Next generation triplex-forming PNAs for site-specific genome editing of the F508del CFTR mutation

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein for which there is no cure. One approach to cure CF is to correct the underlying mutations in the CFTR gene. We have used triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) loaded into biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) in combination with donor DNAs as reagents for correcting mutations associated with genetic diseases including CF. Previously, we demonstrated that PNAs induce recombination between a donor DNA and the CFTR gene, correcting the F508del CFTR mutation in human cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE cells) and in a CF murine model leading to improved CFTR function with low off-target effects, however the level of correction was still below the threshold for therapeutic cure.

Here, we report the use of next generation, chemically modified gamma PNAs (γPNAs) containing a diethylene glycol substitution at the gamma position for enhanced DNA binding. These modified γPNAs yield enhanced gene correction of F508del mutation in human bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE cells) and in primary nasal epithelial cells from CF mice (NECF cells).

Treatment of CFBE cells and NECF cells grown at air-liquid interface (ALI) by NPs containing γtcPNAs and donor DNA resulted in increased CFTR function measured by short circuit current and improved gene editing (up to 32 %) on analysis of genomic DNA.

These findings provide the basis for further development of PNA and NP technology for editing of the CFTR gene.