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Xiang Y, Qiu Z, Ding Y, Du M, Gao N, Cao H, Zuo H, Cheng H, Gao X, Zheng S, Wan W, Huang X, Hu K. Dexamethasone-loaded ROS stimuli-responsive nanogels for topical ocular therapy of corneal neovascularization. J Control Release 2024; 372:874-884. [PMID: 38977133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.012] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) has been demonstrated to inhibit the inflammatory corneal neovascularization (CNV). However, the therapeutic efficacy of DEX is limited by the poor bioavailability of conventional eye drops and the increased risk of hormonal glaucoma and cataract associated with prolonged and frequent usage. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel DEX-loaded, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive, controlled-release nanogel, termed DEX@INHANGs. This advanced nanogel system is constructed by the formation of supramolecular host-guest complexes by cyclodextrin (CD) and adamantane (ADA) as a cross-linking force. The introduction of the ROS-responsive material, thioketal (TK), ensures the controlled release of DEX in response to oxidative stress, a characteristic of CNV. Furthermore, the nanogel's prolonged retention on the corneal surface for over 8 h is achieved through covalent binding of the integrin β1 fusion protein, which enhances its bioavailability. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that DEX@INHANGs was not notably toxic to human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Furthermore, DEX@INHANGs has been demonstrated to effectively inhibit angiogenesis in vitro. In a rabbit model with chemically burned eyes, the once-daily topical application of DEX@INHANGs was observed to effectively suppress CNV. These results collectively indicate that the nanomedicine formulation of DEX@INHANGs may offer a promising treatment option for CNV, offering significant advantages such as reduced dosing frequency and enhanced patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Zhu Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yuanfu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa 999078, Macao
| | - Miaomiao Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Ning Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Huijie Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Hangjia Zuo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Shijie Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Wenjuan Wan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiaobei Huang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.266 Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China.
| | - Ke Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on major blinding diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, China.
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Harmening N, Johnen S, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Kropp M, Bascuas T, Walter P, Kreis A, Pajic B, Thumann G. Enhanced Biosafety of the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System by Using mRNA as Source of Transposase to Efficiently and Stably Transfect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040658. [PMID: 37189405 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which leads to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell and photoreceptor degeneration and blindness if untreated. Since blood vessel growth is mediated by endothelial cell growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), treatment consists of repeated, often monthly, intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic biopharmaceuticals. Frequent injections are costly and present logistic difficulties; therefore, our laboratories are developing a cell-based gene therapy based on autologous RPE cells transfected ex vivo with the pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), which is the most potent natural antagonist of VEGF. Gene delivery and long-term expression of the transgene are enabled by the use of the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon system that is introduced into the cells by electroporation. The transposase may have a cytotoxic effect and a low risk of remobilization of the transposon if supplied in the form of DNA. Here, we investigated the use of the SB100X transposase delivered as mRNA and showed that ARPE-19 cells as well as primary human RPE cells were successfully transfected with the Venus or the PEDF gene, followed by stable transgene expression. In human RPE cells, secretion of recombinant PEDF could be detected in cell culture up to one year. Non-viral ex vivo transfection using SB100X-mRNA in combination with electroporation increases the biosafety of our gene therapeutic approach to treat nvAMD while ensuring high transfection efficiency and long-term transgene expression in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Harmening
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thais Bascuas
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kreis
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Pajic
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Eye Clinic ORASIS, Swiss Eye Research Foundation, 5734 Reinach, Switzerland
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Mattern L, Otten K, Miskey C, Fuest M, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Walter P, Thumann G, Johnen S. Molecular and Functional Characterization of BDNF-Overexpressing Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Established by Sleeping Beauty Transposon-Mediated Gene Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12982. [PMID: 36361771 PMCID: PMC9656812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
More and more patients suffer from multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, their pathological mechanisms are still poorly understood, which complicates the development of effective therapies. To improve treatment of multifactorial diseases, cell-based gene therapy can be used to increase the expression of therapeutic factors. To date, there is no approved therapy for dry AMD, including late-stage geographic atrophy. We present a treatment option for dry AMD that transfers the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by electroporation using the plasmid-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. ARPE-19 cells and primary human RPE cells were co-transfected with two plasmids encoding the SB100X transposase and the transposon carrying a BDNF transcription cassette. We demonstrated efficient expression and secretion of BDNF in both RPE cell types, which were further increased in ARPE-19 cell cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide. BDNF-transfected cells exhibited lower apoptosis rates and stimulated neurite outgrowth in human SH-SY5Y cells. This study is an important step in the development of a cell-based BDNF gene therapy that could be applied as an advanced therapy medicinal product to treat dry AMD or other degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mattern
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Otten
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Xu H, Tang B, Huang W, Luo S, Zhang T, Yuan J, Zheng Q, Zan X. Deliver protein across bio-barriers via hexa-histidine metal assemblies for therapy: a case in corneal neovascularization model. Mater Today Bio 2021; 12:100143. [PMID: 34765961 PMCID: PMC8569714 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of their high specificity and low side effects, protein drugs possess a substantial global market. However, the low bioavailability of protein is still a major obstacle to their expanded applications, which is expected to be answered with proper protein formulations. Taking corneal neovascularization (CNV) as an example, we demonstrated a co-assembled system of hexa-histidine and Ava (Avastin) with metal ions (HmA@Ava) could cross the cornea, the most important bio-barrier during the treatment of most diseases of the anterior segment in clinics. We found that the nanosized HmA@Ava efficiently encapsulated Ava with impressive loading capacity without destroying the bioactivity of Ava and assisted Ava penetration through the corneal barriers to effectively inhibit CNV development in an alkali burn rat model with sustained and pH-dependent Ava release. Our results suggested that the co-assembled strategy of protein and HmA is a proper formulation to protein drugs, with promising penetration ability to deliver protein across bio-barriers, which could open a path for topical administration of protein drugs for treatment of various ocular diseases and hold enormous potential for delivery of therapeutic proteins not only for ocular diseases but also for other diseases that require protein treatment. HmA@Ava can bring protein drug, Ava, across over the primary bio-barrier of the anterior segment and efficiently treat CNV. HmA@Ava was nanoparticles, with impressive loading capacity without destroying bioactivity of Ava and strong pH-dependent release. HmA can open a path for the treatment of eye diseases and hold huge potential to protein drugs to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Xu
- The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China.,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China
| | - B Tang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China
| | - W Huang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China.,Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang Province, 317000, PR China
| | - S Luo
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China
| | - T Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - J Yuan
- The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Q Zheng
- The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China.,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China
| | - X Zan
- The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China.,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China.,Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
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Bascuas T, Zedira H, Kropp M, Harmening N, Asrih M, Prat-Souteyrand C, Tian S, Thumann G. Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Overexpressing the Neuroprotective Proteins PEDF and GM-CSF to Treat Degeneration of the Neural Retina. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:168-183. [PMID: 34238157 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210707123809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-viral transposon-mediated gene delivery can overcome viral vectors' limitations. Transposon gene delivery offers the safe and life-long expression of genes such as pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to counteract retinal degeneration by reducing oxidative stress damage. OBJECTIVE Use Sleeping Beauty transposon to transfect human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with the neuroprotective factors PEDF and GM-CSF to investigate the effect of these factors on oxidative stress damage. METHODS Human RPE cells were transfected with PEDF and GM-CSF by electroporation, using the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon gene delivery system (SB100X). Gene expression was determined by RT-qPCR and protein level by Western Blot as well as ELISA. The cellular stress level and the neuroprotective effect of the proteins were determined by measuring the concentrations of the antioxidant glutathione in human RPE cells and immunohistochemical examination of retinal integrity, inflammation, and apoptosis of rat retina-organotypic cultures (ROC) exposed to H2O2. RESULTS Human RPE cells were efficiently transfected, showing a significantly augmented gene expression and protein secretion. Human RPE cells overexpressing PEDF and/or GM-CSF or pre-treated with recombinant proteins presented significantly increased glutathione levels post-H2O2 incubation than non-transfected/untreated controls. rPEDF and/or rGM-CSF-treated ROC exhibited decreased inflammatory reactions and cell degeneration. CONCLUSION GM-CSF and/or PEDF could be delivered successfully to RPE cells by combining the use of SB100X and electroporation. PEDF and/or GM-CSF reduced H2O2-mediated oxidative stress damage in RPE cells and ROC offering an encouraging technique to re-establish a cell-protective environment to halt age-related retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Bascuas
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hajer Zedira
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martina Kropp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nina Harmening
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Asrih
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Shuwei Tian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Roshandel D, Eslani M, Baradaran-Rafii A, Cheung AY, Kurji K, Jabbehdari S, Maiz A, Jalali S, Djalilian AR, Holland EJ. Current and emerging therapies for corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2018; 16:398-414. [PMID: 29908870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is unique because of its complete avascularity. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can result from a variety of etiologies including contact lens wear; corneal infections; and ocular surface diseases due to inflammation, chemical injury, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Management is focused primarily on the etiology and pathophysiology causing the CNV and involves medical and surgical options. Because inflammation is a key factor in the pathophysiology of CNV, corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications remain the mainstay of treatment. Anti-VEGF therapies are gaining popularity to prevent CNV in a number of etiologies. Surgical options including vessel occlusion and ocular surface reconstruction are other options depending on etiology and response to medical therapy. Future therapies should provide more effective treatment options for the management of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Roshandel
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Albert Y Cheung
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Khaliq Kurji
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alejandra Maiz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Setareh Jalali
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Edward J Holland
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Liu S, Romano V, Steger B, Kaye SB, Hamill KJ, Willoughby CE. Gene-based antiangiogenic applications for corneal neovascularization. Surv Ophthalmol 2018; 63:193-213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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The Antibiotic-free pFAR4 Vector Paired with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System Mediates Efficient Transgene Delivery in Human Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 11:57-67. [PMID: 29858090 PMCID: PMC5852330 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The anti-angiogenic and neurogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) demonstrated a potency to control choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. The goal of the present study was the development of an efficient and safe technique to integrate, ex vivo, the PEDF gene into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells for later transplantation to the subretinal space of AMD patients to allow continuous PEDF secretion in the vicinity of the affected macula. Because successful gene therapy approaches require efficient gene delivery and stable gene expression, we used the antibiotic-free pFAR4 mini-plasmid vector to deliver the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system, which mediates transgene integration into the genome of host cells. In an initial study, lipofection-mediated co-transfection of HeLa cells with the SB100X transposase gene and a reporter marker delivered by pFAR4 showed a 2-fold higher level of genetically modified cells than when using the pT2 vectors. Similarly, with the pFAR4 constructs, electroporation-mediated transfection of primary human RPE cells led to 2.4-fold higher secretion of recombinant PEDF protein, which was still maintained 8 months after transfection. Thus, our results show that the pFAR4 plasmid is a superior vector for the delivery and integration of transgenes into eukaryotic cells.
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Liu X, Wang S, Wang X, Liang J, Zhang Y. Recent drug therapies for corneal neovascularization. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:653-664. [PMID: 28489275 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology; The 2nd Teaching Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun Jilin China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology; The 2nd Teaching Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun Jilin China
| | - Xuanzhong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology; The 2nd Teaching Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun Jilin China
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology; The 2nd Teaching Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun Jilin China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology; The 2nd Teaching Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun Jilin China
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10
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Hudecek M, Izsvák Z, Johnen S, Renner M, Thumann G, Ivics Z. Going non-viral: the Sleeping Beauty transposon system breaks on through to the clinical side. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:355-380. [PMID: 28402189 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1304354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular medicine has entered a high-tech age that provides curative treatments of complex genetic diseases through genetically engineered cellular medicinal products. Their clinical implementation requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective and economically viable manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing pre-clinical and translational research. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here we review several recent refinements of the system, including the development of optimized transposons and hyperactive SB variants, the vectorization of transposase and transposon as mRNA and DNA minicircles (MCs) to enhance performance and facilitate vector production, as well as a detailed understanding of SB's genomic integration and biosafety features. This review also provides a perspective on the regulatory framework for clinical trials of gene delivery with SB, and illustrates the path to successful clinical implementation by using, as examples, gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II , Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- b Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- c Department of Ophthalmology , University Hospital RWTH Aachen , Aachen , Germany
| | - Matthias Renner
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- e Département des Neurosciences Cliniques Service d'Ophthalmologie , Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève , Genève , Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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Thumann G, Harmening N, Prat-Souteyrand C, Marie C, Pastor M, Sebe A, Miskey C, Hurst LD, Diarra S, Kropp M, Walter P, Scherman D, Ivics Z, Izsvák Z, Johnen S. Engineering of PEDF-Expressing Primary Pigment Epithelial Cells by the SB Transposon System Delivered by pFAR4 Plasmids. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 6:302-314. [PMID: 28325297 PMCID: PMC5363513 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is characterized by choroidal blood vessels growing into the subretinal space, leading to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell degeneration and vision loss. Vessel growth results from an imbalance of pro-angiogenic (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and anti-angiogenic factors (e.g., pigment epithelium-derived factor [PEDF]). Current treatment using intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF antibodies improves vision in about 30% of patients but may be accompanied by side effects and non-compliance. To avoid the difficulties posed by frequent intravitreal injections, we have proposed the transplantation of pigment epithelial cells modified to overexpress human PEDF. Stable transgene integration and expression is ensured by the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system delivered by pFAR4 miniplasmids, which have a backbone free of antibiotic resistance markers. We demonstrated efficient expression of the PEDF gene and an optimized PEDF cDNA sequence in as few as 5 × 103 primary cells. At 3 weeks post-transfection, PEDF secretion was significantly elevated and long-term follow-up indicated a more stable secretion by cells transfected with the optimized PEDF transgene. Analysis of transgene insertion sites in human RPE cells showed an almost random genomic distribution. The results represent an important contribution toward a clinical trial aiming at a non-viral gene therapy of nvAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nina Harmening
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Corinne Marie
- CNRS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé UMR 8258, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UTCBS, 75006 Paris, France; INSERM, UTCBS U 1022, 75006 Paris, France; Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, UTCBS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marie Pastor
- CNRS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé UMR 8258, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UTCBS, 75006 Paris, France; INSERM, UTCBS U 1022, 75006 Paris, France; Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, UTCBS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Attila Sebe
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Laurence D Hurst
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, UK
| | - Sabine Diarra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina Kropp
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherman
- CNRS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé UMR 8258, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, UTCBS, 75006 Paris, France; INSERM, UTCBS U 1022, 75006 Paris, France; Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, UTCBS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Abdelfattah NS, Amgad M, Zayed AA, Hussein H, Abd El-Baky N. Molecular underpinnings of corneal angiogenesis: advances over the past decade. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:768-79. [PMID: 27275438 PMCID: PMC4886880 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.05.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is maintained in an avascular state by maintaining an environment whereby anti-angiogenic factors take the upper hand over factors promoting angiogenesis. Many of the common pathologies affecting the cornea involve the disruption of such equilibrium and the shift towards new vessel formation, leading to corneal opacity and eventually-vision loss. Therefore it is of paramount importance that the molecular underpinnings of corneal neovascularization (CNV) be clearly understood, in order to develop better targeted treatments. This article is a review of the literature on the recent discoveries regarding pro-angiogenic factors of the cornea (such as vascular endothelial growth factors, fibroblast growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases) and anti-angiogenic factors of the cornea (such as endostatins and neostatins). Further, we review the molecular underpinnings of lymphangiogenesis, a process now known to be almost separate from (yet related to) hemangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Amgad
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11111, Egypt
| | - Amira A. Zayed
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55904, USA
| | - Heba Hussein
- Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11111, Egypt
| | - Nawal Abd El-Baky
- Antibody Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Alexandria 22033, Egypt
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