Improved serum stability and biophysical properties of siRNAs following chemical modifications

Ik Sang Cho, Jung Kim, Do Hwan Lim, Hee Chul Ahn, Hyunggee Kim, Kang Bong Lee, Young Sik Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which mediate sequence-specific gene silencing through RNA interference have been harnessed for therapeutic applications. Here, we found combinations of modest 2′-ribose siRNA modifications that permit effective gene silencing and improve siRNA stability in human serum. Introduction of as few as two different or identical 2′-ribose modifications at a specific position of either strand, which has been previously suggested to suppress unintended off-target effects, enhances the thermal and thermodynamic stability of siRNA duplexes, and does not alter the overall A-form helical geometry that is required for silencing activity. Our results provide a useful template for the design for therapeutic siRNAs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1901-1908
Number of pages8
JournalBiotechnology Letters
Volume30
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008

Keywords

  • 2′-Ribose modification
  • A-form helix
  • Melting temperature
  • RNA interference
  • siRNA
  • Stability

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