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Gupta A, Barone C, Quijano E, Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Perera JD, Riccardi A, Jamali H, Turchick A, Zao W, Saltzman WM, Glazer PM, Egan ME. Next generation triplex-forming PNAs for site-specific genome editing of the F508del CFTR mutation. J Cyst Fibros 2024:S1569-1993(24)00795-1. [PMID: 39107154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein for which there is no cure. One approach to cure CF is to correct the underlying mutations in the CFTR gene. We have used triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) loaded into biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) in combination with donor DNAs as reagents for correcting mutations associated with genetic diseases including CF. Previously, we demonstrated that PNAs induce recombination between a donor DNA and the CFTR gene, correcting the F508del CFTR mutation in human cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE cells) and in a CF murine model leading to improved CFTR function with low off-target effects, however the level of correction was still below the threshold for therapeutic cure. METHODS Here, we report the use of next generation, chemically modified gamma PNAs (γPNAs) containing a diethylene glycol substitution at the gamma position for enhanced DNA binding. These modified γPNAs yield enhanced gene correction of F508del mutation in human bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE cells) and in primary nasal epithelial cells from CF mice (NECF cells). RESULTS Treatment of CFBE cells and NECF cells grown at air-liquid interface (ALI) by NPs containing γtcPNAs and donor DNA resulted in increased CFTR function measured by short circuit current and improved gene editing (up to 32 %) on analysis of genomic DNA. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide the basis for further development of PNA and NP technology for editing of the CFTR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Gupta
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Christina Barone
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Elias Quijano
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - J Dinithi Perera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Adele Riccardi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Haya Jamali
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Audrey Turchick
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Weixi Zao
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Peter M Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Marie E Egan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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2
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Genome-engineering technologies for modeling and treatment of cystic fibrosis. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:111-120. [PMID: 36917892 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Due to the genetic nature of the disease, interventions in the genome can target any underlying alterations and potentially provide permanent disease resolution. The current development of gene-editing tools, such as designer nuclease technology capable of genome correction, holds great promise for both CF and other genetic diseases. In recent years, Cas9-based technologies have enabled the generation of genetically defined human stem cell and disease models based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). In this article, we outline the potential and possibilities of using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology in CF modeling.
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3
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Harrison PT. CFTR RNA- and DNA-based therapies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102247. [PMID: 35709547 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an update on recent developments of RNA- and DNA-based methodologies and their intracellular targets in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Ultimately, clinical success will require a suitable delivery system, but since the cargo for all these strategies is nucleic acid, it should hopefully be possible to exploit delivery breakthroughs from one study and apply these innovations to other experiments in order to identify the best strategy for everyone with CF. Ultimately, it may be the same approach for everyone, or possibly a number of different strategies tailored to particular mutations or classes/groups of mutations. And whilst the current focus is on CF lung disease, in the longer term the goal is to treat all affected organs in people with CF such as the pancreas, gut, and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Harrison
- Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
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4
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Birket SE, Davis JM, Fernandez-Petty CM, Henderson AG, Oden AM, Tang L, Wen H, Hong J, Fu L, Chambers A, Fields A, Zhao G, Tearney GJ, Sorscher EJ, Rowe SM. Ivacaftor Reverses Airway Mucus Abnormalities in a Rat Model Harboring a Humanized G551D-CFTR. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:1271-1282. [PMID: 32584141 PMCID: PMC7605185 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202002-0369oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Animal models have been highly informative for understanding the characteristics, onset, and progression of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. In particular, the CFTR-/- rat has revealed insights into the airway mucus defect characteristic of CF but does not replicate a human-relevant CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) variant.Objectives: We hypothesized that a rat expressing a humanized version of CFTR and harboring the ivacaftor-sensitive variant G551D could be used to test the impact of CFTR modulators on pathophysiologic development and correction.Methods: In this study, we describe a humanized-CFTR rat expressing the G551D variant obtained by zinc finger nuclease editing of a human complementary DNA superexon, spanning exon 2-27, with a 5' insertion site into the rat gene just beyond intron 1. This targeted insertion takes advantage of the endogenous rat promoter, resulting in appropriate expression compared with wild-type animals.Measurements and Main Results: The bioelectric phenotype of the epithelia recapitulates the expected absence of CFTR activity, which was restored with ivacaftor. Large airway defects, including depleted airway surface liquid and periciliary layers, delayed mucus transport rates, and increased mucus viscosity, were normalized after the administration of ivacaftor.Conclusions: This model is useful to understand the mechanisms of disease and the extent of pathology reversal with CFTR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Wen
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, and
| | - Jeong Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lianwu Fu
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, and
- Cell, Developmental, and Integrated Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Alvin Fields
- Horizon Discovery Group PLC, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Gojun Zhao
- Horizon Discovery Group PLC, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Guillermo J. Tearney
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric J. Sorscher
- Cell, Developmental, and Integrated Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Steven M. Rowe
- Department of Medicine
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, and
- Cell, Developmental, and Integrated Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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5
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Maule G, Arosio D, Cereseto A. Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis: Progress and Challenges of Genome Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3903. [PMID: 32486152 PMCID: PMC7313467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early days of its conceptualization and application, human gene transfer held the promise of a permanent solution to genetic diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF). This field went through alternated periods of enthusiasm and distrust. The development of refined technologies allowing site specific modification with programmable nucleases highly revived the gene therapy field. CRISPR nucleases and derived technologies tremendously facilitate genome manipulation offering diversified strategies to reverse mutations. Here we discuss the advancement of gene therapy, from therapeutic nucleic acids to genome editing techniques, designed to reverse genetic defects in CF. We provide a roadmap through technologies and strategies tailored to correct different types of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene, and their applications for the development of experimental models valuable for the advancement of CF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maule
- Department of Cellular Computational Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- National Council of Research, CNR, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | | | - Anna Cereseto
- Department of Cellular Computational Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
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6
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Suzuki S, Crane AM, Anirudhan V, Barillà C, Matthias N, Randell SH, Rab A, Sorscher EJ, Kerschner JL, Yin S, Harris A, Mendel M, Kim K, Zhang L, Conway A, Davis BR. Highly Efficient Gene Editing of Cystic Fibrosis Patient-Derived Airway Basal Cells Results in Functional CFTR Correction. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1684-1695. [PMID: 32402246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a strong rationale to consider future cell therapeutic approaches for cystic fibrosis (CF) in which autologous proximal airway basal stem cells, corrected for CFTR mutations, are transplanted into the patient's lungs. We assessed the possibility of editing the CFTR locus in these cells using zinc-finger nucleases and have pursued two approaches. The first, mutation-specific correction, is a footprint-free method replacing the CFTR mutation with corrected sequences. We have applied this approach for correction of ΔF508, demonstrating restoration of mature CFTR protein and function in air-liquid interface cultures established from bulk edited basal cells. The second is targeting integration of a partial CFTR cDNA within an intron of the endogenous CFTR gene, providing correction for all CFTR mutations downstream of the integration and exploiting the native CFTR promoter and chromatin architecture for physiologically relevant expression. Without selection, we observed highly efficient, site-specific targeted integration in basal cells carrying various CFTR mutations and demonstrated restored CFTR function at therapeutically relevant levels. Significantly, Omni-ATAC-seq analysis revealed minimal impact on the positions of open chromatin within the native CFTR locus. These results demonstrate efficient functional correction of CFTR and provide a platform for further ex vivo and in vivo editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Suzuki
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ana M Crane
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Varada Anirudhan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristina Barillà
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nadine Matthias
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott H Randell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andras Rab
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Eric J Sorscher
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jenny L Kerschner
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Shiyi Yin
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Kim
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | - Brian R Davis
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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7
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Campofelice A, Lentini L, Di Leonardo A, Melfi R, Tutone M, Pace A, Pibiri I. Strategies against Nonsense: Oxadiazoles as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133329. [PMID: 31284579 PMCID: PMC6651739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the use of oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) to rescue the functional full-length protein expression in mendelian genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. These mutations in specific genes generate premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for the translation of truncated proteins. After a brief introduction on nonsense mutations and their pathological effects, the features of various classes of TRIDs will be described discussing differences or similarities in their mechanisms of action. Strategies to correct the PTCs will be presented, particularly focusing on a new class of Ataluren-like oxadiazole derivatives in comparison to aminoglycosides. Additionally, recent results on the efficiency of new candidate TRIDs in restoring the production of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein will be presented. Finally, a prospectus on complementary strategies to enhance the effect of TRIDs will be illustrated together with a conclusive paragraph about perspectives, opportunities, and caveats in developing small molecules as TRIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Campofelice
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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8
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Mention K, Santos L, Harrison PT. Gene and Base Editing as a Therapeutic Option for Cystic Fibrosis-Learning from Other Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E387. [PMID: 31117296 PMCID: PMC6562706 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. There are at least 346 disease-causing variants in the CFTR gene, but effective small-molecule therapies exist for only ~10% of them. One option to treat all mutations is CFTR cDNA-based therapy, but clinical trials to date have only been able to stabilise rather than improve lung function disease in patients. While cDNA-based therapy is already a clinical reality for a number of diseases, some animal studies have clearly established that precision genome editing can be significantly more effective than cDNA addition. These observations have led to a number of gene-editing clinical trials for a small number of such genetic disorders. To date, gene-editing strategies to correct CFTR mutations have been conducted exclusively in cell models, with no in vivo gene-editing studies yet described. Here, we highlight some of the key breakthroughs in in vivo and ex vivo gene and base editing in animal models for other diseases and discuss what might be learned from these studies in the development of editing strategies that may be applied to cystic fibrosis as a potential therapeutic approach. There are many hurdles that need to be overcome, including the in vivo delivery of editing machinery or successful engraftment of ex vivo-edited cells, as well as minimising potential off-target effects. However, a successful proof-of-concept study for gene or base editing in one or more of the available CF animal models could pave the way towards a long-term therapeutic strategy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Mention
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork T12 K8AF, Ireland.
| | - Lúcia Santos
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork T12 K8AF, Ireland.
- University of Lisboa Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Patrick T Harrison
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork T12 K8AF, Ireland.
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Hodges CA, Conlon RA. Delivering on the promise of gene editing for cystic fibrosis. Genes Dis 2018; 6:97-108. [PMID: 31193992 PMCID: PMC6545485 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe a path for translation of gene editing into therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF). Cystic fibrosis results from mutations in the CFTR gene, with one allele predominant in patient populations. This simple, genetic etiology makes gene editing appealing for treatment of this disease. There already have been success in applying this approach to cystic fibrosis in cell and animal models, although these advances have been modest in comparison to advances for other disease. Less than six years after its first demonstration in animals, CRISPR/Cas gene editing is in early clinical trials for several disorders. Most clinical trials, thus far, attempt to edit genes in cells of the blood lineages. The advantage of the blood is that the stem cells are known, can be isolated, edited, selected, expanded, and returned to the body. The likely next trials will be in the liver, which is accessible to many delivery methods. For cystic fibrosis, the biggest hurdle is to deliver editors to other, less accessible organs. We outline a path by which delivery can be improved. The translation of new therapies doesn't occur in isolation, and the development of gene editors is occurring as advances in gene therapy and small molecule therapeutics are being made. The advances made in gene therapy may help develop delivery vehicles for gene editing, although major improvements are needed. Conversely, the approval of effective small molecule therapies for many patients with cystic fibrosis will raise the bar for translation of gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Hodges
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ronald A Conlon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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10
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Hollywood JA, Sanz DJ, Davidson AJ, Harrison PT. Gene Editing of Stem Cells to Model and Treat Disease. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-018-0140-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Harrison PT, Hart S. A beginner's guide to gene editing. Exp Physiol 2018; 103:439-448. [DOI: 10.1113/ep086047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. Harrison
- Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute; University College Cork; Cork Ireland
| | - Stephen Hart
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health; University College London; London UK
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