Compositions and methods for si-rna inhibition of angiogenesis

Description of equivalent WO 2004009769 A2

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR siRNA INHIBITION OF ANGIOGENESIS

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/398,417, filed on July 24, 2002, and U.S. nonprovisional patent application serial no. 10/294,228, filed November 14, 2002.

Reference to Government Grant

The invention described herein was supported in part by NIH/NEI grant no. R01-EY10820, EY-13410 and EY12156. The U.S. government has certain rights in this invention.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the regulation of gene expression by small interfering RNA, in particular for treating diseases or conditions involving angiogenesis.

Background of the Invention

Angiogenesis, defined as the growth of new capillary blood vessels or

"neovascularization," plays a fundamental role in growth and development. In mature humans, the ability to initiate angiogenesis is present in all tissues, but is held under strict control. A key regulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor ("VEGF"), also called vascular permeability factor ("VPF"). VEGF exists in at least four different alternative splice forms in humans (VEGF₁₂₁, VEGF₁₆₅, VEGF₁₈₉ and VEGF₂₀₆), all of which exert similar biological activities.

Angiogenesis is initiated when secreted VEGF binds to the Flt-1 and Flk- 1/KDR receptors (also called VEGF receptor 1 and VEGF receptor 2), which are expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR are transmembrane protein tyrosine kinases, and binding of VEGF initiates a cell signal cascade resulting in the ultimate neovascularization in the surrounding tissue.

Aberrant angiogenesis, or the pathogenic growth of new blood vessels, is implicated in a number of conditions. Among these conditions are diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, exudative or "wet" age-related macular degeneration ("ARMD"), rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, and most cancers. The diseased tissues or tumors associated with these conditions express abnormally high levels of VEGF, and show a high degree of vascularization or vascular permeability. ARMD in particular is a clinically important angiogenic disease. This condition is characterized by choroidal neovascularization in one or both eyes in aging individuals, and is the major cause of blindness in industrialized countries.

A number of therapeutic strategies exist for inhibiting aberrant angiogenesis, which attempt to reduce the production or effect of VEGF. For example, anti-VEGF or anti-VEGF receptor antibodies (Kim ES et al. (2002), PNAS USA 99: 11399-11404), and soluble NEGF "traps" which compete with endothelial cell receptors for NEGF binding (Holash J et al. (2002), PNAS USA 99: 11393-11398) have been developed. Classical NEGF "antisense" or aptamer therapies directed against NEGF gene expression have also been proposed (U.S. published application 2001/0021772 of Uhlmann et al). However, the anti- angiogenic agents used in these therapies can produce only a stoichiometric reduction in NEGF or NEGF receptor, and the agents are typically overwhelmed by the abnormally high production of NEGF by the diseased tissue. The results achieved with available anti-angiogenic therapies have therefore been unsatisfactory.

RΝA interference (hereinafter "R Ai") is a method of post-transcriptional gene regulation that is conserved throughout many eukaryotic organisms. RΝAi is induced by short (i.e., <30 nucleotide) double stranded RΝA ("dsRΝA") molecules which are present in the cell (Fire A et al. (1998), Nature 391: 806-811). These short dsRΝA molecules, called "short interfering RΝA" or "siRΝA," cause the destruction of messenger RΝAs ("rnRΝAs") which share sequence homology with the siRΝA to within one nucleotide resolution (Elbashir SM et al. (2001), Genes E>ev, 15: 188-200). It is believed that the siRNA and the targeted mRNA bind to an "RNA-induced silencing complex" or "RISC", which cleaves the targeted mRNA. The siRNA is apparently recycled much like a multiple-turnover enzyme, with 1 siRNA molecule capable of inducing cleavage of approximately 1000 mRNA molecules. siRNA-mediated RNAi degradation of an mRNA is therefore more effective than currently available technologies for inhibiting expression of a target gene.

Elbashir SM et al. (2001), supra, has shown that synthetic siRNA of 21 and 22 nucleotides in length, and which have short 3' overhangs, are able to induce RNAi of target mRNA in a Drosophila cell lysate. Cultured mammalian cells also exhibit RNAi degradation with synthetic siRNA (Elbashir SM et al. (2001) Nature, 411: 494-498), and RNAi degradation induced by synthetic siRNA has recently been shown in living mice (McCaffrey AP et al. (2002), Nature, 418: 38-39; Xia H et al. (2002), Nat. Biotech. 20: 1006-1010). The therapeutic potential of siRNA- induced RNAi degradation has been demonstrated in several recent in vitro studies, including the siRNA-directed inhibition of HIN-1 infection (Νovina CD et al. (2002), Nat. Med. 8: 681-686) and reduction of neurotoxic polyglutamine disease protein expression (Xia H et al. (2002), supra).

What is needed, therefore, are agents which selectively inhibit expression of NEGF or NEGF receptors in catalytic or sub-stoichiometric amounts.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to siR As which specifically target and cause RΝAi-induced degradation of mRΝA from NEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR genes. The siRΝA compounds and compositions of the invention are used to inhibit angiogenesis, in particular for the treatment of cancerous tumors, age- related macular degeneration, and other angiogenic diseases.

Thus, the invention provides an isolated siRΝA which targets human NEGF mRΝA, human Flt-1 mRΝA, human Flk-1/KDR mRΝA, or an alternative splice form, mutant or cognate thereof. The siRΝA comprises a sense RΝA strand and an antisense RΝA strand which form an RΝA duplex. The sense RΝA strand comprises a nucleotide sequence identical to a target sequence of about 19 to about 25 contiguous nucleotides in the target mRΝA. The invention also provides recombinant plasmids and viral vectors which express the siRNA of the invention, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the siRNA of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention further provides a method of inhibiting expression of human NEGF mRΝA, human Flt-1 mRΝA, human Flk-1/KDR mRΝA, or an alternative splice form, mutant or cognate thereof, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the siRΝA of the invention such that the target mRΝA is degraded.

The invention further provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of an siRΝA targeted to human NEGF mRΝA, human Flt-1 mRΝA, human Flk-1/KDR mRΝA, or an alternative splice form, mutant or cognate thereof.

The invention further provides a method of treating an angiogenic disease, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of an siRΝA targeted to human NEGF mRΝA, human Flt-1 mRΝA, human Flk-1/KDR mRΝA, or an alternative splice form, mutant or cognate thereof, such that angiogenesis associated with the angiogenic disease is inhibited.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIGS. 1A and IB are a histograms of VEGF concentration (in pg/ml) in hypoxic 293 and HeLa cells treated with no siRΝA ("-"); nonspecific siRΝA ("nonspecific"); or siRΝA targeting human VEGF mRΝA ("VEGF"). VEGF concentration (in pg/ml) in non-hypoxic 293 and HeLa cells is also shown. Each bar represents the average of four experiments, and the error is the standard deviation of the mean.

FIG. 2 is a histogram of murine VEGF concentration (in pg/ml) in hypoxic ΝIH 3T3 cells treated with no siRΝA ("-"); nonspecific siRΝA ("nonspecific"); or siRΝA targeting human VEGF mRΝA ("VEGF"). Each bar represents the average of six experiments and the error is the standard deviation of the mean.

FIG. 3 is a histogram of human VEGF concentration (pg/total protein) in retinas from mice injected with adenovirus expressing human VEGF ("AdVEGF") in the presence of either GFP siRΝA (dark gray bar) or human NEGF siRΝA (light grey bar). Each bar represent the average of 5 eyes and the error bars represent the standard error of the mean.

FIG. 4 is a histogram showing the mean area (in mm²) of laser-induced CNN in control eyes given subretinal injections of GFP siRΝA (Ν=9; "GFP siRNA"), and in eyes given subretinal injections of mouse NEGF siRΝA (Ν=7; "Mouse NEGF siRΝA"). The error bars represent the standard error of the mean.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of pAANsiRΝA, a cis-acting plasmid used to generate a recombinant AAV viral vector of the invention. "ITR": AAV inverted terminal repeats; "U6": U6 RΝA promoters; "Sense": siRΝA sense coding sequence; "Anti": siRΝA antisense coding sequence; "PolyT": polythymidine termination signals.

Fig. 6 shows histograms of the mean area (in mm ) of laser-induced CΝV in treatment in mouse eyes injected (A) subretinally or (B) infravitreally with a mouse anti-VEGF siRΝA ("m VEGF 1. siRΝA") or confrol siRΝA ("GFPl. siRΝA"). The error bars represent the standard error of the mean. (C) is a histogram of the mean area (in mm²) of laser-induced CΝV in mouse eyes injected infravitreally with: phosphate-buffered saline with no siRΝA at 1 day post-laser induction ("PBS"; CΝV area measured at 14 days post-laser induction); control siRΝA at 14 days post-laser induction ("GFPl. siRΝA"; CΝV area measured at 21 days post-laser induction); or a mouse anti-VEGF siRΝA at 14 days post-laser induction ("mVEGFl. siRΝA"; CΝN area measured at 21 days post-laser induction). The error bars represent the standard error of the mean.

Fig. 7 is a graph of the percent of NEGF ("%NEGF") protein in mouse eyes injected sub-retinally with human anti-NEGF siRΝA ("Cand5") and control siRΝA ("GFPl. siRΝA") at 0 (n=2; pre-siRΝA injection), 6 (n=3), 10 (n=3) and 14 (n=3) days post-injection. %NEGF = ([VEGF] in the Cand5 eye/[VEGF] in the GFPl. siRΝA eye) *100.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Unless otherwise indicated, all nucleic acid sequences herein are given in the 5' to 3' direction. Also, all deoxyribonucleotides in a nucleic acid sequence are represented by capital letters (e.g., deoxythymidine is "T"), and ribonucleotides in a nucleic acid sequence are represented by lower case letters (e.g., uridine is "u").

Compositions and methods comprismg siRNA targeted to VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA are advantageously used to inhibit angiogenesis, in particular for the treatment of angiogenic disease. The siRNA of the invention are believed to cause the RNAi-mediated degradation of these mRNAs, so that the protein product of the VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes is not produced or is produced in reduced amounts. Because VEGF binding to the Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR receptors is required for initiating and maintaining angiogenesis, the siRNA-mediated degradation of VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA inhibits the angiogenic process. The invention therefore provides isolated siRNA comprising short double- stranded RNA from about 17 nucleotides to about 29 nucleotides in length, preferably from about 19 to about 25 nucleotides in length, that are targeted to the target mRNA. The siRNA comprise a sense RNA strand and a complementary antisense RNA strand annealed together by standard Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions (hereinafter "base-paired"). As is described in more detail below, the sense strand comprises a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to a target sequence contained within the target mRNA.

The sense and antisense strands of the present siRNA can comprise two complementary, single-stranded RNA molecules or can comprise a single molecule in which two complementary portions are base-paired and are covalently linked by a single-stranded "hairpin" area. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the hairpin area of the latter type of siRNA molecule is cleaved intracellularly by the "Dicer" protein (or its equivalent) to form an siRNA of two individual base-paired RNA molecules (see Tuschl, T. (2002), supra).

As used herein, "isolated" means altered or removed from the natural state through human intervention. For example, an siRNA naturally present in a living animal is not "isolated," but a synthetic siRNA, or an siRNA partially or completely separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is "isolated." An isolated siRNA can exist in substantially purified form, or can exist in a non- native environment such as, for example, a cell into which the siRNA has been delivered. As used herein, "target mRNA" means human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA, mutant or alternative splice forms of human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA, or mRNA from cognate VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes.

As used herein, a gene or mRNA which is "cognate" to human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR is a gene or mRNA from another mammalian species which is homologous to human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR. For example, the cognate VEGF mRNA from the mouse is given in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Splice variants of human VEGF are known, including VEGF₁₂₁ (SEQ ID NO: 2), VEGF₁₆₅ (SEQ ID NO: 3), VEGF₁₈₉ (SEQ ID NO: 4) and VEGF₂₀₆ (SEQ ID NO: 5). The mRNA transcribed from the human VEGF, Flt-1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) or Flk-1/KDR (SEQ ID NO: 7) genes can be analyzed for further alternative splice forms using techniques well-known in the art. Such techniques include reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), northern blotting and in-situ hybridization. Techniques for analyzing mRNA sequences are described, for example, in Busting SA (2000), J. Mol. Endocrinol. 25: 169-193, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Representative techniques for identifying alternatively spliced mRNAs are also described below.

For example, databases that contain nucleotide sequences related to a given disease gene can be used to identify alternatively spliced mRNA. Such databases include GenBank, Embase, and the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project (CGAP) database. The CGAP database, for example, contains expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from various types of human cancers. An mRNA or gene sequence from the VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes can be used to query such a database to determine whether ESTs representing alternatively spliced mRNAs have been found for a these genes.

A technique called "RNAse protection" can also be used to identify alternatively spliced VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNAs. RNAse protection involves translation of a gene sequence into synthetic RNA, which is hybridized to RNA derived from other cells; for example, cells from tissue at or near the site of neovascularization. The hybridized RNA is then incubated with enzymes that recognize RNA:RNA hybrid mismatches. Smaller than expected fragments indicate the presence of alternatively spliced mRNAs. The putative alternatively spliced mRNAs can be cloned and sequenced by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

RT-PCR can also be used to identify alternatively spliced VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNAs. In RT-PCR, mRNA from the diseased tissue is converted into cDNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase, using methods well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The entire coding sequence of the cDNA is then amplified via PCR using a forward primer located in the 3' untranslated region, and a reverse primer located in the 5' untranslated region. The amplified products can be analyzed for alternative splice forms, for example by comparing the size of the amplified products with the size of the expected product from normally spliced mRNA, e.g., by agarose gel electrophoresis. Any change in the size of the amplified product can indicate alternative splicing. mRNA produced from mutant VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes can also be readily identified through the techniques described above for identifying alternative splice forms. As used herein, "mutant" VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes or mRNA include human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes or mRNA which differ in sequence from the VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR sequences set forth herein. Thus, allelic forms of these genes, and the mRNA produced from them, are considered "mutants" for purposes of this invention. It is understood that human VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA may contain target sequences in common with their respective alternative splice forms, cognates or mutants. A single siRNA comprising such a common targeting sequence can therefore induce RNAi-mediated degradation of different RNA types which contain the common targeting sequence. The siRNA of the invention can comprise partially purified RNA, substantially pure RNA, synthetic RNA, or recombinantly produced RNA, as well as altered RNA that differs from naturally-occurring RNA by the addition, deletion, substitution and/or alteration of one or more nucleotides. Such alterations can include addition of non-nucleotide material, such as to the end(s) of the siRNA or to one or more internal nucleotides of the siRNA, including modifications that make the siRNA resistant to nuclease digestion. One or both strands of the siRNA of the invention can also comprise a 3' overhang. As used herein, a "3' overhang" refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide extending from the 3 '-end of a duplexed RNA strand.

Thus in one embodiment, the siRNA of the invention comprises at least one 3' overhang of from 1 to about 6 nucleotides (which includes ribonucleotides or deoxynucleotides) in length, preferably from 1 to about 5 nucleotides in length, more preferably from 1 to about 4 nucleotides in length, and particularly preferably from about 2 to about 4 nucleotides in length.

In the embodiment in which both strands of the siRNA molecule comprise a 3' overhang, the length of the overhangs can be the same or different for each strand. In a most preferred embodiment, the 3' overhang is present on both strands of the siRNA, and is 2 nucleotides in length. For example, each strand of the siRNA of the invention can comprise 3' overhangs of dithymidylic acid ("TT") or diuridylic acid ("uu"). In order to enhance the stability of the present siRNA, the 3' overhangs can be also stabilized against degradation. In one embodiment, the overhangs are stabilized by including purine nucleotides, such as adenosine or guanosine nucleotides. Alternatively, substitution of pyrimidine nucleotides by modified analogues, e.g., substitution of uridine nucleotides in the 3' overhangs with 2'- deoxythymidine, is tolerated and does not affect the efficiency of RNAi degradation. In particular, the absence of a 2' hydroxyl in the 2 '-deoxythymidine significantly enhances the nuclease resistance of the 3 'overhang in tissue culture medium.

In certain embodiments, the siRNA of the invention comprises the sequence AA(N19)TT or NA(N21), where N is any nucleotide. These siRNA comprise approximately 30-70% GC, and preferably comprise approximately 50% G/C. The sequence of the sense siRNA strand corresponds to (N19)TT or N21 (i.e., positions 3 to 23), respectively. In the latter case, the 3' end of the sense siRNA is converted to TT. The rationale for this sequence conversion is to generate a symmetric duplex with respect to the sequence composition of the sense and antisense strand 3' overhangs. The antisense RNA sfrand is then synthesized as the complement to positions 1 to 21 of the sense strand. Because position 1 of the 23-nt sense strand in these embodiments is not recognized in a sequence-specific manner by the antisense strand, the 3 '-most nucleotide residue of the antisense strand can be chosen deliberately. However, the penultimate nucleotide of the antisense sfrand (complementary to position 2 of the 23-nt sense strand in either embodiment) is generally complementary to the targeted sequence.

In another embodiment, the siRNA of the invention comprises the sequence NAR(N17)YNN, where R is a purine (e.g., A or G) and Y is a pyrimidine (e.g., C or U/T). The respective 21-nt sense and antisense RNA strands of this embodiment therefore generally begin with a purine nucleotide. Such siRNA can be expressed from pol III expression vectors without a change in targeting site, as expression of RNAs from pol III promoters is only believed to be efficient when the first transcribed nucleotide is a purine.

The siRNA of the invention can be targeted to any stretch of approximately 19-25 contiguous nucleotides in any of the target mRNA sequences (the "target sequence"). Techniques for selecting target sequences for siRNA are given, for example, in Tuschl T et al., "The siRNA User Guide," revised Oct. 11, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. "The siRNA User Guide" is available on the world wide web at a website maintained by Dr. Thomas Tuschl, Department of Cellular Biochemistry, AG 105, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Gδttingen, Germany, and can be found by accessing the website of the Max Planck Institute and searching with the keyword "siRNA." Thus, the sense strand of the present siRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence identical to any contiguous stretch of about 19 to about 25 nucleotides in the target mRNA.

Generally, a target sequence on the target mRNA can be selected from a given cDNA sequence corresponding to the target mRNA, preferably beginning 50 to 100 nt downstream (i.e., in the 3' direction) from the start codon. The target sequence can, however, be located in the 5' or 3' untranslated regions, or in the region nearby the start codon (see, e.g., the target sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 73 and 74 in Table 1 below, which are within 100 nt of the 5'-end of the VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA For example, a suitable target sequence in the VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA sequence is: TCATCACGAAGTGGTGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 8)

Thus, an siRNA of the invention targeting this sequence, and which has 3' uu overhangs on each strand (overhangs shown in bold), is:

5 ' -ucaucacgaaguggugaaguu-3 ' (SEQ ID NO : 9) 3 ' -uuaguagugcuucaccacuuc-5 ' (SEQ ID NO : 10)

An siRNA of the invention targeting this same sequence, but having 3' TT overhangs on each strand (overhangs shown in bold) is:

5'-ucaucacgaaguggugaagTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 11) 3'-TTaguagugcuucaccacuuc-5' (SEQ ID NO: 12)

Other VEGF_{1 1} target sequences from which siRNA of the invention can be derived are given in Table 1. It is understood that all VEGF₁₂₁ target sequences listed in Table 1 are within that portion of the VEGF₁₂₁ alternative splice form which is common to all human VEGF alternative splice forms. Thus, the VEGF_{1 1} target sequences in Table 1 can also target VEGF₁₆₅, VEGF₁₈₉ and VEGF₂₀₆ mRNA. Target sequences which target a specific VEGF isoform can also be readily identified. For example, a target sequence which targets VEGF₁₆₅ mRNA but not VEGF₁₂₁ mRNA is AACGTACTTGCAGATGTGACA (SEQ ID NO: 13). Exemplary target sequences for human Flt-1 are given in SEQ ID NOS: 91 - 504, and exemplary target sequences for human Flk-1/KDR are given in SEQ ID NOS: 505 - 864. Table 1 - VEGF Target Sequences

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Table 1 (continued) - VEGF Target Sequences

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Table 1 (continued) - VEGF Target Sequences

<img file="WO2004009769A2_D0003.tif" />

The siRNA of the invention can be obtained using a number of techniques known to those of skill in the art. For example, the siRNA can be chemically synthesized or recombinantly produced using methods known in the art, such as the Drosophila in vitro system described in U.S. published application 2002/0086356 of Tuschl et al., the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Preferably, the siRNA of the invention are chemically synthesized using appropriately protected ribonucleoside phosphoramidites and a conventional DNA/RNA synthesizer. The siRNA can be synthesized as two separate, complementary RNA molecules, or as a single RNA molecule with two complementary regions. Commercial suppliers of synthetic RNA molecules or synthesis reagents include Proligo (Hamburg, Germany), Dharmacon Research (Lafayette, CO, USA), Pierce Chemical (part of Perbio Science, Rockford, IL, USA), Glen Research (Sterling, VA, USA), ChemGenes (Ashland, MA, USA) and Cruachem (Glasgow, UK).

Alternatively, siRNA can also be expressed from recombinant circular or linear DNA plasmids using any suitable promoter. Suitable promoters for expressing siRNA of the invention from a plasmid include, for example, the U6 or HI RNA pol III promoter sequences and the cytomegalovirus promoter. Selection of other suitable promoters is within the skill in the art. The recombinant plasmids of the invention can also comprise inducible or regulatable promoters for expression of the siRNA in a particular tissue or in a particular intracellular environment.

The siRNA expressed from recombinant plasmids can either be isolated from cultured cell expression systems by standard techniques, or can be expressed intracellularly at or near the area of neovascularization in vivo. The use of recombinant plasmids to deliver siRNA of the invention to cells in vivo is discussed in more detail below. siRNA of the invention can be expressed from a recombinant plasmid either as two separate, complementary RNA molecules, or as a single RNA molecule with two complementary regions. Selection of plasmids suitable for expressing siRNA of the invention, methods for inserting nucleic acid sequences for expressing the siRNA into the plasmid, and methods of delivering the recombinant plasmid to the cells of interest are within the skill in the art. See, for example Tuschl, T. (2002), Nat. Biotechnol, 20: 446-448; Brummelkamp TR et al. (2002), Science 296: 550- 553; Miyagishi M et al. (2002), Nat. Biotechnol. 20: 497-500; Paddison PJ et al. (2002), Genes Dev. 16: 948-958; Lee NS et al. (2002), Nat. Biotechnol. 20: 500-505; and Paul CP et al. (2002), Nat. Biotechnol. 20: 505-508, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. A plasmid comprising nucleic acid sequences for expressing an siRNA of the invention is described in Example 7 below. That plasmid, called pAANsiRNA, comprises a sense RNA strand coding sequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence under the control of a human U6 RNA promoter, and an antisense RNA strand coding sequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence under the control of a human U6 RNA promoter. The plasmid pAAV siRNA is ultimately intended for use in producing an recombinant adeno-associated viral vector comprising the same nucleic acid sequences for expressing an siRNA of the invention.

As used herein, "in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence" means that the nucleic acid sequences encoding the sense or antisense strands are immediately adjacent to the polyT termination signal in the 5' direction. During transcription of the sense or antisense sequences from the plasmid, the polyT termination signals act to terminate transcription.

As used herein, "under the control" of a promoter means that the nucleic acid sequences encoding the sense or antisense strands are located 3' of the promoter, so that the promoter can initiate transcription of the sense or antisense coding sequences.

The siRNA of the invention can also be expressed from recombinant viral vectors intracellularly at or near the area of neovascularization in vivo. The recombinant viral vectors of the invention comprise sequences encoding the siRNA of the invention and any suitable promoter for expressing the siRNA sequences. Suitable promoters include, for example, the U6 or HI RNA pol III promoter sequences and the cytomegalovirus promoter. Selection of other suitable promoters is within the skill in the art. The recombinant viral vectors of the invention can also comprise inducible or regulatable promoters for expression of the siRNA in a particular tissue or in a particular intracellular environment. The use of recombinant viral vectors to deliver siRNA of the invention to cells in vivo is discussed in more detail below. siRNA of the invention can be expressed from a recombinant viral vector either as two separate, complementary RNA molecules, or as a single RNA molecule with two complementary regions. Any viral vector capable of accepting the coding sequences for the siRNA molecule(s) to be expressed can be used, for example vectors derived from adenovirus (AV); adeno-associated virus (AAV); retroviruses (e.g, lentiviruses (LV), Rhabdoviruses, murine leukemia virus); herpes virus, and the like. The tropism of the viral vectors can also be modified by pseudotyping the vectors with envelope proteins or other surface antigens from other viruses. For example, an AAV vector of the invention can be pseudotyped with surface proteins from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), rabies, Ebola, Mokola, and the like.

Selection of recombinant viral vectors suitable for use in the invention, methods for inserting nucleic acid sequences for expressing the siRNA into the vector, and methods of delivering the viral vector to the cells of interest are within the skill in the art. See, for example, Dornburg R (1995), Gene Therap. 2: 301-310; Eglitis MA (1988), Biotechniques 6: 608-614; Miller AD (1990), Hum Gene Therap. 1: 5-14; and Anderson WF (1998), Nature 392: 25-30, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Preferred viral vectors are those derived from AV and AAV. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the siRNA of the invention is expressed as two separate, complementary single-stranded RNA molecules from a recombinant AAV vector comprising, for example, either the U6 or HI RNA promoters, or the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter.

A suitable AV vector for expressing the siRNA of the invention, a method for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and a method for delivering the vector into target cells, are described in Xia H et al. (2002), Nat. Biotech. 20: 1006-1010.

Suitable AAV vectors for expressing the siRNA of the invention, methods for constructing the recombinant AAN vector, and methods for delivering the vectors into target cells are described in Samulski R et al. (1987), J. Virol. 61: 3096-3101; Fisher KJ et al. (1996), J Virol, 70: 520-532; Samulski R et al. (1989), J. Virol. 63: 3822-3826; U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,479; U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,941; International Patent Application No. WO 94/13788; and International Patent Application No. WO 93/24641, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. An exemplary method for generating a recombinant AAV vector of the invention is described in Example 7 below.

The ability of an siRNA containing a given target sequence to cause RNAi-mediated degradation of the target mRNA can be evaluated using standard techniques for measuring the levels of RNA or protein in cells. For example, siRNA of the invention can be delivered to cultured cells, and the levels of target mRNA can be measured by Northern blot or dot blotting techniques, or by quantitative RT-PCR. Alternatively, the levels of VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR receptor protein in the cultured cells can be measured by ELISA or Western blot. A suitable cell culture system for measuring the effect of the present siRNA on target mRNA or protein levels is described in Example 1 below.

RNAi-mediated degradation of target mRNA by an siRNA containing a given target sequence can also be evaluated with animal models of neovascularization, such as the ROP or CNV mouse models. For example, areas of neovascularization in an ROP or CNV mouse can be measured before and after administration of an siRNA. A reduction in the areas of neovascularization in these models upon administration of the siRNA indicates the down-regulation of the target mRNA (see Example 6 below). As discussed above, the siRNA of the invention target and cause the

RNAi-mediated degradation of VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR mRNA, or alternative splice forms, mutants or cognates thereof. Degradation of the target mRNA by the present siRNA reduces the production of a functional gene product from the VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR genes. Thus, the invention provides a method of inhibiting expression of VEGF, Flt-1 or Flk-1/KDR in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of an siRNA of the invention to the subject, such that the target mRNA is degraded. As the products of the VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR genes are required for initiating and maintaining angiogenesis, the invention also provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject by the RNAi-mediated degradation of the target mRNA by the present siRNA. As used herein, a "subject" includes a human being or non-human animal. Preferably, the subject is a human being.

As used herein, an "effective amount" of the siRNA is an amount sufficient to cause RNAi-mediated degradation of the target mRNA, or an amount sufficient to inhibit the progression of angiogenesis in a subject. RNAi-mediated degradation of the target mRNA can be detected by measuring levels of the target mRNA or protein in the cells of a subject, using standard techniques for isolating and quantifying mRNA or protein as described above.

Inhibition of angiogenesis can be evaluated by directly measuring the progress of pathogenic or nonpathogenic angiogenesis in a subject; for example, by observing the size of a neovascularized area before and after treatment with the siRNA of the invention. An inhibition of angiogenesis is indicated if the size of the neovascularized area stays the same or is reduced. Techniques for observing and measuring the size of neovascularized areas in a subject are within the skill in the art; for example, areas of choroid neovascularization can be observed by ophthalmoscopy.

Inhibition of angiogenesis can also be inferred through observing a change or reversal in a pathogenic condition associated with the angiogenesis. For example, in ARMD, a slowing, halting or reversal of vision loss indicates an inhibition of angiogenesis in the choroid. For tumors, a slowing, halting or reversal of tumor growth, or a slowing or halting of tumor metastasis, indicates an inhibition of angiogenesis at or near the tumor site. Inhibition of non- pathogenic angiogenesis can also be inferred from, for example, fat loss or a reduction in cholesterol levels upon administration of the siRNA of the invention.

It is understood that the siRNA of the invention can degrade the target mRNA (and thus inhibit angiogenesis) in substoichiometric amounts. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the siRNA of the invention causes degradation of the target mRNA in a catalytic manner. Thus, compared to standard anti-angiogenic therapies, significantly less siRNA needs to be delivered at or near the site of neovascularization to have a therapeutic effect. One skilled in the art can readily determine an effective amount of the siRNA of the invention to be administered to a given subject, by taking into account factors such as the size and weight of the subject; the extent of the neovascularization or disease penetration; the age, health and sex of the subject; the route of adminisfration; and whether the administration is regional or systemic. Generally, an effective amount of the siRNA of the invention comprises an intercellular concentration at or near the neovascularization site of from about 1 nanomolar (nM) to about 100 nM, preferably from about 2 nM to about 50 nM, more preferably from about 2.5 nM to about 10 nM. It is contemplated that greater or lesser amounts of siRNA can be administered. The present methods can be used to inhibit angiogenesis which is nonpathogenic; i.e., angiogenesis which results from normal processes in the subject. Examples of non-pathogenic angiogenesis include endometrial neovascularization, and processes involved in the production of fatty tissues or cholesterol. Thus, the invention provides a method for inhibiting non- pathogenic angiogenesis, e.g., for controlling weight or promoting fat loss, for reducing cholesterol levels, or as an abortifacient.

The present methods can also inhibit angiogenesis which is associated with an angiogenic disease; i.e., a disease in which pathogenicity is associated with inappropriate or uncontrolled angiogenesis. For example, most cancerous solid tumors generate an adequate blood supply for themselves by inducing angiogenesis in and around the tumor site. This tumor-induced angiogenesis is often required for tumor growth, and also allows metastatic cells to enter the bloodstream.

Other angiogenic diseases include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. These diseases are characterized by the destruction of normal tissue by newly formed blood vessels in the area of neovascularization. For example, in ARMD, the choroid is invaded and destroyed by capillaries. The angiogenesis-driven destruction of the choroid in ARMD eventually leads to partial or full blindness. Preferably, an siRNA of the invention is used to inhibit the growth or metastasis of solid tumors associated with cancers; for example breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, abdominal cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, esophagus cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, glioma, liver cancer, tongue cancer, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, retinoblastoma, Wilm's tumor, multiple myeloma; skin cancer (e.g., melanoma), lymphomas and blood cancer.

More preferably, an siRNA of the invention is used to inhibit choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

For treating angiogenic diseases, the siRNA of the invention can administered to a subject in combination with a pharmaceutical agent which is different from the present siRNA. Alternatively, the siRNA of the invention can be administered to a subject in combination with another therapeutic method designed to treat the angiogenic disease. For example, the siRNA of the invention can be administered in combination with therapeutic methods currently employed for treating cancer or preventing tumor metastasis (e.g., radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery). For treating tumors, the siRNA of the invention is preferably administered to a subject in combination with radiation therapy, or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, daunorubicin or tamoxifen. In the present methods, the present siRNA can be administered to the subject either as naked siRNA, in conjunction with a delivery reagent, or as a recombinant plasmid or viral vector which expresses the siRNA.

Suitable delivery reagents for administration in conjunction with the present siRNA include the Minis Transit TKO lipophilic reagent; lipofectin; lipofectamine; cellfectin; or polycations (e.g., polylysine), or liposomes. A preferred delivery reagent is a liposome.

Liposomes can aid in the delivery of the siRNA to a particular tissue, such as retinal or tumor tissue, and can also increase the blood half-life of the siRNA. Liposomes suitable for use in the invention are formed from standard vesicle-forming lipids, which generally include neutral or negatively charged phospholipids and a sterol, such as cholesterol. The selection of lipids is generally guided by consideration of factors such as the desired liposome size and half-life of the liposomes in the blood stream. A variety of methods are known for preparing liposomes, for example as described in Szoka et al. (1980), Ann. Rev. Biophys. Bioeng. 9: 467; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,235,871, 4,501,728, 4,837,028, and 5,019,369, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Preferably, the liposomes encapsulating the present siRNA comprises a ligand molecule that can target the liposome to a particular cell or tissue at or near the site of angiogenesis. Ligands which bind to receptors prevalent in tumor or vascular endothelial cells, such as monoclonal antibodies that bind to tumor antigens or endothelial cell surface antigens, are preferred.

Particularly preferably, the liposomes encapsulating the present siRNA are modified so as to avoid clearance by the mononuclear macrophage and reticuloendothelial systems, for example by having opsonization-inhibition moieties bound to the surface of the structure. In one embodiment, a liposome of the invention can comprise both opsonization-inhibition moieties and a ligand. Opsonization-inhibiting moieties for use in preparing the liposomes of the invention are typically large hydrophilic polymers that are bound to the liposome membrane. As used herein, an opsonization inhibiting moiety is "bound" to a liposome membrane when it is chemically or physically attached to the membrane, e.g., by the intercalation of a lipid-soluble anchor into the membrane itself, or by binding directly to active groups of membrane lipids. These opsonization-inhibiting hydrophilic polymers form a protective surface layer which significantly decreases the uptake of the liposomes by the macrophage-monocyte system ("MMS") and reticuloendothelial system ("RES"); e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,016, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Liposomes modified with opsonization-inhibition moieties thus remain in the circulation much longer than unmodified liposomes. For this reason, such liposomes are sometimes called "stealth" liposomes.

Stealth liposomes are known to accumulate in tissues fed by porous or "leaky" microvasculature. Thus, target tissue characterized by such microvasculature defects, for example solid tumors, will efficiently accumulate these liposomes; see Gabizon, et al. (1988), P.N.A.S., USA, 18: 6949-53. In addition, the reduced uptake by the RES lowers the toxicity of stealth liposomes by preventing significant accumulation in the liver and spleen. Thus, liposomes of the invention that are modified with opsonization-inhibition moieties can deliver the present siRNA to tumor cells. Opsonization inhibiting moieties suitable for modifying liposomes are preferably water-soluble polymers with a number-average molecular weight from about 500 to about 40,000 daltons, and more preferably from about 2,000 to about 20,000 daltons. Such polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol (PPG) derivatives; e.g., methoxy PEG or PPG, and PEG or PPG stearate; syntlietic polymers such as polyacrylamide or poly N-vinyl pyrrolidone; linear, branched, or dendrimeric polyamidoamines; polyacrylic acids; polyalcohols, e.g., polyvinylalcohol and polyxylitol to which carboxylic or amino groups are chemically linked, as well as gangliosides, such as ganglioside GMi. Copolymers of PEG, methoxy PEG, or methoxy PPG, or derivatives thereof, are also suitable. In addition, the opsonization inhibiting polymer can be a block copolymer of PEG and either a polyamino acid, polysaccharide, polyamidoamine, polyethyleneamine, or polynucleotide. The opsonization inhibiting polymers can also be natural polysaccharides containing amino acids or carboxylic acids, e.g., galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, mannuronic acid, hyaluronic acid, pectic acid, neuraminic acid, alginic acid, carrageenan; aminated polysaccharides or oligosaccharides (linear or branched); or carboxylated polysaccharides or oligosaccharides, e.g., reacted with derivatives of carbonic acids with resultant linking of carboxylic groups.

Preferably, the opsonization-inhibiting moiety is a PEG, PPG, or derivatives thereof. Liposomes modified with PEG or PEG-derivatives are sometimes called "PEGylated liposomes." The opsonization inhibiting moiety can be bound to the liposome membrane by any one of numerous well-known techniques. For example, an N- hydroxysuccinimide ester of PEG can be bound to a phosphatidyl-ethanolamine lipid-soluble anchor, and then bound to a membrane. Similarly, a dextran polymer can be derivatized with a stearylamine lipid-soluble anchor via reductive amination using Na(CN)BH₃ and a solvent mixture such as tetrahydrofuran and water in a 30:12 ratio at 60 °C.

Recombinant plasmids which express siRNA of the invention are discussed above. Such recombinant plasmids can also be administered directly or in conjunction with a suitable delivery reagent, including the Minis Transit LTl lipophilic reagent; lipofectin; lipofectamine; cellfectin; polycations (e.g., polylysine) or liposomes. Recombinant viral vectors which express siRNA of the invention are also discussed above, and methods for delivering such vectors to an area of neovascularization in a patient are within the skill in the art.

The siRNA of the invention can be administered to the subject by any means suitable for delivering the siRNA to the cells of the tissue at or near the area of neovascularization. For example, the siRNA can be administered by gene gun, electroporation, or by other suitable parenteral or enteral administration routes.

Suitable enteral administration routes include oral, rectal, or intranasal delivery.

Suitable parenteral administration routes include intravascular administration (e.g. intravenous bolus injection, intravenous infusion, infra- arterial bolus injection, infra-arterial infusion and catheter instillation into the vasculature); peri- and infra-tissue administration (e.g., peri-tumoral and intra- tumoral injection, infra-retinal injection or subretinal injection); subcutaneous injection or deposition including subcutaneous infusion (such as by osmotic pumps); direct (e.g., topical) application to the area at or near the site of neovascularization, for example by a catheter or other placement device (e.g., a corneal pellet or a suppository, eye-dropper, or an implant comprising a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material); and inhalation. Suitable placement devices include the ocular implants described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,598 and 6,375,972, and the biodegradable ocular implants described in U.S. Pat. No 6,331,313, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Such ocular implants are available from Control Delivery Systems, Inc. (Watertown, MA) and Oculex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).

In a preferred embodiment, injections or infusions of the siRNA are given at or near the site of neovascularization. More preferably, the siRNA is administered topically to the eye, e.g. in liquid or gel form to the lower eye lid or conjunctival cul-de-sac, as is within the skill in the art (see, e.g., Acheampong AA et al, 2002, Drug Metabol and Disposition 30: 421-429, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference). Typically, the siRNA of the invention is administered topically to the eye in amounts of from about 5 microliters to about 75 microliters, for example from about 7 microliters to about 50 microliters, preferably from about 10 microliters to about 30 microliters. It is understood that topical instillation in the eye of siRNA in volumes greater than 75 microliters can result in loss of siRNA from the eye through spillage and drainage. Thus, it is preferable to administer a high concentration of siRNA (e.g., 100-1000 nM) in as small a volume as possible.

A particularly preferred parenteral administration route is intraocular administration. It is understood that intraocular administration of the present siRNA can be accomplished by injection or direct (e.g., topical) administration to the eye, as long as the adminisfration route allows the siRNA to enter the eye. In addition to the topical routes of administration to the eye described above, suitable intraocular routes of administration include intravitreal, intraretinal, subretinal, subtenon, peri- and retro-orbital, trans-corneal and trans-scleral administration. Such intraocular administration routes are within the skill in the art; see, e.g., and Acheampong AA et al, 2002, supra; and Bennett et al. (1996), Hum. Gene Ther. 7: 1763-1769 and Ambati J et al., 2002, Progress in Retinal and Eye Res. 21: 145-151, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The siRNA of the invention can be administered in a single dose or in multiple doses. Where the administration of the siRNA of the invention is by infusion, the infusion can be a single sustained dose or can be delivered by multiple infusions. Injection of the agent directly into the tissue is at or near the site of neovascularization preferred. Multiple injections of the agent into the tissue at or near the site of neovascularization are particularly preferred.

One skilled in the art can also readily deteπnine an appropriate dosage regimen for admimstering the siRNA of the invention to a given subject. For example, the siRNA can be administered to the subject once, such as by a single injection or deposition at or near the neovascularization site. Alternatively, the siRNA can be administered to a subject multiple times daily or weekly. For example, the siRNA can be administered to a subject once weekly for a period of from about three to about twenty-eight weeks, more preferably from about seven to about ten weeks, fri a preferred dosage regimen, the siRNA is injected at or near the site of neovascularization (e.g., infravitreally) once a week for seven weeks. It is understood that periodic administrations of the siRNA of the invention for an indefinite length of time may be necessary for subjects suffering from a chronic neovascularization disease, such as wet ARMD or diabetic retinopathy.

Where a dosage regimen comprises multiple administrations, it is understood that the effective amount of siRNA administered to the subject can comprise the total amount of siRNA administered over the entire dosage regimen. The siRNA of the invention are preferably formulated as pharmaceutical compositions prior to admimstering to a subject, according to techniques known in the art. Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are characterized as being at least sterile and pyrogen-free. As used herein, "pharmaceutical formulations" include formulations for human and veterinary use. Methods for preparing phamiaceutical compositions of the invention are within the skill in the art, for example as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. (1985), the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The present pharmaceutical formulations comprise an siRNA of the invention (e.g., 0.1 to 90% by weight), or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, mixed with a physiologically acceptable carrier medium. Preferred physiologically acceptable carrier media are water, buffered water, saline^' solutions (e.g., normal saline or balanced saline solutions such as Hank's or Earle's balanced salt solutions), 0.4%&gt; saline, 0.3%) glycine, hyaluronic acid and the like.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can also comprise conventional pharmaceutical excipients and/or additives. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include stabilizers, antioxidants, osmolality adjusting agents, buffers, and pH adjusting agents. Suitable additives include physiologically biocompatible buffers (e.g., fromethamine hydrochloride), additions of chelants (such as, for example, DTPA or DTPA-bisamide) or calcium chelate complexes (as for example calcium DTPA, CaNaDTPA- bisamide), or, optionally, additions of calcium or sodium salts (for example, calcium chloride, calcium ascorbate, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate). Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be packaged for use in liquid form, or can be lyophilized.

For topical administration to the eye, conventional intraocular delivery reagents can be used. For example, pharmaceutical compositions of the invention for topical intraocular delivery can comprise saline solutions as described above, corneal penetration enhancers, insoluble particles, petrolatum or other gel-based ointments, polymers which undergo a viscosity increase upon instillation in the eye, or mucoadhesive polymers. Preferably, the intraocular delivery reagent increases corneal penetration, or prolongs preocular retention of the siRNA through viscosity effects or by establishing physicochemical interactions with the mucin layer covering the corneal epithelium. Suitable insoluble particles for topical intraocular delivery include the calcium phosphate particles described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,271 of Bell et al., the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Suitable polymers which undergo a viscosity increase upon instillation in the eye include polyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymers such as poloxamer 407 (e.g., at a concentration of 25%), cellulose acetophthalate (e.g., at a concentration of 30%), or a low-acetyl gellan gum such as Gelrite® (available from CP Kelco, Wilmington, DE). Suitable mucoadhesive polymers include hydrocolloids with multiple hydrophilic functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, amide and/or sulfate groups; for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyacrylic acid, high- molecular weight polyethylene glycols (e.g., &gt;200,000 number average molecular weight), dextrans, hyaluronic acid, polygalacturonic acid, and xylocan. Suitable corneal penetration enhancers include cyclodextrins, benzalkonium chloride, polyoxyethylene glycol lauryl ether (e.g., Brij® 35), polyoxyethylene glycol stearyl ether (e.g., Brij® 78), polyoxyethylene glycol oleyl ether (e.g., Brij® 98), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), digitonin, sodium taurocholate, saponins and polyoxyethylated castor oil such as Cremaphor EL.

For solid compositions, conventional nontoxic solid carriers can be used; for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like.

For example, a solid pharmaceutical composition for oral administration can comprise any of the carriers and excipients listed above and 10-95%), preferably 25%-75%, of one or more siRNA of the invention. A pharmaceutical composition for aerosol (inhalational) adminisfration can comprise 0.01-20% by weight, preferably 1%-10% by weight, of one or more siRNA of the invention encapsulated in a liposome as described above, and propellant. A carrier can also be included as desired; e.g., lecithin for intranasal delivery.

The invention will now be illustrated with the following non-limiting examples. The animal experiments described in Examples 4-6 and 8-9 were performed using the University of Pennsylvania institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals in research. The animal experiment described in

Example 10 will be performed in accordance with the Standard Operating

Procedures of Sierra Biomedical, 587 Dunn Circle, Sparks, NN, 89431.

Example 1 - siRΝA Transfection and Hypoxia Induction In Vitro siRNA Design - A 19 nt sequence located 329 nt from the 5' end of human NEGF mRΝA was chosen as a target sequence: AAACCTCACCAAGGCCAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 51). To ensure that it was not contained in the mRNA from any other genes, this target sequence was entered into the BLAST search engine provided by NCBI. The use of the BLAST algorithm is described in Altschul et al. (1990), J Mol. Biol. 215: 403- 410 and Altschul et al. (1997), Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389-3402, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As no other mRNA was found which contained the target sequence, an siRNA duplex was synthesized to target this sequence (Dharmacon Research, Inc., Lafayette, CO).

The siRNA duplex had the following sense and antisense strands. sense:

5'-accucaccaaggccagcacTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 77). antisense:

5'-gugcuggccuuggugagguTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 78).

Together, the siRNA sense and antisense strands formed a 19 nt double- stranded siRNA with TT 3' overhangs (shown in bold) on each strand. This siRNA was termed "Candidate 5" or "Cand5." Other siRNA which target human VEGF mRNA were designed and tested as described for Cand5.

An siRNA targeting the following sequence in green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA was used as a nonspecific control: GGCTACGTCCAGCGCACC (SEQ ID NO: 79). The siRNA was purchased from Dharmacon (Lafayette, CO). siRNA Transfection and Hypoxia Induction In Nitro - Human cell lines (293; Hela and ARPE19) were separately seeded into 24-well plates in 250 microliters of complete DMEM medium one day prior to transfection, so that the cells were -50% confluent at the time of transfection. Cells were transfected with 2.5 nM Cand5 siRΝA, and with either no siRΝA or 2.5 nM non-specific siRΝA (targeting GFP) as controls. Transfections were performed in all cell lines with the "Transit TKO Transfection" reagent, as recommended by the manufacturer (Mi is).

Twenty four hours after transfection, hypoxia was induced in the cells by the addition of desferoxamide mesylate to a final concentration of 130 micromolar in each well. Twenty four hours post-transfection, the cell culture medium was removed from all wells, and a human NEGF ELISA (R&amp;D systems, Minneapolis, MΝ) was performed on the culture medium as described in the Quantikine human VEGF ELISA protocol available from the manufacturer, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, RΝAi degradation induced by Cand5 siRΝA significantly reduces the concentration of VEGF produced by the hypoxic 293 and HeLa cells. There was essentially no difference in the amount of VEGF produced by. hypoxic cells treated with either no siRΝA or the non-specific siRΝA control. Similar results were also seen with human ARPE19 cells treated under the same conditions. Thus, RΝA interference with VEGF -targeted siRΝA disrupts the pathogenic up-regulation of VEGF in human cultured cells in vitro.

The experiment outlined above was repeated on mouse ΝIH 3T3 cells using a mouse-specific VEGF siRΝA (see Example 6 below), and VEGF production was quantified with a mouse VEGF ELISA (R&amp;D systems, Minneapolis, MΝ) as described in the Quantikine mouse VEGF ELISA protocol available from the manufacturer, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Results similar to those reported in Fig. 1 for the human cell lines were obtained. Example 2 - Effect of Increasing siRNA Concentration on VEGF Production in Human Cultured Cells

The experiment outlined in Example 1 was repeated with human 293, HeLa and ARPE19 cells using a range of siRNA concentrations from 10 nM to

50 nM. The ability of the Cand5 siRNA to down-regulate VEGF production increased moderately up to approximately 13 nM siRNA, but a plateau effect was seen above this concentration. These results highlight the catalytic nature of siRNA-mediated RNAi degradation of mRNA, as the plateau effect appears to reflect VEGF production from the few cells not transfected with the siRNA.

For the majority of cells which had been transfected with the siRNA, the increased VEGF mRNA production induced by the hypoxia is outstripped by the siRNA-induced degradation of the target mRNA at siRNA concentrations greater than about 13 nM.

Example 3 - Specificity of siRNA Targeting

NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts were grown in 24-well plates under standard conditions, so that the cells were ~50% confluent one day prior to transfection.

The human VEGF siRNA Cand5 was transfected into a NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts as in Example 1. Hypoxia was then induced in the transfected cells, and murine VEGF concentrations were measured by ELISA as in Example 1.

The sequence targeted by the human VEGF siRNA Cand5 differs from the murine VEGF mRNA by one nucleotide. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the human VEGF siRNA has no affect on the ability of the mouse cells to up- regulate mouse VEGF after hypoxia. These results show that siRNA induced

RNAi degradation is sequence-specific to within a one nucleotide resolution.

Example 4 - In Vivo delivery of siRNA to Murine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

VEGF is upregulated in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of human patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). To show that functional siRNA can be delivered to RPE cells in vivo, GFP was expressed in mouse retinas with a recombinant adenovirus, and GFP expression was silenced with siRNA. The experiment was conducted as follows.

One eye from each of five adult C57/Black6 mice (Jackson Labs, Bar

Harbor, ME) was injected subretinally as described in Bennett et al. (1996), supra., with a mixture containing ~lxl0⁸ particles of adenovirus containing eGFP driven by the CMV promoter and 20 picomoles of siRNA targeting eGFP conjugated with transit TKO reagent (Minis).

As positive control, the contralateral eyes were injected with a mixture containing ~lxl0⁸ particles of adenovirus containing eGFP driven by the CMV promoter and 20 picomoles of siRNA targeting human VEGF conjugated with transit TKO reagent (Minis). Expression of GFP was detected by fundus ophthalmoscopy 48 hours and 60 hours after injection. Animals were sacrificed at either 48 hours or 60 hours post-injection. The eyes were enucleated and fixed in 4%&gt; paraformaldehyde, and were prepared either as flat mounts or were processed into 10 micron cryosections for fluorescent microscopy.

No GFP fluorescence was detectable by ophthalmoscopy in the eyes which received the siRNA targeted to GFP mRNA in 4 out of 5 mice, whereas GFP fluorescence was detectable in the contralateral eye which received the non-specific control siRNA. A representative flat mount analyzed by fluorescence microscopy showed a lack of GFP fluorescence in the eye which received GFP siRNA, as compared to an eye that received the non-specific control siRNA. Cryosections of another retina showed that the recombinant adenovirus efficiently targets the RPE cells, and when the adenovirus is accompanied by siRNA targeted to GFP mRNA, expression of the GFP transgene is halted.

While there is some GFP fluorescence detectable by fluorescence microscopy in eyes that received siRNA targeted to GFP mRNA, the fluorescence is greatly suppressed as compared to controls that received nonspecific siRNA. These data demonstrate that functional siRNA can be delivered in vivo to RPE cells. Example 5 - In Vivo Expression and siRNA-Induced RNAi Degradation of Human VEGF in Murine Retinas

In order to demonstrate that siRNA targeted to VEGF functioned in vivo, an exogenous human VEGF expression cassette was delivered to mouse RPE cells via an adenovirus by subretinal injection, as in Example 4. One eye received Cand5 siRNA, and the contralateral eye received siRNA targeted to GFP mRNA. The animals were sacrificed 60 hours post-injection, and the injected eyes were removed and snap frozen in liquid N₂ following enucleation. The eyes were then homogenized in lysis buffer, and total protein was measured using a standard Bradford protein assay (Roche, Germany). The samples were normalized for total protein prior to assaying for human VEGF by ELISA as described in Example 1.

The expression of VEGF was somewhat variable from animal to animal. The variability of VEGF levels correlated well to those observed in the GFP experiments of Example 4, and can be attributed to some error from injection to injection, and the differential ability of adenovirus to delivery the target gene in each animal. However, there was a significant attenuation of VEGF expression in each eye that received VEGF siRNA, as compared to the eyes receiving the non-specific confrol siRNA (Figure 4). These data indicate that the Cand5 siRNA was potent and effective in silencing human VEGF expression in murine RPE cells in vivo.

Example 6 - Inhibition of Choroidal Neovascularization in the Mouse CNV Model

There is evidence that choroidal neovascularization in ARMD is due to the upregulation of VEGF in the RPE cells. This human pathologic condition can be modeled in the mouse by using a laser to burn a spot on the retina ("laser photo-coagulation" or "laser induction"). During the healing process, VEGF is believed to be up-regulated in the RPE cells of the burned region, leading to re- vascularization of the choroid. This model is called the mouse choroidal neovascularization ("CNV") model.

For rescue of the mouse CNV model, a mouse siRNA was designed that incorporated a one nucleotide change from the human "Cand5" siRNA from Example 1. The mouse siRNA specifically targeted mouse VEGF mRNA at the sequence AAACCUCACCAAAGCCAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 80). Other siRNA that target mouse VEGF were also designed and tested. The GFP siRNA used as a nonspecific control in Example 1 was also used as a non-specific control here.

Twenty four hours after laser induction, one eye from each of eleven adult C57/Black6 mice (Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) was injected subretinally with a mixture containing ~lxl0⁸ particles of adenovirus containing LacZ driven by the CMV promoter and 20 picomoles of siRNA targeting mouse VEGF conjugated with transit TKO reagent (Minis), as in Example 4. As a control, contralateral eyes received a mixture containing ~lxl0 particles of adenovirus containing LacZ driven by the CMV promoter and 20 picomoles of siRNA targeting GFP conjugated with transit TKO reagent (Minis).

Fourteen days after the laser treatment, the mice were perfused with fluorescein and the area of neovascularization was measured around the burn spots. Areas of the burn spots in the contra-lateral eye were used as a control. The site of neovascularization around the burn spots in animals that received siRNA targeting mouse VEGF was, on average, 1/4 the area of the control areas. These data support the use of VEGF-directed siRNA (also called "anti-VEGF siRNA") for therapy of ARMD.

Example 7 - Generation of an Adeno-Associated Viral Vector for Expression of siRNA A "cis-acting" plasmid for generating a recombinant AAV vector for delivering an siRNA of the invention was generated by PCR based subcloning, essentially as described in Samulski R et al. (1987), supra. The cis-acting plasmid was called "pAAVsiRNA."

The rep and cap genes of psub201 were replaced with the following sequences in this order: a 19 nt sense RNA sfrand coding sequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence under the control of a human U6 RNA promoter, and a 19 nt antisense RNA strand coding sequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence under the control of a human U6 RNA promoter. A schematic representation of pAAVsiRNA is given if Fig. 5. A recombinant AAN siRΝA vector was obtained by transfecting pAAVsiRNA into human 293 cells previously infected with El -deleted adenovirus, as described in Fisher KJ et al. (1996), supra. The AAV rep and cap functions were provided by a trans-acting plasmid pAAV/Ad as described in Samulski R et al. (1989), supra. Production lots of the recombinant AAV siRΝA vector were titered according to the number of genome copies/ml, as described in Fisher KJ et al. (1996), supra.

Example 8 - VEGF-Directed siRΝA Inhibits Experimental Choroidal Neovascularization

The ability of murine VEGF-directed siRNA to inhibit experimental laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice was tested as follows. The retinas of adult female C57BL/6 mice were laser photocoagulated using an 810 nm diode laser (75 um, 140 mw, 0.10 seconds) (OcuLight Six; IRIS Medical, Mountain View, CA). Three laser spots were applied to both eyes of each mouse. Thirty-six hours following laser photocoagulation, an siRNA targeted to mouse VEGF ("m VEGF 1. siRNA") was delivered subretinally or intravitreally to one eye of each mouse. For subretinal injection, the siRNA was conjugated with Transit TKO transfection reagent (Minis) and mixed with recombinant adenoviras (rAdenoviras). For intravitreal injection, the siRNA was delivered in the absence of transfection reagent and rAdenoviras. As a control, the contralateral eyes of each mouse received subretinal or intravitreal injections of identical formulations with an siRNA targeted to GFP ("GFPl. siRNA"), which has no homology to mouse VEGF.

Fourteen days following laser treatment, all animals were perfused with high molecular weight FITC-dextran, choroidal flat mounts were prepared as described above, and the flat mounts were photographed and analyzed microscopically in a masked fashion. The area of CNV in each flat mount was measured with Openlab software (Impro vision, Boston, MA). The mean areas of CNV in eyes treated with mVEGFl. siRNA were significantly smaller than those areas from GFPl.siRNA-treated eyes for both subretinal (Fig. 6A;

P&lt;0.003) and intravitreal (Fig. 6B; PO.04) delivery.

In a second experiment, the retinas of adult female C57BL/6 mice were laser photocoagulated as described above, and the animals were divided into control and test groups. One day following laser photocoagulation, phosphate buffered saline was delivered intravitreally to the animals of the control group, which were perfused with dextran-fluorescein 14 days after laser treatment.

Choroidal flat mounts were then prepared and the areas of CNV in each flat mount were measured as above. Fourteen days following laser photocoagulation, mVEGFl. siRNA was delivered by intravitreal injection into one eye of each mouse in the test group.

Contralateral eyes were injected with GFPl. siRNA as a control. The test group animals were perfused with high molecular weight dextran-fluorescein 21 days after laser treatment. Choroidal flat mounts were then prepared and the areas of CNV in each flat mount were measured, as above.

In this latter experiment, the anti-VEGF siRNA was administered during , CNV growth, as opposed to before CNV growth, and thus is more representative of the condition of human patients presenting with wet AMD. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the mean areas of CNV in mVEGFl. siRNA-treated eyes were significantly smaller than those areas measured in GFPl.siRNA-treated eyes

(Fig. 6C; P&lt;0.05). The mean areas of CNV in mVEGFl. siRNA-treated eyes at day 21 and confrol ("PBS") eyes at day 14 were not significantly different (Fig.

6C; P-0.469).

The results of these experiments indicate that age-related macular degeneration can be treated with anti-VEGF siRNA.

Example 9 - In Vivo RNA Interference of Human VEGF Induced by anti-VEGF siRNA in Murine RPE Cells The ability of Cand5 siRNA to induce RNAi of VEGF in vivo over time was evaluated as follows.

AAV.CMVNEGF, which expresses human NEGF from an adeno- associated viral vector, was generously provided by Dr. A. Auricchio. AAV.CMNNEGF was injected subretinally and bilaterally in eyes of five C57B1/6 mice. Twenty-eight days after injection of AAV.CMNNEGF, Cand5 siRΝA was delivered by intravitreal injection into one eye and control GFPl. siRΝA was delivered by intravitreal injection in the contralateral eye of each animal.

At day 0 (pre-siRΝA injection), and at 6, 10 and 14 days after siRΝA injection, the mice were sacrificed and the eyes were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen following enucleation. The eyes were then homogenized in lysis buffer (Roche, Basel, Switzerland), and total protein was measured using a Bradford assay, as in Example 5 above. Two mice were used for the 0 day time point (n=2), and three mice each were used for the 6, 10 and 14 day time points (n=3). The samples were normalized for total protein prior to assaying for human VEGF by ELISA, according to the manufacturer's recommendations (R&amp;D systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Percent of VEGF (%VEGF) for each mouse was calculated as the concentration of VEGF ("[VEGF]") in the eye injected with Cand5 divided by the [VEGF] in the eye injected with GFPl. siRΝA, multiplied by 100.

As can be seen from Figure 7, a single injection of Cand5 induced an RΝAi-mediated decrease in VEGF levels of approximately 70% by day 6 post- siRΝA injection, with a reduction in VEGF production of approximately 35% continuing through at least day 14 post-siRΝA injection. These results indicate that siRΝA directed against human VEGF is capable of inducing RΝAi of human VEGF in vivo for a sustained period of time.

Example 10 - In Vivo RΝA Interference of VEGF in Monkeys with

Anti-VEGF siRΝA

It is expected that 10 naive cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) will be subjected to laser photocoagulation of the retina in both eyes to induce choroidal neovascularization ("CΝV"). The following represents the intended experimental plan to evaluate the ability of Cand5 siRΝA to reduce the area of

CΝV in the monkeys. As the VEGF RΝA sequence targeted by Cand5 is identical in both Homo sapiens and M. fascicularis, Cand5 is expected to induce RNAi of M. fascicularis VEGF RNA.

The experiment will be carried out by Sierra Biomedical ("SBi"), 587 Dunn Circle, Sparks, NV, 89431, in accordance with SBi's Standard Operating Procedures. All monkeys will undergo a full pre-study health screen consisting of a physical examination, hematologic and ophthalmologic evaluations, serum chemistry, and electroretinography ("ERG"). A pre-study fluorescein angiography of the monkeys' eyes will also be performed, and intraocular pressure will be measured pre-study and at two additional time points during the study period.

On day zero, both eyes of all 10 monkeys will be laser photocoagulated to induce choroidal neovascularization. The animals will receive twice-daily cageside observations and a once-daily qualitative assessment of food consumption throughout the experiment. At 14 days post laser induction, the monkeys will receive intravitreally one 50 microliter dose of a Treatment or Control formulation (see below) in each eye, in a randomized, double-blind fashion. For example, a given animal could receive a Treatment 1 dose in the right eye, and a Control dose in the left eye. Another animal could receive a Treatment 1 dose in the right eye, and a Treatment 3 dose in the left eye. It is expected that four eyes will receive each formulation, for a total of 1 control and four treatment groups of four eyes each.

The formulations will be: Control - balanced saline solution ("BSS") alone; Treatment 1 - 1 mg/ml Cand5 in BSS; Treatment 2 - 2.5 mg/ml Cand5 in BSS; Treatment 3 - 5 mg/ml Cand5 in BSS; and Treatment 4 - 10 mg/ml Cand5 in BSS. Prior to injection, it is expected that the pH, osmolarity, and the absorbance at 260 nm of each formulation will be measured.

After laser induction, a fluorescein angiography will be performed on both eyes of each monkey weekly up through the seventh week after laser induction. The monkeys will then be sacrificed, and a complete necropsy will be performed with a full tissue collection (~45 tissues including a vitreous sample) and histopathologic evaluation of the collected tissues. An ERG will be taken pre-necropsy. It is expected that the laser-induced areas of CNV will be reduced upon administration of the Cand5 siRNA, with the CNV area decreasing with increasing dose of Can5. However, a plateau effect such as is described above in Example 2 may be observed. The Cand5 siRNA is not expected to effect any other organ or tissue except the choroid in the eye.