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Leandro K, Rufino-Ramos D, Breyne K, Di Ianni E, Lopes SM, Jorge Nobre R, Kleinstiver BP, Perdigão PRL, Breakefield XO, Pereira de Almeida L. Exploring the potential of cell-derived vesicles for transient delivery of gene editing payloads. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115346. [PMID: 38849005 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115346] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technologies have the potential to correct genetic disorders by modifying, inserting, or deleting specific DNA sequences or genes, paving the way for a new class of genetic therapies. While gene editing tools continue to be improved to increase their precision and efficiency, the limited efficacy of in vivo delivery remains a major hurdle for clinical use. An ideal delivery vehicle should be able to target a sufficient number of diseased cells in a transient time window to maximize on-target editing and mitigate off-target events and immunogenicity. Here, we review major advances in novel delivery platforms based on cell-derived vesicles - extracellular vesicles and virus-like particles - for transient delivery of gene editing payloads. We discuss major findings regarding packaging, in vivo biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and safety concerns of cell-derived vesicles delivery of gene editing cargos and their potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Leandro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Rufino-Ramos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Koen Breyne
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Emilio Di Ianni
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sara M Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector - Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pedro R L Perdigão
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector - Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal.
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Lei L, Pan W, Shou X, Shao Y, Ye S, Zhang J, Kolliputi N, Shi L. Nanomaterials-assisted gene editing and synthetic biology for optimizing the treatment of pulmonary diseases. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:343. [PMID: 38890749 PMCID: PMC11186260 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02627-w] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of nanomaterials in gene editing and synthetic biology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of refined treatment methodologies for pulmonary disorders. This review discusses the utilization of nanomaterial-assisted gene editing tools and synthetic biology techniques to promote the development of more precise and efficient treatments for pulmonary diseases. First, we briefly outline the characterization of the respiratory system and succinctly describe the principal applications of diverse nanomaterials in lung ailment treatment. Second, we elaborate on gene-editing tools, their configurations, and assorted delivery methods, while delving into the present state of nanomaterial-facilitated gene-editing interventions for a spectrum of pulmonary diseases. Subsequently, we briefly expound on synthetic biology and its deployment in biomedicine, focusing on research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Finally, we summarize the extant lacunae in current research and delineate prospects for advancement in this domain. This holistic approach augments the development of pioneering solutions in lung disease treatment, thereby endowing patients with more efficacious and personalized therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanjie Lei
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Wenjie Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
| | - Xin Shou
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Yunyuan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Shuxuan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Narasaiah Kolliputi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Liyun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
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3
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Song X, Lan Y, Lv S, Wang Y, Chen L, Lu T, Liu F, Peng D. Downregulation of Ripk1 and Nsf mediated by CRISPR-CasRx ameliorates stroke volume and neurological deficits after ischemia stroke in mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1401038. [PMID: 38919602 PMCID: PMC11197154 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1401038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Necroptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism underlying the sequential recruitment of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion ATPase (NSF) in initiating necroptosis remains poorly understood, and the role of NSF in ischemic stroke is a subject of controversy. Here, we utilized a recently emerging RNA-targeting CRISPR system known as CasRx, delivered by AAVs, to knockdown Ripk1 mRNA and Nsf mRNA around the ischemic brain tissue. This approach resulted in a reduction in infarct and edema volume, as well as an improvement in neurological deficits assessed by Bederson score, RotaRod test, and Adhesive removal test, which were achieved by RIPK1/receptor-interacting protein kinase 3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein signaling pathway involved in neuronal necroptosis. In conclusion, the downregulation of Ripk1 mRNA and Nsf mRNA mediated by CRISPR-CasRx holds promise for future therapeutic applications aimed at ameliorating cerebral lesions and neurological deficits following the ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincheng Song
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuang Lv
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuye Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Leian Chen
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Dantao Peng
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Wang S, Xiao Y, Tian J, Dai B, Tao Z, Liu J, Sun Z, Liu X, Li Y, Zhao G, Cui Y, Wang F, Liu S. Targeted Macrophage CRISPR-Cas13 mRNA Editing in Immunotherapy for Tendon Injury. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311964. [PMID: 38302097 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311964] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13 holds substantial promise for tissue repair through its RNA editing capabilities and swift catabolism. However, conventional delivery methods fall short in addressing the heightened inflammatory response orchestrated by macrophages during the acute stages of tendon injury. In this investigation, macrophage-targeting cationic polymers are systematically screened to facilitate the entry of Cas13 ribonucleic-protein complex (Cas13 RNP) into macrophages. Notably, SPP1 (OPN encoding)-producing macrophages are recognized as a profibrotic subtype that emerges during the inflammatory stage. By employing ROS-responsive release mechanisms tailored for macrophage-targeted Cas13 RNP editing systems, the overactivation of SPP1 is curbed in the face of an acute immune microenvironment. Upon encapsulating this composite membrane around the tendon injury site, the macrophage-targeted Cas13 RNP effectively curtails the emergence of injury-induced SPP1-producing macrophages in the acute phase, leading to diminished fibroblast activation and mitigated peritendinous adhesion. Consequently, this study furnishes a swift RNA editing strategy for macrophages in the inflammatory phase triggered by ROS in tendon injury, along with a pioneering macrophage-targeted carrier proficient in delivering Cas13 into macrophages efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jian Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Soochow University Affiliated Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital, Wuxi, 214061, China
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zaijin Tao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhenyu Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xuanzhe Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yanhao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Soochow University Affiliated Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital, Wuxi, 214061, China
| | - Yong Cui
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
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Yuan Y, Cao D, Zhang A, Liu Z, Deng Z, Zhang S. Targeted PLK1 suppression through RNA interference mediated by high-fidelity Cas13d mitigates osteosarcoma progression via TGF-β/Smad3 signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18400. [PMID: 38780513 PMCID: PMC11114212 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18400] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. Overexpression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is frequent in osteosarcoma and drives disease progression and metastasis, making it a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we explored PLK1 knockdown in osteosarcoma cells using RNA interference mediated by high-fidelity Cas13d (hfCas13d). PLK1 was found to be significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tumour tissues compared to normal bone. sgRNA-mediated PLK1 suppression via hfCas13d transfection inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis, reduced cell invasion and increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Proximity labelling by TurboID coupled with co-immunoprecipitation identified novel PLK1 interactions with Smad3, a key intracellular transducer of TGF-β signalling. PLK1 knockdown impaired Smad2/3 phosphorylation and modulated TGF-β/Smad3 pathway inactivation. Finally, in vivo delivery of hfCas13d vectors targeting PLK1 substantially attenuated osteosarcoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Taken together, this study highlights PLK1 as a potential therapeutic target and driver of disease progression in osteosarcoma. It also demonstrates the utility of hfCas13d-mediated gene knockdown as a strategy for targeted therapy. Further optimization of PLK1 suppression approaches may ultimately improve clinical outcomes for osteosarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- Department of OrthopedicsChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Department of OrthopedicsDazhou Second People's Hospital of Sichuan ProvinceDazhouChina
| | - Daigui Cao
- Department of OrthopedicsChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
| | - Anwei Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Department of OrthopedicsChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
| | - Zhongliang Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Shengli Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
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Deneault E. Recent Therapeutic Gene Editing Applications to Genetic Disorders. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4147-4185. [PMID: 38785523 PMCID: PMC11119904 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed unprecedented progress in therapeutic gene editing, revolutionizing the approach to treating genetic disorders. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the progression of milestones leading to the emergence of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based technology as a powerful tool for precise and targeted modifications of the human genome. CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease, base editing, and prime editing have taken center stage, demonstrating remarkable precision and efficacy in targeted ex vivo and in vivo genomic modifications. Enhanced delivery systems, including viral vectors and nanoparticles, have further improved the efficiency and safety of therapeutic gene editing, advancing their clinical translatability. The exploration of CRISPR-Cas systems beyond the commonly used Cas9, such as the development of Cas12 and Cas13 variants, has expanded the repertoire of gene editing tools, enabling more intricate modifications and therapeutic interventions. Outstandingly, prime editing represents a significant leap forward, given its unparalleled versatility and minimization of off-target effects. These innovations have paved the way for therapeutic gene editing in a multitude of previously incurable genetic disorders, ranging from monogenic diseases to complex polygenic conditions. This review highlights the latest innovative studies in the field, emphasizing breakthrough technologies in preclinical and clinical trials, and their applications in the realm of precision medicine. However, challenges such as off-target effects and ethical considerations remain, necessitating continued research to refine safety profiles and ethical frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Deneault
- Regulatory Research Division, Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
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Shi P, Wu X. Programmable RNA targeting with CRISPR-Cas13. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-9. [PMID: 38764173 PMCID: PMC11110701 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2351657] [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] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 system has enabled precise engineering of endogenous RNAs, significantly advancing our understanding of RNA regulation and the development of RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review aims to provide a summary of Cas13-based RNA targeting tools and applications, discuss limitations and challenges of existing tools and suggest potential directions for further development of the RNA targeting system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiguo Shi
- Department of Medicine and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuebing Wu
- Department of Medicine and Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Ziegler JN, Tian C. Engineered Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Translational Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15206. [PMID: 37894887 PMCID: PMC10607082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015206] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound vesicles used by cells to deliver biological cargo such as proteins, mRNA, and other biomolecules from one cell to another, thus inducing a specific response in the target cell and are a powerful method of cell to cell and organ to organ communication, especially during the pathogenesis of human disease. Thus, EVs may be utilized as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, but they also hold therapeutic potential just as mesenchymal stem cells have been used in therapeutics. However, unmodified EVs exhibit poor targeting efficacy, leading to the necessity of engineered EVS. To highlight the advantages and therapeutic promises of engineered EVs, in this review, we summarized the research progress on engineered EVs in the past ten years, especially in the past five years, and highlighted their potential applications in therapeutic development for human diseases. Compared to the existing stem cell-derived EV-based therapeutic strategies, engineered EVs show greater promise in clinical applications: First, engineered EVs mediate good targeting efficacy by exhibiting a targeting peptide that allows them to specifically target a specific organ or even cell type, thus avoiding accumulation in undesired locations and increasing the potency of the treatment. Second, engineered EVs can be artificially pre-loaded with any necessary biomolecular cargo or even therapeutic drugs to treat a variety of human diseases such as cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular ailments. Further research is necessary to improve logistical challenges in large-scale engineered EV manufacturing, but current developments in engineered EVs prove promising to greatly improve therapeutic treatment for traditionally difficult to treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Changhai Tian
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
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Berggreen AH, Petersen JL, Lin L, Benabdellah K, Luo Y. CRISPR delivery with extracellular vesicles: Promises and challenges. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e111. [PMID: 38938376 PMCID: PMC11080907 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR gene editing tool holds great potential for curing genetic disorders. However, the safe, efficient, and specific delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 components into cells and tissues remains a challenge. While many currently available delivery methods achieve high levels of gene editing effects in vivo, they often result in genotoxicity and immunogenicity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are cell-derived lipid nanoparticles, are capable of transferring protein and nucleic acid cargoes between cells, making them a promising endogenous alternative to synthetic delivery methods. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the currently available strategies for EV-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. These strategies include cell-based, passive loading obtained by overexpression of CRISPR/Cas9, active loading involving protein or RNA dimerization, and loading into already purified EVs. All these approaches suggest that EV-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery is useful for achieving both in vitro and in vivo gene editing. Despite that, substantial variations in cellular uptake and gene editing efficiencies indicate that further improvement and standardization are required for the therapeutic use of EVs as a CRISPR/Cas9 delivery vehicle. These improvements include, but is not limited to, the high-yield purification of EVs, increased loading and release efficiencies, as well as improved tissue- or cell-specific targeting specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lin Lin
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Steno Diabetes Center AarhusAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Pfizer‐Universidad de Granada‐Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO)GranadaSpain
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Steno Diabetes Center AarhusAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao Europe Advanced Institute for Life SciencesBGI‐ResearchQingdaoChina
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, HIM‐BGI Omics Center, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM)Chinese Academy of SciencesZhejiangHangzhouChina
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10
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Huang X, Li A, Xu P, Yu Y, Li S, Hu L, Feng S. Current and prospective strategies for advancing the targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas system via extracellular vesicles. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:184. [PMID: 37291577 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01952-w] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising platform for gene delivery owing to their natural properties and phenomenal functions, being able to circumvent the significant challenges associated with toxicity, problematic biocompatibility, and immunogenicity of the standard approaches. These features are of particularly interest for targeted delivery of the emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems. However, the current efficiency of EV-meditated transport of CRISPR/Cas components remains insufficient due to numerous exogenous and endogenous barriers. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the current status of EV-based CRISPR/Cas delivery systems. In particular, we explored various strategies and methodologies available to potentially improve the loading capacity, safety, stability, targeting, and tracking for EV-based CRISPR/Cas system delivery. Additionally, we hypothesise the future avenues for the development of EV-based delivery systems that could pave the way for novel clinically valuable gene delivery approaches, and may potentially bridge the gap between gene editing technologies and the laboratory/clinical application of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Huang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Aifang Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Yangfan Yu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Shuxuan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Lina Hu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China
| | - Shuying Feng
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450056, Henan, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
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