Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder caused by CTG repeat expansions in DM1 protein kinase (DMPK). Mutant transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats form ribonuclear foci that sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) splicing regulator proteins, key regulators of RNA splicing and me...

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Autores: González-Martínez, Irene, Cerro-Herreros, Estefanía, Carrascosa-Sàez, Marc, García-Rey, Andrea, Piqueras-Losilla, Diego, Colom-Rodrigo, Anna, Moreno, Nerea, Chakraborty, Mouli, Huguet-Lachon, Aline, González-Barriga, Anchel, Naldaiz-Gastesi, Neia, Dehesa, Martxel, Díaz-Maqueda, Ana, Barquero, Nuria, Varela, Miguel A., López de Munain, Adolfo, Eritja, Ramon, Gourdon, Geneviève, López-Castel, Arturo, Pérez-Alonso, Manuel, Llamusi, Beatriz, Artero, Rubén
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/423798
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/423798
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105031753444
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Oleic acid conjugate
MBNL
Antisense oligonucleotides
Muscle uptake
Myotonic dystrophy
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/14
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
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oai_identifier_str oai:digital.csic.es:10261/423798
network_acronym_str ES
network_name_str España
repository_id_str
dc.title.none.fl_str_mv Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
title Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
spellingShingle Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
González-Martínez, Irene
Oleic acid conjugate
MBNL
Antisense oligonucleotides
Muscle uptake
Myotonic dystrophy
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/14
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
title_short Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
title_full Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
title_fullStr Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
title_full_unstemmed Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
title_sort Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1
dc.creator.none.fl_str_mv González-Martínez, Irene
Cerro-Herreros, Estefanía
Carrascosa-Sàez, Marc
García-Rey, Andrea
Piqueras-Losilla, Diego
Colom-Rodrigo, Anna
Moreno, Nerea
Chakraborty, Mouli
Huguet-Lachon, Aline
González-Barriga, Anchel
Naldaiz-Gastesi, Neia
Dehesa, Martxel
Díaz-Maqueda, Ana
Barquero, Nuria
Varela, Miguel A.
López de Munain, Adolfo
Eritja, Ramon
Gourdon, Geneviève
López-Castel, Arturo
Pérez-Alonso, Manuel
Llamusi, Beatriz
Artero, Rubén
author González-Martínez, Irene
author_facet González-Martínez, Irene
Cerro-Herreros, Estefanía
Carrascosa-Sàez, Marc
García-Rey, Andrea
Piqueras-Losilla, Diego
Colom-Rodrigo, Anna
Moreno, Nerea
Chakraborty, Mouli
Huguet-Lachon, Aline
González-Barriga, Anchel
Naldaiz-Gastesi, Neia
Dehesa, Martxel
Díaz-Maqueda, Ana
Barquero, Nuria
Varela, Miguel A.
López de Munain, Adolfo
Eritja, Ramon
Gourdon, Geneviève
López-Castel, Arturo
Pérez-Alonso, Manuel
Llamusi, Beatriz
Artero, Rubén
author_role author
author2 Cerro-Herreros, Estefanía
Carrascosa-Sàez, Marc
García-Rey, Andrea
Piqueras-Losilla, Diego
Colom-Rodrigo, Anna
Moreno, Nerea
Chakraborty, Mouli
Huguet-Lachon, Aline
González-Barriga, Anchel
Naldaiz-Gastesi, Neia
Dehesa, Martxel
Díaz-Maqueda, Ana
Barquero, Nuria
Varela, Miguel A.
López de Munain, Adolfo
Eritja, Ramon
Gourdon, Geneviève
López-Castel, Arturo
Pérez-Alonso, Manuel
Llamusi, Beatriz
Artero, Rubén
author2_role author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
dc.contributor.none.fl_str_mv Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas [https://ror.org/02gfc7t72]
dc.subject.none.fl_str_mv Oleic acid conjugate
MBNL
Antisense oligonucleotides
Muscle uptake
Myotonic dystrophy
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/14
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
topic Oleic acid conjugate
MBNL
Antisense oligonucleotides
Muscle uptake
Myotonic dystrophy
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/14
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
description Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder caused by CTG repeat expansions in DM1 protein kinase (DMPK). Mutant transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats form ribonuclear foci that sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) splicing regulator proteins, key regulators of RNA splicing and metabolism. This functional depletion leads to widespread mis-splicing and persistence of fetal transcript profiles, which underlie muscle weakness, myotonia, and muscle atrophy. In addition, miR-23b is upregulated in DM1 muscle and further represses MBNL1 translation, amplifying molecular defects. We developed chemically optimized microRNA (miRNA)-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (antimiRs) to inhibit miR-23b and restore functional MBNL1 levels. Using a multi-step screening process, we evaluated antimiRs with varying sequences, lengths, chemical modifications, and lipid conjugations. A key optimization was a 3'-oleic acid conjugation combined with specific chemical modifications, which enhanced muscle uptake and efficacy. Lead candidates showed strong activity in preclinical models (human skeletal actin [HSA]LR and DMSXL mice and human myoblasts), increasing MBNL1 levels, correcting mis-splicing, improving muscle strength, and reducing myotonia. They also exhibited efficient biodistribution to skeletal muscle, a critical DM1-affected tissue. In vitro toxicology indicated a favorable safety profile with minimal immune or renal toxicity. The antimiR mechanism was conserved in rat and pig fibroblasts. Overall, two lead antimiRs emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for DM1, with improved pharmacokinetics, tissue targeting, and safety, supporting the potential of microRNA-based approaches to correct key molecular defects in this disorder.
publishDate 2026
dc.date.none.fl_str_mv 2026
2026
2026
dc.type.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/article
http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501
Publisher's version
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
format article
status_str publishedVersion
dc.identifier.none.fl_str_mv http://hdl.handle.net/10261/423798
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105031753444
url http://hdl.handle.net/10261/423798
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105031753444
dc.language.none.fl_str_mv Inglés
language_invalid_str_mv Inglés
dc.relation.none.fl_str_mv American journal of human genetics
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2026.01.016

dc.rights.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
eu_rights_str_mv openAccess
dc.publisher.none.fl_str_mv American Society of Human Genetics
publisher.none.fl_str_mv American Society of Human Genetics
dc.source.none.fl_str_mv reponame:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
instname:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
instname_str Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
reponame_str DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
collection DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
repository.name.fl_str_mv
repository.mail.fl_str_mv
_version_ 1869411214324400128
spelling Enhanced muscle uptake of chemically optimized miR-23b antisense oligonucleotides as lead compounds for myotonic dystrophy type 1González-Martínez, IreneCerro-Herreros, EstefaníaCarrascosa-Sàez, MarcGarcía-Rey, AndreaPiqueras-Losilla, DiegoColom-Rodrigo, AnnaMoreno, NereaChakraborty, MouliHuguet-Lachon, AlineGonzález-Barriga, AnchelNaldaiz-Gastesi, NeiaDehesa, MartxelDíaz-Maqueda, AnaBarquero, NuriaVarela, Miguel A.López de Munain, AdolfoEritja, RamonGourdon, GenevièveLópez-Castel, ArturoPérez-Alonso, ManuelLlamusi, BeatrizArtero, RubénOleic acid conjugateMBNLAntisense oligonucleotidesMuscle uptakeMyotonic dystrophyhttp://metadata.un.org/sdg/9http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3http://metadata.un.org/sdg/14Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all agesBuild resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovationConserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder caused by CTG repeat expansions in DM1 protein kinase (DMPK). Mutant transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats form ribonuclear foci that sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) splicing regulator proteins, key regulators of RNA splicing and metabolism. This functional depletion leads to widespread mis-splicing and persistence of fetal transcript profiles, which underlie muscle weakness, myotonia, and muscle atrophy. In addition, miR-23b is upregulated in DM1 muscle and further represses MBNL1 translation, amplifying molecular defects. We developed chemically optimized microRNA (miRNA)-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (antimiRs) to inhibit miR-23b and restore functional MBNL1 levels. Using a multi-step screening process, we evaluated antimiRs with varying sequences, lengths, chemical modifications, and lipid conjugations. A key optimization was a 3'-oleic acid conjugation combined with specific chemical modifications, which enhanced muscle uptake and efficacy. Lead candidates showed strong activity in preclinical models (human skeletal actin [HSA]LR and DMSXL mice and human myoblasts), increasing MBNL1 levels, correcting mis-splicing, improving muscle strength, and reducing myotonia. They also exhibited efficient biodistribution to skeletal muscle, a critical DM1-affected tissue. In vitro toxicology indicated a favorable safety profile with minimal immune or renal toxicity. The antimiR mechanism was conserved in rat and pig fibroblasts. Overall, two lead antimiRs emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for DM1, with improved pharmacokinetics, tissue targeting, and safety, supporting the potential of microRNA-based approaches to correct key molecular defects in this disorder.We thank Inmaculada Noguera for veterinary assistance at the University of Valencia SCSIE animal facility. Part of the equipment employed in this work has been funded by Generalitat Valenciana and co-financed with ERDF funds (OP ERDF of Comunitat Valenciana 2014–2020). Antibody MB1a (4A8) was provided by the MDA Monoclonal Antibody Resources. This work was supported by "la Caixa" Banking Foundation grant HR17-00268 (R.A., A.L.d.M., and G.G.), Generalitat Valenciana grants PROMETEO/2020/081 and CIPROM/2023/22 (R.A.), Instituto de Salud Carlos III grant DTS19/0128 (R.A.), Generalitat Valenciana predoctoral grant FDEGENT/2020/011 (I.G.-M.), Torres Quevedo post-doctoral fellowship PTQ2020-011110 (E.C.-H.), CDTI NEOTEC grant SNEO-20201136 (B.L.), GVA-IVACE grant IMIDTA/2021/65 (B.L.), Talent Promotion Program-Line 3 of GVA-AVI grant INNTA3/2023/16 (D.P.L.), and Instituto de Salud Carlos III grant PI21/00557 (N.N.-G. and A.L.d.M.). Illustrations were created with BioRender.Peer reviewedAmerican Society of Human GeneticsConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas [https://ror.org/02gfc7t72]202620262026info:eu-repo/semantics/articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501Publisher's versioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionhttp://hdl.handle.net/10261/423798https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105031753444reponame:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSICinstname:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)InglésAmerican journal of human geneticshttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2026.01.016Síinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessoai:digital.csic.es:10261/4237982026-05-22T06:33:51Z
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