1
|
Yang L, Niu H, Sun W, Zhang D, Li S, Hao S, Wang M, Wang C, Hu J, Li X. Structural, blood flow and functional changes in the macular area and the expression of aqueous humor factors in myopia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1335084. [PMID: 39086954 PMCID: PMC11288906 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1335084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the macular area parameters and aqueous humor factors between myopia and emmetropia. Methods Convenience sampling was used to select patients who visited the Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital's department of ophthalmology from December 2018 to December 2022 as the study participants. They were divided into three groups according to whether they were diagnosed as mild myopia myopic, highly myopic or not as follows: the mild myopia group (60 cases, 108 eyes), the high myopia group (46 cases, 78 eyes) and the healthy emmetropia group (40 cases, 65 eyes). The differences in the macular integrity (MI) assessment, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography parameters and aqueous humor factors were compared between the three groups. Results AL in high myopia group was the highest, and that in emmetropia group was the lowest. The BCVA of mild myopia group was the highest. The RS in the high myopia group were significantly lowest in the three groups (26.42 ± 1.04 vs. 28.34 ± 0.76 vs. 31.92 ± 0.77) (F = 5.374, p = 0.013). The 63% BCEA, 95% BCEA and MI in the high myopia group were significantly highest (p < 0.05). The mean RPE thickness, mean CT and mean RT in the high myopia group were lowest (p < 0.05). The blood flow density were lowest in the superficial fovea, paracentral fovea and different subdivisions of the paracentral fovea in the high myopia group (p < 0.05). The VEGF concentration in the aqueous humor of the high myopia group was lowest (25.62 ± 17.43 vs. 32.45 ± 24.67 vs. 64.37 ± 21.14) (F = 9.237, p < 0.001). The MMP-2 concentration was highest (483 ± 201.48 vs. 410 ± 142.37 vs. 386 ± 154.34) (F = 5.542, p = 0.018). The VEGF concentration in the aqueous humor factor was negatively correlated with the AL in the myopia group (r = -0.438, p = 0.002), the MMP-2 concentration was positively correlated with the AL (r = 0.484, p = 0.010). Conclusion Patients with high myopia showed decreased retinal light sensitivity, fixation stability, superficial blood flow density and retinal thickness compared with people with emmetropia. A decreased VEGF concentration and increased MMP-2 concentration in the aqueous humor factor have potential associations with the development of high myopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Aier Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taiyuan Aier Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Honglei Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wencui Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
| | - Dongchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Aier Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuangnong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Aier Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shaofeng Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Minting Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
| | - Junping Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital, Changzhi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fujinami K, Waheed N, Laich Y, Yang P, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Higgins JJ, Lu JT, Curtiss D, Clary C, Michaelides M. Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:495-505. [PMID: 37940365 PMCID: PMC10958310 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the large ABCA4 gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kb ABCA4 open reading frame.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yannik Laich
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Yang
- Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan T Lu
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Cathryn Clary
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marie C, Scherman D. Antibiotic-Free Gene Vectors: A 25-Year Journey to Clinical Trials. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:261. [PMID: 38540320 PMCID: PMC10970329 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Until very recently, the major use, for gene therapy, specifically of linear or circular DNA, such as plasmids, was as ancillary products for viral vectors' production or as a genetic template for mRNA production. Thanks to targeted and more efficient physical or chemical delivery techniques and to the refinement of their structure, non-viral plasmid DNA are now under intensive consideration as pharmaceutical drugs. Plasmids traditionally carry an antibiotic resistance gene for providing the selection pressure necessary for maintenance in a bacterial host. Nearly a dozen different antibiotic-free gene vectors have now been developed and are currently assessed in preclinical assays and phase I/II clinical trials. Their reduced size leads to increased transfection efficiency and prolonged transgene expression. In addition, associating non-viral gene vectors and DNA transposons, which mediate transgene integration into the host genome, circumvents plasmid dilution in dividing eukaryotic cells which generate a loss of the therapeutic gene. Combining these novel molecular tools allowed a significantly higher yield of genetically engineered T and Natural Killer cells for adoptive immunotherapies due to a reduced cytotoxicity and increased transposition rate. This review describes the main progresses accomplished for safer, more efficient and cost-effective gene and cell therapies using non-viral approaches and antibiotic-free gene vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Marie
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, UTCBS, 75006 Paris, France;
- Chimie ParisTech, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Daniel Scherman
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, UTCBS, 75006 Paris, France;
- Fondation Maladies Rares, 75014 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Harmening N, Johnen S, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Kropp M, Bascuas T, Walter P, Kreis A, Pajic B, Thumann G. Enhanced Biosafety of the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System by Using mRNA as Source of Transposase to Efficiently and Stably Transfect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040658. [PMID: 37189405 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which leads to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell and photoreceptor degeneration and blindness if untreated. Since blood vessel growth is mediated by endothelial cell growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), treatment consists of repeated, often monthly, intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic biopharmaceuticals. Frequent injections are costly and present logistic difficulties; therefore, our laboratories are developing a cell-based gene therapy based on autologous RPE cells transfected ex vivo with the pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), which is the most potent natural antagonist of VEGF. Gene delivery and long-term expression of the transgene are enabled by the use of the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon system that is introduced into the cells by electroporation. The transposase may have a cytotoxic effect and a low risk of remobilization of the transposon if supplied in the form of DNA. Here, we investigated the use of the SB100X transposase delivered as mRNA and showed that ARPE-19 cells as well as primary human RPE cells were successfully transfected with the Venus or the PEDF gene, followed by stable transgene expression. In human RPE cells, secretion of recombinant PEDF could be detected in cell culture up to one year. Non-viral ex vivo transfection using SB100X-mRNA in combination with electroporation increases the biosafety of our gene therapeutic approach to treat nvAMD while ensuring high transfection efficiency and long-term transgene expression in RPE cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Harmening
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thais Bascuas
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kreis
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Pajic
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Eye Clinic ORASIS, Swiss Eye Research Foundation, 5734 Reinach, Switzerland
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Panda SP, Reddy PH, Gorla US, Prasanth D. Neuroinflammation and neovascularization in diabetic eye diseases (DEDs): identification of potential pharmacotherapeutic targets. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1857-1869. [PMID: 36513866 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this review is to increase public knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of diabetic eye diseases (DEDs), such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and ocular angiosarcoma (ASO), and the likelihood of blindness among elderly widows. A widow's life in North India, in general, is fraught with peril because of the economic and social isolation it brings, as well as the increased risk of death from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Neovascularization, neuroinflammation, and edema in the ocular tissue are hallmarks of the ASO, a rare form of malignant tumor. When diabetes, hypertension, and aging all contribute to increased oxidative stress, the DR can proceed to ASO. Microglia in the retina of the optic nerve head are responsible for causing inflammation, discomfort, and neurodegeneration. Those that come into contact with them will get blind as a result of this. Advanced glycation end products (AGE), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), protein kinase C (PKC), poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), nuclear factor kappaB (NFkB), program death ligand1 (PDL-1), factor VIII (FVIII), and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are potent agents for ocular neovascularisation (ONV), neuroinflammation and edema in the ocular tissue. AGE/VEGF, DAG/PKC, PARP/NFkB, RAS/VEGF, PDL-1/PD-1, VWF/FVIII/VEGF, and RAS/VEGF are all linked to the pathophysiology of DEDs. The interaction between ONV and ASO is mostly determined by the VWF/FVIII/VEGF and PDL-1/PD-1 axis. This study focused on retinoprotective medications that can pass the blood-retinal barrier and cure DEDs, as well as the factors that influence the etiology of neovascularization and neuroinflammation in the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siva Prasad Panda
- Pharmacology Research Division, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, 281406, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Uma Sankar Gorla
- College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, AP, India
| | - Dsnbk Prasanth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, AP, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mattern L, Otten K, Miskey C, Fuest M, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Walter P, Thumann G, Johnen S. Molecular and Functional Characterization of BDNF-Overexpressing Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Established by Sleeping Beauty Transposon-Mediated Gene Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12982. [PMID: 36361771 PMCID: PMC9656812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
More and more patients suffer from multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, their pathological mechanisms are still poorly understood, which complicates the development of effective therapies. To improve treatment of multifactorial diseases, cell-based gene therapy can be used to increase the expression of therapeutic factors. To date, there is no approved therapy for dry AMD, including late-stage geographic atrophy. We present a treatment option for dry AMD that transfers the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by electroporation using the plasmid-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. ARPE-19 cells and primary human RPE cells were co-transfected with two plasmids encoding the SB100X transposase and the transposon carrying a BDNF transcription cassette. We demonstrated efficient expression and secretion of BDNF in both RPE cell types, which were further increased in ARPE-19 cell cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide. BDNF-transfected cells exhibited lower apoptosis rates and stimulated neurite outgrowth in human SH-SY5Y cells. This study is an important step in the development of a cell-based BDNF gene therapy that could be applied as an advanced therapy medicinal product to treat dry AMD or other degenerative retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mattern
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Otten
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Plasmid-mediated gene transfer of Cas9 induces vector-related but not SpCas9-related immune responses in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13202. [PMID: 35915300 PMCID: PMC9343442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system represents a powerful gene-editing tool and could enable treatment of blinding diseases of the retina. As a peptide of bacterial origin, we investigated the immunogenic potential of Cas9 in models of retinal immunocompetent cells: human microglia (IMhu) and ARPE-19 cells. Transfection with Streptococcus pyogenes-Cas9 expression plasmids (SpCas9 plasmid) induced Cas9 protein expression in both cell lines. However, only ARPE-19 cells, not IMhu cells, responded with pro-inflammatory immune responses as evidenced by the upregulation of IL-8, IL-6, and the cellular activation markers HLA-ABC and CD54 (ICAM). These pro-inflammatory responses were also induced through transfection with equally sized non-coding control plasmids. Moreover, viability rates of ARPE-19 cells were reduced after transfection with both the SpCas9 plasmids and the control plasmids. Although these results demonstrate cell type-specific responses to the DNA plasmid vector, they show no evidence of an immunogenic effect due to the presence of Cas9 in models of human retinal pigment epithelial and microglia cells. These findings add another layer of confidence in the immunological safety of potential future Cas9-mediated retinal gene therapies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Liu X, Quan X, Qin X, Zhou Y, Liu Z, Chao Z, Jia C, Qin H, Zhang H. Pigment epithelium-derived factor and its role in microvascular-related diseases. Biochimie 2022; 200:153-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
9
|
Sandoval-Villegas N, Nurieva W, Amberger M, Ivics Z. Contemporary Transposon Tools: A Review and Guide through Mechanisms and Applications of Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac and Tol2 for Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105084. [PMID: 34064900 PMCID: PMC8151067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements evolved to execute highly efficient integration of their genes into the genomes of their host cells. These natural DNA transfer vehicles have been harnessed as experimental tools for stably introducing a wide variety of foreign DNA sequences, including selectable marker genes, reporters, shRNA expression cassettes, mutagenic gene trap cassettes, and therapeutic gene constructs into the genomes of target cells in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Given that transposon components are typically supplied as naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or recombinant protein, their use is simple, safe, and economically competitive. Thus, transposons enable several avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture comprising the generation of pluripotent stem cells, the production of germline-transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. This review describes the molecular mechanisms involved in transposition reactions of the three most widely used transposon systems currently available (Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac, and Tol2), and discusses the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, highlighting the state-of-the-art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6103-77-6000; Fax: +49-6103-77-1280
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A Randomized Study of Nutritional Supplementation in Patients with Unilateral Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041253. [PMID: 33920232 PMCID: PMC8069087 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal products containing the original Age-Related Eye Disease group (AREDS) formulation at doses approved in Europe (EU, control group; n = 59) with a product that adds DHA, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol to the formula (intervention group; n = 50). This was a multicenter, randomized, observer-blinded trial conducted in patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed with unilateral exudative Age related Macular Degeneration AMD. At month 12, the intervention did not have a significant differential effect on visual acuity compared with the control group, with an estimated treatment difference in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) of −1.63 (95% CI −0.83 to 4.09; p = 0.192). The intervention exhibited a significant and, in most cases, relevant effect in terms of a reduction in some inflammatory cytokines and a greater improvement in the fatty acid profile and serum lutein and zeaxantin concentration. In patients with unilateral wet AMD, the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol and DHA to the AREDS EU recommended doses in the short-term did not have a differential effect on visual acuity compared to a standard AREDS EU formula but, in addition to improving the fatty acid profile and increasing carotenoid serum levels, may provide a beneficial effect in improving the proinflammatory and proangiogenic profile of patients with AMD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Formica ML, Awde Alfonso HG, Palma SD. Biological drug therapy for ocular angiogenesis: Anti-VEGF agents and novel strategies based on nanotechnology. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00723. [PMID: 33694304 PMCID: PMC7947217 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, biological drug therapy for ocular angiogenesis treatment is based on the administration of anti‐VEGF agents via intravitreal route. The molecules approved with this purpose for ocular use include pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, whereas bevacizumab is commonly off‐label used in the clinical practice. The schedule dosage involves repeated intravitreal injections of anti‐VEGF agents to achieve and maintain effective concentrations in retina and choroids, which are administrated as solutions form. In this review article, we describe the features of different anti‐VEGF agents, major challenges for their ocular delivery and the nanoparticles in development as delivery system of them. In this way, several polymeric and lipid nanoparticles are explored to load anti‐VEGF agents with the aim of achieving sustained drug release and thus, minimize the number of intravitreal injections required. The main challenges were focused in the loading the molecules that maintain their bioactivity after their release from nanoparticulate system, followed the evaluation of them through studies of formulation stability, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models. The analysis was based on the information published in peer‐reviewed published papers relevant to anti‐VEGF treatments and nanoparticles developed as ocular anti‐VEGF delivery system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María L Formica
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA), CONICET and Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Hamoudi G Awde Alfonso
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA), CONICET and Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Santiago D Palma
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA), CONICET and Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arranz-Romera A, Hernandez M, Checa-Casalengua P, Garcia-Layana A, Molina-Martinez IT, Recalde S, Young MJ, Tucker BA, Herrero-Vanrell R, Fernandez-Robredo P, Bravo-Osuna I. A Safe GDNF and GDNF/BDNF Controlled Delivery System Improves Migration in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Survival in Retinal Ganglion Cells: Potential Usefulness in Degenerative Retinal Pathologies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010050. [PMID: 33440745 PMCID: PMC7827036 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the sustained delivery effect of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)/vitamin E (VitE) microspheres (MSs) loaded with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) alone (GDNF-MSs) or combined with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; GDNF/BDNF-MSs) on migration of the human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell-line-19 (ARPE-19) cells, primate choroidal endothelial (RF/6A) cells, and the survival of isolated mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The morphology of the MSs, particle size, and encapsulation efficiencies of the active substances were evaluated. In vitro release, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) apoptosis, functional wound healing migration (ARPE-19; migration), and (RF/6A; angiogenesis) assays were conducted. The safety of MS intravitreal injection was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin, neuronal nuclei (NeuN) immunolabeling, and TUNEL assays, and RGC in vitro survival was analyzed. MSs delivered GDNF and co-delivered GDNF/BDNF in a sustained manner over 77 days. The BDNF/GDNF combination increased RPE cell migration, whereas no effect was observed on RF/6A. MSs did not alter cell viability, apoptosis was absent in vitro, and RGCs survived in vitro for seven weeks. In mice, retinal toxicity and apoptosis was absent in histologic sections. This delivery strategy could be useful as a potential co-therapy in retinal degenerations and glaucoma, in line with future personalized long-term intravitreal treatment as different amounts (doses) of microparticles can be administered according to patients’ needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Arranz-Romera
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology (InnOftal), Research Group (UCM 920415), Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-R.); (P.C.-C.); (I.T.M.-M.); (R.H.-V.)
| | - Maria Hernandez
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.G.-L.); (S.R.); (P.F.-R.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (I.B.-O.)
| | - Patricia Checa-Casalengua
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology (InnOftal), Research Group (UCM 920415), Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-R.); (P.C.-C.); (I.T.M.-M.); (R.H.-V.)
| | - Alfredo Garcia-Layana
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.G.-L.); (S.R.); (P.F.-R.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene T. Molina-Martinez
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology (InnOftal), Research Group (UCM 920415), Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-R.); (P.C.-C.); (I.T.M.-M.); (R.H.-V.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial (IUFI), Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Recalde
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.G.-L.); (S.R.); (P.F.-R.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael J. Young
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Rocío Herrero-Vanrell
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology (InnOftal), Research Group (UCM 920415), Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-R.); (P.C.-C.); (I.T.M.-M.); (R.H.-V.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial (IUFI), Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Fernandez-Robredo
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.G.-L.); (S.R.); (P.F.-R.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Bravo-Osuna
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology (InnOftal), Research Group (UCM 920415), Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-R.); (P.C.-C.); (I.T.M.-M.); (R.H.-V.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares (Oftared), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial (IUFI), Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (I.B.-O.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Amberger M, Ivics Z. Latest Advances for the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System: 23 Years of Insomnia but Prettier than Ever: Refinement and Recent Innovations of the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System Enabling Novel, Nonviral Genetic Engineering Applications. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000136. [PMID: 32939778 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty transposon system is a nonviral DNA transfer tool capable of efficiently mediating transposition-based, stable integration of DNA sequences of choice into eukaryotic genomes. Continuous refinements of the system, including the emergence of hyperactive transposase mutants and novel approaches in vectorology, greatly improve upon transposition efficiency rivaling viral-vector-based methods for stable gene insertion. Current developments, such as reversible transgenesis and proof-of-concept RNA-guided transposition, further expand on possible applications in the future. In addition, innate advantages such as lack of preferential integration into genes reduce insertional mutagenesis-related safety concerns while comparably low manufacturing costs enable widespread implementation. Accordingly, the system is recognized as a powerful and versatile tool for genetic engineering and is playing a central role in an ever-expanding number of gene and cell therapy clinical trials with the potential to become a key technology to meet the growing demand for advanced therapy medicinal products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Amberger
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, D-63225, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, D-63225, Germany
| |
Collapse
|