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Seah I, Goh D, Banerjee A, Su X. Modeling inherited retinal diseases using human induced pluripotent stem cell derived photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1328474. [PMID: 39011458 PMCID: PMC11246861 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1328474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, there have been many attempts to create cellular models of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) for investigation of pathogenic processes to facilitate target discovery and validation activities. Consistency remains key in determining the utility of these findings. Despite the importance of consistency, quality control metrics are still not widely used. In this review, a toolkit for harnessing iPSC technology to generate photoreceptor, retinal pigment epithelial cell, and organoid disease models is provided. Considerations while developing iPSC-derived IRD models such as iPSC origin, reprogramming methods, quality control metrics, control strategies, and differentiation protocols are discussed. Various iPSC IRD models are dissected and the scientific hurdles of iPSC-based disease modeling are discussed to provide an overview of current methods and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Seah
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Debbie Goh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Animesh Banerjee
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Fu W, Liao Q, Shi Y, Liu W, Ren H, Xu C, Zeng C. Transient induction of actin cytoskeletal remodeling associated with dedifferentiation, proliferation, and redifferentiation stimulates cardiac regeneration. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2537-2553. [PMID: 38828141 PMCID: PMC11143747 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of new and functional cardiomyocytes requires a 3-step process: dedifferentiation, proliferation, and redifferentiation, but the critical genes required for efficient dedifferentiation, proliferation, and redifferentiation remain unknown. In our study, a circular trajectory using single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the pericentriolar material 1 positive (PCM1+) cardiomyocyte nuclei from hearts 1 and 3 days after surgery-induced myocardial infarction (MI) on postnatal Day 1 was reconstructed and demonstrated that actin remodeling contributed to the dedifferentiation, proliferation, and redifferentiation of cardiomyocytes after injury. We identified four top actin-remodeling regulators, namely Tmsb4x, Tmsb10, Dmd, and Ctnna3, which we collectively referred to as 2D2P. Transiently expressed changes of 2D2P, using a polycistronic non-integrating lentivirus driven by Tnnt2 (cardiac-specific troponin T) promoters (Tnnt2-2D2P-NIL), efficiently induced transiently proliferative activation and actin remodeling in postnatal Day 7 cardiomyocytes and adult hearts. Furthermore, the intramyocardial delivery of Tnnt2-2D2P-NIL resulted in a sustained improvement in cardiac function without ventricular dilatation, thickened septum, or fatal arrhythmia for at least 4 months. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of actin remodeling in cardiac regeneration and provides a foundation for new gene-cocktail-therapy approaches to improve cardiac repair and treat heart failure using a novel transient and cardiomyocyte-specific viral construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Qiao Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wujian Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chunmei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Chongqing College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400042, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Chongqing 400042, China
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3
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Omotesho QA, Escamilla A, Pérez-Ruiz E, Frecha CA, Rueda-Domínguez A, Barragán I. Epigenetic targets to enhance antitumor immune response through the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348156. [PMID: 38333212 PMCID: PMC10851080 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates found in sites of chronic inflammation such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. The discovery that TLS formation at tumor sites correlated with good patient prognosis has triggered extensive research into various techniques to induce their formation at the tumor microenvironment (TME). One strategy is the exogenous induction of specific cytokines and chemokine expression in murine models. However, applying such systemic chemokine expression can result in significant toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Also, the TLS formed from exogenous chemokine induction is heterogeneous and different from the ones associated with favorable prognosis. Therefore, there is a need to optimize additional approaches like immune cell engineering with lentiviral transduction to improve the TLS formation in vivo. Similarly, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the different phases of TLS neogenesis are still unknown. Understanding these molecular regulations could help identify novel targets to induce tissue-specific TLS in the TME. This review offers a unique insight into the molecular checkpoints of the different stages and mechanisms involved in TLS formation. This review also highlights potential epigenetic targets to induce TLS neogenesis. The review further explores epigenetic therapies (epi-therapy) and ongoing clinical trials using epi-therapy in cancers. In addition, it builds upon the current knowledge of tools to generate TLS and TLS phenotyping biomarkers with predictive and prognostic clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quadri Ajibola Omotesho
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Escamilla
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Physical Sport Education, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Cecilia A. Frecha
- Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Civil Hospital, Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Rueda-Domínguez
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Isabel Barragán
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Group of Pharmacoepigenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Abouleisa RRE, Salama ABM, Ou Q, Tang XL, Solanki M, Guo Y, Nong Y, McNally L, Lorkiewicz PK, Kassem KM, Ahern BM, Choudhary K, Thomas R, Huang Y, Juhardeen HR, Siddique A, Ifthikar Z, Hammad SK, Elbaz AS, Ivey KN, Conklin DJ, Satin J, Hill BG, Srivastava D, Bolli R, Mohamed TMA. Transient Cell Cycle Induction in Cardiomyocytes to Treat Subacute Ischemic Heart Failure. Circulation 2022; 145:1339-1355. [PMID: 35061545 PMCID: PMC9038650 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regenerative capacity of the heart after myocardial infarction is limited. Our previous study showed that ectopic introduction of 4 cell cycle factors (4F; CDK1 [cyclin-dependent kinase 1], CDK4 [cyclin-dependent kinase 4], CCNB [cyclin B1], and CCND [cyclin D1]) promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation in 15% to 20% of infected cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice. METHODS Using temporal single-cell RNA sequencing, we aimed to identify the necessary reprogramming stages during the forced cardiomyocyte proliferation with 4F on a single cell basis. Using rat and pig models of ischemic heart failure, we aimed to start the first preclinical testing to introduce 4F gene therapy as a candidate for the treatment of ischemia-induced heart failure. RESULTS Temporal bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and further biochemical validations of mature human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes treated with either LacZ or 4F adenoviruses revealed full cell cycle reprogramming in 15% of the cardiomyocyte population at 48 hours after infection with 4F, which was associated mainly with sarcomere disassembly and metabolic reprogramming (n=3/time point/group). Transient overexpression of 4F, specifically in cardiomyocytes, was achieved using a polycistronic nonintegrating lentivirus (NIL) encoding 4F; each is driven by a TNNT2 (cardiac troponin T isoform 2) promoter (TNNT2-4Fpolycistronic-NIL). TNNT2-4Fpolycistronic-NIL or control virus was injected intramyocardially 1 week after myocardial infarction in rats (n=10/group) or pigs (n=6-7/group). Four weeks after injection, TNNT2-4Fpolycistronic-NIL-treated animals showed significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and scar size compared with the control virus-treated animals. At 4 months after treatment, rats that received TNNT2-4Fpolycistronic-NIL still showed a sustained improvement in cardiac function and no obvious development of cardiac arrhythmias or systemic tumorigenesis (n=10/group). CONCLUSIONS This study provides mechanistic insights into the process of forced cardiomyocyte proliferation and advances the clinical feasibility of this approach by minimizing the oncogenic potential of the cell cycle factors owing to the use of a novel transient and cardiomyocyte-specific viral construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riham R. E. Abouleisa
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Abou Bakr M. Salama
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Qinghui Ou
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Xian-Liang Tang
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Mitesh Solanki
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Yiru Guo
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Yibing Nong
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Lindsey McNally
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Pawel K. Lorkiewicz
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Kamal M. Kassem
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | | | | | | | - Yu Huang
- Gladstone Institute, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A
| | | | - Aisha Siddique
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Ifthikar
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sally K. Hammad
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman S. Elbaz
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | | | - Daniel J Conklin
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Jonathan Satin
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, KY, U.S.A
| | - Bradford G. Hill
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | | | - Roberto Bolli
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
| | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, KY, U.S.A
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, U.K
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5
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Gurumoorthy N, Nordin F, Tye GJ, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Ng MH. Non-Integrating Lentiviral Vectors in Clinical Applications: A Glance Through. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010107. [PMID: 35052787 PMCID: PMC8773317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) play an important role in gene therapy and have proven successful in clinical trials. LVs are capable of integrating specific genetic materials into the target cells and allow for long-term expression of the cDNA of interest. The use of non-integrating LVs (NILVs) reduces insertional mutagenesis and the risk of malignant cell transformation over integrating lentiviral vectors. NILVs enable transient expression or sustained episomal expression, especially in non-dividing cells. Important modifications have been made to the basic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) structures to improve the safety and efficacy of LVs. NILV-aided transient expression has led to more pre-clinical studies on primary immunodeficiencies, cytotoxic cancer therapies, and hemoglobinopathies. Recently, the third generation of self-inactivating LVs was applied in clinical trials for recombinant protein production, vaccines, gene therapy, cell imaging, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. This review discusses the basic lentiviral biology and the four systems used for generating NILV designs. Mutations or modifications in LVs and their safety are addressed with reference to pre-clinical studies. The detailed application of NILVs in promising pre-clinical studies is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmatha Gurumoorthy
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 Gelugor, Malaysia;
| | | | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
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6
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Luis A. The Old and the New: Prospects for Non-Integrating Lentiviral Vector Technology. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101103. [PMID: 33003492 PMCID: PMC7600637 DOI: 10.3390/v12101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors have been developed and used in multiple gene and cell therapy applications. One of their main advantages over other vectors is the ability to integrate the genetic material into the genome of the host. However, this can also be a disadvantage as it may lead to insertional mutagenesis. To address this, non-integrating lentiviral vectors (NILVs) were developed. To generate NILVs, it is possible to introduce mutations in the viral enzyme integrase and/or mutations on the viral DNA recognised by integrase (the attachment sites). NILVs are able to stably express transgenes from episomal DNA in non-dividing cells or transiently if the target cells divide. It has been shown that these vectors are able to transduce multiple cell types and tissues. These characteristics make NILVs ideal vectors to use in vaccination and immunotherapies, among other applications. They also open future prospects for NILVs as tools for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components, a recent revolutionary technology now widely used for gene editing and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apolonia Luis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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7
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Xu ZJ, Jia YL, Wang M, Yi DD, Zhang WL, Wang XY, Zhang JH. Effect of promoter, promoter mutation and enhancer on transgene expression mediated by episomal vectors in transfected HEK293, Chang liver and primary cells. Bioengineered 2020; 10:548-560. [PMID: 31668126 PMCID: PMC6844389 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2019.1684863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The episomal vector cannot integrate into the host cell chromosome, which has no potential risk in gene therapy. However, the low level of transgene expression driven by episomal vectors needs to be solved. In this study, we investigated the effects of enhancers, promoters and promoter variants on transgene expression levels driven by episomal vectors in HEK293, Chang liver and primary cells. Results showed that all eight cis-acting elements used could increase transfection efficiency and transient eGFP expression in transfected HEK293 and Chang liver cells. In stably transfected mammalian cells, the elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) promoter and mutant-404 showed high and stable transgene expression. The mechanisms might be related to the type and quantity of transcription factor regulatory elements. Moreover, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that mRNA expression levels were not directly proportional to protein expression levels. Furthermore, the EF-1α promoter conferred high transgene expression levels in primary cells, and the plasmid was also present in the episomal state. Taken together, these results provided valuable information for improving transgene expression with episomal vectors in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Jie Xu
- Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yan-Long Jia
- Pharmacy collage, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Meng Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yi
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jun-He Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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8
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Lu XB, Guo YH, Huang W. Characterization of the cHS4 insulator in mouse embryonic stem cells. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:644-656. [PMID: 32087050 PMCID: PMC7137798 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology circuits are often constructed with multiple gene expression units assembled in close proximity, and they can be used to perform complex functions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, mutual interference between transcriptional units has not been well studied in mouse ESCs. To assess the efficiency of insulators at suppressing promoter interference in mouse ESCs, we used an evaluation scheme in which a tunable tetracycline response element promoter is connected to a constant Nanog promoter. The chicken hypersensitive site 4 (cHS4) insulator, widely used both for enhancer blocking and for barrier insulation in vitro and in vivo, was positioned between the two expression units for assessment. By inserting the cassette into various loci of the mouse ESC genome with PiggyBac transposon, we were able to quantitatively examine the protective effect of cHS4 by gradually increasing the transcriptional activity of the tetracycline response element promoter with doxycycline and then measuring the transcriptional activity of the Nanog promoter. Our results indicate that the cHS4 insulator has minimal insulating effects on promoter interference in mouse ESCs. Further studies show that the cHS4 insulation effect may be promoter specific and related to interaction with CCCTC‐binding factor‐mediated loop formation. In addition, we also compared DNA transposition and transgene expression with or without the cHS4 insulator using well‐established ESC reporters. The results indicate that cHS4 has no apparent effects on DNA transposition and transgene expression levels, but exerts modest protective effects on long‐term transgene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Bin Lu
- Core Research Facilities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Han Guo
- Forward Pharmaceuticals Limited Co., Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Wang XY, Zhang X, Wang TY, Jia YL, Xu DH, Yi DD. Shortened nuclear matrix attachment regions are sufficient for replication and maintenance of episomes in mammalian cells. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 30:2761-2770. [PMID: 31509492 PMCID: PMC6789156 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-02-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix attachment regions (MARs) can mediate the replication of vector episomes in mammalian cells; however, the molecular mode of action remains unclear. Here, we assessed the characteristics of MARs and the mechanism that mediates episomal vector replication in mammalian cells. Five shortened subfragments of β-interferon MAR fragments were cloned and transferred into CHO cells, and transgene expression levels, presence of the gene, and the episomal maintenance mechanism were determined. Three shortened MAR derivatives (position 781–1320, 1201–1740, and 1621–2201) retained full MAR activity and mediated episomal vector replication. Moreover, the three shortened MARs showed higher transgene expression levels, greater efficiency in colony formation, and more persistent transgene expression compared with those of the original pEPI-1 plasmid, and three functional truncated MARs can bind to SAF-A MAR-binding protein. These results suggest that shortened MARs are sufficient for replication and maintenance of episomes in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yan-Long Jia
- Pharmacy Collage, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Dan-Hua Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombiant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
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10
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Wagner S, McCracken J, Bruszies S, Broadhurst R, Wells DN, Oback B, Bode J, Laible G. Episomal minicircles persist in periods of transcriptional inactivity and can be transmitted through somatic cell nuclear transfer into bovine embryos. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:1737-1746. [PMID: 30694456 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04624-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Episomal plasmids based on a scaffold/matrix attachment region (S/MAR) are extrachromosomal DNA entities that replicate once per cell cycle and are stably maintained in cells or tissue. We generated minicircles, episomal plasmids devoid of bacterial sequences, and show that they are stably transmitted in clonal primary bovine fibroblasts without selection pressure over more than two months. Total DNA, plasmid extraction and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses suggest that the minicircles remained episomal and were not integrated into the genome. Minicircles survived extended periods in serum-starved cells, which indicates that ongoing transcription in non-proliferating cells is not necessary for the maintenance of S/MAR-episomes. To test whether minicircles endure the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), we used cell-cycle synchronized, serum-starved, minicircle-containing cells. Analysis of cells outgrown from SCNT-derived blastocysts shows that the minicircles are maintained through SCNT and early embryonic development, which raises the prospect of using cell lines with episomal minicircles for the generation of transgenic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wagner
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand. .,Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Judi McCracken
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Sabine Bruszies
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Ric Broadhurst
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - David N Wells
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Björn Oback
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Jürgen Bode
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Götz Laible
- AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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11
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Sánchez-Hernández S, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Martín-Guerra R, Cortijo-Gutierrez M, Tristán-Manzano M, Rodriguez-Perales S, Sanchez L, Garcia-Perez JL, Chato-Astrain J, Fernandez-Valades R, Carrillo-Galvez AB, Anderson P, Montes R, Real PJ, Martin F, Benabdellah K. The IS2 Element Improves Transcription Efficiency of Integration-Deficient Lentiviral Vector Episomes. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:16-28. [PMID: 30227274 PMCID: PMC6141704 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integration-defective lentiviral vectors (IDLVs) have become an important alternative tool for gene therapy applications and basic research. Unfortunately, IDLVs show lower transgene expression as compared to their integrating counterparts. In this study, we aimed to improve the expression levels of IDLVs by inserting the IS2 element, which harbors SARs and HS4 sequences, into their LTRs (SE-IS2-IDLVs). Contrary to our expectations, the presence of the IS2 element did not abrogate epigenetic silencing by histone deacetylases. In addition, the IS2 element reduced episome levels in IDLV-transduced cells. Interestingly, despite these negative effects, SE-IS2-IDLVs outperformed SE-IDLVs in terms of percentage and expression levels of the transgene in several cell lines, including neurons, neuronal progenitor cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. We estimated that the IS2 element enhances the transcriptional activity of IDLV LTR circles 6- to 7-fold. The final effect the IS2 element in IDLVs will greatly depend on the target cell and the balance between the negative versus the positive effects of the IS2 element in each cell type. The better performance of SE-IS2-IDLVs was not due to improved stability or differences in the proportions of 1-LTR versus 2-LTR circles but probably to a re-positioning of IS2-episomes into transcriptionally active regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Sánchez-Hernández
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez-Guerrero
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Martín-Guerra
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Marina Cortijo-Gutierrez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Sandra Rodriguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Department, CNIO, Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanchez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Garcia-Perez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesus Chato-Astrain
- Department of Histology, Tissue Engineering Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ricardo Fernandez-Valades
- Pediatric Surgery Department, University Hospital "Virgen de las Nieves," Avda. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Carrillo-Galvez
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Per Anderson
- LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain; Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Montes
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Pedro J Real
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain.
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain.
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12
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Wang M, Bao L, Qiu X, Yang X, Liu S, Su Y, Wang L, Liu B, He Q, Liu S, Jin Y. Immobilization of heparin on decellularized kidney scaffold to construct microenvironment for antithrombosis and inducing reendothelialization. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1168-1177. [PMID: 30280291 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, rapid development of tissue engineering technology provides possibilities for the construction of artificial tissues or organs. In construction of engineered kidneys, researchers used native decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as the scaffolds to recellularization. However, thrombosis has been a great issue that hinders the progress of transplantation in vivo. In this study, heparin was immobilized to the collagen part of decellularized scaffold with collagen-binding peptide (CBP). Through the anticoagulant and endothelial cell reperfusion experiments, it can be demonstrated that the heparinized scaffolds absorbed less platelets and red blood cells which can effectively reduce the formation of thrombosis. Moreover, it is conducive to long-term adhesion of endothelial cells which is important for the formation of subsequent vascularization. Taken together, our results reveal that the whole kidney can be modified by CBP-heparin composite to reduce the thrombosis and provide the better conditions for neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Shaanxi Institute of Medical Device Quality Supervision and Inspection, Xi'an, 721046, China
| | - Lili Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Xi'an Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinyu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaoshan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Siying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuting Su
- Department of aerospace, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Shaanxi Institute of Medical Device Quality Supervision and Inspection, Xi'an, 721046, China
| | - Qing He
- Shaanxi Institute of Medical Device Quality Supervision and Inspection, Xi'an, 721046, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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13
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Chen SJ, Wang W, Zhang FY, Jia YL, Wang XY, Guo X, Chen SN, Gao JH, Wang TY. A chimeric HS4 insulator-scaffold attachment region enhances transgene expression in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:2021-2030. [PMID: 29226088 PMCID: PMC5715248 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are one of the most commonly used expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins but low levels of transgene expression and transgene silencing are frequently encountered. Epigenetic regulatory elements such as the chicken β-globin locus control region hypersensitive site 4 (HS4) and scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) have positive effects on transgene expression. In this study, a chimeric HS4-SAR was cloned upstream or downstream of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression cassette in a eukaryotic vector, and the resulting vectors were transfected into CHO cells. eGFP was detected by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to determine copy numbers of the stably transfected cells. And fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the status of vector in the host cell chromosome. The results showed that HS4-SAR positioned downstream of the expression cassette could enhance eGFP expression by 4.83-fold compared with the control vector. There may not be a relationship between transgene copy number and gene expression level. HS4-SAR did not appear to alter the integration of the transgene into the host cell chromosome or its position in the chromosome. We found a synthetic chimeric HS4-SAR positively increased transgene expression in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Wen Wang
- Pharmacy Collage Xinxiang Medical University Henan China.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine Xinxiang Medical University China
| | - Feng-Yi Zhang
- Grade 2012 The Third Clinical Medical College of Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Yan-Long Jia
- Pharmacy Collage Xinxiang Medical University Henan China.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine Xinxiang Medical University China
| | - Xiao-Yin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Pharmacy Collage Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Shao-Nan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Jian-Hui Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xinxiang Medical University Henan China
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xinxiang Medical University Henan China.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine Xinxiang Medical University China
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14
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Hardee CL, Arévalo-Soliz LM, Hornstein BD, Zechiedrich L. Advances in Non-Viral DNA Vectors for Gene Therapy. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E65. [PMID: 28208635 PMCID: PMC5333054 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uses of viral vectors have thus far eclipsed uses of non-viral vectors for gene therapy delivery in the clinic. Viral vectors, however, have certain issues involving genome integration, the inability to be delivered repeatedly, and possible host rejection. Fortunately, development of non-viral DNA vectors has progressed steadily, especially in plasmid vector length reduction, now allowing these tools to fill in specifically where viral or other non-viral vectors may not be the best options. In this review, we examine the improvements made to non-viral DNA gene therapy vectors, highlight opportunities for their further development, address therapeutic needs for which their use is the logical choice, and discuss their future expansion into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinnamon L. Hardee
- Interdepartmental Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Lirio Milenka Arévalo-Soliz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Lynn Zechiedrich
- Interdepartmental Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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