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Neghab HK, Djavid GE, Azadeh SS, Soheilifar MH. Osteogenic Differentiation of Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells by Optogenetics. J Med Biol Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-022-00714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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2
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Pan L, Li B, Chen J, Zhang H, Wang X, Shou J, Yang D, Yan X. Nanotechnology-Based Weapons to Combat Human Papillomavirus Infection Associated Diseases. Front Chem 2021; 9:798727. [PMID: 34869242 PMCID: PMC8635520 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.798727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection will eventually lead to clinical problems, varying from verrucous lesions to malignancies like cervical cancer, oral cancer, anus cancer, and so on. To address the aforementioned problems, nanotechnology-based strategies have been applied to detect the virus, prevent the interaction between virus and mammalian cells, and treat the virus-infected cells, due mainly to the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. In this regard, many nanotechnology-based chemotherapies, gene therapy, vaccination, or combination therapy have been developed. In this Minireview, we outline the pathogenesis of HPV infection and the recent advances in nanotechnology-based weapons that can be applied in combating HPV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Pan
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bingxin Li
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahua Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haofeng Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Shou
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Yan
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Xiong J, Tan S, Yu L, Shen H, Qu S, Zhang C, Ren C, Zhu D, Wang H. E7-Targeted Nanotherapeutics for Key HPV Afflicted Cervical Lesions by Employing CRISPR/Cas9 and Poly (Beta-Amino Ester). Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:7609-7622. [PMID: 34819726 PMCID: PMC8606985 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s335277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Persistent HR-HPV (high-risk human papillomavirus) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. The HPV oncogene E7 plays a key role in HPV tumorigenesis. At present, HPV preventive vaccines are not effective for patients who already have a cervical disease, and implementation of the recommended regular cervical screening is difficult in countries and regions lacking medical resources. Therefore, patients need medications to treat existing HPV infections and thus block the progression of cervical disease. Methods In this study, we developed nanoparticles (NPs) composed of the non-viral vector PBAE546 and a CRISPR/Cas9 recombinant plasmid targeting HPV16 E7 as a vaginal treatment for HPV infection and related cervical malignancies. Results Our NPs showed low toxicity and high biological safety both in vitro (cell line viability) and in vivo (various important organs of mice). Our NPs significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors derived from cervical cancer cell lines in nude mice and significantly reversed the cervical epithelial malignant phenotype of HPV16 transgenic mice. Conclusion Our NPs have great potential to be developed as a drug for the treatment of HPV-related cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Songwei Tan
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen Qu
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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4
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Generation and characterization of U937-TR: a platform cell line for inducible gene expression in human macrophages. Parasitology 2020; 147:1524-1531. [PMID: 32713391 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001110] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages are involved in a wide range of biological processes and parasitic diseases. The characterization of the molecular mechanisms governing such processes usually requires precise control of the expression of genes of interest. We implemented a tetracycline-controlled gene expression system in the U937 cell line, one of the most used in vitro models for the research of human monocytes and macrophages. Here we characterized U937-derived cell lines in terms of phenotypic (morphology and marker expression) and functional (capacity for phagocytosis and for Leishmania parasite hosting) changes induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Finally, we provide evidence of tetracycline-inducible and reversible Lamin-A gene silencing of the PMA-differentiated U937-derived cells.
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Gao X, Jin Z, Tan X, Zhang C, Zou C, Zhang W, Ding J, Das BC, Severinov K, Hitzeroth II, Debata PR, He D, Ma X, Tian X, Gao Q, Wu J, Tian R, Cui Z, Fan W, Huang Z, Cao C, Bao Y, Tan S, Hu Z. Hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester) based polyplex nanopaticles for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system and treatment of HPV infection associated cervical cancer. J Control Release 2020; 321:654-668. [PMID: 32114092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Persistent high-risk HPV infection is the main factor for cervical cancer. HPV E7 oncogene plays an important role in HPV carcinogenesis. Down-regulation of E7 oncogene expression could induce growth inhibition in HPV-positive cells and thus treats HPV related cervical cancer. Here we developed a non-virus gene vector based on poly(amide-amine)-poly(β-amino ester) hyperbranched copolymer (hPPC) for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system to specifically cleave HPV E7 oncogene in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. The diameter of polyplex nanoparticles (NPs) formed by hPPCs/linear poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) and plasmids were approximately 300 nm. These hPPCs/PBAE-green fluorescence protein plasmids polyplex NPs showed high transfection efficiency and low toxicity in cells and mouse organs. By cleaving HPV16 E7 oncogene, reducing the expression of HPV16 E7 protein and increasing intracellular retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) amount, hPPCs/PBAE-CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic plasmids polyplex NPs, especially highly branched hPPC1-plasmids polyplex NPs, exhibited strong growth inhibition of cervical cancer cells in vitro and xenograft tumors in nude mice. Together, the hPPCs/PBAE polyplex NPs to deliver HPV16 E7 targeted CRISPR/Cas9 system in this study could potentially be applied to treat HPV-related cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhuang Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangyu Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chenming Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bhudev C Das
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143025, Russia
| | - Inga Isabel Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Priya Ranjan Debata
- Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Odisha 757003, India
| | - Dan He
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician expert workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zifeng Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weiwen Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhaoyue Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician expert workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxian Bao
- Generulor Company Bio-X Lab, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Songwei Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China; Precision Medicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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6
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Wang W, Huang D, Ren J, Li R, Feng Z, Guan C, Bao B, Cai B, Ling J, Zhou C. Optogenetic control of mesenchymal cell fate towards precise bone regeneration. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:8196-8205. [PMID: 31754390 PMCID: PMC6857041 DOI: 10.7150/thno.36455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Spatial-temporal control of cell fate in vivo is of great importance for regenerative medicine. Currently, there remain no practical strategies to tune cell-fate spatial-temporally. Optogenetics is a biological technique that widely used to control cell activity in genetically defined neurons in a spatiotemporal-specific manner by light. In this study, optogenetics was repurposed for precise bone tissue regeneration. Methods: Lhx8 and BMP2 genes, which are considered as the master genes for mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation respectively, were recombined into a customized optogenetic control system. In the system, Lhx8 was constitutively expressed, while BMP2 together with shLhx8 expression was driven by blue light. Results: As expected, blue light induced BMP2 expression and inactivated Lhx8 expression in cells infected with the optogenetic control system. Optogenetic control of BMP2 and Lhx8 expression inversely regulates MSC fate in vitro. By animal study, we found that blue light could fine-tune the regeneration in vivo. Blue light illumination significantly promotes bone regeneration when the scaffold was loaded with MSCs infected with adeno-Lhx8, GI-Gal4DBD, LOV-VP16, and BMP2-shLhx8. Conclusions: Together, our study revealed that optogenetic control of the master genes for mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation would be such a candidate strategy for precise regenerative medicine.
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7
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Polstein LR, Juhas M, Hanna G, Bursac N, Gersbach CA. An Engineered Optogenetic Switch for Spatiotemporal Control of Gene Expression, Cell Differentiation, and Tissue Morphogenesis. ACS Synth Biol 2017; 6:2003-2013. [PMID: 28793186 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The precise spatial and temporal control of gene expression, cell differentiation, and tissue morphogenesis has widespread application in regenerative medicine and the study of tissue development. In this work, we applied optogenetics to control cell differentiation and new tissue formation. Specifically, we engineered an optogenetic "on" switch that provides permanent transgene expression following a transient dose of blue light illumination. To demonstrate its utility in controlling cell differentiation and reprogramming, we incorporated an engineered form of the master myogenic factor MyoD into this system in multipotent cells. Illumination of cells with blue light activated myogenic differentiation, including upregulation of myogenic markers and fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Cell differentiation was spatially patterned by illumination of cell cultures through a photomask. To demonstrate the application of the system to controlling in vivo tissue development, the light inducible switch was used to control the expression of VEGF and angiopoietin-1, which induced angiogenic sprouting in a mouse dorsal window chamber model. Live intravital microscopy showed illumination-dependent increases in blood-perfused microvasculature. This optogenetic switch is broadly useful for applications in which sustained and patterned gene expression is desired following transient induction, including tissue engineering, gene therapy, synthetic biology, and fundamental studies of morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Polstein
- Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Mark Juhas
- Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Gabi Hanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Charles A. Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Center for
Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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8
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Fliervoet LAL, Mastrobattista E. Drug delivery with living cells. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:63-72. [PMID: 27129442 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The field of drug delivery has grown tremendously in the past few decades by developing a wide range of advanced drug delivery systems. An interesting category is cell-based drug delivery, which includes encapsulation of drugs inside cells or attached to the surface and subsequent transportation through the body. Another approach involves genetic engineering of cells to secrete therapeutic molecules in a controlled way. The next-generation systems integrate expertise from synthetic biology to generate therapeutic gene networks for highly advanced sensory and output devices. These developments are very exciting for the drug delivery field and could radically change the way we administer biological medicines to chronically ill patients. This review is covering the use of living cells, either as transport system or production-unit, to deliver therapeutic molecules and bioactive proteins inside the body. It describes a wide range of approaches in cell-based drug delivery and highlights exceptional examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies A L Fliervoet
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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9
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Rugbjerg P, Genee HJ, Jensen K, Sarup-Lytzen K, Sommer MOA. Molecular Buffers Permit Sensitivity Tuning and Inversion of Riboswitch Signals. ACS Synth Biol 2016; 5:632-8. [PMID: 27138234 PMCID: PMC4949582 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.5b00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Predictable integration
of foreign biological signals and parts
remains a key challenge in the systematic engineering of synthetic
cellular actuations, and general methods to improve signal transduction
and sensitivity are needed. To address this problem we modeled and
built a molecular signal buffer network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae inspired by chemical pH buffer systems. The molecular buffer system
context-insulates a riboswitch enabling synthetic control of colony
formation and modular signal manipulations. The riboswitch signal
is relayed to a transcriptional activation domain of a split transcription
factor, while interacting DNA-binding domains mediate the transduction
of signal and form an interacting molecular buffer. The molecular
buffer system enables modular signal inversion through integration
with repressor modules. Further, tuning of input sensitivity was achieved
through perturbation of the buffer pair ratio guided by a mathematical
model. Such buffered signal tuning networks will be useful for domestication
of RNA-based sensors enabling tunable outputs and library-wide selections
for drug discovery and metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rugbjerg
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center
for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kogle Allé
6, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Hans Jasper Genee
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center
for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kogle Allé
6, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Kristian Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center
for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kogle Allé
6, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Kira Sarup-Lytzen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center
for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kogle Allé
6, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Morten Otto Alexander Sommer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center
for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kogle Allé
6, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
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Blanchard H, Bum-Erdene K, Bohari MH, Yu X. Galectin-1 inhibitors and their potential therapeutic applications: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:537-54. [PMID: 26950805 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1163338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Galectins have affinity for β-galactosides. Human galectin-1 is ubiquitously expressed in the body and its expression level can be a marker in disease. Targeted inhibition of galectin-1 gives potential for treatment of inflammatory disorders and anti-cancer therapeutics. AREAS COVERED This review discusses progress in galectin-1 inhibitor discovery and development. Patent applications pertaining to galectin-1 inhibitors are categorised as monovalent- and multivalent-carbohydrate-based inhibitors, peptides- and peptidomimetics. Furthermore, the potential of galectin-1 protein as a therapeutic is discussed along with consideration of the unique challenges that galectin-1 presents, including its monomer-dimer equilibrium and oxidized and reduced forms, with regard to delivering an intact protein to a pathologically relevant site. EXPERT OPINION Significant evidence implicates galectin-1's involvement in cancer progression, inflammation, and host-pathogen interactions. Conserved sequence similarity of the carbohydrate-binding sites of different galectins makes design of specific antagonists (blocking agents/inhibitors of function) difficult. Key challenges pertaining to the therapeutic use of galectin-1 are its monomer-dimer equilibrium, its redox state, and delivery of intact galectin-1 to the desired site. Developing modified forms of galectin-1 has resulted in increased stability and functional potency. Gene and protein therapy approaches that deliver the protein toward the target are under exploration as is exploitation of different inhibitor scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Blanchard
- a Institute for Glycomics , Griffith University , Gold Coast Campus , Queensland , Australia
| | - Khuchtumur Bum-Erdene
- a Institute for Glycomics , Griffith University , Gold Coast Campus , Queensland , Australia
| | | | - Xing Yu
- a Institute for Glycomics , Griffith University , Gold Coast Campus , Queensland , Australia
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11
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Kis Z, Pereira HS, Homma T, Pedrigi RM, Krams R. Mammalian synthetic biology: emerging medical applications. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12:rsif.2014.1000. [PMID: 25808341 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss new emerging medical applications of the rapidly evolving field of mammalian synthetic biology. We start with simple mammalian synthetic biological components and move towards more complex and therapy-oriented gene circuits. A comprehensive list of ON-OFF switches, categorized into transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational and post-translational, is presented in the first sections. Subsequently, Boolean logic gates, synthetic mammalian oscillators and toggle switches will be described. Several synthetic gene networks are further reviewed in the medical applications section, including cancer therapy gene circuits, immuno-regulatory networks, among others. The final sections focus on the applicability of synthetic gene networks to drug discovery, drug delivery, receptor-activating gene circuits and mammalian biomanufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Kis
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Takayuki Homma
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ryan M Pedrigi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rob Krams
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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12
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Zacchigna S, Zentilin L, Giacca M. Adeno-associated virus vectors as therapeutic and investigational tools in the cardiovascular system. Circ Res 2014; 114:1827-46. [PMID: 24855205 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of vectors based on the small parvovirus adeno-associated virus has gained significant momentum during the past decade. Their high efficiency of transduction of postmitotic tissues in vivo, such as heart, brain, and retina, renders these vectors extremely attractive for several gene therapy applications affecting these organs. Besides functional correction of different monogenic diseases, the possibility to drive efficient and persistent transgene expression in the heart offers the possibility to develop innovative therapies for prevalent conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic genes are not only restricted to protein-coding complementary DNAs but also include short hairpin RNAs and microRNA genes, thus broadening the spectrum of possible applications. In addition, several spontaneous or engineered variants in the virus capsid have recently improved vector efficiency and expanded their tropism. Apart from their therapeutic potential, adeno-associated virus vectors also represent outstanding investigational tools to explore the function of individual genes or gene combinations in vivo, thus providing information that is conceptually similar to that obtained from genetically modified animals. Finally, their single-stranded DNA genome can drive homology-directed gene repair at high efficiency. Here, we review the main molecular characteristics of adeno-associated virus vectors, with a particular view to their applications in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.).
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13
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Noori HR. Examples of Hysteresis Phenomena in Biology. SPRINGERBRIEFS IN APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-38218-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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14
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Immune signal transduction in leishmaniasis from natural to artificial systems: Role of feedback loop insertion. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:71-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Rössger K, Charpin-El-Hamri G, Fussenegger M. Bile acid-controlled transgene expression in mammalian cells and mice. Metab Eng 2013; 21:81-90. [PMID: 24280297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, using trigger-inducible mammalian gene switches to design sophisticated transcription-control networks has become standard practice in synthetic biology. These switches provide unprecedented precision, complexity and reliability when programming novel mammalian cell functions. Metabolite-responsive repressors of human-pathogenic bacteria are particularly attractive for use in these orthogonal synthetic mammalian gene switches because the trigger compound sensitivity often matches the human physiological range. We have designed both a bile acid-repressible (BEAROFF) as well as a bile-acid-inducible (BEARON) gene switch by capitalizing on components that have evolved to manage bile acid resistance in Campylobacter jejuni, the leading causative agent of human food-borne enteritis. We have shown that both of these switches enable bile acid-adjustable transgene expression in different mammalian cell lines as well as in mice. For the BEAROFF device, the C. jejuni repressor CmeR was fused to the VP16 transactivation domain to create a synthetic transactivator that activates minimal promoters containing tandem operator modules (Ocme) in a bile acid-repressible manner. Fusion of CmeR to a transsilencing domain resulted in an artificial transsilencer that binds and represses a constitutive Ocme-containing promoter until it is released by addition of bile acid (BEARON). A tailored multi-step tuning program for the inducible gene switch, which included the optimization of individual component performance, control of their relative abundances, the choice of the cell line and trigger compound, resulted in a BEARON device with significantly improved bile acid-responsive control characteristics. Synthetic metabolite-triggered gene switches that are able to interface with host metabolism may foster advances in future gene and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Rössger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ghislaine Charpin-El-Hamri
- Département Génie Biologique, Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUTA), F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Gregorio-Godoy P, Míguez DG. Synthetic approaches to study transcriptional networks and noise in mammalian systems. IET Syst Biol 2013; 7:11-7. [PMID: 23848051 DOI: 10.1049/iet-syb.2012.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to build new functional organisms and to rationally re-design existing ones by applying the engineering principle of modularity. Apart from building new life forms to perform technical applications, the approach of synthetic biology is useful to dissect complex biological phenomena into simple and easy to understand synthetic modules. Synthetic gene networks have been successfully implemented in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, with recent approaches moving ahead towards the mammalian environment. However, synthetic circuits in higher eukaryotes present a more challenging scenario, since its reliability is compromised because of the strong stochastic nature of transcription. Here, the authors review recent approaches that take advantage of the noisy response of synthetic regulatory circuits to learn key features of the complex machinery that orchestrates transcription in higher eukaryotes. Understanding the causes and consequences of biological noise will allow us to design more reliable mammalian synthetic circuits with revolutionary medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gregorio-Godoy
- Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada e Instituto Nicolás Cabrera, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Moriyama H, Moriyama M, Sawaragi K, Okura H, Ichinose A, Matsuyama A, Hayakawa T. Tightly regulated and homogeneous transgene expression in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells by lentivirus with tet-off system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66274. [PMID: 23776652 PMCID: PMC3680377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic modification of human adipose tissue–derived multilineage progenitor cells (hADMPCs) is highly valuable for their exploitation in therapeutic applications. Here, we have developed a novel single tet-off lentiviral vector platform. This vector combines (1) a modified tetracycline (tet)-response element composite promoter, (2) a multi-cistronic strategy to express an improved version of the tet-controlled transactivator and the blasticidin resistance gene under the control of a ubiquitous promoter, and (3) acceptor sites for easy recombination cloning of the gene of interest. In the present study, we used the cytomegalovirus (CMV) or the elongation factor 1 α (EF-1α) promoter as the ubiquitous promoter, and EGFP was introduced as the gene of interest. hADMPCs transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying either the CMV promoter or the EF-1α promoter were effectively selected by blasticidin without affecting their stem cell properties, and EGFP expression was strictly regulated by doxycycline (Dox) treatment in these cells. However, the single tet-off lentiviral vector carrying the EF-1α promoter provided more homogenous expression of EGFP in hADMPCs. Intriguingly, differentiated cells from these Dox-responsive cell lines constitutively expressed EGFP only in the absence of Dox. This single tet-off lentiviral vector thus provides an important tool for applied research on hADMPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Moriyama
- Pharmaceutical Research and Technology Institute, Kinki University, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan.
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18
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Kozlova EN, Berens C. Guiding Differentiation of Stem Cells in Vivo by Tetracycline-Controlled Expression of Key Transcription Factors. Cell Transplant 2012; 21:2537-54. [DOI: 10.3727/096368911x637407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of stem or progenitor cells is an attractive strategy for cell replacement therapy. However, poor long-term survival and insufficiently reproducible differentiation to functionally appropriate cells in vivo still present major obstacles for translation of this methodology to clinical applications. Numerous experimental studies have revealed that the expression of just a few transcription factors can be sufficient to drive stem cell differentiation toward a specific cell type, to transdifferentiate cells from one fate to another, or to dedifferentiate mature cells to pluripotent stem/progenitor cells (iPSCs). We thus propose here to apply the strategy of expressing the relevant key transcription factors to guide the differentiation of transplanted cells to the desired cell fate in vivo. To achieve this requires tools allowing us to control the expression of these genes in the transplant. Here, we describe drug-inducible systems that allow us to sequentially and timely activate gene expression from the outside, with a particular emphasis on the Tet system, which has been widely and successfully used in stem cells. These regulatory systems offer a tool for strictly limiting gene expression to the respective optimal stage after transplantation. This approach will direct the differentiation of the immature stem/progenitor cells in vivo to the desired cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N Kozlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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GAMERMANN D, MONTAGUD A, APARICIO P, NAVARRO E, TRIANA J, VILLATORO FR, URCHUEGUÍA JF, DE CÓRDOBA PFERNÁNDEZ. A MODULAR SYNTHETIC DEVICE TO CALIBRATE PROMOTERS. J BIOL SYST 2012. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218339012500015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this contribution, a design of a synthetic calibration genetic circuit to characterize the relative strength of different sensing promoters is proposed and its specifications and performance are analyzed via an effective mathematical model. Our calibrator device possesses certain novel and useful features like modularity (and thus the possibility of being used in many different biological contexts), simplicity, being based on a single cell, high sensitivity and fast response. To uncover the critical model parameters and the corresponding parameter domain at which the calibrator performance will be optimal, a sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was carried out over a given range of sensing protein concentrations (acting as input). Our analysis suggests that the half saturation constants for repression, sensing and difference in binding cooperativity (Hill coefficients) for repression are the key to the performance of the proposed device. They furthermore are determinant for the sensing speed of the device, showing that it is possible to produce detectable differences in the repression protein concentrations and in turn in the corresponding fluorescence in less than two hours. This analysis paves the way for the design, experimental construction and validation of a new family of functional genetic circuits for the purpose of calibrating promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. GAMERMANN
- Cátedra Energesis de Tecnología Interdisciplinar, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Guillem de Castro 94, E-46003, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - A. MONTAGUD
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - P. APARICIO
- Departament de Química Física i Inorgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - E. NAVARRO
- Departamento de Lenguajes y Ciencias de la Computacin, E.T.S.I Industriales, Universidad de Málaga, Campus El Ejido, S/n 29013, Málaga, Spain
| | - J. TRIANA
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Pinar del Río "Hermanos Saíz Montes de Oca", Martí 270, 20110, Pinar del Río, Cuba
| | - F. R. VILLATORO
- Departamento de Lenguajes y Ciencias de la Computacin, E.T.S.I Industriales, Universidad de Málaga, Campus El Ejido, S/n 29013, Málaga, Spain
| | - J. F. URCHUEGUÍA
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - P. FERNÁNDEZ DE CÓRDOBA
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Oldham P, Hall S, Burton G. Synthetic biology: mapping the scientific landscape. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34368. [PMID: 22539946 PMCID: PMC3335118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article uses data from Thomson Reuters Web of Science to map and analyse the scientific landscape for synthetic biology. The article draws on recent advances in data visualisation and analytics with the aim of informing upcoming international policy debates on the governance of synthetic biology by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. We use mapping techniques to identify how synthetic biology can best be understood and the range of institutions, researchers and funding agencies involved. Debates under the Convention are likely to focus on a possible moratorium on the field release of synthetic organisms, cells or genomes. Based on the empirical evidence we propose that guidance could be provided to funding agencies to respect the letter and spirit of the Convention on Biological Diversity in making research investments. Building on the recommendations of the United States Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues we demonstrate that it is possible to promote independent and transparent monitoring of developments in synthetic biology using modern information tools. In particular, public and policy understanding and engagement with synthetic biology can be enhanced through the use of online interactive tools. As a step forward in this process we make existing data on the scientific literature on synthetic biology available in an online interactive workbook so that researchers, policy makers and civil society can explore the data and draw conclusions for themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Oldham
- ESRC Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
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21
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Hsiao WC, Sung SY, Liao CH, Wu HC, Hsieh CL. Vitamin D3-inducible mesenchymal stem cell-based delivery of conditionally replicating adenoviruses effectively targets renal cell carcinoma and inhibits tumor growth. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:1396-408. [PMID: 22480282 DOI: 10.1021/mp200649g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based carriers were recently exploited as a tumor-targeting tool to improve systemic delivery of oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. However, the slow clearance of carrier cells from normal organs indicates the need for a controllable system which allows viral delivery only when the carrier cells reach the tumor site. In this study, we sought to develop a pharmaceutically inducible cell-based oncolytic adenovirus delivery strategy for effective targeting and treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is one of the most malignant tumor types with an unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we demonstrated the intrinsic tumor homing property of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to specifically localize primary and metastatic RCC tumors after systemic administration in a clinically relevant orthotopic animal model. The platelet derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) secreted from RCC was identified as a chemoattractant responsible for the recruitment of hMSCs. Like endogenous osteocalcin whose barely detectable level of expression was dramatically induced by vitamin D(3), the silenced replication of human osteocalcin promoter-directed Ad-hOC-E1 oncolytic adenoviruses loaded in hMSCs was rapidly activated, and the released oncolytic adenoviruses sequentially killed cocultured RCC cells upon vitamin D(3) exposure. Moreover, the systemic treatment of RCC tumor-bearing mice with hMSC cell carriers loaded with Ad-hOC-E1 had very limited effects on tumor growth, but the loaded hMSCs combined with vitamin D(3) treatment induced effective viral delivery to RCC tumors and significant tumor regression. Therapeutic effects of hMSC-based Ad-hOC-E1 delivery were confirmed to be significantly greater than those of injection of carrier-free Ad-hOC-E1. Our results presented the first preclinical demonstration of a novel controllable cell-based gene delivery strategy that combines the advantages of tumor tropism and vitamin D(3)-regulatable human osteocalcin promoter-directed gene expression of hMSCs to improve oncolytic virotherapy for advanced RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chi Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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22
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Karlsson M, Weber W, Fussenegger M. Design and construction of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 813:359-76. [PMID: 22083754 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-412-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the development of molecular tools for the inducible control of transcription, translation, and protein degradation are the basis for the rapidly emerging design and construction of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells.In this chapter, we describe such tools and how they can be integrated into a synthetic gene network with desired functionality. The network design and construction process is illustrated in the form of a detailed protocol for the implementation of a logic NOR gate based on an inducible promoter combined with an inducible protein degradation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karlsson
- Faculty of Biology, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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23
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Gitzinger M, Kemmer C, Fluri DA, El-Baba MD, Weber W, Fussenegger M. The food additive vanillic acid controls transgene expression in mammalian cells and mice. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:e37. [PMID: 22187155 PMCID: PMC3300003 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigger-inducible transcription-control devices that reversibly fine-tune transgene expression in response to molecular cues have significantly advanced the rational reprogramming of mammalian cells. When designed for use in future gene- and cell-based therapies the trigger molecules have to be carefully chosen in order to provide maximum specificity, minimal side-effects and optimal pharmacokinetics in a mammalian organism. Capitalizing on control components that enable Caulobacter crescentus to metabolize vanillic acid originating from lignin degradation that occurs in its oligotrophic freshwater habitat, we have designed synthetic devices that specifically adjust transgene expression in mammalian cells when exposed to vanillic acid. Even in mice transgene expression was robust, precise and tunable in response to vanillic acid. As a licensed food additive that is regularly consumed by humans via flavoured convenience food and specific fresh vegetable and fruits, vanillic acid can be considered as a safe trigger molecule that could be used for diet-controlled transgene expression in future gene- and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Gitzinger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Jakobus K, Wend S, Weber W. Synthetic mammalian gene networks as a blueprint for the design of interactive biohybrid materials. Chem Soc Rev 2011; 41:1000-18. [PMID: 21894343 DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15176b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims at the rational design and construction of devices, systems and organisms with desired functionality based on modular well-characterized biological building blocks. Based on first proof-of-concept studies in bacteria a decade ago, synthetic biology strategies have rapidly entered mammalian cell technology providing novel therapeutic solutions. Here we review how biological building blocks can be rewired to interactive regulatory genetic networks in mammalian cells and how these networks can be transformed into open- and closed-loop control configurations for autonomously managing disease phenotypes. In the second part of this tutorial review we describe how the regulatory biological sensors and switches can be transferred from mammalian cell synthetic biology to materials sciences in order to develop interactive biohybrid materials with similar (therapeutic) functionality as their synthetic biological archetypes. We develop a perspective of how the convergence of synthetic biology with materials sciences might contribute to the development of truly interactive and adaptive materials for autonomous operation in a complex environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Jakobus
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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25
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Shi Q, Tian X, Zhao Y, Luo H, Tian Y, Luo A. Anti-arthritic effects of FasL gene transferred intra-articularly by an inducible lentiviral vector containing improved tet-on system. Rheumatol Int 2011; 34:51-7. [PMID: 21792649 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-2002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to construct and identify an inducible lentiviral vector containing improved tet-on system and FasL gene and observe its effects on pristane-induced arthritis (PIA). FasL gene was amplified from the spleen of Lewis rats by RT-PCR. The tet-on system was improved with insertion of a chicken chromatin insulator (cHS4) element and an rtTA-dependent, tet-responsive element containing modifications of the tetO sequence (TRE-tight1). Pro-apoptosis effect of the vector pTREFasLcHS4V16 on synovial cells was evaluated by flow cytometer in vitro. Anti-arthritis effects of the vector on PIA after intra-articular injection were observed by clinical evaluation and joint histology. Cytokines in synovial tissue were measured by ELISA. The recombinant inducible lentiviral vector pTREFasLcHS4V16 was successfully constructed. The expression response and the pro-apoptosis effects of the vector were doxycycline dose-dependent. The vector injected intra-articularly attenuated the severity of PIA and decreased the level of cytokines in inflamed joints. pTREFasLcHS4V16 with an improved tet-on system can precisely regulate the expression of FasL gene and apoptosis. Anti-arthritis effects were observed after intra-articular injection of the inducible vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
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26
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Weber W, Fussenegger M. Molecular diversity—the toolbox for synthetic gene switches and networks. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2011; 15:414-20. [PMID: 21470897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Weber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Wakeman DR, Dodiya HB, Kordower JH. Cell transplantation and gene therapy in Parkinson's disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 78:126-58. [PMID: 21259269 DOI: 10.1002/msj.20233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting, in part, dopaminergic motor neurons of the ventral midbrain and their terminal projections that course to the striatum. Symptomatic strategies focused on dopamine replacement have proven effective at remediating some motor symptoms during the course of disease but ultimately fail to deliver long-term disease modification and lose effectiveness due to the emergence of side effects. Several strategies have been experimentally tested as alternatives for Parkinson's disease, including direct cell replacement and gene transfer through viral vectors. Cellular transplantation of dopamine-secreting cells was hypothesized as a substitute for pharmacotherapy to directly provide dopamine, whereas gene therapy has primarily focused on restoration of dopamine synthesis or neuroprotection and restoration of spared host dopaminergic circuitry through trophic factors as a means to enhance sustained controlled dopamine transmission. This seems now to have been verified in numerous studies in rodents and nonhuman primates, which have shown that grafts of fetal dopamine neurons or gene transfer through viral vector delivery can lead to improvements in biochemical and behavioral indices of dopamine deficiency. However, in clinical studies, the improvements in parkinsonism have been rather modest and variable and have been plagued by graft-induced dyskinesias. New developments in stem-cell transplantation and induced patient-derived cells have opened the doors for the advancement of cell-based therapeutics. In addition, viral-vector-derived therapies have been developed preclinically with excellent safety and efficacy profiles, showing promise in clinical trials thus far. Further progress and optimization of these therapies will be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy before widespread clinical use is deemed appropriate.
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König N, Åkesson E, Telorack M, Vasylovska S, Ngamjariyawat A, Sundström E, Oster A, Trolle C, Berens C, Aldskogius H, Seiger Å, Kozlova EN. Forced Runx1 expression in human neural stem/progenitor cells transplanted to the rat dorsal root ganglion cavity results in extensive axonal growth specifically from spinal cord-derived neurospheres. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:1847-57. [PMID: 21322790 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy holds great promise for treating a wide range of human disorders. However, ensuring the predictable differentiation of transplanted stem cells, eliminating their risk of tumor formation, and generating fully functional cells after transplantation remain major challenges in regenerative medicine. Here, we explore the potential of human neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from the embryonic forebrain (hfNSPCs) or the spinal cord (hscNSPCs) to differentiate to projection neurons when transplanted into the dorsal root ganglion cavity of adult recipient rats. To stimulate axonal growth, we transfected hfNSPC- and hscNSPC-derived neurospheres, prior to their transplantation, with a Tet-Off Runx1-overexpressing plasmid to maintain Runx1 expression in vivo after transplantation. Although pronounced cell differentiation was found in the Runx1-expressing transplants from both cell sources, we observed extensive, long-distance growth of axons exclusively from hscNSPC-derived transplants. These axons ultimately reached the dorsal root transitional zone, the boundary separating peripheral and central nervous systems. Our data show that hscNSPCs have the potential to differentiate to projection neurons with long-distance axonal outgrowth and that Runx1 overexpression is a useful approach to induce such outgrowth in specific sources of NSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas König
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Uppsala University Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Weber W, Fussenegger M. Synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010; 21:690-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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30
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Abstract
Gene expression circuitries, which enable cells to detect precise levels within a morphogen concentration gradient, have a pivotal impact on biological processes such as embryonic pattern formation, paracrine and autocrine signalling, and cellular migration. We present the rational synthesis of a synthetic genetic circuit exhibiting band-pass detection characteristics. The components, involving multiply linked mammalian trans-activator and -repressor control systems, were selected and fine-tuned to enable the detection of ‘low-threshold’ morphogen (tetracycline) concentrations, in which target gene expression was triggered, and a ‘high-threshold’ concentration, in which expression was muted. In silico predictions and supporting experimental findings indicated that the key criterion for functional band-pass detection was the matching of componentry that enabled sufficient separation of the low and high threshold points. Using the circuitry together with a fluorescence-encoded target gene, mammalian cells were genetically engineered to be capable of forming a band-like pattern of differentiation in response to a tetracycline chemical gradient. Synthetic gene networks designed to emulate naturally occurring gene behaviours provide not only insight into biological processes, but may also foster progress in future tissue engineering, gene therapy and biosensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Greber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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31
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32
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Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Gene Ther 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-88-470-1643-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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33
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Computational and Theoretical Concepts for Regulating Stem Cells Using Viral and Physical Methods. LECTURE NOTES IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9419-3_41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to engineer novel cellular functions by assembling well-characterized molecular parts (i.e., nucleic acids and proteins) into biological "devices" that exhibit predictable behavior. Recently, efforts in eukaryotic synthetic biology have sprung from foundational work in bacteria. Designing synthetic circuits to operate reliably in the context of differentiating and morphologically complex cells presents unique challenges and opportunities for progress in the field. This review surveys recent advances in eukaryotic synthetic biology and describes how synthetic systems can be linked to natural cellular processes in order to manipulate cell behavior and to foster new discoveries in cell biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karmella A Haynes
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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35
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Aldskogius H, Berens C, Kanaykina N, Liakhovitskaia A, Medvinsky A, Sandelin M, Schreiner S, Wegner M, Hjerling-Leffler J, Kozlova EN. Regulation of boundary cap neural crest stem cell differentiation after transplantation. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1592-603. [PMID: 19544468 PMCID: PMC2733376 DOI: 10.1002/stem.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Success of cell replacement therapies for neurological disorders will depend largely on the optimization of strategies to enhance viability and control the developmental fate of stem cells after transplantation. Once transplanted, stem/progenitor cells display a tendency to maintain an undifferentiated phenotype or differentiate into inappropriate cell types. Gain and loss of function experiments have revealed key transcription factors which drive differentiation of immature stem/progenitor cells toward more mature stages and eventually to full differentiation. An attractive course of action to promote survival and direct the differentiation of transplanted stem cells to a specific cell type would therefore be to force expression of regulatory differentiation molecules in already transplanted stem cells, using inducible gene expression systems which can be controlled from the outside. Here, we explore this hypothesis by employing a tetracycline gene regulating system (Tet-On) to drive the differentiation of boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) toward a sensory neuron fate after transplantation. We induced the expression of the key transcription factor Runx1 in Sox10-expressing bNCSCs. Forced expression of Runx1 strongly increased transplant survival in the enriched neurotrophic environment of the dorsal root ganglion cavity, and was sufficient to guide differentiation of bNCSCs toward a nonpeptidergic nociceptive sensory neuron phenotype both in vitro and in vivo after transplantation. These findings suggest that exogenous activation of transcription factors expression after transplantation in stem/progenitor cell grafts can be a constructive approach to control their survival as well as their differentiation to the desired type of cell and that the Tet-system is a useful tool to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Aldskogius
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Uppsala University Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
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36
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Tas SW, Vervoordeldonk MJBM, Tak PP. Gene therapy targeting nuclear factor-kappaB: towards clinical application in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Curr Gene Ther 2009; 9:160-70. [PMID: 19519361 PMCID: PMC2864453 DOI: 10.2174/156652309788488569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is regarded as one of the most important transcription factors and plays an essential role in the transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation and survival. NF-κB can be activated via two distinct NF-κB signal transduction pathways, the so-called canonical and non-canonical pathways, and has been demonstrated to play a key role in a wide range of inflammatory diseases and various types of cancer. Much effort has been put in strategies to inhibit NF-κB activation, for example by the development of pharmacological compounds that selectively inhibit NF-κB activity and therefore would be beneficial for immunotherapy of transplantation, autoimmune and allergic diseases, as well as an adjuvant approach in patients treated with chemotherapy for cancer. Gene therapy targeting NF-κB is a promising new strategy with the potential of long-term effects and has been explored in a wide variety of diseases, ranging from cancer to transplantation medicine and autoimmune diseases. In this review we discuss recent progress made in the development of NF-κB targeted gene therapy and the evolution towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander W Tas
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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37
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Christen EH, Karlsson M, Kämpf MM, Weber CC, Fussenegger M, Weber W. A general strategy for the production of difficult-to-express inducer-dependent bacterial repressor proteins in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 66:158-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Dorer DE, Nettelbeck DM. Targeting cancer by transcriptional control in cancer gene therapy and viral oncolysis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:554-71. [PMID: 19394376 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-specificity is the key requirement for a drug or treatment regimen to be effective against malignant disease--and has rarely been achieved adequately to date. Therefore, targeting strategies need to be implemented for future therapies to ensure efficient activity at the site of patients' tumors or metastases without causing intolerable side-effects. Gene therapy and viral oncolysis represent treatment modalities that offer unique opportunities for tumor targeting. This is because both the transfer of genes with anti-cancer activity and viral replication-induced cell killing, respectively, facilitate the incorporation of multiple mechanisms restricting their activity to cancer. To this end, cellular mechanisms of gene regulation have been successfully exploited to direct therapeutic gene expression and viral cell lysis to cancer cells. Here, transcriptional targeting has been the role model and most widely investigated. This approach exploits cellular gene regulatory elements that mediate cell type-specific transcription to restrict the expression of therapeutic genes or essential viral genes, ideally to cancer cells. In this review, we first discuss the rationale for such promoter targeting and its limitations. We then give an overview how tissue-/tumor-specific promoters are being identified and characterized. Strategies to apply and optimize such promoters for the engineering of targeted viral gene transfer vectors and oncolytic viruses-with respect to promoter size, selectivity and activity in the context of viral genomes-are described. Finally, we discuss in more detail individual examples for transcriptionally targeted virus drugs. First highlighting oncolytic viruses targeted by prostate-specific promoters and by the telomerase promoter as representatives of tissue-targeted and pan-cancer-specific virus drugs respectively, and secondly recent developments of the last two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik E Dorer
- Helmholtz-University Group Oncolytic Adenoviruses, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Controlling transgene expression in subcutaneous implants using a skin lotion containing the apple metabolite phloretin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:10638-43. [PMID: 19549857 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0901501106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjustable control of therapeutic transgenes in engineered cell implants after transdermal and topical delivery of nontoxic trigger molecules would increase convenience, patient compliance, and elimination of hepatic first-pass effect in future therapies. Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E has evolved the flavonoid-triggered TtgR operon, which controls expression of a multisubstrate-specific efflux pump (TtgABC) to resist plant-derived defense metabolites in its rhizosphere habitat. Taking advantage of the TtgR operon, we have engineered a hybrid P. putida-mammalian genetic unit responsive to phloretin. This flavonoid is contained in apples, and, as such, or as dietary supplement, regularly consumed by humans. The engineered mammalian phloretin-adjustable control element (PEACE) enabled adjustable and reversible transgene expression in different mammalian cell lines and primary cells. Due to the short half-life of phloretin in culture, PEACE could also be used to program expression of difficult-to-produce protein therapeutics during standard bioreactor operation. When formulated in skin lotions and applied to the skin of mice harboring transgenic cell implants, phloretin was able to fine-tune target genes and adjust heterologous protein levels in the bloodstream of treated mice. PEACE-controlled target gene expression could foster advances in biopharmaceutical manufacturing as well as gene- and cell-based therapies.
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Weber W, Schuetz M, Dénervaud N, Fussenegger M. A synthetic metabolite-based mammalian inter-cell signaling system. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2009; 5:757-63. [PMID: 19562115 DOI: 10.1039/b902070p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Functionally well-characterized modular transcription units represent the genetic repertoire for the design of synthetic gene networks operating inside individual mammalian cells. Interconnection of specialized cells to multicellular assemblies that could execute complex computational functions requires synthetic signaling systems, which process and synchronize metabolic information between mammalian cells. In this study we have designed a metabolite-controlled inter-cellular signaling device consisting of a human sender cell line stably engineered for constitutive expression of the human liver-type arginase and a transgenic receiver cell line harboring a synthetic circuit, which produced a human glycoprotein in response to L-arginine levels in the culture medium. Quantitative characterization of the system components enabled precise prediction of l-arginine degradation and product gene expression kinetics and showed that two independent transgenic cell lines could functionally inter-operate to form a metabolite-controlled device which is able to precisely time desired target gene expression. Synthetic gene circuits modulating the transfer of metabolic information from a sender to a receiver cell line may enable the design of synthetic hormone systems supporting communication across multicellular assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Weber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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41
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Weber W, Lienhart C, Daoud-El Baba M, Grass RN, Kohler T, Müller R, Stark WJ, Fussenegger M. Magnet-guided transduction of mammalian cells and mice using engineered magnetic lentiviral particles. J Biotechnol 2009; 141:118-22. [PMID: 19433214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2009.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of therapeutic transgenes into specific cells remains a highly relevant challenge for tissue engineering and future gene-based therapies. We have designed streptavidin-pseudotyped lentiviral particles which upon coupling with biotinylated magnetic carbon-coated cobalt nanoparticles could be guided by magnetic fields to site-specifically transduce desired target cells in culture as well as in mice. Magnetic patterns projected onto monolayer cultures were replicated by fluorescent cells following targeted transduction by magnetic lentiviral particles engineered for constitutive expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Even after intravenous injection into mice magnetic GFP-transgenic lentiviral particles could be guided to a preferred transduction site in the animal using a magnetic field. Magnet-guided transgene delivery producing desired patterns of transduced cell populations may enable the design of defined tissue topologies and provide site-specific transduction of therapeutic transgenes for cell-specific interventions in future gene and cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Weber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
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Lapenna S, Dinan L, Friz J, Hopfinger AJ, Liu J, Hormann RE. Semi-synthetic ecdysteroids as gene-switch actuators: synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and prospective ADME properties. ChemMedChem 2009; 4:55-68. [PMID: 19065574 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200800280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ligand-inducible, ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) gene-expression system can add critical control features to protein expression in cell and gene therapy. However, potent natural ecdysteroids possess absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties that have not been optimised for use as gene-switch actuators in vivo. Herein we report the first systematic synthetic exploration of ecdysteroids toward modulation of gene-switch potency. Twenty-three semi-synthetic O-alkyl ecdysteroids were assayed in both a natural insect system (Drosophila B(II) cells) and engineered gene-switch systems in mammalian cells using Drosophila melanogaster, Choristoneura fumiferana, and Aedes aegypti EcRs. Gene-switch potency is maintained, or even enhanced, for ecdysteroids methylated at the 22-position in favourable cases. Furthermore, trends toward lower solubility, higher permeability, and higher blood-brain barrier penetration are supported by predicted ADME properties, calculated using the membrane-interaction (MI)-QSAR methodology. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of alkylated ecdysteroids indicates that 22-OH is an H-bond acceptor, 25-OH is most likely an H-bond donor, and 2-OH and 3-OH are donors and/or acceptors in network with each other, and with the EcR. The strategy of alkylation points the way to improved ecdysteroidal actuators for switch-activated gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lapenna
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, EX4 4PS, Exeter, UK.
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43
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Weber W, Fussenegger M. Engineering of Synthetic Mammalian Gene Networks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 16:287-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2009.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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45
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Comparative genomics allows the discovery of cis-regulatory elements in mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:3053-8. [PMID: 19211788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0813264106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and mapping of cis-regulatory elements is important for understanding regulation of gene transcription in mosquito vectors of human diseases. Genome sequence data are available for 3 species, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae), representing 2 subfamilies (Culicinae and Anophelinae) that are estimated to have diverged 145 to 200 million years ago. Comparative genomics tools were used to screen genomic DNA fragments located in the 5'-end flanking regions of orthologous genes. These analyses resulted in the identification of 137 sequences, designated "mosquito motifs," 7 to 9 nucleotides in length, representing 18 families of putative cis-regulatory elements conserved significantly among the 3 species when compared to the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Forty-one of the motifs were implicated previously in experiments as sites for binding transcription factors or functioning in the regulation of mosquito gene expression. Further analyses revealed associations between specific motifs and expression profiles, particularly in those genes that show increased or decreased mRNA abundance in females following a blood meal, and those accumulating transcription products exclusively or preferentially in the midgut, fat bodies, or ovaries. These results validate the methodology and support a relationship between the discovered motifs and the conservation of hematophagy in mosquitoes.
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Abstract
Gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of cancer. The success of the strategy relies on effective gene transfer into tumor microenvironments. Although a variety of gene delivery vehicles, such as viral vectors, has been developed, most of them suffer from some limitations, including inadequate tumor targeting, inefficient gene transfer, and potential toxicity. This situation suggests that it is necessary to develop novel vectors for effective tumor-targeted gene transfer. The discovery of tumor-targeting bacteria has spurred interest in the use of these bacteria as gene transfer vectors. In this review, we focus on the current status of the development of bacterial vectors for cancer gene therapy and highlight some of the directions that the field may take.
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47
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Greber D, El-Baba MD, Fussenegger M. Intronically encoded siRNAs improve dynamic range of mammalian gene regulation systems and toggle switch. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:e101. [PMID: 18632760 PMCID: PMC2532736 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Applications of conditional gene expression, whether for therapeutic or basic research purposes, are increasingly requiring mammalian gene control systems that exhibit far tighter control properties. While numerous approaches have been used to improve the widely used Tet-regulatory system, many applications, particularly with respect to the engineering of synthetic gene networks, will require a broader range of tightly performing gene control systems. Here, a generically applicable approach is described that utilizes intronically encoded siRNA on the relevant transregulator construct, and siRNA sequence-specific tags on the reporter construct, to minimize basal gene activity in the off-state of a range of common gene control systems. To demonstrate tight control of residual expression the approach was successfully used to conditionally express the toxic proteins RipDD and Linamarase. The intronic siRNA concept was also extended to create a new generation of compact, single-vector, autoinducible siRNA vectors. Finally, using improved regulation systems a mammalian epigenetic toggle switch was engineered that exhibited superior in vitro and in vivo induction characteristics in mice compared to the equivalent non-intronic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Greber
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, HCI F115, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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48
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May T, Eccleston L, Herrmann S, Hauser H, Goncalves J, Wirth D. Bimodal and hysteretic expression in mammalian cells from a synthetic gene circuit. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2372. [PMID: 18523635 PMCID: PMC2394661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish cells and organisms with predictable properties, synthetic biology makes use of controllable, synthetic genetic devices. These devices are used to replace or to interfere with natural pathways. Alternatively, they may be interlinked with endogenous pathways to create artificial networks of higher complexity. While these approaches have been already successful in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, the implementation of such synthetic cassettes in mammalian systems and even animals is still a major obstacle. This is mainly due to the lack of methods that reliably and efficiently transduce synthetic modules without compromising their regulation properties. To pave the way for implementation of synthetic regulation modules in mammalian systems we utilized lentiviral transduction of synthetic modules. A synthetic positive feedback loop, based on the Tetracycline regulation system was implemented in a lentiviral vector system and stably integrated in mammalian cells. This gene regulation circuit yields a bimodal expression response. Based on experimental data a mathematical model based on stochasticity was developed which matched and described the experimental findings. Modelling predicted a hysteretic expression response which was verified experimentally. Thereby supporting the idea that the system is driven by stochasticity. The results presented here highlight that the combination of three independent tools/methodologies facilitate the reliable installation of synthetic gene circuits with predictable expression characteristics in mammalian cells and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias May
- Department of Gene Regulation and Differentiation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lee Eccleston
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Herrmann
- Department of Gene Regulation and Differentiation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Department of Gene Regulation and Differentiation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jorge Goncalves
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Department of Gene Regulation and Differentiation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Fluri DA, Baba MDE, Fussenegger M. Adeno-associated viral vectors engineered for macrolide-adjustable transgene expression in mammalian cells and mice. BMC Biotechnol 2007; 7:75. [PMID: 17986332 PMCID: PMC2211474 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-7-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adjustable gene expression is crucial in a number of applications such as de- or transdifferentiation of cell phenotypes, tissue engineering, various production processes as well as gene-therapy initiatives. Viral vectors, based on the Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) type 2, have emerged as one of the most promising types of vectors for therapeutic applications due to excellent transduction efficiencies of a broad variety of dividing and mitotically inert cell types and due to their unique safety features. Results We designed recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors for the regulated expression of transgenes in different configurations. We integrated the macrolide-responsive E.REX systems (EON and EOFF) into rAAV backbones and investigated the delivery and expression of intracellular as well as secreted transgenes for binary set-ups and for self- and auto-regulated one-vector configurations. Extensive quantitative analysis of an array of vectors revealed a high level of adjustability as well as tight transgene regulation with low levels of leaky expression, both crucial for therapeutical applications. We tested the performance of the different vectors in selected biotechnologically and therapeutically relevant cell types (CHO-K1, HT-1080, NHDF, MCF-7). Moreover, we investigated key characteristics of the systems, such as reversibility and adjustability to the regulating agent, to determine promising candidates for in vivo studies. To validate the functionality of delivery and regulation we performed in vivo studies by injecting particles, coding for compact self-regulated expression units, into mice and adjusting transgene expression. Conclusion Capitalizing on established safety features and a track record of high transduction efficiencies of mammalian cells, adeno- associated virus type 2 were successfully engineered to provide new powerful tools for macrolide-adjustable transgene expression in mammalian cells as well as in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Fluri
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, HCI F115, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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50
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Weber W, Kramer BP, Fussenegger M. A genetic time-delay circuitry in mammalian cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2007; 98:894-902. [PMID: 17461420 DOI: 10.1002/bit.21463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression circuitries with time-delayed expression profiles regulate key events, such as oscillating systems, noise elimination, and coordinated multi-step processes, in all organisms from bacteria to mammalian cells. We present the rational synthesis of a genetic circuit displaying time-delayed expression in silico and in mammalian cells. The network is based on a time-delay circuit, where the tetracycline-responsive transactivator (tTA) induces expression of the pristinamycin-responsive repressor PIP-KRAB, which silences expression of the terminal human placental secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). While the addition of pristinamycin I inactivates PIP-KRAB and results in the immediate resumption of SEAP expression, addition of tetracycline abolishes PIP-KRAB synthesis. Consequently, SEAP production remains repressed until the PIP-KRAB buffer in the cell is eliminated. We characterized in silico and in vivo the time-delayed expression properties and analyzed the impact of the size and stability of the PIP-KRAB buffer on fine-tuning of the response kinetics. This tunable time-delay circuitry represents a biologic building block for emulating a fundamental circuit topology in integrated artificial synthetic gene networks for the design of tailor-made cell types and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Weber
- Institute for Chemical and Bio-Engineering, ETH Zurich, HCI F115, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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