STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under P30HD024064 and 5R01NS057819 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled BIOL0264WOSEQ_ST25.txt created Mar. 2, 2016, which is 180 Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Provided are compositions and methods for modulating expression of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurological disorders, including MECP2 duplication syndrome, by reducing expression and amount of MECP2 mRNA and protein in an animal.

BACKGROUND

Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) is located on chromosome Xq28 and plays a fundamental role in epigenetics, controlling chromatin states, and expression of thousands of genes (Chahrour et al., Science, 2008, 320:1224-1229; Nan et al., Nature, 1998, 393:386-389; Jones et al., Nat. Genet., 1998, 19:187-191). MECP2 expression must be maintained within a fairly narrow range to assure proper gene expression and neuronal function (Nan et al., Nature, 1988, 393:386-389). MECP2 duplication syndrome caused by overexpression of MECP2 is characterized by autism, intellectual disability, motor dysfunction, anxiety, epilepsy, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and early death, typically in males (Ramocki et al., Am J Med Genet A, 2010, 152A:1079-1088). Underexpression of MECP2 is associated with Rett Syndrome, which is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, slowed brain and head growth, problems with walking, seizures, and intellectual disability, typically in females (Weaving et al., J Med Genet, 2005, 42:1-7).

Currently there is a lack of acceptable options for treating such neurological disorders. It is therefore an object herein to provide compositions and methods for the treatment of such disorders.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are compositions and methods for modulating expression and amount of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) mRNA and protein. In certain embodiments, compounds useful for modulating expression and amount of MECP2 mRNA and protein are antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are modified antisense oligonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are not siRNA compounds.

In certain embodiments, modulation can occur in a cell or tissue. In certain embodiments, the cell or tissue is in an animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is a human. In certain embodiments, MECP2 mRNA levels are reduced. In certain embodiments, MECP2 protein levels are reduced. Such reduction can occur in a time-dependent manner or in a dose-dependent manner.

Also provided are compositions and methods useful for preventing, treating, and ameliorating disorders and syndromes associated with MECP2 overexpression. In certain embodiments, a disorder associated with MECP2 overexpression is a neurological disorder. In certain embodiments, the neurological disorder is MECP2 duplication syndrome. In certain embodiments, MECP2 duplication syndrome is characterized by having additional copies of MECP2, which leads to overexpression of MECP2.

In certain embodiments, MECP2 duplication syndrome is characterized by autism, intellectual disability, motor dysfunction, anxiety, epilepsy, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and early death. In certain embodiments, MECP2 duplication syndrome is inherited in an X-linked pattern.

In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a MECP2 antisense compound to an individual in need thereof. In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a MECP2 modified antisense oligonucleotide to an individual in need thereof.

In certain embodiments, MECP2 levels are reduced sufficiently to prevent, treat, and ameliorate symptoms of MECP2 duplication syndrome, but not enough to cause symptoms of Rett Syndrome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays representative EEG traces for WT mice, MECP2-TG1 mice without Isis No. 628785 treatment, and MECP2-TG1 mice that received treatment with Isis No. 628785.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, the use of “and” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this disclosure, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, published patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and GENBANK Accession Numbers and associated sequence information obtainable through databases such as National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and other data referred to throughout in the disclosure herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for the portions of the document discussed herein, as well as in their entirety.

Definitions

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclature utilized in connection with, and the procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical synthesis, and chemical analysis.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the following meanings:

“2′-O-methoxyethyl” (also 2′-MOE and 2′-OCH₂CH₂—OCH₃and MOE) refers to an O-methoxyethyl modification of the 2′ position of a furanose ring. A 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar is a modified sugar.

“2′-MOE nucleoside” (also 2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleoside) means a nucleoside comprising a 2′-MOE modified sugar moiety.

“2′-substituted nucleoside” means a nucleoside comprising a substituent at the 2′-position of the furanose ring other than H or OH. In certain embodiments, 2′ substituted nucleosides include nucleosides with bicyclic sugar modifications.

“5-methylcytosine” means a cytosine modified with a methyl group attached to the 5 position. A 5-methylcytosine is a modified nucleobase.

“Administered concomitantly” refers to the co-administration of two pharmaceutical agents in any manner in which the pharmacological effects of both are manifest in the patient at the same time. Concomitant administration does not require that both pharmaceutical agents be administered in a single pharmaceutical composition, in the same dosage form, or by the same route of administration. The effects of both pharmaceutical agents need not manifest themselves at the same time. The effects need only be overlapping for a period of time and need not be coextensive.

“Administering” means providing a pharmaceutical agent to an animal, and includes, but is not limited to administering by a medical professional and self-administering.

“Amelioration” refers to a lessening, slowing, stopping, or reversing of at least one indicator of the severity of a syndrome or condition. The severity of indicators may be determined by subjective or objective measures, which are known to those skilled in the art.

“Animal” refers to a human or non-human animal, including, but not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, and non-human primates, including, but not limited to, monkeys and chimpanzees.

“Antibody” refers to a molecule characterized by reacting specifically with an antigen in some way, where the antibody and the antigen are each defined in terms of the other. Antibody may refer to a complete antibody molecule or any fragment or region thereof, such as the heavy chain, the light chain, Fab region, and Fc region.

“Antisense activity” means any detectable or measurable activity attributable to the hybridization of an antisense compound to its target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, antisense activity is a decrease in the amount or expression of a target nucleic acid or protein encoded by such target nucleic acid.

“Antisense compound” means an oligomeric compound that is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding. Examples of antisense compounds include single-stranded and double-stranded compounds, such as, antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, shRNAs, ssRNAs, and occupancy-based compounds.

“Antisense inhibition” or “inhibition” means reduction of target nucleic acid levels in the presence of an antisense compound complementary to a target nucleic acid compared to target nucleic acid levels or in the absence of the antisense compound.

“Antisense mechanisms” are all those mechanisms involving hybridization of a compound with a target nucleic acid, wherein the outcome or effect of the hybridization is either target degradation or target occupancy with concomitant stalling of the cellular machinery involving, for example, transcription or splicing.

“Antisense oligonucleotide” means a single-stranded oligonucleotide having a nucleobase sequence that permits hybridization to a corresponding segment of a target nucleic acid.

“Base complementarity” refers to the capacity for the precise base pairing of nucleobases of an antisense oligonucleotide with corresponding nucleobases in a target nucleic acid (i.e., hybridization), and is mediated by Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen binding between corresponding nucleobases.

“Bicyclic sugar” means a furanose ring modified by the bridging of two atoms. A bicyclic sugar is a modified sugar.

“Bicyclic nucleoside” (also BNA) means a nucleoside having a sugar moiety comprising a bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring, thereby forming a bicyclic ring system. In certain embodiments, the bridge connects the 4′-carbon and the 2′-carbon of the sugar ring.

“Cap structure” or “terminal cap moiety” means chemical modifications, which have been incorporated at either terminus of an antisense compound.

“cEt” or “constrained ethyl” means a bicyclic nucleoside having a sugar moiety comprising a bridge connecting the 4′-carbon and the 2′-carbon, wherein the bridge has the formula: 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′.

“Constrained ethyl nucleoside” (also cEt nucleoside) means a nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ bridge.

“Chemically distinct region” refers to a region of an antisense compound that is in some way chemically different than another region of the same antisense compound. For example, a region having 2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleosides is chemically distinct from a region having nucleosides without 2′-O-methoxyethyl modifications.

“Chimeric antisense compound” means an antisense compound that has at least two chemically distinct regions, each position having a plurality of subunits.

“Co-administration” means administration of two or more pharmaceutical agents to an individual. The two or more pharmaceutical agents may be in a single pharmaceutical composition, or may be in separate pharmaceutical compositions. Each of the two or more pharmaceutical agents may be administered through the same or different routes of administration. Co-administration encompasses parallel or sequential administration.

“Complementarity” means the capacity for pairing between nucleobases of a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid.

“Comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

“Contiguous nucleobases” means nucleobases immediately adjacent to each other.

“Designing” or “designed to” refer to the process of designing an oligomeric compound that specifically hybridizes with a selected nucleic acid molecule.

“Diluent” means an ingredient in a composition that lacks pharmacological activity, but is pharmaceutically necessary or desirable. For example, in drugs that are injected, the diluent may be a liquid, e.g. saline solution.

“Dose” means a specified quantity of a pharmaceutical agent provided in a single administration, or in a specified time period. In certain embodiments, a dose may be administered in one, two, or more boluses, tablets, or injections. For example, in certain embodiments where subcutaneous administration is desired, the desired dose requires a volume not easily accommodated by a single injection, therefore, two or more injections may be used to achieve the desired dose. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical agent is administered by infusion over an extended period of time or continuously. Doses may be stated as the amount of pharmaceutical agent per hour, day, week, or month.

“Effective amount” in the context of modulating an activity or of treating or preventing a condition means the administration of that amount of pharmaceutical agent to an individual in need of such modulation, treatment, or prophylaxis, either in a single dose or as part of a series, that is effective for modulation of that effect, or for treatment or prophylaxis or improvement of that condition. The effective amount may vary among individuals depending on the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, the taxonomic group of the individuals to be treated, the formulation of the composition, assessment of the individual's medical condition, and other relevant factors.

“Efficacy” means the ability to produce a desired effect.

“Expression” includes all the functions by which a gene's coded information is converted into structures present and operating in a cell. Such structures include, but are not limited to the products of transcription and translation.

“Fully complementary” or “100% complementary” means each nucleobase of a first nucleic acid has a complementary nucleobase in a second nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a first nucleic acid is an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid is a second nucleic acid.

“Gapmer” means a chimeric antisense compound in which an internal region having a plurality of nucleosides that support RNase H cleavage is positioned between external regions having one or more nucleosides, wherein the nucleosides comprising the internal region are chemically distinct from the nucleoside or nucleosides comprising the external regions. The internal region may be referred to as a “gap” and the external regions may be referred to as the “wings.”

“Hotspot region” is a range of nucleobases on a target nucleic acid amenable to antisense compounds for reducing the amount or activity of the target nucleic acid as demonstrated in the examples hereinbelow.

“Hybridization” means the annealing of complementary nucleic acid molecules. In certain embodiments, complementary nucleic acid molecules include, but are not limited to, an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, complementary nucleic acid molecules include, but are not limited to, an antisense oligonucleotide and a nucleic acid target.

“Identifying an animal having a MECP2 associated disorder” means identifying an animal having been diagnosed with a MECP2 associated disorder or predisposed to develop a MECP2 associated disorder. Individuals predisposed to develop a MECP2 associated disorder include those having one or more risk factors for developing a MECP2 associated disorder, including, having a personal or family history or genetic predisposition to one or more MECP2 associated disorders. Such identification may be accomplished by any method including evaluating an individual's medical history and standard clinical tests or assessments, such as genetic testing.

“Immediately adjacent” means there are no intervening elements between the immediately adjacent elements.

“Individual” means a human or non-human animal selected for treatment or therapy.

“Inhibiting MECP2” means reducing the level or expression of a MECP2 mRNA and/or protein. In certain embodiments, MECP2 mRNA and/or protein levels are inhibited in the presence of an antisense compound targeting MECP2, including an antisense oligonucleotide targeting MECP2, as compared to expression of MECP2 mRNA and/or protein levels in the absence of a MECP2 antisense compound, such as an antisense oligonucleotide.

“Inhibiting the expression or activity” refers to a reduction or blockade of the expression or activity and does not necessarily indicate a total elimination of expression or activity.

“Internucleoside linkage” refers to the chemical bond between nucleosides.

“Linked nucleosides” means adjacent nucleosides linked together by an internucleoside linkage.

“MECP2 antisense compound” means an antisense compound targeting MECP2.

“MECP2” means the mammalian gene methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), including the human gene methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2). Human MECP2 has been mapped to human chromosome Xq28.

“MECP2 associated disorder” means any disorder or syndrome associated with any MECP2 nucleic acid or expression product thereof. Such disorders may include a neurological disorder. Such neurological disorders may include MECP2 duplication syndrome.

“MECP2 nucleic acid” means any nucleic acid encoding MECP2. For example, in certain embodiments, a MECP2 nucleic acid includes a DNA sequence encoding MECP2, an RNA sequence transcribed from DNA encoding MECP2 (including genomic DNA comprising introns and exons), and an mRNA sequence encoding MECP2.

“MECP2 mRNA” means any messenger RNA expression product of a DNA sequence encoding MECP2.

“MECP2 protein” means the polypeptide expression product of a MECP2 nucleic acid.

“Mismatch” or “non-complementary nucleobase” refers to the case when a nucleobase of a first nucleic acid is not capable of pairing with the corresponding nucleobase of a second or target nucleic acid.

“Modified internucleoside linkage” refers to a substitution or any change from a naturally occurring internucleoside bond (i.e., a phosphodiester internucleoside bond).

“Modified nucleobase” means any nucleobase other than adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymidine, or uracil. An “unmodified nucleobase” means the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

“Modified nucleoside” means a nucleoside having, independently, a modified sugar moiety and/or modified nucleobase.

“Modified nucleotide” means a nucleotide having, independently, a modified sugar moiety, modified internucleoside linkage, and/or modified nucleobase.

“Modified antisense oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide comprising at least one modified internucleoside linkage, modified sugar, and/or modified nucleobase.

“Modified sugar” means substitution and/or any change from a natural sugar moiety.

“Monomer” means a single unit of an oligomer. Monomers include, but are not limited to, nucleosides and nucleotides, whether naturally occurring or modified.

“Motif” means the pattern of unmodified and modified nucleosides in an antisense compound.

“Natural sugar moiety” means a sugar moiety found in DNA (2′-H) or RNA (2′-OH).

“Naturally occurring internucleoside linkage” means a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage.

“Non-complementary nucleobase” refers to a pair of nucleobases that do not form hydrogen bonds with one another or otherwise support hybridization.

“Nucleic acid” refers to molecules composed of monomeric nucleotides. A nucleic acid includes, but is not limited to, ribonucleic acids (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), single-stranded nucleic acids, double-stranded nucleic acids, small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA).

“Nucleobase” means a heterocyclic moiety capable of pairing with a base of another nucleic acid.

“Nucleobase complementarity” refers to a nucleobase that is capable of base pairing with another nucleobase. For example, in DNA, adenine (A) is complementary to thymine (T). For example, in RNA, adenine (A) is complementary to uracil (U). In certain embodiments, complementary nucleobase refers to a nucleobase of an antisense compound that is capable of base pairing with a nucleobase of its target nucleic acid. For example, if a nucleobase at a certain position of an antisense compound is capable of hydrogen bonding with a nucleobase at a certain position of a target nucleic acid, then the position of hydrogen bonding between the oligonucleotide and the target nucleic acid is considered to be complementary at that nucleobase pair.

“Nucleobase sequence” means the order of contiguous nucleobases independent of any sugar, linkage, and/or nucleobase modification.

“Nucleoside” means a nucleobase linked to a sugar.

“Nucleoside mimetic” includes those structures used to replace the sugar or the sugar and the base and not necessarily the linkage at one or more positions of an oligomeric compound such as for example nucleoside mimetics having morpholino, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydropyranyl, bicyclo, or tricyclo sugar mimetics, e.g., non furanose sugar units. Nucleotide mimetic includes those structures used to replace the nucleoside and the linkage at one or more positions of an oligomeric compound such as for example peptide nucleic acids or morpholinos (morpholinos linked by —N(H)—C(═O)—O— or other non-phosphodiester linkage). Sugar surrogate overlaps with the slightly broader term nucleoside mimetic but is intended to indicate replacement of the sugar unit (furanose ring) only. The tetrahydropyranyl rings provided herein are illustrative of an example of a sugar surrogate wherein the furanose sugar group has been replaced with a tetrahydropyranyl ring system. “Mimetic” refers to groups that are substituted for a sugar, a nucleobase, and/or internucleoside linkage. Generally, a mimetic is used in place of the sugar or sugar-internucleoside linkage combination, and the nucleobase is maintained for hybridization to a selected target.

“Nucleotide” means a nucleoside having a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside.

“Off-target effect” refers to an unwanted or deleterious biological effect associated with modulation of RNA or protein expression of a gene other than the intended target nucleic acid.

“Oligomeric compound” or “oligomer” means a polymer of linked monomeric subunits which is capable of hybridizing to at least a region of a nucleic acid molecule.

“Oligonucleotide” means a polymer of linked nucleosides each of which can be modified or unmodified, independent one from another.

“Parenteral administration” means administration through injection (e.g., bolus injection) or infusion.

Parenteral administration includes subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, intraarterial administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intracranial administration, e.g., intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration.

“Peptide” means a molecule formed by linking at least two amino acids by amide bonds. Without limitation, as used herein, peptide refers to polypeptides and proteins.

“Pharmaceutical agent” means a substance that provides a therapeutic benefit when administered to an individual. For example, in certain embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to MECP2 is a pharmaceutical agent.

“Pharmaceutical composition” means a mixture of substances suitable for administering to an individual. For example, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise an antisense oligonucleotide and a sterile aqueous solution.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable derivative” encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts, conjugates, prodrugs or isomers of the compounds described herein.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” means physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent oligonucleotide and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto.

“Phosphorothioate linkage” means a linkage between nucleosides where the phosphodiester bond is modified by replacing one of the non-bridging oxygen atoms with a sulfur atom. A phosphorothioate linkage is a modified internucleoside linkage.

“Portion” means a defined number of contiguous (i.e., linked) nucleobases of a nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound.

“Prevent” or “preventing” refers to delaying or forestalling the onset or development of a disorder or syndrome for a period of time from minutes to days, weeks to months, or indefinitely.

“Prodrug” means a therapeutic agent that is prepared in an inactive form that is converted to an active form (i.e., drug) within the body or cells thereof by the action of endogenous enzymes or other chemicals and/or conditions.

“Prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount of a pharmaceutical agent that provides a prophylactic or preventative benefit to an animal.

“Region” is defined as a portion of the target nucleic acid having at least one identifiable structure, function, or characteristic.

“Ribonucleotide” means a nucleotide having a hydroxy at the 2′ position of the sugar portion of the nucleotide. Ribonucleotides may be modified with any of a variety of substituents.

“Salt” means a physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) of antisense compounds, i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent oligonucleotide and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto.

“Segments” are defined as smaller or sub-portions of regions within a target nucleic acid.

“Shortened” or “truncated” versions of antisense oligonucleotides taught herein have one, two or more nucleosides deleted.

“Side effects” means physiological responses attributable to a treatment other than desired effects. In certain embodiments, side effects include, without limitation, injection site reactions, liver function test abnormalities, renal function abnormalities, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, central nervous system abnormalities, and myopathies.

“Single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide which is not hybridized to a complementary strand. A single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide is not a siRNA.

“Sites” as used herein, are defined as unique nucleobase positions within a target nucleic acid.

“Slows progression” means decrease in the development of the disorder or syndrome.

“Specifically hybridizable” refers to an antisense compound having a sufficient degree of complementarity between an antisense oligonucleotide and a target nucleic acid to induce a desired effect, while exhibiting minimal or no effects on non-target nucleic acids under conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays and therapeutic treatments.

“Standard cell assay” means the assay described in Example 1 and reasonable variations thereof.

“Stringent hybridization conditions” or “stringent conditions” refer to conditions under which an oligomeric compound will hybridize to its target sequence, but to a minimal number of other sequences.

“Targeting” or “targeted” means the process of design and selection of an antisense compound that will specifically hybridize to a target nucleic acid and induce a desired effect.

“Target nucleic acid,” “target RNA,” and “target RNA transcript” and “nucleic acid target” all mean a nucleic acid capable of being targeted by antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, the target nucleic acid is a MECP2 nucleic acid.

“Target region” means a portion of a target nucleic acid to which one or more antisense compounds is targeted.

“Target segment” means the sequence of nucleotides of a target nucleic acid to which an antisense compound is targeted. “5′ target site” refers to the 5′-most nucleotide of a target segment. “3′ target site” refers to the 3′-most nucleotide of a target segment.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of a pharmaceutical agent that provides a therapeutic benefit to an individual.

“Treat” or “treating” or “treatment” refers administering a composition to effect an alteration or improvement of the disorder or syndrome.

“Unmodified nucleobases” mean the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U).

“Unmodified nucleotide” means a nucleotide composed of naturally occurring nucleobases, sugar moieties, and internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, an unmodified nucleotide is an RNA nucleotide (i.e. β-D-ribonucleosides) or a DNA nucleotide (i.e. β-D-deoxyribonucleoside).

“Wing segment” means a plurality of nucleosides modified to impart to an oligonucleotide properties such as enhanced inhibitory activity, increased binding affinity for a target nucleic acid, or resistance to degradation by in vivo nucleases.

CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments provide methods, compounds, and compositions for inhibiting MECP2 mRNA and protein expression. Certain embodiments provide methods, compounds, and compositions for decreasing MECP2 mRNA and protein levels.

Certain embodiments provide antisense compounds targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the MECP2 nucleic acid is the sequence set forth in GENBANK Accession No. NM_004992.3 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2) and the complement of GENBANK Accession No. NT_167198.1 truncated from nucleotides 4203000 to U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1).

Certain embodiments provide methods, compounds, and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of disorders and syndromes associated with MECP2 in an individual in need thereof. Also contemplated are methods for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a disorder or syndrome associated with MECP2. MECP2 associated disorders and syndromes include neurological disorders. In certain embodiments, MECP2 associated disorders include MECP2 duplication syndrome.

The present disclosure provides the following non-limiting numbered embodiments:

Embodiment 1

A compound, comprising a modified antisense oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 consecutive nucleobases of any of the nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 16-327.

Embodiment 2

The compound of embodiment 2, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified antisense oligonucleotide is at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2.

Embodiment 3

The compound of any preceding embodiment, consisting of a single-stranded modified antisense oligonucleotide.

Embodiment 4

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one internucleoside linkage is a modified internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 5

The compound of embodiment 4, wherein at least one modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 6

The compound of embodiment 4, wherein each modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 7

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one internucleoside linkage is a phosphodiester internucleoside linkage.

Embodiment 8

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage and at least one internucleoside linkage is a phosphodiester linkage.

Embodiment 9

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one nucleoside comprises a modified nucleobase.

Embodiment 10

The compound of embodiment 9, wherein the modified nucleobase is a 5-methylcytosine.

Embodiment 11

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one nucleoside of the modified antisense oligonucleotide comprises a modified sugar.

Embodiment 12

The compound of embodiment 11, wherein the at least one modified sugar is a bicyclic sugar.

Embodiment 13

The compound of embodiment 12, wherein the bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH(R)—O-2′ bridge wherein R is, independently, H, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, or a protecting group.

Embodiment 14

The compound of embodiment 13, wherein R is methyl.

Embodiment 15

The compound of embodiment 13, wherein R is H.

Embodiment 16

The compound of embodiment 11, wherein the at least one modified sugar comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl group.

Embodiment 17

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein the modified antisense oligonucleotide comprises:

a gap segment consisting of 10 linked deoxynucleosides;

a 5′ wing segment consisting of 5 linked nucleosides; and

a 3′ wing segment consisting of 5 linked nucleosides;

wherein the gap segment is positioned between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment and wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a modified sugar.

Embodiment 18

The compound of any preceding embodiment, wherein the modified antisense oligonucleotide consists of 20 linked nucleosides.

Embodiment 19

A composition comprising the compound of any preceding embodiment or salt thereof and at least one of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Embodiment 20

A method comprising administering to an animal the compound or composition of any preceding embodiment.

Embodiment 21

The method of embodiment 20, wherein the animal is a human.

Embodiment 22

The method of embodiment 20, wherein administering the compound prevents, treats, ameliorates, or slows progression of a MECP2 associated disorder or syndrome.

Embodiment 23

The method of embodiment 22, wherein the disease, disorder or condition is MECP2 duplication syndrome.

Embodiment 24

Use of the compound or composition of any preceding embodiment for the manufacture of a medicament for treating a neurological disorder.

Embodiment 25

A method comprising administering a MECP2 antisense compound to an animal for treating a MECP2 associated disorder.

Embodiment 26

A method comprising:

identifying an animal having a MECP2 associated disorder; and

administering a MECP2 antisense compound.

Embodiment 27

The method of embodiment 25 or embodiment 26, wherein MECP2 associated disorder is a neurological disorder.

Embodiment 28

The method of any one of embodiments 25-27, wherein the MECP2 associated disorder is MECP2 duplication syndrome.

Embodiment 29

The method of any one of embodiments 25-28, wherein the animal is a human.

Embodiment 30

The method of any one of embodiments 25-29, wherein the administering is parenteral administration.

Embodiment 31

The method of embodiment 30, wherein the parenteral administration is any of intracerebroventricular administration or intrathecal administration.

Embodiment 32

The method of any one of embodiments 25-31, wherein the administering reduces MECP2 mRNA and or protein levels.

Embodiment 33

The method of embodiment 32, wherein the administering reduces MECP2 mRNA and or protein levels by 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 percent.

Embodiment 34

The method of any one of embodiments 25-33, wherein the administering improves motor function.

Embodiment 35

The method of embodiment 34, wherein motor function is improved by 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 percent.

Embodiment 36

The method of any one of embodiments 25-35, wherein the administering improves anxiety.

Embodiment 37

The method of embodiment 36, wherein the administering improves anxiety by 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent.

Embodiment 38

The method of any one of embodiments 25-37, wherein the administering improves social interaction.

Embodiment 39

The method of embodiment 38, wherein the administering improves social interaction by 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent.

Embodiment 40

The method of any one of embodiments 25-39, wherein the administering improves activity.

Embodiment 41

The method of embodiment 40, wherein the administering improves activity by 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 percent.

Embodiment 42

The method of any one of embodiments 25-41, wherein the administering reduces seizures.

Embodiment 43

The method of any one of embodiments 25-42, wherein the administering normalizes EEG discharges.

Embodiment 44

The method of any one of embodiments 25-43, wherein at least one symptom of a MECP2 associated disorder is ameliorated, treated, prevented, or slowed.

Embodiment 45

The method of any one of embodiments 25-44, wherein the antisense compound is a modified antisense oligonucleotide.

Embodiment 46

The method of embodiment 45, wherein the modified antisense oligonucleotide has the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 324, 103, 264, 31, or 112.

Antisense Compounds

Oligomeric compounds include, but are not limited to, oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides, oligonucleotide analogs, oligonucleotide mimetics, antisense compounds, antisense oligonucleotides, and siRNAs. An oligomeric compound may be “antisense” to a target nucleic acid, meaning that is is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted. In certain such embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 12 to 30 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 12 to 25 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 12 to 22 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 14 to 20 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 15 to 25 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 18 to 22 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 19 to 21 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, the antisense compound is 8 to 80, 12 to 50, 13 to 30, 13 to 50, 14 to 30, 14 to 50, 15 to 30, 15 to 50, 16 to 30, 16 to 50, 17 to 30, 17 to 50, 18 to 30, 18 to 50, 19 to 30, 19 to 50, or 20 to 30 linked subunits in length.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 12 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 13 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 14 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 15 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 16 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 17 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 18 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 19 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 20 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 21 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 22 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 23 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 24 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 25 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 26 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 27 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 28 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 29 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 30 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid is 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 linked subunits in length, or a range defined by any two of the above values. In certain embodiments the antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide, and the linked subunits are nucleosides.

In certain embodiments antisense oligonucleotides targeted to a target nucleic acid may be shortened or truncated. For example, a single subunit may be deleted from the 5′ end (5′ truncation), or alternatively from the 3′ end (3′ truncation). A shortened or truncated antisense compound targeted to a target nucleic acid may have two subunits deleted from the 5′ end, or alternatively may have two subunits deleted from the 3′ end, of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the deleted nucleosides may be dispersed throughout the antisense compound, for example, in an antisense compound having one nucleoside deleted from the 5′ end and one nucleoside deleted from the 3′ end.

When a single additional subunit is present in a lengthened antisense compound, the additional subunit may be located at the 5′ or 3′ end of the antisense compound. When two or more additional subunits are present, the added subunits may be adjacent to each other, for example, in an antisense compound having two subunits added to the 5′ end (5′ addition), or alternatively to the 3′ end (3′ addition), of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the added subunits may be dispersed throughout the antisense compound, for example, in an antisense compound having one subunit added to the 5′ end and one subunit added to the 3′ end.

It is possible to increase or decrease the length of an antisense compound, such as an antisense oligonucleotide, and/or introduce mismatch bases without eliminating activity. For example, in Woolf et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:7305-7309, 1992), a series of antisense oligonucleotides 13-25 nucleobases in length were tested for their ability to induce cleavage of a target RNA in an oocyte injection model. Antisense oligonucleotides 25 nucleobases in length with 8 or 11 mismatch bases near the ends of the antisense oligonucleotides were able to direct specific cleavage of the target mRNA, albeit to a lesser extent than the antisense oligonucleotides that contained no mismatches. Similarly, target specific cleavage was achieved using 13 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, including those with 1 or 3 mismatches.

Gautschi et al (J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 93:463-471, March 2001) demonstrated the ability of an oligonucleotide having 100% complementarity to the bcl-2 mRNA and having 3 mismatches to the bcl-xL mRNA to reduce the expression of both bcl-2 and bcl-xL in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this oligonucleotide demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in vivo.

Maher and Dolnick (Nuc. Acid. Res. 16:3341-3358, 1988) tested a series of tandem 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, and a 28 and 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides comprised of the sequence of two or three of the tandem antisense oligonucleotides, respectively, for their ability to arrest translation of human DHFR in a rabbit reticulocyte assay. Each of the three 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides alone was able to inhibit translation, albeit at a more modest level than the 28 or 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides.

Antisense Compound Motifs

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a target nucleic acid have chemically modified subunits arranged in patterns, or motifs, to confer to the antisense compounds properties such as enhanced inhibitory activity, increased binding affinity for a target nucleic acid, or resistance to degradation by in vivo nucleases.

Chimeric antisense compounds typically contain at least one region modified so as to confer increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid, and/or increased inhibitory activity. A second region of a chimeric antisense compound may optionally serve as a substrate for the cellular endonuclease RNase H, which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex.

Antisense compounds having a gapmer motif are considered chimeric antisense compounds. In a gapmer an internal region having a plurality of nucleotides that supports RNaseH cleavage is positioned between external regions having a plurality of nucleotides that are chemically distinct from the nucleosides of the internal region. In the case of an antisense oligonucleotide having a gapmer motif, the gap segment generally serves as the substrate for endonuclease cleavage, while the wing segments comprise modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the regions of a gapmer are differentiated by the types of sugar moieties comprising each distinct region. The types of sugar moieties that are used to differentiate the regions of a gapmer may in some embodiments include β-D-ribonucleosides, β-D-deoxyribonucleosides, 2′-modified nucleosides (such 2′-modified nucleosides may include 2′-MOE, and 2′-O—CH₃, among others), and bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides (such bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides may include those having a 4′-(CH₂)n-O-2′ bridge, where n=1 or n=2 and 4′-CH₂—O—CH₂-2′). In certain embodiments, wings may include several modified sugar moieties, including, for example 2′-MOE. In certain embodiments, wings may include several modified and unmodified sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, wings may include various combinations of 2′-MOE nucleosides and 2′-deoxynucleosides.

Each distinct region may comprise uniform sugar moieties, variant, or alternating sugar moieties. The wing-gap-wing motif is frequently described as “X—Y—Z”, where “X” represents the length of the 5′ wing, “Y” represents the length of the gap, and “Z” represents the length of the 3′ wing. “X” and “Z” may comprise uniform, variant, or alternating sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, “X” and “Y” may include one or more 2′-deoxynucleosides. “Y” may comprise 2′-deoxynucleosides. As used herein, a gapmer described as “X—Y—Z” has a configuration such that the gap is positioned immediately adjacent to each of the 5′ wing and the 3′ wing. Thus, no intervening nucleotides exist between the 5′ wing and gap, or the gap and the 3′ wing. Any of the antisense compounds described herein can have a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, “X” and “Z” are the same; in other embodiments they are different.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 20-mers having a motif of 5-10-5. In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 19-mers having a motif of 5-9-5. In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 18-mers having a motif of 5-8-5. In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 18-mers having a motif of 4-8-6. In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 18-mers having a motif of 6-8-4. In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example 18-mers having a motif of 5-7-6.

Target Nucleic Acids, Target Regions and Nucleotide Sequences

Nucleotide sequences that encode MECP2 include, without limitation, the following: GENBANK Accession No. NM_004992.3 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2) and the complement of GENBANK Accession No. NT_167198.1 truncated from nucleotides 4203000 to U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1).

It is understood that the sequence set forth in each SEQ ID NO in the Examples contained herein is independent of any modification to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. As such, antisense compounds defined by a SEQ ID NO may comprise, independently, one or more modifications to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. Antisense compounds described by Isis Number (Isis No) indicate a combination of nucleobase sequence and motif.

In certain embodiments, a target region is a structurally defined region of the target nucleic acid. For example, a target region may encompass a 3′ UTR, a 5′ UTR, an exon, an intron, an exon/intron junction, a coding region, a translation initiation region, translation termination region, or other defined nucleic acid region. The structurally defined regions for MECP2 can be obtained by accession number from sequence databases such as NCBI and such information is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, a target region may encompass the sequence from a 5′ target site of one target segment within the target region to a 3′ target site of another target segment within the same target region.

Targeting includes determination of at least one target segment to which an antisense compound hybridizes, such that a desired effect occurs. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is a reduction in mRNA target nucleic acid levels. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is reduction of levels of protein encoded by the target nucleic acid or a phenotypic change associated with the target nucleic acid.

A target region may contain one or more target segments. Multiple target segments within a target region may be overlapping. Alternatively, they may be non-overlapping. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than about 300 nucleotides. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by a number of nucleotides that is, is about, is no more than, is no more than about, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid, or is a range defined by any two of the preceeding values. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than, or no more than about, 5 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, target segments are contiguous. Contemplated are target regions defined by a range having a starting nucleic acid that is any of the 5′ target sites or 3′ target sites listed herein.

Suitable target segments may be found within a 5′ UTR, a coding region, a 3′ UTR, an intron, an exon, or an exon/intron junction. Target segments containing a start codon or a stop codon are also suitable target segments. A suitable target segment may specifically exclude a certain structurally defined region such as the start codon or stop codon.

The determination of suitable target segments may include a comparison of the sequence of a target nucleic acid to other sequences throughout the genome. For example, the BLAST algorithm may be used to identify regions of similarity amongst different nucleic acids. This comparison can prevent the selection of antisense compound sequences that may hybridize in a non-specific manner to sequences other than a selected target nucleic acid (i.e., non-target or off-target sequences).

There may be variation in activity (e.g., as defined by percent reduction of target nucleic acid levels) of the antisense compounds within an active target region. In certain embodiments, reductions in MECP2 mRNA levels are indicative of inhibition of MECP2 expression. Reductions in levels of an MECP2 protein are also indicative of inhibition of target mRNA expression. Phenotypic changes are indicative of inhibition of MECP2 expression. Improvement in neurological function is indicative of inhibition of MECP2 expression. Improved motor function, activity, social behavior, and memory are indicative of inhibition of MECP2 expression. Reduction of anxiety-like behaviors is indicative of inhibition of MECP2 expression.

Hybridization

In some embodiments, hybridization occurs between an antisense compound disclosed herein and an MECP2 nucleic acid. The most common mechanism of hybridization involves hydrogen bonding (e.g., Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding) between complementary nucleobases of the nucleic acid molecules.

Hybridization can occur under varying conditions. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and are determined by the nature and composition of the nucleic acid molecules to be hybridized.

Methods of determining whether a sequence is specifically hybridizable to a target nucleic acid are well known in the art. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are specifically hybridizable with a MECP2 nucleic acid.

Complementarity

An antisense compound and a target nucleic acid are complementary to each other when a sufficient number of nucleobases of the antisense compound can hydrogen bond with the corresponding nucleobases of the target nucleic acid, such that a desired effect will occur (e.g., antisense inhibition of a target nucleic acid, such as a MECP2 nucleic acid).

Non-complementary nucleobases between an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid may be tolerated provided that the antisense compound remains able to specifically hybridize to a target nucleic acid. Moreover, an antisense compound may hybridize over one or more segments of a target nucleic acid such that intervening or adjacent segments are not involved in the hybridization event (e.g., a loop structure, mismatch or hairpin structure).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or a specified portion thereof, are, or are at least, 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% complementary to a MECP2 nucleic acid, a target region, target segment, or specified portion thereof. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a target nucleic acid can be determined using routine methods.

For example, an antisense compound in which 18 of 20 nucleobases of the antisense compound are complementary to a target region, and would therefore specifically hybridize, would represent 90 percent complementarity. In this example, the remaining noncomplementary nucleobases may be clustered or interspersed with complementary nucleobases and need not be contiguous to each other or to complementary nucleobases. As such, an antisense compound which is 18 nucleobases in length having 4 (four) noncomplementary nucleobases which are flanked by two regions of complete complementarity with the target nucleic acid would have 77.8% overall complementarity with the target nucleic acid and would thus fall within the scope of the present invention. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a region of a target nucleic acid can be determined routinely using BLAST programs (basic local alignment search tools) and PowerBLAST programs known in the art (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 1990, 215, 403 410;

Zhang and Madden, Genome Res., 1997, 7, 649 656). Percent homology, sequence identity or complementarity, can be determined by, for example, the Gap program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using default settings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math., 1981, 2, 482 489). In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or specified portions thereof, are fully complementary (i.e., 100% complementary) to a target nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof. For example, an antisense compound may be fully complementary to a MECP2 nucleic acid, or a target region, or a target segment or target sequence thereof. As used herein, “fully complementary” means each nucleobase of an antisense compound is capable of precise base pairing with the corresponding nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase antisense compound is fully complementary to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long, so long as there is a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion of the target nucleic acid that is fully complementary to the antisense compound. Fully complementary can also be used in reference to a specified portion of the first and/or the second nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase portion of a 30 nucleobase antisense compound can be “fully complementary” to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long. The 20 nucleobase portion of the 30 nucleobase oligonucleotide is fully complementary to the target sequence if the target sequence has a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion wherein each nucleobase is complementary to the 20 nucleobase portion of the antisense compound. At the same time, the entire 30 nucleobase antisense compound may or may not be fully complementary to the target sequence, depending on whether the remaining 10 nucleobases of the antisense compound are also complementary to the target sequence.

The location of a non-complementary nucleobase may be at the 5′ end or 3′ end of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the non-complementary nucleobase or nucleobases may be at an internal position of the antisense compound. When two or more non-complementary nucleobases are present, they may be contiguous (i.e., linked) or non-contiguous. In one embodiment, a non-complementary nucleobase is located in the wing segment of a gapmer antisense oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 6, no more than 5, no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

The antisense compounds provided herein also include those which are complementary to a portion of a target nucleic acid. As used herein, “portion” refers to a defined number of contiguous (i.e. linked) nucleobases within a region or segment of a target nucleic acid. A “portion” can also refer to a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least an 8 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 9 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 10 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least an 11 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least a 12 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least a 13 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least a 14 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least a 15 nucleobase portion of a target segment. Also contemplated are antisense compounds that are complementary to at least a 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more nucleobase portion of a target segment, or a range defined by any two of these values.

Identity

The antisense compounds provided herein may also have a defined percent identity to a particular nucleotide sequence, SEQ ID NO, or compound represented by a specific Isis number, or portion thereof. As used herein, an antisense compound is identical to the sequence disclosed herein if it has the same nucleobase pairing ability. For example, a RNA which contains uracil in place of thymidine in a disclosed DNA sequence would be considered identical to the DNA sequence since both uracil and thymidine pair with adenine. Shortened and lengthened versions of the antisense compounds described herein as well as compounds having non-identical bases relative to the antisense compounds provided herein also are contemplated. The non-identical bases may be adjacent to each other or dispersed throughout the antisense compound. Percent identity of an antisense compound is calculated according to the number of bases that have identical base pairing relative to the sequence to which it is being compared.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, or portions thereof, are at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to one or more of the antisense compounds or SEQ ID NOs, or a portion thereof, disclosed herein.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the antisense compound is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleobase portion is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the antisense oligonucleotide is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleobase portion is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid.

Modifications

A nucleoside is a base-sugar combination. The nucleobase (also known as base) portion of the nucleoside is normally a heterocyclic base moiety. Nucleotides are nucleosides that further include a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside. For those nucleosides that include a pentofuranosyl sugar, the phosphate group can be linked to the 2′, 3′ or 5′ hydroxyl moiety of the sugar.

Oligonucleotides are formed through the covalent linkage of adjacent nucleosides to one another, to form a linear polymeric oligonucleotide. Within the oligonucleotide structure, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside linkages of the oligonucleotide.

Modifications to antisense compounds encompass substitutions or changes to internucleoside linkages, sugar moieties, or nucleobases. Modified antisense compounds are often preferred over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target, increased stability in the presence of nucleases, or increased inhibitory activity.

Chemically modified nucleosides may also be employed to increase the binding affinity of a shortened or truncated antisense oligonucleotide for its target nucleic acid. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter antisense compounds that have such chemically modified nucleosides.

Modified Internucleoside Linkages

The naturally occurring internucleoside linkage of RNA and DNA is a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage. Antisense compounds having one or more modified, i.e. non-naturally occurring, internucleoside linkages are often selected over antisense compounds having naturally occurring internucleoside linkages because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for target nucleic acids, and increased stability in the presence of nucleases.

Oligonucleotides having modified internucleoside linkages include internucleoside linkages that retain a phosphorus atom as well as internucleoside linkages that do not have a phosphorus atom. Representative phosphorus containing internucleoside linkages include, but are not limited to, phosphodiesters, phosphotriesters, methylphosphonates, phosphoramidate, and phosphorothioates. Methods of preparation of phosphorous-containing and non-phosphorous-containing linkages are well known.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid comprise one or more modified internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the modified internucleoside linkages are interspersed throughout the antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the modified internucleoside linkages are phosphorothioate linkages. In certain embodiments, each internucleoside linkage of an antisense compound is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Modified Sugar Moieties

Antisense compounds can optionally contain one or more nucleosides wherein the sugar group has been modified. Such sugar modified nucleosides may impart enhanced nuclease stability, increased binding affinity, or some other beneficial biological property to the antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, nucleosides comprise chemically modified ribofuranose ring moieties. Examples of chemically modified ribofuranose rings include without limitation, addition of substitutent groups (including 5′ and 2′ substituent groups, bridging of non-geminal ring atoms to form bicyclic nucleic acids (BNA), replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S, N(R), or C(R₁)(R₂) (R, R₁and R₂are each independently H, C₁-C₁₂alkyl or a protecting group) and combinations thereof. Examples of chemically modified sugars include 2′-F-5′-methyl substituted nucleoside (see PCT International Application WO 2008/101157 Published on Aug. 21, 2008 for other disclosed 5′,2′-bis substituted nucleosides) or replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S with further substitution at the 2′-position (see published U.S. Patent Application US2005-0130923, published on Jun. 16, 2005) or alternatively 5′-substitution of a BNA (see PCT International Application WO 2007/134181 Published on Nov. 22, 2007 wherein LNA is substituted with for example a 5′-methyl or a 5′-vinyl group).

Examples of nucleosides having modified sugar moieties include without limitation nucleosides comprising 5′-vinyl, 5′-methyl (R or S), 4′-S, 2′-F, 2′-OCH₃, 2′-OCH₂CH₃, 2′—OCH₂CH₂F and 2′-O(CH₂)₂OCH₃substituent groups. The substituent at the 2′ position can also be selected from allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C₁-C₁₀alkyl, OCF₃, OCH₂F, O(CH₂)₂SCH₃, O(CH₂)₂—O—N(R_m)(R_n), O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R_m)(R_n), and O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R_l)—(CH₂)₂—N(R_m)(R_n), where each R_l, R_mand R_nis, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀alkyl.

As used herein, “bicyclic nucleosides” refer to modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety. Examples of bicyclic nucleosides include without limitation nucleosides comprising a bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ ribosyl ring atoms. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds provided herein include one or more bicyclic nucleosides comprising a 4′ to 2′ bridge. Examples of such 4′ to 2′ bridged bicyclic nucleosides, include but are not limited to one of the formulae: 4′-(CH₂)—O-2′ (LNA); 4′-(CH₂)—S-2′; 4′—(CH₂)₂—O-2′ (ENA); 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ and 4′-CH(CH₂OCH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof see U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,845, issued on Jul. 15, 2008); 4′-C(CH₃)(CH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO/2009/006478, published Jan. 8, 2009); 4′-CH₂—N(OCH₃)-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO/2008/150729, published Dec. 11, 2008); 4′-CH₂—O—N(CH₃)-2′ (see published U.S. Patent Application US2004-0171570, published Sep. 2, 2004); 4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′, wherein R is H, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, or a protecting group (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,672, issued on Sep. 23, 2008); 4′-CH₂—C(H)(CH₃)-2′ (see Chattopadhyaya et al., J. Org. Chem., 2009, 74, 118-134); and 4′-CH₂—C—(═CH₂)-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO 2008/154401, published on Dec. 8, 2008).

Further reports related to bicyclic nucleosides can also be found in published literature (see for example: Singh et al., Chem. Commun., 1998, 4, 455-456; Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630; Wahlestedt et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S. A., 2000, 97, 5633-5638; Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222; Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039; Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129(26) 8362-8379; Elayadi et al., Curr. Opinion Invest. Drugs, 2001, 2, 558-561; Braasch et al., Chem. Biol., 2001, 8, 1-7; and Orum et al., Curr. Opinion Mol. Ther., 2001, 3, 239-243; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,490; 6,525,191; 6,670,461; 6,770,748; 6,794,499; 7,034,133; 7,053,207; 7,399,845; 7,547,684; and 7,696,345; U.S. Patent Publication No. US2008-0039618; US2009-0012281; U.S. Patent Ser. Nos. 60/989,574; 61/026,995; 61/026,998; 61/056,564; 61/086,231; 61/097,787; and 61/099,844; Published PCT International applications WO 1994/014226; WO 2004/106356; WO 2005/021570; WO 2007/134181; WO 2008/150729; WO 2008/154401; and WO 2009/006478. Each of the foregoing bicyclic nucleosides can be prepared having one or more stereochemical sugar configurations including for example α-L-ribofuranose and β-D-ribofuranose (see PCT international application PCT/DK98/00393, published on Mar. 25, 1999 as WO 99/14226).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic sugar moieties of BNA nucleosides include, but are not limited to, compounds having at least one bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ position of the pentofuranosyl sugar moiety wherein such bridges independently comprises 1 or from 2 to 4 linked groups independently selected from —[C(R_a)(R_b)]_n—, —C(R_a)═C(R_b)—, —C(R_a)═N—, —C(═O)—, —C(═NR_a)—, —C(═S)—, —O—, —Si(R_a)₂—, —S(═O)_x—, and —N(R_a)—;

wherein:

x is 0, 1, or 2;

n is 1, 2, 3, or 4;

each R_aand R_bis, independently, H, a protecting group, hydroxyl, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, C₅-C₂₀aryl, substituted C₅-C₂₀aryl, heterocycle radical, substituted heterocycle radical, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, C₅-C₇alicyclic radical, substituted C₅-C₇alicyclic radical, halogen, OJ₁, NJ₁J₂, SJ₁, N₃, COOJ₁, acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, CN, sulfonyl (S(═O)₂-J₁), or sulfoxyl (S(═O)-J₁); and

each J₁and J₂is, independently, H, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, C₅-C₂₀aryl, substituted C₅-C₂₀aryl, acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, a heterocycle radical, a substituted heterocycle radical, C₁-C₁₂aminoalkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂aminoalkyl or a protecting group.

In certain embodiments, the bridge of a bicyclic sugar moiety is —[C(R_a)(R_b)]_n—, —[C(R_a)(R_b)]_n—O—, —C(R_aR_b)—N(R)—O— or —C(R_aR_b)—O—N(R)—. In certain embodiments, the bridge is 4′-CH₂-2′, 4′—(CH₂)₂-2′, 4′—(CH₂)₃-2′, 4′—CH₂—O-2′, 4′—(CH₂)₂—O-2′, 4′—CH₂—O—N(R)-2′ and 4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′- wherein each R is, independently, H, a protecting group or C₁-C₁₂alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are further defined by isomeric configuration. For example, a nucleoside comprising a 4′-2′ methylene-oxy bridge, may be in the α-L configuration or in the 13-D configuration. Previously, α-L-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA's have been incorporated into antisense oligonucleotides that showed antisense activity (Frieden et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 2003, 21, 6365-6372).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides include, but are not limited to, (A) α-L-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA, (B) β-D-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA, (C) ethyleneoxy (4′-(CH₂)₂—O-2′) BNA, (D) aminooxy (4′-CH₂—O—N(R)-2′) BNA, (E) oxyamino (4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′) BNA, and (F) methyl(methyleneoxy) (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) BNA, (G) methylene-thio (4′-CH₂—S-2′) BNA, (H) methylene-amino (4′-CH₂—N(R)-2′) BNA, (I) methyl carbocyclic (4′-CH₂—CH(CH₃)-2′) BNA, and (J) propylene carbocyclic (4′-(CH₂)₃-2′) BNA as depicted below.

[Image Omitted]

wherein Bx is the base moiety and R is independently H, a protecting group or C₁-C₁₂alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula I:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

-Q_a-Q_b-Q_c- is —CH₂—N(R_c)—CH₂—, —C(═O)—N(R_c)—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(R_c)—O— or —N(R_c)—O—CH₂;

R_cis C₁-C₁₂alkyl or an amino protecting group; and

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula II:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z_ais C₁-C₆alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkynyl, acyl, substituted acyl, substituted amide, thiol or substituted thio.

In one embodiment, each of the substituted groups is, independently, mono or poly substituted with substituent groups independently selected from halogen, oxo, hydroxyl, OJ_c, NJ_cJ_d, SJ_c, N₃, OC(═X)J_c, and NJ_eC(═X)NJ_cJ_d, wherein each J_c, J_dand J_eis, independently, H, C₁-C₆alkyl, or substituted C₁-C₆alkyl and X is O or NJ_c.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula III:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z_bis C₁-C₆alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkynyl or substituted acyl (C(═O)—).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula IV:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

R_dis C₁-C₆alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆alkynyl;

each q_a, q_b, q_cand q_dis, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₁-C₆alkoxyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkoxyl, acyl, substituted acyl, C₁-C₆aminoalkyl or substituted C₁-C₆aminoalkyl;

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula V:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

q_a, q_b, q_eand q_fare each, independently, hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkoxy, OJ_j, SJ_j, SOJ_j, SO₂J_j, NJ_jJ_k, N₃, CN, C(═O)OJ_j, C(═O)NJ_jJ_k, C(═O)J_j, O—C(═O)NJ_jJ_k, N(H)C(═NH)NJ_jJ_k, N(H)C(═O)NJ_jJ_kor N(H)C(═S)NJ_jJ_k;

or q_eand q_ftogether are ═C(q_g)(q_h);

q_gand q_hare each, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl or substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl.

The synthesis and preparation of the methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA monomers adenine, cytosine, guanine, 5-methyl-cytosine, thymine and uracil, along with their oligomerization, and nucleic acid recognition properties have been described (Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630). BNAs and preparation thereof are also described in WO 98/39352 and WO 99/14226.

Analogs of methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA and 2′-thio-BNAs, have also been prepared (Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222). Preparation of locked nucleoside analogs comprising oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes as substrates for nucleic acid polymerases has also been described (Wengel et al., WO 99/14226). Furthermore, synthesis of 2′-amino-BNA, a novel comformationally restricted high-affinity oligonucleotide analog has been described in the art (Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039). In addition, 2′-amino- and 2′-methylamino-BNA's have been prepared and the thermal stability of their duplexes with complementary RNA and DNA strands has been previously reported.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula VI:

[Image Omitted]

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

each q_i, q_j, q_kand q_lis, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂alkoxyl, OJ_j, SJ_j, SOJ_j, SO₂J_j, NJ_jJ_k, N₃, CN, C(═O)OJ_j, C(═O)NJ_jJ_k, C(═O)J_j, O—C(═O)NJ_jJ_k, N(H)C(═NH)NJ_jJ_k, N(H)C(═O)NJ_jJ_kor N(H)C(═S)NJ_jJ_k; and

q_iand q_jor q_land q_ktogether are ═C(q_g)(q_h), wherein q_gand q_hare each, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl or substituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl.

One carbocyclic bicyclic nucleoside having a 4′-(CH₂)₃-2′ bridge and the alkenyl analog bridge 4′-CH═CH—CH₂-2′ have been described (Freier et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 1997, 25(22), 4429-4443 and Albaek et al., J. Org. Chem., 2006, 71, 7731-7740). The synthesis and preparation of carbocyclic bicyclic nucleosides along with their oligomerization and biochemical studies have also been described (Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129(26), 8362-8379).

As used herein, “4′-2′ bicyclic nucleoside” or “4′ to 2′ bicyclic nucleoside” refers to a bicyclic nucleoside comprising a furanose ring comprising a bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the furanose ring connects the 2′ carbon atom and the 4′ carbon atom of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “monocylic nucleosides” refer to nucleosides comprising modified sugar moieties that are not bicyclic sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the sugar moiety, or sugar moiety analogue, of a nucleoside may be modified or substituted at any position.

As used herein, “2′-modified sugar” means a furanosyl sugar modified at the 2′ position. In certain embodiments, such modifications include substituents selected from: a halide, including, but not limited to substituted and unsubstituted alkoxy, substituted and unsubstituted thioalkyl, substituted and unsubstituted amino alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted allyl, and substituted and unsubstituted alkynyl. In certain embodiments, 2′ modifications are selected from substituents including, but not limited to: O[(CH₂)_nO]_mCH₃, O(CH₂)_nNH₂, O(CH₂)_nCH₃, O(CH₂)_nF, O(CH₂)_nONH₂, OCH₂C(═O)N(H)CH₃, and O(CH₂)_nON[(CH₂)_nCH₃]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other 2′-substituent groups can also be selected from: C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, F, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving pharmacokinetic properties, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an antisense compound, and other substituents having similar properties. In certain embodiments, modified nucleosides comprise a 2′-MOE side chain (Baker et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1997, 272, 11944-12000). Such 2′-MOE substitution have been described as having improved binding affinity compared to unmodified nucleosides and to other modified nucleosides, such as 2′-O-methyl, O-propyl, and O-aminopropyl. Oligonucleotides having the 2′-MOE substituent also have been shown to be antisense inhibitors of gene expression with promising features for in vivo use (Martin, Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504; Altmann et al., Chimia, 1996, 50, 168-176; Altmann et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans., 1996, 24, 630-637; and Altmann et al., Nucleosides Nucleotides, 1997, 16, 917-926).

As used herein, a “modified tetrahydropyran nucleoside” or “modified THP nucleoside” means a nucleoside having a six-membered tetrahydropyran “sugar” substituted in for the pentofuranosyl residue in normal nucleosides (a sugar surrogate). Modified THP nucleosides include, but are not limited to, what is referred to in the art as hexitol nucleic acid (HNA), anitol nucleic acid (ANA), manitol nucleic acid (MNA) (see Leumann, Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2002, 10, 841-854), fluoro HNA (F-HNA) or those compounds having Formula VII:

[Image Omitted]

wherein independently for each of said at least one tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog of Formula VII:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_aand T_bare each, independently, an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound or one of T_aand T_bis an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound and the other of T_aand T_bis H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a linked conjugate group or a 5′ or 3′-terminal group;

q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆and q₇are each independently, H, C₁-C₆alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆alkynyl; and each of R₁and R₂is selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, NJ₁J₂, SJ₁, N₃, OC(═X)J₁, OC(═X)NJ₁J₂, NJ₃C(═X)NJ₁J₂and CN, wherein X is O, S or NJ₁and each J₁, J₂and J₃is, independently, H or C₁-C₆alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the modified THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆and q₇are each H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆and q₇is other than H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆and q₇is methyl. In certain embodiments, THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein one of R₁and R₂is fluoro. In certain embodiments, R₁is fluoro and R₂is H; R₁is methoxy and R₂is H, and R₁is H and R₂is methoxyethoxy.

As used herein, “2′-modified” or “2′-substituted” refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a substituent at the 2′ position other than H or OH. 2′-modified nucleosides, include, but are not limited to, bicyclic nucleosides wherein the bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring connects the 2′ carbon and another carbon of the sugar ring; and nucleosides with non-bridging 2′substituents, such as allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C₁-C₁₀alkyl, —OCF₃, O—(CH₂)₂—O—CH₃, 2′-O(CH₂)₂SCH₃, O—(CH₂)₂—O—N(R_m)(R_n), or O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R_m)(R_n), where each R_mand R_nis, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀alkyl. 2′-modified nucleosides may further comprise other modifications, for example at other positions of the sugar and/or at the nucleobase.

As used herein, “2′-F” refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a fluoro group at the 2′ position.

As used herein, “2′-OMe” or “2′-OCH₃” or “2′-O-methyl” each refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising an —OCH₃group at the 2′ position of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “MOE” or “2′-MOE” or “2′-OCH₂CH₂OCH₃” or “2′-O-methoxyethyl” each refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a —OCH₂CH₂OCH₃group at the 2′ position of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “oligonucleotide” refers to a compound comprising a plurality of linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of nucleosides is modified. In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises one or more ribonucleosides (RNA) and/or deoxyribonucleosides (DNA).

Many other bicyclo and tricyclo sugar surrogate ring systems are also known in the art that can be used to modify nucleosides for incorporation into antisense compounds (see for example review article: Leumann, Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2002, 10, 841-854).

Such ring systems can undergo various additional substitutions to enhance activity.

Methods for the preparations of modified sugars are well known to those skilled in the art.

In nucleotides having modified sugar moieties, the nucleobase moieties (natural, modified or a combination thereof) are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds comprise one or more nucleosides having modified sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is 2′-MOE. In certain embodiments, the 2′-MOE modified nucleosides are arranged in a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is a bicyclic nucleoside having a (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) bridging group. In certain embodiments, the (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) modified nucleosides are arranged throughout the wings of a gapmer motif.

Compositions and Methods for Formulating Pharmaceutical Compositions

Antisense oligonucleotides may be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable active or inert substances for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations. Compositions and methods for the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions are dependent upon a number of criteria, including, but not limited to, route of administration, extent of disorder, or dose to be administered.

An antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions by combining the antisense compound with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. A pharmaceutically acceptable diluent includes phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). PBS is a diluent suitable for use in compositions to be delivered parenterally. Accordingly, in one embodiment, employed in the methods described herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is PBS. In certain embodiments, the antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisense compounds encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters, or any other oligonucleotide which, upon administration to an animal, including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof. Accordingly, for example, the disclosure is also drawn to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such prodrugs, and other bioequivalents. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium salts.

A prodrug can include the incorporation of additional nucleosides at one or both ends of an antisense compound which are cleaved by endogenous nucleases within the body, to form the active antisense compound.

Conjugated Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds may be covalently linked to one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the resulting antisense oligonucleotides. Typical conjugate groups include cholesterol moieties and lipid moieties. Additional conjugate groups include carbohydrates, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and dyes.

Antisense compounds can also be modified to have one or more stabilizing groups that are generally attached to one or both termini of antisense compounds to enhance properties such as, for example, nuclease stability. Included in stabilizing groups are cap structures. These terminal modifications protect the antisense compound having terminal nucleic acid from exonuclease degradation, and can help in delivery and/or localization within a cell. The cap can be present at the 5′-terminus (5′-cap), or at the 3′-terminus (3′-cap), or can be present on both termini. Cap structures are well known in the art and include, for example, inverted deoxy abasic caps. Further 3′ and 5′-stabilizing groups that can be used to cap one or both ends of an antisense compound to impart nuclease stability include those disclosed in WO 03/004602 published on Jan. 16, 2003.

Cell Culture and Antisense Compounds Treatment

The effects of antisense compounds on the level, activity or expression of MECP2 nucleic acids can be tested in vitro in a variety of cell types. Cell types used for such analyses are available from commercial vendors (e.g. American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va.; Zen-Bio, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC; Clonetics Corporation, Walkersville, Md.) and are cultured according to the vendor's instructions using commercially available reagents (e.g. Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). Illustrative cell types include, but are not limited to, HepG2 cells, Hep3B cells, and primary hepatocytes. In certain embodiments, cells are patient cells, such as B-lymphoblast cells.

In Vitro Testing of Antisense Oligonucleotides

Described herein are methods for treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotides, which can be modified appropriately for treatment with other antisense compounds.

Cells may be treated with antisense oligonucleotides when the cells reach approximately 60-80% confluency in culture.

One reagent commonly used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes the cationic lipid transfection reagent LIPOFECTIN (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotides may be mixed with LIPOFECTIN in OPTI-MEM 1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired final concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTIN concentration that may range from 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another reagent used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes LIPOFECTAMINE (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotide is mixed with LIPOFECTAMINE in OPTI-MEM 1 reduced serum medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTAMINE concentration that may range from 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another reagent used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes TURBOFECT (Thermo Scientific, Carlsbad, Calif.).

Another technique used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes electroporation.

Cells are treated with antisense oligonucleotides by routine methods. Cells may be harvested 16-24 hours after antisense oligonucleotide treatment, at which time RNA or protein levels of target nucleic acids are measured by methods known in the art and described herein. In general, when treatments are performed in multiple replicates, the data are presented as the average of the replicate treatments.

The concentration of antisense oligonucleotide used varies from cell line to cell line. Methods to determine the optimal antisense oligonucleotide concentration for a particular cell line are well known in the art. Antisense oligonucleotides are typically used at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 300 nM when transfected with LIPOFECTAMINE. Antisense oligonucleotides are used at higher concentrations ranging from 625 to 20,000 nM when transfected using electroporation.

RNA Isolation

RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+ mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. RNA is prepared using methods well known in the art, for example, using the TRIZOL Reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's recommended protocols.

Analysis of Inhibition of Target Levels or Expression

Inhibition of levels or expression of a MECP2 nucleic acid can be assayed in a variety of ways known in the art. For example, target nucleic acid levels can be quantitated by, e.g., Northern blot analysis, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or quantitative real-time PCR. RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+ mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. Northern blot analysis is also routine in the art. Quantitative real-time PCR can be conveniently accomplished using the commercially available ABI PRISM 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System, available from PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif. and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis of Target RNA Levels

Quantitation of target RNA levels may be accomplished by quantitative real-time PCR using the ABI PRISM 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) according to manufacturer's instructions. Methods of quantitative real-time PCR are well known in the art.

Prior to real-time PCR, the isolated RNA is subjected to a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction, which produces complementary DNA (cDNA) that is then used as the substrate for the real-time PCR amplification. The RT and real-time PCR reactions are performed sequentially in the same sample well. RT and real-time PCR reagents may be obtained from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.). RT real-time-PCR reactions are carried out by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

Gene (or RNA) target quantities obtained by real time PCR are normalized using either the expression level of a gene whose expression is constant, such as cyclophilin A, or by quantifying total RNA using RIBOGREEN (Invitrogen, Inc. Carlsbad, Calif.). Cyclophilin A expression is quantified by real time PCR, by being run simultaneously with the target, multiplexing, or separately. Total RNA is quantified using RIBOGREEN RNA quantification reagent (Invetrogen, Inc. Eugene, Oreg.). Methods of RNA quantification by RIBOGREEN are taught in Jones, L. J., et al, (Analytical Biochemistry, 1998, 265, 368-374). A CYTOFLUOR 4000 instrument (PE Applied Biosystems) is used to measure RIBOGREEN fluorescence.

Probes and primers are designed to hybridize to a MECP2 nucleic acid. Methods for designing real-time PCR probes and primers are well known in the art, and may include the use of software such as PRIMER EXPRESS Software (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).

Analysis of Protein Levels

Antisense inhibition of MECP2 nucleic acids can be assessed by measuring MECP2 protein levels. Protein levels of MECP2 can be evaluated or quantitated in a variety of ways well known in the art, such as immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis (immunoblotting), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative protein assays, protein activity assays (for example, caspase activity assays), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies directed to a target can be identified and obtained from a variety of sources, such as the MSRS catalog of antibodies (Aerie Corporation, Birmingham, Mich.), or can be prepared via conventional monoclonal or polyclonal antibody generation methods well known in the art.

In Vivo Testing of Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds, for example, antisense oligonucleotides, are tested in animals to assess their ability to inhibit expression of MECP2 and produce phenotypic changes, such as, improved behavior, motor function, and cognition. In certain embodiments, motor function is measured by walking initiation analysis, rotarod, grip strength, pole climb, open field performance, balance beam, hindpaw footprint testing in the animal. In certain embodiments, behavior is measured by elevated plus maze and three-chamber social interaction. Testing may be performed in normal animals, or in experimental models. For administration to animals, antisense oligonucleotides are formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, such as phosphate-buffered saline. Administration includes parenteral routes of administration, such as intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous. Calculation of antisense oligonucleotide dosage and dosing frequency is within the abilities of those skilled in the art, and depends upon factors such as route of administration and animal body weight. Following a period of treatment with antisense oligonucleotides, RNA is isolated from CNS tissue or CSF and changes in MECP2 nucleic acid expression are measured.

Certain Indications

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating an individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, the individual has a neurological disorder. In certain embodiments, the individual is at risk for developing a neurological disorder, including, but not limited to, MECP2 duplication syndrome. In certain embodiments, the individual has been identified as having a MECP2 associated disorder. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for prophylactically reducing MECP2 expression in an individual. Certain embodiments include treating an individual in need thereof by administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid.

In one embodiment, administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid is accompanied by monitoring of MECP2 levels in an individual, to determine an individual's response to administration of the antisense compound. An individual's response to administration of the antisense compound may be used by a physician to determine the amount and duration of therapeutic intervention.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in reduction of MECP2 mRNA and or protein expression by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in improved motor function in an animal. In certain embodiments, administration of a MECP2 antisense compound improves motor function by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in improved anxiety in an animal. In certain embodiments, administration of a MECP2 antisense compound improves anxiety by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in improved social interaction in an animal. In certain embodiments, administration of a MECP2 antisense compound improves social interaction by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in improved activity in an animal. In certain embodiments, administration of a MECP2 antisense compound improves activity by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in reduction of seizures. In certain embodiments, administration of a MECP2 antisense compound reduces seizures by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a MECP2 nucleic acid results in normalized EEG discharges.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antisense compound targeted to MECP2 are used for the preparation of a medicament for treating a patient suffering or susceptible to a neurological disorder including MECP2 duplication syndrome.

Certain Amplicon Regions

Certain antisense oligonucleotides described herein may target the amplicon region of the primer probe set. Additional assays may be used to measure the potency and efficacy of these compounds.

Certain Hotspot Regions

1. Nucleobases 28-382, 386-437, 439-464, 478-513, 519-602, 606-716, 720-789, 797-973, 977-1126, 1130-1189, 1192-1275, 1310-1337, 1440-1509, and 1514-1793

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides are complementary to nucleobases 28-382, 386-437, 439-464, 478-513, 519-602, 606-716, 720-789, 797-973, 977-1126, 1130-1189, 1192-1275, 1310-1337, 1440-1509, and 1514-1793 of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, nucleobases 28-382, 386-437, 439-464, 478-513, 519-602, 606-716, 720-789, 797-973, 977-1126, 1130-1189, 1192-1275, 1310-1337, 1440-1509, and 1514-1793 of SEQ ID NO: 2 are hotspot regions. In certain embodiments, such modified antisense oligonucleotides are 20 nucleobases in length. In certain embodiments, such modified antisense oligonucleotides are gapmers. In certain such embodiments, the gapmers are 5-10-5 MOE gapmers. In certain embodiments, the nucleosides of the modified antisense oligonucleotides are linked by phosphorothioate and phosphodiester internucleoside linkages.

The nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 17, 18, 22-24, 50-60, 62-84, 86-93, 95-96, 99-102, 129-131, 133, 135-158, 161-171, 173-174, 177-180, 207-213, 215-237, 239-244, 246-252, 256-258, 284-288, 290, 292, 293, 296-305, 307-315, and 317-327 are complementary to nucleobases 28-382, 386-437, 439-464, 478-513, 519-602, 606-716, 720-789, 797-973, 977-1126, 1130-1189, 1192-1275, 1310-1337, 1440-1509, and 1514-1793 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides complementary to nucleobases 28-382, 386-437, 439-464, 478-513, 519-602, 606-716, 720-789, 797-973, 977-1126, 1130-1189, 1192-1275, 1310-1337, 1440-1509, and 1514-1793 of SEQ ID NO: 2 achieve at least 25% reduction of MECP2 RNA in vitro in the standard cell assay.

2. Nucleobases 44-79, 87-126, 131-273, 321-376, 478-513, 535-570, 630-716, 834-928, 930-973, 977-1004, 1081-1126, 1130-1189, 1224-1275, 1440-1509, 1514-1745, and 1750-1785

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides are complementary to nucleobases 44-79, 87-126, 131-273, 321-376, 478-513, 535-570, 630-716, 834-928, 930-973, 977-1004, 1081-1126, 1130-1189, 1224-1275, 1440-1509, 1514-1745, and 1750-1785 of SEQ ID NO:

2. In certain embodiments, nucleobases 44-79, 87-126, 131-273, 321-376, 478-513, 535-570, 630-716, 834-928, 930-973, 977-1004, 1081-1126, 1130-1189, 1224-1275, 1440-1509, 1514-1745, and 1750-1785 of SEQ ID NO: 2 are hotspot regions. In certain embodiments, such modified antisense oligonucleotides are 20 nucleobases in length. In certain embodiments, such modified antisense oligonucleotides are gapmers. In certain such embodiments, the gapmers are 5-10-5 MOE gapmers. In certain embodiments, the nucleosides of the modified antisense oligonucleotides are linked by phosphorothioate and phosphodiester internucleoside linkages.

The nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 17, 18, 22-24, 50, 52, 54, 58, 63-65, 68-73, 77-79, 81, 83, 88, 90, 91, 93, 100, 102, 133, 137, 141-143, 146, 147, 154-156, 158, 161-163, 165-169, 171, 173, 174, 177-179, 210, 216, 218-220, 223, 224, 226-228, 232-234, 236, 239-242, 244, 246, 247, 251, 257, 258, 284, 287, 288, 292, 293, 298, 303, 307, 310, 311, 314, 315, 317-319, and 321-327 are complementary to nucleobases 44-79, 87-126, 131-273, 321-376, 478-513, 535-570, 630-716, 834-928, 930-973, 977-1004, 1081-1126, 1130-1189, 1224-1275, 1440-1509, 1514-1745, and 1750-1785 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides complementary to nucleobases 44-79, 87-126, 131-273, 321-376, 478-513, 535-570, 630-716, 834-928, 930-973, 977-1004, 1081-1126, 1130-1189, 1224-1275, 1440-1509, 1514-1745, and 1750-1785 of SEQ ID NO: 2 achieve at least 50% reduction of MECP2 RNA in vitro in the standard cell assay.

3. Nucleobases 1902-2000, 7300-7418, 67188-67239, 67241-67266, 67280-67315, 67321-67404, 68164-68274, 68278-68347, 68355-68531, 68535-68684, 68688-68747, 68750-68833, 68868-68895, 68998-69067, and 69072-69351

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides are complementary to nucleobases 1902-2000, 7300-7418, 67188-67239, 67241-67266, 67280-67315, 67321-67404, 68164-68274, 68278-68347, 68355-68531, 68535-68684, 68688-68747, 68750-68833, 68868-68895, 68998-69067, and 69072-69351 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, nucleobases 1902-2000, 7300-7418, 67188-67239, 67241-67266, 67280-67315, 67321-67404, 68164-68274, 68278-68347, 68355-68531, 68535-68684, 68688-68747, 68750-68833, 68868-68895, 68998-69067, and 69072-69351 of SEQ ID NO: 1 are hotspot regions. In certain embodiments, such modified antisense oligonucleotides are 20 nucleobases in length. In certain embodiments, such modified oligonucleotides are gapmers. In certain such embodiments, the gapmers are 5-10-5 MOE gapmers. In certain embodiments, the nucleosides of the modified oligonucleotides are linked by phosphorothioate and phosphodiester internucleoside linkages.

The nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 17, 18, 22-24, 56-60, 62-84, 86-93, 95-96, 100-102, 135-156, 158, 161-171, 173-174, 177-179, 212-213, 215-237, 239-244, 246-251, 256-258, 290-293, 296-305, 307-315, and 317-327 are complementary to nucleobases 1902-2000, 7300-7418, 67188-67239, 67241-67266, 67280-67315, 67321-67404, 68164-68274, 68278-68347, 68355-68531, 68535-68684, 68688-68747, 68750-68833, 68868-68895, 68998-69067, and 69072-69351 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, modified oligonucleotides complementary to nucleobases 1902-2000, 7300-7418, 67188-67239, 67241-67266, 67280-67315, 67321-67404, 68164-68274, 68278-68347, 68355-68531, 68535-68684, 68688-68747, 68750-68833, 68868-68895, 68998-69067, and 69072-69351 of SEQ ID NO: 1 achieve at least 25% reduction of MECP2 RNA in vitro in the standard cell assay.

4. Nucleobases 1918-1953, 1961-2000, 7300-7418, 67123-67178, 67280-67315, 67337-67372, 68188-68274, 68392-68486, 68488-68531, 68535-68562, 68639-68684, 68688-68747, 68782-68833, 68998-69067, 69072-69303, and 69308-69343

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides are complementary to nucleobases 1918-1953, 1961-2000, 7300-7418, 67123-67178, 67280-67315, 67337-67372, 68188-68274, 68392-68486, 68488-68531, 68535-68562, 68639-68684, 68688-68747, 68782-68833, 68998-69067, 69072-69303, and 69308-69343 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, nucleobases 1918-1953, 1961-2000, 7300-7418, 67123-67178, 67280-67315, 67337-67372, 68188-68274, 68392-68486, 68488-68531, 68535-68562, 68639-68684, 68688-68747, 68782-68833, 68998-69067, 69072-69303, and 69308-69343 of SEQ ID NO: 1 are hotspot regions. In certain embodiments, such modified oligonucleotides are 20 nucleobases in length. In certain embodiments, such modified oligonucleotides are gapmers. In certain such embodiments, the gapmers are 5-10-5 MOE gapmers. In certain embodiments, the nucleosides of the modified oligonucleotides are linked by phosphorothioate and phosphodiester internucleoside linkages.

The nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 17, 18, 22-24, 52, 54, 58, 63-65, 68-73, 77-79, 81, 83, 88, 90, 91, 93, 100, 102, 133, 137, 141-143, 146, 147, 154-156, 158, 161-163, 165-169, 171, 173, 174, 177-179, 210, 216, 218-220, 223, 224, 226-228, 232-234, 236, 239, 240-242, 244, 246, 247, 251, 257, 258, 287, 288, 292, 293, 298, 303, 307, 310, 311, 314, 315, 317-319, and 321-327 are complementary to nucleobases 1918-1953, 1961-2000, 7300-7418, 67123-67178, 67280-67315, 67337-67372, 68188-68274, 68392-68486, 68488-68531, 68535-68562, 68639-68684, 68688-68747, 68782-68833, 68998-69067, 69072-69303, and 69308-69343 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, modified antisense oligonucleotides complementary to nucleobases 1918-1953, 1961-2000, 7300-7418, 67123-67178, 67280-67315, 67337-67372, 68188-68274, 68392-68486, 68488-68531, 68535-68562, 68639-68684, 68688-68747, 68782-68833, 68998-69067, 69072-69303, and 69308-69343 of SEQ ID NO: 1 achieve at least 50% reduction of MECP2 RNA in vitro in the standard cell assay.

EXAMPLES
Non-Limiting Disclosure and Incorporation by Reference

While certain methods described herein have been described with specificity in accordance with certain embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the compounds described herein and are not intended to limit the same. Each of the references recited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example 1: Screening of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting MECP2

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target human Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2), the complement of GENBANK accession number NT_167198.1 truncated from 4203000 to 4283000, SEQ ID NO: 1, were synthesized using standard solid phase oligonucleotide synthetic methods. They are chimeric oligonucleotides (“gapmers”), composed of a central “gap” region consisting of 2′-deoxynucleotides, which is flanked on both sides (5′ and 3′) by “wings” that are composed of modified nucleotides. The internucleoside (backbone) linkages are phosphorothioate or phosphodiester throughout the oligonucleotides. The sequences and structures of the antisense oligonucleotides and their start and stop sites along SEQ ID NO: 1 are shown in the tables below. ASOs were designed to target exons and introns along the MECP2 pre-mRNA and some ASOs also target the mRNA. Isis Numbers 628567 (Table 1), 628553 (Table 2), 628566 (Table 3), and 628552 (Table 4) have mismatches to SEQ ID NO: 1 but are 100% complementary to human MECP2 mRNA, GENBANK accession number NM_004992.3 (SEQ ID NO: 2), with start sites of 246, 123, 238, and 115, respectively, on SEQ ID NO: 2. Isis Number 18078 does not target MECP2 and was used as a negative control.

The antisense oligonucleotides were analyzed for their effects on target mRNA levels. HepG2 cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well in 96-well plates and were electroporated with 4.00 μM oligonucleotide or with no oligonucleotide for untreated controls. After approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells, and MECP2 mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using primer probe set RTS4253 (forward: 5′-TGAAGGAGTCTTCTATCCGATCTGT-3′, SEQ ID NO: 12; reverse: 5′-CACTTCCTTGACCTCGATGCT-3′, SEQ ID NO: 13; probe: 5′-AGACCGTACTCCCCATCAAGAAGCGC-3′, SEQ ID NO: 14). MECP2 mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as average percent inhibition of MECP2 mRNA expression level, relative to untreated control cells, in the tables below. The levels of MECP2 mRNA in untreated control cells (UTC) represents 0% inhibition, and an undetectable level of MECP2 mRNA represents 100% inhibition. A negative inhibition value means that the level of MECP2 mRNA detected was greater than that detected in untreated control cells. The results show that many of the antisense oligonucleotides inhibited MECP2 mRNA levels. The antisense oligonucleotides marked with an asterisk (*) target the region of the primer probe set. Additional assays may be used to measure the potency and efficacy of these antisense oligonucleotides.

TABLE 1

Inhibition of human MECP2 by antisense oligonucleotides in vitro

SEQ

Start
Stop
%
ID

Isis No.
Sequence (5′ to 3′)
site
site
Inhibition
NO:

18078
G_esT_esG_es^mC_esG_esC_dsG_dsC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsC_dsC_dsC_ds
n/a
n/a
0.5
15

G_esA_esA_esA_esT_es^mC_e

628543
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
1894
1913
−1.7
16

G_dsG_dsG_eoA_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628547
G_es^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
1926
1945
61.8
17

^mC_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628551
T_es^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
1981
2000
54.2
18

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628739
A_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
2036
2055
33.6
19

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eoA_esG_esG_e

628743
A_esG_eoA_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds
4053
4072
36.6
20

T_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628747
^mC_esA_eoT_eoT_eoA_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
6590
6609
43.4
21

A_dsT_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_esT_esT_e

628555
G_esG_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds
7308
7327
60.7
22

^mC_dsT_dsG_eoT_eoA_esT_esT_e

628559
G_esA_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds
7351
7370
62.7
23

T_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628563
^mC_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
7383
7402
63.1
24

^mC_dsT_dsG_eoT_eoT_esG_esG_e

628751
T_esT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
9115
9134
78.3
25

^mC_dsA_dsT_eoG_eoT_esA_esT_e

628755
T_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
11509
11528
62.1
26

^mC_dsG_dsG_dsA_eoT_eoA_esA_esG_e

628759
A_es^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds
14390
14409
39.1
27

G_dsG_dsA_dsG_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

628763
G_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoA_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
17349
17368
89.3
28

T_dsT_eoT_eoT_esT_esA_e

628767
T_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
19691
19710
82.2
29

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628771
G_esA_eoT_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
22318
22337
69.0
30

A_dsG_eoT_eoT_esG_esT_e

628775
^mC_esG_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
24936
24955
82.8
31

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628779
G_esG_eoT_eoG_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds
27172
27191
75.8
32

T_dsA_dsT_eoA_eoT_esG_esA_e

628783
A_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
29717
29736
35.2
33

T_dsT_dsA_eo^mC_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628787
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
31758
31777
81.2
34

T_dsG_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628791
T_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds
34273
34292
39.2
35

A_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628795
^mC_esA_eoA_eoA_eoT_eoA_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsA_ds
36288
36307
62.8
36

G_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

628799
T_esG_eoG_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsT_ds
39071
39090
67.2
37

^mC_dsT_dsA_eoT_eoA_esG_esG_e

628803
G_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds
41073
41092
66.0
38

A_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esG_e

628807
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
43580
43599
18.3
39

T_dsT_dsA_eoA_eoG_esA_esA_e

628811
G_esG_eoT_eoG_eoA_eoT_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
45768
45787
86.2
40

T_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_esA_es^mC_e

628815
T_esG_eoG_eoT_eoG_eoG_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds
47850
47869
64.6
41

T_dsT_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628819
A_esA_eoA_eoT_eoA_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
49865
49884
52.8
42

G_ds^mC_dsA_eoT_eoT_esT_esG_e

628823
T_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eoT_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
52552
52571
17.2
43

A_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esA_e

628827
G_esG_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
54569
54588
29.1
44

A_dsG_dsA_eoA_eoG_es^mC_esA_e

628831
T_esA_eoT_eoA_eoA_eoT_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
56608
56627
61.7
45

G_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

628835
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds
59223
59242
15.9
46

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoA_esG_esA_e

628839
A_esG_eoA_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds
61278
61297
64.4
47

G_dsT_dsG_eoT_eoG_esG_esT_e

628843
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
63401
63420
20.5
48

^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628847
G_esG_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds
65432
65451
58.1
49

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esA_e

628567
T_esG_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
67048
67067
51.8
50

^mC_dsT_dsG_eoA_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628571
G_esG_eoG_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds
67084
67103
40.4
51

G_dsG_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628575
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
67123
67142
55.4
52

T_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628579
^mC_esT_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
67135
67154
49.6
53

^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628583
T_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67153
67172
57.4
54

T_ds^mC_dsA_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628587
G_esT_eoG_eoG_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
67165
67184
30.9
55

G_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esA_e

628591
^mC_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67196
67215
50.0
56

^mC_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628595
A_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds
67241
67260
47.3
57

^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esG_e

628599
G_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_ds
67280
67299
50.6
58

G_dsG_dsA_eoG_eo^mC_esG_es^mC_e

628603
T_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67329
67348
28.8
59

^mC_dsT_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esG_e

*628607
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67361
67380
33.0
60

^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_eoT_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628851
T_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67434
67453
20.0
61

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoG_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628611
G_es^mC_eoG_eoA_eoA_eoA_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
68164
68183
71.0
62

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628615
G_esA_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoA_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68191
68210
65.9
63

A_dsA_ds^mC_eoT_eo^mC_es^mC_esA_e

628619
G_esG_eoG_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68213
68232
62.3
64

T_dsA_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628623
^mC_esG_eoT_eoG_eoA_eoA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds
68239
68258
68.7
65

T_ds^mC_dsA_eoT_eoT_esA_esG_e

628627
T_esT_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
68286
68305
43.0
66

^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esG_e

628631
^mC_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
68328
68347
36.5
67

G_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esG_esG_e

628635
A_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68400
68419
53.2
68

T_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628639
A_esA_eoG_eoG_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
68428
68447
60.0
69

G_dsG_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628643
T_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eoA_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds
68455
68474
57.8
70

A_dsA_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esA_e

628647
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68467
68486
59.3
71

T_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_eoG_eoA_esA_esG_e

628651
T_esG_eoG_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
68492
68511
50.3
72

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628655
G_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68535
68554
67.2
73

T_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esG_e

628659
G_esT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
68567
68586
41.1
74

G_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esG_esA_e

628663
G_esG_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds
68599
68618
40.4
75

A_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_esG_e

*628667
T_esT_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
68631
68650
38.2
76

T_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

*628671
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsT_ds
68659
68678
76.9
77

^mC_dsG_dsG_eoA_eoT_esA_esG_e

*628675
T_es^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds
68696
68715
85.3
78

G_ds^mC_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

*628679
^mC_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68728
68747
74.5
79

^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_eoA_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628683
T_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68774
68793
43.0
80

^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628687
^mC_esT_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds
68806
68825
69.2
81

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628691
G_esG_eoT_eoG_eoA_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds
68876
68895
49.4
82

T_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628695
G_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
68998
69017
62.3
83

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628699
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
69040
69059
45.7
84

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esG_esG_e

628703
A_esA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds
69085
69104
23.7
85

G_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esA_esG_e

628707
T_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
69098
69117
43.7
86

A_dsA_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628711
T_esT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds
69111
69130
44.4
87

T_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628715
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
69136
69155
54.7
88

^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_eoT_eoG_esT_esT_e

628719
^mC_esT_eoT_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
69168
69187
41.5
89

A_dsT_dsG_eoA_eoA_esA_es^mC_e

628723
T_es^mC_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
69200
69219
59.6
90

^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628727
A_esA_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsT_dsG_ds
69244
69263
50.4
91

T_dsA_dsA_eoA_eoG_esT_es^mC_e

628731
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds
69276
69295
43.3
92

T_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoG_esT_esT_e

628735
G_esT_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds
69308
69327
70.7
93

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoT_eoA_esA_esG_e

Superscript “m” indicates 5-methylcytosine.

Subscripts: “o” indicates a phosphodiester internucleoside linkage, “s” indicates a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, “e” indicates a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleoside, and “d” indicates a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

TABLE 2

Inhibition of human MECP2 by antisense oligonucleotides in vitro

SEQ

Start
Stop
%
ID

Isis No.
Sequence (5′ to 3′)
site
site
Inhibition
NO:

18078
G_esT_esG_es^mC_esG_esC_dsG_dsC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsC_dsC_dsC_ds
n/a
n/a
3.8
15

G_esA_esA_esA_esT_es^mC_e

628541
A_esG_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
1878
1897
15.3
94

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_eoA_eo^mC_esG_es^mC_e

628545
^mC_esT_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
1910
1929
48.4
95

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628549
^mC_es^mC_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds
1953
1972
32.9
96

G_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628741
T_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_ds
3047
3066
45.7
97

T_ds^mC_eoG_eoG_esT_es^mC_e

628745
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
5561
5580
42.2
98

A_ds^mC_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esT_esT_e

628553
T_esA_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
7292
7311
36.6
99

A_dsG_eoT_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628557
A_esT_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds
7324
7343
70.2
100

G_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoG_esA_esA_e

628561
T_esT_eoG_eoG_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds
7367
7386
43.4
101

^mC_dsA_eoG_eoA_esA_esG_e

628565
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
7399
7418
72.5
102

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esA_es^mC_e

628749
^mC_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
7615
7634
96.4
103

^mC_dsA_dsG_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628753
T_esA_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoA_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
10408
10427
12.3
104

^mC_dsT_eoA_eoA_esG_esT_e

628757
G_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds
13332
13351
85.5
105

T_dsT_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoT_esT_esT_e

628761
G_esA_eoA_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
15686
15705
51.4
106

G_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esG_e

628765
G_esA_eoA_eoG_eoA_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
18630
18649
78.3
107

T_dsT_eoT_eoT_esT_esT_e

628769
^mC_esG_eoA_eoG_eoA_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds
21317
21336
63.6
108

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_eoT_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

628773
A_esA_eoA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
23339
23358
48.9
109

I
^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_eoA_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628777
A_esA_eoA_eoA_eoT_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
26037
26056
65.5
110

A_dsG_eoG_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628781
A_esA_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds
28177
28196
12.2
111

^mC_dsA_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628785
G_esG_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
30744
30763
92.2
112

A_dsT_eoT_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

628789
T_esA_eoT_eoG_eoT_eoT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds
33273
33292
52.4
113

A_ds^mC_eoT_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628793
T_esG_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
35287
35306
79.3
114

A_ds^mC_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628797
G_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
38049
38068
21.7
115

A_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoA_esG_esG_e

628801
G_es^mC_eoT_eoA_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
40072
40091
65.0
116

G_dsT_dsG_eoA_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628805
G_esT_eoA_eoT_eoG_eoA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds
42580
42599
69.6
117

^mC_dsT_dsG_eoA_eo^mC_esG_es^mC_e

628809
A_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_ds
44735
44754
16.5
118

^mC_dsA_dsA_eoG_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628813
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
46834
46853
59.1
119

T_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoT_esG_esA_e

628817
G_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
48863
48882
68.0
120

A_ds^mC_dsT_eoA_eo^mC_esA_esA_e

628821
A_esG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
50865
50884
80.7
121

^mC_dsA_dsG_eoG_eoA_es^mC_esT_e

628825
G_esG_eoA_eoT_eoT_eoA_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
53552
53571
59.3
122

G_dsA_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esA_e

628829
G_esG_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
55596
55615
54.0
123

T_dsT_dsT_eoA_eoA_esA_esA_e

628833
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoA_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
57622
57641
85.3
124

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoA_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628837
A_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
60266
60285
48.3
125

G_ds^mC_dsG_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esT_e

628841
G_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds
62361
62380
69.7
126

^mC_dsT_eoT_eoT_esT_esT_e

628845
^mC_esA_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_ds
64407
64426
27.4
127

T_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628849
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
66432
66451
68.5
128

A_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_eoA_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628569
G_esG_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67064
67083
41.4
129

T_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_eoG_esA_es^mC_e

628573
T_esT_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
67113
67132
27.1
130

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoT_esT_esT_e

628577
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67129
67148
43.9
131

T_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esA_esT_e

628581
^mC_esA_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
67147
67166
15.0
132

^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628585
G_esG_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67159
67178
73.7
133

A_ds^mC_dsG_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628589
T_esG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds
67180
67199
22.6
134

G_dsA_dsG_eoT_eoG_esG_esT_e

628593
G_esA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
67212
67231
47.4
135

T_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esG_es^mC_e

628597
A_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67247
67266
48.6
136

^mC_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_esA_e

628601
T_es^mC_eoA_eoT_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67296
67315
53.7
137

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoG_eoG_esT_es^mC_e

628605
T_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
67345
67364
46.5
138

A_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628609
T_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67377
67396
40.1
139

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoA_esG_es^mC_e

628613
T_es^mC_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
68180
68199
42.9
140

A_dsG_dsA_eoG_eo^mC_esG_esA_e

628617
G_es^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_ds
68203
68222
65.5
141

A_dsA_dsG_eoT_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628621
G_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds
68219
68238
62.9
142

G_dsT_ds^mC_eoG_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628625
T_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds
68255
68274
65.6
143

T_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esT_esG_e

628629
T_esG_eoG_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
68311
68330
28.3
144

A_dsT_eoT_eoT_esG_esG_e

628633
^mC_esG_eoT_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
68374
68393
25.5
145

G_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esG_e

628637
A_esG_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68416
68435
86.1
146

A_dsG_dsG_eoA_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628641
A_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds
68440
68459
81.0
147

A_dsG_dsG_eoA_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628645
G_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_ds
68461
68480
29.6
148

A_dsG_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoG_esA_esA_e

628649
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68480
68499
39.9
149

T_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esG_e

628653
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoT_eoG_eoA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds
68504
68523
39.7
150

G_dsG_dsA_eoT_eoG_esT_esG_e

628657
^mC_esT_eoG_eoA_eoG_eoG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68551
68570
28.6
151

T_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628661
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
68583
68602
37.3
152

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoG_eoT_esT_esT_e

628665
T_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
68615
68634
38.2
153

^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

*628669
T_es^mC_eoG_eoG_eoA_eoT_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds
68647
68666
66.3
154

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

*628673
T_esA_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds
68665
68684
83.3
155

A_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

*628677
A_es^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoG_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds
68712
68731
70.8
156

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_eoT_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628681
^mC_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
68758
68777
24.2
157

G_dsT_dsG_eoG_eoA_es^mC_esA_e

628685
G_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
68790
68809
62.3
158

T_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628689
^mC_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds
68835
68854
73.7
159

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628693
T_es^mC_eoG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_ds
68946
68965
13.0
160

G_dsA_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628697
^mC_esT_eoG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
69024
69043
59.0
161

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628701
G_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds
69072
69091
63.7
162

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628705
G_esG_eoT_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds
69091
69110
59.5
163

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esA_esG_e

628709
^mC_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
69104
69123
39.5
164

^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esL_e

628713
T_esG_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoG_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
69120
69139
58.1
165

T_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628717
A_esA_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
69152
69171
59.3
166

^mC_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628721
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
69184
69203
61.6
167

G_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esG_e

628725
A_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
69228
69247
66.3
168

T_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esT_e

628729
T_esG_eoT_eoT_eoG_eoG_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
69260
69279
79.7
169

G_ds^mC_eoA_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

628733
T_esA_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds
69292
69311
35.1
170

A_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esG_es^mC_e

628737
T_esT_eoA_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
69324
69343
78.1
171

T_dsT_dsT_eoG_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

Superscript “m” indicates 5-methylcytosine.

Subscripts: “o” indicates a phosphodiester intemucleoside linkage, “s” indicates a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, “e” indicates a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleoside, and “d” indicates a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

TABLE 3

Inhibition of human MECP2 by antisense oligonucleotides in vitro

SEQ

Start
Stop
%
ID

Isis No.
Sequence (5′ to 3′)
site
site
Inhibition
NO:

18078
G_esT_esG_es^mC_esG_esC_dsG_dsC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsC_dsC_dsC_ds
n/a
n/a
0.6
15

G_esA_esA_esA_esT_es^mC_e

628542
G_esA_eoG_eoG_eoA_eoG_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds
1886
1905
23.9
172

G_ds^mC_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628546
^mC_es^mC_eoG_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
1918
1937
60.4
173

A_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628550
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds
1961
1980
67.0
174

T_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628742
A_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
3547
3566
82.9
175

^mC_dsA_eoG_eoT_esA_esT_e

628746
G_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
6078
6097
38.7
176

G_dsG_dsT_eoG_eo^mC_esG_esG_e

628554
T_esG_eoA_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
7300
7319
57.7
177

T_dsA_eoT_eoG_esG_esA_e

628558
G_esG_eoA_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
7332
7351
82.8
178

A_ds^mC_dsA_eoT_eo^mC_esA_esA_e

628562
G_esA_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
7375
7394
67.3
179

G_ds^mC_dsT_eoG_eoG_esT_es^mC_e

628566
^mC_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
7407
7426
32.1
180

^mC_dsT_dsA_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

628750
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsA_ds
8615
8634
54.0
181

A_dsA_dsA_dsG_eoA_eoG_esA_esA_e

628754
A_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
11009
11028
40.8
182

A_dsG_dsA_eoT_eoT_esA_es^mC_e

628758
A_esT_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoA_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
13862
13881
38.7
183

G_dsA_dsG_eoG_eoG_esT_esG_e

628762
G_esG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds
16687
16706
95.8
184

A_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_esA_esT_e

628766
A_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds
19134
19153
83.1
185

G_dsA_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628770
T_esA_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
21818
21837
−7.4
186

A_dsT_eoA_eoA_esA_esA_e

628774
G_esA_eoA_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
23936
23955
62.6
187

G_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_esG_esG_e

628778
A_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsA_ds
26672
26691
72.8
188

G_dsA_eoA_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628782
G_esG_eoT_eoA_eoT_eoT_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
28682
28701
49.9
189

G_dsT_eoA_eoA_esT_esT_e

628786
^mC_esA_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
31258
31277
90.5
190

A_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoA_esG_esG_e

628790
A_esT_eoT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
33773
33792
63.0
191

A_dsA_dsA_eoA_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

628794
T_esA_eoA_eoT_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds
35787
35806
68.0
192

A_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628798
T_es^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
38549
38568
77.6
193

T_dsG_dsG_eoA_eoG_esT_esA_e

628802
G_esA_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
40573
40592
60.5
194

^mC_dsA_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esA_esA_e

628806
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoA_eoG_eoA_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds
43080
43099
57.5
195

A_dsA_dsA_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esG_e

628810
^mC_esT_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds
45258
45277
66.7
196

G_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoA_esT_esG_e

628814
T_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsA_ds
47334
47353
72.0
197

G_dsT_eoA_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628818
G_es^mC_eoT_eoA_eoA_eoG_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
49363
49382
49.4
198

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628822
A_es^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds
51552
51571
81.5
199

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoG_eo^mC_esA_esT_e

628826
^mC_esA_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds
54069
54088
9.7
200

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoG_eo^mC_esG_esA_e

628830
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
56096
56115
41.4
201

T_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628834
T_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
58122
58141
47.6
202

T_dsG_dsA_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628838
G_esA_eoG_eoG_eoA_eoA_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
60766
60785
68.3
203

G_dsA_dsG_eoA_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

628842
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoA_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds
62880
62899
70.8
204

G_dsA_dsA_eoA_eoG_esG_esG_e

628846
^mC_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
64930
64949
1.6
205

G_dsA_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoA_esG_esG_e

628850
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds
66932
66951
62.6
206

^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_eoT_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628570
T_esT_eoG_eoA_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
67074
67093
31.1
207

G_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628574
T_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds
67120
67139
39.8
208

T_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esA_e

628578
G_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67132
67151
46.7
209

T_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628582
^mC_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67150
67169
69.0
210

A_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esG_es^mC_e

628586
G_esT_eoG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67162
67181
31.7
211

T_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eo^mC_esG_esG_e

628590
^mC_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_ds
67188
67207
39.4
212

G_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_esG_es^mC_e

628594
^mC_esG_eoG_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
67220
67239
50.9
213

^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esA_esT_e

628598
G_esG_eoG_eoA_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
67250
67269
15.8
214

T_dsT_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628602
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
67321
67340
37.1
215

^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628606
^mC_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
67353
67372
55.6
216

T_dsT_dsT_eoG_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628610
T_esG_eoA_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds
67385
67404
53.0
217

A_dsT_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_esA_es^mC_e

628614
G_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
68188
68207
83.9
218

T_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628618
T_esG_eoT_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68209
68228
50.1
219

T_dsT_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esG_esA_e

628622
^mC_esA_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
68231
68250
58.6
220

G_dsT_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esG_e

628626
T_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_ds
68278
68297
35.9
221

^mC_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoA_esG_esG_e

628630
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
68319
68338
51.3
222

^mC_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628634
^mC_esA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68392
68411
53.6
223

^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_eoG_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628638
G_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds
68425
68444
57.1
224

^mC_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628642
G_esT_eoT_eoT_eoG_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_ds
68448
68467
40.8
225

^mC_dsT_eoT_eoG_esA_es^mC_e

628646
^mC_esT_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds
68464
68483
58.5
226

^mC_dsG_dsA_dsA_eoG_eoT_esT_esT_e

628650
T_esG_eoT_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
68488
68507
57.7
227

^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628654
T_esT_eoT_eoG_eoA_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds
68512
68531
69.1
228

A_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628658
G_esG_eoA_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
68559
68578
35.4
229

G_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628662
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds
68591
68610
58.1
230

G_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esG_esG_e

628666
T_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
68623
68642
47.3
231

^mC_dsG_eoG_eo^mC_esG_esG_e

628670
^mC_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
68656
68675
81.0
232

A_dsT_dsA_eoG_eoA_esA_esG_e

*628674
G_esT_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
68688
68707
69.4
233

T_dsG_dsA_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

*628678
^mC_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
68720
68739
95.8
234

^mC_dsG_dsA_dsT_eoG_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628682
T_esT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68766
68785
45.1
235

T_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoG_esA_esG_e

628686
T_es^mC_eo^mC_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
68798
68817
53.0
236

T_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_eoA_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628690
T_esG_eoG_eoT_eoG_eoG_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
68868
68887
87.2
237

T_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628694
^mC_esG_eoG_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds
68954
68973
79.7
238

^mC_dsT_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_esG_esT_e

628698
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds
69032
69051
51.1
239

^mC_dsA_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628702
^mC_esG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds
69080
69099
69.6
240

A_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628706
G_esG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
69094
69113
62.7
241

G_ds^mC_dsG_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628710
T_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_dsG_ds^mCds ^mCds G_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds
69108
69127
54.2
242

^mC_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_dsG_dsT_e

628714
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
69128
69147
47.5
243

G_dsT_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628718
G_esG_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_ds
69160
69179
53.6
244

T_dsG_eoT_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628722
T_es^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
69192
69211
24.4
245

T_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esT_esT_e

628726
^mC_es^mC_eoG_eoT_eoG_eoT_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
69236
69255
65.9
246

G_ds^mC_dsT_eoA_eoA_e^mC_esT_e

628730
T_esT_eoT_eoA_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds
69268
69287
65.8
247

T_dsT_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628734
^mC_es^mC_eoT_eoA_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
69300
69319
48.9
248

G_dsA_dsG_dsA_eoA_eoG_esA_esG_e

628738
T_esA_eoT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds
69332
69351
47.8
249

G_dsG_eoG_eoA_esA_esG_e

Superscript “m” indicates 5-methylcytosine.

Subscripts: “o” indicates a phosphodiester internucleoside linkage, “s” indicates a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, “e” indicates a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleoside, and “d” indicates a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

TABLE 4

Inhibition of human MECP2 by antisense oligonucleotides in vitro

SEQ

Start
Stop
%
ID

Isis No.
Sequence (5′ to 3′)
site
site
Inhibition
NO:

18078
G_esT_esG_es^mC_esG_esC_dsG_dsC_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsC_dsC_dsC_ds
n/a
n/a
−9.9
15

G_esA_esA_esT_es^mC_e

628544
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
1902
1921
45.6
250

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_eoG_eoA_esG_esG_e

628548
^mC_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
1934
1953
69.6
251

T_dsT_dsT_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esG_esG_e

628552
T_esG_eoG_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds
1989
2008
40.3
252

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628740
T_esT_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds
2547
2566
23.4
253

^mC_dsG_dsA_eoG_eoA_esA_esG_e

628744
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoA_eoG_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_ds
4561
4580
62.6
254

A_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628748
A_esA_eoG_eoA_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
7090
7109
39.7
255

T_dsT_eoA_eoG_esA_esA_e

628556
T_es^mC_eoA_eoA_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
7316
7335
40.7
256

T_dsG_dsG_eoT_eoG_esA_esG_e

628560
G_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eoA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_esA_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
7359
7378
76.3
257

A_dsA_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esT_e

628564
^mC_esA_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_ds
7391
7410
63.3
258

^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_eoG_eoA_esA_esT_e

628752
^mC_esA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
9908
9927
86.2
259

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esA_e

628756
T_esA_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds
12623
12642
14.8
260

T_dsA_eoT_eoT_esA_esT_e

628760
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
14890
14909
80.6
261

A_dsA_ds^mC_eoA_eoA_esA_esG_e

628764
G_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoA_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_ds
17865
17884
80.6
262

T_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esT_esG_e

628768
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds
20758
20777
91.0
263

^mC_dsA_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_esG_es^mC_e

628772
G_esA_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds
22839
22858
91.6
264

^mC_dsA_dsA_eoT_eoG_esG_esT_e

628776
G_esG_eoA_eoA_eoG_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds
25437
25456
43.3
265

G_dsG_eoG_eo^mC_esA_es^mC_e

628780
^mC_esA_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoA_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds
27672
27691
21.9
266

A_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_esT_e

628784
T_esT_eoT_eoA_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
30227
30246
58.2
267

T_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628788
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_dsA_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
32258
32277
94.0
268

T_dsG_dsG_eoT_eoT_esT_esT_e

628792
G_es^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds
34773
34792
78.3
269

G_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_esA_es^mC_e

628796
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
37542
37561
11.6
270

A_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628800
T_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_ds
39572
39591
76.1
271

A_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_esA_e

628804
A_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
41573
41592
63.7
272

A_dsT_dsG_dsA_eo^mC_eoT_esA_esA_e

628808
G_esT_eoT_eoA_eoG_eoA_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsT_ds
44142
44161
80.7
273

T_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628812
A_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds
46268
46287
52.5
274

G_dsG_dsA_eoG_eoA_esA_esA_e

628816
G_esA_eoG_eoA_eoA_eoG_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_ds
48363
48382
21.0
275

G_dsG_eoA_eoG_esA_esA_e

628820
T_esA_eoG_eoA_eoG_eoG_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsG_dsG_ds
50365
50384
25.7
276

A_dsA_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esG_e

628824
^mC_esT_eoT_eoA_eoG_eoA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_ds
53052
53071
−5.2
277

G_dsA_dsA_eoG_eoA_esA_esT_e

628828
G_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
55069
55088
67.5
278

T_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eoT_esG_esA_e

628832
G_esG_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoT_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsT_ds
57122
57141
68.6
279

G_dsA_ds^mC_eo^mC_eoT_esG_esG_e

628836
^mC_esG_eoT_eoA_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsA_dsG_ds
59723
59742
70.0
280

^mC_dsA_dsA_eoG_eoG_esA_esG_e

628840
G_esG_eoT_eoA_eoA_eoA_dsA_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsA_dsA_ds
61802
61821
−9.7
281

A_dsA_eoA_eoA_es^mC_esG_e

628844
A_esG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
63907
63926
82.8
282

^mC_es^mC_esT_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628848
A_esG_eoA_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
65932
65951
14.3
283

A_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628568
T_esG_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67056
67075
56.8
284

T_dsT_dsT_eo^mC_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628572
^mC_dsA_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_ds
67102
67121
74.9
285

T_dsT_dsG_eoA_eoG_esG_esG_e

628576
T_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67126
67145
47.3
286

T_dsT_dsA_eoT_eo^mC_esT_esT_e

628580
T_es^mC_eoA_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67140
67159
57.4
287

^mC_dsT_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_esT_es^mC_e

628584
T_esG_eoA_eoT_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsG_ds
67156
67175
58.1
288

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eo^mC_esA_esT_e

628588
^mC_esA_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_eoG_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_ds
67172
67191
10.9
289

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoG_esA_esT_e

628592
T_esG_eoA_eoT_eoG_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds
67204
67223
37.9
290

T_dsT_dsG_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628596
^mC_esA_eoG_eoA_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
67244
67263
16.0
291

^mC_dsA_ds^mC_eoA_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628600
G_esG_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_esG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
67288
67307
50.5
292

A_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_eoA_eoT_esG_esA_e

628604
G_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eoA_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_es^mC_esG_ds
67337
67356
59.6
293

T_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esA_esG_e

628608
A_esT_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_ds^mC_es^mC_es^mC_esA_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds
67369
67388
19.9
294

G_dsA_dsG_eo^mC_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628852
A_esG_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_es^mC_esA_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds
67934
67953
76.1
295

T_ds^mC_esA_eoG_eoG_es^mC_es^mC_e

628612
A_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoA_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds
68172
68191
36.2
296

A_dsG_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esT_esT_e

628616
T_esT_eoT_eoT_eo^mC_eoG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsA_ds^mC_esG_ds
68196
68215
41.9
297

^mC_esA_dsA_eoT_eo^mC_esA_esA_e

628620
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68216
68235
62.3
298

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628624
^mC_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoT_eoT_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds
68247
68266
40.4
299

A_dsG_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_esA_esA_e

628628
T_esG_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds
68294
68313
53.5
300

G_dsG_eoT_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628632
G_esT_eoG_eoG_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68355
68374
65.8
301

^mC_dsT_dsT_eoT_eoG_esG_esG_e

628636
T_es^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
68408
68427
38.7
302

T_dsT_dsT_dsT_eo^mC_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628640
G_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68431
68450
57.4
303

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eoG_eoG_esA_es^mC_e

628644
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsT_dsT_ds
68458
68477
37.8
304

T_dsG_dsA_eoA_eoA_esA_esG_e

628648
^mC_es^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds
68473
68492
25.0
305

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_esG_e

628652
T_esG_eoG_eoG_eoT_eoG_dsG_dsA_dsT_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds
68496
68515
13.6
306

G_dsG_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628656
^mC_esG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
68543
68562
59.4
307

T_ds^mC_dsG_eo^mC_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

628660
T_es^mC_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds
68575
68594
33.8
308

^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_eoG_eoG_dsA_esA_e

628664
G_es^mC_eoG_eoG_eo^mC_eoA_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds
68607
68626
31.0
309

^mC_ds^mC_dsA_eo^mC_eo^mC_esA_es^mC_e

*628668
A_esA_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds
68639
68658
69.2
310

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esT_es^mC_e

*628672
G_esG_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds
68662
68681
95.2
311

G_dsA_dsT_eo^mC_eoG_esG_esA_e

*628676
G_es^mC_eoT_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
68704
68723
40.4
312

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_eoG_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628680
^mC_esG_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds
68750
68769
37.2
313

^mC_dsA_dsG_eo^mC_eoA_esG_esG_e

628684
A_es^mC_eoA_eoG_eoG_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds
68782
68801
63.5
314

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eoT_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628688
^mC_esT_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
68814
68833
84.1
315

^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_eoT_eo^mC_es^mC_esG_e

628692
^mC_esT_eoG_eoA_eoG_eoT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsT_dsG_dsA_ds
68885
68904
11.9
316

T_dsG_eoG_eoT_esG_esG_e

628696
^mC_esT_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsG_ds
69016
69035
70.9
317

^mC_dsA_dsG_eoA_eo^mC_esG_es^mC_e

628700
^mC_es^mC_eoG_eoT_eo^mC_eoG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
69048
69067
71.6
318

A_dsG_dsT_dsG_eoA_eoG_ds^mC_es^mC_e

628704
G_esG_eo^mC_eoA_eoA_eo^mC_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsG_ds
69088
69107
72.3
319

^mC_dsT_dsG_dsA_eoG_eoT_es^mC_esT_e

628708
^mC_es^mC_eoG_eoT_eoG_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds
69101
69120
32.3
320

G_dsG_ds^mC_eoA_eoA_es^mC_es^mC_e

628712
T_esA_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_dsG_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_ds
69114
69133
55.9
321

^mC_ds^mC_dsG_eoT_eoG_esG_es^mC_e

628716
T_es^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoG_ds^mC_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds
69144
69163
52.4
322

^mC_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_es^mC_es^mC_e

628720
T_esG_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoG_dsG_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsG_ds
69176
69195
55.1
323

^mC_dsA_dsT_eoG_eoG_dsA_esG_e

628724
A_esA_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
69220
69239
82.2
324

A_ds^mC_dsG_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628728
T_esG_eo^mC_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsG_ds^mC_dsA_dsA_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_ds
69252
69271
77.9
325

G_ds^mC_dsT_eo^mC_eo^mC_esG_esT_e

628732
A_esG_eoA_eoG_eoA_eo^mC_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds^mC_dsT_ds
69284
69303
57.7
326

G_ds^mC_ds^mC_eoT_eoT_esT_esA_e

628736
G_esA_eoA_eoG_eo^mC_eoT_dsT_dsT_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_dsG_ds
69316
69335
90.1
327

A_dsG_ds^mC_eo^mC_eo^mC_esT_esA_e

Superscript “m” indicates 5-methylcytosine.

Subscripts: “o” indicates a phosphodiester intemucleoside linkage, “s” indicates a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, “e” indicates a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleoside, and “d” indicates a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

Example 2: Dose Response of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting MECP2 In Vitro

MECP2 targeting antisense oligonucleotides selected from Tables 1-4 were tested for dose response analysis in HepG2 cells. Isis Number 141923 does not target MECP2 and was used as a negative control. Cells were electroporated with 0, 0.111, 0.333, 1.00, 3.00, or 9.00 μM antisense oligonucleotide, and MECP2 mRNA was analyzed as described in Example 1. Results are presented in Tables 5 and 6 below. Isis Numbers 141923 and 628749 were included in both data sets as references for comparison. The results show that the antisense oligonucleotides targeting MECP2 inhibited MECP2 mRNA expression in a dose dependent manner.

TABLE 5

Dose repsonse in vitro

% Inhibition

0.111

SEQ ID

Isis No.
μM
0.333 μM
1.00 μM
3.00 μM
9.00 μM
NO:

141923
101.7
124.0
97.3
105.3
70.6
328

628688
89.1
73.1
47.8
24.3
17.0
315

628724
83.6
76.8
41.2
17.4
14.1
324

628736
84.6
68.9
36.3
21.4
9.1
327

628749
63.8
36.4
19.3
7.7
3.7
103

628751
102.3
77.4
39.2
19.5
8.3
25

628752
76.0
77.0
47.4
28.0
18.4
259

628763
63.5
37.1
11.5
8.1
6.7
28

628767
82.2
56.7
33.0
16.0
12.0
29

628768
98.4
68.4
43.7
21.7
11.0
263

628772
84.3
60.6
34.4
13.7
5.4
264

628775
84.3
62.4
37.0
15.9
6.3
31

628787
81.8
60.5
38.6
26.6
10.0
34

628788
79.8
65.1
35.9
10.5
4.9
268

628811
69.1
46.8
20.6
22.1
4.2
40

628844
82.6
76.4
49.6
38.1
16.2
282

TABLE 6

Dose repsonse in vitro

% Inhibition

0.111

SEQ ID

Isis No.
μM
0.333 μM
1.00 μM
3.00 μM
9.00 μM
NO:

141923
116.6
123.1
120.7
119.6
119.0
328

628558
94.5
65.4
49.2
19.9
9.2
178

628614
85.8
84.4
60.5
28.9
15.3
218

628637
93.1
80.1
63.4
25.3
8.3
146

628641
100.4
81.8
55.3
24.3
11.2
147

628690
101.7
77.9
51.5
28.0
16.4
237

628694
101.6
86.5
50.6
25.1
13.9
238

628742
103.3
73.6
48.8
20.1
14.7
175

628749
78.3
45.6
15.8
9.1
9.9
103

628757
88.6
70.5
39.0
21.7
13.5
105

628762
67.5
47.3
22.8
8.1
18.2
184

628766
119.8
77.5
65.6
31.5
18.0
185

628785
72.5
45.8
25.8
15.1
18.9
112

628786
85.6
55.5
36.0
17.3
10.6
190

628822
88.4
84.3
45.8
36.6
11.5
199

628833
90.6
70.1
55.2
32.1
10.8
124

Example 3: Effect of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting MECP2 In Vivo

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target human Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2), the complement of GENBANK accession number NT_167198.1 truncated from 4203000 to 4283000, SEQ ID NO: 2, were synthesized using standard solid phase oligonucleotide synthetic methods. They are chimeric oligonucleotides (“gapmers”), composed of a central “gap” region consisting of 2′-deoxynucleotides, which is flanked on both sides (5′ and 3′) by “wings” that are composed of modified nucleotides. The internucleoside (backbone) linkages are phosphorothioate or phosphodiester throughout the oligonucleotides. The sequences and structures of the antisense oligonucleotides and their start and stop sites along SEQ ID NO: 2 are shown in the table below.

TABLE 7

Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to human MECP2

Start
Stop
SEQ

Isis No.
Sequence (5′ to 3′)
site
site
ID NO.

628724
A_esA_eo^mC_eoT_eo^mC_eoT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_dsG_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_ds
69220
69239
324

G_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esG_e

628749
^mC_esA_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_eoT_dsG_dsA_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_ds^mC_dsA_ds
7615
7634
103

G_eoG_eoG_es^mC_esT_e

628772
G_esA_eoT_eo^mC_eoA_eo^mC_dsT_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds^mC_dsA_ds
22839
22858
264

A_eoT_eoG_esG_esT_e

628775
^mC_esG_eoT_eoG_eo^mC_eo^mC_dsikds T_dsG_dsG_dsA_dsA_dsG_dsT_ds^mC_ds
24936
24955
31

^mC_eoT_eoT_es^mC_es^mC_e

628785
G_esG_eoT_eoT_eoT_eoT_dsT_ds^mC_dsT_ds^mC_ds^mC_dsT_dsT_dsT_dsA_dsT_eo
30744
30763
112

T_eoA_esT_es^mC_e

Superscript “m” indicates 5-methylcytosine.

Subscripts: “o” indicates a phosphodiester internucleoside linkage, “s” indicates a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage, “e”10 indicates a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleoside, and “d” indicates a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

The antisense oligonucleotides were analyzed for their effects on MECP2 mRNA and protein levels in transgenic MECP2 duplication mice that overexpress wild type human MECP2 (F1 hybrid MECP2-TG1 mice(FVB/N×129)(Samaco et al., Nat Genet, 2012). At 8 weeks of age, FVB/N×129 mice display hypoactivity in the open field test, increased anxiety in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, abnormal social behavior in the 3-chamber test, and increased motor coordination in the rotarod test. Seven week old MECP2-TG mice were given stereotactic intracerebral injection of 500 μg of an antisense oligonucleotide listed in Table 7 or saline into the right ventricle of the brain. Wild type mice were given stereotactic intracerebral injection of saline into the right ventricle of the brain as a control. Each group consisted of two or three mice. Two weeks following the injection, the mice were sacrificed, and cortical brain samples were collected for analysis of MECP2 mRNA and protein levels. MECP2 and GAPDH protein levels were analyzed by western blot performed on the cortical sample lysates. Rabbit antiserum raised against the N-terminus of MECP2 and mouse anti-GAPDH 6C5 (Advanced Immunochemicals, Long Beach, Calif.) were used as the primary antibodies. Western blot images were quantified using Image J software, and the MECP2 protein levels normalized to GAPDH levels are shown in Table 8 below.

Total MECP2 mRNA, human MECP2 mRNA (both the e1 and e2 isoforms), and mouse MECP2 mRNA (both the e1 and e2 isoforms) were separately analyzed by RT-qPCR. The primers common to human and mouse used for total MECP2 mRNA were: 5′-TATTTGATCAATCCCCAGGG-3′, SEQ ID NO:

3, and 5′-CTCCCTCTCCCAGTTACCGT-3′, SEQ ID NO: 4. The human specific primers used for MECP2-e1 were 5′-AGGAGAGACTGGAAGAAAAGTC-3′, SEQ ID NO: 5, and 5′-CTTGAGGGGTTTGTCCTTGA-3′, SEQ ID NO: 6. The human specific primers used for MECP2-e2 were 5′-CTCACCAGTTCCTGCTTTGATGT-3′, SEQ ID NO: 7, and 5′-CTTGAGGGGTTTGTCCTTGA-3′, SEQ ID NO: 6. The mouse specific primers used for MECP2-e1 were 5′-AGGAGAGACTGGAGGAAAAGTC-3′, SEQ ID NO: 8, and 5′-CTTAAACTTCAGTGGCTTGTCTCTG-3′, SEQ ID NO: 9. The mouse specific primers used for MECP2-e2 were 5′-CTCACCAGTTCCTGCTTTGATGT-3′, SEQ ID NO: 7, and 5′-CTTAAACTTCAGTGGCTTGTCTCTG-3′, SEQ ID NO: 9. MECP2 mRNA levels were normalized to Hprt mRNA levels, which were analyzed using primer 5′-CGGGGGACATAAAAGTTATTG-3′, SEQ ID NO: 10, and 5′-TGCATTGTTTTACCAGTGTCAA-3′, SEQ ID NO: 11. Results are presented in Table 8 below as average normalized MECP2 mRNA levels relative to saline treated wild type (WT) mice. The results show that all of the antisense oligonucleotides tested inhibited MECP2 mRNA and protein levels in the transgenic mice, and human MECP2 mRNA levels were specifically inhibited, whereas mouse MECP2 mRNA levels were not inhibited. Isis Number 628785 was the most potent in the first experiments and was carried forward. Entries listed as “n/a” indicate that the corresponding experiment was not performed.

TABLE 8

MECP2 mRNA and protein levels in transgenic mice following ASO administration

MECP2
Total
Human mRNA
Mouse mRNA
SEQ

Mouse/Isis
protein
MECP2
MECP2-e1
MECP2-e2
MECP2-e1
MECP2-e2
ID

No.
level
mRNA
isoform
isoform
isoform
isoform
NO.

WT/PBS
1.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
1.3

TG/PBS
2.0
3.3
0.9
8.3
1.2
1.4

TG/628724
1.5
2.0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
324

TG/628749
1.6
2.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
103

TG/628772
1.7
2.7
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
264

TG/628775
1.4
2.1
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
31

TG/628785
1.3
1.6
0.3
2.3
1.0
1.3
112

Example 4: Effect of Gradual Infusion of Antisense Oligonucleotide Targeting MECP2 In Vivo

In order to gradually infuse antisense oligonucleotide into the right ventricle of the brain, micro-osmotic pumps (Alzet model 1004, Durect, Cupertino, Calif.) were filled with 500 μg of Isis No. 628785 or a control oligonucleotide that is not targeted to MECP2, dissolved in 1000 saline. The pump was then connected through a plastic catheter to a cannula (Alzet Brain Infusion Kit 3, Durect, Cupertino, Calif.). The pump was designed to deliver the drug at a rate of 0.110 per hour for 28 days. The cannula and pump assembly was primed in sterile saline for two days at 37° C. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and placed on a computer-guided stereotaxic instrument (Angle Two Stereotaxic Instrument, Leica Microsystems, Bannockburn, Ill.). Anesthesia (isoflurane 3%) was continuously delivered via a small face mask. Ketoprofen 5 mg/kg was administered subcutaneously at the initiation of the surgery. After sterilizing the surgical site with betadine and 70% alcohol, a midline incision was made over the skull and a subcutaneous pocket was generated on the back of the animal. Next, the pump was inserted into the pocket and the cannula was stereotactically implanted to deliver the drug in the right ventricle using the following coordinates: AP=−0.2 mm, ML=1 mm, DV=−3 mm. The incision was sutured shut. Carprofen-containing food pellets were provided for 5 days after the surgery. 28 days after the initiation of the treatment the pump was disconnected from the cannula and removed. Two additional weeks were given to the animals to recover.

Isis No. 628785 was gradually infused into the right ventricles of the brains of 7-week old WT or TG mice using the micro-osmotic pumps. Each treatment group consisted of 4 or 5 animals. At the end of the four-week treatment period, western blot was performed as described in Example 3 to analyze MECP2 protein levels at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following the initiation of antisense oligonucleotide treatment. The results are shown in Table 9 below.

TABLE 9

MECP2 protein levels following antisense oligonucleotide infusion

MECP2 protein level (relative to WT/Control)

Mouse/Isis No.
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks

WT/Control
1.0
1.0
1.0

TG/Control
2.9
2.7
2.3

TG/628785
1.6
1.8
2.2

Example 5: Behavioral Effects of Antisense Oligonucleotide Targeting Human MECP2 In Vivo

Following infusion of antisense oligonucleotide as described in Example 4, a battery of behavioral assays were performed to assess phenotypic effects of oligonucleotide treatment in TG mice treated with Isis No. 628785 or a control oligonucleotide and WT mice treated with a control oligonucleotide. Each treatment group contained at least 15 animals.

An open field test was performed two weeks and six weeks after the completion of the 4 week infusion by placing mice into the center of an open arena after habituation in the test room (40×40×30 cm). Their behavior was tracked by laser photobeam breaks for 30 min. Horizontal locomotor activity, rearing activity, time spent in the center of the arena, and entries to the center were analyzed using AccuScan Fusion software (Omnitech, Columbus, Ohio). The results are reported in table 10 below. The results show that the TG mice displayed hypoactivity in the open field test relative to WT mice at both time points, and treatment of TG mice with Isis No. 628785 restored activity close to WT levels.

TABLE 10

Open field test

Horizontal

activity

(activity
Rearing
Time in
Entries

Mouse/Isis
counts)
episodes
center (s)
to center

No.
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks

WT/Control
7134
5632
277
236
179
n/a
147
103

TG/Control
4116
3493
156
106
105
n/a
65
45

TG/628785
5550
6114
170
205
93
n/a
75
99

Mice were tested in an elevated plus maze two weeks and six weeks after the completion of the 4 week infusion. After habituation in the test room, mice were placed in the center part of the maze facing one of the two open arms. Mouse behavior was video-tracked for 10 minutes, and the time the mice spent in the open arms and the entries to the open arms were recorded and analyzed using ANY-maze system (Stoelting, Wood Dale, Ill.). The results are shown in Table 11 below. The results show that the TG mice displayed increased anxiety in the elevated plus maze test relative to WT mice at both time points, and treatment of TG mice with Isis No. 628785 restored anxiety levels close to WT levels.

TABLE 11

Elevated plus maze

Time in open arms (s)
Entries into open arms

Mouse/Isis No.
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks

WT/Control
139
81
21
12

TG/Control
76
13
12
2

TG/628785
91
55
11
7

Mice were assessed in a three-chamber social interaction test three weeks and seven weeks after the completion of the 4 week infusion. The apparatus comprised a clear Plexiglas box with removable partitions that separated the box into three chambers: left, central, and right. In the left and right chambers a cylindrical wire cup was placed with the open side down. Age and gender-matched mice were used as novel partners. Two days before the test, the novel partner mice were habituated to the wire cups (3 inches diameter by 4 inches in height) for 1 hour per day. After habituation in the test room, each mouse was placed in the central chamber and allowed to explore the three chambers for 10 minutes (habituation phase). The time spent in each chamber during the habituation phase was recorded automatically and analyzed using ANY-maze system (Stoelting, Wood Dale, Ill.). Next, a novel partner mouse was placed under a wire cup in either the left or the right chamber. An inanimate object was placed as a control under the wire cup of the opposite chamber. The location of the novel mouse was randomized between the left and right chambers for each test mouse to control for side preference. The mouse tested was allowed to explore again for an additional 10 minutes. The time spent investigating the novel partner (defined by rearing, sniffing or pawing at the wire cup) and the time spent investigating the inanimate object were measured manually. The results are shown in Table 12 below. The results show that the TG mice displayed hypoactivity and decreased social interaction in the three-chamber social interaction test relative to WT mice at both time points, and treatment of TG mice with Isis No. 628785 restored social interaction with a novel partner to WT levels at the 6 week time point.

TABLE 12

Three-chamber social interaction test

Time spent investigating
Time spent investigating

chambers during
novel partner or

habituation phase (s)
inanimate object (s)

Mouse/Isis
Left
Right
Novel partner
Inanimate object

No.
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks
2 weeks
6 weeks

WT/Control
52.4
n/a
44.1
n/a
141
107
38
37

TG/Control
35.5
n/a
29.9
n/a
106
59
33
28

TG/628785
37.7
n/a
23.0
n/a
94
106
27
28

Mice were assessed in an accelerating rotarod test three weeks after the completion of the 4 week infusion. After habituation in the test room, motor coordination was measured using an accelerating rotarod apparatus (Ugo Basile, Varese, Italy). Mice were tested 2 consecutive days, 4 trials each, with an interval of 60 minutes between trials to rest. Each trial lasted for a maximum of 10 minutes; mice that never fell were given a measurement of 600 seconds. The rod accelerated from 4 to 40 r.p.m. in the first 5 minutes. The time that it took for each mouse to fall from the rod (latency to fall) was recorded. Results are shown in Table 13 below. The results show that the TG mice displayed increased performance in the rotarod test relative to WT mice, and treatment of TG mice with Isis No. 628785 restored performance to WT levels.

TABLE 13

Accelerating rotarod test

Latency to fall (s)

Mouse/Isis No.
Day 1
Day 2

WT/Control
174
300

TG/Control
275
400

TG/628785
183
282

The results in tables 10-13 above show that treatment with Isis No. 628785 targeting MECP2 reversed behavioral phenotypes of the TG mice. The TG mice treated with Isis No. 628785 performed similarly to WT mice in the rotarod test 3-4 weeks after completion of the infusion. By 6-7 weeks after completion of the infusion, the hypoactivity, anxiety-like behaviors and social behavior of the TG mice were reversed, as evidenced by the open field, elevated plus maze and three-chamber tests, respectively.

Example 6: Dose Response of Antisense Oligonucleotide Targeting Human MECP2 in Patient Cells

In order to test for a dose dependent effect of Isis No. 628785 on human cells, B-lymphoblast cells from two individuals affected with MECP2-duplication symdrome and age-matched control cells were cultured in suspension in RPMI 1640 medium with L-glutamine, penicillin-streptomycin, and 10% (v/v) fetal bovice serum. A day before transfection, cells were seeded in triplicate for each treatment in 6-well plates at 10⁶cells per well in a total volume of 2 mL medium. Cells were transfected with Isis No. 628785 or control oligonucleotide at a concentration listed in Table 14 below with TurboFect transfection reagent (Thermo Scientific, Carlsbad, Calif.). Cells were harvested and RNA was extracted 48 hours after transfection, and MECP2 mRNA levels were analyzed as described in Example 1. Results are presented in Table 14 below as average normalized MECP2 mRNA levels for both patients' cells relative to untreated control cells. The results show that Isis No. 628785 inhibited MECP2 expression in human MECP2 duplication patient cells.

TABLE 14

Antisense oligonucleotide treatment of patient lymphoblasts

Cell type/Isis No.
Concentration (nM)
Total relative MECP2 mRNA

Control/Control
600
1.0

Patient/Control
600
3.1

Patient/628785
150
2.2

Patient/628785
300
1.6

Patient/628785
600
1.3

Example 7: Reduction of Seizure Activity with an Antisense Oligonucleotide Targeting Human MECP2 In Vivo

Without treatment, seizures and accompanying abnormal electrographic discharges occur in MECP2-TG1 mice as they age. In order to test the effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on seizure activity in MECP2-TG1 mice, electrocephalography recordings were performed and behavioral seizure activity was observed.

25-35 week old MECP2-TG1 mice that had been treated as described in Example 4 were anaesthetized with isoflurane and mounted in a stereotaxic frame for the surgical implantation of three recording electrodes (Teflon-coated silver wire, 125 μm in diameter) in the subdural space of the left frontal cortex, the left parietal cortex, and the right parietal cortex, with a reference electrode placed in the occipital region of the skull. After 3-5 days of surgical recovery, cortical EEG activity and behavior were recorded for 2 h per day over 3-5 days. Strong electrographic seizure events were typically accompanied by behavioral seizures. FIG. 1 displays representative EEG traces for WT mice, MECP2-TG1 mice without Isis No. 628785 treatment, and MECP2-TG1 mice that received treatment with Isis No. 628785. Treatment of MECP2-TG1 mice with Isis No. 628785 eliminated both behavioral seizures and abnormal EEG discharges.