Sustained inhibition of ENaC in CF: Potential RNA-based therapies for mutation-agnostic treatment

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2022 Jun:64:102209. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102209. Epub 2022 Apr 25.

Abstract

Disruption of the equilibrium between ion secretion and absorption processes by the airway epithelium is central to many muco-obstructive lung diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF). Besides correction of defective folding and function of CFTR, inhibition of amiloride-sensitive epithelia sodium channels (ENaC) has emerged as a bona fide therapeutic strategy to improve mucociliary clearance in patients with CF. The short half-life of amiloride-based ENaC blockers and hyperosmotic therapies have led to the development of novel RNA-based interventions for targeted and sustained reduction of ENaC expression and function in preclinical models of CF. This review summarizes the recent advances in RNA therapeutics targeting ENaC for mutation-agnostic treatment of CF.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amiloride / pharmacology
  • Amiloride / therapeutic use
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / metabolism
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / drug therapy
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / genetics
  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels / genetics
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • RNA

Substances

  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
  • RNA
  • Amiloride