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Di Girolamo D, Di Iorio E, Missero C. Molecular and Cellular Function of p63 in Skin Development and Genetic Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)02076-1. [PMID: 39340489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor p63 is a master regulator of multiple ectodermal derivatives. During epidermal commitment, p63 interacts with several chromatin remodeling complexes to transactivate epidermal-specific genes and repress transcription of simple epithelial and nonepithelial genes. In the postnatal epidermis, p63 is required to control the proliferative potential of progenitor cells, maintain epidermal integrity, and contribute to epidermal differentiation. Autosomal dominant sequence variant in p63 cause a spectrum of syndromic disorders that affect several tissues, including or derived from stratified epithelia. In this review, we describe the recent studies that have provided novel insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Girolamo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Biology Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- Clinical Genetics Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Missero
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Biology Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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2
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Roshandel D, Semnani F, Rayati Damavandi A, Masoudi A, Baradaran-Rafii A, Watson SL, Morgan WH, McLenachan S. Genetic predisposition to ocular surface disorders and opportunities for gene-based therapies. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:150-165. [PMID: 37192706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The ocular surface, comprised of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, innervation system, immune components, and tear-film apparatus, plays a key role in ocular integrity as well as comfort and vision. Gene defects may result in congenital ocular or systemic disorders with prominent ocular surface involvement. Examples include epithelial corneal dystrophies, aniridia, ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. In addition, genetic factors may interact with environmental risk factors in the development of several multifactorial ocular surface disorders (OSDs) such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, neoplasms, and dry eye disease. Advanced gene-based technologies have already been introduced in disease modelling and proof-of-concept gene therapies for monogenic OSDs. For instance, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have been used for modelling aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), XP, and EEC syndrome. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used for disease modelling and/or gene therapy for AAK and Meesmann's epithelial corneal dystrophy. A better understanding of the role of genetic factors in OSDs may be helpful in designing personalized disease models and treatment approaches. Gene-based approaches in monogenic OSDs and genetic predisposition to multifactorial OSDs such as immune-mediated disorders and neoplasms with known or possible genetic risk factors has been seldom reviewed. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of genetic factors in monogenic and multifactorial OSDs and potential opportunities for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Roshandel
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Farbod Semnani
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmasoud Rayati Damavandi
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Masoudi
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie L Watson
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William H Morgan
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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3
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Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of the Ocular Morbidities in Patients with EEC Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030495. [PMID: 36766837 PMCID: PMC9914602 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-Clefting (EEC) syndrome is caused by heterozygous missense point mutations in the p63 gene, an important transcription factor during embryogenesis and for stem cell differentiation in stratified epithelia. Most of the cases are sporadic, related to de novo mutations arising during early-stage development. Familial cases show an autosomic dominant inheritance. The major cause of visual morbidity is limbal stem cell failure, which develops in the second to third decade of life. Patients often show ocular surface alterations, such as recurrent blepharitis and conjunctivitis, superficial microlesions of the cornea, and spontaneous corneal perforation and ulceration, leading to progressive corneal clouding and eventually visual loss. No definitive cures are currently available, and treatments to alleviate symptoms are only palliative. In this review, we will discuss the proposed therapeutic strategies that have been tested or are under development for the management of the ocular defects in patients affected by EEC syndrome: (i) gene therapy-based approaches by means of Allele-Specific (AS) siRNAs to correct the p63 mutations; (ii) cell therapy-based approaches to replenish the pool of limbal stem cells; and (iii) drug therapy to correct/bypass the genetic defect. However, as the number of patients with EEC syndrome is too limited, further studies are still necessary to prove the effectiveness (and safety) of these innovative therapeutic approaches to counteract the premature differentiation of limbal stem cells.
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4
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Barbaro V, Orvieto A, Alvisi G, Bertolin M, Bonelli F, Liehr T, Harutyunyan T, Kankel S, Joksic G, Ferrari S, Daniele E, Ponzin D, Bettio D, Salviati L, Di Iorio E. Analysis and pharmacological modulation of senescence in human epithelial stem cells. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3977-3994. [PMID: 35706382 PMCID: PMC9279594 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epithelial stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by long‐term regenerative properties, much dependent on the tissue of origin and varying during their lifespan. We analysed such variables in cultures of ESCs isolated from the skin, conjunctiva, limbus and oral mucosa of healthy donors and patients affected by ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the p63 gene. We cultured cells until exhaustion in the presence or in the absence of DAPT (γ‐secretase inhibitor; N‐[N‐(3, 5‐difluorophenacetyl)‐L‐alanyl]‐S‐phenylglycine T‐butyl ester). All cells were able to differentiate in vitro but exhibited variable self‐renewal potential. In particular, cells carrying p63 mutations stopped prematurely, compared with controls. Importantly, administration of DAPT significantly extended the replicative properties of all stem cells under examination. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that distinct sets of genes were up‐ or down‐regulated during their lifetime, thus allowing to identify druggable gene networks and off‐the‐shelf compounds potentially dealing with epithelial stem cell senescence. These data will expand our knowledge on the genetic bases of senescence and potentially pave the way to the pharmacological modulation of ageing in epithelial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Orvieto
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany
| | - Tigran Harutyunyan
- Department of Genetics and Cytology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Stefanie Kankel
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany
| | - Gordana Joksic
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Vinča Institue of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Vinča, Serbia
| | | | - Elena Daniele
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Daniela Bettio
- Clinical Genetics Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Leonardo Salviati
- Clinical Genetics Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Clinical Genetics Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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5
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Novelli F, Ganini C, Melino G, Nucci C, Han Y, Shi Y, Wang Y, Candi E. p63 in corneal and epidermal differentiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 610:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Migliore L, Galvagni F, Pierantozzi E, Sorrentino V, Rossi D. Allele-specific silencing by RNAi of R92Q and R173W mutations in cardiac troponin T. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:805-814. [PMID: 35067102 PMCID: PMC9160939 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211072453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant mutations in sarcomere proteins such as the cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) are the main genetic causes of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Allele-specific silencing by RNA interference (ASP-RNAi) holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for downregulating a single mutant allele with minimal suppression of the corresponding wild-type allele. Here, we propose ASP-RNAi as a possible strategy to specifically knockdown mutant alleles coding for R92Q and R173W mutant TNNT2 proteins, identified in hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, respectively. Different siRNAs were designed and validated by luciferase reporter assay and following analysis in HEK293T cells expressing either the wild-type or mutant TNNT2 alleles. This study is the first exploration of ASP-RNAi on TNNT2-R173W and TNNT2-R92Q mutations in vitro and gives a base for further application of allele silencing as a therapeutic treatment for TNNT2-mutation-associated cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Migliore
- Department of Molecular and
Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology,
Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enrico Pierantozzi
- Department of Molecular and
Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular and
Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Molecular and
Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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7
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Latta L, Figueiredo FC, Ashery-Padan R, Collinson JM, Daniels J, Ferrari S, Szentmáry N, Solá S, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Lako M, Xapelli S, Aberdam D, Lagali N. Pathophysiology of aniridia-associated keratopathy: Developmental aspects and unanswered questions. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:245-266. [PMID: 34520870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aniridia, a rare congenital disease, is often characterized by a progressive, pronounced limbal insufficiency and ocular surface pathology termed aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). Due to the characteristics of AAK and its bilateral nature, clinical management is challenging and complicated by the multiple coexisting ocular and systemic morbidities in aniridia. Although it is primarily assumed that AAK originates from a congenital limbal stem cell deficiency, in recent years AAK and its pathogenesis has been questioned in the light of new evidence and a refined understanding of ocular development and the biology of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and their niche. Here, by consolidating and comparing the latest clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss key unanswered questions regarding ocular developmental aspects crucial to AAK. We also highlight hypotheses on the potential role of LSCs and the ocular surface microenvironment in AAK. The insights thus gained lead to a greater appreciation for the role of developmental and cellular processes in the emergence of AAK. They also highlight areas for future research to enable a deeper understanding of aniridia, and thereby the potential to develop new treatments for this rare but blinding ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Latta
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - F C Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - R Ashery-Padan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - J M Collinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - J Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - S Ferrari
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - N Szentmáry
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - S Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - S Xapelli
- Instituto Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Aberdam
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Team 17, France; Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - N Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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Koch PJ, Koster MI. Rare Genetic Disorders: Novel Treatment Strategies and Insights Into Human Biology. Front Genet 2021; 12:714764. [PMID: 34422015 PMCID: PMC8378213 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.714764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in innovative ideas for the treatment of genetic disorders for which no curative therapies exist. Gene and protein replacement therapies stand out as novel approaches to treat a select group of these diseases, such as certain tissue fragility disorders. Further, the advent of stem cell approaches, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology, has led to the development of new methods of creating replacement tissues for regenerative medicine. This coincided with the discovery of genome editing techniques, which allow for the correction of disease-causing mutations. The culmination of these discoveries suggests that new and innovative therapies for monogenetic disorders affecting single organs or tissues are on the horizon. Challenges remain, however, especially with diseases that simultaneously affect several tissues and organs during development. Examples of this group of diseases include ectodermal dysplasias, genetic disorders affecting the development of tissues and organs such as the skin, cornea, and epithelial appendages. Gene or protein replacement strategies are unlikely to be successful in addressing the multiorgan phenotype of these diseases. Instead, we believe that a more effective approach will be to focus on correcting phenotypes in the most severely affected tissues. This could include the generation of replacement tissues or the identification of pharmaceutical compounds that correct disease pathways in specific tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Koch
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine (BSOM) at East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Maranke I Koster
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine (BSOM) at East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC, United States
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Di Iorio E, Barbaro V, Alvisi G, Trevisan M, Ferrari S, Masi G, Nespeca P, Ghassabian H, Ponzin D, Palù G. New Frontiers of Corneal Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:923-945. [PMID: 31020856 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are among the most prevalent causes of blindness worldwide. The transparency and clarity of the cornea are guaranteed by a delicate physiological, anatomic, and functional balance. For this reason, all the disorders, including those of genetic origin, that compromise this state of harmony can lead to opacity and eventually vision loss. Many corneal disorders have a genetic etiology, and some are associated with rather rare and complex syndromes. Conventional treatments, such as corneal transplantation, are often ineffective, and to date, many of these disorders are still incurable. Gene therapy carries the promise of being a potential cure for many of these diseases, with solutions and strategies that did not seem possible until a few years ago. With its potential to treat genetic disease by means of deletion, replacement, or editing of a defective gene, the challenge can also be extended to corneal disorders in order to achieve long-term, if not definitive, relief. The aim of this paper is to review the state of the art of the different gene therapy approaches as potential treatments for corneal diseases and the future perspectives for the development of personalized gene-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Di Iorio
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Barbaro
- 2Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi Del Veneto Onlus, Zelarino, Venezia, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- 2Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi Del Veneto Onlus, Zelarino, Venezia, Italy
| | - Giulia Masi
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nespeca
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Hanieh Ghassabian
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- 2Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi Del Veneto Onlus, Zelarino, Venezia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Xiao SR, Xu GD, Wei WJ, Peng B, Deng YB. Antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid in transgenic mice. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:183-191. [PMID: 30148146 PMCID: PMC6107528 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i8.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid (LNA) in transgenic mice.
METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and positive for serum HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA, were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 7), including negative control (blank control, unrelated sequence control), positive control (lamivudine, anti-sense-LNA), and anti-gene-LNA experimental group. LNA was injected into transgenic mice by tail vein while lamivudine was administered by gavage. Serum HBV DNA and HBsAg levels were determined by fluorescence-based PCR and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay, respectively. HBV S gene expression amounts were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive rates of HBsAg in liver cells were evaluated immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS Average rate reductions of HBsAg after treatment on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days were 32.34%, 45.96%, and 59.15%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of anti-gene-LNA on serum HBsAg peaked on day 7, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment (0.96 ± 0.18 vs 2.35 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) and control values (P < 0.05 for all). Average reduction rates of HBV DNA on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days were 38.55%, 50.95%, and 62.26%, respectively. This inhibitory effect peaked on the 7th day after treatment with anti-gene-LNA, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment (4.17 ± 1.29 vs 11.05 ± 1.25, P < 0.05) and control values (P < 0.05 for all). The mRNA levels of the HBV S gene (P < 0.05 for all) and rates of HBsAg positive liver cells (P < 0.05 for all) were significantly reduced compared with the control groups. Liver and kidney function, and histology showed no abnormalities.
CONCLUSION Anti-gene-LNA targeting the S gene of HBV displays strong inhibitory effects on HBV in transgenic mice, providing theoretical and experimental bases for gene therapy in HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rong Xiao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gui-Dan Xu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wu-Jun Wei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bin Peng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Bin Deng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease Center, Guangxi Clinic Medicine Research, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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11
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Trevisan M, Alvisi G, Barbaro V, Barzon L, Raffa P, Migliorati A, Desole G, Ruzittu S, Masi G, Di Iorio E, Palù G. Oral Mucosa-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Patients with Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia-Clefting Syndrome. Cell Reprogram 2018; 20:215-224. [PMID: 29989433 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2017.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-Clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare monogenic disease with autosomal dominant inheritance caused by mutations in the TP63 gene, leading to progressive corneal keratinocyte loss, limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), and eventually blindness. Currently, there is no treatment available to cure or slow down the keratinocyte loss. Human oral mucosal epithelial stem cells (hOMESCs), which are a mixed population of keratinocyte precursor stem cells, are used as source of autologous tissue for treatment of bilateral LSCD. However, hOMESCs from EEC patients have a reduced life span due to TP63 mutations and cannot be used for autologous transplantation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent a potentially unlimited source of autologous limbal stem cell for EEC patients and can be genetically modified by genome editing technologies to correct the disease ex vivo before transplantation. In this study, we describe for the first time the generation of integration-free EEC-hiPSCs from hOMESCs of EEC patients by Sendai virus vector and episomal vector-based reprogramming. The generated hiPSC clones expressed pluripotency markers and were successfully differentiated into derivatives of the three germ layers, as well as toward corneal epithelium. These cells may be used for EEC disease modeling and open perspectives for applications in cell therapy of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Trevisan
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Barzon
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Raffa
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Migliorati
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanna Desole
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Ruzittu
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Masi
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova , Padua, Italy
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12
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Patruno M, Perazzi A, Martinello T, Gomiero C, Maccatrozzo L, Iacopetti I. Investigations of the corneal epithelium in Veterinary Medicine: State of the art on corneal stem cells found in different mammalian species and their putative application. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:502-507. [PMID: 29758534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The existence of progenitor cells that can readily differentiate into a specific cell type is a common cellular strategy for physiological tissue growth and repair mechanisms. In the mammalian cornea, many aspects regarding the nature and location of these cells are still unclear. In the human limbus (peripheral area of the cornea) progenitor cells have been found and characterized but in non-human mammals, the picture is not so clear. In this review, we examine current knowledge about the morphology of limbus and the localization of corneal epithelial stem cells in all species studied so far, comparing data with humans. We have also explored different research directions in the veterinary field in order to discuss the: i) currently used protocols and ii) best range of treatments for ocular pathologies in which corneal stem cells are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Patruno
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy.
| | - A Perazzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - T Martinello
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - C Gomiero
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - L Maccatrozzo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - I Iacopetti
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
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13
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Alvisi G, Trevisan M, Masi G, Canel V, Caenazzo L, Nespeca P, Barzon L, Di Iorio E, Barbaro V, Palù G. Generation of a transgene-free human induced pluripotent stem cell line (UNIPDi001-A) from oral mucosa epithelial stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2018; 28:177-180. [PMID: 29547871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human oral mucosa epithelial stem cells (hOMESCs) were obtained from a fresh oral biopsy collected from a healthy subject at the Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto (FBOV). An integration-free reprogramming protocol was applied exploiting episomal plasmids transfected into cells using a Nucleofector device. Around day 20 post transfection, several human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) colonies were manually picked and expanded. One of these (UNIPDi001-A-hiPSCs) expressed undifferentiated state marker alkaline phosphatase along with a panel of pluripotency state markers and was able to differentiate into the derivatives of all the three germ layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy.
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Vanessa Canel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nespeca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Vanessa Barbaro
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
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14
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Induced pluripotent stem cells line (UNIPDi003-A) from a patient affected by EEC syndrome carrying the R279H mutation in TP63 gene. Stem Cell Res 2018; 28:141-144. [PMID: 29477592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosa epithelial stem cells from a patient affected by Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-Clefting (EEC) syndrome carrying the R279H mutation in the TP63 gene were reprogrammed into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with episomal vectors. The generated UNIPDi003-A-hPSC line retained the mutation of the parental cells and showed a normal karyotype upon long term culture. Analysis of residual transgenes expression showed that the episomal vectors were eliminated from the cell line. UNIPDi003-A-hiPSCs expressed the undifferentiated state marker alkaline phosphatase along with a panel of pluripotency markers, and formed embryoid bodies capable of expressing markers belonging to all the three germ layers.
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15
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Trevisan M, Barbaro V, Riccetti S, Masi G, Barzon L, Nespeca P, Alvisi G, Di Iorio E, Palù G. Generation of a transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cells line (UNIPDi002-A) from oral mucosa epithelial stem cells carrying the R304Q mutation in TP63 gene. Stem Cell Res 2018; 28:149-152. [PMID: 29486400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgene free UNIPDi002-A-human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line was generated by Sendai Virus Vectors reprogramming from human oral mucosal epithelial stem cells (hOMESCs) of a patient affected by ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC)-syndrome, carrying a mutation in exon 8 of the TP63 gene (R304Q). The UNIPDi002-A-hiPSC line retained the mutation of the parental R304Q-hOMESCs and displayed a normal karyotype. No residual expression of transgenes nor Sendai virus vector sequences were detected in the line at passage 8. UNIPDi002-A-hiPSC expressed a panel of pluripotency-associated markers and could form embryoid bodies expressing markers belonging to the three germ layers ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Barbaro
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nespeca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
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16
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Barbaro V, Nasti AA, Raffa P, Migliorati A, Nespeca P, Ferrari S, Palumbo E, Bertolin M, Breda C, Miceli F, Russo A, Caenazzo L, Ponzin D, Palù G, Parolin C, Di Iorio E. Personalized Stem Cell Therapy to Correct Corneal Defects Due to a Unique Homozygous-Heterozygous Mosaicism of Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia-Clefting Syndrome. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:1098-105. [PMID: 27151912 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the p63 gene. To date, approximately 40 different p63 mutations have been identified, all heterozygous. No definitive treatments are available to counteract and resolve the progressive corneal degeneration due to a premature aging of limbal epithelial stem cells. Here, we describe a unique case of a young female patient, aged 18 years, with EEC and corneal dysfunction, who was, surprisingly, homozygous for a novel and de novo R311K missense mutation in the p63 gene. A detailed analysis of the degree of somatic mosaicism in leukocytes from peripheral blood and oral mucosal epithelial stem cells (OMESCs) from biopsies of buccal mucosa showed that approximately 80% were homozygous mutant cells and 20% were heterozygous. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses excluded genomic alterations, thus suggesting a de novo mutation followed by an allelic gene conversion of the wild-type allele by de novo mutant allele as a possible mechanism to explain the homozygous condition. R311K-p63 OMESCs were expanded in vitro and heterozygous holoclones selected following clonal analysis. These R311K-p63 OMESCs were able to generate well-organized and stratified epithelia in vitro, resembling the features of healthy tissues. This study supports the rationale for the development of cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial stem cell sheets obtained by selected heterozygous R311K-p63 stem cells, as an effective and personalized therapy for reconstructing the ocular surface of this unique case of EEC syndrome, thus bypassing gene therapy approaches. SIGNIFICANCE This case demonstrates that in a somatic mosaicism context, a novel homozygous mutation in the p63 gene can arise as a consequence of an allelic gene conversion event, subsequent to a de novo mutation. The heterozygous mutant R311K-p63 stem cells can be isolated by means of clonal analysis and given their good regenerative capacity, they may be used to successfully correct the corneal defects present in this unique case of ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Raffa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Nespeca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Palumbo
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Breda
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Iorio
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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