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Pham Q, Glicksman J, Chatterjee A. Chemical approaches to probe and engineer AAV vectors. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:13820-13833. [PMID: 38978480 PMCID: PMC11271820 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01300j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as the most promising vector for in vivo human gene therapy, with several therapeutic approvals in the last few years and countless more under development. Underlying this remarkable success are several attractive features that AAV offers, including lack of pathogenicity, low immunogenicity, long-term gene expression without genomic integration, the ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, etc. However, the commonly used wild-type AAV capsids in therapeutic development present significant challenges, including inadequate tissue specificity and the need for large doses to attain therapeutic effectiveness, raising safety concerns. Additionally, significant preexisting adaptive immunity against most natural capsids, and the development of such anti-capsid immunity after the first treatment, represent major challenges. Strategies to engineer the AAV capsid are critically needed to address these challenges and unlock the full promise of AAV gene therapy. Chemical modification of the AAV capsid has recently emerged as a powerful new approach to engineer its properties. Unlike genetic strategies, which can be more disruptive to the delicate capsid assembly and packaging processes, "late-stage" chemical modification of the assembled capsid-whether at natural amino acid residues or site-specifically installed noncanonical amino acid residues-often enables a versatile approach to introducing new properties to the capsid. This review summarizes the significant recent progress in AAV capsid engineering strategies, with a particular focus on chemical modifications in advancing the next generation of AAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Pham
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Jake Glicksman
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
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2
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Lagunes L, Briggs K, Martin-Holder P, Xu Z, Maurer D, Ghabra K, Deeds EJ. Modeling reveals the strength of weak interactions in stacked-ring assembly. Biophys J 2024; 123:1763-1780. [PMID: 38762753 PMCID: PMC11267433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells employ many large macromolecular machines for the execution and regulation of processes that are vital for cell and organismal viability. Interestingly, cells cannot synthesize these machines as functioning units. Instead, cells synthesize the molecular parts that must then assemble into the functional complex. Many important machines, including chaperones such as GroEL and proteases such as the proteasome, comprise protein rings that are stacked on top of one another. While there is some experimental data regarding how stacked-ring complexes such as the proteasome self-assemble, a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of stacked-ring assembly is currently lacking. Here, we developed a mathematical model of stacked-trimer assembly and performed an analysis of the assembly of the stacked homomeric trimer, which is the simplest stacked-ring architecture. We found that stacked rings are particularly susceptible to a form of kinetic trapping that we term "deadlock," in which the system gets stuck in a state where there are many large intermediates that are not the fully assembled structure but that cannot productively react. When interaction affinities are uniformly strong, deadlock severely limits assembly yield. We thus predicted that stacked rings would avoid situations where all interfaces in the structure have high affinity. Analysis of available crystal structures indicated that indeed the majority-if not all-of stacked trimers do not contain uniformly strong interactions. Finally, to better understand the origins of deadlock, we developed a formal pathway analysis and showed that, when all the binding affinities are strong, many of the possible pathways are utilized. In contrast, optimal assembly strategies utilize only a small number of pathways. Our work suggests that deadlock is a critical factor influencing the evolution of macromolecular machines and provides general principles for understanding the self-assembly efficiency of existing machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonila Lagunes
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Koan Briggs
- Department of Physics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Paige Martin-Holder
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Microbiology and Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zaikun Xu
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Dustin Maurer
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Karim Ghabra
- Computational and Systems Biology IDP, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eric J Deeds
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
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Maturana CJ. Engineered compact pan-neuronal promoter from Alphaherpesvirus LAP2 enhances target gene expression in the mouse brain and reduces tropism in the liver. Gene Ther 2024; 31:335-344. [PMID: 38012300 PMCID: PMC11090813 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00430-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Small promoters capable of driving potent neuron-restricted gene expression are required to support successful brain circuitry and clinical gene therapy studies. However, converting large promoters into functional MiniPromoters, which can be used in vectors with limited capacity, remains challenging. In this study, we describe the generation of a novel version of alphaherpesvirus latency-associated promoter 2 (LAP2), which facilitates precise transgene expression exclusively in the neurons of the mouse brain while minimizing undesired targeting in peripheral tissues. Additionally, we aimed to create a compact neural promoter to facilitate packaging of larger transgenes. Our results revealed that MiniLAP2 (278 bp) drives potent transgene expression in all neurons in the mouse brain, with little to no expression in glial cells. In contrast to the native promoter, MiniLAP2 reduced tropism in the spinal cord and liver. No expression was detected in the kidney or skeletal muscle. In summary, we developed a minimal pan-neuronal promoter that drives specific and robust transgene expression in the mouse brain when delivered intravenously via AAV-PHP.eB vector. The use of this novel MiniPromoter may broaden the range of deliverable therapeutics and improve their safety and efficacy by minimizing the potential for off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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4
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Sussman C, Liberatore RA, Drozdz MM. Delivery of DNA-Based Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:535. [PMID: 38675196 PMCID: PMC11053842 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy and its role in the medical field have evolved drastically in recent decades. Studies aim to define DNA-based medicine as well as encourage innovation and the further development of novel approaches. Gene therapy has been established as an alternative approach to treat a variety of diseases. Its range of mechanistic applicability is wide; gene therapy has the capacity to address the symptoms of disease, the body's ability to fight disease, and in some cases has the ability to cure disease, making it a more attractive intervention than some traditional approaches to treatment (i.e., medicine and surgery). Such versatility also suggests gene therapy has the potential to address a greater number of indications than conventional treatments. Many DNA-based therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, and several have been approved for use in humans. Whereas current treatment regimens for chronic disease often require frequent dosing, DNA-based therapies can produce robust and durable expression of therapeutic genes with fewer treatments. This benefit encourages the application of DNA-based gene therapy to manage chronic diseases, an area where improving efficiency of current treatments is urgent. Here, we provide an overview of two DNA-based gene therapies as well as their delivery methods: adeno associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy and plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based gene therapy. We will focus on how these therapies have already been utilized to improve treatment of chronic disease, as well as how current literature supports the expansion of these therapies to treat additional chronic indications in the future.
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Maturana CJ, Engel EA. Persistent transgene expression in peripheral tissues one year post intravenous and intramuscular administration of AAV vectors containing the alphaherpesvirus latency-associated promoter 2. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:1379991. [PMID: 38665693 PMCID: PMC11044866 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2024.1379991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in enhancing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) for clinical investigation. Despite its versatility as a gene delivery platform, the inherent packaging constraint of 4.7 kb imposes restrictions on the range of diseases it can address. In this context, we present findings of an exceptionally compact and long-term promoter that facilitates the expression of larger genes compared to conventional promoters. This compact promoter originated from the genome of the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus, latency-associated promoter 2 (LAP2, 404 bp). Promoter driving an mCherry reporter was packaged into single strand (ss) AAV8 and AAV9 vectors and injected into adult C57BL/6 mice at a dose of 5 × 1011 vg/mouse by single intravenous or intramuscular administration. An ssAAV8 and ssAAV9 vector with elongation factor-1α promoter (EF1α, 1264 bp) was injected side-by-side for comparison. After 400 days, we sacrificed the mice and examined mCherry expression in liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and brain. We found that LAP2 exhibited robust transgene expression across a wide range of cells and tissues comparable to the larger EF1α, which is currently recognized as a rather potent and ubiquitous promoter. The AAV8-LAP2 and AAV9-LAP2 constructs displayed strong transduction and transcription in liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle on both route of administration. However, no expression was detected in the heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, and brain. The outcomes of our investigation propose the viability of LAP2 for gene therapy applications demanding the expression of large or multiple therapeutic genes following a single viralvector administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J. Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Esteban A. Engel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Wu X, Yu Y, Wang M, Dai D, Yin J, Liu W, Kong D, Tang S, Meng M, Gao T, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Guan N, Zhao S, Ye H. AAV-delivered muscone-induced transgene system for treating chronic diseases in mice via inhalation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1122. [PMID: 38321056 PMCID: PMC10847102 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies provide treatment options for many diseases, but the safe and long-term control of therapeutic transgene expression remains a primary issue for clinical applications. Here, we develop a muscone-induced transgene system packaged into adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors (AAVMUSE) based on a G protein-coupled murine olfactory receptor (MOR215-1) and a synthetic cAMP-responsive promoter (PCRE). Upon exposure to the trigger, muscone binds to MOR215-1 and activates the cAMP signaling pathway to initiate transgene expression. AAVMUSE enables remote, muscone dose- and exposure-time-dependent control of luciferase expression in the livers or lungs of mice for at least 20 weeks. Moreover, we apply this AAVMUSE to treat two chronic inflammatory diseases: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and allergic asthma, showing that inhalation of muscone-after only one injection of AAVMUSE-can achieve long-term controllable expression of therapeutic proteins (ΔhFGF21 or ΔmIL-4). Our odorant-molecule-controlled system can advance gene-based precision therapies for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Institute of Medical Technology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China
| | - Yuanhuan Yu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Di Dai
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jianli Yin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Deqiang Kong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shasha Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Xincun Road 389, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Meiyao Meng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Tian Gao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Wuhu Hospital, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Middle Jiuhua Road 263, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Ningzi Guan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shangang Zhao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, 401120, China.
- Wuhu Hospital, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Middle Jiuhua Road 263, Wuhu, Anhui, China.
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Ebrahimi A, Roshani F. Systems biology approaches to identify driver genes and drug combinations for treating COVID-19. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2257. [PMID: 38278931 PMCID: PMC10817985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona virus 19 (Covid-19) has caused many problems in public health, economic, and even cultural and social fields since the beginning of the epidemic. However, in order to provide therapeutic solutions, many researches have been conducted and various omics data have been published. But there is still no early diagnosis method and comprehensive treatment solution. In this manuscript, by collecting important genes related to COVID-19 and using centrality and controllability analysis in PPI networks and signaling pathways related to the disease; hub and driver genes have been identified in the formation and progression of the disease. Next, by analyzing the expression data, the obtained genes have been evaluated. The results show that in addition to the significant difference in the expression of most of these genes, their expression correlation pattern is also different in the two groups of COVID-19 and control. Finally, based on the drug-gene interaction, drugs affecting the identified genes are presented in the form of a bipartite graph, which can be used as the potential drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ebrahimi
- Department of Physics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Jin L, Mao Z. Living virus-based nanohybrids for biomedical applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1923. [PMID: 37619605 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Living viruses characterized by distinctive biological functions including specific targeting, gene invasion, immune modulation, and so forth have been receiving intensive attention from researchers worldwide owing to their promising potential for producing numerous theranostic modalities against diverse pathological conditions. Nevertheless, concerns during applications, such as rapid immune clearance, altering immune activation modes, insufficient gene transduction efficiency, and so forth, highlight the crucial issues of excessive therapeutic doses and the associated biosafety risks. To address these concerns, synthetic nanomaterials featuring unique physical/chemical properties are frequently exploited as efficient drug delivery vehicles or treatments in biomedical domains. By constant endeavor, researchers nowadays can create adaptable living virus-based nanohybrids (LVN) that not only overcome the limitations of virotherapy, but also combine the benefits of natural substances and nanotechnology to produce novel and promising therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In this review, we discuss the fundamental physiochemical properties of the viruses, and briefly outline the basic construction methodologies of LVN. We then emphasize their distinct diagnostic and therapeutic performances for various diseases. Furthermore, we survey the foreseeable challenges and future perspectives in this interdisciplinary area to offer insights. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Khan SU, Khan MU, Suleman M, Inam A, Din MAU. Hemophilia Healing with AAV: Navigating the Frontier of Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:265-277. [PMID: 38284735 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232279893231228065540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia has advanced tremendously after thirty years of continual study and development. Advancements in medical science have facilitated attaining normal levels of Factor VIII (FVIII) or Factor IX (FIX) in individuals with haemophilia, thereby offering the potential for their complete recovery. Despite the notable advancements in various countries, there is significant scope for further enhancement in haemophilia gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) currently serves as the primary vehicle for gene therapy in clinical trials targeting haemophilia. Subsequent investigations will prioritize enhancing viral capsid structures, transgene compositions, and promoters to achieve heightened transduction efficacy, diminished immunogenicity, and more predictable therapeutic results. The present study indicates that whereas animal models have transduction efficiency that is over 100% high, human hepatocytes are unable to express clotting factors and transduction efficiency to comparable levels. According to the current study, achieving high transduction efficiency and high levels of clotting factor expression in human hepatocytes is still insufficient. It is also crucial to reduce the risk of cellular stress caused by protein overload. Despite encountering various hurdles, the field of haemophilia gene therapy holds promise for the future. As technology continues to advance and mature, it is anticipated that a personalized therapeutic approach will be developed to cure haemophilia effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safir Ullah Khan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Munir Ullah Khan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
| | - Amrah Inam
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Muhammad Azhar Ud Din
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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Fadaie M, Dianat-Moghadam H, Ghafouri E, Naderi S, Darvishali MH, Ghovvati M, Khanahmad H, Boshtam M, Makvandi P. Unraveling the potential of M13 phages in biomedicine: Advancing drug nanodelivery and gene therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117132. [PMID: 37714365 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
M13 phages possessing filamentous phage genomes offer the benefits of selective display of molecular moieties and delivery of therapeutic agent payloads with a tolerable safety profile. M13 phage-displayed technology for resembling antigen portions led to the discovery of mimetic epitopes that applied to antibody-based therapy and could be useful in the design of anticancer vaccines. To date, the excremental experiences have engaged the M13 phage in the development of innovative biosensors for detecting biospecies, biomolecules, and human cells with an acceptable limit of detection. Addressing the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, M13 phages are potent for packaging the programmed gene editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas, to target multiple antimicrobial genes. Moreover, their display potential in combination with nanoparticles inspires new approaches for engineering targeted theragnostic platforms targeting multiple cellular biomarkers in vivo. In this review, we present the available data on optimizing the use of bacteriophages with a focus on the to date experiences with M13 phages, either as monoagent or as part of combination regimens in the practices of biosensors, vaccines, bactericidal, modeling of specific antigen epitopes, and phage-guided nanoparticles for drug delivery systems. Despite increasing research interest, a deep understanding of the underlying biological and genetic behaviors of M13 phages is needed to enable the full potential of these bioagents in biomedicine, as discussed here. We also discuss some of the challenges that have thus far limited the development and practical marketing of M13 phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Fadaie
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Ghafouri
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shamsi Naderi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Darvishali
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghovvati
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Maryam Boshtam
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Pfeifer BA, Beitelshees M, Hill A, Bassett J, Jones CH. Harnessing synthetic biology for advancing RNA therapeutics and vaccine design. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:60. [PMID: 38036580 PMCID: PMC10689799 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent global events have drawn into focus the diversity of options for combatting disease across a spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. The recent success of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has paved the way for RNA-based treatments to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. However, historical treatment options are continuously updated and reimagined in the context of novel technical developments, such as those facilitated through the application of synthetic biology. When it comes to the development of genetic forms of therapies and vaccines, synthetic biology offers diverse tools and approaches to influence the content, dosage, and breadth of treatment with the prospect of economic advantage provided in time and cost benefits. This can be achieved by utilizing the broad tools within this discipline to enhance the functionality and efficacy of pharmaceutical agent sequences. This review will describe how synthetic biology principles can augment RNA-based treatments through optimizing not only the vaccine antigen, therapeutic construct, therapeutic activity, and delivery vector. The enhancement of RNA vaccine technology through implementing synthetic biology has the potential to shape the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A Pfeifer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Andrew Hill
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10001, USA
| | - Justin Bassett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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13
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Hussain W, Yang X, Ullah M, Wang H, Aziz A, Xu F, Asif M, Ullah MW, Wang S. Genetic engineering of bacteriophages: Key concepts, strategies, and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 64:108116. [PMID: 36773707 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entity in the world and hold a tremendous amount of unexplored genetic information. Since their discovery, phages have drawn a great deal of attention from researchers despite their small size. The development of advanced strategies to modify their genomes and produce engineered phages with desired traits has opened new avenues for their applications. This review presents advanced strategies for developing engineered phages and their potential antibacterial applications in phage therapy, disruption of biofilm, delivery of antimicrobials, use of endolysin as an antibacterial agent, and altering the phage host range. Similarly, engineered phages find applications in eukaryotes as a shuttle for delivering genes and drugs to the targeted cells, and are used in the development of vaccines and facilitating tissue engineering. The use of phage display-based specific peptides for vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and targeted drug delivery is also discussed in this review. The engineered phage-mediated industrial food processing and biocontrol, advanced wastewater treatment, phage-based nano-medicines, and their use as a bio-recognition element for the detection of bacterial pathogens are also part of this review. The genetic engineering approaches hold great potential to accelerate translational phages and research. Overall, this review provides a deep understanding of the ingenious knowledge of phage engineering to move them beyond their innate ability for potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Hussain
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mati Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ayesha Aziz
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Hospital, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plasma Chemistry and Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Muhammad Wajid Ullah
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Shenqi Wang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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14
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Haberberger RV, Kuramatilake J, Barry CM, Matusica D. Ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglia. Cell Tissue Res 2023:10.1007/s00441-023-03770-w. [PMID: 37079097 PMCID: PMC10115609 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03770-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) contains thousands of sensory neurons that transmit information about our external and internal environment to the central nervous system. This includes signals related to proprioception, temperature, and nociception. Our understanding of DRG has increased tremendously over the last 50 years and has established the DRG as an active participant in peripheral processes. This includes interactions between neurons and non-neuronal cells such as satellite glia cells and macrophages that contribute to an increasingly complex cellular environment that modulates neuronal function. Early ultrastructural investigations of the DRG have described subtypes of sensory neurons based on differences in the arrangement of organelles such as the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. The neuron-satellite cell complex and the composition of the axon hillock in DRG have also been investigated, but, apart from basic descriptions of Schwann cells, ultrastructural investigations of other cell types in DRG are limited. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of key components of DRG, such as blood vessels and the capsule that sits at the intersection of the meninges and the connective tissue covering the peripheral nervous system, are lacking to date. With rising interest in DRG as potential therapeutic targets for aberrant signalling associated with chronic pain conditions, gaining further insights into DRG ultrastructure will be fundamental to understanding cell-cell interactions that modulate DRG function. In this review, we aim to provide a synopsis of the current state of knowledge on the ultrastructure of the DRG and its components, as well as to identify areas of interest for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Viktor Haberberger
- Division of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Jaliya Kuramatilake
- Division of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christine M Barry
- Anatomy, Histology & Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dusan Matusica
- Anatomy, Histology & Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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15
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Jinteng L, Peitao X, Wenhui Y, Guiwen Y, Feng Y, Xiaojun X, Zepeng S, Jiajie L, Yunshu C, Zhaoqiang Z, Yipeng Z, Zhikun L, Pei F, Qian C, Dateng L, Zhongyu X, Yanfeng W, Huiyong S. BMAL1-TTK-H2Bub1 loop deficiency contributes to impaired BM-MSC-mediated bone formation in senile osteoporosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:568-585. [PMID: 36910712 PMCID: PMC9996134 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
During the aging process, the reduced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) results in decreased bone formation, which contributes to senile osteoporosis. Previous studies have confirmed that interrupted circadian rhythm plays an indispensable role in age-related disease. However, the mechanism underlying the impaired osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs during aging and its relationship with interrupted circadian rhythm remains unclear. In this study, we confirmed that the circadian rhythm was interrupted in aging mouse skeletal systems. The level of the core rhythm component BMAL1 but not that of CLOCK in the osteoblast lineage was decreased in senile osteoporotic specimens from both human and mouse. BMAL1 targeted TTK as a circadian-controlled gene to phosphorylate MDM2 and regulate H2Bub1 level, while H2Bub1 in turn regulated the expression of BMAL1. The osteogenic capacity of BM-MSCs was maintained by a positive loop formed by BMAL1-TTK-MDM2-H2Bub1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that using bone-targeting recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 (rAAV9) to enhance Bmal1 or Ttk might have a therapeutic effect on senile osteoporosis and delays bone repair in aging mice. In summary, our study indicated that targeting the BMAL1-TTK-MDM2-H2Bub1 axis via bone-targeting rAAV9 might be a promising strategy for the treatment of senile osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jinteng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Xu Peitao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wenhui
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Ye Guiwen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Ye Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Xu Xiaojun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Su Zepeng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Lin Jiajie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Che Yunshu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Zhang Zhaoqiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Zeng Yipeng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhikun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Pei
- Center for Biotherapy, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Cao Qian
- Center for Biotherapy, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Li Dateng
- Department of Statistical Science, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xie Zhongyu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Wu Yanfeng
- Center for Biotherapy, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
| | - Shen Huiyong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, P.R. China
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16
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Kashiwakura Y, Ohmori T. Genome Editing of Murine Liver Hepatocytes by AAV Vector-Mediated Expression of Cas9 In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2637:195-211. [PMID: 36773148 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3016-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are attractive tools for gene transfer to the liver and are used as gene therapeutic drugs for inherited disorders. The intravenous injection of an AAV vector harboring the gene of interest driven by the hepatocyte-specific promoter could efficiently express the target gene in liver hepatocytes. The delivery of genome editing tools including Cas9 and gRNA, by the AAV vector, can efficiently disrupt the target gene expression in the liver in vivo by intravenous administration in mice. We can quickly obtain mice lacking specific gene expression in the liver only by administering the AAV vector. The method could be suitable for developing genome editing treatments for inherited disorders and basic research exploring the physiological role of the target gene produced from liver hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kashiwakura
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Tsukasa Ohmori
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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17
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miRNA Pathway Alteration in Response to Non-Coding RNA Delivery in Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314954. [PMID: 36499289 PMCID: PMC9741442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is widely used to treat incurable disorders and has become a routine procedure in clinical practice. Since viruses can exhibit specific tropisms, effectively penetrate the cell, and are easy to use, most gene therapy approaches are based on viral delivery of genetic material. However, viral vectors have some disadvantages, such as immune response and cytotoxicity induced by a disturbance of cell metabolism, including miRNA pathways that are an important part of transcription regulation. Therefore, any viral-based gene therapy approach involves the evaluation of side effects and safety. It is possible for such effects to be caused either by the viral vectors themselves or by the delivered genetic material. Many gene therapy techniques use non-coding RNA delivery as an effective agent for gene expression regulation, with the risk of cellular miRNA pathways being affected due to the nature of the non-coding RNAs. This review describes the effect of viral vector entry and non-coding RNA delivery by these vectors on miRNA signaling pathways.
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18
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Olshefsky A, Richardson C, Pun SH, King NP. Engineering Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2018-2034. [PMID: 35487503 PMCID: PMC9673152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite remarkable advances over the past several decades, many therapeutic nanomaterials fail to overcome major in vivo delivery barriers. Controlling immunogenicity, optimizing biodistribution, and engineering environmental responsiveness are key outstanding delivery problems for most nanotherapeutics. However, notable exceptions exist including some lipid and polymeric nanoparticles, some virus-based nanoparticles, and nanoparticle vaccines where immunogenicity is desired. Self-assembling protein nanoparticles offer a powerful blend of modularity and precise designability to the field, and have the potential to solve many of the major barriers to delivery. In this review, we provide a brief overview of key designable features of protein nanoparticles and their implications for therapeutic delivery applications. We anticipate that protein nanoparticles will rapidly grow in their prevalence and impact as clinically relevant delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Olshefsky
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Christian Richardson
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Molecular
Engineering and Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Neil P. King
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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19
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Tang H, Zhu W, Cao L, Zhang J, Li J, Ma D, Guo C. miR-210-3p protects against osteoarthritis through inhibiting subchondral angiogenesis by targeting the expression of TGFBR1 and ID4. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982278. [PMID: 36263050 PMCID: PMC9575949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive subchondral angiogenesis is a key pathological feature of osteoarthritis (OA), as it alters the balance of subchondral bone remodeling and causes progressive cartilage degradation. We previously found that miR-210-3p correlates negatively with angiogenesis, though the specific mechanism of miR-210-3p-related angiogenesis in subchondral bone during OA progression remains unclear. This study was conducted to identify the miR-210-3p-modulating subchondral angiogenesis mechanism in OA and investigate its therapeutic effect. We found that miR-210-3p expression correlated negatively with subchondral endomucin positive (Emcn+) vasculature in the knee joints of OA mice. miR-210-3p overexpression regulated the angiogenic ability of endothelial cells (ECs) under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Mechanistically, miR-210-3p inhibited ECs angiogenesis by suppressing transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) mRNA translation and degrading DNA-binding inhibitor 4 (ID4) mRNA. In addition, TGFBR1 downregulated the expression of ID4. Reduced ID4 levels led to a negative feedback regulation of TGFBR1, enhancing the inhibitory effect of miR-210-3p on angiogenesis. In OA mice, miR-210-3p overexpression in ECs via adeno-associated virus (AAV) alleviated cartilage degradation, suppressed the type 17 immune response and relieved symptoms by attenuating subchondral Emcn+ vasculature and subchondral bone remodeling. In conclusion, we identified a miR-210-3p/TGFBR1/ID4 axis in subchondral ECs that modulates OA progression via subchondral angiogenesis, representing a potential OA therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenrun Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Cao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juncheng Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Changan Guo, ; Duan Ma,
| | - Changan Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Changan Guo, ; Duan Ma,
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20
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Pan X, Yue Y, Boftsi M, Wasala LP, Tran NT, Zhang K, Pintel DJ, Tai PWL, Duan D. Rational engineering of a functional CpG-free ITR for AAV gene therapy. Gene Ther 2022; 29:333-345. [PMID: 34611321 PMCID: PMC8983793 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are the only wild-type components retained in the genome of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. To determine whether ITR modification is a viable approach for AAV vector engineering, we rationally deleted all CpG motifs in the ITR and examined whether CpG elimination compromises AAV-vector production and transduction. Modified ITRs were stable in the plasmid and maintained the CpG-free nature in purified vectors. Replacing the wild-type ITR with the CpG-free ITR did not affect vector genome encapsidation. However, the vector yield was decreased by approximately 3-fold due to reduced vector genome replication. To study the biological potency, we made micro-dystrophin (μDys) AAV vectors carrying either the wild-type ITR or the CpG-free ITR. We delivered the CpG-free μDys vector to one side of the tibialis anterior muscle of dystrophin-null mdx mice and the wild-type μDys vector to the contralateral side. Evaluation at four months after injection showed no difference in the vector genome copy number, microdystrophin expression, and muscle histology and force. Our results suggest that the complete elimination of the CpG motif in the ITR does not affect the biological activity of the AAV vector. CpG-free ITRs could be useful in engineering therapeutic AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Pan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Maria Boftsi
- Pathobiology Area Graduate Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Lakmini P Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
- Pathobiology Area Graduate Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Ngoc Tam Tran
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Keqing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - David J Pintel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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21
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Lunev E, Karan A, Egorova T, Bardina M. Adeno-Associated Viruses for Modeling Neurological Diseases in Animals: Achievements and Prospects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051140. [PMID: 35625877 PMCID: PMC9139062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have become an attractive tool for efficient gene transfer into animal tissues. Extensively studied as the vehicles for therapeutic constructs in gene therapy, AAVs are also applied for creating animal models of human genetic disorders. Neurological disorders are challenging to model in laboratory animals by transgenesis or genome editing, at least partially due to the embryonic lethality and the timing of the disease onset. Therefore, gene transfer with AAV vectors provides a more flexible option for simulating genetic neurological disorders. Indeed, the design of the AAV expression construct allows the reproduction of various disease-causing mutations, and also drives neuron-specific expression. The natural and newly created AAV serotypes combined with various delivery routes enable differentially targeting neuronal cell types and brain areas in vivo. Moreover, the same viral vector can be used to reproduce the main features of the disorder in mice, rats, and large laboratory animals such as non-human primates. The current review demonstrates the general principles for the development and use of AAVs in modeling neurological diseases. The latest achievements in AAV-mediated modeling of the common (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ataxias, etc.) and ultra-rare disorders affecting the central nervous system are described. The use of AAVs to create multiple animal models of neurological disorders opens opportunities for studying their mechanisms, understanding the main pathological features, and testing therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Lunev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Anna Karan
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Tatiana Egorova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Maryana Bardina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
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22
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Wang F, Liu LS, Li P, Lau CH, Leung HM, Chin YR, Tin C, Lo PK. Cellular uptake, tissue penetration, biodistribution, and biosafety of threose nucleic acids: Assessing in vitro and in vivo delivery. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100299. [PMID: 35637854 PMCID: PMC9142632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Bauer A, Puglisi M, Nagl D, Schick JA, Werner T, Klingl A, El Andari J, Hornung V, Kessler H, Götz M, Grimm D, Brack‐Werner R. Molecular Signature of Astrocytes for Gene Delivery by the Synthetic Adeno-Associated Viral Vector rAAV9P1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104979. [PMID: 35398994 PMCID: PMC9165502 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have crucial functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and are major players in many CNS diseases. Research on astrocyte-centered diseases requires efficient and well-characterized gene transfer vectors. Vectors derived from the Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) target astrocytes in the brains of rodents and nonhuman primates. A recombinant (r) synthetic peptide-displaying AAV9 variant, rAAV9P1, that efficiently and selectively transduces cultured human astrocytes, has been described previously. Here, it is shown that rAAV9P1 retains astrocyte-targeting properties upon intravenous injection in mice. Detailed analysis of putative receptors on human astrocytes shows that rAAV9P1 utilizes integrin subunits αv, β8, and either β3 or β5 as well as the AAV receptor AAVR. This receptor pattern is distinct from that of vectors derived from wildtype AAV2 or AAV9. Furthermore, a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide knockout screening revealed the involvement of several astrocyte-associated intracellular signaling pathways in the transduction of human astrocytes by rAAV9P1. This study delineates the unique receptor and intracellular pathway signatures utilized by rAAV9P1 for targeting human astrocytes. These results enhance the understanding of the transduction biology of synthetic rAAV vectors for astrocytes and can promote the development of advanced astrocyte-selective gene delivery vehicles for research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Bauer
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Matteo Puglisi
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Dennis Nagl
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Joel A Schick
- Institute of Molecular Toxicology and PharmacologyGenetics and Cellular Engineering GroupHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics & Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Plant Development and Electron MicroscopyDepartment Biology IBiocenterLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Veit Hornung
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM)Department ChemieTechnische Universität MünchenGarching85748Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY)Munich81377Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partner site HeidelbergHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Ruth Brack‐Werner
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
- Department of Biology IILudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
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24
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Thomas OS, Rebmann B, Tonn M, Schirmeister IC, Wehrle S, Becker J, Zea Jimenez GJ, Hook S, Jäger S, Klenzendorf M, Laskowski M, Kaier A, Pütz G, Zurbriggen MD, Weber W, Hörner M, Wagner HJ. Reversible Shielding and Immobilization of Liposomes and Viral Vectors by Tailored Antibody-Ligand Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2105157. [PMID: 34859962 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the time and dose of nanoparticulate drug delivery by administration of small molecule drugs holds promise for efficient and safer therapies. This study describes a versatile approach of exploiting antibody-ligand interactions for the design of small molecule-responsive nanocarrier and nanocomposite systems. For this purpose, antibody fragments (scFvs) specific for two distinct small molecule ligands are designed. Subsequently, the surface of nanoparticles (liposomes or adeno-associated viral vectors, AAVs) is modified with these ligands, serving as anchor points for scFv binding. By modifying the scFvs with polymer tails, they can act as a non-covalently bound shielding layer, which is recruited to the anchor points on the nanoparticle surface and prevents interactions with cultured mammalian cells. Administration of an excess of the respective ligand triggers competitive displacement of the shielding layer from the nanoparticle surface and restores nanoparticle-cell interactions. The same principle is applied for developing hydrogel depots that can release integrated AAVs or liposomes in response to small molecule ligands. The liberated nanoparticles subsequently deliver their cargoes to cells. In summary, the utilization of different antibody-ligand interactions, different nanoparticles, and different release systems validates the versatility of the design concept described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver S Thomas
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Balder Rebmann
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Tonn
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ivo C Schirmeister
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Wehrle
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Becker
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriel J Zea Jimenez
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hook
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Jäger
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melissa Klenzendorf
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mateo Laskowski
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Kaier
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Pütz
- University Medical Center Freiburg, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hörner
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hanna J Wagner
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering - D-BSSE, ETH Zurich, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
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25
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Manini A, Abati E, Nuredini A, Corti S, Comi GP. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Mediated Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Issue of Transgene Persistence. Front Neurol 2022; 12:814174. [PMID: 35095747 PMCID: PMC8797140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.814174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive, infancy-onset neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, leading to delay of motor milestones, loss of autonomous ambulation, respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, and premature death. DMD originates from mutations in the DMD gene that result in a complete absence of dystrophin. Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein which belongs to the dystrophin-associated protein complex, involved in cellular signaling and myofiber membrane stabilization. To date, the few available therapeutic options are aimed at lessening disease progression, but persistent loss of muscle tissue and function and premature death are unavoidable. In this scenario, one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for DMD is represented by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy. DMD gene therapy relies on the administration of exogenous micro-dystrophin, a miniature version of the dystrophin gene lacking unnecessary domains and encoding a truncated, but functional, dystrophin protein. Limited transgene persistence represents one of the most significant issues that jeopardize the translatability of DMD gene replacement strategies from the bench to the bedside. Here, we critically review preclinical and clinical studies of AAV-mediated gene therapy in DMD, focusing on long-term transgene persistence in transduced tissues, which can deeply affect effectiveness and sustainability of gene replacement in DMD. We also discuss the role played by the overactivation of the immune host system in limiting long-term expression of genetic material. In this perspective, further studies aimed at better elucidating the need for immune suppression in AAV-treated subjects are warranted in order to allow for life-long therapy in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Manini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andi Nuredini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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26
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Rodríguez-Merchán EC, De Pablo-Moreno JA, Liras A. Gene Therapy in Hemophilia: Recent Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147647. [PMID: 34299267 PMCID: PMC8306493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia is a monogenic mutational disease affecting coagulation factor VIII or factor IX genes. The palliative treatment of choice is based on the use of safe and effective recombinant clotting factors. Advanced therapies will be curative, ensuring stable and durable concentrations of the defective circulating factor. Results have so far been encouraging in terms of levels and times of expression using mainly adeno-associated vectors. However, these therapies are associated with immunogenicity and hepatotoxicity. Optimizing the vector serotypes and the transgene (variants) will boost clotting efficacy, thus increasing the viability of these protocols. It is essential that both physicians and patients be informed about the potential benefits and risks of the new therapies, and a register of gene therapy patients be kept with information of the efficacy and long-term adverse events associated with the treatments administered. In the context of hemophilia, gene therapy may result in (particularly indirect) cost savings and in a more equitable allocation of treatments. In the case of hemophilia A, further research is needed into how to effectively package the large factor VIII gene into the vector; and in the case of hemophilia B, the priority should be to optimize both the vector serotype, reducing its immunogenicity and hepatotoxicity, and the transgene, boosting its clotting efficacy so as to minimize the amount of vector administered and decrease the incidence of adverse events without compromising the efficacy of the protein expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research–IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital—Autonomous University of Madrid), 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Andres De Pablo-Moreno
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Liras
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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27
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Hörner M, Jerez-Longres C, Hudek A, Hook S, Yousefi OS, Schamel WWA, Hörner C, Zurbriggen MD, Ye H, Wagner HJ, Weber W. Spatiotemporally confined red light-controlled gene delivery at single-cell resolution using adeno-associated viral vectors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/25/eabf0797. [PMID: 34134986 PMCID: PMC8208708 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Methodologies for the controlled delivery of genetic information into target cells are of utmost importance for genetic engineering in both fundamental and applied research. However, available methods for efficient gene transfer into user-selected or even single cells suffer from low throughput, the need for complicated equipment, high invasiveness, or side effects by off-target viral uptake. Here, we engineer an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector system that transfers genetic information into native target cells upon illumination with cell-compatible red light. This OptoAAV system allows adjustable and spatially resolved gene transfer down to single-cell resolution and is compatible with different cell lines and primary cells. Moreover, the sequential application of multiple OptoAAVs enables spatially resolved transduction with different transgenes. The approach presented is likely extendable to other classes of viral vectors and is expected to foster advances in basic and applied genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Hörner
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carolina Jerez-Longres
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Hudek
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hook
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - O Sascha Yousefi
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W A Schamel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cindy Hörner
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanna J Wagner
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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