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Koller U, Bauer JW. Emerging DNA & RNA editing strategies for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. J DERMATOL TREAT 2024; 35:2391452. [PMID: 39155053 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2391452] [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: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a clinically-heterogeneous genodermatosis with severe manifestations in the skin and other organs. The significant burden this condition places on patients justifies the development of gene therapeutic strategies targeting the genetic cause of the disease. Methods: Emerging RNA and DNA editing tools have shown remarkable advances in efficiency and safety. Applicable both in ex vivo- and in vivo settings, these gene therapeutics based on gene replacement or editing are either at the pre-clinical or clinical stage. Results: The recent landmark FDA approvals for gene editing based on CRISPR/Cas9, along with the first FDA-approved redosable in vivo gene replacement therapy for EB, will invigorate ongoing research efforts, increasing the likelihood of achieving local cure via CRISPR-based technologies in the near future. Conclusions: This review discusses the status quo of current gene therapeutics that act at the level of RNA or DNA, all with the common aim of improving the quality of life for EB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Danescu S, Negrutiu M, Has C. Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa and Future Directions: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024; 14:2059-2075. [PMID: 39090514 PMCID: PMC11333680 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01227-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises rare genetic disorders characterized by skin and mucosal membrane blistering induced by mechanical trauma. Molecularly, pathogenic variants affect genes encoding proteins crucial for epidermal-dermal adhesion and stability. Management of severe EB is multidisciplinary, focusing on wound healing support, ensuring that patients thrive, and complication treatment. Despite extensive research over 30 years, novel therapeutic approaches face challenges. Gene therapy and protein therapy struggle with efficacy, while regenerative cell-based therapies show limited effects. Drug repurposing to target various pathogenic mechanisms has gained attention, as has in vivo gene therapy with drugs for dystrophic and junctional EB that were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, their high cost limits global accessibility. This review examines therapeutic advancements made over the past 5 years, exploiting a systematic literature review and clinical trial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorina Danescu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mircea Negrutiu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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3
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Vermeer FC, Bolling MC, Knoers NVAM, van den Akker PC, Bremer J. Recommendations on single-cell RNA sequencing of skin xenografts in the study of genetic skin diseases. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15036. [PMID: 38389155 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Franciscus C Vermeer
- Department of Genetics, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke C Bolling
- Department of Dermatology, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nine V A M Knoers
- Department of Genetics, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C van den Akker
- Department of Genetics, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bremer
- Department of Dermatology, Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Yang Y, Gao Y, Zhang M, Qian H, Zhao K, Wang W, Ma Y, Zhang D, Li X, Hu F, Sun X. Genetic diagnosis of a rare COL7A1 variant causing dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa through whole‑exome sequencing. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:502. [PMID: 37822584 PMCID: PMC10562958 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (DEB-Pr) is a rare subtype of inherited DEB. In the present study, whole-exome sequencing was conducted on 12 individuals from the same affected family and a rare heterozygous variation was identified in the collagen type VII, α1 (COL7A1) gene, namely c.6859G>A (p.Gly2287Arg). Subsequently, this heterozygous variant was confirmed using Sanger sequencing of individual plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and it was demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that COL7A1 exons can be amplified from plasma cfDNA. Within the large pedigree examined, 14 out of 18 individuals carried the variant, 3 carried the wild type, and one exceptional case, III-9, showed no disease symptoms despite carrying the disease variant. A general association between genotype and phenotype was established. Of note, the mutation landscape indicated that this G2287R variant is primarily reported in Asian countries. In silico structure prediction suggested that the residue resulting from the mutation may affect collagen protein stability. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence for the involvement of the COL7A1 G2287R gene variant in the development of DEB-Pr and highlights the potential utility of cfDNA in genetic disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Yangmin Gao
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, P.R. China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Hua Qian
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, P.R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Weijuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Yanxiu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, P.R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, P.R. China
| | - Fengming Hu
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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5
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Zhao H, Du C, Yang G, Wang Y. Diagnosis, treatment, and research status of rare diseases related to birth defects. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2023; 12:148-160. [PMID: 37662624 PMCID: PMC10468410 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are diseases that occur at low prevalence, and most of them are chronic and serious diseases that are often life-threatening. Currently, there is no unified definition for rare diseases. The diagnosis, treatment, and research of rare diseases have become the focus of medicine and biopharmacology, as well as the breakthrough point of clinical and basic research. Birth defects are the hard-hit area of rare diseases and the frontiers of its research. Since most of these defects have a genetic basis, early screening and diagnosis have important scientific value and social significance for the prevention and control of such diseases. At present, there is no effective treatment for most rare diseases, but progress in prenatal diagnosis and screening can prevent the occurrence of diseases and help prevent and treat rare diseases. This article discusses the progress in genetic-related birth defects and rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Chen Du
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Hohhot, China
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6
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Ivanenko AV, Evtushenko NA, Gurskaya NG. Genome Editing in Therapy of Genodermatoses. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322060085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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7
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Thakur S, Sinhari A, Jain P, Jadhav HR. A perspective on oligonucleotide therapy: Approaches to patient customization. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1006304. [PMID: 36339619 PMCID: PMC9626821 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1006304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that the human genome encodes 15% of proteins that are considered to be disease-modifying. Only 2% of these proteins possess a druggable site that the approved clinical candidates target. Due to this disparity, there is an immense need to develop therapeutics that may better mitigate the disease or disorders aroused by non-druggable and druggable proteins or enzymes. The recent surge in approved oligonucleotide therapeutics (OT) indicates the imminent potential of these therapies. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics are of intermediate size with much-improved selectivity towards the target and fewer off-target effects than small molecules. The OTs include Antisense RNAs, MicroRNA (MIR), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and aptamers, which are currently being explored for their use in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and even orphan diseases. The present review is a congregated effort to present the past and present of OTs and the current efforts to make OTs for plausible future therapeutics. The review provides updated literature on the challenges and bottlenecks of OT and recent advancements in OT drug delivery. Further, this review deliberates on a newly emerging approach to personalized treatment for patients with rare and fatal diseases with OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Thakur
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
| | - Apurba Sinhari
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Hemant R. Jadhav
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Pilani, RJ, India
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8
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Morren MA, Legius E, Giuliano F, Hadj-Rabia S, Hohl D, Bodemer C. Challenges in Treating Genodermatoses: New Therapies at the Horizon. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:746664. [PMID: 35069188 PMCID: PMC8766835 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.746664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Genodermatoses are rare inherited skin diseases that frequently affect other organs. They often have marked effects on wellbeing and may cause early death. Progress in molecular genetics and translational research has unravelled many underlying pathological mechanisms, and in several disorders with high unmet need, has opened the way for the introduction of innovative treatments. One approach is to intervene where cell-signaling pathways are dysregulated, in the case of overactive pathways by the use of selective inhibitors, or when the activity of an essential factor is decreased by augmenting a molecular component to correct disequilibrium in the pathway. Where inflammatory reactions have been induced by a genetically altered protein, another possible approach is to suppress the inflammation directly. Depending on the nature of the genodermatosis, the implicated protein or even on the particular mutation, to correct the consequences or the genetic defect, may require a highly personalised stratagem. Repurposed drugs, can be used to bring about a "read through" strategy especially where the genetic defect induces premature termination codons. Sometimes the defective protein can be replaced by a normal functioning one. Cell therapies with allogeneic normal keratinocytes or fibroblasts may restore the integrity of diseased skin and allogeneic bone marrow or mesenchymal cells may additionally rescue other affected organs. Genetic engineering is expanding rapidly. The insertion of a normal functioning gene into cells of the recipient is since long explored. More recently, genome editing, allows reframing, insertion or deletion of exons or disruption of aberrantly functioning genes. There are now several examples where these stratagems are being explored in the (pre)clinical phase of therapeutic trial programmes. Another stratagem, designed to reduce the severity of a given disease involves the use of RNAi to attenuate expression of a harmful protein by decreasing abundance of the cognate transcript. Most of these strategies are short-lasting and will thus require intermittent life-long administration. In contrast, insertion of healthy copies of the relevant gene or editing the disease locus in the genome to correct harmful mutations in stem cells is more likely to induce a permanent cure. Here we discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of applying these technologies in patients with these genetic conditions. Given the severity of many genodermatoses, prevention of transmission to future generations remains an important goal including offering reproductive choices, such as preimplantation genetic testing, which can allow selection of an unaffected embryo for transfer to the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Morren
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology and Venereology and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Legius
- Department for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, ERN Genturis and ERN Skin, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Giuliano
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Smail Hadj-Rabia
- Department of Pediatric Dermatology and Dermatology, National Reference Centre for Genodermatosis and Rare Diseases of the Skin (MAGEC), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, ERN Skin, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Hohl
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Bodemer
- Department of Pediatric Dermatology and Dermatology, National Reference Centre for Genodermatosis and Rare Diseases of the Skin (MAGEC), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, ERN Skin, Paris, France
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Abstract
Here, we describe an in vivo model in which antisense oligonucleotides were preclinically evaluated in reconstituted patient and healthy control skin. The aim was to investigate the effect of antisense oligonucleotides upon local or systemic administration. This allows for clinically relevant evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides in an in vivo setting. In this model, primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were placed into silicone grafting chambers, implanted onto the back of athymic nude mice. After sufficient cells were expanded, within a few weeks, human skin grafts were generated with a high success rate. These mice bearing grafts were subsequently treated with antisense oligonucleotides targeting exon 105 of the COL7A1 gene which encodes type VII collagen. Patients completely lacking expression of type VII collagen develop severe blistering of skin and mucosa, i.e., recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. In this chapter, we describe the in vivo model used for the preclinical evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic approach for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Bremer
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter C van den Akker
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Blistering Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee School of Life Sciences, Dundee, UK
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Bremer J, van den Akker PC. In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Antisense Oligonucleotides in Skin. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2434:185-190. [PMID: 35213017 PMCID: PMC9703231 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The genodermatosis dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene which encodes type VII collagen (C7). In the cutaneous basement membrane zone, C7 secures attachment of the epidermal basal keratinocyte to the papillary dermis by means of anchoring fibril formation. The complete absence of these anchoring fibrils leads to severe blistering of skin and mucosa upon the slightest friction and early mortality. To date, although preclinical advances toward therapy are promising, treatment for the disease is merely symptomatic. Therefore, research into novel therapeutics is warranted.Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated exon skipping is such a therapy . Clinical examination of naturally occurring exon skipping suggested that this mechanism could most likely benefit the most severely affected patients. The severe form of DEB is caused by biallelic null mutations. Exon skipping aims to bind an ASO to the mutated exon of the pre-mRNA in the cell nucleus. Thereby, the ASO inhibits the recognition of the mutated exon by the splicing machinery, and as a result, the mutated exon is spliced out from the mRNA with its surrounding introns, i.e., it is skipped. Here, we describe in vitro methods to evaluate ASO-mediated exon skipping in a preclinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Bremer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Dermatology Center for Blistering Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter C van den Akker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Dermatology Center for Blistering Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Dundee, Scotland, UK
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Subramaniam KS, Antoniou MN, McGrath JA, Lwin SM. The potential of gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:609-619. [PMID: 34862606 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses a heterogeneous group of inherited skin fragility disorders with mutations in genes encoding the basement membrane zone (BMZ) proteins that normally ensure dermal-epidermal integrity. Of the four main EB types, recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), especially the severe variant, represents one of the most debilitating clinical entities with recurrent mucocutaneous blistering and ulceration leading to chronic wounds, infections, inflammation, scarring and ultimately cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, which leads to premature death. Improved understanding of the molecular genetics of EB over the past three decades and advances in biotechnology has led to rapid progress in developing gene and cell-based regenerative therapies for EB. In particular, RDEB is at the vanguard of advances in human clinical trials of advanced therapeutics. Furthermore, the past decade has witnessed the emergence of a real collective, global effort involving academia and industry, supported by international EB patient organisations such as the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA), amongst others, to develop clinically relevant and marketable targeted therapeutics for EB. Thus, there is an increasing need for the practising dermatologist to become familiar with the concept of gene therapy, fundamental differences between various approaches and their human applications. This review explains the principles of different approaches of gene therapy; summarises its journey and discusses its current and future impact in RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Subramaniam
- Genetic Skin Diseases Group, St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - M N Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - J A McGrath
- Genetic Skin Diseases Group, St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - S M Lwin
- Genetic Skin Diseases Group, St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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12
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Therapeutic Prospects of Exon Skipping for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212222. [PMID: 34830104 PMCID: PMC8621297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212222] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of genetic skin conditions characterized by abnormal skin (and mucosal) fragility caused by pathogenic variants in various genes. The disease severity ranges from early childhood mortality in the most severe types to occasional acral blistering in the mildest types. The subtype and severity of EB is linked to the gene involved and the specific variants in that gene, which also determine its mode of inheritance. Current treatment is mainly focused on symptomatic relief such as wound care and blister prevention, because truly curative treatment options are still at the preclinical stage. Given the current level of understanding, the broad spectrum of genes and variants underlying EB makes it impossible to develop a single treatment strategy for all patients. It is likely that many different variant-specific treatment strategies will be needed to ultimately treat all patients. Antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated exon skipping aims to counteract pathogenic sequence variants by restoring the open reading frame through the removal of the mutant exon from the pre-messenger RNA. This should lead to the restored production of the protein absent in the affected skin and, consequently, improvement of the phenotype. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that exon skipping can restore protein production in vitro, in skin equivalents, and in skin grafts derived from EB-patient skin cells, indicating that ASO-mediated exon skipping could be a viable strategy as a topical or systemic treatment. The potential value of exon skipping for EB is supported by a study showing reduced phenotypic severity in patients who carry variants that result in natural exon skipping. In this article, we review the substantial progress made on exon skipping for EB in the past 15 years and highlight the opportunities and current challenges of this RNA-based therapy approach. In addition, we present a prioritization strategy for the development of exon skipping based on genomic information of all EB-involved genes.
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Synofzik M, van Roon-Mom WMC, Marckmann G, van Duyvenvoorde HA, Graessner H, Schüle R, Aartsma-Rus A. Preparing n-of-1 Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatments for Rare Neurological Diseases in Europe: Genetic, Regulatory, and Ethical Perspectives. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 32:83-94. [PMID: 34591693 PMCID: PMC9058873 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies present a promising disease-modifying treatment approach for rare neurological diseases (RNDs). However, the current focus is on "more common" RNDs, leaving a large share of RND patients still without prospect of disease-modifying treatments. In response to this gap, n-of-1 ASO treatment approaches are targeting ultrarare or even private variants. While highly attractive, this emerging, academia-driven field of ultimately individualized precision medicine is in need of systematic guidance and standards, which will allow global scaling of this approach. We provide here genetic, regulatory, and ethical perspectives for preparing n-of-1 ASO treatments and research programs, with a specific focus on the European context. By example of splice modulating ASOs, we outline genetic criteria for variant prioritization, chart the regulatory field of n-of-1 ASO treatment development in Europe, and propose an ethically informed classification for n-of-1 ASO treatment strategies and level of outcome assessments. To accommodate the ethical requirements of both individual patient benefit and knowledge gain, we propose a stronger integration of patient care and clinical research when developing novel n-of-1 ASO treatments: each single trial of therapy should inherently be driven to generate generalizable knowledge, be registered in a ASO treatment registry, and include assessment of generic outcomes, which allow aggregated analysis across n-of-1 trials of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Georg Marckmann
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Holm Graessner
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Schellens R, de Vrieze E, Graave P, Broekman S, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Peters T, Kremer H, Collin RWJ, van Wijk E. Zebrafish as a Model to Evaluate a CRISPR/Cas9-Based Exon Excision Approach as a Future Treatment Option for EYS-Associated Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179154. [PMID: 34502064 PMCID: PMC8431288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease (IRD) with an overall prevalence of 1 in 4000 individuals. Mutations in EYS (Eyes shut homolog) are among the most frequent causes of non-syndromic autosomal recessively inherited RP and act via a loss-of-function mechanism. In light of the recent successes for other IRDs, we investigated the therapeutic potential of exon skipping for EYS-associated RP. CRISPR/Cas9 was employed to generate zebrafish from which the region encompassing the orthologous exons 37-41 of human EYS (eys exons 40-44) was excised from the genome. The excision of these exons was predicted to maintain the open reading frame and to result in the removal of exactly one Laminin G and two EGF domains. Although the eysΔexon40-44 transcript was found at levels comparable to wild-type eys, and no unwanted off-target modifications were identified within the eys coding sequence after single-molecule sequencing, EysΔexon40-44 protein expression could not be detected. Visual motor response experiments revealed that eysΔexon40-44 larvae were visually impaired and histological analysis revealed a progressive degeneration of the retinal outer nuclear layer in these zebrafish. Altogether, the data obtained in our zebrafish model currently provide no indications for the skipping of EYS exons 37-41 as an effective future treatment strategy for EYS-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske Schellens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Pam Graave
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
- Institute for Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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15
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Welponer T, Prodinger C, Pinon-Hofbauer J, Hintersteininger A, Breitenbach-Koller H, Bauer JW, Laimer M. Clinical Perspectives of Gene-Targeted Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021; 11:1175-1197. [PMID: 34110606 PMCID: PMC8322229 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-021-00561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
New insights into molecular genetics and pathomechanisms in epidermolysis bullosa (EB), methodological and technological advances in molecular biology as well as designated funding initiatives and facilitated approval procedures for orphan drugs have boosted translational research perspectives for this devastating disease. This is echoed by the increasing number of clinical trials assessing innovative molecular therapies in the field of EB. Despite remarkable progress, gene-corrective modalities, aimed at sustained or permanent restoration of functional protein expression, still await broad clinical availability. This also reflects the methodological and technological shortcomings of current strategies, including the translatability of certain methodologies beyond preclinical models as well as the safe, specific, efficient, feasible, sustained and cost-effective delivery of therapeutic/corrective information to target cells. This review gives an updated overview on status, prospects, challenges and limitations of current gene-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Welponer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christine Prodinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Pinon-Hofbauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arno Hintersteininger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic disorders for which significant progress has been achieved in the development of molecular therapies in the last few decades. Such therapies require knowledge of mutant genes and specific mutations, some of them being allele specific. A relatively large number of clinical trials are ongoing and ascertaining the clinical efficacy of gene, protein or cell therapies or of repurposed drugs, mainly in recessive dystrophic EB. It is expected that some new drugs may emerge in the near future and that combinations of different approaches may result in improved treatment outcomes for individuals with EB.
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Wu TM, Liu JB, Liu Y, Shi Y, Li W, Wang GR, Ma YS, Fu D. Power and Promise of Next-Generation Sequencing in Liquid Biopsies and Cancer Control. Cancer Control 2021; 27:1073274820934805. [PMID: 32806937 PMCID: PMC7791471 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820934805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods of cancer treatment are usually based on the morphological
and histological diagnosis of tumors, and they are not optimized according to
the specific situation. Precision medicine adjusts the existing treatment
regimen based on the patient’s genomic information to make it most suitable for
patients. Detection of genetic mutations in tumors is the basis of precise
cancer medicine. Through the analysis of genetic mutations in patients with
cancer, we can tailor the treatment plan for each patient with cancer to
maximize the curative effect, minimize damage to healthy tissues, and optimize
resources. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technology has developed
rapidly and has become the core technology of precise targeted therapy and
immunotherapy for cancer. From early cancer screening to treatment guidance for
patients with advanced cancer, liquid biopsy is increasingly used in cancer
management. This is as a result of the development of better noninvasive,
repeatable, sensitive, and accurate tools used in early screening, diagnosis,
evaluation, and monitoring of patients. Cell-free DNA, which is a new
noninvasive molecular pathological detection method, often carries
tumor-specific gene changes. It plays an important role in optimizing treatment
and evaluating the efficacy of different treatment options in clinical trials,
and it has broad clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Miao Wu
- Department of Radiology, 12485The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Yi Shi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Wen Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Gao-Ren Wang
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China.,Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 12476Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Da Fu
- Department of Radiology, 12485The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 12476Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Ablinger M, Lettner T, Friedl N, Potocki H, Palmetzhofer T, Koller U, Illmer J, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Klausegger A, Reisenberger M, Lambert J, Van Gele M, Desmet E, Van Maelsaeke E, Wimmer M, Zauner R, Bauer JW, Wally V. Personalized Development of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Exon Skipping Restores Type XVII Collagen Expression in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3326. [PMID: 33805154 PMCID: PMC8036626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate junctional epidermolysis bullosa caused by mutations in the COL17A1 gene is characterized by the frequent development of blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. The rarity of the disease and the heterogeneity of the underlying mutations renders therapy developments challenging. However, the high number of short in-frame exons facilitates the use of antisense oligonucleotides (AON) to restore collagen 17 (C17) expression by inducing exon skipping. In a personalized approach, we designed and tested three AONs in combination with a cationic liposomal carrier for their ability to induce skipping of COL17A1 exon 7 in 2D culture and in 3D skin equivalents. We show that AON-induced exon skipping excludes the targeted exon from pre-mRNA processing, which restores the reading frame, leading to the expression of a slightly truncated protein. Furthermore, the expression and correct deposition of C17 at the dermal-epidermal junction indicates its functionality. Thus, we assume AON-mediated exon skipping to be a promising tool for the treatment of junctional epidermolysis bullosa, particularly applicable in a personalized manner for rare genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ablinger
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Thomas Lettner
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Nicole Friedl
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Hannah Potocki
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Theresa Palmetzhofer
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Ulrich Koller
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Julia Illmer
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Bernadette Liemberger
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Manuela Reisenberger
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jo Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.L.); (M.V.G.); (E.D.); (E.V.M.)
| | - Mireille Van Gele
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.L.); (M.V.G.); (E.D.); (E.V.M.)
| | - Eline Desmet
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.L.); (M.V.G.); (E.D.); (E.V.M.)
| | - Els Van Maelsaeke
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.L.); (M.V.G.); (E.D.); (E.V.M.)
| | - Monika Wimmer
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Roland Zauner
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Johann W. Bauer
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (M.A.); (T.L.); (N.F.); (H.P.); (T.P.); (U.K.); (J.I.); (B.L.); (S.H.); (A.K.); (M.R.); (M.W.); (R.Z.); (J.W.B.)
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19
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Ham KA, Aung-Htut MT, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Nonsequential Splicing Events Alter Antisense-Mediated Exon Skipping Outcome in COL7A1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207705. [PMID: 33081018 PMCID: PMC7590164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COL7A1 gene encodes homotrimer fibrils essential for anchoring dermal and epidermal layers, and pathogenic mutations in COL7A1 can cause recessive or dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. As a monogenic disease gene, COL7A1 constitutes a potential target for antisense oligomer-mediated exon skipping, a therapy applicable to a growing number of other genetic disorders. However, certain characteristics of COL7A1: many exons, low average intron size, and repetitive and guanine-cytosine rich coding sequence, present challenges to the design of specific and effective antisense oligomers. While targeting COL7A1 exons 10 and 73 for excision from the mature mRNA, we discovered that antisense oligomers comprised of 2′-O-methyl modified bases on a phosphorothioate backbone and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers produced similar, but distinctive, splicing patterns including excision of adjacent nontargeted exons and/or retention of nearby introns in some transcripts. We found that the nonsequential splicing of certain introns may alter pre-mRNA processing during antisense oligomer-mediated exon skipping and, therefore, additional studies are required to determine if the order of intron removal influences multiexon skipping and/or intron retention in processing of the COL7A1 pre-mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A. Ham
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - May Thandar Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; (K.A.H.); (M.T.A.-H.); (S.F.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
- Correspondence:
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20
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Yoshida K, Kobayashi M, Matsunaga Y, Kubo A, Ishiko A. Case of intermediate recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with negative LH7.2 staining. J Dermatol 2020; 47:e370-e372. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yoshida
- Department of Dermatology Toho University School of Medicine TokyoJapan
| | - Mayuko Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology Toho University School of Medicine TokyoJapan
| | - Yukiko Matsunaga
- Department of Dermatology Toho University School of Medicine TokyoJapan
| | - Akiharu Kubo
- Department of Dermatology Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Akira Ishiko
- Department of Dermatology Toho University School of Medicine TokyoJapan
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21
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Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited, heterogeneous group of rare genetic dermatoses characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and blister formation, inducible by often minimal trauma. A broad phenotypic spectrum has been described, with potentially severe extracutaneous manifestations, morbidity and mortality. Over 30 subtypes are recognized, grouped into four major categories, based predominantly on the plane of cleavage within the skin and reflecting the underlying molecular abnormality: EB simplex, junctional EB, dystrophic EB and Kindler EB. The study of EB has led to seminal advances in our understanding of cutaneous biology. To date, pathogenetic mutations in 16 distinct genes have been implicated in EB, encoding proteins influencing cellular integrity and adhesion. Precise diagnosis is reliant on correlating clinical, electron microscopic and immunohistological features with mutational analyses. In the absence of curative treatment, multidisciplinary care is targeted towards minimizing the risk of blister formation, wound care, symptom relief and specific complications, the most feared of which - and also the leading cause of mortality - is squamous cell carcinoma. Preclinical advances in cell-based, protein replacement and gene therapies are paving the way for clinical successes with gene correction, raising hopes amongst patients and clinicians worldwide.
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22
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Bornert O, Hogervorst M, Nauroy P, Bischof J, Swildens J, Athanasiou I, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Kiritsi D, Hainzl S, Murauer EM, Marinkovich MP, Platenburg G, Hausser I, Wally V, Ritsema T, Koller U, Haisma EM, Nyström A. QR-313, an Antisense Oligonucleotide, Shows Therapeutic Efficacy for Treatment of Dominant and Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Preclinical Study. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:883-893.e6. [PMID: 32946877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a blistering skin disease caused by mutations in the gene COL7A1 encoding collagen VII. DEB can be inherited as recessive DEB (RDEB) or dominant DEB (DDEB) and is associated with a high wound burden. Perpetual cycles of wounding and healing drive fibrosis in DDEB and RDEB, as well as the formation of a tumor-permissive microenvironment. Prolonging wound-free episodes by improving the quality of wound healing would therefore confer substantial benefit for individuals with DEB. The collagenous domain of collagen VII is encoded by 82 in-frame exons, which makes splice-modulation therapies attractive for DEB. Indeed, antisense oligonucleotide-based exon skipping has shown promise for RDEB. However, the suitability of antisense oligonucleotides for treatment of DDEB remains unexplored. Here, we developed QR-313, a clinically applicable, potent antisense oligonucleotide specifically targeting exon 73. We show the feasibility of topical delivery of QR-313 in a carbomer-composed gel for treatment of wounds to restore collagen VII abundance in human RDEB skin. Our data reveal that QR-313 also shows direct benefit for DDEB caused by exon 73 mutations. Thus, the same topically applied therapeutic could be used to improve the wound healing quality in RDEB and DDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Pauline Nauroy
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jim Swildens
- ProQR Therapeutics N.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Athanasiou
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara F Tufa
- Micro-Imaging Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Micro-Imaging Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Dimitra Kiritsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva M Murauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - M Peter Marinkovich
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Dermatology, Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Ingrid Hausser
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tita Ritsema
- ProQR Therapeutics N.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Mellerio JE, Uitto J. Meeting Report: The First Global Congress on Epidermolysis Bullosa, EB2020 London: Toward Treatment and Cure. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:1681-1687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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