Oligonucleotide therapeutics are an emerging drug modality, involving modified or unmodified short nucleic acid molecules such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), aptamers, and DNAzymes. These therapies work by binding to RNA targets via Watson-Crick base pairing, leading to RNA cleavage and degradation. This mechanism allows for the specific modulation of disease-relevant protein expressions, making oligonucleotides an attractive class of drugs.
These therapeutics are derived from nucleotides that encode genetic information, resulting in an exceptionally targeted treatment approach. Customization at an individual level is possible in many cases, enhancing the therapeutic potential. Creative Bioarray is dedicated to supporting the development of these oligonucleotide therapies, leveraging its extensive experience in in vitro screening across various disease-relevant models.
In Vitro Oligo Efficacy Screening
The team at Creative Bioarray includes scientists specialized in primary cell cultures and custom induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. This expertise allows the generation of “disease-in-a-dish” models, using a high-throughput workflow that tests hundreds to thousands of oligonucleotides simultaneously. This process leads to the identification of oligonucleotides that effectively induce RNA knockdown in a dose-responsive manner.
Analyzing Drug Mode of Action
Gaining insights into the pathways affected by oligonucleotide administration facilitates the rational selection of combination therapies. By profiling gene expressions and conducting differential gene and pathway analyses in relevant cell lines treated with candidate oligonucleotides, Creative Bioarray provides critical information on genes and pathways influenced by these oligonucleotides.
Bioanalytical Assays
The quantification of oligonucleotides in complex biological matrices, including liver, eye, and brain tissues, requires robust and sensitive bioanalytical assays. Ensuring no interference at low concentrations is critical. Hybridization-based assays have proved to be effective and accurate in quantifying oligonucleotides in circulation and in specific tissues.
Oligo Safety Assessment
There is potential for oligonucleotides to bind to unintended mRNA sequences due to sequence homology, raising concerns about off-target effects and related toxicity. Understanding these risks is vital when prioritizing candidate oligonucleotides. Through in silico assessments and experimental validation of potential off-target transcripts in preclinical models, Creative Bioarray maps the off-target effects of candidate oligonucleotides and compiles a list of validated off-target genes.
Advantages & Features
Creative Bioarray offers numerous advantages, including a proven scientific background with over a decade of expertise in gene expression analysis, prioritization of therapeutic RNA targets in specific disease contexts, and a comprehensive workflow for analyzing oligo specificity. This process includes evaluating potential off-target effects prior to clinical trials.
Creative Bioarray is adept at modulating RNA expression and provides extensive support for your oligonucleotide drug development pipeline. The team invites inquiries to discuss further collaboration opportunities.
