Expression vector with DNA of bovine papilloma virus 1 for keratinocyte gene therapy

Gene insertion and long-term expression in lung mediated by the Sleeping Beauty transposon system

Gene transfer to the lung could provide important new treatments for chronic and acquired lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, emphysema, and cancer. DNA-mediated gene transfer to the lung has been previously demonstrated, but anticipated effectiveness has been limited by low gene transfer efficiencies and by transient expression of the transgene. Here, we combine plasmid-based gene transfer with the integrating capacity of the nonviral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vector system to mediate gene insertion and long-term gene expression in mouse lung. We observed transgene expression after 24 h in lungs of all animals injected with the luciferase transposon (pT/L), but expression for up to 3 months required codelivery of a plasmid encoding the Sleeping Beauty transposase. We also observed long-term expression in pT/L-injected animals transgenic for SB transposase. Transgene expression was localized to the alveolar region of the lung, with transfection including mainly type II pneumocytes. We used a linker-mediated PCR technique to recover transposon flanking sequences, demonstrating transposition of pT/L into mouse chromosomal DNA of the lung.

Direct injection of naked DNA and cytokine transgene expression: implications for keratinocyte gene therapy

Intradermally injected DNA diffuses into the epidermis and can then enter keratinocytes and become expressed by these cells. Using this method, plasmids containing cytokine genes that have been introduced into keratinocytes can induce a level of cytokine expression sufficient to provide biological effects in the treated skin. Furthermore, transgenic cytokines released from the transduced keratinocytes can also enter the circulation and have downstream effects on other target organs. Thus far, naked DNA injection appears to be a safe, simple, and relatively efficient method that enables genes to be expressed in transplanted human skin on immunosuppressed animals. In humans, keratinocyte gene therapy using the cytokine gene DNA injection method has the potential to become a powerful therapeutic tool for dermatologists in the management of certain inflammatory and other dermatoses.

Gene transfer for angiogenesis in coronary artery disease

Angiogenesis is a promising novel therapeutic strategy to provide new venues for blood flow in patients with severe ischemic heart and peripheral vascular disease, who are not candidates for standard revascularization strategies. We describe the underlying mechanisms involved in physiologic and therapeutic angiogenesis, underscoring the relative importance of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis. We then present the various gene transfer vectors including plasmid, viral, and cell-based vectors, and various delivery modalities. The available preclinical data are presented, followed by a description of preliminary clinical experience, with an emphasis on the preliminary nature of these results, which address safety and not efficacy. Finally, we discuss the promises and pitfalls of clinical angiogenesis and gene transfer studies, stressing the importance of proper design of clinical trials and adequate protection of research subjects.