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Yuce K, Ozkan AI. The kruppel-like factor (KLF) family, diseases, and physiological events. Gene 2024; 895:148027. [PMID: 38000704 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148027] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The Kruppel-Like Factor family of regulatory proteins, which has 18 members, is transcription factors. This family contains zinc finger proteins, regulates the activation and suppression of transcription, and binds to DNA, RNA, and proteins. Klfs related to the immune system are Klf1, Klf2, Klf3, Klf4, Klf6, and Klf14. Klfs related to adipose tissue development and/or glucose metabolism are Klf3, Klf7, Klf9, Klf10, Klf11, Klf14, Klf15, and Klf16. Klfs related to cancer are Klf3, Klf4, Klf5, Klf6, Klf7, Klf8, Klf9, Klf10, Klf11, Klf12, Klf13, Klf14, Klf16, and Klf17. Klfs related to the cardiovascular system are Klf4, Klf5, Klf10, Klf13, Klf14, and Klf15. Klfs related to the nervous system are Klf4, Klf7, Klf8, and Klf9. Klfs are associated with diseases such as carcinogenesis, oxidative stress, diabetes, liver fibrosis, thalassemia, and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is to provide information about the relationship of Klfs with some diseases and physiological events and to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Yuce
- Selcuk University, Medicine Faculty, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology, Konya, Turkiye.
| | - Ahmet Ismail Ozkan
- Artvin Coruh University, Medicinal-Aromatic Plants Application and Research Center, Artvin, Turkiye.
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2
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da Silva Lima F, da Silva Gonçalves CE, Fock RA. A review of the role of zinc finger proteins on hematopoiesis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 80:127290. [PMID: 37659124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The bone marrow is responsible for producing an incredible number of cells daily in order to maintain blood homeostasis through a process called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis is a greatly demanding process and one entirely dependent on complex interactions between the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and its surrounding microenvironment. Zinc (Zn2+) is considered an important trace element, playing diverse roles in different tissues and cell types, and zinc finger proteins (ZNF) are proteins that use Zn2+ as a structural cofactor. In this way, the ZNF structure is supported by a Zn2+ that coordinates many possible combinations of cysteine and histidine, with the most common ZNF being of the Cys2His2 (C2H2) type, which forms a family of transcriptional activators that play an important role in different cellular processes such as development, differentiation, and suppression, all of these being essential processes for an adequate hematopoiesis. This review aims to shed light on the relationship between ZNF and the regulation of the hematopoietic tissue. We include works with different designs, including both in vitro and in vivo studies, detailing how ZNF might regulate hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana da Silva Lima
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Ambrósio Fock
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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3
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Hantaweepant C, Suktitipat B, Pithukpakorn M, Chinthammitr Y, Limwongse C, Tansiri N, Sawatnatee S, Takpradit C, Rotchanapanya W, Pongudom S, Charoenprasert K, Paiboonsukwong K, Thamprasert W, Nolwachai N, Rattanasawat W, Sae-Aeng B, Khorwanichakij N, Saetow P, Saengboon S, Kamjornpreecha K, Pholmoo W, Dujjawan B, Siritanaratkul N. Whole exome sequencing and rare variant association study to identify genetic modifiers, KLF1 mutations, and a novel double mutation in Thai patients with hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia. Hematology 2023; 28:2187155. [PMID: 36939018 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2187155] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical manifestations of patients with Hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia vary from mild to severe phenotypes despite exhibiting the same genotype. Studies have partially identified genetic modifiers. We aimed to study the association between rare variants in protein-coding regions and clinical severity in Thai patients. METHODS From April to November 2018, a case-control study was conducted based on clinical information and DNA samples collected from Thai patients with hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia over the age of four years. Cases were patients with severe symptoms, while patients with mild symptoms acted as controls. Whole exome sequencing and rare variant association study were used to analyze the data. RESULTS All 338 unrelated patients were classified into 165 severe and 173 mild cases. Genotypes comprised 81.4% of hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia, 2.7% of homozygous or compound heterozygous beta-thalassemia, and 0.3% of (δβ)0 thalassemia Hb E while 15.7% of samples were not classified as beta-thalassemia. A novel cis heterozygotes of IVS I-7 (A > T) and codon 26 (G > A) was identified. Six genes (COL4A3, DLK1, FAM186A, PZP, THPO, and TRIM51) showed the strongest associations with severity (observed p-values of <0.05; significance lost after correction for multiplicity). Among known modifiers, KLF1 variants were found in four mild patients and one severe patient. CONCLUSION No rare variants were identified as contributors to the clinical heterogeneity of hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia. KLF1 mutations are potential genetic modifiers. Studies to identify genetic factors are still important and helpful for predicting severity and developing targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chattree Hantaweepant
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bhoom Suktitipat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Integrative Computational BioScience (ICBS) Center, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Manop Pithukpakorn
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj Genomics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yingyong Chinthammitr
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanin Limwongse
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nawaporn Tansiri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Uttaradit Hospital, Uttaradit, Thailand
| | - Surasak Sawatnatee
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Chayamon Takpradit
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wannaphorn Rotchanapanya
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiangrai, Thailand
| | - Saranya Pongudom
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Udonthani Hospital, Udonthani, Thailand
| | | | - Kittiphong Paiboonsukwong
- Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wichuda Thamprasert
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Nakhon Pathom Hospital, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Narumol Nolwachai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Saraburi Hospital, Saraburi, Thailand
| | - Wanlapa Rattanasawat
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Busakorn Sae-Aeng
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Banphaeo General Hospital, Samutsakhon, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Khorwanichakij
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Chaophra Yommarat Hospital, Suphanburi, Thailand
| | - Putchong Saetow
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lerdsin Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supawee Saengboon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | - Wikanda Pholmoo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Pathumthani Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Boonyanuch Dujjawan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Noppadol Siritanaratkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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4
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Wong P, Chitsobhak T, Jittasathian S, Sirichantharawat C, Cherdchoo N, Prangcharoen W, Jongautchariyakul P, Jampachaisri K, Tapprom A, Deoisares R, Chumnumsiriwath P. Essential genetic modifiers and their measurable impact in a community-recruited population analysis for non-severe hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia prenatal genetic counseling. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2023; 103:102765. [PMID: 37353362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2023.102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to identify essential phenotype-modulating factors among the pre-existence of several important ones and clarify their measurable impact on the clinical severity of hemoglobin (Hb) E/β-thalassemia in a community-recruited population analysis. This prospective study was designed to compare modifiers between community- (less or no symptoms) and hospital-recruited individuals with Hb E/β-thalassemia. The formerly included couples previously assessed for prenatal thalassemia at-risk status at 42 community and 7 referral hospitals in Thailand through on-site investigations between June 2020 and December 2021. The control included Hb E/β-thalassemia patients undergoing transfusions. The Mahidol score classified disease severity. Beta-globin, α0-thalassemia (-SEA, -THAI), α+-thalassemia (-α3.7, -α4.2), Hb Constant Spring (αCS) alleles, rs766432 in BCL11A, rs9399137 in HBS1L-MYB, and rs7482144-XmnI were evaluated. Modifiers were compared between 102 community- and 104 hospital-recruited cases. Alleles of β+, -SEA, -α3.7, αCS, and a minor allele of rs9399137 were prevalent in the community and mild severity groups (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis associated modulating alleles with -4.299 (-SEA), -3.654 (β+), -3.065 (rs9399137, C/C), -2.888 (αCS), -2.623 (-α3.7), -2.361 (rs7482144, A/A), -1.258 (rs9399137, C/T), and -1.174 (rs7482144, A/G) severity score reductions (p < 0.05). Certain modifiers must be considered in routine prenatal genetic counseling for Hb E/β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peerapon Wong
- Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katechan Jampachaisri
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Akamon Tapprom
- Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Rawisut Deoisares
- Thalassemia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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5
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Catapano R, Sessa R, Trombetti S, Cesaro E, Russo F, Izzo P, Makis A, Grosso M. Identification and Functional Analysis of Known and New Mutations in the Transcription Factor KLF1 Linked with β-Thalassemia-like Phenotypes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040510. [PMID: 37106711 PMCID: PMC10135830 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The erythroid transcriptional factor Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) is a master regulator of erythropoiesis. Mutations that cause KLF1 haploinsufficiency have been linked to increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) levels with ameliorative effects on the severity of β-thalassemia. With the aim of determining if KLF1 gene variations might play a role in the modulation of β-thalassemia, in this study we screened 17 subjects showing a β-thalassemia-like phenotype with a slight or marked increase in HbA2 and HbF levels. Overall, seven KLF1 gene variants were identified, of which two were novel. Functional studies were performed in K562 cells to clarify the pathogenic significance of these mutations. Our study confirmed the ameliorative effect on the thalassemia phenotype for some of these variants but also raised the notion that certain mutations may have deteriorating effects by increasing KLF1 expression levels or enhancing its transcriptional activity. Our results indicate that functional studies are required to evaluate the possible effects of KLF1 mutations, particularly in the case of the co-existence of two or more mutations that could differently contribute to KLF1 expression or transcriptional activity and consequently to the thalassemia phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Catapano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Sessa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Trombetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alexandros Makis
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Ioannina, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Papaioannou NY, Patsali P, Naiisseh B, Papasavva PL, Koniali L, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Christou S, Sitarou M, Mussolino C, Cathomen T, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. High-efficiency editing in hematopoietic stem cells and the HUDEP-2 cell line based on in vitro mRNA synthesis. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1141618. [PMID: 36969374 PMCID: PMC10030607 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1141618] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas, TALE nucleases and, more recently, double-strand-break-independent editors, have been successfully used for gene therapy and reverse genetics. Among various challenges in the field, tolerable and efficient delivery of editors to target cells and sites, as well as independence from commercially available tools for flexibility and fast adoption of new editing technology are the most pressing. For many hematopoietic research applications, primary CD34+ cells and the human umbilical cord-derived progenitor erythroid 2 (HUDEP-2) cell line are highly informative substrates and readily accessible for in vitro manipulation. Moreover, ex vivo editing of CD34+ cells has immediate therapeutic relevance. Both cell types are sensitive to standard transfection procedures and reagents, such as lipofection with plasmid DNA, calling for more suitable methodology in order to achieve high efficiency and tolerability of editing with editors of choice. These challenges can be addressed by RNA delivery, either as a mixture of guide RNA and mRNA for CRISRP/Cas-based systems or as a mixture of mRNAs for TALENs. Compared to ribonucleoproteins or proteins, RNA as vector creates flexibility by removing dependence on commercial availability or laborious in-house preparations of novel editor proteins. Compared to DNA, RNA is less toxic and by obviating nuclear transcription and export of mRNA offers faster kinetics and higher editing efficiencies. Methods: Here, we detail an in vitro transcription protocol based on plasmid DNA templates with the addition of Anti-Reverse Cap Analog (ARCA) using T7 RNA polymerase, and poly (A) tailing using poly (A) polymerase, combined with nucleofection of HUDEP-2 and patient-derived CD34+ cells. Our protocol for RNA-based delivery employs widely available reagents and equipment and can easily be adopted for universal in vitro delivery of genome editing tools. Results and Discussion: Drawing on a common use case, we employ the protocol to target a β-globin mutation and to reactivate γ-globin expression as two potential therapies for β-hemoglobinopathies, followed by erythroid differentiation and functional analyses. Our protocol allows high editing efficiencies and unimpaired cell viability and differentiation, with scalability, suitability for functional assessment of editing outcomes and high flexibility in the application to different editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Y. Papaioannou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petros Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Basma Naiisseh
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiota L. Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lola Koniali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Soteroula Christou
- Thalassaemia Centre, State Health Services Organisation of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Sitarou
- Thalassaemia Centre, State Health Services Organisation of Cyprus, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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7
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Demirci S, Leonard A, Essawi K, Tisdale JF. CRISPR-Cas9 to induce fetal hemoglobin for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:276-285. [PMID: 34729375 PMCID: PMC8526756 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing is potentially a curative technique available to all individuals with β-hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease (SCD). Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inhibits sickle hemoglobin (HbS) polymerization, and it is well described that naturally occurring hereditary persistence of HbF (HPFH) alleviates disease symptoms; therefore, reawakening of developmentally silenced HbF in adult red blood cells (RBCs) has long been of interest as a therapeutic strategy. Recent advances in genome editing platforms, particularly with the use of CRISPR-Cas9, have paved the way for efficient HbF induction through the creation of artificial HPFH mutations, editing of transcriptional HbF silencers, and modulating epigenetic intermediates that govern HbF expression. Clinical trials investigating BCL11A enhancer editing in patients with β-hemoglobinopathies have demonstrated promising results, although follow-up is short and the number of patients treated to date is low. While practical, economic, and clinical challenges of genome editing are well recognized by the scientific community, potential solutions to overcome these hurdles are in development. Here, we review the recent progress and obstacles yet to be overcome for the most effective and feasible HbF reactivation practice using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing as a curative strategy for patients with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirci
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Khaled Essawi
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - John F. Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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8
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Demirci S, Leonard A, Tisdale JF. Genome editing strategies for fetal hemoglobin induction in beta-hemoglobinopathies. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R100-R106. [PMID: 32406490 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing to correct a defective β-globin gene or induce fetal globin (HbF) for patients with beta-hemoglobinopathies has the potential to be a curative strategy available to all. HbF reactivation has long been an area of intense interest given the HbF inhibition of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) polymerization. Patients with HbS who also have high HbF tend to have less severe or even minimal clinical manifestations. Approaches to genetically engineer high HbF include de novo generation of naturally occurring hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) mutations, editing of transcriptional HbF repressors or their binding sites and/or regulating epigenetic intermediates controlling HbF expression. Recent preclinical and early clinical trial data show encouraging results; however, long-term follow-up is lacking, and the safety and efficacy concerns of genome editing remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirci
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institutes, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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9
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Tangsricharoen T, Natesirinilkul R, Phusua A, Fanhchaksai K, Ittiwut C, Chetruengchai W, Juntharaniyom M, Charoenkwan P, Viprakasit V, Phokaew C, Shotelersuk V. Severe neonatal haemolytic anaemia caused by compound heterozygous KLF1 mutations: report of four families and literature review. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:626-634. [PMID: 34227100 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the KLF1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor playing a role in erythropoiesis, have recently been demonstrated to be a rare cause of hereditary haemolytic anaemia. We described the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of four unrelated families with compound heterozygous class 2/class 3 KLF1 mutations. All patients had p.G176RfsX179 on one allele and either p.A298P, p.R301H or p.G335R on the other allele. All presented on the first day of life with severe haemolytic anaemia with abnormal red blood cell morphology, markedly increased nucleated red blood cells and hyperbilirubinaemia. Three patients later became transfusion-dependent. All parents with heterozygous KLF1 mutation without co-inherited thalassaemia had normal to borderline mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and normal to slightly elevated Hb F. Fifteen previously reported cases of biallelic KLF1 mutations were identified from a literature review. All except one presented with severe haemolytic anaemia in the neonatal period. Our finding substantiates that compound heterozygous KLF1 mutations are associated with severe neonatal haemolytic anaemia and expands the haematologic phenotypic spectrum. In carriers, the previously suggested findings of low MCV, high Hb A2 and high Hb F are inconsistent; thus this necessitates molecular studies for the identification of carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Tangsricharoen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Rungrote Natesirinilkul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Arunee Phusua
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kanda Fanhchaksai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chupong Ittiwut
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Medical Genomics Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanna Chetruengchai
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Medical Genomics Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Monthana Juntharaniyom
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Pimlak Charoenkwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chureerat Phokaew
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Medical Genomics Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vorasuk Shotelersuk
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Medical Genomics Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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Zakaria NA, Islam MA, Abdullah WZ, Bahar R, Mohamed Yusoff AA, Abdul Wahab R, Shamsuddin S, Johan MF. Epigenetic Insights and Potential Modifiers as Therapeutic Targets in β-Thalassemia. Biomolecules 2021; 11:755. [PMID: 34070036 PMCID: PMC8158146 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia, an inherited quantitative globin disorder, consists of two types, α- and β-thalassemia. β-thalassemia is a heterogeneous disease that can be asymptomatic, mild, or even severe. Considerable research has focused on investigating its underlying etiology. These studies found that DNA hypomethylation in the β-globin gene cluster is significantly related to fetal hemoglobin (HbF) elevation. Histone modification reactivates γ-globin gene expression in adults and increases β-globin expression. Down-regulation of γ-globin suppressor genes, i.e., BCL11A, KLF1, HBG-XMN1, HBS1L-MYB, and SOX6, elevates the HbF level. β-thalassemia severity is predictable through FLT1, ARG2, NOS2A, and MAP3K5 gene expression. NOS2A and MAP3K5 may predict the β-thalassemia patient's response to hydroxyurea, a HbF-inducing drug. The transcription factors NRF2 and BACH1 work with antioxidant enzymes, i.e., PRDX1, PRDX2, TRX1, and SOD1, to protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage, thus increasing their lifespan. A single β-thalassemia-causing mutation can result in different phenotypes, and these are predictable by IGSF4 and LARP2 methylation as well as long non-coding RNA expression levels. Finally, the coinheritance of β-thalassemia with α-thalassemia ameliorates the β-thalassemia clinical presentation. In conclusion, the management of β-thalassemia is currently limited to genetic and epigenetic approaches, and numerous factors should be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Atikah Zakaria
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Wan Zaidah Abdullah
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosnah Bahar
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Ridhwan Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Malaysia;
| | - Shaharum Shamsuddin
- School of Health Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- USM-RIKEN Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Advanced Sciences (URICAS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farid Johan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
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Jiwu L, Manna S, Lai M, Ying Z, Yanhui L. Hyperhaemolysis in a pregnant woman with a homozygous β 0 -thalassemia mutation and two genetic modifiers. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1696. [PMID: 33960744 PMCID: PMC8372088 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with a homozygous β0 -thalassemia mutation usually have a transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major phenotype. However, some β-thalassemia patients present with a relatively mild and even normal phenotype and always have a high level of Hb F induced by genetic modifiers. METHODS In this study, we identified a homozygous β0 -thalassemia mutation (HBB: c.126_129delCTTT) in a 36-year-old pregnant woman. She had not presented any clinical symptoms of β-thalassemia since birth. To investigate her unexpected mild phenotype, known genetic modifiers that ameliorate the severity of β-thalassemia were analysed. Besides, we described the haematological changes during pregnancy. RESULTS Two genetic modifiers (a heterozygous KLF1: c.519_525dup mutation; and two homozygous HBS1L-MYB locus SNP variants: rs7776054 and rs9399137) were identified. However, she showed a gradually decreased level of Hb during pregnancy, and serious transfusion complication of hyperhaemolysis was induced and complicated the pregnancy. CONCLUSION This report is in accordance with previous findings that genetic modifiers can ameliorate the clinical severity of β-thalassemia, even without obvious clinical symptoms in a prolonged steady state. However, the steady state can be disrupted during pregnancy. In addition, raising awareness of hyperhaemolysis among clinicians treating patients with thalassemia is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Jiwu
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Sun Manna
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dongguan Maternal and Children Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Meixiang Lai
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dongguan Gaobu Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhao Ying
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Liu Yanhui
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Dongguan, China
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Jomoui W, Tepakhan W, Yamsri S, Srivorakun H, Fucharoen G, Fucharoen S. A novel SNP rs11759328 on Rho GTPase-activating protein 18 gene is associated with the expression of Hb F in hemoglobin E-related disorders. Ann Hematol 2019; 99:23-29. [PMID: 31776727 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-019-03862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) F has a modulatory effect on the clinical phenotype of β-thalassemia disease. High expression of Hb F in Hb E-related disorders has been noted, but the mechanism is not well understood. We have examined the association of a novel SNP rs11759328 on ARHGAP 18 gene and other known modulators with a variability of Hb F in Hb E-related disorders. Genotyping of SNP rs11759328 (G/A) was performed based on high-resolution melting analysis. The rs11759328 (A allele) was shown to be significantly associated with Hb F levels (p < 0.05) in heterozygous and homozygous Hb E. High levels of Hb F in both heterozygous and homozygous Hb E were also found to be associated with SNPs in the study of other modifying genes including KLF 1 mutation, rs7482144 (Gγ-XmnI), rs4895441, rs9399137 of (HBS1L-MYB), and rs4671393 (BCL11A). Multivariate analysis showed that KLF1 mutation and SNP rs11759328 (GA) (ARHGAP18) modulated Hb F expression in heterozygous Hb E. For homozygous Hb E, this was found to be related to five modifying factors, i.e., KLF1 mutation, rs4895441 (GG), rs9399137 (CC), rs4671393 (AA), and rs4671393 (GA). These results indicate that a novel SNP rs11759328 is a genetically modifying factor associated with increased Hb F in Hb E disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wittaya Jomoui
- Department of Pathology, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.
| | - Wanicha Tepakhan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Yamsri
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Hataichanok Srivorakun
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Goonnapa Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Supan Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Fanis P, Kousiappa I, Phylactides M, Kyrri A, Hadjigavriel M, Christou S, Sitarou M, Kleanthous M. A novel mutation in the erythroid transcription factor KLF1 is likely responsible for ameliorating β-thalassemia major. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:1768-1780. [PMID: 31115947 PMCID: PMC6790707 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We describe the identification of a novel missense mutation in the second zinc finger of KLF1 in two siblings who, based on their genotype, are predicted to suffer from beta thalassemia major but are, in fact, transfusion‐free and in good health. These individuals, as well as two additional members of the same family also carrying this KLF1 mutation, exhibit high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). KLF1 is an erythroid transcription factor, which plays a critical role in the regulation of the developmental switch between fetal and adult hemoglobin by regulating the expression of a multitude of genes including that of BCL11A. The mutation appears to be the main candidate responsible for the beta thalassemia‐ameliorating effect as this segregates with the observed phenotype and also exogenous expression of the KLF1 mutant protein in human erythroid progenitor cells resulted in the induction of γ‐globin, without, however, affecting BCL11A levels. This report adds to the weight of evidence that heterozygous KLF1 mutations can ameliorate the severity of the β‐thalassemia major phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Kousiappa
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marios Phylactides
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreani Kyrri
- Population Screening Laboratory, Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Maria Sitarou
- Thalassaemia Clinic, Larnaca General Hospital, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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