1
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Tasfaout H, Halbert CL, McMillen TS, Allen JM, Reyes TR, Flint GV, Grimm D, Hauschka SD, Regnier M, Chamberlain JS. Split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing to express large dystrophins. Nature 2024; 632:192-200. [PMID: 39020181 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Gene replacement using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is a promising therapeutic approach for many diseases1,2. However, this therapeutic modality is challenged by the packaging capacity of AAVs (approximately 4.7 kilobases)3, limiting its application for disorders involving large coding sequences, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a 14 kilobase messenger RNA. Here we developed a new method for expressing large dystrophins by utilizing the protein trans-splicing mechanism mediated by split inteins. We identified several split intein pairs that efficiently join two or three fragments to generate a large midi-dystrophin or the full-length protein. We show that delivery of two or three AAVs into dystrophic mice results in robust expression of large dystrophins and significant physiological improvements compared with micro-dystrophins. Moreover, using the potent myotropic AAVMYO4, we demonstrate that low total doses (2 × 1013 viral genomes per kg) are sufficient to express large dystrophins in striated muscles body-wide with significant physiological corrections in dystrophic mice. Our data show a clear functional superiority of large dystrophins over micro-dystrophins that are being tested in clinical trials. This method could benefit many patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, regardless of genotype, and could be adapted to numerous other disorders caused by mutations in large genes that exceed the AAV capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Tasfaout
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Christine L Halbert
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy S McMillen
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James M Allen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theodore R Reyes
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Galina V Flint
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty and Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Regnier
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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2
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Esposito F, Dell'Aquila F, Rhiel M, Auricchio S, Chmielewski KO, Andrieux G, Ferla R, Horrach PS, Padmanabhan A, Di Cunto R, Notaro S, Santeularia ML, Boerries M, Dell'Anno M, Nusco E, Padula A, Nutarelli S, Cornu TI, Sorrentino NC, Piccolo P, Trapani I, Cathomen T, Auricchio A. Safe and effective liver-directed AAV-mediated homology-independent targeted integration in mouse models of inherited diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101619. [PMID: 38897206 PMCID: PMC11293346 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101619] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (AAV-HITI) by CRISPR-Cas9 at the highly transcribed albumin locus is under investigation to provide sustained transgene expression following neonatal treatment. We show that targeting the 3' end of the albumin locus results in productive integration in about 15% of mouse hepatocytes achieving therapeutic levels of systemic proteins in two mouse models of inherited diseases. We demonstrate that full-length HITI donor DNA is preferentially integrated upon nuclease cleavage and that, despite partial AAV genome integrations in the target locus, no gross chromosomal rearrangements or insertions/deletions at off-target sites are found. In line with this, no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is observed within the 1-year follow-up. Finally, AAV-HITI is effective at vector doses considered safe if directly translated to humans providing therapeutic efficacy in the adult liver in addition to newborn. Overall, our data support the development of this liver-directed AAV-based knockin strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell'Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Kay Ole Chmielewski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; PhD Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Arjun Padmanabhan
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Cunto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Notaro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Agnese Padula
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Nutarelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatjana I Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolina Cristina Sorrentino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Gene Therapy Joint lab, Dept. of Advanced Biomedical Sciences and Dept. of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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3
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Pedrazzoli E, Demozzi M, Visentin E, Ciciani M, Bonuzzi I, Pezzè L, Lucchetta L, Maule G, Amistadi S, Esposito F, Lupo M, Miccio A, Auricchio A, Casini A, Segata N, Cereseto A. CoCas9 is a compact nuclease from the human microbiome for efficient and precise genome editing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3478. [PMID: 38658578 PMCID: PMC11043407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The expansion of the CRISPR-Cas toolbox is highly needed to accelerate the development of therapies for genetic diseases. Here, through the interrogation of a massively expanded repository of metagenome-assembled genomes, mostly from human microbiomes, we uncover a large variety (n = 17,173) of type II CRISPR-Cas loci. Among these we identify CoCas9, a strongly active and high-fidelity nuclease with reduced molecular size (1004 amino acids) isolated from an uncultivated Collinsella species. CoCas9 is efficiently co-delivered with its sgRNA through adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, obtaining efficient in vivo editing in the mouse retina. With this study we uncover a collection of previously uncharacterized Cas9 nucleases, including CoCas9, which enriches the genome editing toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pedrazzoli
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Demozzi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Visentin
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Ciciani
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bonuzzi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Lucchetta
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Maule
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Simone Amistadi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of chromatin and gene regulation during development, INSERM, UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Mariangela Lupo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of chromatin and gene regulation during development, INSERM, UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Segata
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Anna Cereseto
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy.
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4
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Wang JH, Gessler DJ, Zhan W, Gallagher TL, Gao G. Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:78. [PMID: 38565561 PMCID: PMC10987683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01780-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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5
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McDonald A, Wijnholds J. Retinal Ciliopathies and Potential Gene Therapies: A Focus on Human iPSC-Derived Organoid Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2887. [PMID: 38474133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The human photoreceptor function is dependent on a highly specialised cilium. Perturbation of cilial function can often lead to death of the photoreceptor and loss of vision. Retinal ciliopathies are a genetically diverse range of inherited retinal disorders affecting aspects of the photoreceptor cilium. Despite advances in the understanding of retinal ciliopathies utilising animal disease models, they can often lack the ability to accurately mimic the observed patient phenotype, possibly due to structural and functional deviations from the human retina. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be utilised to generate an alternative disease model, the 3D retinal organoid, which contains all major retinal cell types including photoreceptors complete with cilial structures. These retinal organoids facilitate the study of disease mechanisms and potential therapies in a human-derived system. Three-dimensional retinal organoids are still a developing technology, and despite impressive progress, several limitations remain. This review will discuss the state of hiPSC-derived retinal organoid technology for accurately modelling prominent retinal ciliopathies related to genes, including RPGR, CEP290, MYO7A, and USH2A. Additionally, we will discuss the development of novel gene therapy approaches targeting retinal ciliopathies, including the delivery of large genes and gene-editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Ferreira MV, Fernandes S, Almeida AI, Neto S, Mendes JP, Silva RJS, Peixoto C, Coroadinha AS. Extending AAV Packaging Cargo through Dual Co-Transduction: Efficient Protein Trans-Splicing at Low Vector Doses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10524. [PMID: 37445701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors represent one of the leading platforms for gene delivery. Nevertheless, their small packaging capacity restricts their use for diseases requiring large-gene delivery. To overcome this, dual-AAV vector systems that rely on protein trans-splicing were developed, with the split-intein Npu DnaE among the most-used. However, the reconstitution efficiency of Npu DnaE is still insufficient, requiring higher vector doses. In this work, two split-inteins, Cfa and Gp41-1, with reportedly superior trans-splicing were evaluated in comparison with Npu DnaE by transient transfections and dual-AAV in vitro co-transductions. Both Cfa and Gp41-1 split-inteins enabled reconstitution rates that were over two-fold higher than Npu DnaE and 100% of protein reconstitution. The impact of different vector preparation qualities in split-intein performances was also evaluated in co-transduction assays. Higher-quality preparations increased split-inteins' performances by three-fold when compared to low-quality preparations (60-75% vs. 20-30% full particles, respectively). Low-quality vector preparations were observed to limit split-gene reconstitutions by inhibiting co-transduction. We show that combining superior split-inteins with higher-quality vector preparations allowed vector doses to be decreased while maintaining high trans-splicing rates. These results show the potential of more-efficient protein-trans-splicing strategies in dual-AAV vector co-transduction, allowing the extension of its use to the delivery of larger therapeutic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Ferreira
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia Fernandes
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Almeida
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Salomé Neto
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João P Mendes
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J S Silva
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cristina Peixoto
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Sofia Coroadinha
- iBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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7
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Chen J, Wang J, Zhu H, Zhang Y, Sun J, Wang W, Wei C, Zhong H, Dong M. Generation of a Live Attenuated Influenza A Vaccine Using Chemical-Triggered Intein. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1686-1695. [PMID: 37196336 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00020] [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] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Noticeable morbidity and mortality can be caused by influenza A virus in humans. Conventional live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is one of the main strategies to control the spread of influenza, but its protective efficacy is often limited by its suboptimal immunogenicity and safety. Therefore, a new type of LAIV that can overcome the shortage of existing vaccines is urgently needed. Here, we report a novel method to construct the recombinant influenza A virus (IAV) regulated by small molecules. By inserting 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-HT)-dependent intein into the polymerase acidic (PA) protein of IAV, a series of 4-HT-dependent recombinant viruses were generated and screened. Among them, the S218 recombinant virus strain showed excellent 4-HT dependent replication characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. Further immunological evaluation indicated that the 4-HT-dependent viruses were highly attenuated in the host and could elicit robust humoral, mucosal, and cellular immunity against the challenge of homologous viruses. The attenuated strategies presented here could also be broadly applied to the development of vaccines against other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hongyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Congwen Wei
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
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8
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Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of the Ten Most Prevalent CRB1 Mutations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020385. [PMID: 36830922 PMCID: PMC9953187 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020385] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene lead to severe inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), accounting for nearly 80,000 cases worldwide. To date, there is no therapeutic option for patients suffering from CRB1-IRDs. Therefore, it is of great interest to evaluate gene editing strategies capable of correcting CRB1 mutations. A retrospective chart review was conducted on ten patients demonstrating one or two of the top ten most prevalent CRB1 mutations and receiving care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. Patient phenotypes were consistent with previously published data for individual CRB1 mutations. To identify the optimal gene editing strategy for these ten mutations, base and prime editing designs were evaluated. For base editing, we adopted the use of a near-PAMless Cas9 (SpRY Cas9), whereas for prime editing, we evaluated the canonical NGG and NGA prime editors. We demonstrate that for the correction of c.2843G>A, p.(Cys948Tyr), the most prevalent CRB1 mutation, base editing has the potential to generate harmful bystanders. Prime editing, however, avoids these bystanders, highlighting its future potential to halt CRB1-mediated disease progression. Additional studies investigating prime editing for CRB1-IRDs are needed, as well as a thorough analysis of prime editing's application, efficiency, and safety in the retina.
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9
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Nakahara E, Mullapudi V, Collier GE, Joachimiak LA, Hulleman JD. Development of a New DHFR-Based Destabilizing Domain with Enhanced Basal Turnover and Applicability in Mammalian Systems. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2877-2889. [PMID: 36122928 PMCID: PMC11212008 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Destabilizing domains (DDs) are an attractive strategy allowing for positive post-transcriptional small molecule-regulatable control of a fusion protein's abundance. However, in many instances, the currently available DDs suffer from higher-than-desirable basal levels of the fusion protein. Accordingly, we redesigned the E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) DD by introducing a library of ∼1200 random ecDHFR mutants fused to YFP into CHO cells. Following successive rounds of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we identified six new ecDHFR DD clones with significantly enhanced proteasomal turnover in the absence of a stabilizing ligand, trimethoprim (TMP). One of these clones, designated as "C12", contained four unique missense mutations (W74R/T113S/E120D/Q146L) and demonstrated a significant 2.9-fold reduction in basal levels compared to the conventional ecDHFR DD (i.e., R12Y/G67S/Y100I). This domain was similarly responsive to TMP with respect to dose response and maximal stabilization, indicating an overall enhanced dynamic range. Interestingly, both computational and wet-lab experiments identified the W74R and T113S mutations of C12 as the main contributors toward its basal destabilization. However, the combination of all the C12 mutations was required to maintain both its enhanced degradation and TMP stabilization. We further demonstrate the utility of C12 by fusing it to IκBα and Nrf2, two stress-responsive proteins that have previously been challenging to regulate. In both instances, C12 significantly enhanced the basal turnover of these proteins and improved the dynamic range of regulation post stabilizer addition. These advantageous features of the C12 ecDHFR DD variant highlight its potential for replacing the conventional N-terminal ecDHFR DD and improving the use of DDs overall, not only as a chemical biology tool but for gene therapy avenues as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Nakahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Vishruth Mullapudi
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Gracen E Collier
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Lukasz A Joachimiak
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - John D Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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10
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Padula A, Petruzzelli R, Philbert SA, Church SJ, Esposito F, Campione S, Monti M, Capolongo F, Perna C, Nusco E, Schmidt HH, Auricchio A, Cooper GJ, Polishchuk R, Piccolo P. Full-length ATP7B reconstituted through protein trans-splicing corrects Wilson disease in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:495-504. [PMID: 36092366 PMCID: PMC9436707 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a genetic disorder of copper homeostasis, caused by deficiency of the copper transporter ATP7B. Gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated vectors (AAV) holds promises for WD treatment. However, the full-length human ATP7B gene exceeds the limited AAV cargo capacity, hampering the applicability of AAV in this disease context. To overcome this limitation, we designed a dual AAV vector approach using split intein technology. Split inteins catalyze seamless ligation of two separate polypeptides in a highly specific manner. We selected a DnaE intein from Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) that recognizes a specific tripeptide in the human ATP7B coding sequence. We generated two AAVs expressing either the 5′-half of a codon-optimized human ATP7B cDNA followed by the N-terminal Npu DnaE intein or the C-terminal Npu DnaE intein followed by the 3′-half of ATP7B cDNA, under the control of a liver-specific promoter. Intravenous co-injection of the two vectors in wild-type and Atp7b−/− mice resulted in efficient reconstitution of full-length ATP7B protein in the liver. Moreover, Atp7b−/− mice treated with intein-ATP7B vectors were protected from liver damage and showed improvements in copper homeostasis. Taken together, these data demonstrate the efficacy of split intein technology to drive the reconstitution of full-length human ATP7B and to rescue copper-mediated liver damage in Atp7b−/− mice, paving the way to the development of a new gene therapy approach for WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Padula
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Raffaella Petruzzelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sasha A. Philbert
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics (CADET), Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephanie J. Church
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics (CADET), Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Marcello Monti
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Perna
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Hartmut H. Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Garth J.S. Cooper
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics (CADET), Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Pasquale Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Corresponding author Pasquale Piccolo, PhD, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
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11
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Esposito F, Lyubenova H, Tornabene P, Auricchio S, Iuliano A, Nusco E, Merlin S, Olgasi C, Manni G, Gargaro M, Fallarino F, Follenzi A, Auricchio A. Liver gene therapy with intein-mediated F8 trans-splicing corrects mouse haemophilia A. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15199. [PMID: 35491676 PMCID: PMC9174883 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver gene therapy with adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors is under clinical investigation for haemophilia A (HemA), the most common inherited X‐linked bleeding disorder. Major limitations are the large size of the F8 transgene, which makes packaging in a single AAV vector a challenge, as well as the development of circulating anti‐F8 antibodies which neutralise F8 activity. Taking advantage of split‐intein‐mediated protein trans‐splicing, we divided the coding sequence of the large and highly secreted F8‐N6 variant in two separate AAV‐intein vectors whose co‐administration to HemA mice results in the expression of therapeutic levels of F8 over time. This occurred without eliciting circulating anti‐F8 antibodies unlike animals treated with the single oversized AAV‐F8 vector under clinical development. Therefore, liver gene therapy with AAV‐F8‐N6 intein should be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for HemA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Iuliano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Olgasi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Manni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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12
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Peng H, Ramadurgum P, Woodard DR, Daniel S, Nakahara E, Renwick M, Aredo B, Datta S, Chen B, Ufret-Vincenty R, Hulleman JD. Utility of the DHFR-based destabilizing domain across mouse models of retinal degeneration and aging. iScience 2022; 25:104206. [PMID: 35521529 PMCID: PMC9062244 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104206] [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: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) destabilizing domain (DD) serves as a promising approach to conditionally regulate protein abundance in a variety of tissues. To test whether this approach could be effectively applied to a wide variety of aged and disease-related ocular mouse models, we evaluated the DHFR DD system in the eyes of aged mice (up to 24 months), a light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) model, and two genetic models of retinal degeneration (rd2 and Abca4−/− mice). The DHFR DD was effectively degraded in all model systems, including rd2 mice, which showed significant defects in chymotrypsin proteasomal activity. Moreover, trimethoprim (TMP) administration stabilized the DHFR DD in all mouse models. Thus, the DHFR DD-based approach allows for control of protein abundance in a variety of mouse models, laying the foundation to use this strategy for the conditional control of gene therapies to potentially treat multiple eye diseases. Destabilizing domains (DDs) confer conditional control of ocular protein abundance The DHFR DD is effectively turned over and stabilized in aged mouse’s retina DHFR DDs perform well in environmental and genetic retinal degenerative models
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13
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Tharappel AM, Li Z, Li H. Inteins as Drug Targets and Therapeutic Tools. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:821146. [PMID: 35211511 PMCID: PMC8861304 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.821146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant pathogens are of significant concern in recent years. Hence new antifungal and anti-bacterial drug targets are urgently needed before the situation goes beyond control. Inteins are polypeptides that self-splice from exteins without the need for cofactors or external energy, resulting in joining of extein fragments. Inteins are present in many organisms, including human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Because intein elements are not present in human genes, they are attractive drug targets to develop antifungals and antibiotics. Thus far, a few inhibitors of intein splicing have been reported. Metal-ions such as Zn2+ and Cu2+, and platinum-containing compound cisplatin inhibit intein splicing in M. tuberculosis and C. neoformans by binding to the active site cysteines. A small-molecule inhibitor 6G-318S and its derivative 6G-319S are found to inhibit intein splicing in C. neoformans and C. gattii with a MIC in nanomolar concentrations. Inteins have also been used in many other applications. Intein can be used in activating a protein inside a cell using small molecules. Moreover, split intein can be used to deliver large genes in experimental gene therapy and to kill selected species in a mixed population of microbes by taking advantage of the toxin-antitoxin system. Furthermore, split inteins are used in synthesizing cyclic peptides and in developing cell culture model to study infectious viruses including SARS-CoV-2 in the biosafety level (BSL) 2 facility. This mini-review discusses the recent research developments of inteins in drug discovery and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Hongmin Li,
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