potent saRNAs which can be realized by taking advantage of novel chemical modifications. After extensive exploration, we have developed unique compounds that enhance the gene expression modulation activities of saRNA both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds provide a solution to the long-standing challenges in the field, addressing the need for improved efficiency and efficacy of oligonucleotide-based therapies.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure provides a compound having a structure of Formula 1. The compound can be used for synthesizing a modified saRNA to enhance gene expression modulation activities of saRNA both in vitro and in vivo.
[0008] Also provided herein is a saRNA which comprises a sense strand comprising a first nucleotide sequence, and an antisense strand comprising a second nucleotide sequence. The first nucleotide sequence can be 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and has at least about 70%identity to a corresponding target gene sequence. The second nucleotide sequence can be 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and has at least about 70%complementarity to the corresponding target gene sequence. The first or the second nucleotide sequence can independently comprise at least one modified nucleotide which is modified with 2'-OCD3 nucleotide (D for deuterium) , 5'- (E) -vinyl phosphonate, and / or 5'- (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate.
[0009] Also provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising: the saRNA molecule of the present disclosure. The pharmaceutical composition can optionally comprise one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, solvent, diluent, stabilizer, dispersant, buffer, compatibilizer, preservative agent and combinations thereof.
[0010] Also provided herein is a method of modulating the expression of a target gene in a subject in vitro or in vivo. The method comprises the step of administrating the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure to a subject.
[0011] Also provided herein is a method of modulating the expression of a target gene, the method comprising contacting a cell with the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are employed, and the accompanying drawings (also “figure” and “FIG. ” herein) , of which:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows the activity of chemically modified saRNAs (CM-saRNAs) with (E) -deuterated viny1 phosphonate (VPD) modification (referred to as “VPD-saRNAs” ) on the expression of SERPING1 mRNA in transformed human liver epithelial-2 cells (THLE-2 cells) . The CM-saRNA (s) with (E) -vinyl phosphonate (VP) modification are referred to as “VP-saRNA (s) ” . The indicated CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-17235, RD-18069 and RD-17238) , their corresponding VP-saRNAs (i.e., RD-17236, RD-18071 and RD-17239) , and their corresponding VPD-saRNAs (i.e., RD-18057, RD-18073 and RD-18053) were transfected into THLE-2 cells at 2.5 and 25 nM for 3 days. RD-17268 was transfected and served as a siRNA control to silence SERPING1 mRNA expression. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments. dsCon2M8 served as a non-targeting duplex control. SERPING1 mRNA levels were quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. Geometric means of the mRNA levels of HPRT1 and TBP were served as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of SERPING1 relative to Mock treatment after normalized to HPRT1 and TBP (mean ± SEM of two replicated transfection wells) .
[0015] FIG. 2 shows the activity of saRNAs on the expression of human UTRN (hUTRN or UTRN) mRNA in human malignant embryonic rhabdomyoma cells (RD cells) . The indicated saRNAs (i.e., RD-12027, RD-12028, RD-12031, RD-12033, RD-12034, RD-12299, RD-12303, RD-12304, RD-12305, RD-12313 and RD-12316) and their corresponding newly designed saRNAs (i.e., RD-13587, RD-13580, RD-13584, RD-13716, RD-13720, RD-13629, RD-13727, RD-13632, RD-13732, RD-13737 and RD-13740) were transfected into RD cells at 25 nM for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments. dsCon2 served as a non-targeting duplex control. UTRN mRNA levels were quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. Geometric means of the mRNA levels of HPRT1 and TBP were served as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of UTRN mRNA relative to Mock treatment after normalized to HPRT1 and TBP (mean ± SEM of four replicated transfection wells) .
[0016] FIG. 3 shows the activity of CM-saRNAs on the expression of UTRN mRNA in RD cells. The indicated CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-14734, RD-13869, RD-14752 and RD-13870) were transfected into RD cells at 25 nM for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments. dsCon2 served as a non-targeting duplex control. UTRN mRNA levels were quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. Geometric means of the mRNA levels of HPRT1 and TBP were served as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of UTRN mRNA relative to Mock treatment after normalized to HPRT1 and TBP (mean ± SEM of four replicated transfection wells) .
[0017] FIGs. 4A-4B show the activity of VPD-saRNAs on the expression of UTRN mRNA in RD cells. The indicated saRNAs (i.e., RD-12027 and RD-12305) , their corresponding CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-21728 and RD-21731) , their corresponding VP-saRNAs (i.e., RD-20359 and RD-21732) , and their corresponding VPD-saRNAs (i.e., RD-18342 and RD-21733) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments (not shown) . dsCon2 served as a non-targeting duplex control (not shown) . FIGs. 4A and 4B show the UTRN mRNA levels as quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. TBP was amplified as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of UTRN mRNA relative to Mock treatment after normalized to TBP (mean ± SEM of two replicated transfection wells) .
[0018] FIG. 5 shows the activity of lipid (C5x5) -conjugated VP-saRNAs (referred to as “VPL-saRNAs” ) on the expression of UTRN mRNA in RD cells. The lipid (C5x5) , as a delivery moiety, conjugated to CM-saRNA (s) are referred to as “CML-saRNA (s) ” . The indicated CML-saRNA (i.e., RD-15637) and VPL-saRNAs (i.e., RD-15638 and RD-15639) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.024, 0.1, 0.4, 1.56, 6.25, 25, 100 and 200 nM) for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments (not shown) . dsCon2M8 served as a non-targeting duplex control (not shown) . UTRN mRNA levels were quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. Geometric means of the mRNA levels of HPRT1 and TBP were served as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of UTRN mRNA relative to Mock treatment after normalized to HPRT1 and TBP (mean ± SEM of four replicated transfection wells) .
[0019] FIGs. 6A-6B show the activity of a lipid (C5x5) -conjugated VPD-saRNAs (referred to as “VPDL-saRNAs” ) on the expression of UTRN mRNA in RD cells. The indicated CML-saRNA (i.e., RD-18037) , its corresponding VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18036) , and its corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18035) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. The indicated CM-saRNA (i.e., RD-14752) , its corresponding VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-15639) , and its corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments (not shown) . dsCon2M8 served as a non-targeting duplex control (not shown) . FIGs. 5A and 5B show the UTRN mRNA levels as quantified by two step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set in each of the PCR reactions. Geometric means of the mRNA levels of HPRT1 and TBP were served as an internal control. Data represents mean expression levels of UTRN mRNA relative to Mock treatment after normalized to HPRT1 and TBP (mean ± SEM of four replicated transfection wells) .
[0020] FIGs. 7A-7C show the activity of VPDL-saRNAs on the expression of mouse Utrn (i.e., mUtrn or Utrn) mRNA in male human UTRN promotor knockin mice (i.e., hUTRN promotor KI / + mice or h UTRNp KI / + mice) . The indicated VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-15639 and RD-18036) and their corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031 and RD-18035) were administered to male hUTRNp KI / + mice via subcutaneous (SC) injection on postnatal day (PND) 66 at 20 or 50 mg / kg doses. Saline served as a vehicle control to establish baseline levels of Utrn mRNA expression. Male mice were sacrificed on day 14 post dosing. FIGs. 7A-7C show mouse Utrn mRNA levels as quantified in skeletal muscles (i.e., gluteus, biceps and diaphragm) via two-step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set. Tbp was amplified as an internal reference. Mean Utrn mRNA levels in each treatment group are shown relative to saline group after normalized to Tbp (mean ± SEM of 5 animals per group) .
[0021] FIGs. 8A-8C show the activity of VPDL-saRNAs on the expression of mouse Utrn mRNA in female hUTRNp KI / + mice. The indicated VPL-saRNAs (i.e., RD-15639 and RD-18036) and their corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031 and RD-18035) were administered to female hUTRNp KI / + mice via SC injection on PND 66 at 20 or 50 mg / kg doses. Saline served as a vehicle control to establish baseline levels of Utrn mRNA expression. Female mice were sacrificed on day 14 post dosing. FIGs. 8A-8C show mouse Utrn mRNA levels as quantified in skeletal muscle (i.e., gluteus) , smooth muscle (i.e., thoracic aorta) and cardiac muscle (i.e., heart) via two-step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set. Tbp was amplified as an internal reference. Mean Utrn mRNA levels in each treatment group are shown relative to saline group after normalized to Tbp (mean ± SEM of 5 animals per group) .
[0022] FIGs. 9A-9E show the activity of VPDL-saRNA in inducing Utrn mRNA expression in hUTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx male mice. The indicated VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18997) was administered to hUTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx male mice via SC injection for a total of five doses (50 mg / kg per dose) on day 0, 2, 4, 7 and 14. The male mice were sacrificed at day 28 post first dosing. FIGs. 9A-9E show the mouse Utrn mRNA levels in skeletal muscles (i.e., semitendinosus, gluteus, biceps, platysma and diaphragm) as quantified via two-step RT-qPCR using a gene specific primer set. Hprt1 was amplified as an internal reference. Mean Utrn mRNA levels in each treatment group are shown relative to saline group after normalized to Hprt1 (mean ± SEM of 3-6 animals per group) . FIGs. 10A-10G show the concentration and biodistribution of VPDL-saRNA across various tissues in C57BL / 6J male mice. The indicated VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18997) was administered to C57BL / 6J male mice at a single dose of 50 mg / kg via SC injection on day 0. Mice were sacrificed at 5 min, 2 hr, and on day 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 post-dosing. Two mice were sacrificed prior to dosing and served as negative controls. Plasma, heart, liver, kidney, platysma, diaphragm, and gluteus tissues were collected at the corresponding time points. FIGs. 10A-1 0G showed the concentrations of RD-18997 as quantified in these tissues via LC-MS / MS analysis. Mean concentration (ng / g) of RD-18997 in various mouse tissues is shown at the indicated timepoints (mean ± SEM) . Each time point represents data from 2 animals (n=2 / timepoint) . The black dashed line indicated the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) for the LC-MS / M S assay. The LLOQ was 10 ng / g for heart, liver, kidney, platysma, diaphragm, and gluteus tissue. The LLOQ was 25 ng / mL for plasma.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Oligonucleotides offer great potential for prevention or treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders or conditions by modulating, e.g., up-regulating or down-regulating protein expression of disease-associated genes and their variants. Among therapeutic oligonucleotides, saRNAs as up-regulators have become an emerging class of therapeutic agents and under active development.
[0024] The newly developed compounds of the present application, when used as a moiety of a saRNA, can significantly enhance gene expression modulation activities of the saRNA both in vitro and in vivo, as compared to saRNAs modified in a conventional manner of the prior art, and thus may improve bioactive and pharmacological properties (e.g., biodistribution, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, activity, potency, etc. ) . In some embodiments, the improvement of bioactive properties may be caused by improved cell uptake, higher potency, and longer duration / half-life. In some embodiments, the improvement of pharmacological properties may also lead to lower toxicity, lower dose, less frequent administrations, and less undesired immune responses. In some embodiments, the present compounds, and thus the resultant saRNAs, involve a simpler synthesis process and thus have better processability in manufacturing.
[0025] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of the ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference.Definitions
[0026] As described herein, “and / or” means “and, or as an alternative” . If any numerical ranges are provided, the ranges include any numerical values in the range (including the upper and lower values) , and any sub-ranges in the range. For example, the range from 1 to 3 may include any of the numerical values 1, 2 and 3, as well as sub-ranges from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3.
[0027] As used herein, the terms “oligonucleotide” , “polynucleotide” or “oligo” are interchangeable and refer to polymers of nucleotides, and particularly refer to single-stranded nucleic acid molecules of DNA, RNA, or DNA / RNA hybrid, oligonucleotide strands containing regularly and irregularly alternating deoxyribosyl portions and ribosyl portions, as well as modified and naturally or unnaturally existing frameworks for such oligonucleotides, such as a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) . The oligonucleotide for activating target gene transcription described herein can be or may comprise a small activating nucleic acid molecule (saRNA) .
[0028] As used herein, the term “complementary” refers to the capability of forming base pairs between two oligonucleotide strands. The base pairs are generally formed through hydrogen bonds between nucleotides in the antiparallel oligonucleotide strands. The bases of the complementary oligonucleotide strands can be paired in the Watson-Crick manner (such as A to T, A to U, and C to G) or in any other manner allowing the formation of a duplex (such as Hoogsteen or reverse Hoogsteen base pairing) .
[0029] Complementarity includes complete complementarity and incomplete complementarity. "Complete complementarity" or "100%complementarity" means that each nucleotide from the first oligonucleotide strand can form a hydrogen bond with a nucleotide at a corresponding position in the second oligonucleotide strand in the double-stranded region of the double-stranded oligonucleotide molecule, with no base pair being "mispaired" . "Incomplete complementarity" means that not all the nucleotide units of the two strands are bound with each other by hydrogen bonds.
[0030] The terms "oligonucleotide strand" , “strand” and "oligonucleotide sequence" as used herein can be used interchangeably, referring to a generic term for short nucleotide sequences having less than 35 bases (including nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) ) . In a non-limiting example, the length of a strand can be any length from 15 to 35 nucleotides.
[0031] The term "target gene" as used herein can refer to nucleic acid sequences, transgenes, viral or bacterial sequences, chromosomes or extrachromosomal genes that are naturally present in organisms, and / or can be transiently or stably transfected or incorporated into cells and / or chromatins thereof. The target gene can be a protein-coding gene or a non-protein-coding gene (such as a microRNA gene and a long non-coding RNA gene) . The target gene generally contains a promoter sequence, and the positive regulation for the target gene can be achieved by designing a saRNA having sequence identity (also called homology) to the promoter sequence, characterized as the up-regulation of expression of the target gene. "Target sequence" or “target site” used interchangeably refers to a sequence fragment in the sequence of a target gene, such as, a target gene promoter, which is homologous or complementary with a sense strand or an antisense strand of a saRNA. The target gene can also include one or more regulatory elements where one or more saRNA are designed to have sequence identity to a regulatory element. Non-limiting examples of one or more regulatory elements include: a promoter, an enhancer, a silencer, an insulator, a TATA box, a GC box, a CAAT box, a transcriptional start site, a DNA binding motif ofa transcription factor or other protein that regulates transcription, and a 5'untranslated region.
[0032] As used herein, the term “guide strand” or “G strand” refers to a strand in a small RNA duplex that assembles with the argonaute (AGO) protein. The other strand partially or completely complementary to the guide strand is called “passenger strand” or “P strand” . Without being limited to any specific theory, the strand carrying the complementary sequence to the target is the antisense strand and, if properly designed, will be preferentially chosen to be the guide strand. In this case, the passenger strand is the sense strand. In some embodiments, antisense strand is guide strand and sense strand is passenger strand. In some embodiments, sense strand is guide strand and antisense strand is passenger strand.
[0033] As used herein, the term "sense strand" of a saRNA in the saRNA duplex refers to the strand having sequence homology or sequence identity with a fragment of the coding strand of the sequence of a target gene.
[0034] As used herein, the term "antisense strand" of a saRNA in the saRNA duplex refers to the strand being sequence complementary to the sense strand. Said antisense strand may interact with a target region of the target gene to activate or up-regulate gene expression, said target region may be a segment of the coding strand of the sequence of a target gene.
[0035] The term "coding strand" as used herein refers to a DNA strand in the target gene which cannot be used for transcription, and the nucleotide sequence of this strand is the same as that of an RNA produced from transcription (in the RNA, T in DNA is replaced by U) . The coding strand of the double-stranded DNA sequence of the target gene promoter described herein refers to a promoter sequence on the same DNA strand as the DNA coding strand of the target gene.
[0036] The term "template strand" as used herein refers to the other strand complementary with the coding strand in the double-stranded DNA of the target gene, i.e., the strand that, as a template, can be transcribed into RNA, and this strand is complementary with the transcribed RNA (A to U and G to C) . In the process of transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the template strand, moves along the 3′→5′ direction of the template strand, and catalyzes the synthesis of the RNA along the 5′→3′ direction. The template strand of the double-stranded DNA sequence of the target gene promoter described herein refers to a promoter sequence on the same DNA strand as the DNA template strand of the target gene.
[0037] The term "overhang" as used herein refers to non-base-paired nucleotides at the terminus (5′ or 3′) of an oligonucleotide strand, which is formed by one strand extending out of the other strand in a double-stranded oligonucleotide. A single-stranded region extending out of the 3′ terminus and / or 5′ terminus of a duplex is referred to as an overhang.
[0038] The term “natural overhang” as used herein refers to an overhang which consists of one or more nucleotides homology to or complementary to the corresponding position on the target sequence. A natural overhang on a sense strand consists of one or more nucleotides homology to the corresponding position on the mRNA target. A natural overhang on an antisense strand consists of one or more nucleotides complementary to the corresponding position on the mRNA target.
[0039] The term "promoter" as used herein refers to a sequence which is spatially associated with a protein-coding or RNA-coding nucleic acid sequence and plays a regulatory role for the transcription of the protein-coding or RNA-coding nucleic acid sequence. Generally, a eukaryotic gene promoter contains 100 to 5000 base pairs, although this length range is not intended to limit the term "promoter" as used herein. Although the promoter sequence is generally located at the 5′ terminus of a protein-coding or RNA-coding sequence, it may also exist in exon and intron sequences.
[0040] As used herein, the terms "gene activation" or "activating gene expression" and "gene up-regulation" or "up-regulating gene expression" can be used interchangeably, and mean an increase in transcription, translation, expression or activity of a certain nucleic acid as determined by measuring the transcriptional level, mRNA level, protein level, enzymatic activity, methylation state, chromatin state or configuration, translation level or the activity or state in a cell or biological system of a gene. These activities or states can be determined directly or indirectly. In addition, "gene activation" , "activating gene expression" , "gene up-regulation" or "up-regulating gene expression" refers to an increase in activity associated with a nucleic acid sequence, regardless of the mechanism of such activation. For example, gene activation occurs at the transcriptional level to increase transcription into RNA and the RNA is translated into a protein, thereby increasing the expression of the protein.
[0041] As used herein, the terms "small activating RNA" , "saRNA" , and "small activating nucleic acid molecule" can be used interchangeably, and refer to a nucleic acid molecule that can up-regulate target gene expression and can be composed of a first nucleic acid fragment (sense strand) containing a nucleotide sequence having high sequence identity to the non-coding nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a promoter or an enhancer) of a target gene and a second nucleic acid fragment (antisense strand) containing a nucleotide sequence complementary with the first nucleic acid fragment, wherein the first nucleic acid fragment and the second nucleic acid fragment form a duplex. The saRNA can also be comprised of a synthesized or vector-expressed single-stranded RNA molecule that can form a hairpin structure by two complementary regions within the molecule, wherein the first region contains a nucleotide sequence having sequence identity to the target region of a promoter of a gene, and the second region contains a nucleotide sequence which is complementary with the first region. The length of the duplex region of the saRNA is typically about 15 to about 35, about 16 to about 32, about 17 to about 30, about 18 to about 28, about 19 to about 26, about 20 to about 24, and about 21 to about 22 base pairs, and typically about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22 or about 23 base pairs. In addition, the terms "saRNA" , "small activating RNA" , and "small activating nucleic acid molecule" also contain nucleic acids other than the ribonucleotide, including, but not limited to, modified nucleotides or analogues.
[0042] The term “oligonucleotide agent” refers to an oligonucleotide-containing substance which at least comprises or consists of one or more saRNA of the invention and has the activity of modulating target gene expression or enhance the effect of the saRNA, and may further comprise other oligonucleotide moieties / components (such as ASO) or non-oligonucleotide moieties / components conjugated, combined or mixed with the saRNA (s) , such as a lipid, a cell-penetrating peptide, a polyethylene glycol, an alkaloid, a tryptamine, a benzimidazole, a quinolone, an amino acid, a cholesterol, a glucose, a N-acetylgalactosamine, and any combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide agent comprises an RNA (such as the saRNA of the invention) , a DNA, a bridged nucleic acid (BNA) , a locked nucleic acid (LNA) , a glycol nucleic acids (GNA) or a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) .
[0043] As used herein, the terms "prevent" , "preventing" , "prevention" refer to the slowing of the progression of a disease, disorder or condition from an existing state to a more deleterious state.
[0044] As used herein, the terms "treat" , "treating" , "treatment" refer to preventing, ameliorating, reverting, curing and / or delaying a disease, disorder or condition.
[0045] The phrases “administration” , “parenteral administration” , “administrated” and “administered parenterally” as used herein have their art-understood meaning referring to ordinary enteral administration, topical administration, and especially, injection administration, and may include, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticulare, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, and intrastemal injection and infusion.
[0046] As used herein, the term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to an active agent, optionally formulated together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and other additives. In some embodiments, the active agent is present in unit dose amount appropriate for administration in a therapeutic regimen that shows a statistically significant probability of achieving a predetermined therapeutic effect when administered to a relevant population. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions may be specially formulated for administration in solid or liquid form, including those adapted for the following: oral administration, for example, drenches (aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions) , tablets, e.g., those targeted for buccal, sublingual, and systemic absorption, boluses, powders, granules, pastes for application to the tongue; parenteral administration, for example, by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or epidural injection as, for example, a sterile solution or suspension, or sustained-release formulation; topical application, for example, as a cream, ointment, or a controlled-release patch or spray applied to the skin, lungs, or oral cavity; intravaginally or intrarectally, for example, as a pessary, cream, or foam; sublingually; ocularly; transdermally; or nasally, pulmonary, and to other mucosal surfaces.
[0047] As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means a pharmaceutically acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, or solvent encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject compound from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the patient. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer′s solution; ethyl alcohol; pH buffered solutions; polyesters, polycarbonates and / or polyanhydrides; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.
[0048] As used herein, the term “subject” , “test subject” and related terms, as used herein, refer to any organism to which a provided compound or composition is administered in accordance with the present invention e.g., for experimental, diagnostic, prophylactic, and / or therapeutic purposes. Typical subjects include animals (e.g., mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates, and humans; fishes; birds; insects; worms; etc. ) and plants. In some embodiments, a subject may be suffering from, and / or susceptible to a disease, disorder, and / or condition. In some embodiments, a subject is a human being or other mammal. In some embodiments, a subject can be male or female. In non-limiting examples, the animal is a vertebrate such as a primate, rodent, domestic animal or game animal. In non-limiting examples, primates include chimpanzees, cynomolgus monkeys, spider monkeys, and macaques, e.g., Rhesus. Rodents include mice, rats, woodchucks, ferrets, rabbits and hamsters. In non-limiting examples, domestic and game animals include cows, horses, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, feline species, e.g., domestic cat, canine species, e.g., dog, fox, wolf, avian species, e.g., chicken, emu, ostrich, and fish, e.g., trout, catfish and salmon. In certain embodiments of the aspects described herein, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human. In non-limiting examples, the mammal can be a human, non-human primate, mouse, rat, dog, cat, horse, or cow, but are not limited to these examples. In some embodiments, a mammal other than a human can be advantageously used as subjects that represent animal models of disorders associated with autoimmune disease or inflammation. In some embodiments, a method and composition described herein can be used to treat domesticated animals and / or pets.
[0049] As used herein, the upper cased “SERPING1” or “SERPING1 gene” refer to a human gene. As used herein, the term "SERPING1 mRNA" refers to a message RNA (mRNA) generated from the expression of SERPING1 gene, or the transcription of SERPING1 gene. As used herein, HAE refers to Hereditary Angioedema.
[0050] As used herein, the upper cased “UTRN” or “UTRN gene” refers to a human gene. As used herein, the term "UTRN mRNA" refers to a mRNA generated from the expression of UTRN gene, or the transcription of UTRN gene. “Utrn” or “Utrn gene” refers to a mouse gene. As used herein, the term "Utrn mRNA" refers to a mRNA generated from the expression of Utrn gene, or the transcription of Utrn gene. As used herein, DMD refers to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.Compounds
[0051] An embodiment of the present application provides a compound having a structure of Formula 1: wherein X is - (CY2) m-A-, m is 0, 1 or 2, wherein each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, amino, alkyl, alkylaryl, alkyloxyl, aloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (alkyl) , -C (=O) (alkyl) , carboxyl, amido, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and cyano, and A is selected from a group consisting of direct bond, O, N (H) , N (Rb) , S, S (O) and S (O) 2. Rb is independently selected from a group consisting of-OH, -O-Rc, -SH, - (C1-C22) alkyl, halogenated- (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C2-C22) alkenyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkenyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-COORc, -C (O) O-Rc, -O- (C1-C22) alkyl, -S- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) - (C1 -C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -O-adamantly, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO- (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO-halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C1-C6 alkylene oxide) (1-20) -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) NH-Rc, -C (O) NRd-Rc, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-COOH, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -NH-C (O) -Rc, -NRd-c (O) -Rc, -O-P (O) 2-O-Rc, -OP (O) (S) -O-Rc, -O-P (O) -O-Rc, -NH-Rc, -NRd-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) O-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C30) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene -P (O) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-P (O) (S) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted imidazole, substituted or unsubstituted oxazole, substituted or unsubstituted thiazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzoimidazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzooxazole, or substituted or unsubstituted benzothiazole. Each of Rc and Rd is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl or C6-C16 aryl.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present application, Ra is selected from a group consisting of H, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, or unsubstituted or substituted nucleobase.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present application, R1 is selected from a group consisting of halogen; OH; OC1-C12 alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, C1-C12 alkoxyamino, guanidyl, base or carbonyl; (C1-C12) alkylcarbonyl, OC6-C16aryl, OC6-C16aryl carbonyl, OC6-C16aryloxycarbonyl.
[0054] According to an embodiment, R1 is not deuterated or at least one hydrogen, if present, of R1 is substituted with deuterium. In an embodiment, at least two hydrogens of R1 are deuterated. In another embodiment, at least three hydrogens of R1 are deuterated. In another embodiment, at least four hydrogens of R1 are deuterated. In another embodiment, at least five hydrogens of R1 are deuterated. In another embodiment, all hydrogens of R1 are deuterated.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present application, R2 is selected from a group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, (C1-C12) alkylcarbonyl, (C1-C12) alkoxycarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryl, (C6-C16) arylcarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryloxycarbonyl, and PReRf. In some embodiments, each of Re and Rfis independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) or O- (C1-C12 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl in each of Re and Rfis unsubstituted or further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6, alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. According to an embodiment of the present application, the alky groups in each of Re and Rf are the same. According to another embodiment of the present application, the alky groups in each of Re and Rfare different.
[0056] According to an embodiment of the present application, the vinyl group is in either E or Z configuration. In an embodiment of the present application, the vinyl group is in E configuration. In another embodiment of the present application, the vinyl group is in Z configuration.
[0057] According to an embodiment of the present application, the hydrogens bonded directly to the vinyl group are not deuterated or at least one hydrogen is substituted with deuterium. In an embodiment, neither of the hydrogens bonded directly to the vinyl group is deuterated.
[0058] According to an embodiment of the present application, each of R3 and R4 is selected independently from H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl or C6-C16 aryl, -C1-C12 alkylene-O-C (=O) -C1-C12 alkyl. According to an embodiment of the present application, each of R3 and R4 is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -O-C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. According to an embodiment of the present application, R3 and R4 are the same. According to another embodiment of the present application, R3 and R4 are different.
[0059] Compounds of the present application will be described in more detailed hereinafter.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, the formula 1 has the following configuration:
[0061] It is understood that the configurations of the structure of formula 1 are not limited to the above. Any other configurations are possible in the present application. For example, stereoisomers, such as the enantiomer, diastereoisomers of the above configuration are contemplated in the present application.
[0062] According to an embodiment of the present application, m is 0 and A is O. As a result, the compound has the structure of In this case, we number the atoms based on carbons to facilitate illustration. Accordingly, -R1 is at position 2, and it may be shortened as 2'-R1. Further, the vinyl begins at position 5, and thus it can be shortened as 5'- (E) -vinyl. Also, when m is 0 and A is O, formula 1 may have stereochemistry of Alternatively, as mentioned above, stereoisomers, such as the enantiomer, diastereoisomers of the above configuration are possible in the present application.
[0063] According to an embodiment, Ra is an optionally substituted aryl. In one embodiment, the aryl is phenyl. In another embodiment, the phenyl is naphthyl. In another embodiment, the aryl is tetrahydronaphthyl. In some embodiments, the aryl is substituted. For example, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring can be substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano.
[0064] According to an embodiment, Ra is an optionally substituted heteroaryl. In some embodiments, the heteroaryl is selected from a group consisting of thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiodiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl benzothienyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, purinyl, thienopyridinyl, pyrido [2, 3-d] pyrimidinyl, pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, thieno [2, 3-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-b] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [4, 3-c] pyridine, pyrazolo [4, 3-b] pyridinyl, tetrazolyl, chromane, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] dioxine, benzo [d] [1, 3] dioxole, 2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran, tetrahydroquinoline, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] oxathiine, and isoindoline. In some embodiments, the heteroaryl is substituted. For example, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano.
[0065] In some embodiments, Ra is an optionally substituted nucleobase selected from a group consisting of thymine (T) , cytosine (C) , guanine (G) , adenine (A) , uracil (U) , and an analogue or derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the nucleobase is substituted, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each nucleobase is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. For example, the nucleobase is substituted with -C1-4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl. As another example, the nucleobase is substituted with -C1-6 alkylphenyl, such as methylphenyl (i.e., benzyl) , ethylphenyl, or the like. As another example, the nucleobase is substituted with -C (=O) (C1-4 alkyl) , such as-C (=O) methyl, -C (=O) ethyl, -C (=O) (n-propyl) , -C (=O) (i-propyl) , -C (=O) (n-butyl) , -C (=O) (sec-butyl) , -C (=O) (tert-butyl) , or the like. The substitution can be performed on any position of the nucleobase, including any ring of the nucleobase, the amino group of the nucleobase, or even the carbonyl of the nucleobase.
[0066] In some embodiments, Ra is not deuterated. In some embodiments, at least one hydrogen in Ra is substituted with deuterium.
[0067] In some embodiments, R1 is halogen. In some embodiments, R1 is a linear OC1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R1 is a branched OC1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R1 is selected from a group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, OCH2-OCH3, OCH2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-O (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) CH3, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) - (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2-N (H) -C (=NH) NH2O-methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine, O-methoxyethyladenosine or O-methoxyethyl-5-methylcytidine.
[0068] In some embodiments of the present application, at least one hydrogen of R1 is substituted with deuterium. For example, in embodiments where R1 is methoxy, 1, 2 or three hydrogens of methyl can be deuterated. As such, in some embodiments, R1 can be CH2D. In other embodiments, R1 can be CHD2. Still in other embodiments, R1 can be CD3.
[0069] According to embodiments of the present application, R2 is PReRf. In some embodiments, each of Re and Rf is independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) or O- (C1 -C12 alkyl) . In some embodiments, the alkyl of each of Re and Rfis unsubstituted. In some embodiments, the alkyl of each of Re and Rf is further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. For example, substitution can be performed at any position of C1-C12 alkyl. In some embodiments, the alky groups in each of N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) and O- (C1-C12 alkyl) are the same. In some embodiments, the alky groups in each of N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) and O- (C1-C12 alkyl) are different. In some embodiments, all the alky groups in N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) and O- (C1-C12 alkyl) are the same. In some embodiments, the alky groups in N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) are the same, but different from the alkyl group in O- (C1-C12 alkyl) . In some embodiments, none of the alky groups in N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) and O- (C1-C12 alkyl) is the same with each other. In some embodiments, Re and Rfare independently selected from N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) or O- (C1-C6 alkyl) . In some embodiments, the alkyl of each of Re and Rf is unsubstituted. In some embodiments, the alkyl of each of Re and Rf is further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. For example, substitution can be performed at any position of C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, the alky groups in each of N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and O- (C1-C6 alkyl) are the same. In some embodiments, the alky groups in each ofN (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and O- (C1-C6 alkyl) are different. In some embodiments, all the alky groups in N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and O- (C1-C6 alkyl) are the same. In some embodiments, the alky groups in N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) are the same, but different from the alkyl group in O- (C1-C6 alkyl) . In some embodiments, none of the alky groups in N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and O- (C1-C6 alkyl) is the same with each other. I the C1-C6 alkyl groups of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and the O- (C1-C6 alkyl) of Re and Rf are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, and the C1-C6alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same. In other embodiments, the C1-C6 alky groups in each of Re and Rfare different. In some embodiments, one of Re and Rf is N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) , and the other of Re and Rf is O- (C1-C6 alkyl) . In some embodiments, one of Re and Rf is N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) , and the C1-C6 alkyl of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6alkyl) is not substituted; and the other of Re and Rfis O- (C1-C6 alkyl) , and the C1-C6 alkyl of O- (C1-C6 alkyl) is substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. In a particular embodiment, one of Re and Rfis N (isopropyl) , and the other of Re and Rfis -OCH2CH2CN.
[0070] In some embodiments, the vinyl group is in E configuration. In some embodiments, the vinyl group is in Z configuration. In some embodiments, the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is not deuterated. In some embodiments, one hydrogen directly bonded to the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is substituted with deuterium. As a result, the compound has a structure of with Ra, R1, R2, R3 and R4, and the stereochemistry as defined in the present disclosure; or in other embodiments, a structure of with Ra, R1, R2, R3 and R4, and the stereochemistry as defined in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, both of the hydrogens of the vinyl group are deuterated, and thus the compound has a structure of with Ra, R1, R2, R3 and R4, and the stereochemistry as defined in the present disclosure.
[0071] In some embodiments, R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, each C1-C6 alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. In some embodiments, R3 and R4 are the same. In some embodiments, R3 and R4 are different. In some embodiments, R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) . In this case, R3 and R4 are the same. Alternatively, in this case, R3 and R4 are different. In some embodiments, R3 and R4 are both CH2-OC (=O) (tert-butyl) .
[0072] According to embodiments of the present application, the compound is selected from the following:
[0073] In embodiments of the present application, the vinyl group of A1-A78 is in E configuration.saRNA modified with the compound of the present application -a double-stranded oligonucleotide agent
[0074] Among therapeutic oligonucleotides, saRNAs as up-regulators have become an emerging class of therapeutic agents and are under active development. In the present application, a modified saRNA which comprises or is at least modified with the compound of the present application is provided. With such chemical modification, gene expression modulation activities of saRNA both in vitro and in vivo are enhanced.
[0075] According to some embodiments of the present application, a modified saRNA is provided, wherein the saRNA comprises a sense strand comprising a first nucleotide sequence, and an antisense strand comprising a second nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence is at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%homology to a target gene sequence. In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length. For example, the first nucleotide sequence is 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide having at least one of the following modifications: a) modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence; b) modification of 2′-OH of a ribose in the nucleotide sequence; and c) modification of a base in the nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide which is modified with 2' -F nucleotide, 2' -OCH2CH2OCH3 nucleotide, 2' -OCD3 nucleotide, 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate, and / or 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -OCD3 nucleotide. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -F nucleotide. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -OCH2CH2OCH3 nucleotide. In some embodiments, the deuteration is performed on more than one position of the nucleotide. For example, the modified nucleotide is modified with both 2' -F and 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate.
[0076] In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence is at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%homology to a target gene sequence. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length. For example, the second nucleotide sequence is 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide having at least one of the following modifications: a) modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence; b) modification of 2′-OH of a ribose in the nucleotide sequence; and c) modification of a base in the nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide which is modified with 2' -F nucleotide, 2' -OCH2CH2OCH3 nucleotide, 2' -OCD3 nucleotide, 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate, and / or 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -OCD3 nucleotide. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -F nucleotide. For example, at least one modified nucleotide is modified with a 2' -OCH2CH2OCH3 nucleotide. In some embodiments, the deuteration is performed on more than one position of the nucleotide. For example, the modified nucleotide is modified with both 2' -F and 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate.
[0077] In some embodiments, each of the sense strand and the antisense strand independently comprises a phosphodiester (PO) internucleoside linkage, a phosphorothioate (PS) internucleoside linkage, a mesyl phosphoramidate intemucleoside linkage (Ms) , a phosphorodithioate intemucleoside linkage, a PS-mimic internucleoside linkage, a phorothioate internucleoside linkage, a mesyl phosphoroamidate internucleoside linkage, a 5' stabilizing end cap, a phosphorylation blocker, galactosamine or a combination of two or more thereof. The linkage can be incorporated between any two nucleotides of the sense strand or the antisense strand. For example, the linkage can be incorporated between positions 1 and 2, between positions 2 and 3, between positions 3 and 4, between positions 4 and 5, between 5 and 6, between 6 and 7, between 7 and 8, between 8 and 9, between 9 and 10, between 11 and 12, between 12 and 13, between 13 and 14, between 14 and 15, between 15 and 16, between 16 and 17, between 17 and 18, between 18 and 19, between 19 and 20, between 20 and 21, between 21 and 22, between 22 and 23, or between 24 and 25 from 5' -end of the first or second nucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleotide sequences comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 the above linkages, caps or blocks.
[0078] In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 69, 72, 84, 86, 88, and 90. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 70, 73, 85, 87, 89, and 91. In some embodiments, the saRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand independently selected from any of the sequences listed in Table 1.
[0079] In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence comprises a modified nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 63, 65, 67, 71, 74, 78, 79, and 81. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence comprises a modified nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 64, 66, 68, 75, 76, 77, and 80. In some embodiments, the modified saRNA comprises a duplex selected from the sequences listed in Table 1.
[0080] In some embodiments, the target gene is UTRN gene. In some embodiments, the target gene is SERPING1 gene.
[0081] In some embodiments, the first nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide independently selected or derived from a compound of the present disclosure, and R2 is a linking bond. In some embodiments, at least one modified nucleotide is at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence, ifthe positions are present. In some embodiments, the at least one modified nucleotide is at least at position 1 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence.
[0082] In some embodiments, the second nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide independently selected or derived from a compound of the present disclosure, and R2 is a linking bond. In some embodiments, at least one modified nucleotide is at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 from the 5' end of the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present. In some embodiments, the at least one modified nucleotide is at least at position 1 frorn the 5' end of the second nucleotide sequence.
[0083] In some embodiments, the modified nucleotide is selected from a group consisting of the following: wherein the wave line means the site linked with another nucleotide, and the vinyl is in E configuration. According to embodiments of the present application, such modified nucleotide is at position 1 from the 5'end of the first or second nucleotide sequence.
[0084] In a particular embodiment, the modified nucleotide is B1. In a particular embodiment, the modified nucleotide is B7.
[0085] In addition to the nucleotides as modified above, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with any of 2'-O-methyl (2’-OMe) or 2′-fluoro (2'-F) or 2’-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) , or their combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2’-MOE. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2’-OMe. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2’-F. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with two of2’-MOE, 2’-OMe and 2’-F. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the rest nucleotides in the first or second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2’-MOE, 2'-OMe and 2'-F. When the 2'-OMe modified nucleotide and 2’-F modified nucleotide are both present, at least part of the 2'-OMe modified nucleotides and the 2’-F modified nucleotides occur alternatively from the 5'end of the first nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the 2'-OMe modified nucleotides are at least at positions 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 from the 5'end of the first or second nucleotide sequence, ifthe positions are present, and the 2’-F modified nucleotides are at some of the rest positions of the first or second nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the 2’-F modified nucleotides are at least at positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 or 22 from the 5’ end of the first or second nucleotide sequence, ifthe positions are present, and the 2’-OMe modified nucleotides are at some of the rest positions of the first or second nucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the ratio of the number of the 2'-OMe modified nucleotides to the 2’-F modified nucleotides is in a range from 10: 1 to 1: 10. For example, such ratio can be about 10: 1, about 9: 1, about 8: 1, about 7: 1, about 6: 1, about 5: 1, about 4: 1, about 3: 1, about 2: 1, about 1: 1, about 1: 2, about 1: 3, about 1: 4, about 1: 5, about 1: 6, about 1: 7, about 1: 8, about 1: 9, or about 1: 10, or in a range having any two of the above values as endpoints.
[0086] In some embodiments, for the above modified saRNA, only one of the first and second nucleotide sequences involves the above deuteration, and the other nucleotide sequence does not comprise deuteration. In some embodiments, the sense strand comprising the first nucleotide sequence comprises deuteration modification, and the antisense strand comprising the second nucleotide sequence does not comprise deuteration modification. In other embodiments, the antisense strand comprising the second nucleotide sequence comprises deuteration modification, and the sense strand comprising the first nucleotide sequence does not comprise deuteration modification. With respect to the strand that is not deuterated, the corresponding nucleotide sequence can be chemically modified with any of 2'-O-methyl (2’-OMe) or 2′-fluoro (2’-F) or 2’-O-methoxyethyl (2’-MOE) , as described above.Conjugate agent and delivery moieties
[0087] In addition, to facilitate entry of the saRNA into a cell, chemical delivery moieties may be introduced at the ends of the sense or antisense strands of the saRNA on the basis of the above modifications to facilitate action through a cell membrane composed of lipid bilayers and gene promoter regions within the nuclear membrane and nucleus. Therefore, the current disclosure also provides an oligonucleotide agent comprising the oligonucleotide and at least one delivery moiety.
[0088] In certain embodiments, saRNAs disclosed in the present application are covalently attached to one or more conjugate moieties. In certain embodiments, delivery moieties modify one or more properties of the attached oligonucleotide, including but not limited to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, stability, binding, absorption, tissue distribution, cellular distribution, cellular uptake, charge and clearance. In certain embodiments, delivery moieties impart a new property on the attached oligonucleotide, e.g., fluorophores or reporter groups that enable detection of the oligonucleotide. Certain delivery moieties and conjugate moieties have been described previously, for example: an accessory oligonucleotide (WO2023280190A1 and WO2024199445A1) , lipid (fatty acid, WO2024002046A1) , cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86, 6553-6556) , cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1994, 4, 1053-1060) , a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660, 306-309; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1993, 3, 2765-2770) , a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20, 533-538) , an aliphatic chain, e.g., do-decan-diol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO 1, 1991, 10, 1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259, 327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75, 49-54) , a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium 1, 2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18, 3777-3783) , a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides &Nucleotides, 1995, 14, 969-973) , or adamantane acetic acid, a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264, 229-237) , an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277, 923-937) , a tocopherol group (Nishina et al., Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids, 2015, 4, e220; and Nishina et al., Molecular Therapy, 2008, 16, 734-740) , or a GalNAc cluster (e.g., WO2024002046A1) .
[0089] In some embodiments, the saRNA of the present application relates to the sense strand or the antisense strand of the double-stranded oligonucleotide that is conjugated to one or more delivery moieties selected from: lipid, intercalators, reporter molecules, polyamines, polyamides, peptides, carbohydrates, vitamin moieties, polyethylene glycols, thioethers, polyethers, cholesterols, thiocholesterols, cholic acid moieties, folate, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, adamantane, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, fluorophores, and dyes.
[0090] In some embodiments, a delivery moiety comprises an active drug substance, for example, aspirin, warfarin, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, suprofen, fen-bufen, ketoprofen, (S) - (+) -pranoprofen, carprofen, dansylsarcosine, 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid, fingolimod, flufenamic acid, folinic acid, a benzothiadiazide, chlorothiazide, a diazepine, indo-methicin, a barbiturate, a cephalosporin, a sulfa drug, an antidiabetic, an antibacterial or an antibiotic.
[0091] In some embodiments, the saRNA of the present application is conjugated to one or more delivery moieties selected from: an oligonucleotide, a lipid, a fatty acid, a fluorophore, a ligand, a saccharide, a peptide, and an antibody.
[0092] In some embodiments, the sense strand or the antisense strand of the oligonucleotide agent is conjugated to one or more delivery moieties selected from a single-stranded oligonucleotide, a cell-penetrating peptide, polyethylene glycol, an alkaloid, a tryptamine, a benzimidazole, a quinolone, an amino acid, a cholesterol, glucose and N-acetylgalactosamine.
[0093] In certain embodiments, the saRNA is conjugated to a lipid selected from C4-30 fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the delivery moiety is a lipid / fatty acid having a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C2-16 carbon chain. In certain embodiments, said delivery moiety is fatty acid comprising a carbon chain length of 16, 18 or 22 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, the delivery moiety is selected from lipophilic moieties as described in WO2024002046A1. In certain embodiments, the double-stranded oligonucleotide may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, or even more oligonucleotides separately conjugated to 1, 2, 3, 4 or even more of the delivery moieties via 1, 2, 3, 4 or even more linking moieties.
[0094] In some embodiments, the sense strand or the antisense strand of the double-stranded oligonucleotide is conjugated to lipid compound C5x5, as shown below: In some embodiments, the conjugation group derived from C5x5 has a structure as shown below: wherein the asterisk represents the site where the conjugation group is attached to the strand, either directly or via a linking moiety.
[0095] In certain embodiments, C5x5 conjugated to the 5′end of sense strand and / or antisense strand of the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, the 5′end of the sense strand and / or antisense strand of the double-stranded oligonucleotide conjugated to one or more C5x5. In some embodiments, the 5′end of the sense strand of the saRNA conjugated to a C5x5. In certain embodiments, the conjugation group conjugated to the saRNA is derived from C5x5. In certain embodiments, the saRNA attached with a conjugation group has a structure as shown below:
[0096] The delivery moieties can be synthesized via procedures known in the art, for example WO2024002046A 1 is fully incorporated herein for synthetic process of compound C5x5.
[0097] In certain embodiments, saRNAs disclosed in the present application are covalently attached to one or more conjugate moieties through linking moieties. The linking moieties, when present, can be selected from the group consisting of-O-, -S-, -C (O) -, -NH-, -N ( (C1-C12) alkyl) -, -N ( (C1-C12) alkyl) -C (O) -O-, -O-C (O) -, -C (O) -O-, -O-C (O) -O-, -C (O) -NH-, -OP (O) 2O-, -P (O) (O-) O-, -OP (O) O-, -OP (O) (S) O-, -O-S (O) 2-O-, -S (O) 2-O-, -S (O) -O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-, -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -O-, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-, -NH-C (O) -(C1-C22) alkylene-, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-, -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -, -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) O-, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -O-, -C (O) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-C (O) -, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH-, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -, - (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) 2O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) (O-) O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) (O-) O- (C1-C22) alkylene-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) (S) O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-S (O) 2-O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-S (O) 2-O-, - (C1-C22) alkylene-S (O) -O-, -O-P (O) 2-O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) 2O-, -O-P (O) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) O-, -OP (O) (S) O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OP (O) (S) O-, -O-S (O) 2-O- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-S (O) 2-O-, -S (O) 2-O- (C1-C22) alkylene-S (O) 2-O- and -O-S (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-S (O) -O-; wherein the - (C1-C22) alkylene-contained in the linking moiety can be an alkylene group comprising from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 18 carbon atoms, or from 4 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the delivery moiety is directly linked with the oligonucleotide when the linking moiety is a direct bond.
[0098] In some embodiments, the saRNA conjugated to one or more delivery moieties disclosed in the embodiments, e.g., C5x5. In some embodiments, the saRNA is directly contacted, transferred, delivered or administrated to a cell or a patient.
[0099] In some embodiments, the modified saRNA further comprises one or more moieties or components conjugated or combined with the saRNA. In some embodiments, the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from a group consisting of a lipid, a fatty acid (such as fatty acid comprising a carbon chain with 4-30, 12-24, or 16-22 carbon atoms) , a fluorophore, a ligand, a saccharide, a peptide, and an antibody. In some embodiments, the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from a lipid, a cell-penetrating peptide, a polyethylene glycol, an alkaloid, a tryptamine, a benzimidazole, a quinolone, an amino acid, a cholesterol, a glucose, a N-acetylgalactosamine, and any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from S9, tC2, tC2x6, C5x5, and any combinations thereof, wherein represents a support material.
[0100] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the saRNA molecule of the present disclosure. According to another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more additional ingredients, such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, solvent, diluent, stabilizer, dispersant, buffer, compatibilizer, preservative agent and combinations thereof.
[0101] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of modulating the expression of a target gene in vitro or in vivo, comprising the step of administrating the pharmaceutical composition to a subject, or contacting the pharmaceutical composition with cells of the subject. For example, it is estimated that the saRNA molecule and pharmaceutical composition can be applied in various organs, tissues and cells, such as liver, lung, kidney, intestine, pancreas, cholecyst, muscle, bone, central nervous system (CNS) , and modulate the expression of one or more target genes in the cell thereof. In some embodiments, the saRNA molecule and pharmaceutical composition can increase the expression of the target gene. According to embodiments of the present application, the subject is a mammal, such as a non-human primate or a human. According to embodiments of the present application, the subject is a rodent, such as a rat or a mouse. According to embodiments of the present application, the subject is a non-human primate. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder. For example, the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder in the central nervous system, eye, spleen, muscle, heart, kidney, or liver.
[0102] Also provided herein is a method of modulating the expression of a target gene, the method comprising contacting a cell with the pharmaceutical composition of the present application. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutical composition increases the expression of the target gene. In an embodiment, the cell is a mammalian cell. In an embodiment, the mammalian cell is a mouse cell. In an embodiment, the mammalian cell is a rat cell. In an embodiment, the mammalian cell is a non-human primate cell. In an embodiment, the mammalian cell is a human cell. In an embodiment, the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder. In an embodiment, the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder in the central nervous system, eye, spleen, muscle, heart, kidney, or liver. Particular embodiments
[0103] The present application provides the following particular embodiments: Embodiment 1 relates to a compound for an synthesizing oligonucleotide having a structure of Formula 1: wherein X is - (CY2) m-A-, m is 0, 1 or 2, wherein each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, amino, alkyl, alkylaryl, alkyloxyl, aloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (alkyl) , -C (=O) (alkyl) , carboxyl, amido, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and cyano, wherein A is selected from a group consisting of direct bond, O, N (H) , N (Rb) , S, S (O) and S (O) 2, wherein Rb is independently selected from a group consisting of-OH, -O-Rc, -SH, - (C1-C22) alkyl, halogenated- (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C2-C22) alkenyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkenyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-COORc, -C (O) O-Rc, -O- (C1-C22) alkyl, -S- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -O-adamantly, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO- (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO-halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C1-C6 alkylene oxide) (1-20) -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) NH-Rc, -C (O) NRd-Rc, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-COOH, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -NH-C (O) -Rc, -NRd-C (O) -Rc, -O-P (O) 2-O-Rc, -OP (O) (S) -O-Rc, -O-P (O) -O-Rc, -NH-Rc, -NRd-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) O-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -N H- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C30) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, -(C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene -P (O) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-P (O) (S) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted imidazole, substituted or unsubstituted oxazole, substituted or unsubstituted thiazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzoimidazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzooxazole, or substituted or unsubstituted benzothiazole, wherein each of Rc and Rd is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl, C6-C16 aryl; wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of H, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, or unsubstituted or substituted nucleobase; wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of halogen; OH; OC1-C12 alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, C1-C12 alkoxyamino, guanidyl, base or carbonyl; (C1-C12) alkylcarbonyl, OC6-C16aryl, OC6-C16arylcarbonyl, OC6-C16aryloxycarbonyl, wherein R1 is not deuterated or at least one hydrogen of R1 is substituted with deuterium; wherein R2 is selected from a group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, (C1- C12) alkylcarbonyl, (C1-C12) alkoxycarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryl, (C6-C16) arylcarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryloxycarbonyl, and PReRf, wherein each of Re and Rfis independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) , O- (C1-C12 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl in each of Re and Rf is unsubstituted or further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano; wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different; wherein the vinyl group is in either E or Z configuration; wherein the hydrogens bonded directly to the vinyl group are not deuterated or at least one hydrogen is substituted with deuterium; wherein each of R3 and R4 is selected independently from H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl or C6-C16 aryl, -C1-C12 alkylene-O-C (=O) -C1-C12 alkyl, and is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -O-C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different. Embodiment 2 relates to the compound of embodiment 1, wherein the formula 1 has the following configuration: Embodiment 3 relates to the compound of either of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein m is 0 and A is O. Embodiment 4 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted aryl selected from a group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, when the aryl is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano; and / or wherein at least one hydrogen in Ra is substituted with deuterium. Embodiment 5 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted heteroaryl selected from a group consisting ofthienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiodiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl benzothienyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, purinyl, thienopyridinyl, pyrido [2, 3-d] pyrimidinyl, pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, thieno [2, 3-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-b] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [4, 3-c] pyridine, pyrazolo [4, 3-b] pyridinyl, tetrazolyl, chromane, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] dioxine, benzo [d] [1, 3] dioxole, 2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran, tetrahydroquinoline, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] oxathiine, and isoindoline, when the heteroaryl is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. Embodiment 6 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted nucleobase selected from a group consisted of thymine (T) , cytosine (C) , guanine (G) , adenine (A) , uracil (U) , and an analogue or derivative thereof, where the nucleobase is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each nucleobase is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. Embodiment 7 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of halogen and linear or branched OC1-C6 alkyl which is optionally substituted. Embodiment 8 relates to the compound of embodiment 7, wherein at least one hydrogen of the linear or branched OC1-C6 alkyl which is optionally substituted is substituted with deuterium. Embodiment 9 relates to the compound of either embodiment 7 or embodiment 8, wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, OCH2-OCH3, OCH2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-O (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) CH3, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) - (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2-N (H) -C (=NH) NH2 O-methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine, O-methoxyethyladenosine (Aeo) or O-methoxyethyl-5-methylcytidine. Embodiment 10 relates to the compound of embodiment 7, wherein R1 is -CH3. Embodiment 11 relates to the compound of either of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein R1 is -CH2D, -CHD2 or -CD3. Embodiment 12 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein R2 is PReRf, wherein each of Re and Rfis independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) or O- (C1-C12 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl of each of Re and Rfis unsubstituted or further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different. Embodiment 13 relates to the compound of embodiment 12, wherein Re and Rfare independently selected from N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) or O- (C1-C6 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl of each of Re and Rfis unsubstituted or further optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different. Embodiment 14 relates to the compound of embodiment 13, wherein the C1-C6 alkyl groups of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and the O- (C1-C6 alkyl) of Re and Rf are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, and wherein the C1-C6 alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different. Embodiment 15 relates to the compound of embodiment 14, wherein one of Re and Rfis N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) , and the other of Re and Rfis O- (C1-C6 alkyl) . Embodiment 16 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 13-15, wherein one of Re and Rfis N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6alkyl) , wherein the C1-C6 alkyl of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) is not substituted; and the other of Re and Rfis O- (C1-C6 alkyl) , wherein the C1-C6 alkyl of O- (C1-C6 alkyl) is substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano. Embodiment 17 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 13-16, wherein one of Re and Rfis N (isopropyl) , and the other of Re and Rf is -OCH2CH2CN. Embodiment 18 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the vinyl group is in E configuration. Embodiment 19 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the vinyl group is in Z configuration. Embodiment 20 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is not deuterated. Embodiment 21 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein at least one hydrogen directly bonded to the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is substituted with deuterium. Embodiment 22 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-21, wherein R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 al kyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different. Embodiment 23 relates to the compound of embodiment 22, wherein R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different. Embodiment 24 relates to the compound of embodiment 23, wherein R3 and R4 are both CH2-OC (=O) (tert-butyl) . Embodiment 25 relates to the compound of any of embodiments 1-24, wherein the compound is selected from wherein the vinyl group of A1-A42 is in E configuration. Embodiment 26 relates to the compound of embodiment 1, wherein the oligonucleotide is a saRNA, a siRNA, an ASO or a miRNA. Embodiment 27. A modified saRNA, wherein the saRNA comprises a sense strand comprising a first nucleotide sequence, and an antisense strand comprising a second nucleotide sequence, wherein the first nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%homology to a target gene sequence; and / or wherein the second nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%complementary to the target gene sequence; and / or wherein the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide; and / or wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is independently selected or derived from a compound of any of embodiments 1-25, and / or wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is a nucleotide with modification independently selected from the following modifications: a) modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence; b) modification of 2′-OH of a ribose in the nucleotide sequence; and c) modification of a base in the nucleotide sequence. Embodiment 28 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 27, wherein the first nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 69, 72, 84, 86, 88, and 90; and / or, wherein the second nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 70, 73, 85, 87, 89, and 90; and / or wherein the saRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand independently selected from any of the sequences listed in Table 1. Embodiment 29 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 28, wherein the modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides is selected from a phosphorothioate modification and boranophosphate modification; and / or the modification of 2′-OH is selected from the group consisting of 2′-fluoro modification, 2′-oxymethyl modification, 2′-oxyethylidene methoxy modification, 2′-oxymethylidene ethoxy modification, 2, 4′-dinitrophenol modification, 2′-amino modification and 2′-deoxy modification; and / or the modification of a base is selected from the group consisting of 5 ′-bromouracil modification, 5′-iodouracil modification, N-methyluracil modification, and 2, 6-diaminopurine modification. Embodiment 30 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-29, wherein at least one modified nucleotide is independently selected from a 2' -OCD3 nucleotide, a 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate nucleotide, a 5' - (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate nucleotide, a locked nucleic acid, an abasic nucleotide, a 2' -alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, or a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. Embodiment 31 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-30, wherein the first nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 63, 65, 67, 71, 74, 78, 79, and 81; and / or wherein the second nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 64, 66, 68, 75, 76, 77, and 80; and / or wherein the modified saRNA comprises a duplex selected from the sequences listed in Table 1. Embodiment 32 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-31, wherein the target gene is selected from UTRN gene or SERPING1 gene. Embodiment 33 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-32, wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present. Embodiment 34 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 33, wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is at least at position 1 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence. Embodiment 35 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-34, wherein the modified nucleotide is selected from a group consisting of the following: wherein the wave line means the site linked with another nucleotide, and the vinyl is in E configuration; and / or wherein the modified nucleotide is at position 1 from the 5' end of the first or second nucleotide sequence. Embodiment 36 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-35, wherein the modified nucleotide is B 1. Embodiment 37 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-35, wherein the modified nucleotide is B7. Embodiment 38 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-37, wherein at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the nucleotides in the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2' -OMe, 2' -MOE, 2' -F or their combinations thereof. Embodiment 39 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 38, wherein at least part of the 2' -OMe modified nucleotides and the 2' -F modified nucleotides occur alternatively from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence. Embodiment 40 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 38, wherein the 2' - OMe modified nucleotides are at least at positions 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present. Embodiment 41 relates to the modified saRNA of embodiment 38, wherein the 2' -F modified nucleotides are at least at positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 or 22 from the 5' end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present. Embodiment 42 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 38-41, wherein the ratio of the number of the 2' -OMe modified nucleotides to the 2' -F modified nucleotides is in a range from 10: 1 to 1: 10. Embodiment 43 relates to the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-42, wherein one of the sense strand and the antisense strand of the saRNA does not comprise a modified nucleotide modified with 2' -OCD3 nucleotide, 5' - (E) -vinyl phosphonate, or 5' -(E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate. Embodiment 44 relates to an oligonucleotide agent comprising the modified saRNA of any one of embodiments 27-43, wherein the oligonucleotide agent further comprises one or more moieties or components conjugated or combined with the saRNA; and / or wherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from the group consisting of a lipid, a fatty acid (such as fatty acid comprising a carbon chain with 4-30, 12-24, or 16-22 carbon atoms) , a fluorophore, a ligand, a saccharide, a peptide, and an antibody; and / or wherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from a lipid, a cell-penetrating peptide, a polyethylene glycol, an alkaloid, a tryptamine, a benzimidazole, a quinolone, an amino acid, a cholesterol, a glucose, a N-acetylgalactosamine, and any combinations thereof. Embodiment 45 relates to the oligonucleotide agent of embodiment 44, wherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from S9, tC2, tC2x6, C5x5, and any combinations thereof, wherein represents a support material. Embodiment 46. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) the saRNA molecule according to any one of embodiments 27-43, or the oligonucleotide agent according to any of embodiments 44-45; and b) optionally, one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, solvent, diluent, stabilizer, dispersant, buffer, compatibilizer, preservative agent and combinations thereof. Embodiment 47. A method of modulating the expression of a target gene in a subject, the method comprising the step of administrating the pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 46 to a subject. Embodiment 48 relates to the method of embodiment 47, wherein the pharmaceutical composition increases the expression of the target gene. Embodiment 49 relates to the method of any one of embodiments 47-48, wherein the subject is a mammal. Embodiment 50 relates to the method of embodiments 49, wherein the mammal is a rodent. Embodiment 51 relates to the method of embodiment 49, wherein the mammal is a non-human primate. Embodiment 52 relates to the method of embodiment 49, wherein the mammal is a human. Embodiment 53 relates to the method of any one of embodiments 47-52 wherein the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder. Embodiment 54 relates to the method of embodiment 53, wherein the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder in the central nervous system, eye, lung, adipose, skin, joint, blood vessel, spleen, muscle, heart, kidney, or liver. Embodiment 55 relates to the method of any one of embodiments 53-54, wherein disease or disorder is hereditary angioedema (HAE) or Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) . While typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the disclosure or appended claims. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure or appended claims.EXAMPLES
[0104] The present application will be further illustrated with reference to specific examples and drawings below. It should be understood that these examples are merely intended to illustrate the present application rather than limit the scope of the present application. In the following examples, study methods without specific conditions were generally in accordance with conventional conditions, such as conditions described in Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: Laboratory Manual (New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989) , or conditions recommended by the manufacturer.
[0105] The following examples are set forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention nor are they intended to represent that the experiments below are all or the only experiments performed. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc. ) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is weight average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Celsius, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. Standard abbreviations may be used, e.g., bp, base pair (s) ; kb, kilobase (s) ; nM, nanomolar (s) ; s or sec, second (s) ; min, minute (s) ; h or hr, hour (s) ; aa, amino acid (s) ; nt, nucleotide (s) ; i. m., intramuscular (ly) ; i.p., intraperitoneal (ly) ; s.c., subcutaneous (ly) ; ivt or IVT, intravitreous; iv or IV, tail vein, intravenous; i.c.v. or icv or ICV, intracerebroventricular and the like.
[0106] All the starting materials, reagents and solvents used hereafter were purchased from commercial sources and used as received unless stated otherwise. Purification of reaction products was performed with a column chromatography comprising a silica gel (200-300 mesh) and eluting agents of hexane / ethyl acetate, DCM / MeOH. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out using pre-coated silica Gel GF plates and visualized using KMnO4 stains. 1H-NMR spectra were recorded at 400 or 500 MHz (Varian) using CDCl3 with TMS. High-resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were recorded on LC / MS (Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity II / 6120 Quadrupole) and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer by ESI or matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) . Compounds list Example 1. The preparation of compound A1 of the present disclosure
[0107] Compound A1 was prepared in this Example by using the following procedures. (1) Preparation of compound 2
[0108] To a solution of compound 1 (10 g, 44.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry pyridine (100 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added DMTrCl (16.5 g, 48.6 mmol, 1.1 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. TLC showed compound 1 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuum to obtain crude residue and then added DCM (200 mL) . The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-8%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 2 (18.7 g, 80%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 528.19; MW Found: 529.32 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.33 -7.28 (m, 4H) , 7.21 -7.15 (m, 6H) , 6.83 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H) , 6.75 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 4H) , 6.14 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.92 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.45 (d, J = 4.2 Hz, 1H) , 5.28 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.48 -4.35 (m, 2H) , 3.74 (s, 6H) . (2) Preparation of compound 3
[0109] 4.34 g Magnesium chips (181 mmol) was added into 41 mL methanol-D4 under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred under reflux for 6 h, then concentrated under reduced pressure to form the intermediate magnesium methoxide-D3.
[0110] To a solution of compound 2 (15.9 g, 30.17 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry DMF (300 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added the intermediate magnesium methoxide-D3 (181 mmol, 6.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at 100℃ for 15 h. With ice-bath cooling, the reaction was quenched with saturated aq. NH4Cl and extracted with EA (300 mL) . The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 3 (15 g, 88%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 563.23; MW Found: 586.3 [M+Na] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ9.09 (s, 1H) , 8.02 (s, 2H) , 7.40 -7.36 (m, 2H) , 7.32 -7.26 (m, 7H) , 6.87 -6.82 (m, 4H) , 5.97 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H) , 5.27 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.47 (td, J = 8.5, 5.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.00 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 3.80 (s, 6H) , 3.59 -3.50 (m, 2H) . (3) Preparation of compound 4
[0111] To a solution of compound 3 (15 g, 26.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry pyridine (150 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added imidazole (3.6 g, 53.2 mmol, 2.0 eq) and TBSCl (6.0 g, 39.9 mmol, 1.5 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. TLC showed compound 3 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give crude residue and then added DCM (200 mL) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (200 mL) two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue 4 was directly used in next step without further purification. The resultant residue 4 was characterized with mass spectrometry. MW calc.: 677.32; MW Found: 678.1 [M+H] +. (4) Preparation of compound 5
[0112] To a solution of crude 4 (26.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) in AcOH (100 mL) was added H2O (25 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. TLC showed compound 4 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuum to give crude residue and then added DCM (200 mL) . The DCM layer was washed by saturated aq. NaHCO3 two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 5 (7.3 g, 73%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 375.19; MW Found: 376.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.76 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 5.73 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 5.67 (d, J= 4.1 Hz, 1H) , 4.35 (t, J= 5.2 Hz, 1H) , 4.09 -4.04 (m, 1H) , 4.02 -3.94 (m, 1H) , 3.75 (d, J= 12.4 Hz, 1H) , 2.68 (s, 1H) , 0.91 (s, 9H) , 0.11 (s, 6H) . (5) Preparation of compound 6
[0113] To a solution of compound 5 (6.48 g, 17.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry DMSO (100 mL) was added EDCI (9.9 g, 51.9 mmol, 3.0) and pyridine (1.39 mL, 17.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) . After stirring for 5 minutes, TFA (0.64 mL, 8.65 mmol, 0.5 eq) was added into the reaction. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. TLC showed compound 5 was consumed completely. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EA (100 mL) twice. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 6 (5.6 g, 87%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 373.17; MW Found: 374.27 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.78 (s, 1H) , 8.52 (s, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1H) , 5.80 (t, J= 5.4 Hz, 2H) , 4.54 (d, J= 4.2 Hz, 1H) , 4.43 (t, J= 4.4 Hz, 1H) , 3.93 (t, J= 4.8 Hz, 1H) , 0.93 (s, 9H) , 0.14 (s, 6H) . (6) Preparation of compound 8
[0114] To a solution of compound 7 (14.3 g, 22.51 mmol, 1.5 eq) in anhydrous THF (70 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at ice bath, was added NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 1.2 g, 30.0 mmol, 2.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred under ice bath for 15 min, and then compound 6 (5.6 g, 15.0 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the reaction mixture. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Then the reaction was moved to ice bath, saturated ammonium chloride (50 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. After 5 minutes, the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 8 (6.0 g, 59%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 679.30; MW Found: 680.4 [M+H] + 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.55 (s, 1H) , 7.33 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.27 (s, 1H) , 6.97-6.82 (m, 1H) , 6.13 -6.01 (m, 1H) , 5.88 (s, 1H) , 5.68 (d, J= 12.7 Hz, 4H) , 4.52 (s, 1H) , 4.01 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 1H) , 3.74 (s, 1H) , 1.22 (s, 18H) , 0.91 (s, 9H) , 0.10 (s, 6H) . (7) Preparation of compound 9
[0115] To a solution of compound 8 (6.0 g, 8.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (36 mL) was added 2 M HCl (36 mL) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. Then 50 mL H2O was added into the reaction. The mixture was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 9 (3.5 g, 70%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 565.21; MW Found: 588.30 [M+Na] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.34 (s, 1H) , 7.31 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1H) , 6.98 (ddd, J= 23.8, 17.3, 4.4 Hz, 1H) , 6.18 -6.01 (m, 1H) , 5.93 (s, 1H) , 5.80 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1H) , 5.74 -5.63 (m, 4H) , 4.43 (d, J= 4.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.03 -3.90 (m, 1H) , 3.81 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H) , 2.90 (d, J= 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 1.23 (s, 18H) . (8) Preparation of compound A1
[0116] To a solution of compound 9 (2.0 g, 3.54 mmol, 1.0 eq) and DIPEA (1.2 mL, 7.08 mmol, 2.0 eq) in anhydrous DCM (15 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere was added 3- ( (chloro (diisopropylamino) phosphaneyl) oxy) propanenitrile (1.67 g, 7.08 mmol, 2.0 eq) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was extracted two times with DCM, then washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM, 1%Et3N) to provide compound A1 (2.7 g, 99%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 765.32; MW Found: 766.3 [M+H] + 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.29 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.09 -6.80 (m, 1H) , 6.11 (s, 1H) , 5.92 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 1H) , 5.72 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.68-5.58 (m, 4H) , 4.67 -4.55 (m, 1H) , 4.11 -4.03 (m, 2H) , 3.60 (ddd, J= 13.6, 6.8, 3.5 Hz, 2H) , 3.53 -3.42 (m, 2H) , 2.72 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.62 (t, J= 6.0 Hz, 1H) , 1.17 (s, 18H) , 1.16 -1.09 (m, 12H) .Example 2. Preparation of compound A2 of the present disclosure
[0117] Compound A2 was prepared in this Example by using the following procedures. (1) Preparation of compound 11
[0118] Compound 10 (10.68 g, 40 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in hot DMF (150 mL) and then the solution was cooled to 0 ℃. NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 1.6 g, 40 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the solution and then stirred at 0 ℃ for 45 min. After that, iodomethane-D3 (5.8 g, 40 mmol, 1.0 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was added. The mixture was continuously stirred at 0 ℃ for 4 h and then removed NaI salts by filtration. The clear solution was evaporated to dryness. 4mL MeOH was added until the solution was turbid. 16 g silica gel was added to the solution, and the solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The powder was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 2-10%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 11 (10 g, 87%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 284.13; MW Found: 285.15 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.34 (s, 1H) , 7.84 (s, 1H) , 6.72 (d, J= 12.1 Hz, 1H) , 5.85 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.70 (s, 1H) , 4.74 (dd, J = 7.6, 4.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.59 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.37 (s, 1H) , 3.97 (d, J= 12.8 Hz, 1H) , 3.78 (d, J= 13.3 Hz, 1H) , 3.49 (s, 2H) . (2) The preparation of compound 12
[0119] To a solution of compound 11 (10 g, 35.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry pyridine (120 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added imidazole (8.4 g, 123.2 mmol, 3.5 eq) and TBSCl (13.2 g, 88 mmol, 2.5 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. TLC showed 11 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give crude residue and then added DCM (200 mL) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (200 mL) two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was dissolved in dry pyridine (120 mL) . Benzoyl chloride (9.7 mL, 77.4 mmol, 2.2 eq) was added to the mixture at ice bath under nitrogen atmosphere. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. After that the reaction was moved to ice bath, ammonium hydroxide (10 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. Then the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue 12 was directly used in next step without further purification. The resultant residue 12 was characterized with mass spectrometry. MW calc.: 616.33; MW Found: 617.42 [M+H] + (3) Preparation of compound 13
[0120] To a solution of compound 12 (35.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (266 mL) , was added H2O (133 mL) and TFA (133 mL) slowly at ice bath. The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 2 h. TLC showed compound 12 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was adjusted to pH 7-8 with ammonium hydroxide and then extracted with DCM (200 mL*2) . The DCM layer was washed with H2O (200 mL) twice and brine, and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 13 (9.2 g, 52%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 502.24; MW Found: 503.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.11 (s, 1H) , 8.80 (s, 1H) , 8.10 (s, 1H) , 8.03 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H) , 7.63 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H) , 6.11 (d, J= 10.4 Hz, 1H) , 5.94 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.67 -4.57 (m, 2H) , 4.23 (s, 1H) , 3.98 (d, J= 13.1 Hz, 1H) , 3.77 (d, J= 12.2 Hz, 1H) , 0.97 (s, 9H) , 0.16 (s, 6H) . (4) Preparation of compound 14
[0121] To a solution of compound 13 (9.2 g, 18.4 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry DMSO (100 mL) was added EDCI (10.6 g, 55.2 mmol, 3.0) and pyridine (1.5 mL, 18.4 mmol, 1.0 eq) . After stirring for 5 minutes, TFA (0.7 mL, 9.2 mmol, 0.5 eq) was added into the reaction. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. TLC showed compound 13 was consumed completely. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EA (100 mL) twice. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 14 (8.9 g, 97%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 500.23; MW Found: 501.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.10 (s, 1H) , 8.83 -8.77 (m, 1H) , 8.03 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.55 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H) , 5.97 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 4.81 -4.65 (m, 1H) , 4.53 -4.47 (m, 1H) , 4.26 -4.20 (m, 1H) , 3.58-3.50 (m, 2H) , 0.97 (s, 9H) , 0.16 (s, 6H) . (5) The preparation of compound 15
[0122] To a solution of compound 7 (16.9 g, 26.7 mmol, 1.5 eq) in anhydrous THF (70 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at ice bath, was added NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 1.2 g, 30.3 mmol, 1.7 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 15 min, and then compound 14 (8.9 g, 17.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the reaction mixture. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Then the reaction was moved to ice bath, saturated ammonium chloride (50 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. After 5 minutes, the reaction was extracted with ethyl acetate twice, and the organic phase was separated and washed with brine once, then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 15 (8 g, 56%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 806.35; MW Found: 807.37 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.04 (s, 1H) , 8.80 (s, 1H) , 8.13 (s, 1H) , 8.03 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H) , 7.62 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.53 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.03 -6.92 (m, 1H) , 6.21 -6.05 (m, 2H) , 5.70 -5.64 (m, 4H) , 4.62 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, 2H) , 4.48 (t, J = 4.5 Hz, 1H) , 1.19 (s, 18H) , 0.95 (s, 9H) , 0.15 (s, 6H) . (6) Preparation of compound 16
[0123] To a solution of compound 15 (8.0 g, 9.9 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (50 mL) was added 2 M HCl (50 mL) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. Then 50 mL H2O was added into the reaction. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate twice. The organic phases were combined, washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 16 (5 g, 71%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 692.27; MW Found: 693.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.12 (s, 1H) , 8.81 (s, 1H) , 8.14 (s, 1H) , 8.04 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H) , 7.67 -7.58 (m, 1H) , 7.57 -7.49 (m, 2H) , 7.10 -6.95 (m, 1H) , 6.23 -6.04 (m, 2H) , 5.73 -5.60 (m, 4H) , 4.62 (d, J= 4.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.58 -4.51 (m, 1H) , 4.48 -4.39 (m, 1H) , 3.16 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 1H) , 1.20 (s, 18H) . (7) Preparation of compound A2
[0124] To a solution of compound 16 (2.5 g, 3.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) and DIPEA (0.89 mL, 5.4 mmol, 1.5 eq) in anhydrous DCM (20 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere was added 3- ( (chloro (diisopropylamino) phosphaneyl) oxy) propanenitrile (1.3 g, 5.4 mmol, 1.5 eq) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was extracted two times with DCM, then washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM, 1%Et3N) to provide compound A2 (2.8 g, 87%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 892.37; MW Found: 893.4 [M+H] + 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.80 (s, 1H) , 8.13 (s, 1H) , 8.03 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.62 (t, J= 7.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.53 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.15-6.93 (m, 1H) , 6.22-6.08 (m, 2H) , 5.72-5.62 (m, 4H) , 4.84 -4.75 (m, 1H) , 4.64 -4.51 (m, 1H) , 3.99 -3.86 (m, 2H) , 3.77 -3.62 (m, 2H) , 2.74 -2.64 (m, 3H) , 1.26-1.12 (m, 30H) .Example 3. The preparation of compound A3 of the present disclosure
[0125] Compound A3 was prepared in this Example by using the following procedures. (1) The preparation of compound 18
[0126] Compound 17 (10.0 g, 41.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in hot DMF (154 mL) and then the solution was cooled to 0 ℃. NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 1.65 g, 41.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the solution and stirred for 45 min at 0 ℃, and then iodomethane-D3 (5.96 g, 41.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was added. The mixture was continuously stirred at room temperature for 4 h, and then removed NaI salts by filtration. The clear solution was evaporated to dryness. 4mL MeOH was added until the solution was turbid. 16 g silica gel was added to the solution, and the mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The powder was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 2-20%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 18 (5.8 g, 54%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 260.12; MW Found: 261.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.11 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.92 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.89 -5.86 (m, 1H) , 4.18 (dd, J= 7.1, 5.2 Hz, 1H) , 3.98 -3.94 (m, 1H) , 3.78 -3.72 (m, 2H) , 3.21 (q, J= 7.3 Hz, 1H) . (2) The preparation of compound 19
[0127] To a solution of compound 18 (5.8 g, 22.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry pyridine (70 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added imidazole (5.3 g, 78.1 mmol, 3.5 eq) and TBSCl (8.4 g, 55.7 mmol, 2.5 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. TLC showed compound 18 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give crude residue and then added DCM (100 mL) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (100 mL) two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was dissolved in dry pyridine (80 mL) . Benzoyl chloride (6.2 mL, 49.1 mmol, 2.2 eq) was added to the mixture at ice bath under nitrogen atmosphere. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. After that the reaction was moved to ice bath, ammonium hydroxide (7 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. Then the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue 19 was directly used in next step without further purification. The resultant residue 19 was characterized with mass spectrometry. MW calc.: 592.90; MW Found: 593.45 [M+H] +. (3) The preparation of compound 20
[0128] To a solution of compound 19 (22.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (154 mL) , was added H2O (86 mL) and TFA (86 mL) slowly at ice bath. The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 2 h. TLC showed 19 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was adjusted pH to 7-8 by ammonium hydroxide and then extracted with DCM (200 mL*2) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (200 mL) two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 20 (5.8 g, 54%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 478.23; MW Found: 479.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.62 (dd, J= 7.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H) , 8.34 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.91 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 3H) , 7.61 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.33 -7.27 (m, 1H) , 5.77 (d,J= 2.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.35 (dd, J= 6.6, 5.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.16 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.04 (dd, J= 4.9, 2.8 Hz, 1H) , 3.83 -3.76 (m, 2H) , 0.91 (s, 9H) , 0.10 (s, 6H) . (4) The preparation of compound 21
[0129] To a solution of compound 20 (5.8 g, 12.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry DMSO (60 mL) was added EDCI (7.0 g, 36.4 mmol, 3.0) and pyridine (0.98 mL, 12.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) . After stirring for 5 minutes, TFA (0.45 mL, 6.1 mmol, 0.5 eq) was added into the reaction. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. TLC showed 20 was consumed completely. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EA (100 mL) twice. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 21 (4.7 g, 82%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 476.22; MW Found: 477.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.84 (s, 1H) , 8.63 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.4 Hz, 1H) , 8.35 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H) , 7.90 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 3H) , 7.62 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.34 -7.26 (m, 1H) , 5.75 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.33 (dd, J= 6.5, 5.2 Hz, 1H) , 4.15 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.05 (dd, J = 5.0, 2.8 Hz, 1H) , 0.90 (s, 9H) , 0.10 (s, 6H) . (5) The preparation of compound 22
[0130] To a solution of compound 7 (8.1 g, 12.8 mmol, 1.3 eq) in anhydrous THF (49 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at ice bath, was added NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 0.79 g, 19.72 mmol, 2.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 15 min, and then compound 21 (4.7 g, 9.86 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the reaction mixture. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Then the reaction was moved to ice bath, saturated ammonium chloride (20 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. After 5 minutes, the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 22 (3.0 g, 39%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 782.34; MW Found: 783.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.74 (s, 1H) , 7.89 (t, J = 9.2 Hz, 3H) , 7.69 -7.59 (m, 2H) , 7.55 -7.50 (m, 2H) , 7.01 -6.88 (m, 1H) , 6.20 -6.08 (m, 1H) , 5.97 (s, 1H) , 5.74 -5.65 (m, 4H) , 4.67 -4.60 (m, 1H) , 3.91 -3.83 (m, 1H) , 3.77 (d, J =4.8 Hz, 1H) , 1.24 (s18H) , 0.88 (s, 9H) , 0.07 (s, 6H) . (6) The preparation of compound 23
[0131] To a solution of compound 22 (2.4 g, 3.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (20 mL) was added 2 M HCl (20 mL) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h. Then 20 mL H2O was added into the reaction. The mixture was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-6%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 23 (1.4 g, 68%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 668.25; MW Found: 669.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.72 (s, 1H) , 7.89-7.80 (m, 3H) , 7.62 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H) , 7.52 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.04 (ddd, J = 23.9, 17.3, 4.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.17 (ddd, J = 20.7, 17.3, 1.7 Hz, 1H) , 6.04 (s, 1H) , 5.74 -5.65 (m, 4H) , 4.57 -4.46 (m, 1H) , 3.90 (dt, J = 14.3, 7.1 Hz, 1H) , 3.84 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H) , 2.96 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1H) , 1.27-1.17 (m, 18H) . (7) The preparation of compound A3
[0132] To a solution of compound 23 (700 mg, 1.05 mmol, 1.0 eq) and DIPEA (0.27 mL, 1.57 mmol, 1.5 eq) in anhydrous DCM (5 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere was added 3- ( (chloro (diisopropylamino) phosphaneyl) oxy) propanenitrile (496 mg, 2.1 mmol, 2.0 eq) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was extracted two times with DCM, then washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM, 1%Et3N) to provide compound A3 (900 mg, 99%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 868.36; MW Found: 869.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.91 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H) , 7.85 (dd, J= 7.4, 4.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.60 -7.55 (m, 4H) , 7.17 -6.93 (m, 1H) , 6.23 -6.12 (m, 1H) , 6.03 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, 1H) , 5.75 -5.64 (m, 4H) , 4.75 (dd, J = 8.3, 3.6 Hz, 1H) , 3.93 -3.78 (m, 2H) , 3.76 -3.44 (m, 4H) , 2.85 -2.72 (m, 2H) , 1.26 -1.15 (m, 30H) .Example 4. The preparation of compound A4 of the present disclosure
[0133] Compound A4 was prepared in this Example by using the following procedures. (1) The preparation of compound 25
[0134] Compound 24 (20 g, 66.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in hot DMF (400 mL) and then the solution was cooled to 0 ℃. NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 3.18 g, 79.6 mmol, 1.2 eq) was added to the solution, and then stirred at 0 ℃ for 45 min, iodomethane-D3 (11.5 g, 79.6 mmol, 1.2 eq) in DMF (10 mL) was added. The mixture was continuously stirred at 0 ℃ for 4 h, and then removed NaI salts by filtration. The clear solution was evaporated to dryness. 10mL MeOH was added until the solution was turbid. 16 g silica gel was added to the solution, and the mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The powder was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 2-10%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 25 (10 g, 47%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 318.09; MW Found: 319.1 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.41 (s, 1H) , 6.99 (s, 2H) , 5.91 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 1H) , 5.25 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H) , 5.09 (t, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.32 -4.28 (m, 1H) , 4.10 (q, J = 5.2 Hz, 1H) , 3.94 (q, J = 3.8 Hz, 1H) , 3.17 (d, J= 5.3 Hz, 2H) . (2) The preparation of compound 26
[0135] To a solution of compound 25 (10 g, 31.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry pyridine (100 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added imidazole (7.4 g, 109.6 mmol, 3.5 eq) and TBSCl (11.8 g, 78.3 mmol, 2.5 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 h. TLC showed 25 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give crude residue and then added DCM (100 mL) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (100 mL) two times and one time by brine then dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. Then the organic solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to generate the crude intermediate. The crude intermediate was dissolved in dry pyridine (80 mL) , and then Isobutyryl chloride (6.5 mL, 62.6 mmol, 2.0 eq) was added to the mixture at ice bath under nitrogen atmosphere. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. After that the reaction was moved to ice bath, ammonium hydroxide (7 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. Then the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was dissolved in 1, 4-dioxane / H2O (1: 1, 100 mL) . Then K2CO3 (8.6 g, 62.6 mmol, 2.0 eq) and 1, 4-Diaza [2.2.2] bicyclooctane (DABCO, 3.6 g, 32.2 mmol, 1.03 eq) were added. The mixture was stirred at 50 ℃ for 2 h. Then the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue 26 was directly used in next step without further purification. The resultant residue 26 was characterized with mass spectrometry. MW calc.: 598.34; MW Found: 599.5 [M+H] + (3) The preparation of compound 27
[0136] To a solution of compound 26 (31.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (100 mL) , was added H2O (50 mL) and TFA (50 mL) slowly at ice bath. The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 2 h. TLC showed compound 26 was consumed completely. The reaction mixture was adjusted pH to 7-8 by ammonium hydroxide and then extracted with DCM (100 mL*2) . The DCM layer was washed by H2O (200 mL) two times and one time by brine. Then concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 27 (2.4 g, 16%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 484.25; MW Found: 485.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 12.08 (s, 1H) , 8.40 (s, 1H) , 7.80 (s, 1H) , 5.80 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 1H) , 5.39 (d, J= 9.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.48 (dd, J =4.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.26 (dd, J = 7.2, 4.9 Hz, 1H) , 4.16 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1H) , 3.96 (dd, J= 12.5, 1.9 Hz, 1H) , 3.76-3.66 (m, 1H) , 2.67 (dt, J = 13.8, 6.9 Hz, 1H) , 1.29-1.25 (m, 6H) , 0.94 (s, 9H) , 0.13 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 6H) . (4) The preparation ofcompound 28
[0137] To a solution of compound 27 (2.4 g, 4.96 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry DMSO (20 mL) was added EDCI (2.85 g, 14.88 mmol, 3.0) and pyridine (0.4 mL, 4.96 mmol, 1.0 eq) . After stirring for 5 minutes, TFA (0.18 mL, 2.48 mmol, 0.5 eq) was added into the reaction. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. TLC showed compound 27 was consumed completely. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with EA (50 mL) twice. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide the desired product 28 (2.28 g, 95%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 482.24; MW Found: 483.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 12.07 (s, 1H) , 8.19 (s, 1H) , 7.78 (s, 1H) , 6.44 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.84 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.92 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.38 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.10 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H) , 2.68 -2.58 (m, 1H) , , 1.28 -1.24 (m, 6H) , 0.93 (s, 9H) , 0.13 (s, 6H) . (5) The preparation of compound 29
[0138] To a solution of compound 7 (3.88 g, 6.14 mmol, 1.3 eq) in anhydrous THF (24 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at ice bath, was added NaH (60%dispersion in mineral oil, 0.38 g, 9.44 mmol, 2.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at ice bath for 15 min, and then compound 28 (2.28 g, 4.72 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added to the reaction mixture. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Then the reaction was moved to ice bath, saturated ammonium chloride (5 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. After 5 minutes, the reaction was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. Then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 29 (3.0 g, 81%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 788.36; MW Found: 789.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 12.41 (s, 1H) , 10.44 (s, 1H) , 7.90 -7.79 (m, 1H) , 7.66 (s, 1H) , 6.43 -6.25 (m, 1H) , 6.14 (ddd, J = 9.2, 4.9, 2.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.82 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H) , 5.71 -5.65 (m, 6H) , 4.67 -4.61 (m, 1H) , 4.57 (dd, J = 8.2, 3.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.28 (d, J =3.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.11 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 1H) , 3.01 -2.90 (m, 1H) , 1.21 (s, 18H) , 0.95 (s, 9H) , 0.15 (s, 6H) . (6) The preparation of compound 30
[0139] To a solution of compound 29 (3.0 g, 3.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF (20 mL) was added 2 M HCl (20 mL) . The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h. Then 20 mL H2O was added into the reaction. The mixture was extracted two times with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-6%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 30 (1.7 g, 66%yield) as white solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 674.28; MW Found: 675.3 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 12.45 (s, 1H) , 10.47 (s, 1H) , 7.86 -7.72 (m, 1H) , 7.70 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H) , 6.25 (ddd, J = 22.7, 17.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H) , 5.89 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.75 -5.63 (m, 5H) , 4.88 -4.80 (m, 1H) , 4.68 (dd, J = 7.6, 4.1 Hz, 1H) , 4.36 (d, J = 3.9 Hz, 1H) , 2.99 (dt, J = 13.6, 6.8 Hz, 1H) , 1.26-1.23 (m, 15H) , 1.12 (s, 9H) . (7) The preparation of compound A4
[0140] To a solution of compound 30 (800 mg, 1.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) and DIPEA (0.31 mL, 1.8 mmol, 1.5 eq) in anhydrous DCM (5 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere was added 3- ( (chloro (diisopropylamino) phosphaneyl) oxy) propanenitrile (723 mg, 2.4 mmol, 2.0 eq) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was extracted two times with DCM, then washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM, 1%Et3N) to provide compound A4 (1.0 g, 95%yield) . The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 874.38; MW Found: 875.4 [M+H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) tδ 10.45 (s, 1H) , 7.95 -7.78 (m, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 9.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.35 -6.08 (m, 2H) , 5.72 -5.59 (m, 5H) , 4.70 -4.60 (m, 1H) , 4.52 -4.41 (m, 1H) , 4.20 (ddd, J= 9.7, 8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H) , 3.69 (dd, J = 10.8, 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.50 (dd, J = 6.8, 4.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.99 -2.92 (m, 1H) , 2.77 -2.73 (m, 2H) , 1.26 -1.20 (m, 27H) , 1.11 (s, 9H) .Example 5. Preparation of compound C5x5
[0141] Compound C5x5 was prepared in this Example by using the following procedures. (1) The preparation of compound 42
[0142] To a solution of methyl methyl 2- (4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl) acetate compound 41 (17.3 g, 81 mmol, 1.0 eq) and K2CO3 (11.2 g, 81 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (200 mL) , under nitrogen atmosphere, was added compound 40 (19.56 g, 81 mmol, 1.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at 55 ℃ for 6 h, and then cold water (100 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted three times by ethyl acetate, and then the organic phase was washed three times by saturated LiCl solution and one time by brine and then dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to form yellow oil compound 42 which was directly used in the next step without further purification. (2) The preparation of compound 43
[0143] To a solution of compound 42 (35.18 g, 81 mmol, 1.0 eq) in THF / H2O (9: 1, 280 mL) , under ice bath, was added HCOONH4 (30.67 g, 486 mmol, 6.0 eq) and Zn powder (31.78 g, 486 mmol, 6.0 eq) . After 10 minutes, the reaction mixture was moved to room temperature and stirred overnight. Then the reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. After that, water (200 mL) was added into the mixture, and then extracted three times by ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed one time by brine. After dried by anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure, the compound 43 was formed and then was directly used in the next step without further purification. The compound 43 was characterized with mass spectrometry. MW calc.: 404.34; MW. Found: 405.3 [M+H] +. (3) The preparation of compound 45
[0144] To a solution of compound 43 (19.36 g, 48 mmol, 1.0 eq) in EtOH (200 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added 3- ( (tert-butyldimethylsilyl) oxy) propanal compound 44 (9.0 g, 48 mmol, 1.0 eq) and AcOH (11 mL, 192 mmol, 4.0 eq) . The reaction mixture was stirred at 80℃ overnight, and then concentrated under reduced pressure. Then a saturated NaHCO3 solution (100 mL) was added, the mixture was extracted three times by ethyl acetate, then the organic phase was combined and washed by brine, dried over Na2SO4, and concentrated. The resultant residue compound 45 was directly used in the next step without further purification. (4) The preparation of compound 46
[0145] To a solution of compound 45 (10 g, 17.5 mmol, 1.0 eq) in anhydrous THF (50 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, was added 1 M TBAF THF solution (26.3 mL, 26.3 mmol, 1.5 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and then concentrated under reduced pressure. Then water (100 mL) was added, the mixture was extracted three times with DCM, then the organic phase was combined and washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, and concentrated. The resultant residue was dissolved in 50 mL pyridine, and DMTrCl (7.12 g, 21 mmol, 1.2 eq) was added therein. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h, after which it was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-3%of MeOH / DCM) to provide compound 46 (8.1 g, 61%yield) as yellow solid. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. MW calc.: 760.48; MW. Found: 761.8 [M + H] +. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.59 -7.53 (m, 1H) , 7.38 -7.31 (m, 2H) , 7.23 -7.19 (m, 6H) , 7.18 -7.14 (m, 3H) , 6.76 (dd, J= 7.8, 5.6 Hz, 4H) , 4.17 -4.02 (m, 2H) , 3.76 (s, 6H) , 3.73 (s, 2H) , 3.67 (s, 3H) , 3.59 (t, J= 7.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.19 -3.05 (m, 2H) , 1.29 -1.25 (m, 28H) , 0.88 (t, J= 6.5 Hz, 3H) . (5) The preparation of compound C5x5
[0146] To a solution of compound 46 (2.7 g, 3.55 mmol, 1.0 eq) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere and ice bath, was added LiAlH4 (202 mg, 5.33 mmol, 1.5 eq) . The mixture was moved to room temperature after 10 minutes and stirred for 1h. Then the reaction was moved to ice bath, saturated potassium sodium tartrate solution (20 mL) was added slowly into the mixture. After 30 minutes, the reaction was extracted three times with Et2O, then the organic phase was combined and washed by brine, dried over Na2SO4, and concentrated. The crude product (300 mg, 0.41 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in anhydrous DCM (5 mL) then DIPEA (204 μL, 1.23 mmol, 3.0 eq) , - ( (chloro (diisopropylamino) phosphanyl) oxy) propanenitrile compound 47 (274 tL, 1.23 mmol, 3.0 eq. ) were added under nitrogen atmosphere at 25℃. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The mixture was extracted two times with DCM, then washed with brine and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resultant residue was purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, gradient eluent: 1-5%of MeOH / DCM, 1%Et3N) to provide compound C5x5 (299 mg, 78%yield) as colorless oil. The product was characterized with mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.62 (s, 1H) , 7.32 (dd, J= 7.6, 4.1 Hz, 2H) , 7.27 -7.11 (m, 9H) , 6.73 (dd, J= 7.9, 5.6 Hz, 4H) , 4.34 -4.31 (m, 2H) , 4.10 -4.06 (m, 2H) , 3.75 (s, 6H) , 3.64 -3.61 (m, 2H) , 3.58 (dd, J= 11.8, 5.1 Hz, 2H) , 3.24-3.18 (m, 2H) , 3.09 -2.88 (m, 4H) , 2.65 -2.55 (m, 4H) , 1.37-1.28 (m, 28H) , 1.22 (dd, J= 6.8, 3.2 Hz, 12H) , 0.88 (t, J= 6.5 Hz, 3H) .Example 6. Preparation of conjugated oligonucleotide linked with the conjugation group derived from compound C5x5
[0147] Oligonucleotide conjugate with C5x5 was generated by using a conjugation group derived from the compound C5x5 by using C5x5 as terminus amidite according to the above methods of general synthesis method of oligonucleotide.
[0148] Exemplary structure of the lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide is C5x5-saRNA as illustrated below: C5x5-saRNA (Compound C5x5 application) .
[0149] It can be seen that in the structures of C5x5-saRNA, the conjugation derived from the delivery enhancing compound C5x5 is linked with saRNA duplexes at the 5'-end of the sense strand (S) via a linking moiety, such as -OP (O) 2O-, -OP (O) (S) O-or -P (O) -O-, wherein (S) is the sense strand and (AS) is the antisense strand.Example 7. Synthesis and design of oligonucleotides
[0150] Oligonucleotide sequences used for the tests in the following examples are listed in Table 1. Example 8. In vitro activity of VPD-saRNAs inducing the SERPING1 mRNA expression levels in THLE-2 cells
[0151] To assess in vitro activity of VPD-saRNAs, the indicated CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-17235, RD-18069 and RD-17238) , their corresponding VP-saRNAs (i.e., RD-17236, RD-18071 and RD-1 7239 ) , and their corresponding VPD-saRNAs (i.e., RD-18057, RD-18073 and RD-18053) were transfected into THLE-2 cells at 2.5 and 25 nM for 3 days. RD-17268 was transfected and served as a siRNA control to silence SERPING1 mRNA expression. SERPING1 mRNA levels as quantified by two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIG. 1 and summarized in Table 2. Table 2. SERPING1 mRNA levels in THLE-2 cells Note: "-" represents not available. " / " represents not tested. SEM represents Standard Error of the Mean.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 1 and Table 2, both VP-saRNAs and VPD-saRNAs exhibited superior activation activity inducing SERPING1 mRNA expression compared to the CM-saRNA treatments. Specifically, VPD-saRNAs exhibited comparable or superior activation activity in inducing SERPING1 mRNA expression compared to the VP-saRNA treatments. These results indicate that VPD modification provides an alternative solution of chemical modification to saRNAs, which even enhances the activation activity of the saRNAs.Example 9. In vitro activity of CM-saRNAs in inducing UTRN mRNA expression levels in RD cells
[0153] To increase the activity ofsaRNAs, new saRNAs were designed and tested. To assess in vitro activity of newly designed saRNAs, the indicated saRNAs (i.e., RD-12027, RD-12028, RD-12031, RD-12033, RD-12034, RD-12299, RD-12303, RD-12304, RD-12305, RD-12313 and RD-12316) and their corresponding newly designed saRNA (i.e., RD-13587, RD-13580, RD-13584, RD-13716, RD-13720, RD-13629, RD-13727, RD-13632, RD-13732, RD-13737 and RD-13740) were transfected into RD cells at 25 nM for 3 days. UTRN mRNA levels as quantified by two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, newly designed saRNAs exhibited comparable or superior activity in inducing UTRN mRNA expression compared to their parent saRNAs. The results indicate that asymmetric double-stranded structure can improve the activation activity of saRNA.
[0154] Based on the results from the newly designed saRNAs, two newly designed saRNAs (i.e., RD-13584 and RD-13587) were selected for further optimization by chemical modifications (e.g., 2′-F, 2′-OMe or PS backbone modification) , resulting in four CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-14734, RD-13869, RD-14752 and RD-13870) . The indicated CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-14734, RD-13869, RD-14752 and RD-13870) were transfected into RD cells at 25 nM for 3 days. UTRN mRNA levels as quantified by two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, CM-saRNAs induced a greater than 1.5-fold increase in UTRN mRNA expression. The results indicate that saRNAs can improve their activation activity by means of chemical modifications.Example 10. In vitro activity of VPD-saRNAs in inducing UTRN mRNA expression levels in RD cells
[0155] To assess in vitro activity of VPD-saRNAs, the indicated saRNAs (i.e., RD-12027 and RD-12305) , their corresponding CM-saRNAs (i.e., RD-21728 and RD-21731) , their corresponding VP-saRNAs (i.e., RD-20359 and RD-21732) , and their corresponding VPD-saRNAs (i.e., RD-18342 and RD-21733) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. Cells were transfected in absence of oligonucleotide as Mock treatments (not shown) . dsCon2 served as a non-targeting duplex control (not shown) . The activation activity of saRNAs on UTRN mRNA expression generated dose response curve via two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIGs. 4A and 4B. Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values were extrapolated to define potency in context to maximal activity for each of the tested saRNAs. The resulting EC50 values and maximum fold induction (Emax) following saRNA treatments in RD cells are summarized in Table 3. Table 3. EC50 and Emax values in RD cells Note: " / " represents not shown.
[0156] As shown in Table 3, VPD-saRNAs showed lowest EC50 and highest Emax values compared to other saRNA treatments. The results indicate that VPD-saRNA showed the highest potency in inducing UTRN mRNA expression, suggesting that VPD modification can improve the potency of the saRNAs in activation of target gene expression.Example 11. In vitro activity of VPDL-saRNAs in inducing UTRN mRNA expression levels in RD cells
[0157] In order to test the in vivo activity ofsaRNA, lipid-conjugated saRNAs were designed and tested. The lipid (C5x5) , as a delivery moiety, conjugated to CM-saRNA (s) are referred to as “CML-saRNA (s) ” , conjugated to VP-saRNA (s) are referred to as “VPL-saRNA (s) ” , and conjugated to VPD-saRNA (s) are referred to as “VPDL-saRNA (s) ” .
[0158] The indicated CML-saRNA (RD-15637) and two VPL-saRNAs (RD-15638 and RD-15639) were first tested in vitro to assess the UTRN mRNA expression. These compounds were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.024, 0.1, 0.4, 1.56, 6.25, 25, 100 and 200 nM) for 3 days. The activation activity of saRNAs on UTRN mRNA expression generated dose response curve via two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIG. 5. EC50 values were extrapolated to define potency in context to maximal activity for each of the tested saRNAs. The areas under the curve (AUC) of UTRN mRNA expression were calculated by GraphPad Prism software as described in the Materials and Methods section. The resulting EC50 values, Emax and AUC following CML-saRNA and VPL-saRNA treatments in RD cells are summarized in Table 4. As shown in FIG. 5 and Table 4, VPL-saRNAs showed lower EC50 values compared to CML-saRNA. Table 4. EC50, Emax and AUC values in RD cells
[0159] Subsequently, the indicated CML-saRNA (i.e., RD-18037) , its corresponding VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18036) , and its corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18035) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. The indicated CM-saRNA (i.e., RD-14752) , its corresponding VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-15639) , and its corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031) were transfected into RD cells at the indicated concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.07, 0.21, 0.62, 1.85, 5.56, 16.67 and 50 nM) for 3 days. The activation activity of saRNAs on UTRN mRNA expression generated dose response curve via two step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIG. 6A and 6B. EC50 values were extrapolated to define potency in context to maximal activity for each of the tested saRNAs. The resulting EC50 values following saRNA treatment in RD cells are summarized in Table 5. As shown in FIG. 6A-6B and Table 5, VPDL-saRNAs showed the lowest EC50 values compared to CML-saRNA and VPL-saRNA treatments. Table 5. EC50 values in RD cells
[0160] The results indicate that VPDL-saRNA showed superior potency in activating UTRN mRNA expression, as evidenced by its lower EC50, suggesting that VPD modification can improve the target engagement and cellular response of the saRNA. The reduced EC50 highlights the potential of VPD modified saRNAs to achieve their desired biological effect at lower therapeutic doses, lower systemic exposure, and wider therapeutic windows, particularly in conditions where dose-limiting toxicity is a concern.Example 12. In vivo activity of VPDL-saRNAs in inducing Utrn mRNA expression levels in human UTRN promoter KI / + mice
[0161] To assess in vivo activity of VPDL-saRNAs, the indicated VPL-saRNA (i.e., RD-15639 and RD-18036) and their corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031 and RD-18035) were administered to male hUTRNp KI / + mice via SC injection on PND 66 at 20 or 50 mg / kg doses. Saline served as a vehicle control to establish baseline levels of Utrn mRNA expression. Male mice were sacrificed on day 14 post dosing. Mouse Utrn mRNA levels as quantified in skeletal muscles (i.e., gluteus, biceps, and diaphragm) via two-step RT-qPCR are shown in FIGs. 7A-7C.
[0162] To further assess in vivo activity of VPDL-saRNAs, the indicated VPL-saRNAs (i.e., RD-15639 and RD-18036) and their corresponding VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18031 and RD-18035) were administered to female hUTRNp KI / + mice via SC injection on PND 66 at 20 or 50 mg / kg doses. Saline served as a vehicle control to establish baseline levels of Utrn mRNA expression. Female mice were sacrificed on day 14 post dosing. Mouse Utrn mRNA levels as quantified in skeletal muscle (i.e., gluteus) , smooth muscle (i.e., thoracic aorta) and cardiac muscle (i.e., heart) via two-step RT-qPCR are shown in FIGs. 8A-8C and summarized in Table 6. Table 6. Mouse Utrn mRNA levels following VPL-saRNA and VPDL-saRNA treatments in male and female hUTRNp KI / + mice Note: "-" represents not available. " / " represents not shown. "SEM"represents Standard Error of the Mean.
[0163] As shown in Table 6, VPDL-saRNA showed the comparable or superior activation activity in inducing UTRN mRNA expression compared to VPL-saRNA. These results indicate that introducing VPD modification to the saRNAs can enhance target gene activation in various target tissues.Example 13. In vivo activity of VPDL-saRNAs in activating Utrn mRNA expression levels in hUTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx mice
[0164] To assess in vivo activity of VPDL-saRNA in humanized DMD disease model, hUTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx hybrid mice were developed by crossing the hUTRNp (KI / KI) mice with the well-established mdx mice, and the indicated VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18997) was administered to the male model mice via SC injection for a total of five doses (50 mg / kg per dose) on day 0, 2, 4, 7 and 14. The mice were sacrificed at day 28 post first dosing. Mouse Utrn mRNA levels in skeletal muscles (i.e., semitendinosus, gluteus, biceps, platysma and diaphragm) as quantified via two-step RT-qPCR are plotted in FIGs. 9A-9E and summarized in Table 7. Table 7. Mouse Utrn mRNA levels following VPDL-saRNA treatment in male hUTRNp KI / KI × mdx mice Note: "SEM"represents Standard Error of the Mean. "-"represents not available.
[0165] As shown in Table 7, VPDL-saRNA induced a 1.34-to 2.89-fold increase in UTRN mRNA expression. These results indicate that saRNA with VPD modification and lipid-conjugated moiety can achieve promising target gene activation in skeletal muscles. The PD data of the VPDL-saRNA revealed significant target engagement and biological activity in muscle tissues.Example 14. Concentration and biodistribution of VPDL-saRNA across various tissues in C57BL / 6J male mice.
[0166] To assess the concentration and biodistribution of VPDL-saRNA in various tissues, the indicated VPDL-saRNA (i.e., RD-18997) was administered to C57BL / 6J male mice at a single dose of 50 mg / kg via SC injection on day 0. Mice were sacrificed at 5 min, 2 hr, and on day 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 post-dosing. Two mice were sacrificed prior to dosing and served as negative controls. Plasma, heart, liver, kidney, platysma, diaphragm, and gluteus tissues were collected at the corresponding time points. The concentrations of RD-18997 as quantified in these tissues via LC-MS / MS analysis are plotted in FIGs. 10A-10G and summarized in Table 8. Table 8. Mean concentration of RD-18997 in various tissues Note: “ / ” represents not shown.
[0167] As shown in FIGs. 10A-10G, the PK curves exhibited tissue-specific manner within 60 days following a single SC injection. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) in platysma and plasma were observed at 2 hours, while Tmax in the muscle tissues of heart, diaphragm, and gluteus occurred on day 1. The VPDL-saRNA concentration remained at a high level in the liver from day 1 to day 15, while reached the top level at day 1 and was dropping rapidly on day 7, 15, 30, and 45 in another main metabolic organ, the kidney. By day 60, the concentrations of RD-18997 in the heart, diaphragm, platysma, and gluteus were approximately 42.7%, 26.6%, 17.6%, and 20.5%of their respective maximum concentration (Cmax) values. The muscle tissues with the highest drug accumulation were the platysma (near the SC injection site) , followed by the heart, diaphragm, and gluteus. The estimated half-life of RD-18997 in the platysma, heart, diaphragm, and gluteus was approximately 497, 848, 577, and 413 hours, or 20.7, 35.3, 24.0 and 17.2 days, respectively.
[0168] The PK data of the VPDL-saRNA demonstrated sustained presence in the key muscle tissues, with favorable biodistribution and considerable half-lives, suggesting its potential for durable therapeutic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODSGeneral synthesis method of oligonucleotide
[0169] The oligonucleotides used in the above examples were synthesized via the following general method. (1) Single-stranded synthesis
[0170] The single-stranded oligonucleotide was synthesized on a K&ADNA synthesizer (K&ALaborgeraete GbR, chaafheim, Germany) by a solid-phase synthesis technique.
[0171] The starting material was universal solid support or special solid support commercially available or synthesized as disclosure in previous context. In general, phosphoramidite monomers including various linkers and conjugates (0.1M in acetonitrile or dichloromethane) , were added sequentially onto a solid support in the DNA synthesizer to generate the desired full-length oligonucleotides.
[0172] Amidite addition: each cycle of amidite addition consisted of four chemical reactions including detritylation, coupling, oxidation / thiolation and capping. In the first step, the detritylation was performed by using 3%dichloroacetic acid (DCA) in DCM for 45 seconds. In the second step, phosphoramidite coupling was conducted for 6 minutes for all amidites by 12 eq.. In the third step, oxidation was performed by using 0.02 M iodine in THF: pyridine: water (70: 20: 10, v / v / v) for 1 minute; if phosphorothioate modification was needed, oxidation was replaced by thiolation which was carried out with 0.1 M solution of xanthane hydride in pyridine: ACN (50: 50, v / v) for 3 minutes. In the fourth step, the capping was performed by using a THF: acetic anhydride: Pyridine (80: 10: 10, v / v / v) (CAP A) and N-methylimidazole: THF (10: 90, v / v) , (CAP B) for 20 seconds. The Cycles of four chemical reactions will depend on the length of oligonucleotide.
[0173] Deprotection I (Nucleobase Deprotection) : after completion of the synthesis, the solid support was transferred to a screw-cap microcentrifuge tube. For a 1 μmol synthesis scale, 1 mL of a mixture of methylamine and ammonium hydroxide was added. The tube containing the solid support was then heated in an oven at 60℃ to 65℃ for 15 min and then allowed to cool to room temperature. The cleavage solution was collected and evaporated to dryness in a speedvac to provide crude single-stranded oligonucleotide.
[0174] Deprotection II (Removal of 2’-TBDMS Group) : if the crude RNA oligonucleotide, still carrying the 2’-TBDMS groups, it was dissolved in 0.1 mL of DMSO. After adding 1 mL of Triethylamine trihydrofluoride, the tube was capped, and the mixture was shaken vigorously to ensure complete dissolution. Then, it was heated in an oven at 65℃ for 15 minutes. The tube was removed from the oven and cooled down to room temperature. The solution containing the completely desilylated oligonucleotide was cooled on dry ice. 2 mL of ice-cold n-butanol (-20℃) were carefully added in 0.5 mL portions to precipitate the oligonucleotides. The precipitate was filtered, washed with 1 mL ice-cold n-butanol, and subsequently dissolved in 0.01 M Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethanol hydrochloride buffer. (2) Purification of single-stranded oligonucleotides
[0175] The purification of oligonucleotides was performed on an AKTA explorer 10 equipped with a Source 15Q 4.6 / 100 PE column using the following conditions: buffer A: (10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) , B: (10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, 2M NaCl, pH 7.5) , gradient: 10%B to 60%B in 25 min, flow rate: 1 mL / min. The pure oligonucleotides were collected and desalted by a HiPrep 26 / 10 Desalting column. (3) Annealing to form duplex
[0176] For duplex formation, after generating desalted purified single-stranded solutions, the sense strand and antisense strand were mixed by equal volumes at equimolar concentration in the tube. Place the tube in a heat block at 95℃ for 5 min and then cool to room temperature; subsequently, lyophilized to powder.Coniugate moiety
[0177] The conjugation moieties can be synthesized via procedures known in the art, for example WO2024002046A1 is fully incorporated herein for synthetic process of tC2, tC2x6, and C5x5.Cell culture and treatment
[0178] Human malignant embryonic rhabdomyoma cells (RD cells) (TCHu 45, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, China) were cultured at 37℃ with 5%CO2 in modified DMEM medium (Gibco, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA) supplemented with 10%bovine calf serum (Sigma-Aldrich) and 1%penicillin / streptomycin (Gibco) . Transformed human liver epithelial-2 (THLE-2) (CBP61031, Nanjing Cobioer Biosciences CO. Ltd) were cultured at 37℃ with 5%CO2 in modified BEGM medium (Gibco) supplemented with 10%bovine calf serum and 5 ng / mL epidermal growth factor (EGF) plus 70 ng / mL phosphoethanolamine.Animal studyHuman UTRN promoter knock-in mice
[0179] Human UTRN promoter knock-in mice (hUTRN promoter KI / + mice or hUTRNp KI / + mice) were created by replacing the mouse Utrn promoter (~12kb upstream of ATG start codon of mouse Utrn gene) with the human UTRN promoter (~11.5kb upstream of ATG start codon of human UTRN gene) via targeting in C57BL / 6J embryonic stem cells by Cyagen Biotechnology Co., LTD (Jiangsu, China) .
[0180] PCR genotyping strategy for confirming mice with the human UTRNp KI involved two steps. Tail snips were gathered at postnatal day 0 (PND 0) , and each pup was identified by paw tattooing and genotyped by PCR analysis using 3 sets of specific primers. The presence of Utrn promoter deletions was confirmed using Utrn-Neo-del PCR with primers F1, 5′-AAC TC CTGCCTACAGCATAACTG-3′, and R1, 5′-ATTAGCAGGTGGGCAAAAGGTTA-3′ (one 303 bp band for homozygotes, 303 bp and 190 bp two bands for heterozygotes, one 190 bp band for wildtype allele) . The hUTRNp KI status was then further verified using Utrn-hUTRNp PCR with primers F2, 5′-GCTCTCTGAATGGTTTCTCCCATA-3′, R2, 5′-GGGGAAAGTGTCCAAATTACTGAG-3′, internal control PCR primer F4, 5′-CTATCAGGGATACTCCTCTTTGCC-3′ and internal control PCR primer R4, 5′-GATACAGGAATGACAAGCTCATGGT-3′ (one 507 bp band for wild type, 507 bp and 262 bp two band for KI mutant allele) . Mouse Rgs7 served as an internal control, using specific primers to produce a 507 bp fragment. The PCR products were detected by 1%agarose gel. Primers of hUTRN promoter KI mice genotyping are shown in Table 9.Human UTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx mice
[0181] hUTRNp KI / + mice were further crossed with the mdx mice which carries a spontaneous mutation in the dystrophin (Dmd) gene and is the most widely used animal model of the human disease DMD [Dominic J Wells, 2018] , resulting in hUTRNp KI / KI×mdx mice.
[0182] The hUTRNp KI / KI × mdx mice were generated by first mating male hUTRNp KI / +mice with female Dmd KI / + mice, resulting in male h UTRNp KI / + × Dmd KI / Y (Y represents Y chromosome) and female hUTRNp KI / + × Dmd KI / + offspring. These offsprings were then further mated to produce hUTRNp KI / KI × mdx mice of both genders, which were subsequently confirmed through PCR genotyping.
[0183] PCR genotyping strategy for confirming mice with the human UTRNp KI involved two steps. Tail snips were gathered at PND 0, and each pup was identified by paw tattooing and genotyped by PCR analysis using 3 sets of specific primers. The presence of Utrn promoter deletions was confirmed using Utrn-Neo-del PCR with primers Fl, 5’ -AACTCCTGCCTACAGCATAACTG-3’ and R1, 5’-ATTAGCAGGTGGGCAAAAGGTTA-3’ (one 303 bp band for homozygotes, 303 bp and 190 bp two bands for heterozygotes, one 190 bp band for wildtype allele) . The hUTRNp KI status was then further verified using Utrn-hUTRNp PCR with primers F2, 5’-GCTCTCTGAATGGTTTCTCCCATA-3’ and R2, 5’-GGGGAAAGTGTCCAAATTACTGAG-3’, internal control PCR primer F4, 5′-CTATCAGGGATACTCCTCTTTGCC-3′ and internal control PCR primer R4, 5′-GATACAGGAATGACAAGCTCATGGT-3′ (one 507 bp band for wild type, 507 bp and 262 bp two band for KI mutant allele) . Mouse Rgs7 served as an internal control, using specific primers to produce a 507 bp fragment. The PCR products were detected by 1%agarose gel. Primers of hUTRN promoter KI mice genotyping are shown in Table 9.
[0184] Tail snips were gathered at PND 0, and each pup was identified by paw tattooing and genotyped by PCR analysis using one set of specific primers. The PCR genotyping strategy for confirming mice with the Dmd mutation involved using Dmd-KI-mutation PCR with primers P1, 5’-GGTTGTGTTTCTCATAGTTGGCC-3’ and P2, 5’-CTGCTAGCCTCAGTCAAACATGTAG-3’. Dmd-KI-mutation PCR distinguishes WT mice (210 bp fragment) from heterozygous mice (210 and 237 bp fragments) and homozygous mice (237 bp fragment) carrying the Dmd KI mutation. The PCR products were detected by 1%agarose gel. Primers of hUTRNp (KI / KI) × mdx mice genotyping are shown in Table 9.C57BL / 6J mice
[0185] C57BL / 6J mice (~4-6 weeks old) purchased from SPF Biotechnology Co., LTD (B204, Beijing, China) .
[0186] All animal studies were conducted by certified laboratory personnel using protocols consistent with local and state regulations and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Table 9. Primer sequences for RT-qPCR assay Note: " / " represents not shown.RNA isolation and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)RNA isolation and two-step RT-qPCR
[0187] For quantifying mRNA expression in cells, total cellular RNA was isolated from treated cells using a RNeasy Plus Mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to its manual. Animal tissues were isolated using the MagPure Total RNA Micro LQ kit (Magen, R6621, Guangzhou, China) in conjunction with the auto-pure96 machine (ALLSHENG, Hangzhou, China) . The resultant RNA (~ 1 μg) was reverse transcribed into cDNA by using a PrimeScriptTM RT reagent kit with gDNA Eraser (Takara, RR047A, Shlga, Japan) . The resultant cDNA was amplified in a Roche LightCycler 480 Multiwell Plate 384 (Roche, ref: 4729749001, US) using TB Premix Ex TaqTM II (Takara, RR820A, Shlga, Japan) reagents and primers specifically for amplifying target genes of interest.
[0188] Reaction conditions were as follows: reverse transcription reaction (stage 1) : 42℃ for 5 min, 95℃ for 10 sec; PCR reaction (stage 2) : 95℃ for 5 sec, 60℃ for 30 sec, 72℃ for 10 sec, 40 cycles of amplification; and melting curve (stage 3) . PCR reaction conditions are shown in Table 10 and Table 11. Primer sequences are listed in Table 9. Table 10. RT reaction Table 11. RT-qPCR reaction One reference gene
[0189] To calculate the expression levels (Erel) of target mRNA in saRNA-treatment samples relative to control treatment, the Ct values of the target gene and the internal reference gene were substituted into the following formula, Erel= 2 (CtTm-CtTs) / 2 (CtRm-CtRs) wherein CtTm was the Ct value of the target gene from the control-treated sample; CtTs was the Ct value of the target gene from the saRNA-treated sample; CtRm was the Ct value of the internal reference gene from the control-treated sample; CtRs was the Ct value of the internal reference gene from the saRNA-treated sample.Two reference genes
[0190] To calculate the expression level (Erel) of target gene mRNA in an saRNA-treatment sample relative to control treatment, the Ct values of the target gene and the two internal reference genes were substituted into the following formula, Erel = 2 (CtTm-CtTs) / ( (2 (CtR1m-CtR1s) *2 (CtR2m-CtR2s) ) (1 / 2) ) wherein CtTm was the Ct value of the target gene from the control-treated sample; CtTs was the Ct value of the target gene from the saRNA-treated sample; CtR 1 m was the Ct value of the internal reference gene 1 from the control-treated sample; CtR1s was the Ct value of the internal reference gene 1 from the saRNA-treated sample; CtR2m was the Ct value of the internal reference gene 2 from the control-treated sample; and CtR2s was the Ct value of the internal reference gene 2 from the saRNA-treated sample.Areas under the curve (AUC)
[0191] The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for a specific test article is derived from the curve produced by plotting the dose-response data across eight doses. This curve reflects the cumulative effect of the test article across all tested doses. Essentially, the AUC quantifies the overall response to the treatment, integrating the responses at individual doses into a single metric, such as a mean efficacy.
[0192] To compute the AUC, we first plot the agonist versus response curve from the dose-response data. Then using the ′Area under the Curve′ plugin in GraphPad Prism software, the curve can be evaluated. The value of AUC is unitless but can be used as a comparative indicator for the determination of relative response in comparison to other test articles.Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) quantitative analysis
[0193] The concentrations of RD-18997 in various mice tissues were quantified at the indicated time points (i.e., 0, 5 min, 2 hr, and on day 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60) post dosing, using LC-MS / MS analysis conducted by Accurant BioTech Inc (Zhejiang, China) .Statistical analysis
[0194] Differences between groups of continuous variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparisons. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant between the two groups. *represents p < 0.05, **represents p < 0.01, ***represents p < 0.001, ****represents p < 0.0001. EQUIVALENTS
[0195] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. REFERENCE 1. Dominic J Wells, Tracking progress: an update on animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech. 2018 Jun 13; 11 (6) .
Claims
1.A compound for synthesizing an oligonucleotide having a structure of Formula 1: wherein X is - (CY2) m-A-, m is 0, 1 or 2,wherein each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, amino, alkyl, alkylaryl, alkyloxyl, aloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (alkyl) , -C (=O) (alkyl) , carboxyl, amido, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and cyano,wherein A is selected from a group consisting of direct bond, O, N (H) , N (Rb) , S, S (O) and S (O) 2,wherein Rb is independently selected from a group consisting of-OH, -O-Rc, -SH, - (C1-C22) alkyl, halogenated- (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C2-C22) alkenyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C3-C22) cycloalkenyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C3-C22) cycloalkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc,- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-COORc, -C (O) O-Rc, -O- (C1-C22) alkyl, -S- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -O-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -O-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, -adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -O-adamantly, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO- (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -CH (NH-CO-halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -halogenated (C1-C22) alkyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, - (C1-C22) alkylene- (C1-C6 alkylene oxide) (1-20) -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-adamantyl, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkyl, -C (O) NH-Rc, -C (O) NRd-Rc, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-COOH, -NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkyl, -NH-C (O) -Rc, -NRd-C (O) -Rc, -O-P (O) 2-O-Rc, -OP (O) (S) -O-Rc, -O-P (O) -O-Rc, -NH-Rc, -NRd-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) O-Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, -C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) -Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) - NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH-C (O) - (C1-C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1 -C22) alkylene-NRd-C (O) - (C1 -C22) alkylene-Rc, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C30) alkylene-C (O) OH, -C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-C (O) -NH- (C1-C22) alkylene-O-P (-N (C1-C22 alkyl) 2) -O- (C1-C22) alkylene-NH2, - (C1-C22) alkylene -P (O) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-P (O) (S) -OH, - (C1-C22) alkylene-CN, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted imidazole, substituted or unsubstituted oxazole, substituted or unsubstituted thiazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrroline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrrolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazoline, substituted or unsubstituted benzopyrazolidine, substituted or unsubstituted benzoimidazole, substituted or unsubstituted benzooxazole, or substituted or unsubstituted benzothiazole,wherein each of Rc and Rd is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl, C6-C16 aryl;wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of H, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, or unsubstituted or substituted nucleobase;wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of halogen; OH; OC1-C12 alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, C1-C12 alkoxyamino, guanidyl, base or carbonyl; (C1-C12) alkylcarbonyl, OC6-C16aryl, OC6-C16arylcarbonyl, OC6-C16aryloxycarbonyl,wherein R1 is not deuterated or at least one hydrogen of R1 is substituted with deuterium;wherein R2 is selected from a group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, (C1-C12) alkylcarbonyl, (C1-C12) alkoxycarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryl, (C6-C16) arylcarbonyl, (C6-C16) aryloxycarbonyl, and pReRf, wherein each of Re and Rf is independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) , O- (C1-C12 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl in each of Re and Rf is unsubstituted or further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano; wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different;wherein the vinyl group is in either E or Z configuration;wherein the hydrogens bonded directly to the vinyl group are not deuterated or at least one hydrogen is substituted with deuterium;wherein each of R3 and R4 is selected independently from H, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C16 cycloalkyl or C6-C16 aryl, -C1-C12 alkylene-O-C (=O) -C1-C12 alkyl, and is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -O-C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different.2.The compound of claim 1, wherein the formula 1 has the following configuration: 3.The compound of either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein m is 0 and A is O.4.The compound of any of claims 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted aryl selected from a group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, when the aryl is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano; and / or wherein at least one hydrogen in Ra is substituted with deuterium.5.The compound of any of claims 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted heteroaryl selected from a group consisting of thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiodiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl benzothienyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, purinyl, thienopyridinyl, pyrido [2, 3-d] pyrimidinyl, pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, thieno [2, 3-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-b] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [3, 4-c] pyridinyl, pyrazolo [4, 3-c] pyridine, pyrazolo [4, 3-b] pyridinyl, tetrazolyl, chromane, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] dioxine, benzo [d] [1, 3] dioxole, 2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran, tetrahydroquinoline, 2, 3-dihydrobenzo [b] [1, 4] oxathiine, and isoindoline, when the heteroaryl is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano.6.The compound of any of claims 1-3, wherein Ra is an optionally substituted nucleobase selected from a group consisted of thymine (T) , cytosine (C) , guanine (G) , adenine (A) , uracil (U) , and an analogue or derivative thereof, where the nucleobase is substituted, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each nucleobase is substituted with a substituent selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano.7.The compound of any of claims 1-6, wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of halogen and linear or branched OC1-C6 alkyl which is optionally substituted.8.The compound of claim 7, wherein at least one hydrogen of the linear or branched OC1-C6 alkyl which is optionally substituted is substituted with deuterium.9.The compound of either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein R1 is selected from a group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OCH3, OCF3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CF3, OCH2-CH=CH2, OCH2-OCH3, OCH2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH3, O (CH2) 2-OCH2CH3, O (CH2) 2-O (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) CH3, OCH2C (=O) -N (H) - (CH2) 2-N (CH3) 2, OCH2-N (H) -C (=NH) NH2 O-methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine, O-methoxyethyladenosine (Aeo) or O-methoxyethyl-5-methylcytidine.10.The compound of claim 7, wherein R1 is -CH3.11.The compound of either of claim 8 or 9, wherein R1 is -CH2D, -CHD2 or -CD3.12.The compound of any of claims 1-11, wherein R2 is PReRf, wherein each of Re and Rf is independently selected from N (C1-C12 alkyl) (C1-C12 alkyl) or O- (C1-C12 alkyl) ,wherein the alkyl of each of Re and Rf is unsubstituted or further substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano,wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rf are the same or different.13.The compound of claim 12, wherein Re and Rf are independently selected from N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) or O- (C1-C6 alkyl) , wherein the alkyl of each of Re and Rf is unsubstituted or further optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein the alky groups in each of Re and Rf are the same or different.14.The compound of claim 13, wherein the C1-C6 alkyl groups of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) and the O- (C1-C6 alkyl) of Re and Rf are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, andwherein the C1-C6 alky groups in each of Re and Rfare the same or different.15.The compound of claim 14, wherein one of Re and Rf is N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) , and the other of Re and Rf is O- (C1-C6 alkyl) .16.The compound of any of claims 13-15, wherein one of Re and Rf is N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) , wherein the C1-C6 alkyl of the N (C1-C6 alkyl) (C1-C6 alkyl) is not substituted; and the other of Re and Rf is O- (C1-C6 alkyl) , wherein the C1-C6 alkyl of O- (C1-C6 alkyl) is substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano.17.The compound of any of claims 13-16, wherein one of Re and Rf is N (isopropyl) , and the other of Re and Rf is -OCH2CH2CN.18.The compound of any of claims 1-17, wherein the vinyl group is in E configuration.19.The compound of any of claims 1-17, wherein the vinyl group is in Z configuration.20.The compound of any of claims 1-19, wherein the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is not deuterated.21.The compound of any of claims 1-19, wherein at least one hydrogen directly bonded to the carbon-carbon double bond of the vinyl group is substituted with deuterium.22.The compound of any of claims 1-21, wherein R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from a group consisting of-OH, -halo, -amino, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkylaryl, C1-6 alkyloxyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, -C (=O) O (C1-6 alkyl) , -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -C (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , -carboxyl, -amido, -sulfinyl, -sulfonyl, and -cyano, wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different.23.The compound of claim 22, wherein R3 and R4 are independently C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OC (=O) (C1-6 alkyl) , wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different.24.The compound of claim 23, wherein R3 and R4 are both CH2-OC (=O) (tert-butyl) .25.The compound of any of claims 1-24, wherein the compound is selected from wherein the vinyl group of A1-A42 is in E configuration.26.The compound of claim 1, wherein the oligonucleotide is a saRNA, a siRNA, an ASO or a miRNA.27.A modified saRNA, wherein the saRNA comprises a sense strand comprising a first nucleotide sequence, and an antisense strand comprising a second nucleotide sequence,wherein the first nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%homology to a target gene sequence; and / orwherein the second nucleotide sequence is 15 to 30 nucleotides in length and at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%complementary to the target gene sequence; and / orwherein the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence comprises at least one modified nucleotide; and / orwherein the at least one modified nucleotide is independently selected or derived from a compound of any of claims 1-25, and / orwherein the at least one modified nucleotide is a nucleotide with modification independently selected from the following modifications:a) modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence;b) modification of 2′-OH of a ribose in the nucleotide sequence; andc) modification of a base in the nucleotide sequence.28.The modified saRNA of claim 27, wherein the first nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 69, 72, 84, 86, 88, and 90; and / or,wherein the second nucleotide sequence has at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 70, 73, 85, 87, 89, and 90; and / orwherein the saRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand independently selected from any of the sequences listed in Table 1.29.The modified saRNA of claim 28, wherein the modification of a phosphodiester bond connecting nucleotides is selected from a phosphorothioate modification and boranophosphate modification; and / orthe modification of 2′-OH is selected from the group consisting of 2′-fluoro modification, 2′-oxymethyl modification, 2′-oxyethylidene methoxy modification, 2′-oxymethylidene ethoxy modification, 2, 4′-dinitrophenol modification, 2′-amino modification and 2′-deoxy modification; and / orthe modification of a base is selected from the group consisting of 5 ′-bromouracil modification, 5′-iodouracil modification, N-methyluracil modification, and 2, 6-diaminopurine modification.30.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-29, wherein at least one modified nucleotide is independently selected from a 2’-OCD3 nucleotide, a 5’- (E) -vinyl phosphonate nucleotide, a 5’- (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate nucleotide, a locked nucleic acid, an abasic nucleotide, a 2’-alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, or a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.31.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-30, wherein the first nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 63, 65, 67, 71, 74, 78, 79, and 81; and / orwherein the second nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 64, 66, 68, 75, 76, 77, and 80; and / orwherein the modified saRNA comprises a duplex selected from the sequences listed in Table 1.32.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-31, wherein the target gene is selected from UTRN gene or SERPING1 gene.33.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-32, wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 from the 5’ end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present.34.The modified saRNA of claim 33, wherein the at least one modified nucleotide is at least at position 1 from the 5’ end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence.35.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-34, wherein the modified nucleotide is selected from a group consisting of the following: wherein the wave line means the site linked with another nucleotide, and the vinyl is in E configuration; and / orwherein the modified nucleotide is at position 1 from the 5’ end of the first or second nucleotide sequence.36.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-35, wherein the modified nucleotide is B1.37.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-35, wherein the modified nucleotide is B7.38.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-37, wherein at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or 100%of the nucleotides in the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence are chemically modified with 2’-OMe, 2’-MOE, 2’-F or their combinations thereof.39.The modified saRNA of claim 38, wherein at least part of the 2’-OMe modified nucleotides and the 2’-F modified nucleotides occur alternatively from the 5’ end of the first nucleotide sequence.40.The modified saRNA of claim 38, wherein the 2’-OMe modified nucleotides are at least at positions 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or23 from the 5’ end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present.41.The modified saRNA of claim 38, wherein the 2’-F modified nucleotides are at least at positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 or 22 from the 5’ end of the first nucleotide sequence or the second nucleotide sequence, if the positions are present.42.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the ratio of the number of the 2’-OMe modified nucleotides to the 2’-F modified nucleotides is in a range from 10: 1 to 1: 10.43.The modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-42, wherein one of the sense strand and the antisense strand of the saRNA does not comprise a modified nucleotide modified with 2’-OCD3 nucleotide, 5’- (E) -vinyl phosphonate, or 5’- (E) -deuterated vinyl phosphonate.44.An oligonucleotide agent comprising the modified saRNA of any one of claims 27-43, wherein the oligonucleotide agent further comprises one or more moieties or components conjugated or combined with the saRNA; and / orwherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from the group consisting of a lipid, a fatty acid (such as fatty acid comprising a carbon chain with 4-30, 12-24, or 16-22 carbon atoms) , a fluorophore, a ligand, a saccharide, a peptide, and an antibody; and / orwherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from a lipid, a cell-penetrating peptide, a polyethylene glycol, an alkaloid, a tryptamine, a benzimidazole, a quinolone, an amino acid, a cholesterol, a glucose, a N-acetylgalactosamine, and any combinations thereof.45.The oligonucleotide agent of claim 44, wherein the one or more moieties or components is independently selected from S9, tC2, tC2x6, C5x5, and any combinations thereof, whereinrepresents a support material.46.A pharmaceutical composition comprising:a) the saRNA molecule according to any one of claims 27-43, or the oligonucleotide agent according to any of claims 44-45; andb) optionally, one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, solvent, diluent, stabilizer, dispersant, buffer, compatibilizer, preservative agent and combinations thereof.47.A method of modulating the expression of a target gene in a subject, the method comprising the step of administrating the pharmaceutical composition according to claim 46 to a subject.48.The method of claim 47, wherein the pharmaceutical composition increases the expression of the target gene.49.The method of any one of claims 47-48, wherein the subject is a mammal.50.The method of claims 49, wherein the mammal is a rodent.51.The method of claim 49, wherein the mammal is a non-human primate.52.The method of claim 49, wherein the mammal is a human.53.The method of any one of claims 47-52, wherein the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder.54.The method of claim 53, wherein the target gene is associated with a disease or disorder in the central nervous system, eye, lung, adipose, skin, joint, blood vessel, spleen, muscle, heart, kidney, or liver.55.The method of any one of claims 53-54, wherein disease or disorder is hereditary angioedema (HAE) or Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) .
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