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Amaral MD, Pankonien I. Theranostics vs theratyping or theranostics plus theratyping? J Cyst Fibros 2024:S1569-1993(24)01782-X. [PMID: 39327193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.09.013] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Treating all people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) to the level of benefit achieved by highly efficient CFTR modulator therapies (HEMT) remains a significant challenge. Theratyping and theranostics are two distinct approaches to advance CF treatment. Both theratyping in cell lines and pwCF-derived biomaterials theranostics have unique strengths and limitations in the context of studying and treating CF. The challenges, advantages and disadvantages of both approaches are discussed here. While theratyping in cell lines offers ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and standardized platforms for experimentation, it misses physiological relevance and patient-specificity. Theranostics, on the other hand, provides a more human-relevant model for personalized medicine approaches but requires specialized expertise, resources, and access to patient samples. Integrating these two approaches in parallel and leveraging their respective strengths may enhance our understanding of CF and facilitate the development of more effective therapies for all pwCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida D Amaral
- BioISI- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ines Pankonien
- BioISI- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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2
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Kleinfelder K, Melotti P, Hristodor AM, Fevola C, Taccetti G, Terlizzi V, Sorio C. CFTR modulators response of S737F and T465N CFTR variants on patient-derived rectal organoids. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:343. [PMID: 39272186 PMCID: PMC11401437 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03334-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predictions based on patient-derived materials of CFTR modulators efficacy have been performed lately in patient-derived cells, extending FDA-approved drugs for CF patients harboring rare variants. Here we developed intestinal organoids from subjects carrying S737F- and T465N-CFTR in trans with null alleles to evaluate their functional impact on CFTR protein function and their restoration upon CFTR modulator treatment. The characterization of S737F-CFTR was performed in two subjects recently assessed in nasal epithelial cells but not in colonoids. RESULTS Our functional analysis (Ussing chamber) confirmed that S737F-CFTR is a mild variant with residual function as investigated in colonoids of patients with S737F/Dele22-24 and S737F/W1282X genotypes. An increase of current upon Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) treatment was recorded for the former genotype. T465N is a poorly characterized missense variant that strongly impacts CFTR function, as almost no CFTR-mediated anion secretion was registered for T465N/Q39X colonoids. ETI treatment substantially improved CFTR-mediated anion secretion and increased the rescue of mature CFTR expression compared to either untreated colonoids or to dual CFTR modulator therapies. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the presence of a residual function of the S737F variant and its limited response to CFTR modulators while predicting for the first time the potential clinical benefit of Trikafta® for patients carrying the rare T465N variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kleinfelder
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory "D. Lissandrini", University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Melotti
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - Anca Manuela Hristodor
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Fevola
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Taccetti
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Florence, Italy
| | - Vito Terlizzi
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Florence, Italy.
| | - Claudio Sorio
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Pathology, Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory "D. Lissandrini", University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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3
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Pinto MO, Santos AS, Castanhinha S. Efficacy of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in portuguese adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis carrying non-F508del variants. Pulmonology 2024; 30:485-487. [PMID: 38614858 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M O Pinto
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pulmonology, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - A S Santos
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pulmonology, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal; Lung Transplantation Reference Center, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Castanhinha
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center, Santa Marta Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Santa Marta n° 50, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pediatrics, Dona Estefânia Hospital, São José Local Health Unit, Rua Jacinta Marto n° 8A, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal
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4
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Ko J, Song J, Choi N, Kim HN. Patient-Derived Microphysiological Systems for Precision Medicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303161. [PMID: 38010253 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived microphysiological systems (P-MPS) have emerged as powerful tools in precision medicine that provide valuable insight into individual patient characteristics. This review discusses the development of P-MPS as an integration of patient-derived samples, including patient-derived cells, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cells, into well-defined MPSs. Emphasizing the necessity of P-MPS development, its significance as a nonclinical assessment approach that bridges the gap between traditional in vitro models and clinical outcomes is highlighted. Additionally, guidance is provided for engineering approaches to develop microfluidic devices and high-content analysis for P-MPSs, enabling high biological relevance and high-throughput experimentation. The practical implications of the P-MPS are further examined by exploring the clinically relevant outcomes obtained from various types of patient-derived samples. The construction and analysis of these diverse samples within the P-MPS have resulted in physiologically relevant data, paving the way for the development of personalized treatment strategies. This study describes the significance of the P-MPS in precision medicine, as well as its unique capacity to offer valuable insights into individual patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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5
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Kleinfelder K, Lotti V, Eramo A, Amato F, Lo Cicero S, Castelli G, Spadaro F, Farinazzo A, Dell’Orco D, Preato S, Conti J, Rodella L, Tomba F, Cerofolini A, Baldisseri E, Bertini M, Volpi S, Villella VR, Esposito S, Zollo I, Castaldo G, Laudanna C, Sorsher EJ, Hong J, Joshi D, Cutting G, Lucarelli M, Melotti P, Sorio C. In silico analysis and theratyping of an ultra-rare CFTR genotype (W57G/A234D) in primary human rectal and nasal epithelial cells. iScience 2023; 26:108180. [PMID: 38026150 PMCID: PMC10660498 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108180] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutation targeted therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) is still not eligible for all CF subjects, especially for cases carrying rare variants such as the CFTR genotype W57G/A234D (c.169T>G/c.701C>A). We performed in silico analysis of the effects of these variants on protein stability, which we functionally characterized using colonoids and reprogrammed nasal epithelial cells. The effect of mutations on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein was analyzed by western blotting, forskolin-induced swelling (FIS), and Ussing chamber analysis. We detected a residual CFTR function that increases following treatment with the CFTR modulators VX661±VX445±VX770, correlates among models, and is associated with increased CFTR protein levels following treatment with CFTR correctors. In vivo treatment with VX770 reduced sweat chloride concentration to non-CF levels, increased the number of CFTR-dependent sweat droplets, and induced a 6% absolute increase in predicted FEV1% after 27 weeks of treatment indicating the relevance of theratyping with patient-derived cells in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kleinfelder
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Virginia Lotti
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Amato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Lo Cicero
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Farinazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Preato
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Jessica Conti
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Rodella
- Endoscopic Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Tomba
- Endoscopic Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Angelo Cerofolini
- Endoscopic Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Baldisseri
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Bertini
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Sonia Volpi
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Rachela Villella
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Speranza Esposito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Laudanna
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Eric J. Sorsher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis & Sleep, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jeong Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis & Sleep, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Disha Joshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis & Sleep, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Garry Cutting
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Melotti
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Sorio
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Division of General Pathology, 37134 Verona, Italy
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6
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Graeber SY, Mall MA. The future of cystic fibrosis treatment: from disease mechanisms to novel therapeutic approaches. Lancet 2023; 402:1185-1198. [PMID: 37699417 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01608-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
With the 2019 breakthrough in the development of highly effective modulator therapy providing unprecedented clinical benefits for over 90% of patients with cystic fibrosis who are genetically eligible for treatment, this rare disease has become a front runner of transformative molecular therapy. This success is based on fundamental research, which led to the identification of the disease-causing CFTR gene and our subsequent understanding of the disease mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, working together with a continuously evolving clinical research and drug development pipeline. In this Series paper, we focus on advances since 2018, and remaining knowledge gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CFTR dysfunction in the airway epithelium and their links to mucus dysfunction, impaired host defences, airway infection, and chronic inflammation of the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. We review progress in (and the remaining obstacles to) pharmacological approaches to rescue CFTR function, and novel strategies for improved symptomatic therapies for cystic fibrosis, including how these might be applicable to common lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Finally, we discuss the promise of genetic therapies and gene editing approaches to restore CFTR function in the lungs of all patients with cystic fibrosis independent of their CFTR genotype, and the unprecedented opportunities to transform cystic fibrosis from a fatal disease to a treatable and potentially curable one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Y Graeber
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, associated partner site, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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7
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Lo Cicero S, Castelli G, Blaconà G, Bruno SM, Sette G, Pigliucci R, Villella VR, Esposito S, Zollo I, Spadaro F, Maria RD, Biffoni M, Cimino G, Amato F, Lucarelli M, Eramo A. L1077P CFTR pathogenic variant function rescue by Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor in cystic fibrosis patient-derived air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures and organoids: in vitro guided personalized therapy of non-F508del patients. Respir Res 2023; 24:217. [PMID: 37674160 PMCID: PMC10483775 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02516-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by defects of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CFTR-modulating drugs may overcome specific defects, such as the case of Trikafta, which is a clinically approved triple combination of Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor (ETI) that exhibited a strong ability to rescue the function of the most frequent F508del pathogenic variant even in genotypes with the mutated allele in single copy. Nevertheless, most rare genotypes lacking the F508del allele are still not eligible for targeted therapies. Via the innovative approach of using nasal conditionally reprogrammed cell (CRC) cell-based models that mimic patient disease in vitro, which are obtainable from each patient due to the 100% efficiency of the cell culture establishment, we theratyped orphan CFTR mutation L1077P. Protein studies, Forskolin-induced organoid swelling, and Ussing chamber assays congruently proved the L1077P variant function rescue by ETI. Notably, this rescue takes place even in the context of a single-copy L1077P allele, which appears to enhance its expression. Thus, the possibility of single-allele treatment also arises for rare genotypes, with an allele-specific modulation as part of the mechanism. Of note, besides providing indication of drug efficacy with respect to specific CFTR pathogenic variants or genotypes, this approach allows the evaluation of the response of single-patient cells within their genetic background. In this view, our studies support in vitro guided personalized CF therapies also for rare patients who are nearly excluded from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Lo Cicero
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pigliucci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Rachela Villella
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Speranza Esposito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli'-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cimino
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center of Lazio Region, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Amato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Kleinfelder K, Villella VR, Hristodor AM, Laudanna C, Castaldo G, Amato F, Melotti P, Sorio C. Theratyping of the Rare CFTR Genotype A559T in Rectal Organoids and Nasal Cells Reveals a Relevant Response to Elexacaftor (VX-445) and Tezacaftor (VX-661) Combination. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10358. [PMID: 37373505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising results of new CFTR targeting drugs designed for the recovery of F508del- and class III variants activity, none of them have been approved for individuals with selected rare mutations, because uncharacterized CFTR variants lack information associated with the ability of these compounds in recovering their molecular defects. Here we used both rectal organoids (colonoids) and primary nasal brushed cells (hNEC) derived from a CF patient homozygous for A559T (c.1675G>A) variant to evaluate the responsiveness of this pathogenic variant to available CFTR targeted drugs that include VX-770, VX-809, VX-661 and VX-661 combined with VX-445. A559T is a rare mutation, found in African-Americans people with CF (PwCF) with only 85 patients registered in the CFTR2 database. At present, there is no treatment approved by FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for this genotype. Short-circuit current (Isc) measurements indicate that A559T-CFTR presents a minimal function. The acute addition of VX-770 following CFTR activation by forskolin had no significant increment of baseline level of anion transport in both colonoids and nasal cells. However, the combined treatment, VX-661-VX-445, significantly increases the chloride secretion in A559T-colonoids monolayers and hNEC, reaching approximately 10% of WT-CFTR function. These results were confirmed by forskolin-induced swelling assay and by western blotting in rectal organoids. Overall, our data show a relevant response to VX-661-VX-445 in rectal organoids and hNEC with CFTR genotype A559T/A559T. This could provide a strong rationale for treating patients carrying this variant with VX-661-VX-445-VX-770 combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kleinfelder
- Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory "D. Lissandrini", Department of Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Rachela Villella
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Manuela Hristodor
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Carlo Laudanna
- Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory "D. Lissandrini", Department of Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Amato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Melotti
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Sorio
- Cystic Fibrosis Laboratory "D. Lissandrini", Department of Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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9
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Fundamental and translational research in Cystic Fibrosis - why we still need it. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S1-S4. [PMID: 36577595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) underwent significant changes in the last decade as therapies targeting the basic defect in the CFTR protein were approved. Significant scientific progress has also been made in several other areas that may lead in the future to novel therapeutic approaches that can help fight CF in all individuals living with this disease. Thus, focusing on fundamental research in the CF field has and will continue to be of great importance. This has been one of the aims of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS), which has promoted the ECFS Basic Science Conference (BSC) every year since 2004. This special issue covers the topics featured and discussed at the 17th ECFS BSC, held in Albufeira (Portugal) in March 2022, and highlights advances in understanding CFTR, in using personalized medicine, and in developing innovative strategies to identify breakthrough therapies. This introduction highlights the topics presented throughout this special issue, thereby underscoring the relevance of fundamental research in CF.
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