1
|
Cheng A, Harikrishna JA, Redwood CS, Lit LC, Nath SK, Chua KH. Genetics Matters: Voyaging from the Past into the Future of Humanity and Sustainability. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073976. [PMID: 35409335 PMCID: PMC8999725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of how genetic information may be inherited through generations was established by Gregor Mendel in the 1860s when he developed the fundamental principles of inheritance. The science of genetics, however, began to flourish only during the mid-1940s when DNA was identified as the carrier of genetic information. The world has since then witnessed rapid development of genetic technologies, with the latest being genome-editing tools, which have revolutionized fields from medicine to agriculture. This review walks through the historical timeline of genetics research and deliberates how this discipline might furnish a sustainable future for humanity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acga Cheng
- Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.C.); (J.A.H.)
| | - Jennifer Ann Harikrishna
- Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.C.); (J.A.H.)
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Charles S. Redwood
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Lei Cheng Lit
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Swapan K. Nath
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Correspondence: (S.K.N.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (S.K.N.); (K.H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klaver-Flores S, Zittersteijn HA, Canté-Barrett K, Lankester A, Hoeben RC, Gonçalves MAFV, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT. Genomic Engineering in Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Hype or Hope? Front Genome Ed 2021; 2:615619. [PMID: 34713237 PMCID: PMC8525357 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.615619] [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: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many gene editing techniques are developed and tested, yet, most of these are optimized for transformed cell lines, which differ from their primary cell counterparts in terms of transfectability, cell death propensity, differentiation capability, and chromatin accessibility to gene editing tools. Researchers are working to overcome the challenges associated with gene editing of primary cells, namely, at the level of improving the gene editing tool components, e.g., the use of modified single guide RNAs, more efficient delivery of Cas9 and RNA in the ribonucleoprotein of these cells. Despite these efforts, the low efficiency of proper gene editing in true primary cells is an obstacle that needs to be overcome in order to generate sufficiently high numbers of corrected cells for therapeutic use. In addition, many of the therapeutic candidate genes for gene editing are expressed in more mature blood cell lineages but not in the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), where they are tightly packed in heterochromatin, making them less accessible to gene editing enzymes. Bringing HSCs in proliferation is sometimes seen as a solution to overcome lack of chromatin access, but the induction of proliferation in HSCs often is associated with loss of stemness. The documented occurrences of off-target effects and, importantly, on-target side effects also raise important safety issues. In conclusion, many obstacles still remain to be overcome before gene editing in HSCs for gene correction purposes can be applied clinically. In this review, in a perspective way, we will discuss the challenges of researching and developing a novel genetic engineering therapy for monogenic blood and immune system disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidde A Zittersteijn
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Lankester
- Department of Pediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J T Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karamperis K, Tsoumpeli MT, Kounelis F, Koromina M, Mitropoulou C, Moutinho C, Patrinos GP. Genome-based therapeutic interventions for β-type hemoglobinopathies. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:32. [PMID: 34090531 PMCID: PMC8178887 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00329-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, various strategies have been proposed to solve the enigma of hemoglobinopathies, especially severe cases. However, most of them seem to be lagging in terms of effectiveness and safety. So far, the most prevalent and promising treatment options for patients with β-types hemoglobinopathies, among others, predominantly include drug treatment and gene therapy. Despite the significant improvements of such interventions to the patient's quality of life, a variable response has been demonstrated among different groups of patients and populations. This is essentially due to the complexity of the disease and other genetic factors. In recent years, a more in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of the β-type hemoglobinopathies has led to significant upgrades to the current technologies, as well as the addition of new ones attempting to elucidate these barriers. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to shed light on pharmacogenomics, gene addition, and genome editing technologies, and consequently, their potential use as direct and indirect genome-based interventions, in different strategies, referring to drug and gene therapy. Furthermore, all the latest progress, updates, and scientific achievements for patients with β-type hemoglobinopathies will be described in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kariofyllis Karamperis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- The Golden Helix Foundation, London, UK
| | - Maria T Tsoumpeli
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fotios Kounelis
- Department of Computing, Group of Large-Scale Data & Systems, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Koromina
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Catia Moutinho
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - George P Patrinos
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Pathology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Zayed Center of Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Genc A, Tastemir Korkmaz D, Bayram S, Rencuzogullari E. The Effect of Five Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Hb F Variation of β-Thalassemia Traits and Hematologically Normal Individuals in Southeast Turkey. Hemoglobin 2020; 44:231-239. [PMID: 32674697 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2020.1787178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is caused by deficiency of β-globin chain synthesis and leads to the accumulation of unstable globin chain production. This results in a higher Hb F level in order to neutralize the excess α chains. In addition, γ-globin gene expression, due to genetic factors after birth, leads to increased Hb F levels in adulthood [hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (Hb) (HPFH)]. In this study, the relationship between β-thal trait and individuals with suspected HPFH and a control group was investigated in Adıyaman, Turkey. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses were performed in five different polymorphic regions using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods [rs4671393 (G>A), rs766432 (A>C), rs9402686 (G>A), rs28384513 (T>G), rs1609812 (A>G)]. No significant difference was found between the control and β-thal group in the codominant inheritance model in the rs1609812 (A>G) polymorphism region only, while all the other polymorphic regions were found to be statistically significant. It was found that different genotype models increased Hb F levels between 1.6- and 3.06-fold in four studied polymorphic regions [rs4671393 (G>A), rs766432 (A>C), rs9402686 (G>A), rs28384513 (T>G)]. All of the polymorphic regions increased the Hb F levels from 1.86- to 24.76-fold, except rs9402686 (G>A) and rs28384513 (T>G) over dominant and rs1609812 (A>G) codominant inheritance models. The AC and AA genotypes increased Hb F levels in the B-cell CLL/lymphoma 11 A haplotype studies. It was determined that both haplotypes 2 and 4 increased Hb F levels. As a result, SNPs strongly affect the Hb F levels in both healthy individuals and β-thal trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Genc
- Vocational School of Health Services, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | | | - Suleyman Bayram
- Department of Nursing, School of Health, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | - Eyyup Rencuzogullari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The pace of advances in the world of science have created new opportunities and insights that give us new and more understanding of our nature and environment. Among the different fields of science, new medical sciences have drawn a great deal of attention among medical science researchers and the society. The hope for finding treatments for incurable diseases and further improvement of man's health is growing thanks to new medical technologies. Among the novel medical fields that have been extensively covered by medical and academic societies are cell therapy and gene therapy that are categorized under regenerative medicine. The present paper is an attempt to introduce the prospect of a curative cell-based therapy and new cellular and gene therapy drugs that have been recently approved by FDA (food and drug administration). Cellular and gene therapy are two very close fields of regenerative medicine and sciences which their targets and applications can be discussed together. What adds to the importance of this new field of science is the possibility to translate the hope for treatment of incurable diseases into actual treatments. What follows delves deeper into this new field of science and the drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Golchin
- Student Research Committee, Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tahereh Zarnoosheh Farahany
- Department of Biology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Islamic Azad University Medical Branch of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Despite sickle cell disease (SCD) being the most common and severe inherited condition worldwide, therapeutic options are limited. To date, hydroxyurea remains the main treatment option in SCD. However, in the last decade the numbers of interventional clinical trials focussing on therapies for SCD have increased significantly. Many new drugs with various pharmacological targets have emerged and, although the majority have failed to show benefit in clinical trials, some have produced encouraging results. It seems probable that more drugs will soon become available for the treatment of SCD. Furthermore, promising clinical trials with improved outcomes have recently changed the perspective of curative therapies in SCD. Nevertheless, the application of novel therapeutic agents and potential curative treatments will most likely be limited to high-income countries and, thus, will remain unavailable for the majority of people with SCD in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina Nardo-Marino
- Centre for Haemoglobinopathies, Department of Haematology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Valentine Brousse
- Sickle Cell Disease Reference Center, Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - David Rees
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ikawa Y, Miccio A, Magrin E, Kwiatkowski JL, Rivella S, Cavazzana M. Gene therapy of hemoglobinopathies: progress and future challenges. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:R24-R30. [PMID: 31322165 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, gene therapy clinical trials have been successfully applied to hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia. Among the great discoveries that led to the design of genetic approaches to cure these disorders is the discovery of the β-globin locus control region and several associated transcription factors, which determine hemoglobin switching as well as high-level, erythroid-specific expression of genes at the ß-globin locus. Moreover, increasing evidence shows that lentiviral vectors are efficient tools to insert large DNA elements into nondividing hematopoietic stem cells, showing reassuring safe integration profiles. Alternatively, genome editing could restore expression of fetal hemoglobin or target specific mutations to restore expression of the wild-type β-globin gene. The most recent clinical trials for β-thalassemia and SCD are showing promising outcomes: patients were able to discontinue transfusions or had reduced transfusion requirements. However, toxic myeloablation and the high cost of current ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy platforms represent a barrier to a widespread application of these approaches. In this review, we summarize these gene therapy strategies and ongoing clinical trials. Finally, we discuss possible strategies to improve outcomes, reduce myeloablative regimens and future challenges to reduce the cost of gene therapy platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Ikawa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of chromatin and gene regulation during development, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Magrin
- Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Janet L Kwiatkowski
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.,University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.,University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Cell and Molecular Biology affinity group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania.,Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ajami M, Atashi A, Kaviani S, Kiani J, Soleimani M. Generation of an in vitro model of β‐thalassemia using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:1420-1430. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Ajami
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Amir Atashi
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center Shahroud University of Medical Sciences Shahroud Iran
| | - Saeid Kaviani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ahmadpanah M, Asadi Y, Haghighi M, Ghasemibasir H, Khanlarzadeh E, Brand S. In Patients with Minor Beta-Thalassemia, Cognitive Performance Is Related to Length of Education, But Not to Minor Beta-Thalassemia or Hemoglobin Levels. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2019; 14:47-53. [PMID: 31114617 PMCID: PMC6505049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Thalassemia is one of the most frequent monogenic disorders, leading to impairment in the maturation and survival of red blood cells. The question examined here is whether, and if so, to what extent, people with beta-thalassemia might also be impaired in their cognitive functioning. Previous results in adults with beta-thalassemia showed cognitive impairment when compared to healthy controls. However, length of education was never taken into consideration as a possible confounder. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to assess people with minor beta-thalassemia and compare them to healthy controls, while controlling for length of education. Method : A total of 25 adults (mean age: 29.36 years; 56% females) with beta-thalassemia and 25 healthy controls (mean age: 27.84 years; 72% females) took part in this cross-sectional study. They underwent cognitive testing (executive functions, attention, working memory), and their haemoglobin levels were assessed. Results: Cognitive performance did not significantly differ between patients with minor beta-thalassemia and healthy controls. Irrespective of group, higher cognitive performance was strongly associated with time spent in education. No gender differences were observed. Conclusion: Compared to healthy controls, cognitive performance was not impaired among patients with minor beta-thalassemia when length of education was introduced as a further co-variate. In both patients with minor beta-thalassemia and healthy controls, higher cognitive performance was associated with time spent for education. Health professionals should inform patients with minor beta-thalassemia that cognitive performance is related to the length of education and not to the health status of minor beta-thalassemia per se.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmadpanah
- Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hamadan University of Medial Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Corresponding Author: Address: Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substances Abuse, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. Postal Code: 6516848741. Tel: 98-8138271066, Fax: 98-8138271066,
| | - Yasaman Asadi
- Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hamadan University of Medial Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Haghighi
- Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hamadan University of Medial Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Ghasemibasir
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Elham Khanlarzadeh
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Serge Brand
- University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Basel, Switzerland. ,University of Basel, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Sport Sciences and Psychosocial Health, Basel, Switzerland.,Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Sleep Disorders Research Center and Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The genetic basis of sickle cell disease (SCD) was elucidated >60 years ago, yet current therapy does not rely on this knowledge. Recent advances raise prospects for improved, and perhaps curative, treatment. First, transcription factors, BCL11A and LRF/ZBTB7A, that mediate silencing of the β-like fetal (γ-) globin gene after birth have been identified and demonstrated to act at the γ-globin promoters, precisely at recognition sequences disrupted in rare individuals with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Second, transformative advances in gene editing and progress in lentiviral gene therapy provide diverse opportunities for genetic strategies to cure SCD. Approaches include hematopoietic gene therapy by globin gene addition, gene editing to correct the SCD mutation, and genetic manipulations to enhance fetal hemoglobin production, a potent modifier of the clinical phenotype. Clinical trials may soon identify efficacious and safe genetic approaches to the ultimate goal of cure for SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart H Orkin
- Dana Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Dana Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|