1
|
Zhong C, He S, Huang Y, Yan J, Wang J, Liu W, Fang J, Ren F. Scaffold-based non-viral CRISPR delivery platform for efficient and prolonged gene activation to accelerate tissue regeneration. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:283-297. [PMID: 37913843 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.029] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat activation (CRISPRa) technology has emerged as a precise genome editing tool for activating endogenous transgene expression. While it holds promise for precise cell modification, its translation into tissue engineering has been hampered by biosafety concerns and suboptimal delivery methods. To address these challenges, we have developed a CRISPRa non-viral gene delivery platform by immobilizing non-viral CRISPRa complexes into a biocompatible hydrogel/nanofiber (Gel/NF) composite scaffold. The Gel/NF scaffold facilitates the controlled and sustained release of CRISPRa complexes and also promotes cell recruitment to the scaffold for efficient and localized transfection. As a proof of concept, we employed this CRISPRa delivery platform to activate the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in a rat model with full-thickness skin defects. Our results demonstrate sustained upregulation of VEGF expression even at 21 days post-implantation, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis and improved skin regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of the Gel/NF scaffold-based CRISPRa delivery platform as an efficient and durable strategy for gene activation, offering promising prospects for tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Translation of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat activation (CRISPRa) therapy to tissue engineering is limited by biosafety concerns and unsatisfactory delivery strategy. To solve this issue, we have developed a CRISPRa non-viral gene delivery platform by immobilizing non-viral CRISPRa complexes into a biocompatible hydrogel/nanofiber (Gel/NF) composite scaffold. This scaffold enables controlled and sustained release of CRISPRa and can induce cell recruitment for localized transfection. As a proof of concept, we activated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat model with full-thickness skin defects, leading to sustained upregulation of VEGF expression, enhanced angiogenesis and improved skin regeneration in vivo. These findings demonstrate the potential of this platform for gene activation, thereby offering promising prospects for tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxin Zhong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shan He
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jianfeng Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Junqin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ju Fang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Fuzeng Ren
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Punetha M, Saini S, Chaudhary S, Yadav PS, Whitworth K, Green J, Kumar D, Kues WA. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Era of Precise Genome Editing. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:307-315. [PMID: 36880183 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230307115326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing has enhanced our ability to understand the role of genetics in a number of diseases by facilitating the development of more precise cellular and animal models to study pathophysiological processes. These advances have shown extraordinary promise in a multitude of areas, from basic research to applied bioengineering and biomedical research. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are known for their high replicative capacity and are excellent targets for genetic manipulation as they can be clonally expanded from a single cell without compromising their pluripotency. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR/Cas RNA-guided nucleases have rapidly become the method of choice for gene editing due to their high specificity, simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Coupling the cellular versatility of iPSCs differentiation with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology can be an effective experimental technique for providing new insights into the therapeutic use of this technology. However, before using these techniques for gene therapy, their therapeutic safety and efficacy following models need to be assessed. In this review, we cover the remarkable progress that has been made in the use of genome editing tools in iPSCs, their applications in disease research and gene therapy as well as the hurdles that remain in the actual implementation of CRISPR/Cas systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meeti Punetha
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Prem Singh Yadav
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Physiology and Reproduction Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Höltystr 10, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hirano M, Yamada Y. Reprogramming of pancreatic islet cells for regeneration and rejuvenation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102099. [PMID: 37611379 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The pancreatic β cell, which produces insulin, is a terminally differentiated cell type that divides rarely. Consequently, the regenerative ability of β cells is limited and irreversible diabetes occurs after severe loss of β-cell function. In view of such poor regenerative capacity, considerable research efforts have been made to promote the expansion of functional insulin-producing cells as a regenerative therapy for diabetes. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding the robust expansion of functional mature islet cells both in vivo and ex vivo through MYCL-mediated reprogramming. We also describe the potential prospects for the application of reprogramming technologies to regenerative therapy and rejuvenation of islet cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michitada Hirano
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng M, Zhao Q, Wang M, Du X. Reconfigurable scaffolds for adaptive tissue regeneration. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:6105-6120. [PMID: 36919563 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have offered promising alternatives for clinical treatment of body tissue traumas, losses, dysfunctions, or diseases, where scaffold-based strategies are particularly popular and effective. Over the decades, scaffolds for tissue regeneration have been remarkably evolving. Nevertheless, conventional scaffolds still confront grand challenges in bio-adaptions in terms of both tissue-scaffold and cell-scaffold interplays, for example complying with complicated three-dimensional (3D) shapes of biological tissues and recapitulating the ordered cell regulation effects of native cell microenvironments. Benefiting from the recent advances in "intelligent" biomaterials, reconfigurable scaffolds have been emerging, demonstrating great promise in addressing the bio-adaption challenges through altering their macro-shapes and/or micro-structures. This mini-review article presents a brief overview of the cutting-edge research on reconfigurable scaffolds, summarizing the materials for forming reconfigurable scaffolds and highlighting their applications for adaptive tissue regeneration. Finally, the challenges and prospects of reconfigurable scaffolds are also discussed, shedding light on the bright future of next-generation reconfigurable scaffolds with upgrading adaptability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Peng
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Qilong Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Xuemin Du
- Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Soltani Dehnavi S, Eivazi Zadeh Z, Harvey AR, Voelcker NH, Parish CL, Williams RJ, Elnathan R, Nisbet DR. Changing Fate: Reprogramming Cells via Engineered Nanoscale Delivery Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108757. [PMID: 35396884 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine is at the nexus of fundamental innovations and early-stage breakthroughs, enabling exciting biomedical advances. One of the most exciting recent developments is the use of nanoscale constructs to influence the fate of cells, which are the basic building blocks of healthy function. Appropriate cell types can be effectively manipulated by direct cell reprogramming; a robust technique to manipulate cellular function and fate, underpinning burgeoning advances in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and disease remodeling. Individual transcription factors, or combinations thereof, can be introduced into cells using both viral and nonviral delivery systems. Existing approaches have inherent limitations. Viral-based tools include issues of viral integration into the genome of the cells, the propensity for uncontrollable silencing, reduced copy potential and cell specificity, and neutralization via the immune response. Current nonviral cell reprogramming tools generally suffer from inferior expression efficiency. Nanomaterials are increasingly being explored to address these challenges and improve the efficacy of both viral and nonviral delivery because of their unique properties such as small size and high surface area. This review presents the state-of-the-art research in cell reprogramming, focused on recent breakthroughs in the deployment of nanomaterials as cell reprogramming delivery tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Soltani Dehnavi
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU College of Health & Medicine, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Zahra Eivazi Zadeh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15875-4413, Iran
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- iMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Roey Elnathan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- iMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU College of Health & Medicine, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mollinari C, Merlo D. Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to Neurons: Pros and Cons of Chemical Approach. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1330-1336. [PMID: 33666839 PMCID: PMC8084785 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translating successful preclinical research in neurodegenerative diseases into clinical practice has been difficult. The preclinical disease models used for testing new drugs not always appear predictive of the effects of the agents in the human disease state. Human induced pluripotent stem cells, obtained by reprogramming of adult somatic cells, represent a powerful system to study the molecular mechanisms of the disease onset and pathogenesis. However, these cells require a long time to differentiate into functional neural cells and the resetting of epigenetic information during reprogramming, might miss the information imparted by age. On the contrary, the direct conversion of somatic cells to neuronal cells is much faster and more efficient, it is safer for cell therapy and allows to preserve the signatures of donors’ age. Direct reprogramming can be induced by lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical cocktails and represents a powerful tool for modeling neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine. In this Commentary we present and discuss strength and weakness of several strategies for the direct cellular reprogramming from somatic cells to generate human brain cells which maintain age‐related features. In particular, we describe and discuss chemical strategy for cellular reprogramming as it represents a valuable tool for many applications such as aged brain modeling, drug screening and personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mollinari
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Merlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kantor A, McClements ME, Peddle CF, Fry LE, Salman A, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K, MacLaren RE. CRISPR genome engineering for retinal diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:29-79. [PMID: 34175046 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel gene therapy treatments for inherited retinal diseases have been at the forefront of translational medicine over the past couple of decades. Since the discovery of CRISPR mechanisms and their potential application for the treatment of inherited human conditions, it seemed inevitable that advances would soon be made using retinal models of disease. The development of CRISPR technology for gene therapy and its increasing potential to selectively target disease-causing nucleotide changes has been rapid. In this chapter, we discuss the currently available CRISPR toolkit and how it has been and can be applied in the future for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases. These blinding conditions have until now had limited opportunity for successful therapeutic intervention, but the discovery of CRISPR has created new hope of achieving such, as we discuss within this chapter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Kantor
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline F Peddle
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis E Fry
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jin Y, Sun X, Pei F, Zhao Z, Mao J. Wnt16 signaling promotes osteoblast differentiation of periosteal derived cells in vitro and in vivo. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10374. [PMID: 33282557 PMCID: PMC7694570 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Periosteum plays critical roles in de novo bone formation and fracture repair. Wnt16 has been regarded as a key regulator in periosteum bone formation. However, the role of Wnt16 in periosteum derived cells (PDCs) osteogenic differentiation remains unclear. The study goal is to uncover whether and how Wnt16 acts on the osteogenesis of PDCs. Methods We detected the variation of Wnt16 mRNA expression in PDCs, which were isolated from mouse femur and identified by flow cytometry, cultured in osteogenic medium for 14 days, then knocked down and over-expressed Wnt16 in PDCs to analysis its effects in osteogenesis. Further, we seeded PDCs (Wnt16 over-expressed/vector) in β-tricalcium phosphate cubes, and transplanted this complex into a critical size calvarial defect. Lastly, we used immunofluorescence, Topflash and NFAT luciferase reporter assay to study the possible downstream signaling pathway of Wnt16. Results Wnt16 mRNA expression showed an increasing trend in PDCs under osteogenic induction for 14 days. Wnt16 shRNA reduced mRNA expression of Runx2, collage type I (Col-1) and osteocalcin (OCN) after 7 days of osteogenic induction, as well as alizarin red staining intensity after 21days. Wnt16 also increased the mRNA expression of Runx2 and OCN and the protein production of Runx2 and Col-1 after 2 days of osteogenic stimulation. In the orthotopic transplantation assay, more bone volume, trabecula number and less trabecula space were found in Wnt16 over-expressed group. Besides, in the newly formed tissue Brdu positive area was smaller and Col-1 was larger in Wnt16 over-expressed group compared to the control group. Finally, Wnt16 upregulated CTNNB1/β-catenin expression and its nuclear translocation in PDCs, also increased Topflash reporter luciferase activity. By contrast, Wnt16 failed to increase NFAT reporter luciferase activity. Conclusion Together, Wnt16 plays a positive role in regulating PDCs osteogenesis, and Wnt16 may have a potential use in improving bone regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Stomatological Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Pei
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jeremy Mao
- Columbia University, Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, New York, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Adonias GL, Siljak H, Barros MT, Marchetti N, White M, Balasubramaniam S. Reconfigurable Filtering of Neuro-Spike Communications Using Synthetically Engineered Logic Circuits. Front Comput Neurosci 2020; 14:556628. [PMID: 33178001 PMCID: PMC7593240 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2020.556628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High-frequency firing activity can be induced either naturally in a healthy brain as a result of the processing of sensory stimuli or as an uncontrolled synchronous activity characterizing epileptic seizures. As part of this work, we investigate how logic circuits that are engineered in neurons can be used to design spike filters, attenuating high-frequency activity in a neuronal network that can be used to minimize the effects of neurodegenerative disorders such as epilepsy. We propose a reconfigurable filter design built from small neuronal networks that behave as digital logic circuits. We developed a mathematical framework to obtain a transfer function derived from a linearization process of the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Our results suggest that individual gates working as the output of the logic circuits can be used as a reconfigurable filtering technique. Also, as part of the analysis, the analytical model showed similar levels of attenuation in the frequency domain when compared to computational simulations by fine-tuning the synaptic weight. The proposed approach can potentially lead to precise and tunable treatments for neurological conditions that are inspired by communication theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoflly L Adonias
- Telecommunications Software & Systems Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Harun Siljak
- CONNECT Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Taynnan Barros
- CBIG at Biomeditech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark White
- Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
He L, Chen X. Cardiomyocyte Induction and Regeneration for Myocardial Infarction Treatment: Cell Sources and Administration Strategies. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2001175. [PMID: 33000909 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occlusion of coronary artery and subsequent damage or death of myocardium can lead to myocardial infarction (MI) and even heart failure-one of the leading causes of deaths world wide. Notably, myocardium has extremely limited regeneration potential due to the loss or death of cardiomyocytes (i.e., the cells of which the myocardium is comprised) upon MI. A variety of stem cells and stem cell-derived cardiovascular cells, in situ cardiac fibroblasts and endogenous proliferative epicardium, have been exploited to provide renewable cellular sources to treat injured myocardium. Also, different strategies, including direct injection of cell suspensions, bioactive molecules, or cell-incorporated biomaterials, and implantation of artificial cardiac scaffolds (e.g., cell sheets and cardiac patches), have been developed to deliver renewable cells and/or bioactive molecules to the MI site for the myocardium regeneration. This article briefly surveys cell sources and delivery strategies, along with biomaterials and their processing techniques, developed for MI treatment. Key issues and challenges, as well as recommendations for future research, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihong He
- Department of Cell Biology Medical College of Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Xiongbiao Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Division of Biomedical Engineering University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon S7N5A9 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sweat gland regeneration: Current strategies and future opportunities. Biomaterials 2020; 255:120201. [PMID: 32592872 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For patients with extensive skin defects, loss of sweat glands (SwGs) greatly decreases their quality of life. Indeed, difficulties in thermoregulation, ion reabsorption, and maintaining fluid balance might render them susceptible to hyperthermia, heatstroke, or even death. Despite extensive studies on the stem cell biology of the skin in recent years, in-situ regeneration of SwGs with both structural and functional fidelity is still challenging because of the limited regenerative capacity and cell fate control of resident progenitors. To overcome these challenges, one must consider both the intrinsic factors relevant to genetic and epigenetic regulation and cues from the cellular microenvironment. Here, we describe recent progress in molecular biology, developmental pathways, and cellular evolution associated with SwGdevelopment and maturation. This is followed by a summary of the current strategies used for cell-fate modulation, transmembrane drug delivery, and scaffold design associated with SwGregeneration. Finally, we offer perspectives for creating more sophisticated systems to accelerate patients' innate healing capacity and developing engineered skin constructs to treat or replace damaged tissues structurally and functionally.
Collapse
|
12
|
Peeler DJ, Luera N, Horner PJ, Pun SH, Sellers DL. Polyplex transfection from intracerebroventricular delivery is not significantly affected by traumatic brain injury. J Control Release 2020; 322:149-156. [PMID: 32198024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.03.025] [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: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is largely non-preventable and often kills or permanently disables its victims. Because current treatments for TBI merely ameliorate secondary effects of the initial injury like swelling and hemorrhaging, strategies for the induction of neuronal regeneration are desperately needed. Recent discoveries regarding the TBI-responsive migratory behavior and differentiation potential of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) found in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have prompted strategies targeting gene therapies to these cells to enhance neurogenesis after TBI. We have previously shown that plasmid polyplexes can non-virally transfect SVZ NPCs when directly injected in the lateral ventricles of uninjured mice. We describe the first reported intracerebroventricular transfections mediated by polymeric gene carriers in a murine TBI model and investigate the anatomical parameters that dictate transfection through this route of administration. Using both luciferase and GFP plasmid transfections, we show that the time delay between injury and polyplex injection directly impacts the magnitude of transfection efficiency, but that overall trends in the location of transfection are not affected by injury. Confocal microscopy of quantum dot-labeled plasmid uptake in vivo reveals association between our polymers and negatively charged NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of the SVZ extracellular matrix. We further validate that glycosaminoglycans but not sulfate groups are required for polyplex uptake and transfection in vitro. These studies demonstrate that non-viral gene delivery is impacted by proteoglycan interactions and suggest the need for improved polyplex targeting materials that penetrate brain extracellular matrix to increase transfection efficiency in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Peeler
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Nicholas Luera
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration and Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
L Adonias G, Yastrebova A, Barros MT, Koucheryavy Y, Cleary F, Balasubramaniam S. Utilizing Neurons for Digital Logic Circuits: A Molecular Communications Analysis. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2020; 19:224-236. [PMID: 32092011 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2020.2975942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
With the advancement of synthetic biology, several new tools have been conceptualized over the years as alternative treatments for current medical procedures. As part of this work, we investigate how synthetically engineered neurons can operate as digital logic gates that can be used towards bio-computing inside the brain and its impact on epileptic seizure-like behaviour. We quantify the accuracy of logic gates under high firing rates amid a network of neurons and by how much it can smooth out uncontrolled neuronal firings. To test the efficacy of our method, simulations composed of computational models of neurons connected in a structure that represents a logic gate are performed. Our simulations demonstrate the accuracy of performing the correct logic operation, and how specific properties such as the firing rate can play an important role in the accuracy. As part of the analysis, the mean squared error is used to quantify the quality of our proposed model and predict the accurate operation of a gate based on different sampling frequencies. As an application, the logic gates were used to smooth out epileptic seizure-like activity in a biological neuronal network, where the results demonstrated the effectiveness of reducing its mean firing rate. Our proposed system has the potential to be used in future approaches to treating neurological conditions in the brain.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fang J, Hsueh YY, Soto J, Sun W, Wang J, Gu Z, Khademhosseini A, Li S. Engineering Biomaterials with Micro/Nanotechnologies for Cell Reprogramming. ACS NANO 2020; 14:1296-1318. [PMID: 32011856 PMCID: PMC10067273 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b04837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming is a revolutionized biotechnology that offers a powerful tool to engineer cell fate and function for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug discovery, and beyond. Leveraging advances in biomaterials and micro/nanotechnologies can enhance the reprogramming performance in vitro and in vivo through the development of delivery strategies and the control of biophysical and biochemical cues. In this review, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies for cell reprogramming and highlight the recent breakthroughs in engineering biomaterials with micro/nanotechnologies to improve reprogramming efficiency and quality. Finally, we discuss future directions and challenges for reprogramming technologies and clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fang
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Department of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Yuan-Yu Hsueh
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine , National Cheng Kung University Hospital , Tainan 70456 , Taiwan
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Department of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Wujin Sun
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), California NanoSystems Institute , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Jinqiang Wang
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), California NanoSystems Institute , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), California NanoSystems Institute , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angles , California 90095 , United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), California NanoSystems Institute , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angles , California 90095 , United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Department of Radiology , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Department of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), California NanoSystems Institute , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angles , California 90095 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Targeting cell plasticity for regeneration: From in vitro to in vivo reprogramming. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:124-144. [PMID: 32822682 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed to pluripotency from somatic cells, has transformed the landscape of regenerative medicine, disease modelling and drug discovery pipelines. Since the first generation of iPSCs in 2006, there has been enormous effort to develop new methods that increase reprogramming efficiency, and obviate the need for viral vectors. In parallel to this, the promise of in vivo reprogramming to convert cells into a desired cell type to repair damage in the body, constitutes a new paradigm in approaches for tissue regeneration. This review article explores the current state of reprogramming techniques for iPSC generation with a specific focus on alternative methods that use biophysical and biochemical stimuli to reduce or eliminate exogenous factors, thereby overcoming the epigenetic barrier towards vector-free approaches with improved clinical viability. We then focus on application of iPSC for therapeutic approaches, by giving an overview of ongoing clinical trials using iPSCs for a variety of health conditions and discuss future scope for using materials and reagents to reprogram cells in the body.
Collapse
|
16
|
陈 果, 程 度, 陈 滨. [Development of CRISPR technology and its application in bone and cartilage tissue engineering]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:1515-1520. [PMID: 31907146 PMCID: PMC6942994 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.12.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system, consisting of Cas9 nuclease and single guide RNA (sgRNA), is an emerging gene editing technology that can perform gene reprogramming operations such as deletion, insertion, and point mutation on DNA sequences targeted by sgRNA. In addition, CRISPR/dCas9 (a mutant that loses Cas9 nuclease activity) still retains the ability of sgRNA to target DNA. The fusion of dCas9 protein with transcriptional activator (CRISPRa) can activate the expression of the target gene, and fusion transcriptional repressors (CRISPRi) can also be used to suppress target gene expression. Efficient delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system is one of the main problems limiting its wide clinical application. Viral vectors are widely used to efficiently deliver CRISPR/Cas9 elements, but non-viral vector research is more attractive in terms of safety, simplicity, and flexibility. In this review, we summarize the principles and research advances of CRISPR technology, including CRISPR/ Cas9 delivery vectors, delivery methods, and obstacles to the delivery, and review the progress of CRISPR-based research in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. Finally, the challenges and future applications of CRISPR technology in bone and cartilage tissue engineering are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 果 陈
- 南方医科大学南方医院创伤骨科,广东 广州 510515Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 度 程
- 中山大学材料科学与工程学院,广东 广州 510275School of Material Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - 滨 陈
- 南方医科大学南方医院创伤骨科,广东 广州 510515Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hsu MN, Huang KL, Yu FJ, Lai PL, Truong AV, Lin MW, Nguyen NTK, Shen CC, Hwang SM, Chang YH, Hu YC. Coactivation of Endogenous Wnt10b and Foxc2 by CRISPR Activation Enhances BMSC Osteogenesis and Promotes Calvarial Bone Regeneration. Mol Ther 2019; 28:441-451. [PMID: 31882321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) is a burgeoning technology for programmable gene activation, but its potential for tissue regeneration has yet to be fully explored. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into osteogenic or adipogenic pathways, which are governed by the Wnt (Wingless-related integration site) signaling cascade. To promote BMSC differentiation toward osteogenesis and improve calvarial bone healing by BMSCs, we harnessed a highly efficient hybrid baculovirus vector for gene delivery and exploited a synergistic activation mediator (SAM)-based CRISPRa system to activate Wnt10b (that triggers the canonical Wnt pathway) and forkhead c2 (Foxc2) (that elicits the noncanonical Wnt pathway) in BMSCs. We constructed a Bac-CRISPRa vector to deliver the SAM-based CRISPRa system into rat BMSCs. We showed that Bac-CRISPRa enabled CRISPRa delivery and potently activated endogenous Wnt10b and Foxc2 expression in BMSCs for >14 days. Activation of Wnt10b or Foxc2 alone was sufficient to promote osteogenesis and repress adipogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, the robust and prolonged coactivation of both Wnt10b and Foxc2 additively enhanced osteogenic differentiation while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The CRISPRa-engineered BMSCs with activated Wnt10b and Foxc2 remarkably improved the calvarial bone healing after implantation into the critical-sized calvarial defects in rats. These data implicate the potentials of CRISPRa technology for bone tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Nung Hsu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lun Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan; Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
| | - Anh Vu Truong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Wei Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Che Shen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shiaw-Min Hwang
- Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Chang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chen Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
CRISPR technologies for stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107447. [PMID: 31513841 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 system exploits the concerted action of Cas9 nuclease and programmable single guide RNA (sgRNA), and has been widely used for genome editing. The Cas9 nuclease activity can be abolished by mutation to yield the catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9). Coupling with the customizable sgRNA for targeting, dCas9 can be fused with transcription repressors to inhibit specific gene expression (CRISPR interference, CRISPRi) or fused with transcription activators to activate the expression of gene of interest (CRISPR activation, CRISPRa). Here we introduce the principles and recent advances of these CRISPR technologies, their delivery vectors and review their applications in stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine. In particular, we focus on in vitro stem cell fate manipulation and in vivo applications such as prevention of retinal and muscular degeneration, neural regeneration, bone regeneration, cartilage tissue engineering, as well as treatment of diseases in blood, skin and liver. Finally, the challenges to translate CRISPR to regenerative medicine and future perspectives are discussed and proposed.
Collapse
|
19
|
Flitsch LJ, Brüstle O. Evolving principles underlying neural lineage conversion and their relevance for biomedical translation. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31559012 PMCID: PMC6743253 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18926.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific and technological advances of the past decade have shed light on the mechanisms underlying cell fate acquisition, including its transcriptional and epigenetic regulation during embryonic development. This knowledge has enabled us to purposefully engineer cell fates
in vitro by manipulating expression levels of lineage-instructing transcription factors. Here, we review the state of the art in the cell programming field with a focus on the derivation of neural cells. We reflect on what we know about the mechanisms underlying fate changes in general and on the degree of epigenetic remodeling conveyed by the distinct reprogramming and direct conversion strategies available. Moreover, we discuss the implications of residual epigenetic memory for biomedical applications such as disease modeling and neuroregeneration. Finally, we cover recent developments approaching cell fate conversion in the living brain and define questions which need to be addressed before cell programming can become an integral part of translational medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Jessica Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine Wesphalia, 53127, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, North Rhine Wesphalia, 53127, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|