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Fontana L, Alahouzou Z, Miccio A, Antoniou P. Epigenetic Regulation of β-Globin Genes and the Potential to Treat Hemoglobinopathies through Epigenome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030577. [PMID: 36980849 PMCID: PMC10048329 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated during life by transcription factors, chromatin looping and epigenome modifications of the β-globin locus. Epigenome modifications, such as histone methylation/demethylation and acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, are associated with up- or down-regulation of gene expression. The understanding of these mechanisms and their outcome in gene expression has paved the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating various diseases, such as β-hemoglobinopathies. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for hemoglobinopathies patients. However, these approaches are often uncertain, non-specific and their global effect poses serious safety concerns. Epigenome editing is a recently developed and promising tool that consists of a DNA recognition domain (zinc finger, transcription activator-like effector or dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9) fused to the catalytic domain of a chromatin-modifying enzyme. It offers a more specific targeting of disease-related genes (e.g., the ability to reactivate the fetal γ-globin genes and improve the hemoglobinopathy phenotype) and it facilitates the development of scarless gene therapy approaches. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of epigenome regulation of the β-globin locus, and we discuss the application of epigenome editing for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Fontana
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Zoe Alahouzou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Antoniou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
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Monagel DA, Monteiro J, Thull-Freedman J, Ruzycki A, Leaker M, Steele M. Clinical features at diagnosis of sickle cell disease prior to universal newborn screening in Alberta. Paediatr Child Health 2022; 27:464-468. [PMID: 36583074 PMCID: PMC9792285 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxac070] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited multisystem disorder with complications starting in the first year of life. Newborn screening (NBS) can identify infants with SCD and is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. Variation in availability of NBS in Canada, and lack of standardized screening for immigrant children, may lead to delayed diagnosis. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 126 children aged 0-18 years with SCD registered with the SCD clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital between January 2003 and January 2018, prior to province-wide universal NBS for SCD. Patient demographic information, circumstances of diagnosis, and other contextual information were collected from patient health records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, with Mood's median test used to compare medians between groups. Results Forty-three (35%) patients were born in Alberta. Patients were mostly (95.3%) of African descent. Of patients born in Alberta, 63% (26/43) were diagnosed at >12 months of age, with a median age at diagnosis of 18 months (IQR = 4-39). This was significantly older (P < 0.001) than children born in the USA or in Canadian provinces with SCD NBS programs, where the median age at diagnosis was zero months (N = 36). Of the 42% of patients born outside North America, 64% were diagnosed following an acute complication. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of NBS for early detection and management of SCD, and the importance of screening at-risk immigrants who may not have received NBS for SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Monteiro
- Correspondence: Jessica Monteiro, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. Tel: 514 412-4400 x 24349; fax: 514-412-4271, e-mail:
| | | | - Angela Ruzycki
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Leaker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - MacGregor Steele
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Oliveira BA, Oliveira LCD, Oliveira FMD, Pereira GM, Souza RMD, Manuli ER, Marchini FK, Espinoza EPS, Park M, Taniguchi L, Mendes PV, Franco LAM, Nastri AC, Oliveira MSD, Vieira Junior JM, Kallas EG, Levin AS, Sabino EC, Costa SF. Evaluation of eleven immunochromatographic assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection: investigating the dengue cross-reaction. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2022; 64:e63. [PMID: 36197424 PMCID: PMC9528753 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202264063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 disease is spread worldwide and diagnostic techniques have been studied in order to contain the pandemic. Immunochromatographic (IC) assays are feasible and a low-cost alternative especially in low and middle-income countries, which lack structure to perform certain diagnostic techniques. Here we evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of eleven different IC tests in 145 serum samples from confirmed cases of COVID-19 using RT-PCR and 100 negative serum samples from blood donors collected in February 2019. We also evaluated the cross-reactivity with dengue using 20 serum samples from patients with confirmed diagnosis for dengue collected in early 2019 through four different tests. We found high sensitivity (92%), specificity (100%) and an almost perfect agreement (Kappa 0.92) of IC assay, especially when we evaluated IgG and IgM combined after 10 days from the onset of symptoms with RT-PCR. However, we detected cross-reactivity between dengue and COVID-19 mainly with IgM antibodies (5 to 20% of cross-reaction) and demonstrated the need for better studies about diagnostic techniques for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelo Park
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Sírio Libanês, Brazil
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Ogu UO, Badamosi NU, Camacho PE, Freire AX, Adams-Graves P. Management of Sickle Cell Disease Complications Beyond Acute Chest Syndrome. J Blood Med 2021; 12:101-114. [PMID: 33658881 PMCID: PMC7920619 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s291394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease results in numerous complications that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Amongst them, acute chest syndrome is the leading cause of mortality. As a result, most providers are in tune with this complication and well versed with management. As sickle cell patients now live longer, they face a multitude of other complications that if left unattended, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality as well. It is critical to look beyond acute chest syndrome and adopt a more comprehensive approach to the management of the sickle cell patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochi O Ogu
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nnenna U Badamosi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Pamela E Camacho
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amado X Freire
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Patricia Adams-Graves
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Zheng C, Liu M, Fan H. Targeting complexes of super-enhancers is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:2557-2566. [PMID: 32782573 PMCID: PMC7400756 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyperactivation and overexpression of critical oncogenes is a common occurrence in multiple types of malignant tumors. Recently, the abnormal activation mechanism of an oncogene by a super-enhancer (SE) has attracted significant attention. A series of changes (insertion, deletion, translocation and rearrangement) in the genome occurring in cancer cells may generate new SEs, leading to the overexpression of SE-driven oncogenes. SEs are composed of typical enhancers densely loaded with mediator complexes, transcription factors, and chromatin regulators, and drive the overexpression of oncogenes associated with cellular identity and disease. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) and bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) are critical mediator complexes associated with SE-mediated transcription. Clinical trials have shown that emerging small-molecule inhibitors (CDK7 and BRD4 inhibitor), targeting the SE exert a notable effect on cancer treatment. Increasing evidences has illustrated that the SE and its associated complexes play a critical role in the development of various types of cancer. The present review discusses the composition, function and regulation of SEs and their contribution to oncogenic transcription. In addition, creative therapeutic approaches that target SE, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the problems with their clinical application are discussed. It was found that targeting SE may be used in conventional treatment and establish more access for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqian Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210018, P.R. China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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de Azevedo JTC, Malmegrim KCR. Immune mechanisms involved in sickle cell disease pathogenesis: current knowledge and perspectives. Immunol Lett 2020; 224:1-11. [PMID: 32437728 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a single point mutation in the β-chain of the hemoglobin gene that results in the replacement of glutamic acid with valine in the hemoglobin protein. However, recent studies have demonstrated that alterations in several other genes, especially immune related genes, may be associated with complications of SCD. In fact, higher chronic inflammatory status is related to more severe clinical symptoms in SCD patients, suggesting crucial roles of the immune system in SCD physiopathology. Nevertheless, although participation of innate immune cells in SCD pathogenesis has been broadly and extensively described, little is known about the roles of the adaptive immune system in this disease. In addition, the influence of treatments on the immune system of SCD patients and their complications (such as alloimmunization) are not yet completely understood. Thus, we reviewed the current knowledge about the immune mechanisms involved in SCD pathogenesis. We suggest recommendations for future studies to allow for a broader understanding of SCD pathogenesis, helping in the development of new therapies and improvement in the life quality and expectancy of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Teixeira Cottas de Azevedo
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Kelen Cristina Ribeiro Malmegrim
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Figueiredo SV, Moreira TMM, Mota CS, Oliveira RSD, Gomes ILV. Creation and validation of a health guidance booklet for family members of children with sickle cell disease. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2018-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to elaborate a booklet for health follow-up and guidance on sickle cell disease for relatives of children with this disease and validate it. It is a methodological study, conducted from May 2017 to February 2018, of the elaboration and validation of an educational technology, constructed from previous field research in a pediatric hospital in Ceará (ethical opinion nº 994.879 and nº 955.727). Validation of content and appearance occurred by specialized, technical and communication judges; after the adjustments, the evaluation by representatives of the target public took place. The analysis was through the Concordance Index. Results: the evaluation of technical judges and experts reached a Global Concordance Index of 0.93, characterizing the book as good quality. The judges of communication evaluated all items as Superior. As for family members, everyone agreed that the book was adequate. It is concluded that the booklet has been duly drawn up and validated as regards its content and its appearance. Implications for practice: this educational technology is an important instrument to be used by health professionals, aiming to contribute to increase the knowledge of the relatives of children with sickle cell disease.
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da Cunha Gomes EG, Machado LAF, de Oliveira LC, Neto JFN. The erythrocyte alloimmunisation in patients with sickle cell anaemia: a systematic review. Transfus Med 2018; 29:149-161. [PMID: 29845661 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transfusion therapy is a common practice in the treatment of anaemia and can cause erythrocyte alloimmunisation. To systematise data related to erythrocyte alloimmunisation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), a bibliographic search was carried out in September 2017 to search for studies in four electronic databases. (i) Referring to the original work, (ii) being cohort or case-control, (iii) having been developed with individuals with SCD and (iv) having evaluated the erythrocyte alloimmunisation. Two reviewers identified the articles for inclusion in the study, extracted the predetermined data and carried out the evaluation of the methodological quality of the work. 21 studies were selected; the studies included data on 20 636 individuals (children and adults), were mostly published in the last 10 years, were developed in the United States and had high methodological quality. The occurrence of erythrocyte alloimmunisation ranged from 4·4 to 76%, and there was a higher rate of alloimmunisation against antigens of the Rh system. The risk factors for alloimmunisation were age; gender (female); red blood cell (RBC) units received; presence of ≥1 autoantibodies, TNF-α, interleukin (IL1B), human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-DRB1 gene polymorphisms; first blood transfusion (BT) after 5 years of age, transfusion episodic, multiple or during inflammatory events, acute chest syndrome (ACS) and vase-occlusive crisis (VOC); increased percentage of CD41 T memory cells; and positive direct antiglobulin test. Transfusion policies should be developed to protect the patient and his or her health based on the main factors associated with its incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G da Cunha Gomes
- Professional Master's in Health, Laboratory Medicine and Forensic Technology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L A F Machado
- Professional Master's in Health, Laboratory Medicine and Forensic Technology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L C de Oliveira
- Search Group NutriPali, Nutritionist Palliative Care Unit, National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J F N Neto
- Lipids Laboratory-LabLip, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Martinhago CD, Endo KR, Oliveira MA, Dias AM, Pereira GS, Azzolini AM, Estrada PR, Bruzaca CG, Martinhago ACN. The first South American case of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to select compatible embryo for cord blood transplantation as treatment for sickle cell anemia. JBRA Assist Reprod 2018; 22:71-74. [PMID: 29345446 PMCID: PMC5844664 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180017] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited systemic hemoglobinopathy that affects
hemoglobin production in red blood cells, leading to early morbidity and
mortality. It is caused by a homozygous nucleotide substitution (c.20A>T) in
the β-globin gene (HBB) that changes a glutamic acid to
a valine in the protein. We present a case report of a fertile couple, both
carriers of the sickle cell anemia mutation, with one affected daughter. Six
cycles of assisted reproductive techniques were performed, resulting in 53
embryos in cleavage stage. Each embryo was biopsied and analyzed for
pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) by fluorescent polymerase chain
reaction, using polymorphic markers of the region of interest followed by
capillary electrophoresis in an automated genetic analyzer. HLA Compatible and
normal embryos for the mutation represented 3 (5.66%); while the carriers and
compatible 6 (11.32%); therefore, embryos matching those of the affected
daughter represented 9 (16.98%). A selected embryo in blastocyst stage was
transferred, resulting in a healthy male newborn, who had the umbilical cord
blood cells collected and stored. The affected daughter was immunosuppressed and
received transplanted cells from the umbilical cord blood of her brother; the
treatment was successful. Embryo selection using PGD technologies represent the
most effective treatment plan for parents who want to have a healthy child, and
it could cure another child already affected by inherited hemoglobinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alex Mm Dias
- Chromosome Medicina Genômica, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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