1
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Göttig L, Schreiner S. E4orf1: The triple agent of adenovirus - Unraveling its roles in oncogenesis, infectious obesity and immune responses in virus replication and vector therapy. Tumour Virus Res 2024; 17:200277. [PMID: 38428735 PMCID: PMC10937242 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2024.200277] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Adenoviruses (HAdV) are nearly ubiquitous pathogens comprising numerous sub-types that infect various tissues and organs. Among many encoded proteins that facilitate viral replication and subversion of host cellular processes, the viral E4orf1 protein has emerged as an intriguing yet under-investigated player in the complex interplay between the virus and its host. E4orf1 has gained attention as a metabolism activator and oncogenic agent, while recent research is showing that E4orf1 may play a more important role in modulating cellular pathways such as PI3K-Akt-mTOR, Ras, the immune response and further HAdV replication stages than previously anticipated. In this review, we aim to explore the structure, molecular mechanisms, and biological functions of E4orf1, shedding light on its potentially multifaceted roles during HAdV infection, including metabolic diseases and oncogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of functional E4orf1 in biotechnological applications such as Adenovirus (AdV) vaccine vectors and oncolytic AdV. By dissecting the intricate relationships between HAdV types and E4orf1 proteins, this review provides valuable insights into viral pathogenesis and points to promising areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Göttig
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility; EXC 2155), Hannover, Germany; Institute of Virology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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2
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Weerarathne P, Maker R, Huang C, Taylor B, Cowan SR, Hyatt J, Tamil Selvan M, Shatnawi S, Thomas JE, Meinkoth JH, Scimeca R, Birkenheuer A, Liu L, Reichard MV, Miller CA. A Novel Vaccine Strategy to Prevent Cytauxzoonosis in Domestic Cats. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:573. [PMID: 36992157 PMCID: PMC10058880 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is caused by Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis), a tick-borne parasite that causes severe disease in domestic cats in the United States. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent this fatal disease, as traditional vaccine development strategies have been limited by the inability to culture this parasite in vitro. Here, we used a replication-defective human adenoviral vector (AdHu5) to deliver C. felis-specific immunogenic antigens and induce a cell-mediated and humoral immune response in cats. Cats (n = 6 per group) received either the vaccine or placebo in two doses, 4 weeks apart, followed by experimental challenge with C. felis at 5 weeks post-second dose. While the vaccine induced significant cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in immunized cats, it did not ultimately prevent infection with C. felis. However, immunization significantly delayed the onset of clinical signs and reduced febrility during C. felis infection. This AdHu5 vaccine platform shows promising results as a vaccination strategy against cytauxzoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabasara Weerarathne
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Rebekah Maker
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Brianne Taylor
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Shannon R. Cowan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Julia Hyatt
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Miruthula Tamil Selvan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Shoroq Shatnawi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Thomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - James H. Meinkoth
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Ruth Scimeca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Adam Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Mason V. Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Craig A. Miller
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Sayed N, Allawadhi P, Khurana A, Singh V, Navik U, Pasumarthi SK, Khurana I, Banothu AK, Weiskirchen R, Bharani KK. Gene therapy: Comprehensive overview and therapeutic applications. Life Sci 2022; 294:120375. [PMID: 35123997 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is the product of man's quest to eliminate diseases. Gene therapy has three facets namely, gene silencing using siRNA, shRNA and miRNA, gene replacement where the desired gene in the form of plasmids and viral vectors, are directly administered and finally gene editing based therapy where mutations are modified using specific nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regulatory interspaced short tandem repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)-associated nucleases. Transfer of gene is either through transformation where under specific conditions the gene is directly taken up by the bacterial cells, transduction where a bacteriophage is used to transfer the genetic material and lastly transfection that involves forceful delivery of gene using either viral or non-viral vectors. The non-viral transfection methods are subdivided into physical, chemical and biological. The physical methods include electroporation, biolistic, microinjection, laser, elevated temperature, ultrasound and hydrodynamic gene transfer. The chemical methods utilize calcium- phosphate, DAE-dextran, liposomes and nanoparticles for transfection. The biological methods are increasingly using viruses for gene transfer, these viruses could either integrate within the genome of the host cell conferring a stable gene expression, whereas few other non-integrating viruses are episomal and their expression is diluted proportional to the cell division. So far, gene therapy has been wielded in a plethora of diseases. However, coherent and innocuous delivery of genes is among the major hurdles in the use of this promising therapy. Hence this review aims to highlight the current options available for gene transfer along with the advantages and limitations of every method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilofer Sayed
- Department of Pharmacy, Pravara Rural Education Society's (P.R.E.S.'s) College of Pharmacy, Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University, Nashik 400020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prince Allawadhi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Amit Khurana
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), PVNRTVU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, Telangana, India; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), PVNRTVU, Mamnoor, Warangal 506166, Telangana, India; Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Vishakha Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Umashanker Navik
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | | | - Isha Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Anil Kumar Banothu
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), PVNRTVU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, Telangana, India
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kala Kumar Bharani
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), PVNRTVU, Mamnoor, Warangal 506166, Telangana, India.
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4
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Elkashif A, Alhashimi M, Sayedahmed EE, Sambhara S, Mittal SK. Adenoviral vector-based platforms for developing effective vaccines to combat respiratory viral infections. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1345. [PMID: 34667600 PMCID: PMC8510854 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the development of the first vaccine against smallpox over two centuries ago, vaccination strategies have been at the forefront of significantly impacting the incidences of infectious diseases globally. However, the increase in the human population, deforestation and climate change, and the rise in worldwide travel have favored the emergence of new viruses with the potential to cause pandemics. The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is a cruel reminder of the impact of novel pathogens and the suboptimal capabilities of conventional vaccines. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new vaccine strategies that allow the production of billions of doses in a short duration and are broadly protective against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Extensive knowledge of the molecular biology and immunology of adenoviruses (Ad) has favored Ad vectors as platforms for vaccine design. The Ad-based vaccine platform represents an attractive strategy as it induces robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and can meet the global demand in a pandemic situation. This review describes the status of Ad vector-based vaccines in preclinical and clinical studies for current and emerging respiratory viruses, particularly coronaviruses, influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elkashif
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, and Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchCollege of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | - Marwa Alhashimi
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, and Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchCollege of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | - Ekramy E Sayedahmed
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, and Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchCollege of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | | | - Suresh K Mittal
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, and Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchCollege of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
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5
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Mendonça SA, Lorincz R, Boucher P, Curiel DT. Adenoviral vector vaccine platforms in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:97. [PMID: 34354082 PMCID: PMC8342436 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors have been explored as vaccine agents for a range of infectious diseases, and their ability to induce a potent and balanced immune response made them logical candidates to apply to the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique molecular characteristics of these vectors enabled the rapid development of vaccines with advanced designs capable of overcoming the biological challenges faced by early adenoviral vector systems. These successes and the urgency of the COVID-19 situation have resulted in a flurry of candidate adenoviral vector vaccines for COVID-19 from both academia and industry. These vaccines represent some of the lead candidates currently supported by Operation Warp Speed and other government agencies for rapid translational development. This review details adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines currently in human clinical trials and provides an overview of the new technologies employed in their design. As these vaccines have formed a cornerstone of the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign, this review provides a full consideration of the impact and development of this emerging platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Andrade Mendonça
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reka Lorincz
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Boucher
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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6
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Mulia GE, Picanço-Castro V, Stavrou EF, Athanassiadou A, Figueiredo ML. Advances in the Development and the Applications of Non-viral, Episomal Vectors for Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1076-1095. [PMID: 34348480 PMCID: PMC8819515 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonviral and nonintegrating episomal vectors are reemerging as a valid, alternative technology to integrating viral vectors for gene therapy, due to their more favorable safety profile, significantly lower risk for insertional mutagenesis, and a lesser potential for innate immune reactions, in addition to their low production cost. Over the past few years, attempts have been made to generate highly functional nonviral vectors that display long-term maintenance within cells and promote more sustained gene expression relative to conventional plasmids. Extensive research into the parameters that stabilize the episomal DNA within dividing and nondividing cells has shed light into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern replication and transcription of episomal DNA within a mammalian nucleus in long-term cell culture. Episomal vectors based on scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) do not integrate into the genomic DNA and address the serious problem of plasmid loss during mitosis by providing mitotic stability to established plasmids, which results in long-term transfection and transgene expression. The inclusion, in such vectors, of an origin of replication—initiation region—from the human genome has greatly enhanced their performance in primary cell culture. A number of vectors that function as episomes have arisen, which are either devoid or depleted of harmful CpG sequences and bacterial genes, and their effectiveness, as well as that of nonintegrating viral episomes, is enhanced when combined with S/MAR elements. As a result of these advances, an “S/MAR technology” has emerged for the production of efficient episomal vectors. Significant research continues in this field and innovations, in combination with promising systems based on nanoparticles and potentially combined with physical delivery methods, will enable the generation of optimized systems with scale-up and clinical application suitability utilizing episomal vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Mulia
- Purdue University, Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, 54539, Center for Cell-based Therapy, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Eleana F Stavrou
- University of Patras, Department of General Biology, Patras, Greece;
| | - Aglaia- Athanassiadou
- University of Patras Medical School, General Biology, Asklepiou str, University Campus, Rion Patras, Greece, 26504;
| | - Marxa L Figueiredo
- Purdue University, Basic Medical Sciences, 625 Harrison St., LYNN 2177, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, 47907;
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7
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Ismail AM, Zhou X, Dyer DW, Seto D, Rajaiya J, Chodosh J. Genomic foundations of evolution and ocular pathogenesis in human adenovirus species D. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3583-3608. [PMID: 31769017 PMCID: PMC7185199 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Human adenovirus commonly causes infections of respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and ocular surface mucosae. Although most adenovirus eye infections are mild and self-limited, specific viruses within human adenovirus species D are associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a severe and highly contagious ocular surface infection, which can lead to chronic and/or recurrent, visually disabling keratitis. In this review, we discuss the links between adenovirus ontogeny, genomics, immune responses, and corneal pathogenesis, for those viruses that cause EKC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashrafali M. Ismail
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David W. Dyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Donald Seto
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Jaya Rajaiya
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Chodosh
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Hepatocyte-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Hepatol Int 2016; 11:54-69. [PMID: 27530815 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The discovery that coordinated expression of a limited number of genes can reprogram differentiated somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has opened novel possibilities for developing cell-based models of diseases and regenerative medicine utilizing cell reprogramming or cell transplantation. Directed differentiation of iPSCs can potentially generate differentiated cells belonging to any germ layer, including cells with hepatocyte-like morphology and function. Such cells, termed iHeps, can be derived by sequential cell signaling using available information on embryological development or by forced expression of hepatocyte-enriched transcription factors. In addition to the translational aspects of iHeps, the experimental findings have provided insights into the mechanisms of cell plasticity that permit one cell type to transition to another. However, iHeps generated by current methods do not fully exhibit all characteristics of mature hepatocytes, highlighting the need for additional research in this area. Here we summarize the current approaches and achievements in this field and discuss some existing hurdles and emerging approaches for improving iPSC differentiation, as well as maintaining such cells in culture for increasing their utility in disease modeling and drug development.
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Sauer V, Roy-Chowdhury N, Guha C, Roy-Chowdhury J. Induced pluripotent stem cells as a source of hepatocytes. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2014; 2:11-20. [PMID: 25650171 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-013-0039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, a series of discoveries has established the potential of the so called terminally differentiated cells to transition to more primitive progenitor cells. The dramatic demonstration of the ability to reprogram differentiated somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) that can then give rise to cells of all three germ layers has opened the possibility of generating virtually any cell type in culture, from any given individual. Taking advantage of these concepts, researchers have generated iPSCs by reprogramming a wide variety of somatic cells. In addition to their practical implications, these studies have provided crucial insights into the mechanism of cell plasticity that underlies the transition from one cell type to another. Using concepts derived from research on embryological development, investigators have differentiated iPSCs to cells resembling hepatocytes in many ways. Such hepatocyte-like cells could be of enormous value in disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. However, the currently available methods do not yield cells that fully reproduce the characteristics of adult primary hepatocytes. Thus generating hepatocytes from iPSCs is very much a work in progress. In addition to chronicling these exciting developments, this review will discuss the emergent new approaches to generating iPSCs, improving their differentiation to hepatocyte-like cells and maintaining the hepatocyte-like cells in culture for longer survival and better function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Sauer
- Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York
| | - Namita Roy-Chowdhury
- Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York
| | - Chandan Guha
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York
| | - Jayanta Roy-Chowdhury
- Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York ; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York
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10
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Atkinson H, Chalmers R. Delivering the goods: viral and non-viral gene therapy systems and the inherent limits on cargo DNA and internal sequences. Genetica 2010; 138:485-98. [PMID: 20084428 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viruses have long been considered to be the most promising tools for human gene therapy. However, the initial enthusiasm for the use of viruses has been tarnished in the light of potentially fatal side effects. Transposons have a long history of use with bacteria in the laboratory and are now routinely applied to eukaryotic model organisms. Transposons show promise for applications in human genetic modification and should prove a useful addition to the gene therapy tool kit. Here we review the use of viruses and the limitations of current approaches to gene therapy, followed by a more detailed analysis of transposon length and the physical properties of internal sequences, which both affect transposition efficiency. As transposon length increases, transposition decreases: this phenomenon is known as length-dependence, and has implications for vector cargo capacity. Disruption of internal sequences, either via deletion of native DNA or insertion of exogenous DNA, may reduce or enhance genetic mobility. These effects may be related to host factor binding, essential spacer requirements or other influences yet to be elucidated. Length-dependence is a complex phenomenon driven not simply by the distance between the transposon ends, but by host proteins, the transposase and the properties of the DNA sequences encoded within the transposon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Atkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Center, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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11
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Liu HY, Han BJ, Zhong YX, Lu ZZ. A three-plasmid system for construction of armed oncolytic adenovirus. J Virol Methods 2009; 162:8-13. [PMID: 19646479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the use of oncolytic virus as a tool in cancer gene therapy. However, construction of oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) is not an easy task due to lack of convenient, robust methods. A three-plasmid system was introduced for construction of armed oncolytic Ad. Besides the pShuttle-CMV and pAdEasy-1, a third plasmid (pTE-ME1), harboring the E1 region of Ad5, was generated and included in this system. In pTE-ME1, the promoter of E1A was deleted and replaced with a multiple-cloning site (MCS). A therapeutic gene and tissue-specific promoter (TSP) could be inserted routinely into the MCS of pShuttle-CMV and pTE-ME1, respectively. The modified E1 region could then be excised from pTE-ME1 and integrated into the therapeutic gene-containing pShuttle-CMV to form the final shuttle plasmid. This shuttle plasmid was recombined with pAdEasy-1 in Escherichia coli strain BJ5183 to generate Ad plasmid. Finally, the oncolytic Ad could be rescued in Ad plasmid-transfected packaging cells. The GFP gene and the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERTp) were chosen as the transgene and TSP, respectively, to test this system. Two oncolytic Ads, Ad-GFP-TPE and Ad-GFP-D19K, were generated successfully. Their oncolytic and replicating abilities were investigated in TERT-positive tumor cells. The results suggest that the three-plasmid system was practicable and could be used to construct other transcriptionally regulated oncolytic Ads carrying a therapeutic gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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12
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Newton KR, Sala-Soriano E, Varsani H, Stephenson JR, Goldblatt D, Wedderburn LR. Human dendritic cells infected with an adenoviral vector suppress proliferation of autologous and allogeneic T cells. Immunology 2008; 125:469-79. [PMID: 18510572 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02860.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the type and course of an immune response. The manipulation of human DCs to produce therapeutic agents by transduction with viral vectors is a growing area of research. We present an investigation into the effects of adenoviral vector infection on human DCs and other cell types, and on their subsequent ability to induce T-cell proliferation. We show that infection with replication-deficient adenovirus results in impaired proliferation of T cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). We show this to be an active suppression rather than a defect in the DCs as T cells also fail to proliferate in response to phytohaemagglutinin in the presence of adenoviral vector-infected DCs. This suppression is not attributable to phenotypic changes, death or inability of the DCs to produce cytokines on stimulation. By separation of DCs from T cells, and addition of conditioned supernatants, we show that suppression is mediated by a soluble factor. Blocking of interleukin (IL)-10 but not transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta could overcome the suppressive effect in some donors, and the source of the suppressive IL-10 was lymphocytes exposed to conditioned supernatant. Together our data suggest that infection of DCs by adenoviral vectors leads to suppression of the resulting immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy R Newton
- Rheumatology Unit, Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, UK.
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13
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Campos SK, Barry MA. Current advances and future challenges in Adenoviral vector biology and targeting. Curr Gene Ther 2007; 7:189-204. [PMID: 17584037 PMCID: PMC2244792 DOI: 10.2174/156652307780859062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery vectors based on Adenoviral (Ad) vectors have enormous potential for the treatment of both hereditary and acquired disease. Detailed structural analysis of the Ad virion, combined with functional studies has broadened our knowledge of the structure/function relationships between Ad vectors and host cells/tissues and substantial achievement has been made towards a thorough understanding of the biology of Ad vectors. The widespread use of Ad vectors for clinical gene therapy is compromised by their inherent immunogenicity. The generation of safer and more effective Ad vectors, targeted to the site of disease, has therefore become a great ambition in the field of Ad vector development. This review provides a synopsis of the structure/function relationships between Ad vectors and host systems and summarizes the many innovative approaches towards achieving Ad vector targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K. Campos
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael A. Barry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Translational Immunovirology Program, Molecular Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- *Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Translational Immunovirology Program, Molecular Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; E-mail:
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14
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Pearce OMT, Fisher KD, Humphries J, Seymour LW, Smith A, Davis BG. Glycoviruses: chemical glycosylation retargets adenoviral gene transfer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2007; 44:1057-1061. [PMID: 15688429 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200461832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M T Pearce
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865-285-002
| | - Kerry D Fisher
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HE, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865-224-538
| | - Julia Humphries
- Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, St Thomas' Hospital, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Leonard W Seymour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HE, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865-224-538
| | - Alberto Smith
- Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, St Thomas' Hospital, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Benjamin G Davis
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865-285-002
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15
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Doores KJ, Gamblin DP, Davis BG. Exploring and Exploiting the Therapeutic Potential of Glycoconjugates. Chemistry 2006; 12:656-65. [PMID: 16187378 DOI: 10.1002/chem.200500557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Carbohydrates, either bound to proteins or in lipids, play essential roles as communication molecules in many intercellular and intracellular processes. In particular, carbohydrates are important mediators of cell-cell recognition events and have been implicated in related processes such as cell signaling regulation, cellular differentiation and immune response. This diverse utility has long suggested the power of carbohydrates in therapeutic approaches. This Concepts article highlights the recent potential uses of glycoconjugates as therapeutics, with particular reference to glycopeptides, glycoproteins, glycodendrimers, and glycoarrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Doores
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, UK
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16
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Marcum JA. From the molecular genetics revolution to gene therapy: translating basic research into medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 146:312-6. [PMID: 16310512 DOI: 10.1016/j.lab.2005.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2005] [Revised: 06/17/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James A Marcum
- Department of Philosophy, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, USA.
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17
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Déglon N, Hantraye P. Viral vectors as tools to model and treat neurodegenerative disorders. J Gene Med 2005; 7:530-9. [PMID: 15651039 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of disease-causing genes in familial forms of neurodegenerative disorders and the development of genetic models closely replicating human central nervous system (CNS) pathologies have drastically changed our understanding of the molecular events leading to neuronal cell death. If these achievements open new opportunities of therapeutic interventions, including gene-based therapies, the presence of the blood-brain barrier and the post-mitotic and poor regenerative nature of the target cells constitute important challenges. Efficient delivery systems taking into account the specificity of the CNS are required to administer potential therapeutic candidates. In addition, genetic models in large animals that replicate the late stages of the diseases are in most cases not available for pre-clinical studies. The present review summarizes the potential of viral vectors as tools to create new genetic models of CNS disorders in various species including primates and the recent progress toward viral gene therapy clinical trials for the administration of therapeutic candidates into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Déglon
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) CNRS URA2210, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot and ImaGene Program, Orsay Cedex, France.
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18
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Fan S, Maguire CA, Ramirez SH, Bradel-Tretheway B, Sapinoro R, Sui Z, Chakraborty-Sett S, Dewhurst S. Valproic acid enhances gene expression from viral gene transfer vectors. J Virol Methods 2005; 125:23-33. [PMID: 15737413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2004.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2004] [Revised: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 11/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Viral vectors represent an efficient delivery method for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer, and their utility may be further enhanced through the use of pharmacologic agents that increase gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that valproic acid (VPA), a drug which is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy and mood disorders, enhances and prolongs expression of exogenous genes in cells transduced with various gene transfer agents, including adenovirus, adeno-associated virus and herpesvirus vectors. This effect occurs in a wide range of cell types, including both primary cells and cell lines, and appears to be associated with VPA's ability to function as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). VPA treatment also enhanced adenovirally-vectored expression of a luciferase reporter gene in mice, as demonstrated by in vivo imaging. VPA was also less cytotoxic than a commonly used HDAC inhibitor, TSA, suggesting its use as a safer alternative. Taken together, these results suggest that VPA treatment may represent a useful approach to various gene transfer approaches in which enhanced transgene expression is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shongshan Fan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 672 (Room 3-9609), Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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19
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Mian A, Guenther M, Finegold M, Ng P, Rodgers J, Lee B. Toxicity and adaptive immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent vs. first generation adenoviral vectors. Mol Genet Metab 2005; 84:278-88. [PMID: 15694178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2004.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2004] [Revised: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The host immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent (HDV) vs. first generation (FGV) adenoviral vectors has been relatively unstudied. Previous studies showed short-term correction of bovine and murine argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) deficiency after first generation adenoviral-mediated liver gene therapy. To determine whether the host adaptive immune response against the intracellular transgene human ASS (hASS) contributed to loss of gene expression in this setting, the same vector (FGV-CAG-hASS) was injected into Rag-/- (immunodeficient) mice. As in wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice, Rag-/- mice also showed significant loss of hASS expression and vector by week 4 post-injection, with concomitant elevation of liver enzymes and disruption of liver architecture. Therefore, direct toxicity due to vector rather than adaptive immune response against hASS primarily accounted for loss of expression with FGVs. In contrast to hASS, beta-galactosidase is strongly immunogenic and activates the host adaptive immune response. Loss of transgene expression was observed in B6 mice with either a FGV or a HDV expressing beta-galactosidase. However, the drop in gene expression observed with the HDV was primarily due to the adaptive immune response, since both beta-galactosidase expression and vector genome were sustained in immunodeficient mice treated with HDV. As expected, with weakly immunogenic hASS, vector genome and hASS expression were sustained with a HDV in spite of ubiquitous expression of the transgene. Therefore, viral gene expression is a primary determinant of intermediate and chronic toxicities at day 3 and week 4 post-injection. However, even in the absence of viral gene expression, strongly immunogenic intracellular transgenes can stimulate clearance of transduced hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Mian
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Pearce OMT, Fisher KD, Humphries J, Seymour LW, Smith A, Davis BG. Glycoviruses: Chemical Glycosylation Retargets Adenoviral Gene Transfer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200461832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M. T. Pearce
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865‐285‐002
| | - Kerry D. Fisher
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HE, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865‐224‐538
| | - Julia Humphries
- Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, St Thomas' Hospital, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Leonard W. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HE, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865‐224‐538
| | - Alberto Smith
- Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, St Thomas' Hospital, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Benjamin G. Davis
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK, Fax: (+44) 1865‐285‐002
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21
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Fessler SP, Delgado-Lopez F, Horwitz MS. Mechanisms of E3 Modulation of Immune and Inflammatory Responses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2004; 273:113-35. [PMID: 14674600 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-05599-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviruses contain genes that have evolved to control the host immune and inflammatory responses; however, it is not clear whether these genes function primarily to facilitate survival of the virus during acute infection or during its persistent phase. These issues have assumed greater importance as the use of adenoviruses as vectors for gene therapy has been expanded. This review will focus on the mechanism of immune evasion mediated by the proteins encoded within the early region 3 (E3) transcription region, which affect the functions of a number of cell surface receptors including Fas, intracellular cell signaling events involving NF-kappaB, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules such as chemokines. The successful use of E3 genes in facilitating allogeneic transplantation and in preventing autoimmune diabetes in several transgenic mouse models will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Fessler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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22
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Salloum RM, Mauceri HJ, Hanna NN, Gorski DH, Posner MC, Weichselbaum RR. Dual Induction of the Epo-Egr-TNF-α Plasmid in Hypoxic Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Produces Tumor Growth Delay. Am Surg 2003. [DOI: 10.1177/000313480306900105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a modality for the treatment of solid tumors that involves the introduction of a suicide gene into the tumor cells. Genetic radiotherapy involves the placement of a radiation-sensitive promoter upstream from a suicide gene. Because of their irregular vasculature some solid tumors are chronically hypoxic and hence are resistant to conventional treatment with chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (IR). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that regional tumor hypoxia could be exploited to improve local tumor control. The cDNA coding the erythropoietin hypoxia-responsive element (EPO) was placed upstream from the Egr-TNF-α construct. WIDR human colon adenocarcinoma cells were injected into the right hind limb of nude mice and treated with Epo-Egr-TNF-α plasmid with or without IR. Tumor volumes were measured by calipers and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α content of the tumor was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with the combined regimen of Epo-Egr-TNF-α plasmid + IR resulted in significant tumor growth delay. Tumor TNF-α content was increased by 30 per cent in the combined treatment group compared with each treatment alone. Regional tumor hypoxia can be exploited successfully to induce tumor growth delay, enhance local control, and enhance the therapeutic ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabih M. Salloum
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Nader N. Hanna
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - David H. Gorski
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Mitchell C. Posner
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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23
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Abstract
Urea-cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of inborn errors of hepatocyte metabolism that are caused by the loss of enzymes involved in the process of transferring nitrogen from ammonia to urea, via the urea cycle (UC). Recent genetic analyses of inherited disorders that present with hyperammonemia demonstrate the function of cellular transporters that regulate the availability of UC intermediates. The regulation of UC intermediates, such as arginine, could have far reaching implications on nitric-oxide synthesis and vascular tone. Hence, each UCD and UC-related disorder constitutes a unique gene-nutrient interaction that is crucial for postnatal homeostasis. Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of UCDs include the application of in vivo metabolic-flux measurements. Cumulative morbidity is still high despite dietary and pharmacological therapies and, hence, both cell and gene therapies are being pursued as possible long-term corrective treatments. Although gene-replacement therapy has suffered recent clinical setbacks, new vector developments offer hope for the treatment of cell-autonomous defects of hepatocyte metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Mian
- Dept of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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24
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Bernt K, Liang M, Ye X, Ni S, Li ZY, Ye SL, Hu F, Lieber A. A new type of adenovirus vector that utilizes homologous recombination to achieve tumor-specific replication. J Virol 2002; 76:10994-1002. [PMID: 12368342 PMCID: PMC136641 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.21.10994-11002.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a new class of adenovirus vectors that selectively replicate in tumor cells. The vector design is based on our recent observation that a variety of human tumor cell lines support DNA replication of adenovirus vectors with deletions of the E1A and E1B genes, whereas primary human cells or mouse liver cells in vivo do not. On the basis of this tumor-selective replication, we developed an adenovirus system that utilizes homologous recombination between inverted repeats to mediate precise rearrangements within the viral genome resulting in replication-dependent activation of transgene expression in tumors (Ad.IR vectors). Here, we used this system to achieve tumor-specific expression of adenoviral wild-type E1A in order to enhance viral DNA replication and spread within tumor metastases. In vitro DNA replication and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the mechanism of E1A-enhanced replication of Ad.IR-E1A vectors is efficiently and specifically activated in tumor cells, but not in nontransformed human cells. Systemic application of the Ad.IR-E1A vector into animals with liver metastases achieved transgene expression exclusively in tumors. The number of transgene-expressing tumor cells within metastases increased over time, indicating viral spread. Furthermore, the Ad.IR-E1A vector demonstrated antitumor efficacy in subcutaneous and metastatic models. These new Ad.IR-E1A vectors combine elements that allow for tumor-specific transgene expression, efficient viral replication, and spread in liver metastases after systemic vector application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Bernt
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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