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Liu X, Huang K, Zhang F, Huang G, Wang L, Wu G, Ren H, Yang G, Lin Z. Multifunctional nano-in-micro delivery systems for targeted therapy in fundus neovascularization diseases. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:354. [PMID: 38902775 PMCID: PMC11191225 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02614-1] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fundus neovascularization diseases are a series of blinding eye diseases that seriously impair vision worldwide. Currently, the means of treating these diseases in clinical practice are continuously evolving and have rapidly revolutionized treatment opinions. However, key issues such as inadequate treatment effectiveness, high rates of recurrence, and poor patient compliance still need to be urgently addressed. Multifunctional nanomedicine can specifically respond to both endogenous and exogenous microenvironments, effectively deliver drugs to specific targets and participate in activities such as biological imaging and the detection of small molecules. Nano-in-micro (NIM) delivery systems such as metal, metal oxide and up-conversion nanoparticles (NPs), quantum dots, and carbon materials, have shown certain advantages in overcoming the presence of physiological barriers within the eyeball and are widely used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Few studies, however, have evaluated the efficacy of NIM delivery systems in treating fundus neovascular diseases (FNDs). The present study describes the main clinical treatment strategies and the adverse events associated with the treatment of FNDs with NIM delivery systems and summarizes the anatomical obstacles that must be overcome. In this review, we wish to highlight the principle of intraocular microenvironment normalization, aiming to provide a more rational approach for designing new NIM delivery systems to treat specific FNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Keke Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Fuxiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Ge Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Guiyu Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China.
| | - Zhiqing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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Gacche RN. Changing landscape of anti-angiogenic therapy: Novel approaches and clinical perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189020. [PMID: 37951481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189020] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting angiogenesis has remained one of the important aspects in disease biology in general and cancer in particular. Currently (June 2023), over 593 clinical trials have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov having inference of term 'angiogenesis'. A panel of 14 anti-angiogenic drugs have been approved by FDA for the treatment of variety of cancers and other human ailments. Although the anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) has gained significant clinical attention as a promising approach in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer, however, sizable literature has accumulated in the recent past describing the aggressive nature of tumours after the drug holidays, evolving drug resistance and off-target toxicities. Nevertheless, the emergence of inscrutable compensatory or alternative angiogenic mechanisms is limiting the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs and focussing the therapeutic regime as a puzzle of 'Lernaean hydra'. This review offers an overview of recent updates on the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy and the current clinical performance of aaRTK inhibitors. Additionally, it also explores the changing application landscape of AAT, focusing on its role in diabetic nephropathy, age-related macular degeneration and other neovascular ocular disorders. Combination therapy with antiangiogenic drugs and immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance the therapeutic index of cancer immunotherapy. While clinical studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of this approach, they also highlight the complex and sometimes unpredictable adverse events associated with it. Normalizing tumour vasculature has been identified as a key factor in unlocking the full potential of ICIs, thereby providing hope for improved treatment outcomes. The future prospects and challenges of AAT have been described with special reference to integration of technological advances for enhancing its efficacy and applications beyond its discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh N Gacche
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, MS, India.
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3
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Yao Y, Lv J, Wang G, Hong X. Multi-omics analysis and validation of the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma under RNA modification patterns. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:18318-18344. [PMID: 38052560 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple types of RNA modifications are associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the overall mediating effect of RNA modifications on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the prognosis of patients with HCC is unclear. METHODS Thoroughly analyze the TME, biological processes, immune infiltration and patient prognosis based on RNA modification patterns and gene patterns. Construct a prognostic model (RNA modification score, RNAM-S) to predict the overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Analyze the immune status, cancer stem cell (CSC), mutations and drug sensitivity of HCC patients in both the high and low RNAM-S groups. Verify the expression levels of the four characteristic genes of the prognostic RNAM-S using in vitro cell experiments. RESULTS Two modification patterns and two gene patterns were identified in this study. Both the high-expression modification pattern and the gene pattern exhibited worse OS. A prognostic RNAM-S model was constructed based on four featured genes (KIF20A, NR1I2, NR2F1 and PLOD2). Cellular experiments suggested significant dysregulation of the expression levels of these four genes. In addition, validation of the RNAM-S model using each data set showed good predictive performance of the model. The two groups of HCC patients (high and low RNAM-S groups) exhibited significant differences in immune status, CSC, mutation and drug sensitivity. CONCLUSION The findings of the study demonstrate the clinical value of RNA modifications, which provide new insights into the individualized treatment for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqian Yao
- Guangxi University of Chinese medicine, NanNing 530000, China
| | - Jianlin Lv
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Guangyao Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Xiaohua Hong
- Guangxi University of Chinese medicine, NanNing 530000, China
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Dehghani S, Sommersperger M, Zhang P, Martin-Gomez A, Busam B, Gehlbach P, Navab N, Nasseri MA, Iordachita I. Robotic Navigation Autonomy for Subretinal Injection via Intelligent Real-Time Virtual iOCT Volume Slicing. IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION : ICRA : [PROCEEDINGS]. IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION 2023; 2023:4724-4731. [PMID: 38125032 PMCID: PMC10732544 DOI: 10.1109/icra48891.2023.10160372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, various robotic platforms have been introduced that could support delicate retinal surgeries. Concurrently, to provide semantic understanding of the surgical area, recent advances have enabled microscope-integrated intraoperative Optical Coherent Tomography (iOCT) with high-resolution 3D imaging at near video rate. The combination of robotics and semantic understanding enables task autonomy in robotic retinal surgery, such as for subretinal injection. This procedure requires precise needle insertion for best treatment outcomes. However, merging robotic systems with iOCT introduces new challenges. These include, but are not limited to high demands on data processing rates and dynamic registration of these systems during the procedure. In this work, we propose a framework for autonomous robotic navigation for subretinal injection, based on intelligent real-time processing of iOCT volumes. Our method consists of an instrument pose estimation method, an online registration between the robotic and the iOCT system, and trajectory planning tailored for navigation to an injection target. We also introduce intelligent virtual B-scans, a volume slicing approach for rapid instrument pose estimation, which is enabled by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Our experiments on ex-vivo porcine eyes demonstrate the precision and repeatability of the method. Finally, we discuss identified challenges in this work and suggest potential solutions to further the development of such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Dehghani
- Department of Computer Science, Technische Universität München, München 85748 Germany
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Sommersperger
- Department of Computer Science, Technische Universität München, München 85748 Germany
| | - Peiyao Zhang
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alejandro Martin-Gomez
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Busam
- Department of Computer Science, Technische Universität München, München 85748 Germany
| | - Peter Gehlbach
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nassir Navab
- Computer Aided Medical Procedures & Augmented Reality, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Munich, Germany, and an adjunct professor at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M. Ali Nasseri
- Department of Computer Science, Technische Universität München, München 85748 Germany
- Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technische Universität München, München 81675 Germany
| | - Iulian Iordachita
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chaudhuri M, Hassan Y, Bakka Vemana PPS, Bellary Pattanashetty MS, Abdin ZU, Siddiqui HF. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Exponentially Emerging Imminent Threat of Visual Impairment and Irreversible Blindness. Cureus 2023; 15:e39624. [PMID: 37388610 PMCID: PMC10300666 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant cause of blindness globally. With the exponential rise in the aging population, AMD is the third leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Neovascular AMD (nAMD; Wet AMD) and geographical atrophy (GA, late-stage dry AMD) are the advanced AMD accountable for substantial cases of visual deterioration among the elderly. Our review of the literature depicted that notable risk factors include cigarette smoking, nutritional elements, cardiovascular disorders, and genetic markers, including genes regulating complement, lipid, and angiogenic pathways. Some studies have suggested a relative decline in the proportion of AMD cases in the last two decades attributable to novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Accurate diagnosis is the result of a combination of clinical examination and imaging techniques, including retinal photography, angiography, and optical coherence tomography. The incorporation of dietary antioxidant supplements, explicitly lutein, slows the progression of the disease in advanced stages. The induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in the treatment of neovascular AMD, often combined with other modalities, has shown an immensely favorable prognosis. Research to integrate gene therapy and regenerative techniques using stem cells is underway to further mitigate AMD-associated morbidity. It is imperative to establish screening and therapeutic guidelines for AMD to curtail the future social and financial burden and improve the diminishing quality of life among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Chaudhuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, IND
- Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Yusra Hassan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | | | | | - Zain U Abdin
- Department of Medicine, District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, PAK
| | - Humza F Siddiqui
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, PAK
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6
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Chen H, Xu S, Zhang Y, Chen P. Systematic analysis of lncRNA gene characteristics based on PD-1 immune related pathway for the prediction of non-small cell lung cancer prognosis. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:9818-9838. [PMID: 37322912 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is heterogeneous. Molecular subtyping based on the gene expression profiles is an effective technique for diagnosing and determining the prognosis of NSCLC patients. METHODS Here, we downloaded the NSCLC expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. ConsensusClusterPlus was used to derive the molecular subtypes based on long-chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) associated with the PD-1-related pathway. The LIMMA package and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox analysis were used to construct the prognostic risk model. The nomogram was constructed to predict the clinical outcomes, followed by decision curve analysis (DCA) to validate the reliability of this nomogram. RESULTS We discovered that PD-1 was strongly and positively linked to the T-cell receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, we identified two NSCLC molecular subtypes yielding a significantly distinctive prognosis. Subsequently, we developed and validated the 13-lncRNA-based prognostic risk model in the four datasets with high AUC values. Patients with low-risk showed a better survival rate and were more sensitive to PD-1 treatment. Nomogram construction combined with DCA revealed that the risk score model could accurately predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that lncRNAs engaged in the T-cell receptor signaling pathway played a significant role in the onset and development of NSCLC, and that they could influence the sensitivity to PD-1 treatment. In addition, the 13 lncRNA model was effective in assisting clinical treatment decision-making and prognosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejian Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji 311800, China
| | - Shuiyu Xu
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Peifeng Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji 311800, China
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Phan HTL, Kim K, Lee H, Seong JK. Progress in and Prospects of Genome Editing Tools for Human Disease Model Development and Therapeutic Applications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:483. [PMID: 36833410 PMCID: PMC9957140 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmable nucleases, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas, are widely accepted because of their diversity and enormous potential for targeted genomic modifications in eukaryotes and other animals. Moreover, rapid advances in genome editing tools have accelerated the ability to produce various genetically modified animal models for studying human diseases. Given the advances in gene editing tools, these animal models are gradually evolving toward mimicking human diseases through the introduction of human pathogenic mutations in their genome rather than the conventional gene knockout. In the present review, we summarize the current progress in and discuss the prospects for developing mouse models of human diseases and their therapeutic applications based on advances in the study of programmable nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Thi Lam Phan
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioinformatics, Program for Cancer Biology, BIO-MAX/N-Bio Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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Systemic Cytokines in Retinopathy of Prematurity. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020291. [PMID: 36836525 PMCID: PMC9966226 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vasoproliferative vitreoretinal disorder, is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Although angiogenic pathways have been the main focus, cytokine-mediated inflammation is also involved in ROP etiology. Herein, we illustrate the characteristics and actions of all cytokines involved in ROP pathogenesis. The two-phase (vaso-obliteration followed by vasoproliferation) theory outlines the evaluation of cytokines in a time-dependent manner. Levels of cytokines may even differ between the blood and the vitreous. Data from animal models of oxygen-induced retinopathy are also valuable. Although conventional cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation are well established and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are available, less destructive novel therapeutics that can precisely target the signaling pathways are required. Linking the cytokines involved in ROP to other maternal and neonatal diseases and conditions provides insights into the management of ROP. Suppressing disordered retinal angiogenesis via the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor, supplementation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1/IGF-binding protein 3 complex, erythropoietin, and its derivatives, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and inhibition of secretogranin III have attracted the attention of researchers. Recently, gut microbiota modulation, non-coding RNAs, and gene therapies have shown promise in regulating ROP. These emerging therapeutics can be used to treat preterm infants with ROP.
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Ahmad I. CRISPR/Cas9—A Promising Therapeutic Tool to Cure Blindness: Current Scenario and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911482. [PMID: 36232782 PMCID: PMC9569777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based targeted genome editing is bringing revolutionary changes in the research arena of biological sciences. CRISPR/Cas9 has been explored as an efficient therapeutic tool for the treatment of genetic diseases. It has been widely used in ophthalmology research by using mouse models to correct pathogenic mutations in the eye stem cells. In recent studies, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct a large number of mutations related to inherited retinal disorders. In vivo therapeutic advantages for retinal diseases have been successfully achieved in some rodents. Current advances in the CRISPR-based gene-editing domain, such as modified Cas variants and delivery approaches have optimized its application to treat blindness. In this review, recent progress and challenges of the CRISPR-Cas system have been discussed to cure blindness and its prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; ; Tel.: +966-13-8608393
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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Ryu J. New Aspects on the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Currently Available Therapies and Emerging Novel Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158529. [PMID: 35955664 PMCID: PMC9369302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a rare proliferative ocular disorder in preterm infants. Because of the advancements in neonatal care, the incidence of ROP has increased gradually. Now, ROP is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. Preterm infants with immature retinal development are exposed to supplemental oxygen inside an incubator until their cardiopulmonary system is adequately developed. Once they are returned to room air, the relatively low oxygen level stimulates various angiogenesis factors initiating retinal neovascularization. If patients with ROP are not offered adequate and timely treatment, they can experience vision loss that may ultimately lead to permanent blindness. Although laser therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are widely used to treat ROP, they have limitations. Thus, it is important to identify novel therapeutics with minimal adverse effects for the treatment of ROP. To date, various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies have been assessed as treatments for ROP. In this review, the major molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of ROP, currently offered therapies, therapies under investigation, and emerging novel therapeutics of ROP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Ryu
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-539508583
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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11
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CRISPR-based VEGF suppression using paired guide RNAs for treatment of choroidal neovascularization. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:613-622. [PMID: 35614998 PMCID: PMC9114159 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genomic disruption of vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) with a single gRNA suppresses choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in preclinical studies, offering the prospect of long-term anti-angiogenesis therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Genome editing using CRISPR-CRISPR-associated endonucleases (Cas9) with multiple guide RNAs (gRNAs) can enhance gene-ablation efficacy by augmenting insertion-deletion (indel) mutations with gene truncations but may also increase the risk of off-target effects. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 systems using single versus paired gRNAs to target two different loci in the Vegfa gene that are conserved in human, rhesus macaque, and mouse. Paired gRNAs increased Vegfa gene-ablation rates in human cells in vitro but did not enhance VEGF suppression in mouse eyes in vivo. Genome editing using paired gRNAs also showed a similar degree of CNV suppression compared with single-gRNA systems. Unbiased genome-wide analysis using genome-wide unbiased identification of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) enabled by sequencing (GUIDE-seq) revealed weak off-target activity arising from the second gRNA. These findings suggest that in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing using two gRNAs may increase gene ablation but also the potential risk of off-target mutations, while the functional benefit of targeting an additional locus in the Vegfa gene as treatment for neovascular retinal conditions is unclear.
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12
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Khanani AM, Thomas MJ, Aziz AA, Weng CY, Danzig CJ, Yiu G, Kiss S, Waheed NK, Kaiser PK. Review of gene therapies for age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:303-311. [PMID: 35017696 PMCID: PMC8807824 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies aim to deliver a therapeutic payload to specified tissues with underlying protein deficiency. Since the 1990s, gene therapies have been explored as potential treatments for chronic conditions requiring lifetime care and medical management. Ocular gene therapies target a range of ocular disorders, but retinal diseases are of particular importance due to the prevalence of retinal disease and the current treatment burden of such diseases on affected patients, as well as the challenge of properly delivering these therapies to the target tissue. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the most current data available for five different retinal gene therapies currently undergoing clinical trials for use against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the development of novel delivery routes for the administration of such therapies. Research has been performed and compiled from PubMed and the select authors of this manuscript on the treatment and effectiveness of five current retinal gene therapies: Luxturna, ADVM-022, RGX-314, GT-005, and HMR59. We present the available data of current clinical trials for the treatment of neovascular and dry age-related macular degeneration with different AAV-based gene therapies. We also present current research on the progress of developing novel routes of administration for ocular gene therapies. Retinal gene therapies offer the potential for life-changing treatment for chronic conditions like age-related macular degeneration with a single administration. In doing so, gene therapies change the landscape of treatment options for these chronic conditions for both patient and provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M. Khanani
- grid.492896.8Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV USA ,grid.266818.30000 0004 1936 914XThe University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV USA
| | - Mathew J. Thomas
- grid.266818.30000 0004 1936 914XThe University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV USA
| | - Aamir A. Aziz
- grid.492896.8Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV USA ,grid.266818.30000 0004 1936 914XThe University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV USA
| | - Christina Y. Weng
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Carl J. Danzig
- Rand Eye Institute, Deerfield Beach, FL USA ,grid.255951.fFlorida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL USA
| | - Glenn Yiu
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Szilárd Kiss
- grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY USA
| | - Nadia K. Waheed
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Peter K. Kaiser
- grid.239578.20000 0001 0675 4725Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
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Mnyandu N, Limani SW, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. Advances in designing Adeno-associated viral vectors for development of anti-HBV gene therapeutics. Virol J 2021; 18:247. [PMID: 34903258 PMCID: PMC8670254 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01715-9] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the five decades having passed since discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), together with development of an effective anti-HBV vaccine, infection with the virus remains a serious public health problem and results in nearly 900,000 annual deaths worldwide. Current therapies do not eliminate the virus and viral replication typically reactivates after treatment withdrawal. Hence, current endeavours are aimed at developing novel therapies to achieve a functional cure. Nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches are promising, with several candidates showing excellent potencies in preclinical and early stages of clinical development. However, this class of therapeutics is yet to become part of standard anti-HBV treatment regimens. Obstacles delaying development of gene-based therapies include lack of clinically relevant delivery methods and a paucity of good animal models for preclinical characterisation. Recent studies have demonstrated safety and efficiency of Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) in gene therapy. However, AAVs do have flaws and this has prompted research aimed at improving design of novel and artificially synthesised AAVs. Main goals are to improve liver transduction efficiencies and avoiding immune clearance. Application of AAVs to model HBV replication in vivo is also useful for characterising anti-HBV gene therapeutics. This review summarises recent advances in AAV engineering and their contributions to progress with anti-HBV gene therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shonisani Wendy Limani
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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14
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Yang B, Li G, Liu J, Li X, Zhang S, Sun F, Liu W. Nanotechnology for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122035. [PMID: 34959316 PMCID: PMC8705006 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122035] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease that is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people 50 years and older. Today, the most common treatment for AMD involves repeated intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs. However, the existing expensive therapies not only cannot cure this disease, they also produce a variety of side effects. For example, the number of injections increases the cumulative risk of endophthalmitis and other complications. Today, a single intravitreal injection of gene therapy products can greatly reduce the burden of treatment and improve visual effects. In addition, the latest innovations in nanotherapy provide the best drug delivery alternative for the treatment of AMD. In this review, we discuss the development of nano-drug delivery systems and gene therapy strategies for AMD in recent years. In addition, we discuss some novel targeting strategies and the potential application of these delivery methods in the treatment of AMD. Finally, we also propose that the combination of CRISPR/Cas9 technology with a new non-viral delivery system may be promising as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Ge Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Xiangyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Shixin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Fengying Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (G.L.); (J.L.); (X.L.); (S.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
- Correspondence:
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15
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Chung SH, Frick SL, Yiu G. Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor using retinal gene therapy. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1277. [PMID: 34532414 PMCID: PMC8421957 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacotherapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have revolutionized the management for neovascular retinal disorders including diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. However, the burden of frequent injections, high cost, and treatment resistance in some patients remain unresolved. To overcome these challenges, newer generations of anti-angiogenic biological therapies, engineered proteins, implantable delivery systems, and biopolymers are currently being developed to enable more sustained, longer-lasting treatments. The use of gene therapies for pathologic angiogenesis has garnered renewed interests since the first FDA-approval of a gene therapy to treat inherited retinal diseases associated with biallelic RPE65 mutations. Newer generations of viral vectors and novel methods of intraocular injections helped overcome ocular barriers, improving the efficiency of transduction as well as safety profile. In addition, unlike current anti-VEGF gene therapy strategies which employ a biofactory approach to mimic existing pharmacotherapies, novel genome editing strategies that target pro-angiogenic factors at the DNA level offer a unique and distinct mechanistic approach that can potentially be more precise and lead to a permanent cure. Here, we review current anti-VEGF therapies and newer pharmacologic agents under development, examine technologies and progress in adapting anti-VEGF gene therapies, and explore the future application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to suppress ocular angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook H Chung
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sonia L Frick
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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16
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Rasoulinejad SA, Maroufi F. CRISPR-Based Genome Editing as a New Therapeutic Tool in Retinal Diseases. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:768-779. [PMID: 34057656 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00345-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases are the primary reasons for severe visual defects and irreversible blindness. Retinal diseases are also inherited and acquired. Both of them are caused by mutations in genes or disruptions in specific gene expression, which can be treated by gene-editing therapy. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-Cas9) system is a frontier of gene-editing tools with great potential for therapeutic applications in the ophthalmology field to modify abnormal genes and treat the genome or epigenome-related retinal diseases. The CRISPR system is able to edit and trim the gene include deletion, insertion, inhibition, activation, replacing, remodeling, epigenetic alteration, and modify the gene expression. CRISPR-based genome editing techniques have indicated the enormous potential to treat retinal diseases that previous treatment was not available for them. Also, recent CRISPR genome surgery experiments have shown the improvement of patient's vision who suffered from severe visual loss. In this article, we review the applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in human or animal models for treating retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), then we survey limitations of CRISPR system for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ahmad Rasoulinejad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Maroufi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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17
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Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Therapy Approaches for Stargardt Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1179. [PMID: 34439845 PMCID: PMC8393614 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the most prevalent cause of inherited blindness in children, Stargardt disease is yet to achieve the same clinical trial success as has been achieved for other inherited retinal diseases. With an early age of onset and continual progression of disease over the life course of an individual, Stargardt disease appears to lend itself to therapeutic intervention. However, the aetiology provides issues not encountered with the likes of choroideremia and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and this has led to a spectrum of treatment strategies that approach the problem from different aspects. These include therapeutics ranging from small molecules and anti-sense oligonucleotides to viral gene supplementation and cell replacement. The advancing development of CRISPR-based molecular tools is also likely to contribute to future therapies by way of genome editing. In this we review, we consider the most recent pre-clinical and clinical trial data relating to the different strategies being applied to the problem of generating a treatment for the large cohort of Stargardt disease patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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18
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Flores R, Carneiro Â, Vieira M, Tenreiro S, Seabra MC. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Pathophysiology, Management, and Future Perspectives. Ophthalmologica 2021; 244:495-511. [PMID: 34130290 DOI: 10.1159/000517520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Flores
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ângela Carneiro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Vieira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Ramirez-Phillips AC, Liu D. Therapeutic Genome Editing and In Vivo Delivery. AAPS JOURNAL 2021; 23:80. [PMID: 34080099 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-021-00613-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in the understanding of human genetics and its roles in disease development and prevention have led to an increased interest in therapeutic genome editing via the use of engineered nucleases. Various approaches have been explored in the past focusing on the development of an effective and safe system for sequence-specific editing. Compared to earlier nucleases such as zinc finger nuclease and transcription activator-like effector nuclease, the relatively low cost and ease of producing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems have made therapeutic genome editing significantly more feasible. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has shown great potential to correct genetic mutations implicated in monogenic diseases and to eradicate latent or chronic viral infections in preclinical studies. Several CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics have reached the clinical stage, including treatments for inherited red blood cell disorders and Leber Congenital Amaurosis 10, as well as CRISPR/Cas9-edited T cells designed to target and destroy cancer cells. Further advances in therapeutic genome editing will rely on a safe and more efficient method of in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and improved efficiency of homology-directed repair for site-specific gene insertion or replacement. While other reviews have focused on one or two aspects of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, this review aims to provide a summary of the mechanisms of genome editing, the reasons for the emerging interest in CRISPR/Cas9 compared to other engineered nucleases, the current progress in developing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems, and the current preclinical and clinical applications of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA.
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20
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He X, Urip BA, Zhang Z, Ngan CC, Feng B. Evolving AAV-delivered therapeutics towards ultimate cures. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:593-617. [PMID: 33594520 PMCID: PMC7885987 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has entered a new era after decades-long efforts, where the recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) has stood out as the most potent vector for in vivo gene transfer and demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety profiles in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. Since the first AAV-derived therapeutics Glybera was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2012, there is an increasing number of AAV-based gene augmentation therapies that have been developed and tested for treating incurable genetic diseases. In the subsequent years, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two additional AAV gene therapy products, Luxturna and Zolgensma, to be launched into the market. Recent breakthroughs in genome editing tools and the combined use with AAV vectors have introduced new therapeutic modalities using somatic gene editing strategies. The promising outcomes from preclinical studies have prompted the continuous evolution of AAV-delivered therapeutics and broadened the scope of treatment options for untreatable diseases. Here, we describe the clinical updates of AAV gene therapies and the latest development using AAV to deliver the CRISPR components as gene editing therapeutics. We also discuss the major challenges and safety concerns associated with AAV delivery and CRISPR therapeutics, and highlight the recent achievement and toxicity issues reported from clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brian Anugerah Urip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Christopher Ngan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shatin N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, China.
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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21
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Sommersperger M, Weiss J, Ali Nasseri M, Gehlbach P, Iordachita I, Navab N. Real-time tool to layer distance estimation for robotic subretinal injection using intraoperative 4D OCT. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:1085-1104. [PMID: 33680560 PMCID: PMC7901333 DOI: 10.1364/boe.415477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of robotics could enable ophthalmic microsurgical procedures that were previously not feasible due to the precision limits of manual delivery, for example, targeted subretinal injection. Determining the distance between the needle tip, the internal limiting membrane (ILM), and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) both precisely and reproducibly is required for safe and successful robotic retinal interventions. Recent advances in intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) have opened the path for 4D image-guided surgery by providing near video-rate imaging with micron-level resolution to visualize retinal structures, surgical instruments, and tool-tissue interactions. In this work, we present a novel pipeline to precisely estimate the distance between the injection needle and the surface boundaries of two retinal layers, the ILM and the RPE, from iOCT volumes. To achieve high computational efficiency, we reduce the analysis to the relevant area around the needle tip. We employ a convolutional neural network (CNN) to segment the tool surface, as well as the retinal layer boundaries from selected iOCT B-scans within this tip area. This results in the generation and processing of 3D surface point clouds for the tool, ILM and RPE from the B-scan segmentation maps, which in turn allows the estimation of the minimum distance between the resulting tool and layer point clouds. The proposed method is evaluated on iOCT volumes from ex-vivo porcine eyes and achieves an average error of 9.24 µm and 8.61 µm measuring the distance from the needle tip to the ILM and the RPE, respectively. The results demonstrate that this approach is robust to the high levels of noise present in iOCT B-scans and is suitable for the interventional use case by providing distance feedback at an average update rate of 15.66 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sommersperger
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | | | - M. Ali Nasseri
- Technical University of Munich, Germany
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Augenklinik, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Nassir Navab
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Technical University of Munich, Germany
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22
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Chung SH, Sin TN, Ngo T, Yiu G. CRISPR Technology for Ocular Angiogenesis. Front Genome Ed 2020; 2:594984. [PMID: 34713223 PMCID: PMC8525361 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.594984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among genome engineering tools, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based approaches have been widely adopted for translational studies due to their robustness, precision, and ease of use. When delivered to diseased tissues with a viral vector such as adeno-associated virus, direct genome editing can be efficiently achieved in vivo to treat different ophthalmic conditions. While CRISPR has been actively explored as a strategy for treating inherited retinal diseases, with the first human trial recently initiated, its applications for complex, multifactorial conditions such as ocular angiogenesis has been relatively limited. Currently, neovascular retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, which together constitute the majority of blindness in developed countries, are managed with frequent and costly injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents that are short-lived and burdensome for patients. By contrast, CRISPR technology has the potential to suppress angiogenesis permanently, with the added benefit of targeting intracellular signals or regulatory elements, cell-specific delivery, and multiplexing to disrupt different pro-angiogenic factors simultaneously. However, the prospect of permanently suppressing physiologic pathways, the unpredictability of gene editing efficacy, and concerns for off-target effects have limited enthusiasm for these approaches. Here, we review the evolution of gene therapy and advances in adapting CRISPR platforms to suppress retinal angiogenesis. We discuss different Cas9 orthologs, delivery strategies, and different genomic targets including VEGF, VEGF receptor, and HIF-1α, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of genome editing vs. conventional gene therapies for multifactorial disease processes as compared to inherited monogenic retinal disorders. Lastly, we describe barriers that must be overcome to enable effective adoption of CRISPR-based strategies for the management of ocular angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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23
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Tan W, Zou J, Yoshida S, Jiang B, Zhou Y. The Role of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2989-3001. [PMID: 33061811 PMCID: PMC7545698 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.49890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding eye disease which incidence gradually increases with age. Inflammation participates in AMD pathogenesis, including choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy. It is also a kind of self-protective regulation from injury for the eyes. In this review, we described inflammation in AMD pathogenesis, summarized the roles played by inflammation-related cytokines, including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as leukocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes) in the innate or adaptive immunity in AMD. Possible clinical applications such as potential diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory therapies were also discussed. This review overviews the inflammation as a target of novel effective therapies in treating AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jingling Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yedi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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24
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Tay LS, Palmer N, Panwala R, Chew WL, Mali P. Translating CRISPR-Cas Therapeutics: Approaches and Challenges. CRISPR J 2020; 3:253-275. [PMID: 32833535 PMCID: PMC7469700 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas clinical trials have begun, offering a first glimpse at how DNA and RNA targeting could enable therapies for many genetic and epigenetic human diseases. The speedy progress of CRISPR-Cas from discovery and adoption to clinical use is built on decades of traditional gene therapy research and belies the multiple challenges that could derail the successful translation of these new modalities. Here, we review how CRISPR-Cas therapeutics are translated from technological systems to therapeutic modalities, paying particular attention to the therapeutic cascade from cargo to delivery vector, manufacturing, administration, pipelines, safety, and therapeutic target profiles. We also explore potential solutions to some of the obstacles facing successful CRISPR-Cas translation. We hope to illuminate how CRISPR-Cas is brought from the academic bench toward use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavina Sierra Tay
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wei Leong Chew
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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