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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

High-throughput Screening for Chemical Modulators of Post-transcriptionally Regulated Genes
Published on: March 3, 2015
Readthrough Approach Using NV Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs): A Study of the Possible Off-Target
Riccardo Perriera1, Emanuele Vitale1, Ivana Pibiri1
1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
Nonsense mutations cause several genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, β-thalassemia, and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. These mutations induce the formation of a premature termination codon (PTC) inside the mRNA sequence, resulting in the synthesis of truncated polypeptides. Nonsense suppression therapy mediated by translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) is a promising approach to correct these genetic defects. TRIDs generate a ribosome miscoding of the PTC named "translational readthrough" and restore the synthesis of full-length and potentially functional proteins. The new oxadiazole-core TRIDs NV848, NV914, and NV930 (NV) showed translational readthrough activity in nonsense-related in vitro systems. In this work, the possible off-target effect of NV molecules on natural termination codons (NTCs) was investigated. Two different in vitro approaches were used to assess if the NV molecule treatment induces NTC readthrough: (1) a study of the translational-induced p53 molecular weight and functionality; (2) the evaluation of two housekeeping proteins' (Cys-C and β2M) molecular weights. Our results showed that the treatment with NV848, NV914, or NV930 did not induce any translation alterations in both experimental systems. The data suggested that NV molecules have a specific action for the PTCs and an undetectable effect on the NTCs.
Insights
New drugs targeting genetic diseases show promise. These translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) specifically correct premature termination codons (PTCs) without affecting natural termination codons (NTCs).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nonsense mutations lead to genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy by creating premature termination codons (PTCs) in mRNA.
- Nonsense suppression therapy using translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) offers a potential treatment by enabling the synthesis of full-length proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential off-target effects of novel oxadiazole-core TRIDs (NV848, NV914, NV930) on natural termination codons (NTCs).
- To assess the specificity of these TRIDs for PTCs versus NTCs.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of NV molecule treatment on p53 protein molecular weight and functionality.
- In vitro evaluation of the impact of NV molecules on the molecular weights of housekeeping proteins Cys-C and β2M.
Main Results:
- NV848, NV914, and NV930 did not induce any translational alterations in the tested in vitro systems.
- No significant readthrough was observed at natural termination codons (NTCs) upon treatment with the NV molecules.
Conclusions:
- The novel oxadiazole-core TRIDs (NV848, NV914, NV930) demonstrate specific activity at premature termination codons (PTCs).
- These TRIDs exhibit an undetectable effect on natural termination codons (NTCs), suggesting a favorable safety profile for nonsense suppression therapy.
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