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Application of small interfering RNAs modified by unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) to inhibit the heart‐pathogenic coxsackievirus B3
Author(s) -
Werk Denise,
Wengel Jesper,
Wengel Suzy L.,
Grunert Hans-Peter,
Zeichhardt Heinz,
Kurreck Jens
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.007
Subject(s) - small interfering rna , nucleic acid , locked nucleic acid , chemistry , rna , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , virology , biochemistry , gene
This study describes the first application of unlocked nucleic acid (UNA)‐modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against a medically relevant target, the coxsackievirus B3. We systematically analyzed the impact of different siRNA modification patterns and observed good compatibility of the introduction of UNA with the maintenance of high antiviral activity. Additionally, the polarity of an siRNA was successfully reversed by modulating the relative stability of the termini with locked nucleic acid (LNA) and UNA as shown in a reporter assay. The potency of the reversed siRNA against the full‐length target was, however, too low to inhibit the infectious virus. Altogether, combined modification of siRNAs with LNA und UNA provides a promising approach to alter and improve properties of an siRNA.