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Wang XY, Zhang WL, Zhang X, Fu YS, Wang HM, Sun QL, Li Q, Jia YL, Zhang JH, Wang TY. Combination of MAR and intron increase transgene expression of episomal vectors in CHO cells. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200643. [PMID: 37551822 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous work has shown that the EF-1α promoter of episomal vectors maintains high-level transgene expression in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. However, the transgene expression levels need to be further increased. Here, we first incorporated matrix attachment regions (MARs), ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE), stabilizing anti repressor elements 40 (STAR 40) elements into episomal vector at different sites and orientations, and systemically assessed their effects on transgene expression in transfected CHO-K1 cells. Results showed that enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression levels increased remarkably when MAR X-29 was inserted upstream of the promoter, followed by the insertion of MAR1 downstream of the poly A, and the orientation had no significant effect. Moreover, MAR X-29 combined with human cytomegalovirus intron (hCMVI) yielded the highest transgene expression levels (4.52-fold). Transgene expression levels were not exclusively dependent on transgene copy numbers and were not related to the mRNA expression level. In addition, vector with MAR X-29+hCMVI can induce herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) protein expression, and the HSV-TK protein showed a cell-killing effect and an obvious bystander effect on HCT116 cells. In conclusion, the combination of MAR X-29 and hCMV intron can achieve high efficiency transgene expression mediated by episomal vectors in CHO-K1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Center for Medical Genetics, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yu-Shun Fu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hao-Min Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qiu-Li Sun
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan-Long Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jun-He Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Zhang J, Wang TY, Zhang C, Mi C, Geng S, Tang Y, Wang X. CMV/AAT promoter of MAR-based episomal vector enhanced transgene expression in human hepatic cells. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:354. [PMID: 37810190 PMCID: PMC10558423 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03774-x] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously developed a non-viral episomal vector based on matrix attachment region (MAR) that can facilitate plasmid replication episomally in mammal cells. In this study, we have focused on the development of an alternative tissue specific episomal vector by incorporating into cis-acting elements. We found that AAT promoter demonstrated the highest eGFP expression level in HepG2, Huh-7 and HL-7702 hepatic cells. Furthermore, hCMV enhancer when combined with AAT promoter significantly improved the eGFP expression level in the transfected HepG2 cells. The mean fluorescence intensity of eGFP in hCMV2 group was 1.33 fold, which was higher than that of the control (p < 0.01), followed by the hCMV1 group (1.21 fold). In addition, the percentages of eGFP-expressing cells in hCMV1 and hCMV2 groups were observed to be 49.3% and 57.2%, which were significantly higher than that of the enhancer-devoid control vector (44.3%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the eGFP protein were up to 3.5 fold and 5.1 fold (p < 0.05), respectively. This observation could be related with the activities of some specific transcription factors (TFs) during the transcriptional process, such as SRF, REL and CREB1. The composite CMV/AAT promoter can be thus used for efficient transgene expression of MAR-based episomal vector in liver cells and as a potential gene transfer tools for the management of liver diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03774-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Chunbo Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453000 China
| | - Chunliu Mi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Shaolei Geng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
| | - Xiaoyin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
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Wei M, Mi CL, Jing CQ, Wang TY. Progress of Transposon Vector System for Production of Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins in Mammalian Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:879222. [PMID: 35600890 PMCID: PMC9114503 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.879222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, mammalian cells have become the primary host cells for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs). Despite that the expression of RTPs in mammalian cells can be improved by directly optimizing or engineering the expression vectors, it is still influenced by the low stability and efficiency of gene integration. Transposons are mobile genetic elements that can be inserted and cleaved within the genome and can change their inserting position. The transposon vector system can be applied to establish a stable pool of cells with high efficiency in RTPs production through facilitating the integration of gene of interest into transcriptionally active sites under screening pressure. Here, the structure and optimization of transposon vector system and its application in expressing RTPs at high level in mammalian cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chun-Liu Mi
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chang-Qin Jing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Chang-Qin Jing, ; Tian-Yun Wang,
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Chang-Qin Jing, ; Tian-Yun Wang,
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Progress of cationic gene delivery reagents for non-viral vector. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:525-538. [PMID: 33394152 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-11028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery systems play a vital role in gene therapy and recombinant protein production. The advantages of using gene delivery reagents for non-viral vector include the capacity to accommodate a large packaging load and their low or absent immunogenicity. Furthermore, they are easy to produce at a large scale and preserve. Gene delivery reagents for non-viral vector are commonly used for transfecting a variety of cells and tissues. It is mainly composed of liposomes and non-liposome cationic polymers. According to the different head structures used, the non-viral cationic transfection reagents include a quaternary ammonium salt, amine, amino acid or polypeptide, guanidine salt, and a heterocyclic ring. This article summarizes these approaches and developments of types and components of transfection reagents and optimization of gene delivery. The optimization of mammalian cell transient recombinant protein expression system and cationic reagents for clinical or clinical trials are also discussed.
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Wang X, Zhang W, Jia Y, Wang M, Yi D, Wang TY. Woodchuck hepatitis post-transcriptional regulatory element improves transgene expression and stability mediated by episomal vectors in CHO-K1 cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:1285-1288. [PMID: 33196825 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Weili Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yanlong Jia
- Pharmacy College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Meng Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Dandan Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Tian-yun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
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Zhang J, Zhang J, Cheng S, Yang W, Li S. Enhanced transgene expression using two β-globin MARs flanking expression cassettes in stably transfected CHO-K1 cells. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:435. [PMID: 31696040 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1971-6] [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: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we systemically investigated the positions and orientations of matrix attachment regions (MARs) in expression vectors to fully explore the mechanism for improving transgene expression. We constructed 14 vectors that incorporated human β-globin MARs into pIRES-eGFP backbone vectors. The MARs flanked the eGFP expression cassette or promoter in a forward/reverse orientation. After stable transfection into CHO-K1 cells with these vectors, eGFP expression levels were increased significantly relative to that of the control vector (MAR-devoid) when two MARs flanking the expression cassette were incorporated, followed by those at the 5' site (upstream of the promoter). Simultaneously, the percentage of the eGFP-expressing cells was elevated to some extent. The vector with both MARs in forward orientation flanking the expression cassette yielded the highest transgene expression levels (2.5-fold). The orientation (forward or reverse) of the MARs did not present a significant difference when added in the same site. In addition, transgene expression levels were not exclusively dependent on transgene copy numbers. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that some specific transcription factors may contribute to the transcriptional process. In conclusion, two MARs in a forward orientation and flanking the expression cassette comprised the optimal construct for improving the stable transgene expression in the CHO-K1 cells. The effects may be related to specific transcription factors, such as PRDM1 and REL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Zhang
- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Junhe Zhang
- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Shan Cheng
- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan China
| | - Wenwen Yang
- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, 453003 China
| | - Shijiang Li
- 3The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100 China
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