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Danescu S, Negrutiu M, Has C. Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa and Future Directions: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024:10.1007/s13555-024-01227-8. [PMID: 39090514 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01227-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises rare genetic disorders characterized by skin and mucosal membrane blistering induced by mechanical trauma. Molecularly, pathogenic variants affect genes encoding proteins crucial for epidermal-dermal adhesion and stability. Management of severe EB is multidisciplinary, focusing on wound healing support, ensuring that patients thrive, and complication treatment. Despite extensive research over 30 years, novel therapeutic approaches face challenges. Gene therapy and protein therapy struggle with efficacy, while regenerative cell-based therapies show limited effects. Drug repurposing to target various pathogenic mechanisms has gained attention, as has in vivo gene therapy with drugs for dystrophic and junctional EB that were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, their high cost limits global accessibility. This review examines therapeutic advancements made over the past 5 years, exploiting a systematic literature review and clinical trial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorina Danescu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mircea Negrutiu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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2
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Neumayer G, Torkelson JL, Li S, McCarthy K, Zhen HH, Vangipuram M, Mader MM, Gebeyehu G, Jaouni TM, Jacków-Malinowska J, Rami A, Hansen C, Guo Z, Gaddam S, Tate KM, Pappalardo A, Li L, Chow GM, Roy KR, Nguyen TM, Tanabe K, McGrath PS, Cramer A, Bruckner A, Bilousova G, Roop D, Tang JY, Christiano A, Steinmetz LM, Wernig M, Oro AE. A scalable and cGMP-compatible autologous organotypic cell therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5834. [PMID: 38992003 PMCID: PMC11239819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We present Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Cell Therapy (DEBCT), a scalable platform producing autologous organotypic iPS cell-derived induced skin composite (iSC) grafts for definitive treatment. Clinical-grade manufacturing integrates CRISPR-mediated genetic correction with reprogramming into one step, accelerating derivation of COL7A1-edited iPS cells from patients. Differentiation into epidermal, dermal and melanocyte progenitors is followed by CD49f-enrichment, minimizing maturation heterogeneity. Mouse xenografting of iSCs from four patients with different mutations demonstrates disease modifying activity at 1 month. Next-generation sequencing, biodistribution and tumorigenicity assays establish a favorable safety profile at 1-9 months. Single cell transcriptomics reveals that iSCs are composed of the major skin cell lineages and include prominent holoclone stem cell-like signatures of keratinocytes, and the recently described Gibbin-dependent signature of fibroblasts. The latter correlates with enhanced graftability of iSCs. In conclusion, DEBCT overcomes manufacturing and safety roadblocks and establishes a reproducible, safe, and cGMP-compatible therapeutic approach to heal lesions of DEB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Neumayer
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Torkelson
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shengdi Li
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kelly McCarthy
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hanson H Zhen
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Madhuri Vangipuram
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius M Mader
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gulilat Gebeyehu
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Life Sciences Solutions Group, Cell Biology, Research and Development, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Taysir M Jaouni
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Life Sciences Solutions Group, Cell Biology, Research and Development, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joanna Jacków-Malinowska
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Avina Rami
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corey Hansen
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zongyou Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadhana Gaddam
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Keri M Tate
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lingjie Li
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Grace M Chow
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin R Roy
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thuylinh Michelle Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Patrick S McGrath
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amber Cramer
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna Bruckner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ganna Bilousova
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dennis Roop
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jean Y Tang
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lars M Steinmetz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Anthony E Oro
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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3
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Raoufinia R, Rahimi HR, Keyhanvar N, Moghbeli M, Abdyazdani N, Rostami M, Naghipoor K, Forouzanfar F, Foroudi S, Saburi E. Advances in Treatments for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB): Emphasis on Stem Cell-Based Therapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1200-1212. [PMID: 38430362 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10697-4] [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] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic dermatosis characterized by skin fragility and blister formation. With a wide phenotypic spectrum and potential extracutaneous manifestations, EB poses significant morbidity and mortality risks. Currently classified into four main subtypes based on the level of skin cleavage, EB is caused by genetic mutations affecting proteins crucial for maintaining skin integrity. The management of EB primarily focuses on preventing complications and treating symptoms through wound care, pain management, and other supportive measures. However, recent advancements in the fields of stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy have shown promise as potential treatments for EB. Stem cells capable of differentiating into skin cells, have demonstrated positive outcomes in preclinical and early clinical trials by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation. Gene therapy, on the other hand, aims to correct the underlying genetic defects responsible for EB by introducing functional copies of mutated genes or modifying existing genes to restore protein function. Particularly for severe subtypes like Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB), gene therapy holds significant potential. This review aims to evaluate the role of new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of EB. The review includes findings from studies conducted on humans. While early studies and clinical trials have shown promising results, further research and trials are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of these innovative approaches for EB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Raoufinia
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Rahimi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Neda Keyhanvar
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nima Abdyazdani
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rostami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Karim Naghipoor
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Foroudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ferdowsi, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Saburi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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4
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du Rand A, Hunt J, Samson C, Loef E, Malhi C, Meidinger S, Chen CJ, Nutsford A, Taylor J, Dunbar R, Purvis D, Feisst V, Sheppard H. Highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon skipping for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10640. [PMID: 39036091 PMCID: PMC11256143 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a promising strategy for treating the monogenic fragile skin disorder recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). With this approach problematic wounds could be grafted with gene edited, patient-specific skin equivalents. Precise gene editing using homology-directed repair (HDR) is the ultimate goal, however low efficiencies have hindered progress. Reframing strategies based on highly efficient non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair aimed at excising dispensable, mutation-harboring exons offer a promising alternative approach for restoring the COL7A1 open reading frame. To this end, we employed an exon skipping strategy using dual single guide RNA (sgRNA)/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) targeted at three novel COL7A1 exons (31, 68, and 109) containing pathogenic heterozygous mutations, and achieved exon deletion rates of up to 95%. Deletion of exon 31 in both primary human RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts resulted in the restoration of type VII collagen (C7), leading to increased cellular adhesion in vitro and accurate C7 deposition at the dermal-epidermal junction in a 3D skin model. Taken together, we extend the list of COL7A1 exons amenable to therapeutic deletion. As an incidental finding, we find that long-read Nanopore sequencing detected large on-target structural variants comprised of deletions up to >5 kb at a frequency of ~10%. Although this frequency may be acceptable given the high rates of intended editing outcomes, our data demonstrate that standard short-read sequencing may underestimate the full range of unexpected Cas9-mediated editing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex du Rand
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - John Hunt
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Christopher Samson
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Evert Loef
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Chloe Malhi
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Sarah Meidinger
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | - Ashley Nutsford
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - John Taylor
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Rod Dunbar
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Diana Purvis
- Te Whatu Ora Health New ZealandTe Toka TumaiAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Vaughan Feisst
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Hilary Sheppard
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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5
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Berthault C, Gaucher S, Gouin O, Schmitt A, Chen M, Woodley D, Titeux M, Hovnanian A, Izmiryan A. Highly Efficient Ex Vivo Correction of COL7A1 through Ribonucleoprotein-Based CRISPR/Cas9 and Homology-Directed Repair to Treat Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1322-1333.e13. [PMID: 38043638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.035] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare and severe genetic skin disease responsible for blistering of the skin and mucosa after minor trauma. RDEB is caused by a wide variety of variants in COL7A1 encoding type VII Collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils that form key attachment structures for dermal-epidermal adherence. In this study, we achieved highly efficient COL7A1 editing in primary RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts from 2 patients homozygous for the c.6508C>T (p.Gln2170∗) variant through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair. Three guide RNAs targeting the c.6508C>T variant or harboring sequences were delivered together with high-fidelity Cas9 as a ribonucleoprotein complex. Among them, one achieved 73% cleavage activity in primary RDEB keratinocytes and RDEB fibroblasts. Then, we treated RDEB keratinocytes and RDEB fibroblasts with this specific ribonucleoprotein complex and the corresponding donor template delivered as single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide and achieved up to 58% of genetic correction as well as type VII Collagen rescue. Finally, grafting of corrected 3-dimensional skin onto nude mice induced re-expression and normal localization of type VII Collagen as well as anchoring fibril formation at the dermal-epidermal junction 5 and 10 weeks after grafting. With this promising nonviral approach, we achieved therapeutically relevant specific gene editing that could be applicable to all variants in exon 80 of COL7A1 in primary RDEB cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Berthault
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Gaucher
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Gouin
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Alain Schmitt
- Electronic Microscopy Facility, INSERM UMR 1016, Cochin Institute, Paris, France
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Matthias Titeux
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Department of Genomic Medicine for Rare Diseases, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Araksya Izmiryan
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic skin diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France.
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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Wang X, Wang X, Li Y, A S, Qiu B, Bushmalyova A, He Z, Wang W, Lara-Sáez I. CRISPR-Cas9-based non-viral gene editing therapy for topical treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101134. [PMID: 38027067 PMCID: PMC10630779 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an autosomal monogenic skin disease caused by mutations in COL7A1 gene and lack of functional type VII collagen (C7). Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and most of the gene therapies under development have been designed as ex vivo strategies because of the shortage of efficient and safe carriers for gene delivery. Herein, we designed, synthesized, and screened a new group of highly branched poly(β amino ester)s (HPAEs) as non-viral carriers for the delivery of plasmids encoding dual single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-guided CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to delete COL7A1 exon 80 containing the c.6527dupC mutation. The selected HPAEs (named PTTA-DATOD) showed robust transfection efficiency, comparable with or surpassing that of leading commercial gene transfection reagents such as Lipofectamine 3000, Xfect, and jetPEI, while maintaining negligible cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids delivered by PTTA-DATOD achieved efficient targeted deletion and restored bulk C7 production in RDEB patient keratinocyte polyclones. The non-viral CRISPR-Cas9-based COL7A1 exon deletion approach developed here has great potential to be used as a topical treatment for RDEB patients with mutations in COL7A1 exon 80. Besides, this therapeutic strategy can easily be adapted for mutations in other COL7A1 exons, other epidermolysis bullosa subtypes, and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xi Wang
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Bei Qiu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Albina Bushmalyova
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Cavazza A, Hendel A, Bak RO, Rio P, Güell M, Lainšček D, Arechavala-Gomeza V, Peng L, Hapil FZ, Harvey J, Ortega FG, Gonzalez-Martinez C, Lederer CW, Mikkelsen K, Gasiunas G, Kalter N, Gonçalves MA, Petersen J, Garanto A, Montoliu L, Maresca M, Seemann SE, Gorodkin J, Mazini L, Sanchez R, Rodriguez-Madoz JR, Maldonado-Pérez N, Laura T, Schmueck-Henneresse M, Maccalli C, Grünewald J, Carmona G, Kachamakova-Trojanowska N, Miccio A, Martin F, Turchiano G, Cathomen T, Luo Y, Tsai SQ, Benabdellah K. Progress and harmonization of gene editing to treat human diseases: Proceeding of COST Action CA21113 GenE-HumDi. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102066. [PMID: 38034032 PMCID: PMC10685310 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to funding and coordinating scientific and technological research in Europe, fostering collaboration among researchers and institutions across countries. Recently, COST Action funded the "Genome Editing to treat Human Diseases" (GenE-HumDi) network, uniting various stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, regulatory agencies, biotech firms, and patient advocacy groups. GenE-HumDi's primary objective is to expedite the application of genome editing for therapeutic purposes in treating human diseases. To achieve this goal, GenE-HumDi is organized in several working groups, each focusing on specific aspects. These groups aim to enhance genome editing technologies, assess delivery systems, address safety concerns, promote clinical translation, and develop regulatory guidelines. The network seeks to establish standard procedures and guidelines for these areas to standardize scientific practices and facilitate knowledge sharing. Furthermore, GenE-HumDi aims to communicate its findings to the public in accessible yet rigorous language, emphasizing genome editing's potential to revolutionize the treatment of many human diseases. The inaugural GenE-HumDi meeting, held in Granada, Spain, in March 2023, featured presentations from experts in the field, discussing recent breakthroughs in delivery methods, safety measures, clinical translation, and regulatory aspects related to gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cavazza
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, UK
| | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Rasmus O. Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Paula Rio
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Güell
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Integra Therapeutics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Rare Disorders (NAT-RD), Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ling Peng
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, UMR 7325, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Fatma Zehra Hapil
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Joshua Harvey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francisco G. Ortega
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
- IBS Granada, Institute of Biomedical Research, Avenida de Madrid 15, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Coral Gonzalez-Martinez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
- IBS Granada, Institute of Biomedical Research, Avenida de Madrid 15, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kasper Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Nechama Kalter
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Julie Petersen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Human Genetics, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lluis Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcello Maresca
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan E. Seemann
- Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Loubna Mazini
- Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Technologic, Medical and Academic Park (TMAP), Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Rosario Sanchez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan R. Rodriguez-Madoz
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Torella Laura
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
- Berlin Institute for Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Laboratory of Immune Biological Therapy, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julian Grünewald
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Angiology, Pneumology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, TranslaTUM, MIBE, Munich, Germany
- Center for Organoid Systems, Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Carmona
- Red Andaluza de diseño y traslación de Terapias Avanzadas-RAdytTA, Fundación Pública Andaluza Progreso y Salud-FPS, Sevilla, España
| | | | - Annarita Miccio
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Francisco Martin
- Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Immunology Department, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada and Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Av. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Giandomenico Turchiano
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, UK
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Shengdar Q. Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Av. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - on behalf of the COST Action CA21113
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH London, UK
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Integra Therapeutics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Rare Disorders (NAT-RD), Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, UMR 7325, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13288 Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
- IBS Granada, Institute of Biomedical Research, Avenida de Madrid 15, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- CasZyme, 10224 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Human Genetics, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Technologic, Medical and Academic Park (TMAP), Marrakech, Morocco
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Berlin Institute for Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Immune Biological Therapy, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Angiology, Pneumology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, TranslaTUM, MIBE, Munich, Germany
- Center for Organoid Systems, Munich, Germany
- Red Andaluza de diseño y traslación de Terapias Avanzadas-RAdytTA, Fundación Pública Andaluza Progreso y Salud-FPS, Sevilla, España
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
- Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Immunology Department, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada and Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Av. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Av. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
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9
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Lu X, Jin H. A Review of CRISPR-Based Advances in Dermatological Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:445-456. [PMID: 37041404 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) has revolutionized biomedical research by offering novel approaches to genetic and epigenetic manipulation. In dermatology, it has significantly promoted our understanding of complex diseases, and shown great potential in therapeutic applications. In this review, we introduce the adoption of CRISPR technology as a tool to study different types of skin disorders, including monogenic genodermatoses, inflammatory disorders, and cutaneous infections. We highlight the promising preclinical results of CRISPR-mediated treatment and important mechanic discoveries in investigative studies. Future opportunities and remaining challenges are also discussed. We predict that CRISPR will be more extensively used for dermatological research and even be accessible to patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lu
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hongzhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China.
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10
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COL7A1 Editing via RNA Trans-Splicing in RDEB-Derived Skin Equivalents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054341. [PMID: 36901775 PMCID: PMC10002491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054341] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the COL7A1 gene lead to malfunction, reduction or complete absence of type VII collagen (C7) in the skin's basement membrane zone (BMZ), impairing skin integrity. In epidermolysis bullosa (EB), more than 800 mutations in COL7A1 have been reported, leading to the dystrophic form of EB (DEB), a severe and rare skin blistering disease associated with a high risk of developing an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we leveraged a previously described 3'-RTMS6m repair molecule to develop a non-viral, non-invasive and efficient RNA therapy to correct mutations within COL7A1 via spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT). RTM-S6m, cloned into a non-viral minicircle-GFP vector, is capable of correcting all mutations occurring between exon 65 and exon 118 of COL7A1 via SMaRT. Transfection of the RTM into recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) keratinocytes resulted in a trans-splicing efficiency of ~1.5% in keratinocytes and ~0.6% in fibroblasts, as confirmed on mRNA level via next-generation sequencing (NGS). Full-length C7 protein expression was primarily confirmed in vitro via immunofluorescence (IF) staining and Western blot analysis of transfected cells. Additionally, we complexed 3'-RTMS6m with a DDC642 liposomal carrier to deliver the RTM topically onto RDEB skin equivalents and were subsequently able to detect an accumulation of restored C7 within the basement membrane zone (BMZ). In summary, we transiently corrected COL7A1 mutations in vitro in RDEB keratinocytes and skin equivalents derived from RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts using a non-viral 3'-RTMS6m repair molecule.
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11
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Hong SA, Kim SE, Lee AY, Hwang GH, Kim JH, Iwata H, Kim SC, Bae S, Lee SE. Therapeutic base editing and prime editing of COL7A1 mutations in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2664-2679. [PMID: 35690907 PMCID: PMC9372317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe skin fragility disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which encodes type VII collagen (C7), a protein that functions in skin adherence. From 36 Korean RDEB patients, we identified a total of 69 pathogenic mutations (40 variants without recurrence), including point mutations (72.5%) and insertion/deletion mutations (27.5%). For fibroblasts from two patients (Pat1 and Pat2), we applied adenine base editors (ABEs) to correct the pathogenic mutation of COL7A1 or to bypass a premature stop codon in Pat1-derived primary fibroblasts. To expand the targeting scope, we also utilized prime editors (PEs) to correct the COL7A1 mutations in Pat1- and Pat2-derived fibroblasts. Ultimately, we found that transfer of edited patient-derived skin equivalents (i.e., RDEB keratinocytes and PE-corrected RDEB fibroblasts from the RDEB patient) into the skin of immunodeficient mice led to C7 deposition and anchoring fibril formation within the dermal-epidermal junction, suggesting that base editing and prime editing could be feasible strategies for ex vivo gene editing to treat RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ah Hong
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Song-Ee Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - A-Young Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Gue-Ho Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Hiroaki Iwata
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Soo-Chan Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, South Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
| | - Sang Eun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, South Korea.
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12
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Chakravarti S, Enzo E, de Barros MRM, Maffezzoni MBR, Pellegrini G. Genetic Disorders of the Extracellular Matrix: From Cell and Gene Therapy to Future Applications in Regenerative Medicine. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:193-222. [PMID: 35537467 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-083117-021702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metazoans have evolved to produce various types of extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide structural support, cell adhesion, cell-cell communication, and regulated exposure to external cues. Epithelial cells produce and adhere to a specialized sheet-like ECM, the basement membrane, that is critical for cellular homeostasis and tissue integrity. Mesenchymal cells, such as chondrocytes in cartilaginous tissues and keratocytes in the corneal stroma, produce a pericellular matrix that presents optimal levels of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and nutrients to the cell and regulates mechanosensory signals through specific cytoskeletal and cell surface receptor interactions. Here, we discuss laminins, collagen types IV and VII, and perlecan, which are major components of these two types of ECM. We examine genetic defects in these components that cause basement membrane pathologies such as epidermolysis bullosa, Alport syndrome, rare pericellular matrix-related chondrodysplasias, and corneal keratoconus and discuss recent advances in cell and gene therapies being developed for some of these disorders. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukti Chakravarti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | - Elena Enzo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; , ,
| | - Maithê Rocha Monteiro de Barros
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | | | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; , ,
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13
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López-Márquez A, Morín M, Fernández-Peñalver S, Badosa C, Hernández-Delgado A, Natera-de Benito D, Ortez C, Nascimento A, Grinberg D, Balcells S, Roldán M, Moreno-Pelayo MÁ, Jiménez-Mallebrera C. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Allele-Specific Disruption of a Dominant COL6A1 Pathogenic Variant Improves Collagen VI Network in Patient Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084410. [PMID: 35457228 PMCID: PMC9025481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen VI-related disorders are the second most common congenital muscular dystrophies for which no treatments are presently available. They are mostly caused by dominant-negative pathogenic variants in the genes encoding α chains of collagen VI, a heteromeric network forming collagen; for example, the c.877G>A; p.Gly293Arg COL6A1 variant, which alters the proper association of the tetramers to form microfibrils. We tested the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing to silence or correct (using a donor template) a mutant allele in the dermal fibroblasts of four individuals bearing the c.877G>A pathogenic variant. Evaluation of gene-edited cells by next-generation sequencing revealed that correction of the mutant allele by homologous-directed repair occurred at a frequency lower than 1%. However, the presence of frameshift variants and others that provoked the silencing of the mutant allele were found in >40% of reads, with no effects on the wild-type allele. This was confirmed by droplet digital PCR with allele-specific probes, which revealed a reduction in the expression of the mutant allele. Finally, immunofluorescence analyses revealed a recovery in the collagen VI extracellular matrix. In summary, we demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edition can specifically reverse the pathogenic effects of a dominant negative variant in COL6A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arístides López-Márquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Matías Morín
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sergio Fernández-Peñalver
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Carmen Badosa
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Hernández-Delgado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Daniel Natera-de Benito
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Carlos Ortez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Andrés Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Facultad de Biología, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susanna Balcells
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Facultad de Biología, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Roldán
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Unidad de Microscopia Confocal e Imagen Celular, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Institut Pediàtric de Malalties Rares (IPER), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Passeig Sant Joan de Deu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Moreno-Pelayo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Cecilia Jiménez-Mallebrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (C.B.); (A.H.-D.); (D.N.-d.B.); (C.O.); (A.N.); (C.J.-M.)
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (D.G.); (S.B.); (M.Á.M.-P.)
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39-57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
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Kocher T, Petkovic I, Bischof J, Koller U. Current developments in gene therapy for epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1137-1150. [PMID: 35235467 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2049229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genodermatosis epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a monogenetic disease, characterized by severe blister formation on the skin and mucous membranes upon minimal mechanical trauma. Causes for the disease are mutations in genes encoding proteins that are essential for skin integrity. In EB, one of these proteins is either functionally impaired or completely absent. Therefore, the development and improvement of DNA and RNA-based therapeutic approaches for this severe blistering skin disease is mandatory to achieve a treatment option for the patients. AREAS COVERED Currently, there are several forms of DNA/RNA therapies potentially feasible for EB. Whereas some of them are still at the preclinical stage, others are clinically advanced and have already been applied to patients. In particular, this is the case for a cDNA replacement approach successfully applied for a small number of patients with junctional EB. EXPERT OPINION The heterogeneity of EB justifies the development of therapeutic options with distinct modes of action at a DNA or RNA level. Besides, splicing-modulating therapies, based on RNA trans-splicing or short antisense oligonucleotides, especially designer nucleases, have steadily improved in efficiency and safety and thus likely represent the most promising gene therapy tool in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Igor Petkovic
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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15
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du Rand A, Hunt JMT, Feisst V, Sheppard HM. Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Review of the Tissue-Engineered Skin Substitutes Used to Treat Wounds. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:627-643. [PMID: 36251245 PMCID: PMC9626425 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Skin wound healing is a crucial process for regenerating healthy skin and avoiding the undesired consequences associated with open skin wounds. For epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a debilitating group of fragile skin disorders currently without a cure, skin blistering can often be severe and heal poorly, increasing susceptibility to life-threatening complications. To prevent these, investigational therapies have been exploring the use of tissue-engineered skin substitutes (TESSs) aimed at replacing damaged skin and promoting long-term wound closure. These products have either been developed in house or commercially sourced and are composed of allogeneic or autologous human skin cells, often with some form of bioscaffolding. They can be broadly classified based on their cellular composition: keratinocytes (epidermal substitutes), fibroblasts (dermal substitutes) or a combination of both (composite substitutes). Encouraging long-term wound healing has been achieved with epidermal substitutes. However, these substitutes have not demonstrated the same efficacy for all patients, which may be due to the molecular heterogeneity observed between EB subtypes. Autologous composite TESSs, which more closely resemble native human skin, are therefore being investigated and may hold promise for treating an extended range of patients. Additionally, future TESSs for EB are focused on using gene-corrected patient skin cells, which have already demonstrated remarkable long-term wound healing capabilities. In this review, we provide an overview of the different TESSs that have been investigated in clinical studies to treat patients with EB, as well as their long-term wound healing results. Where available, we describe the methods used to develop these products to inform future efforts in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex du Rand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John M. T. Hunt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vaughan Feisst
- The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010 New Zealand
| | - Hilary M. Sheppard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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16
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Smits JP, Meesters LD, Maste BG, Zhou H, Zeeuwen PL, van den Bogaard EH. CRISPR-Cas9 based genomic engineering in keratinocytes: from technology to application. JID INNOVATIONS 2021; 2:100082. [PMID: 35146483 PMCID: PMC8819031 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jos P.H. Smits
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luca D. Meesters
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Berber G.W. Maste
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick L.J.M. Zeeuwen
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen H. van den Bogaard
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: Ellen H. van den Bogaard, Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Rene Descartesdreef 1, Nijmegen 6525 GL, The Netherlands.
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17
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Therapeutic Prospects of Exon Skipping for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212222. [PMID: 34830104 PMCID: PMC8621297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of genetic skin conditions characterized by abnormal skin (and mucosal) fragility caused by pathogenic variants in various genes. The disease severity ranges from early childhood mortality in the most severe types to occasional acral blistering in the mildest types. The subtype and severity of EB is linked to the gene involved and the specific variants in that gene, which also determine its mode of inheritance. Current treatment is mainly focused on symptomatic relief such as wound care and blister prevention, because truly curative treatment options are still at the preclinical stage. Given the current level of understanding, the broad spectrum of genes and variants underlying EB makes it impossible to develop a single treatment strategy for all patients. It is likely that many different variant-specific treatment strategies will be needed to ultimately treat all patients. Antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated exon skipping aims to counteract pathogenic sequence variants by restoring the open reading frame through the removal of the mutant exon from the pre-messenger RNA. This should lead to the restored production of the protein absent in the affected skin and, consequently, improvement of the phenotype. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that exon skipping can restore protein production in vitro, in skin equivalents, and in skin grafts derived from EB-patient skin cells, indicating that ASO-mediated exon skipping could be a viable strategy as a topical or systemic treatment. The potential value of exon skipping for EB is supported by a study showing reduced phenotypic severity in patients who carry variants that result in natural exon skipping. In this article, we review the substantial progress made on exon skipping for EB in the past 15 years and highlight the opportunities and current challenges of this RNA-based therapy approach. In addition, we present a prioritization strategy for the development of exon skipping based on genomic information of all EB-involved genes.
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18
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Søgaard PP, Lind M, Christiansen CR, Petersson K, Clauss A, Caffarel-Salvador E. Future Perspectives of Oral Delivery of Next Generation Therapies for Treatment of Skin Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1722. [PMID: 34684016 PMCID: PMC8537019 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies have conspicuously bloomed in recent years as evidenced by the increasing number of cell-, gene-, and oligo-based approved therapies. These therapies hold great promise for dermatological disorders with high unmet need, for example, epidermolysis bullosa or pachyonychia congenita. Furthermore, the recent clinical success of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) for genome editing in humans will undoubtedly contribute to defining a new wave of therapies. Like biologics, naked nucleic acids are denatured inside the gastrointestinal tract and need to be administered via injections. For a treatment to be effective, a sufficient amount of a given regimen needs to reach systemic circulation. Multiple companies are racing to develop novel oral drug delivery approaches to circumvent the proteolytic and acidic milieu of the gastrointestinal tract. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution of the gene therapy landscape, with a deep focus on gene and oligonucleotide therapies in clinical trials aimed at treating skin diseases. We then examine the progress made in drug delivery, with particular attention on the peptide field and drug-device combinations that deliver macromolecules into the gastrointestinal tract. Such novel devices could potentially be applied to administer other therapeutics including genes and CRISPR-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Pernille Søgaard
- Regenerative Medicine Department, LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (P.P.S.); (C.R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Marianne Lind
- Explorative Formulation and Technologies, LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (M.L.); (K.P.)
| | | | - Karsten Petersson
- Explorative Formulation and Technologies, LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (M.L.); (K.P.)
| | - Adam Clauss
- Regenerative Medicine Department, LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (P.P.S.); (C.R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Ester Caffarel-Salvador
- Regenerative Medicine Department, LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (P.P.S.); (C.R.C.); (A.C.)
- LEO Science & Tech Hub, One Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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19
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Kocher T, Bischof J, Haas SA, March OP, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Illmer J, Hoog A, Muigg K, Binder HM, Klausegger A, Strunk D, Bauer JW, Cathomen T, Koller U. A non-viral and selection-free COL7A1 HDR approach with improved safety profile for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:237-250. [PMID: 34458008 PMCID: PMC8368800 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gene editing via homology-directed repair (HDR) currently comprises the best strategy to obtain perfect corrections for pathogenic mutations of monogenic diseases, such as the severe recessive dystrophic form of the blistering skin disease epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Limitations of this strategy, in particular low efficiencies and off-target effects, hinder progress toward clinical applications. However, the severity of RDEB necessitates the development of efficient and safe gene-editing therapies based on perfect repair. To this end, we sought to assess the corrective efficiencies following optimal Cas9 nuclease and nickase-based COL7A1-targeting strategies in combination with single- or double-stranded donor templates for HDR at the COL7A1 mutation site. We achieved HDR-mediated correction efficiencies of up to 21% and 10% in primary RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively, as analyzed by next-generation sequencing, leading to full-length type VII collagen restoration and accurate deposition within engineered three-dimensional (3D) skin equivalents (SEs). Extensive on- and off-target analyses confirmed that the combined treatment of paired nicking and single-stranded oligonucleotides constituted a highly efficient COL7A1-editing strategy, associated with a significantly improved safety profile. Our findings, therefore, represent a further advancement in the field of traceless genome editing for genodermatoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Simone Alexandra Haas
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Patrick March
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Bernadette Liemberger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Julia Illmer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna Hoog
- Cell Therapy Institute, SCI-TReCS, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Muigg
- Cell Therapy Institute, SCI-TReCS, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Heide-Marie Binder
- Cell Therapy Institute, SCI-TReCS, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dirk Strunk
- Cell Therapy Institute, SCI-TReCS, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann Wolfgang Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Corresponding author Ulrich Koller, EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 22, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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Welponer T, Prodinger C, Pinon-Hofbauer J, Hintersteininger A, Breitenbach-Koller H, Bauer JW, Laimer M. Clinical Perspectives of Gene-Targeted Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021; 11:1175-1197. [PMID: 34110606 PMCID: PMC8322229 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-021-00561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
New insights into molecular genetics and pathomechanisms in epidermolysis bullosa (EB), methodological and technological advances in molecular biology as well as designated funding initiatives and facilitated approval procedures for orphan drugs have boosted translational research perspectives for this devastating disease. This is echoed by the increasing number of clinical trials assessing innovative molecular therapies in the field of EB. Despite remarkable progress, gene-corrective modalities, aimed at sustained or permanent restoration of functional protein expression, still await broad clinical availability. This also reflects the methodological and technological shortcomings of current strategies, including the translatability of certain methodologies beyond preclinical models as well as the safe, specific, efficient, feasible, sustained and cost-effective delivery of therapeutic/corrective information to target cells. This review gives an updated overview on status, prospects, challenges and limitations of current gene-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Welponer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christine Prodinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Pinon-Hofbauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arno Hintersteininger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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