Catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides define a key regulatory role for early growth response factor-1 in the porcine model of coronary in-stent restenosis

Circ Res. 2001 Oct 12;89(8):670-7. doi: 10.1161/hh2001.097867.

Abstract

Early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) controls the expression of a growing number of genes involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis. Egr-1 is activated by diverse proatherogenic stimuli. As such, this transcription factor represents a key molecular target in efforts to control vascular lesion formation in humans. In this study, we have generated DNAzymes targeting specific sequences in human EGR-1 mRNA. These molecules cleave in vitro transcribed EGR-1 mRNA efficiently at preselected sites, inhibit EGR-1 protein expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells, block serum-inducible cell proliferation, and abrogate cellular regrowth after mechanical injury in vitro. These DNAzymes also selectively inhibit EGR-1 expression and proliferation of porcine arterial smooth muscle cells and reduce intimal thickening after stenting pig coronary arteries in vivo. These findings demonstrate that endoluminally delivered DNAzymes targeting EGR-1 may serve as inhibitors of in-stent restenosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coronary Vessels / drug effects
  • Coronary Vessels / metabolism*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology
  • DNA, Catalytic / pharmacology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / pathology
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immediate-Early Proteins*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Swine
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Tunica Intima / drug effects
  • Tunica Intima / metabolism
  • Tunica Intima / pathology

Substances

  • DNA, Catalytic
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • EGR1 protein, human
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1
  • Immediate-Early Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors