Modified dsRNA Molecules for DDIT4 Knockdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nucleic acid molecules for down-regulating DDIT4 expression lack improved bioavailability, biodistribution, serum stability, and specificity, leading to reduced efficacy in treating diseases associated with DDIT4 gene expression.

Innovation Solution

Development of chemically modified double-stranded nucleic acid molecules, such as siRNA and shRNA, that bind specifically to DDIT4 mRNA, incorporating modifications like 2'OMe sugar modifications and unconventional moieties to enhance serum stability, cellular uptake, and target specificity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If unmodified dsRNA molecules are used for down-regulating DDIT4 expression, then the molecular structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the serum stability is poor and biodistribution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserum stabilityVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining dsRNA with chemically modified nucleosides and nucleotides (2'OMe modifications, unconventional moieties) to create a hybrid molecular structure that maintains RNAi functionality while gaining enhanced serum stability and resistance to nucleases, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes chemical parameters of the nucleic acid molecule by introducing 2'OMe sugar modifications and unconventional moieties at specific positions, which alters the molecular properties to improve serum stability, cellular uptake, and pharmacokinetic profile without completely changing the fundamental dsRNA structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If unmodified dsRNA molecules are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the cellular uptake is insufficient and bioavailability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficacy in treating diseaseVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies chemical parameters including 2'OMe modifications and unconventional moieties to enhance cellular uptake and bioavailability, achieving reliable therapeutic efficacy while maintaining a manufacturing process that builds upon conventional oligonucleotide synthesis methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing modifications at specific positions (2'OMe at certain nucleotides, unconventional moieties at terminal positions) rather than uniform modification throughout the molecule, optimizing cellular uptake and stability while controlling manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If standard dsRNA molecules are used, then the treatment approach is simple, but the off-target activity is high and specificity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget specificityVSAvoidmolecular modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing unconventional moieties and 2'OMe modifications at specific terminal positions of the dsRNA molecule, which enhances target specificity and reduces off-target effects through improved binding affinity and reduced immunogenicity, while maintaining manageable molecular complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified nucleic acid molecules exhibit increased serum stability, improved cellular uptake, reduced off-target activity, and enhanced knockdown activity compared to unmodified counterparts, effectively treating conditions associated with DDIT4 expression.

Implementation Method 1

double-stranded nucleic acid molecules... that bind specifically to DDIT4 mRNA

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBase pairing:

Implementation Method 2

incorporating modifications like 2'OMe sugar modifications and unconventional moieties to enhance serum stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical modification for stability:

Data Source

PatentEP2895607B1Double-stranded oligonucleotide molecules to DDIT4 and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 QUARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC
  • EP2895607B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2895607B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2895607B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Provided herein are double stranded nucleic acid molecules, compositions comprising same and methods of use thereof for the treatment of a subject wherein expression of DDIT4 is associated with the etiology or progression of a disease or disorder in the subject. The compounds are preferably chemically synthesized and modified dsRNA molecules.