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Meng X, Xing Y, Li J, Deng C, Li Y, Ren X, Zhang D. Rebuilding the Vascular Network: In vivo and in vitro Approaches. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:639299. [PMID: 33968926 PMCID: PMC8097043 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.639299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As the material transportation system of the human body, the vascular network carries the transportation of materials and nutrients. Currently, the construction of functional microvascular networks is an urgent requirement for the development of regenerative medicine and in vitro drug screening systems. How to construct organs with functional blood vessels is the focus and challenge of tissue engineering research. Here in this review article, we first introduced the basic characteristics of blood vessels in the body and the mechanism of angiogenesis in vivo, summarized the current methods of constructing tissue blood vessels in vitro and in vivo, and focused on comparing the functions, applications and advantages of constructing different types of vascular chips to generate blood vessels. Finally, the challenges and opportunities faced by the development of this field were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunhui Xing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jiawen Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cechuan Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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2
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Grigoryan EN. Study of Natural Longlife Juvenility and Tissue Regeneration in Caudate Amphibians and Potential Application of Resulting Data in Biomedicine. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:2. [PMID: 33477527 PMCID: PMC7838874 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The review considers the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ontogenetic properties of Urodela that exhibit the highest regenerative abilities among tetrapods. The genome specifics and the expression of genes associated with cell plasticity are analyzed. The simplification of tissue structure is shown using the examples of the sensory retina and brain in mature Urodela. Cells of these and some other tissues are ready to initiate proliferation and manifest the plasticity of their phenotype as well as the correct integration into the pre-existing or de novo forming tissue structure. Without excluding other factors that determine regeneration, the pedomorphosis and juvenile properties, identified on different levels of Urodele amphibians, are assumed to be the main explanation for their high regenerative abilities. These properties, being fundamental for tissue regeneration, have been lost by amniotes. Experiments aimed at mammalian cell rejuvenation currently use various approaches. They include, in particular, methods that use secretomes from regenerating tissues of caudate amphibians and fish for inducing regenerative responses of cells. Such an approach, along with those developed on the basis of knowledge about the molecular and genetic nature and age dependence of regeneration, may become one more step in the development of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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3
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Yu F, Witman N, Yan D, Zhang S, Zhou M, Yan Y, Yao Q, Ding F, Yan B, Wang H, Fu W, Lu Y, Fu Y. Human adipose-derived stem cells enriched with VEGF-modified mRNA promote angiogenesis and long-term graft survival in a fat graft transplantation model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:490. [PMID: 33213517 PMCID: PMC7678328 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fat grafting, as a standard treatment for numerous soft tissue defects, remains unpredictable and technique-dependent. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are promising candidates for cell-assisted therapy to improve graft survival. As free-living fat requires nutritional and respiratory sources to thrive, insufficient and unstable vascularization still impedes hADSC-assisted therapy. Recently, cytotherapy combined with modified mRNA (modRNA) encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been applied for the treatment of ischemia-related diseases. Herein, we hypothesized that VEGF modRNA (modVEGF)-engineered hADSCs could robustly enhance fat survival in a fat graft transplantation model. Methods hADSCs were acquired from lipoaspiration and transfected with modRNAs. Transfection efficiency and expression kinetics of modRNAs in hADSCs were first evaluated in vitro. Next, we applied an in vivo Matrigel plug assay to assess the viability and angiogenic potential of modVEGF-engineered hADSCs at 1 week post-implantation. Finally, modVEGF-engineered hADSCs were co-transplanted with human fat in a murine model to analyze the survival rate, re-vascularization, proliferation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and necrosis of fat grafts over long-term follow-up. Results Transfections of modVEGF in hADSCs were highly tolerable as the modVEGF-engineered hADSCs facilitated burst-like protein production of VEGF in both our in vitro and in vivo models. modVEGF-engineered hADSCs induced increased levels of cellular proliferation and proangiogenesis when compared to untreated hADSCs in both ex vivo and in vivo assays. In a fat graft transplantation model, we provided evidence that modVEGF-engineered hADSCs promote the optimal potency to preserve adipocytes, especially in the long-term post-transplantation phase. Detailed histological analysis of fat grafts harvested at 15, 30, and 90 days following in vivo grafting suggested the release of VEGF protein from modVEGF-engineered hADSCs significantly improved neo-angiogenesis, vascular maturity, and cell proliferation. The modVEGF-engineered hADSCs also significantly mitigated the presence of fibrosis, apoptosis, and necrosis of grafts when compared to the control groups. Moreover, modVEGF-engineered hADSCs promoted graft survival and cell differentiation abilities, which also induced an increase in vessel formation and the number of surviving adipocytes after transplantation. Conclusion This current study demonstrates the employment of modVEGF-engineered hADSCs as an advanced alternative to the clinical treatment involving soft-tissue reconstruction and rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Nevin Witman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qinke Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Feixue Ding
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bingqian Yan
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huijing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China. .,Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Pehrsson S, Hölttä M, Linhardt G, Danielson RF, Carlsson L. Rapid Production of Human VEGF-A following Intradermal Injection of Modified VEGF-A mRNA Demonstrated by Cutaneous Microdialysis in the Rabbit and Pig In Vivo. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3915851. [PMID: 30766883 PMCID: PMC6350593 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3915851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chemically modified mRNA is a novel, highly efficient, biocompatible modality for therapeutic protein expression that may overcome the challenges and safety concerns with current gene therapy strategies. We explored the efficiency of intradermally injected modified VEGF-A165 mRNA (VEGF-A mRNA) formulated in a biocompatible citrate/saline buffer to locally produce human VEGF-A165 protein. Rabbits (n=4) and minipigs (n=3) were implanted with subcutaneous microdialysis probes close to the injection sites and interstitial-fluid samples and skin biopsies were analysed for production of VEGF-A protein over time for up to 8 hours. Three to 4 hours after the intradermal injection of VEGF-A mRNA, detectable levels of human VEGF-A protein were seen in the microdialysis eluates in both species. In the pig, the VEGF-A concentrations increased dose-dependently reaching a maximum 6 hours after dosing (62.7±28.4, 357.6±240.6, and 746.3±210.2 pg/mL following injection of 24, 120, and 600 μg VEGF-A mRNA, respectively). Likewise, in tissue biopsies harvested at study end (8 hours after VEGF-A mRNA injection), the content of VEGF-A protein increased dose-dependently. In contrast, VEGF-A protein was not detected in eluates originating from sites injected with citrate/saline vehicle. It is concluded that intradermal injection of VEGF-A mRNA is associated with a rapid and local production of VEGF-A protein. Considering the pro-angiogenic effect of VEGF-A, VEGF-A mRNA may hold promise for regenerative treatment of patients with diabetic wounds and ischemic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Pehrsson
- Bioscience Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikko Hölttä
- IMED Biotech Unit, Drug Safety and Metabolism, Mechanistic Safety and ADME Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Linhardt
- Bioscience Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Leif Carlsson
- Bioscience Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Modified VEGF-A mRNA induces sustained multifaceted microvascular response and accelerates diabetic wound healing. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17509. [PMID: 30504800 PMCID: PMC6269526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Capable of mediating efficient transfection and protein production without eliciting innate immune responses, chemically modified mRNA holds great potential to produce paracrine factors at a physiologically beneficial level, in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, and with low toxicity. Although highly promising in cardiovascular medicine and wound healing, effects of this emerging therapeutic on the microvasculature and its bioactivity in disease settings remain poorly understood. Here, we longitudinally and comprehensively characterize microvascular responses to AZD8601, a modified mRNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), in vivo. Using multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy, we show that intradermal injection of AZD8601 formulated in a biocompatible vehicle results in pronounced, sustained and dose-dependent vasodilation, blood flow upregulation, and neovessel formation, in striking contrast to those induced by recombinant human VEGF-A protein, a non-translatable variant of AZD8601, and citrate/saline vehicle. Moreover, we evaluate the bioactivity of AZD8601 in a mouse model of diabetic wound healing in vivo. Using a boron nanoparticle-based tissue oxygen sensor, we show that sequential dosing of AZD8601 improves vascularization and tissue oxygenation of the wound bed, leading to accelerated re-epithelialization during the early phase of diabetic wound healing.
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6
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Mahapatra S, Martin D, Gallicano GI. Re-Defining Stem Cell-Cardiomyocyte Interactions: Focusing on the Paracrine Effector Approach. J Stem Cells Regen Med 2018. [PMID: 30018469 PMCID: PMC6043659 DOI: 10.46582/jsrm.1401003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell research for treating or curing ischemic heart disease has, till date, culminated in three basic approaches: the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology; reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts; and cardiovascular progenitor cell regeneration. As each approach has been shown to have its advantages and disadvantages, exploiting the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages has been a challenge. Using human germline pluripotent stem cells (hgPSCs) along with a modified version of a relatively novel cell-expansion culture methodology to induce quick, indefinite expansion of normally slow growing hgPSCs, it was possible to emphasize the advantages of all three approaches. We consistently found that unipotent germline stem cells, when removed from their niche and cultured in the correct medium, expressed endogenously, pluripotency genes, which induced them to become hgPSCs. These cells are then capable of producing cell types from all three germ layers. Upon differentiation into cardiac lineages, our data consistently showed that they not only expressed cardiac genes, but also expressed cardiac-promoting paracrine factors. Taking these data a step further, we found that hgPSC-derived cardiac cells could integrate into cardiac tissue in vivo. Note, while the work presented here was based on testes-derived hgPSCs, data from other laboratories have shown that ovaries contain very similar types of stem cells that can give rise to hgPSCs. As a result, hgPSCs should be considered a viable option for eventual use in patients, male or female, with ischemic heart disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dianna Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
| | - G Ian Gallicano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, USA
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7
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Rao KS, Spees JL. Harnessing Epicardial Progenitor Cells and Their Derivatives for Rescue and Repair of Cardiac Tissue After Myocardial Infarction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:149-158. [PMID: 29057207 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ischemic heart disease and stroke lead to the greatest number of deaths worldwide. Despite decreased time to intervention and improvements in the standard of care, 1 out of 5 patients that survive a myocardial infarction (MI) still face long-term chronic heart failure and a 5-year mortality rate of about 50%. Based on their multi-potency for differentiation and paracrine activity, epicardial cells and their derivatives have potential to rescue jeopardized tissue and/or promote cardiac regeneration. Here we review the diagnosis and treatment of MI, basic epicardial cell biology, and potential treatment strategies designed to harness the reparative properties of epicardial cells. RECENT FINDINGS During cardiac development, epicardial cells covering the surface of the heart generate migratory progenitor cells that contribute to the coronary vasculature and the interstitial fibroblasts. Epicardial cells also produce paracrine signals required for myocardial expansion and cardiac growth. In adults with myocardial infarction, epicardial cells and their derivatives provide paracrine factors that affect myocardial remodeling and repair. At present, the intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic signals that regulate epicardial cell fate and paracrine activity in adults remain poorly understood. SUMMARY Human diseases that result in heart failure due to negative remodeling or extensive loss of viable cardiac tissue require new, effective treatments. Improved understanding of epicardial cell function(s) and epicardial-mediated secretion of growth factors, cytokines and hormones during cardiac growth, homeostasis and injury may lead to new ways to treat patients with myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika S Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
| | - Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
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8
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Optimizing Cardiac Delivery of Modified mRNA. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1306-1315. [PMID: 28389322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified mRNA (modRNA) is a new technology in the field of somatic gene transfer that has been used for the delivery of genes into different tissues, including the heart. Our group and others have shown that modRNAs injected into the heart are robustly translated into the encoded protein and can potentially improve outcome in heart injury models. However, the optimal compositions of the modRNA and the reagents necessary to achieve optimal expression in the heart have not been characterized yet. In this study, our aim was to elucidate those parameters by testing different nucleotide modifications, modRNA doses, and transfection reagents both in vitro and in vivo in cardiac cells and tissue. Our results indicate that optimal cardiac delivery of modRNA is with N1-Methylpseudouridine-5'-Triphosphate nucleotide modification and achieved using 0.013 μg modRNA/mm2/500 cardiomyocytes (CMs) transfected with positively charged transfection reagent in vitro and 100 μg/mouse heart (1.6 μg modRNA/μL in 60 μL total) sucrose-citrate buffer in vivo. We have optimized the conditions for cardiac delivery of modRNA in vitro and in vivo. Using the described methods and conditions may allow for successful gene delivery using modRNA in various models of cardiovascular disease.
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Sergeeva OV, Koteliansky VE, Zatsepin TS. mRNA-Based Therapeutics - Advances and Perspectives. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:709-22. [PMID: 27449617 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916070075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this review we discuss features of mRNA synthesis and modifications used to minimize immune response and prolong efficiency of the translation process in vivo. Considerable attention is given to the use of liposomes and nanoparticles containing lipids and polymers for the mRNA delivery. Finally we briefly discuss mRNAs which are currently in the clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy, vaccination against infectious diseases, and replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Sergeeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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10
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Lu S, Li J, Lui KO. Individual Variation in Conditional β Cell Ablation Mice Contributes Significant Biases in Evaluating β Cell Functional Recovery. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:242. [PMID: 28959236 PMCID: PMC5604075 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the βDTA (Ins2-rtTA; Tet-DTA) mice have been developed as a valuable tool to study β cell regeneration, their individual variation in therapeutic efficacy has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrated that the βDTA mice exhibited significant variations in both spontaneous and acquired β cell regeneration. We found that doxycycline (DOX)-induced β cell death was sufficient to cause polydipsia, translating even subtle difference in drinking habit into large variations in actual DOX intake among individuals within the same group. Accumulating evidence shows that transient expression of VEGFA enhances β cell functional recovery after injury. Therefore, we utilized the chemically modified mRNA (modRNA) technology to enable transient yet efficient VEGFA expression in the pancreas after DOX-induced β cell death. Surprisingly, under optimized DOX dose permissive of β cell regeneration, VEGFA modRNA only demonstrated marginal benefits on β cell functional recovery with large individual variations. We also revealed that the therapeutic efficacy of VEGFA modRNA on β cell regeneration was dependent on the degree of β cell loss induced by the accumulated DOX intake. Therefore, our results highlight a significant contribution of individual variation in the βDTA model and call for attention in evaluating potential efficacy of therapeutic agents in β cell regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Lu
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiatao Li
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathy O. Lui
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- *Correspondence: Kathy O. Lui,
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Abstract
During the last decade, there has been a significant progress toward clinical translation in the field of cardiac gene therapy based on extensive preclinical data. However, despite encouraging positive results in early phase clinical trials, more recent larger trials reported only neutral results. Nevertheless, the field has gained important knowledge from these trials and is leading to the development of more cardiotropic vectors and improved delivery systems. It has become more evident that humans are more resistant to therapeutic transgene expression compared to experimental animals and thus refinement in gene delivery tools and methods are essential for future success. We provide an overview of the current status of cardiac gene therapy focusing on gene delivery tools and methods. Newer technologies, devices, and approaches will undoubtedly lead to more promising clinical results in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotake Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | - Roger J Hajjar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
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Abstract
Cardiac gene therapy shows tremendous promise in combating the growing problem of heart disease. Modified mRNA (modRNA) is a novel gene delivery system used in vitro or in vivo to achieve transient expression of therapeutic proteins in a heterogeneous population of cells. Incorporation of specific modified nucleosides enables modRNA to be translated efficiently without triggering antiviral and innate immune responses. ModRNA has been shown to be effective at delivering short-term robust gene expression to the heart and its use in the field of cardiac gene therapy is expanding. Here, we describe a stepwise protocol for the synthesis of modRNA for in vivo myocardial delivery.
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13
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Xiang MSW, Kikuchi K. Endogenous Mechanisms of Cardiac Regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 326:67-131. [PMID: 27572127 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish possess a remarkable capacity for cardiac regeneration throughout their lifetime, providing a model for investigating endogenous cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating myocardial regeneration. By contrast, adult mammals have an extremely limited capacity for cardiac regeneration, contributing to mortality and morbidity from cardiac diseases such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the viewpoint of the mammalian heart as a postmitotic organ was recently revised based on findings that the mammalian heart contains multiple undifferentiated cell types with cardiogenic potential as well as a robust regenerative capacity during a short period early in life. Although it occurs at an extremely low level, continuous cardiomyocyte turnover has been detected in adult mouse and human hearts, which could potentially be enhanced to restore lost myocardium in damaged human hearts. This review summarizes and discusses recent advances in the understanding of endogenous mechanisms of cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S W Xiang
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst NSW, Australia
| | - K Kikuchi
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW, Australia.
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Vascular Development and Regeneration in the Mammalian Heart. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2016; 3:jcdd3020023. [PMID: 29367569 PMCID: PMC5715682 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd3020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease are the leading cause of death worldwide. Unraveling the developmental origin of coronary vessels could offer important therapeutic implications for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The recent identification of the endocardial source of coronary vessels reveals a heterogeneous origin of coronary arteries in the adult heart. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in finding the sources of coronary vessels in the mammalian heart from lineage-tracing models as well as differentiation studies using pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, we will also discuss how we induce neovascularization in the damaged heart through transient yet highly efficient expression of VEGF-modified mRNAs as a potentially therapeutic delivery platform.
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15
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Chu H, Kohane DS, Langer R. RNA therapeutics - The potential treatment for myocardial infarction. Regen Ther 2016; 4:83-91. [PMID: 31245491 PMCID: PMC6581817 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics mainly control gene expression at the transcript level. In contrast to conventional gene therapy which solely increases production of a protein, delivered RNAs can enhance, reduce or abolish synthesis of a particular protein, which control its relevant activities in a more diverse fashion. Thus, they hold promise to treat many human diseases including myocardial infarction (MI). MI is a serious health burden that causes substantial morbidity and mortality. An unmet clinical need for treating MI is the recovery of cardiac function, which requires regeneration of the functional tissues including the vasculature, nerves, and myocardium. Several classes of RNA therapeutics have been investigated in preclinical MI models, and the results have demonstrated their benefits and encourage their future development. In this review, we summarize the common RNA therapeutic approaches and highlight their application in MI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunghao Chu
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Daniel S. Kohane
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
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Lu S, Chow CC, Zhou J, Leung PS, Tsui SK, Lui KO. Genetic Modification of Human Pancreatic Progenitor Cells Through Modified mRNA. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1428:307-17. [PMID: 27236809 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3625-0_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we describe a highly efficient genetic modification strategy for human pancreatic progenitor cells using modified mRNA-encoding GFP and Neurogenin-3. The properties of modified mRNA offer an invaluable platform to drive protein expression, which has broad applicability in pathway regulation, directed differentiation, and lineage specification. This approach can also be used to regulate expression of other pivotal transcription factors during pancreas development and might have potential therapeutic values in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Lu
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Christie C Chow
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Junwei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Po Sing Leung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Stephen K Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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17
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Chen WCW, Lee BG, Park DW, Kim K, Chu H, Kim K, Huard J, Wang Y. Controlled dual delivery of fibroblast growth factor-2 and Interleukin-10 by heparin-based coacervate synergistically enhances ischemic heart repair. Biomaterials 2015; 72:138-51. [PMID: 26370927 PMCID: PMC4617784 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) causes myocardial necrosis, triggers chronic inflammatory responses, and leads to pathological remodeling. Controlled delivery of a combination of angiogenic and immunoregulatory proteins may be a promising therapeutic approach for MI. We investigated the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of an injectable, heparin-based coacervate co-delivering an angiogenic factor, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), and an anti-inflammatory cytokine, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. Coacervate delivery of FGF2 and IL-10 preserved their bioactivities on cardiac stromal cell proliferation in vitro. Upon intramyocardial injection into a mouse MI model, echocardiography revealed that FGF2/IL-10 coacervate treated groups showed significantly improved long-term LV contractile function and ameliorated LV dilatation. FGF2/IL-10 coacervate substantially augmented LV myocardial elasticity. Additionally, FGF2/IL-10 coacervate notably enhanced long-term revascularization, especially at the infarct area. In addition, coacervate loaded with 500 ng FGF2 and 500 ng IL-10 significantly reduced LV fibrosis, considerably preserved infarct wall thickness, and markedly inhibited chronic inflammation at the infarct area. These results indicate that FGF2/IL-10 coacervate has notably greater therapeutic potential than coacervate containing only FGF2. Overall, our data suggest therapeutically synergistic effects of FGF-2/IL-10 coacervate, particularly coacervate with FGF2 and 500 ng IL-10, for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C W Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Brandon G Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Dae Woo Park
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, 15260, USA; Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Division of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hunghao Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Kang Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, 15260, USA; Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Johnny Huard
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA; Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schade
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse
6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alleyn T. Plowright
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Innovative
Medicines, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 43183, Sweden
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19
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Ravichandran R, Venugopal JR, Mukherjee S, Sundarrajan S, Ramakrishna S. Elastomeric core/shell nanofibrous cardiac patch as a biomimetic support for infarcted porcine myocardium. Tissue Eng Part A 2015; 21:1288-98. [PMID: 25559869 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2014.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure due to Myocardial Infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of death worldwide due to the inability of myocardial tissue to regenerate following infarction. Current therapies could only retard the progression of disease, but fails to bring functional improvement and cardiac regeneration. The present study analyzes the potentials of Poly(glycerol sebacate)/Fibrinogen (PGS/Fib) core/shell fibers as a structural support and initial entrapment of cells in an in vivo porcine model using echocardiography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. The echocardiography results showed the increased ejection fraction (EF) in PGS/Fib/VEGF/Cells compared with MI controls. The percentage increase in the End Diastolic Volume (EDV) dimension from post MI period to 4 weeks follow-up was the least in PGS/Fib/VEGF/Cells groups compared with MI and cell control group proving that the PGS/Fib/VEGF/Cells group restored the left ventricle (LV) function after MI, evident from the improvement in EF and prevention of LV enlargement. Further, immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that most of the transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within the PGS/Fib/VEGF scaffolds expressed cardiac marker proteins troponin and actinin and endothelial cell marker protein CD31 indicating differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs into cardiac cells and endothelial cells. The developed nanofibrous cardiac patch PGS/Fib/VEGF/Cells provides both functional and structural integrity to the infarcted myocardium and also serves as a suitable matrix for the entrapment of MSCs in clinical applications for cardiac tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Ravichandran
- 1 Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Abstract
The latest discoveries and advanced knowledge in the fields of stem cell biology and developmental cardiology hold great promise for cardiac regenerative medicine, enabling researchers to design novel therapeutic tools and approaches to regenerate cardiac muscle for diseased hearts. However, progress in this arena has been hampered by a lack of reproducible and convincing evidence, which at best has yielded modest outcomes and is still far from clinical practice. To address current controversies and move cardiac regenerative therapeutics forward, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the key cellular and molecular programs involved in human cardiogenesis and cardiac regeneration. In this review, we consider the fundamental principles that govern the "programming" and "reprogramming" of a human heart cell and discuss updated therapeutic strategies to regenerate a damaged heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Sahara
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Medicine-Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Federica Santoro
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenneth R Chien
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Medicine-Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Abstract
During development, cardiogenesis is orchestrated by a family of heart progenitors that build distinct regions of the heart. Each region contains diverse cell types that assemble to form the complex structures of the individual cardiac compartments. Cardiomyocytes are the main cell type found in the heart and ensure contraction of the chambers and efficient blood flow throughout the body. Injury to the cardiac muscle often leads to heart failure due to the loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes and its limited intrinsic capacity to regenerate the damaged tissue, making it one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this Primer we discuss how insights into the molecular and cellular framework underlying cardiac development can be used to guide the in vitro specification of cardiomyocytes, whether by directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells or via direct lineage conversion. Additional strategies to generate cardiomyocytes in situ, such as reactivation of endogenous cardiac progenitors and induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Später
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Department of Bioscience, CVMD iMED, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal 43150, Sweden
| | - Emil M Hansson
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 35 Berzelius Vag, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Lior Zangi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA Cardiovascular Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kenneth R Chien
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 35 Berzelius Vag, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
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