1
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Mahmoudian RA, Fathi F, Farshchian M, Abbaszadegan MR. Construction and Quantitative Evaluation of a Tissue-Specific Sleeping Beauty by EDL2-Specific Transposase Expression in Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line KYSE-30. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:350-360. [PMID: 35474410 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00490-4] [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: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery to esophageal tissue could provide novel treatments for diseases, such as cancer. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system, as a natural and non-viral tool, is efficient at transferring transgene into the human genome for human cell genetic engineering. The plasmid-based SB transposon can insert into chromosomes through an accurate recombinase-mediated mechanism, providing long-term expression of transgene integrated into the target cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the activity of ED-L2 tissue-specific promoter that was engineered from the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and combined with the hyperactive SB100X transposase to achieve the stable expression of T2-Onc3 transposon in esophageal squamous epithelial cells. Here we constructed an SB transposon-based plasmid system to obtain the stable expression of transposon upon introduction of a hyperactive SB transposase under the control of tissue-specific ED-L2 promoter via the lipid-based delivery method in the cultured esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Among established human and mouse cell lines, the (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase was active only in human esophageal stratified squamous epithelial and differentiated keratinocytes derived from skin (KYSE-30 and HaCaT cell lines), where it revealed high promoter activity. Data offered that the 782 bp sequence of ED-L2 promoter has a key role in its activity in vitro. The (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase mediated stable integration of T2-Onc3 in KYSE-30 cells, thereby providing further evidence of the tissue specificity of ED-L2 promoter. The KYSE-30 cells modified with the SB system integrate on average 187 copies of the T2-Onc3 transposon in its genome. In aggregate, the (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase can be efficiently applied for the tissue-specific stable expression of a transgene in human KYSE-30 cells using SB transposon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR) Razavi Khorasan, ACECR Central Building, Ferdowsi University Campus, Mashhad- Azadi Square, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Medical Genetics Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Hodge R, Narayanavari SA, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. Wide Awake and Ready to Move: 20 Years of Non-Viral Therapeutic Genome Engineering with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:842-855. [PMID: 28870121 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies will only become a widespread tool in the clinical treatment of human diseases with the advent of gene transfer vectors that integrate genetic information stably, safely, effectively, and economically. Two decades after the discovery of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, it has been transformed into a vector system that is fulfilling these requirements. SB may well overcome some of the limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are being used in the majority of ongoing clinical trials. The SB system has achieved a high level of stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, representing crucial steps that may permit its clinical use in the near future. This article reviews the most important aspects of SB as a tool for gene therapy, including aspects of its vectorization and genomic integration. As an illustration, the clinical development of the SB system toward gene therapy of age-related macular degeneration and cancer immunotherapy is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ Hodge
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 2 Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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3
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Tat T, Li H, Constantinescu CS, Onaciu A, Chira S, Osan C, Pasca S, Petrushev B, Moisoiu V, Micu WT, Berce C, Tranca S, Dima D, Berindan-Neagoe I, Shen J, Tomuleasa C, Qian L. Genetically enhanced T lymphocytes and the intensive care unit. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16557-16572. [PMID: 29662667 PMCID: PMC5893262 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T cells) and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) are important protocols in lymphocyte engineering. CAR-T cells have emerged as a new modality for cancer immunotherapy due to their potential efficacy against hematological malignancies. These genetically modified receptors contain an antigen-binding moiety, a hinge region, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular costimulatory domain resulting in lymphocyte T cell activation subsequent to antigen binding. In present-day medicine, four generations of CAR-T cells are described depending on the intracellular signaling domain number of T cell receptors. DLI represents a form of adoptive therapy used after hematopoietic stem cell transplant for its anti-tumor and anti-infectious properties. This article covers the current status of CAR-T cells and DLI research in the intensive care unit (ICU) patient, including the efficacy, toxicity, side effects and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiberiu Tat
- Intensive Care Unit, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Research, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology-Intensive Care, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Huming Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Navy General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Catalin-Sorin Constantinescu
- Intensive Care Unit, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Research, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ciprian Osan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Moisoiu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Wilhelm-Thomas Micu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Berce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sebastian Tranca
- Department of Anesthesiology-Intensive Care, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Research, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Jianliang Shen
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Research, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine / Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Liren Qian
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
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4
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Tomuleasa C, Fuji S, Berce C, Onaciu A, Chira S, Petrushev B, Micu WT, Moisoiu V, Osan C, Constantinescu C, Pasca S, Jurj A, Pop L, Berindan-Neagoe I, Dima D, Kitano S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells for the Treatment of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29515572 PMCID: PMC5825894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell technology has seen a rapid development over the last decade mostly due to the potential that these cells may have in treating malignant diseases. It is a generally accepted principle that very few therapeutic compounds deliver a clinical response without treatment-related toxicity, and studies have shown that CAR T-cells are not an exception to this rule. While large multinational drug companies are currently investigating the potential role of CAR T-cells in hematological oncology, the potential of such cellular therapies are being recognized worldwide as they are expected to expand in the patient to support the establishment of the immune memory, provide a continuous surveillance to prevent and/or treat a relapse, and keep the targeted malignant cell subpopulation in check. In this article, we present the possible advantages of using CAR T-cells in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia, presenting the technology and the current knowledge in their preclinical and early clinical trial use. Thus, this article first presents the main present-day knowledge on the standard of care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Afterward, current knowledge is presented about the use of CAR T-cells in cancer immunotherapy, describing their design, the molecular constructs, and the preclinical data on murine models to properly explain the background for their clinical use. Last, but certainly not least, this article presents the use of CAR T-cells for the immunotherapy of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, describing both their potential clinical advantages and the possible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta, Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Shigeo Fuji
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cristian Berce
- Animal Facility, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Wilhelm-Thomas Micu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Moisoiu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ciprian Osan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura Pop
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Kebriaei P, Izsvák Z, Narayanavari SA, Singh H, Ivics Z. Gene Therapy with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Trends Genet 2017; 33:852-870. [PMID: 28964527 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The widespread clinical implementation of gene therapy requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective, and economical manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient nonviral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing clinical trials. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here, we review the most important aspects of using SB for gene therapy, including vectorization as well as genomic integration features. We also illustrate the path to successful clinical implementation by highlighting the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Mobile DNA, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- Mobile DNA, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Harjeet Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany.
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6
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Hudecek M, Izsvák Z, Johnen S, Renner M, Thumann G, Ivics Z. Going non-viral: the Sleeping Beauty transposon system breaks on through to the clinical side. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:355-380. [PMID: 28402189 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1304354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular medicine has entered a high-tech age that provides curative treatments of complex genetic diseases through genetically engineered cellular medicinal products. Their clinical implementation requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective and economically viable manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing pre-clinical and translational research. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here we review several recent refinements of the system, including the development of optimized transposons and hyperactive SB variants, the vectorization of transposase and transposon as mRNA and DNA minicircles (MCs) to enhance performance and facilitate vector production, as well as a detailed understanding of SB's genomic integration and biosafety features. This review also provides a perspective on the regulatory framework for clinical trials of gene delivery with SB, and illustrates the path to successful clinical implementation by using, as examples, gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II , Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- b Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- c Department of Ophthalmology , University Hospital RWTH Aachen , Aachen , Germany
| | - Matthias Renner
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- e Département des Neurosciences Cliniques Service d'Ophthalmologie , Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève , Genève , Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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7
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Chicaybam L, Barcelos C, Peixoto B, Carneiro M, Limia CG, Redondo P, Lira C, Paraguassú-Braga F, Vasconcelos ZFMD, Barros L, Bonamino MH. An Efficient Electroporation Protocol for the Genetic Modification of Mammalian Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2017; 4:99. [PMID: 28168187 PMCID: PMC5253374 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2016.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic modification of cell lines and primary cells is an expensive and cumbersome approach, often involving the use of viral vectors. Electroporation using square-wave generating devices, like Lonza's Nucleofector, is a widely used option, but the costs associated with the acquisition of electroporation kits and the transient transgene expression might hamper the utility of this methodology. In the present work, we show that our in-house developed buffers, termed Chicabuffers, can be efficiently used to electroporate cell lines and primary cells from murine and human origin. Using the Nucleofector II device, we electroporated 14 different cell lines and also primary cells, like mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood CD34+, providing optimized protocols for each of them. Moreover, when combined with sleeping beauty-based transposon system, long-term transgene expression could be achieved in all types of cells tested. Transgene expression was stable and did not interfere with CD34+ differentiation to committed progenitors. We also show that these buffers can be used in CRISPR-mediated editing of PDCD1 gene locus in 293T and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The optimized protocols reported in this study provide a suitable and cost-effective platform for the genetic modification of cells, facilitating the widespread adoption of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Chicaybam
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Vice-presidência de Pesquisa e Laboratórios de Referência, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Barcelos
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Barbara Peixoto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Mayra Carneiro
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Cintia Gomez Limia
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Patrícia Redondo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Centro de Transplante de Medula Óssea, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Lira
- Banco de Cordão Umbilical e Placentário, Instituto Nacional de Cancer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávio Paraguassú-Braga
- Banco de Cordão Umbilical e Placentário, Instituto Nacional de Cancer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Barros
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Martin Hernán Bonamino
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Vice-presidência de Pesquisa e Laboratórios de Referência, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Narayanavari SA, Chilkunda SS, Ivics Z, Izsvák Z. Sleeping Beauty transposition: from biology to applications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 52:18-44. [PMID: 27696897 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1237935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is the first synthetic DNA transposon that was shown to be active in a wide variety of species. Here, we review studies from the last two decades addressing both basic biology and applications of this transposon. We discuss how host-transposon interaction modulates transposition at different steps of the transposition reaction. We also discuss how the transposon was translated for gene delivery and gene discovery purposes. We critically review the system in clinical, pre-clinical and non-clinical settings as a non-viral gene delivery tool in comparison with viral technologies. We also discuss emerging SB-based hybrid vectors aimed at combining the attractive safety features of the transposon with effective viral delivery. The success of the SB-based technology can be fundamentally attributed to being able to insert fairly randomly into genomic regions that allow stable long-term expression of the delivered transgene cassette. SB has emerged as an efficient and economical toolkit for safe and efficient gene delivery for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel A Narayanavari
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Shreevathsa S Chilkunda
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- b Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
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9
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Hou X, Du Y, Deng Y, Wu J, Cao G. Sleeping Beauty transposon system for genetic etiological research and gene therapy of cancers. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:8-16. [PMID: 25455252 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.986944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is etiologically associated with somatic mutations of critical genes. Recently, a number of somatic mutations and key molecules have been found to be involved in functional networks affecting cancer progression. Suitable animal models are required to validate cancer-promoting or -inhibiting capacities of these mutants and molecules. Sleeping Beauty transposon system consists of a transposon that carries gene(s) of interest and a transposase that recognizes, excises, and reinserts genes in given location of the genome. It can create both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations, thus being frequently chosen to investigate the etiological mechanisms and gene therapy for cancers in animal models. In this review, we summarized current advances of Sleeping Beauty transposon system in revealing molecular mechanism of cancers and improving gene therapy. Understanding molecular mechanisms by which driver mutations contribute to carcinogenesis and metastasis may pave the way for the development of innovative prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against malignant diseases.
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Key Words
- 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate
- Alb-Cre, Albumin promoter-Cre
- CAG promoter, CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin promoter
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CIS, common insertion site
- CMV, chimeric cytomegalovirus
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- Cre, cyclization recombination enzyme
- DDE, Asp, Asp, Glu
- DMBA/TPA
- DR, direct orientation
- Fah, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene
- GWAS, gnome wide analysis study
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HBx, HBV X protein
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- IRs, inverted repeat sequences
- LsL, loxP-stop-loxP
- MPNSTs, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
- MSCV, murine stem cell virus
- PAI, Pro, Ala, Ile
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- RED, Arg, Glu, Asp
- RosaSBaseLsL, Cre-inducible SBase allele
- Rtl1, Retrotransposon-like 1
- SB, Sleeping Beauty
- SBase, Sleeping Beauty transposase
- Sleeping Beauty transposon system
- StatinAE, angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene
- Trp53, transformation related protein 53
- animal model
- driver
- gene function
- gene therapy
- malignant diseases
- sgRNA, single guide RNA
- shp53, short hairpin RNA against the Trp53 gene
- somatic mutation
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Hou
- a Department of Epidemiology ; Second Military Medical University ; Shanghai , China
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10
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Hyland KA, Olson ER, McIvor RS. Sleeping Beauty-Mediated Drug Resistance Gene Transfer in Human Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:657-63. [PMID: 26176276 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system can insert sequences into mammalian chromosomes, supporting long-term expression of both reporter and therapeutic genes. Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are an ideal therapeutic gene transfer target as they are used in therapy for a variety of hematologic and metabolic conditions. As successful SB-mediated gene transfer into human CD34(+) HPCs has been reported by several laboratories, we sought to extend these studies to the introduction of a therapeutic gene conferring resistance to methotrexate (MTX), potentially providing a chemoprotective effect after engraftment. SB-mediated transposition of hematopoietic progenitors, using a transposon encoding an L22Y variant dihydrofolate reductase fused to green fluorescent protein, conferred resistance to methotrexate and dipyridamole, a nucleoside transport inhibitor that tightens MTX selection conditions, as assessed by in vitro hematopoietic colony formation. Transposition of individual transgenes was confirmed by sequence analysis of transposon-chromosome junctions recovered by linear amplification-mediated PCR. These studies demonstrate the potential of SB-mediated transposition of HPCs for expression of drug resistance genes for selective and chemoprotective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik R Olson
- 1 Discovery Genomics, Inc. , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - R Scott McIvor
- 1 Discovery Genomics, Inc. , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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11
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Turchiano G, Latella MC, Gogol-Döring A, Cattoglio C, Mavilio F, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Recchia A. Genomic analysis of Sleeping Beauty transposon integration in human somatic cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112712. [PMID: 25390293 PMCID: PMC4229213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon is a non-viral integrating vector system with proven efficacy for gene transfer and functional genomics. However, integration efficiency is negatively affected by the length of the transposon. To optimize the SB transposon machinery, the inverted repeats and the transposase gene underwent several modifications, resulting in the generation of the hyperactive SB100X transposase and of the high-capacity “sandwich” (SA) transposon. In this study, we report a side-by-side comparison of the SA and the widely used T2 arrangement of transposon vectors carrying increasing DNA cargoes, up to 18 kb. Clonal analysis of SA integrants in human epithelial cells and in immortalized keratinocytes demonstrates stability and integrity of the transposon independently from the cargo size and copy number-dependent expression of the cargo cassette. A genome-wide analysis of unambiguously mapped SA integrations in keratinocytes showed an almost random distribution, with an overrepresentation in repetitive elements (satellite, LINE and small RNAs) compared to a library representing insertions of the first-generation transposon vector and to gammaretroviral and lentiviral libraries. The SA transposon/SB100X integrating system therefore shows important features as a system for delivering large gene constructs for gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giandomenico Turchiano
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Latella
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andreas Gogol-Döring
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Cattoglio
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Fulvio Mavilio
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Podetz-Pedersen KM, Vezys V, Somia NV, Russell SJ, McIvor RS. Cellular immune response against firefly luciferase after sleeping beauty-mediated gene transfer in vivo. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:955-65. [PMID: 25093708 PMCID: PMC4251089 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been shown to mediate new gene sequence integration resulting in long-term expression. Here the effectiveness of hyperactive SB100X transposase was tested, and we found that hydrodynamic co-delivery of a firefly luciferase transposon (pT2/CaL) along with SB100X transposase (pCMV-SB100X) resulted in remarkably sustained, high levels of luciferase expression. However, after 4 weeks there was a rapid, animal-by-animal loss of luciferase expression that was not observed in immunodeficient mice. We hypothesized that this sustained, high-level luciferase expression achieved using the SB100X transposase elicits an immune response in pT2/CaL co-administered mice, which was supported by the rapid loss of luciferase expression upon challenge of previously treated animals and in naive animals adoptively transferred with splenocytes from previously treated animals. Specificity of the immune response to luciferase was demonstrated by increased cytokine expression in splenocytes after exposure to luciferase peptide in parallel with MHC I-luciferase peptide tetramer binding. This anti-luciferase immune response observed following continuous, high-level luciferase expression in vivo clearly impacts its use as an in vivo reporter. As both an immunogen and an extremely sensitive reporter, luciferase is also a useful model system for the study of immune responses following in vivo gene transfer and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Podetz-Pedersen
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Vaiva Vezys
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Nikunj V. Somia
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Hammer KDP, Alsop JD, Buresh-Stiemke RA, Frantskevich K, Malinowski RL, Roethe LS, Powers GL, Marker PC. A novel method for somatic transgenesis of the mouse prostate using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Prostate 2014; 74:781-91. [PMID: 24647932 PMCID: PMC4089518 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo ectopic gene expression is a common approach for prostate research through the use of transgenes in germline transgenic mice. For some other organs, somatic transgenesis with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system has allowed in vivo ectopic gene expression with higher throughput and lower cost than germline transgenic approaches. METHODS Mouse e16 urogenital sinuses (UGSs) were co-injected with plasmids expressing the Sleeping Beauty transposase and plasmids with control or activated BRAF expressing transposons. Following electroporation, the transduced UGSs were grown as allografts in mouse hosts for 8 weeks, and the resulting allografts were evaluated for several endpoints. RESULTS Transposon-transduced UGS allografts developed into prostatic tissue with normal tissue structure and cellular differentiation. Integration of transposon vectors into the genomes of transduced allografts was confirmed using linker-mediated PCR, sequencing, and in situ PCR. Transduction of UGS allografts with transposons expressing activated BRAF resulted in ectopic BRAF expression that was detectable at both the mRNA and protein levels. Prostatic ducts over-expressing activated BRAF also had ectopic activation of the ERK1/2 mitogen activated kinases and increased epithelial cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS The Sleeping Beauty transposon system can be used to achieve somatic transgenesis of prostatic allografts. This new method for achieving ectopic gene expression in the prostate will complement other existing approaches such as ectopic gene expression in cell lines and in germline transgenic mice. Advantages of this new approach include preservation of stromal-epithelial interactions not possible with cell lines, and higher throughput and lower cost than traditional germline transgenic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D P Hammer
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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14
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Mouse models of cancer: Sleeping Beauty transposons for insertional mutagenesis screens and reverse genetic studies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 27:86-95. [PMID: 24468652 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The genetic complexity and heterogeneity of cancer has posed a problem in designing rationally targeted therapies effective in a large proportion of human cancer. Genomic characterization of many cancer types has provided a staggering amount of data that needs to be interpreted to further our understanding of this disease. Forward genetic screening in mice using Sleeping Beauty (SB) based insertional mutagenesis is an effective method for candidate cancer gene discovery that can aid in distinguishing driver from passenger mutations in human cancer. This system has been adapted for unbiased screens to identify drivers of multiple cancer types. These screens have already identified hundreds of candidate cancer-promoting mutations. These can be used to develop new mouse models for further study, which may prove useful for therapeutic testing. SB technology may also hold the key for rapid generation of reverse genetic mouse models of cancer, and has already been used to model glioblastoma and liver cancer.
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Novel therapeutic approaches for various cancer types using a modified sleeping beauty-based gene delivery system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86324. [PMID: 24466025 PMCID: PMC3897668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful gene therapy largely depends on the selective introduction of therapeutic genes into the appropriate target cancer cells. One of the most effective and promising approaches for targeting tumor tissue during gene delivery is the use of viral vectors, which allow for high efficiency gene delivery. However, the use of viral vectors is not without risks and safety concerns, such as toxicities, a host immune response towards the viral antigens or potential viral recombination into the host's chromosome; these risks limit the clinical application of viral vectors. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon-based system is an attractive, non-viral alternative to viral delivery systems. SB may be less immunogenic than the viral vector system due to its lack of viral sequences. The SB-based gene delivery system can stably integrate into the host cell genome to produce the therapeutic gene product over the lifetime of a cell. However, when compared to viral vectors, the non-viral SB-based gene delivery system still has limited therapeutic efficacy due to the lack of long-lasting gene expression potential and tumor cell specific gene transfer ability. These limitations could be overcome by modifying the SB system through the introduction of the hTERT promoter and the SV40 enhancer. In this study, a modified SB delivery system, under control of the hTERT promoter in conjunction with the SV40 enhancer, was able to successfully transfer the suicide gene (HSV-TK) into multiple types of cancer cells. The modified SB transfected cancer cells exhibited a significantly increased cancer cell specific death rate. These data suggest that our modified SB-based gene delivery system can be used as a safe and efficient tool for cancer cell specific therapeutic gene transfer and stable long-term expression.
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Skipper KA, Andersen PR, Sharma N, Mikkelsen JG. DNA transposon-based gene vehicles - scenes from an evolutionary drive. J Biomed Sci 2013; 20:92. [PMID: 24320156 PMCID: PMC3878927 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-20-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA transposons are primitive genetic elements which have colonized living organisms from plants to bacteria and mammals. Through evolution such parasitic elements have shaped their host genomes by replicating and relocating between chromosomal loci in processes catalyzed by the transposase proteins encoded by the elements themselves. DNA transposable elements are constantly adapting to life in the genome, and self-suppressive regulation as well as defensive host mechanisms may assist in buffering ‘cut-and-paste’ DNA mobilization until accumulating mutations will eventually restrict events of transposition. With the reconstructed Sleeping Beauty DNA transposon as a powerful engine, a growing list of transposable elements with activity in human cells have moved into biomedical experimentation and preclinical therapy as versatile vehicles for delivery and genomic insertion of transgenes. In this review, we aim to link the mechanisms that drive transposon evolution with the realities and potential challenges we are facing when adapting DNA transposons for gene transfer. We argue that DNA transposon-derived vectors may carry inherent, and potentially limiting, traits of their mother elements. By understanding in detail the evolutionary journey of transposons, from host colonization to element multiplication and inactivation, we may better exploit the potential of distinct transposable elements. Hence, parallel efforts to investigate and develop distinct, but potent, transposon-based vector systems will benefit the broad applications of gene transfer. Insight and clever optimization have shaped new DNA transposon vectors, which recently debuted in the first DNA transposon-based clinical trial. Learning from an evolutionary drive may help us create gene vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and less prone for suppression and inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilh, Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Ma K, Wang DD, Lin Y, Wang J, Petrenko V, Mao C. Synergetic Targeted Delivery of Sleeping-Beauty Transposon System to Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using LPD Nanoparticles Modified with a Phage-Displayed Targeting Peptide. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2013; 23:1172-1181. [PMID: 23885226 PMCID: PMC3718568 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201102963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
An important criterion for effective gene therapy is sufficient chromosomal integration activity. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a plasmid system allowing efficient insertion of transgenes into the host genome. However, such efficient insertion occurs only after the system is delivered to nuclei. Since transposons do not have the transducing abilities of viral vectors, efficient delivery of this system first into cells and then into cell nuclei is still a challenge. Here, a phage display technique using a major coat displayed phage library is employed to identify a peptide (VTAMEPGQ) that can home to rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). A nanoparticle, called liposome protamine/DNA lipoplex (LPD), is electrostatically assembled from cationic liposomes and an anionic complex of protamine, DNA and targeting peptides. Various peptides are enveloped inside the LPD to improve its targeting capability for rMSCs and nuclei. The rMSC-targeting peptide and nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide can execute the synergetic effect to promote transfection action of LPD. The homing peptide directs the LPD to target the MSCs, whereas the NLS peptide directs transposon to accumulate into nuclei once LPD is internalized inside the cells, leading to increased gene expression. This suggests that rMSC-targeting peptide and NLS peptide within LPD can target to rMSCs and then guide transposon into nuclei. After entering the nuclei, SB transposon increase the insertion rates into cellular chromosomes. The targeting LPD does not show obvious cell toxicity and influence on the differentiation potential of rMSCs. Therefore, the integration of SB transposon and LPD system is a promising nonviral gene delivery vector in stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Dong-Dong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Yiyang Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Jianglin Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Valery Petrenko
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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Sharma N, Cai Y, Bak RO, Jakobsen MR, Schrøder LD, Mikkelsen JG. Efficient sleeping beauty DNA transposition from DNA minicircles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e74. [PMID: 23443502 PMCID: PMC3586802 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA transposon-based vectors have emerged as new potential delivery tools in therapeutic gene transfer. Such vectors are now showing promise in hematopoietic stem cells and primary human T cells, and clinical trials with transposon-engineered cells are on the way. However, the use of plasmid DNA as a carrier of the vector raises safety concerns due to the undesirable administration of bacterial sequences. To optimize vectors based on the Sleeping Beauty (SB) DNA transposon for clinical use, we examine here SB transposition from DNA minicircles (MCs) devoid of the bacterial plasmid backbone. Potent DNA transposition, directed by the hyperactive SB100X transposase, is demonstrated from MC donors, and the stable transfection rate is significantly enhanced by expressing the SB100X transposase from MCs. The stable transfection rate is inversely related to the size of circular donor, suggesting that a MC-based SB transposition system benefits primarily from an increased cellular uptake and/or enhanced expression which can be observed with DNA MCs. DNA transposon and transposase MCs are easily produced, are favorable in size, do not carry irrelevant DNA, and are robust substrates for DNA transposition. In accordance, DNA MCs should become a standard source of DNA transposons not only in therapeutic settings but also in the daily use of the SB system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynne Sharma
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Patnaik S, Gupta KC. Novel polyethylenimine-derived nanoparticles for in vivo gene delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2012; 10:215-28. [PMID: 23252504 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2013.744964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Branched and linear polyethylenimines (PEIs) are cationic polymers that have been used to deliver nucleic acids both in vitro and in vivo. Owing to the high cationic charge, the branched polymers exhibit high transfection efficiency, and particularly PEI of molecular weight 25 kDa is considered as a gold standard in gene delivery. These polymers have been extensively studied and modified with different ligands so as to achieve the targeted delivery. AREAS COVERED The application of PEI in vivo promises to take the polymer-based vector to the next level wherein it can undergo clinical trials and subsequently could be used for delivery of therapeutics in humans. This review focuses on the various recent developments that have been made in the field of PEI-based delivery vectors for delivery of therapeutics in vivo. EXPERT OPINION The efficacy of PEI-based delivery vectors in vivo is significantly high and animal studies demonstrate that such systems have a potential in humans. However, we feel that though PEI is a promising vector, further studies involving PEI in animal models are needed so as to get a detailed toxicity profile of these vectors. Also, it is imperative that the vector reaches the specific organ causing little or no undesirable effects to other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Patnaik
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, M.G. Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India
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Di Matteo M, Belay E, Chuah MK, Vandendriessche T. Recent developments in transposon-mediated gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:841-58. [PMID: 22679910 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.684875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continuous improvement of gene transfer technologies has broad implications for stem cell biology, gene discovery, and gene therapy. Although viral vectors are efficient gene delivery vehicles, their safety, immunogenicity and manufacturing challenges hamper clinical progress. In contrast, non-viral gene delivery systems are less immunogenic and easier to manufacture. AREAS COVERED In this review, we explore the emerging potential of transposons in gene and cell therapy. The safety, efficiency, and biology of novel hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB) transposon systems will be highlighted for ex vivo gene therapy in clinically relevant adult stem/progenitor cells, particularly hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), myoblasts, and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Moreover, efforts toward in vivo transposon-based gene therapy will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The latest generation SB and PB transposons currently represent some of the most attractive systems for stable non-viral genetic modification of primary cells, particularly adult stem cells. This paves the way toward the use of transposons as a non-viral gene therapy approach to correct hereditary disorders including those that affect the hematopoietic system. The development of targeted integration into "safe harbor" genetic loci may further improve their safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Di Matteo
- Free University of Brussels, Division of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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21
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Zarogouldis P, Karamanos NK, Porpodis K, Domvri K, Huang H, Hohenforst-Schimdt W, Goldberg EP, Zarogoulidis K. Vectors for inhaled gene therapy in lung cancer. Application for nano oncology and safety of bio nanotechnology. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:10828-10862. [PMID: 23109824 PMCID: PMC3472716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms130910828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel aerosol therapeutic modalities have been investigated for lung cancer. Inhaled gene therapy has presented safety and effectiveness previously in cystic fibrosis. However, safety concerns have been raised regarding the safety of non-viral vectors for inhaled gene therapy in lung cancer, and therefore small steps have been made towards this multifunctional treatment modality. During the last decade, numerous new nanocomplexes have been created and investigated as a safe gene delivery nano-vehicle. These formulations are multifunctional; they can be used as either local therapy or carrier for an effective inhaled gene therapy for lung cancer. Herein, we present current and future perspectives of nanocomplexes for inhaled gene therapy treatment in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zarogouldis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece; E-Mails: (K.P.); (K.D.); (K.Z.)
- Pulmonary Department-Interventional Unit, “Ruhrland Klinik”, University of Essen, Essen 45239, Germany
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +30-697-727-1974; Fax: +30-231-099-2433
| | - Nikos K. Karamanos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Patras, Patras 25200, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Konstantinos Porpodis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece; E-Mails: (K.P.); (K.D.); (K.Z.)
| | - Kalliopi Domvri
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece; E-Mails: (K.P.); (K.D.); (K.Z.)
| | - Haidong Huang
- Department of Respiratory diseases, Changhai hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; E-Mail:
| | | | - Eugene P. Goldberg
- Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, FL 32611, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Konstantinos Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece; E-Mails: (K.P.); (K.D.); (K.Z.)
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Xiao J, Meng XM, Huang XR, Chung AC, Feng YL, Hui DS, Yu CM, Sung JJ, Lan HY. miR-29 inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1251-60. [PMID: 22395530 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of microRNA-29 (miR-29) is known to be a mechanism of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated pulmonary fibrosis, but the therapeutic implication of miR-29 for pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. The present study investigated whether miR-29 had therapeutic potential for lung disease induced by bleomycin in mice. In addition, the signaling mechanisms that regulated miR-29 expression were investigated in vivo and in vitro. We found that miR-29 was a downstream target gene of Smad3 and negatively regulated by TGF-β/Smad signaling in fibrosis. This was evidenced by the findings that mice or pulmonary fibroblasts null for Smad3 were protected against bleomycin or TGF-β1-induced loss of miR-29 along with fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, overexpression of miR-29 could in turn negatively regulated TGF-β and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and Smad3 signaling. Therefore, Sleeping Beauty (SB)-mediated miR-29 gene transfer into normal and diseased lung tissues was capable of preventing and treating pulmonary fibrosis including inflammatory macrophage infiltration induced by bleomycin in mice. In conclusion, miR-29 is negatively regulated by TGF-β/Smad3 and has a therapeutic potential for pulmonary fibrosis. SB-mediated miR-29 gene therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for lung disease associated with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiao
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Ivics Z, Izsvák Z. Nonviral gene delivery with the sleeping beauty transposon system. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 22:1043-51. [PMID: 21867398 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective gene therapy requires robust delivery of therapeutic genes into relevant target cells, long-term gene expression, and minimal risks of secondary effects. Nonviral gene transfer approaches typically result in only short-lived transgene expression in primary cells, because of the lack of nuclear maintenance of the vector over several rounds of cell division. The development of efficient and safe nonviral vectors armed with an integrating feature would thus greatly facilitate clinical gene therapy studies. The latest generation transposon technology based on the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon may potentially overcome some of these limitations. SB was shown to provide efficient stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in primary cell types, including human hematopoietic progenitors, mesenchymal stem cells, muscle stem/progenitor cells (myoblasts), induced pluripotent stem cells, and T cells. These cells are relevant targets for stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and gene- and cell-based therapies of complex genetic diseases. Moreover, the first-in-human clinical trial has been launched to use redirected T cells engineered with SB for gene therapy of B cell lymphoma. We discuss aspects of cellular delivery of the SB transposon system, transgene expression provided by integrated transposon vectors, target site selection of the transposon vectors, and potential risks associated with random genomic insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Ivics
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin 13125, Germany.
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Abstract
The mobility of class II transposable elements (DNA transposons) can be experimentally controlled by separating the two functional components of the transposon: the terminal inverted repeat sequences that flank a gene of interest to be mobilized and the transposase protein that can be conditionally supplied to drive the transposition reaction. Thus, a DNA molecule of interest (e.g., a fluorescent marker, an shRNA expression cassette, a mutagenic gene trap or a therapeutic gene construct) cloned between the inverted repeat sequences of a transposon-based vector can be stably integrated into the genome in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Sleeping Beauty (SB) was the first transposon ever shown capable of gene transfer in vertebrate cells, and recent results confirm that SB supports a full spectrum of genetic engineering in vertebrate species, including transgenesis, insertional mutagenesis, and therapeutic somatic gene, transfer both ex vivo and in vivo. This methodological paradigm opened up a number of avenues for genome manipulations for basic and applied research. This review highlights the state-of-the-art in SB transposon technology in diverse genetic applications with special emphasis on the transposon as well as transposase vectors currently available in the SB transposon toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismahen Ammar
- Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Restoration of dystrophin expression using the Sleeping Beauty transposon. PLOS CURRENTS 2011; 3:RRN1296. [PMID: 22318674 PMCID: PMC3269885 DOI: 10.1371/currents.rrn1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping beauty (SB) system is a non-viral DNA based vector that has been used to stably integrate therapeutic genes into disease models. Here we report the SB system is capable of stably integrating the ΔR4-R23/CTΔ micro-dystrophin gene into a conditionally immortal dystrophin deficient muscle cell-line, H2K SF1, a murine cell model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genetically corrected H2K SF1 cells retained their myogenic properties in vitro. Moreover, upon transplantation ΔR4-R23/CTΔ micro-dystrophin expression was detected within mdx nu/nu mice. Our data suggests the SB system is an effective way of stably integrating therapeutic genes into myogenic cells.
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Swierczek M, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. The Sleeping Beauty transposon system for clinical applications. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 12:139-53. [PMID: 22176302 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.642358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been made to establish efficient and safe gene delivery protocols that could meet demanding expectations of a successful gene therapy. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system combines simplicity and inexpensive manufacture offered by plasmid-based vector formulation with integrative features exhibited by some viral vectors. Activated after over ten million years of silent genomic existence, the SB transposable element entered the 21st century as a potent technology for a broad range of applications in genome engineering, including gene therapy. Beneficially for gene therapy purposes, the SB system has been demonstrated to enable persistent expression of therapeutic genes followed by restoration of homeostasis in a variety of disease models. Importantly, this non-viral gene delivery vehicle is postulated to constitute a relatively safe vector system, because it lacks a preference for inserting into transcription units and their upstream regulatory regions, thereby minimizing genotoxic risks that might be associated with vector integration. Further evolution and wide, comprehensive preclinical testing of the SB transposon system in the context of several disease models is expected to further refine this valuable technology matched by enhanced biosafety towards disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Swierczek
- Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Strasse 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany
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27
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Wilber A, Ulloa Montoya F, Hammer L, Moriarity BS, Geurts AM, Largaespada DA, Verfaillie CM, McIvor RS, Lakshmipathy U. Efficient non-viral integration and stable gene expression in multipotent adult progenitor cells. Stem Cells Int 2011; 2011:717069. [PMID: 21977042 PMCID: PMC3184415 DOI: 10.4061/2011/717069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-viral integrating systems, PhiC31 phage integrase (ϕC31), and Sleeping Beauty transposase (SB), provide an effective method for ex vivo gene delivery into cells. Here, we used a plasmid-encoding GFP and neomycin phosphotransferase along with recognition sequences for both ϕC31 and SB integrating systems to demonstrate that both systems effectively mediated integration in cultured human fibroblasts and in rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPC). Southern blot analysis of G418-resistant rMAPC clones showed a 2-fold higher number of SB-mediated insertions per clone compared to ϕC31. Sequence identification of chromosomal junction sites indicated a random profile for SB-mediated integrants and a more restricted profile for ϕC31 integrants. Transgenic rMAPC generated with both systems maintained their ability to differentiate into liver and endothelium albeit with marked attenuation of GFP expression. We conclude that both SB and ϕC31 are effective non-viral integrating systems for genetic engineering of MAPC in basic studies of stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wilber
- Center for Genome Engineering, Gene Therapy Program, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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28
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Sleeping Beauty-mediated knockdown of sheep myostatin by RNA interference. Biotechnol Lett 2011; 33:1949-53. [PMID: 21698446 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-011-0667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Myostatin dysfunction therefore offers a strategy for promoting animal muscle growth in livestock production. Knockdown of myostatin was achieved by combining RNA interference and the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system in sheep cells. Four targeting sites of sheep myostatin were designed and measured for myostatin silencing in sheep fetal fibroblasts by real-time PCR. The sh3 construct induced significant decrease of myostatin gene expression by 90% (P<0.05). Myostatin silencing induced by SB-mediated sh3 was further tested in stably transfected cells. SB transposition increased the integration frequency of genes into sheep genomes and mediated a more efficient myostatin knockdown than random integration of sh3. We suggest that SB-mediated shRNA provides a novel potential tool for gene knockdown in the donor cells of animal cloning.
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29
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Moldt B, Miskey C, Staunstrup NH, Gogol-Döring A, Bak RO, Sharma N, Mátés L, Izsvák Z, Chen W, Ivics Z, Mikkelsen JG. Comparative genomic integration profiling of Sleeping Beauty transposons mobilized with high efficacy from integrase-defective lentiviral vectors in primary human cells. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1499-510. [PMID: 21468003 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been previously shown that integrase-defective HIV-1-based gene vectors can serve, with moderate efficiency, as substrate for DNA transposition by a transiently expressed Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase. Here, we describe the enhanced gene transfer properties of a HIV-1/SB hybrid vector that allows efficient DNA transposition, facilitated by the hyperactive SB100X transposase, from vector DNA intermediates in primary human cells. Potent transposase-dependent integration of genetic cargo carried by the hybrid HIV-1/SB vector (up to 160-fold above background) is reported in human cell lines as well as in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The efficiency of transgene integration in context of the newly developed hybrid vector is comparable with that of conventional lentiviral vectors (LVs). Integration profiles of integrating HIV-1-derived vectors and SB transposons mobilized from LVs are investigated by deep sequencing of a large number of integration sites. A significant bias of lentiviral integrations in genes is reported, confirming that biological properties of the viral integration machinery facilitate preferred insertion into actively transcribed genomic regions. In sharp contrast, lentiviral insertions catalyzed by the SB100X transposase are far more random with respect to genes. Based on these properties, HIV-1/SB vectors may become valuable tools for genetic engineering and therapeutic gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Moldt
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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30
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Belur LR, Podetz-Pedersen KM, Sorenson BS, Hsu AH, Parker JB, Carlson CS, Saltzman DA, Ramakrishnan S, McIvor RS. Inhibition of angiogenesis and suppression of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:14. [PMID: 21310067 PMCID: PMC3045363 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with disease progression and metastatic spread being closely associated with angiogenesis. We investigated whether an antiangiogenic gene transfer approach using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system could be used to inhibit growth of colorectal tumors metastatic to the liver. Results Liver CT26 tumor-bearing mice were hydrodynamically injected with different doses of a plasmid containing a transposon encoding an angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene (Statin AE) along with varying amounts of SB transposase-encoding plasmid. Animals that were injected with a low dose (10 μg) of Statin AE transposon plasmid showed a significant decrease in tumor formation only when co-injected with SB transposase-encoding plasmid, while for animals injected with a higher dose (25 μg) of Statin AE transposon, co-injection of SB transposase-encoding plasmid did not significantly affect tumor load. For animals injected with 10 μg Statin AE transposon plasmid, the number of tumor nodules was inversely proportional to the amount of co-injected SB plasmid. Suppression of metastases was further evident in histological analyses, in which untreated animals showed higher levels of tumor cell proliferation and tumor vascularization than animals treated with low dose transposon plasmid. Conclusion These results demonstrate that hepatic colorectal metastases can be reduced using antiangiogenic transposons, and provide evidence for the importance of the transposition process in mediating suppression of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitha R Belur
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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31
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Lifelong reporter gene imaging in the lungs of mice following polyethyleneimine-mediated sleeping-beauty transposon delivery. Biomaterials 2010; 32:1978-85. [PMID: 21168204 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer that is effective in gene delivery in vivo. Plasmid DNA incorporating the Sleeping-Beauty (SB) transposon has been shown to induce long-term transgene expression in mouse lungs after PEI-mediated delivery. In the current report, we followed the reporter gene expression mediated by PEI/SB delivery in lungs of mice using the non-invasive bioluminescent imaging (BLI) technology. After delivery, the reporter gene signal showed a rapid decay in the first two weeks to a nearly undetectable level, but then the signal augmented gradually in the following weeks and finally reached a stable level that maintained until the natural death of animals. The stabilization of transgene expression is associated with the multiplication of a small number of PEI/SB-labeled alveolar cells, which proliferated both under normal conditions and in response to acute local injury for epithelia repair, and may play a role in long-term homeostatic maintenance in alveoli. The data presented here suggests that systemic delivery of PEI/SB induces stable transfection specifically in a small population of alveolar progenitor cells. The technique provides a promising platform for future research in distal lung biology and tissue regenerative therapy.
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32
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Ivics Z, Izsvák Z. The expanding universe of transposon technologies for gene and cell engineering. Mob DNA 2010; 1:25. [PMID: 21138556 PMCID: PMC3016246 DOI: 10.1186/1759-8753-1-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements can be viewed as natural DNA transfer vehicles that, similar to integrating viruses, are capable of efficient genomic insertion. The mobility of class II transposable elements (DNA transposons) can be controlled by conditionally providing the transposase component of the transposition reaction. Thus, a DNA of interest (be it a fluorescent marker, a small hairpin (sh)RNA expression cassette, a mutagenic gene trap or a therapeutic gene construct) cloned between the inverted repeat sequences of a transposon-based vector can be used for stable genomic insertion in a regulated and highly efficient manner. This methodological paradigm opened up a number of avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture, the production of germline transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species, and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. Sleeping Beauty (SB) was the first transposon shown to be capable of gene transfer in vertebrate cells, and recent results confirm that SB supports a full spectrum of genetic engineering including transgenesis, insertional mutagenesis, and therapeutic somatic gene transfer both ex vivo and in vivo. The first clinical application of the SB system will help to validate both the safety and efficacy of this approach. In this review, we describe the major transposon systems currently available (with special emphasis on SB), discuss the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, and highlight the state of the art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Ivics
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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33
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Izsvák Z, Hackett PB, Cooper LJN, Ivics Z. Translating Sleeping Beauty transposition into cellular therapies: victories and challenges. Bioessays 2010; 32:756-67. [PMID: 20652893 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent results confirm that long-term expression of therapeutic transgenes can be achieved by using a transposon-based system in primary stem cells and in vivo. Transposable elements are natural DNA transfer vehicles that are capable of efficient genomic insertion. The latest generation, Sleeping Beauty transposon-based hyperactive vector (SB100X), is able to address the basic problem of non-viral approaches - that is, low efficiency of stable gene transfer. The combination of transposon-based non-viral gene transfer with the latest improvements of non-viral delivery techniques could provide a long-term therapeutic effect without compromising biosafety. The new challenges of pre-clinical research will focus on further refinement of the technology in large animal models and improving the safety profile of SB vectors by target-selected transgene integration into genomic "safe harbors." The first clinical application of the SB system will help to validate the safety of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany.
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34
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Abstract
Transposon-based gene vectors have become indispensable tools in vertebrate genetics for applications ranging from insertional mutagenesis and transgenesis in model species to gene therapy in humans. The transposon toolkit is expanding, but a careful, side-by-side characterization of the diverse transposon systems has been lacking. Here we compared the Sleeping Beauty (SB), piggyBac (PB), and Tol2 transposons with respect to overall activity, overproduction inhibition (OPI), target site selection, transgene copy number as well as long-term expression in human cells. SB was the most efficient system under conditions where the availability of the transposon DNA is limiting the transposition reaction including hard-to-transfect hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs), and the most sensitive to OPI, underpinning the need for careful optimization of the transposon components. SB and PB were about equally active, and both more efficient than Tol2, under nonrestrictive conditions. All three systems provided long-term transgene expression in human cells with minimal signs of silencing. Indeed, mapping of Tol2 insertion sites revealed significant underrepresentation within chromosomal regions with H3K27me3 histone marks typically associated with transcriptionally repressed heterochromatin. SB, Tol2, and PB constitute complementary research tools for gene transfer in mammalian cells with important implications for fundamental and translational research.
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35
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Podetz-Pedersen KM, Bell JB, Steele TWJ, Wilber A, Shier WT, Belur LR, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. Gene expression in lung and liver after intravenous infusion of polyethylenimine complexes of Sleeping Beauty transposons. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 21:210-20. [PMID: 19761403 PMCID: PMC2829452 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two methods of systemic gene delivery have been extensively explored, using the mouse as a model system: hydrodynamic delivery, wherein a DNA solution equivalent in volume to 10% of the mouse weight is injected intravenously in less than 10 sec, and condensation of DNA with polyethylenimine (PEI) for standard intravenous infusion. Our goal in this study was to evaluate quantitatively the kinetics of gene expression, using these two methods for delivery of Sleeping Beauty transposons. Transposons carrying a luciferase expression cassette were injected into mice either hydrodynamically or after condensation with PEI at a PEI nitrogen-to-DNA phosphate ratio of 7. Gene expression in the lungs and liver after hydrodynamic delivery resulted in exponential decay with a half-life of about 35-40 hr between days 1 and 14 postinjection. The decay kinetics of gene expression after PEI-mediated gene delivery were more complex; an initial decay rate of 6 hr was followed by a more gradual loss of activity. Consequently, the liver became the primary site of gene expression about 4 days after injection of PEI-DNA, and by 14 days expression in the liver was 10-fold higher than in the lung. Overall levels of gene expression 2 weeks postinjection were 100- to 1000-fold lower after PEI-mediated delivery compared with hydrodynamic injection. These results provide insight into the relative effectiveness and organ specificity of these two methods of nonviral gene delivery when coupled with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Podetz-Pedersen
- Beckman Center for Transposon Research, Center for Genome Engineering, Institute of Human Genetics, and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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36
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Abstract
Transposons are promising systems for somatic gene integration because they can not only integrate exogenous genes efficiently, but also be delivered to a variety of organs using a range of transfection methods. piggyBac (PB) transposon has a high transposability in mammalian cells in vitro, and has been used for genetic and preclinical studies. However, the transposability of PB in mammalian somatic cells in vivo has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we demonstrated PB-mediated sustained gene expression in adult mice. We constructed PB-based plasmid DNA (pDNA) containing reporter [firefly and Gaussia luciferase (Gluc)] genes. Mice were transfected by injection of these pDNAs using a hydrodynamics-based procedure, and the conditions for high-level sustained gene expression were examined. Consequently, gene expressions were sustained over 2 months. Our results suggest that PB is useful for organ-selective somatic integration and sustained gene expression in mammals, and will contribute to basic genetic studies and gene therapies.
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37
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38
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Unique functions of repetitive transcriptomes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 285:115-88. [PMID: 21035099 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381047-2.00003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive sequences occupy a huge fraction of essentially every eukaryotic genome. Repetitive sequences cover more than 50% of mammalian genomic DNAs, whereas gene exons and protein-coding sequences occupy only ~3% and 1%, respectively. Numerous genomic repeats include genes themselves. They generally encode "selfish" proteins necessary for the proliferation of transposable elements (TEs) in the host genome. The major part of evolutionary "older" TEs accumulated mutations over time and fails to encode functional proteins. However, repeats have important functions also on the RNA level. Repetitive transcripts may serve as multifunctional RNAs by participating in the antisense regulation of gene activity and by competing with the host-encoded transcripts for cellular factors. In addition, genomic repeats include regulatory sequences like promoters, enhancers, splice sites, polyadenylation signals, and insulators, which actively reshape cellular transcriptomes. TE expression is tightly controlled by the host cells, and some mechanisms of this regulation were recently decoded. Finally, capacity of TEs to proliferate in the host genome led to the development of multiple biotechnological applications.
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Abstract
Transposons have been effectively utilized as non-viral gene delivery systems that are capable of promoting stable transgene expression in mammalian and human cells. Two specific transposon systems, Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), have been successfully modified by the addition of a zinc finger (ZF) DNA-binding domain as a strategy for directing transposon integration near ZF target sites in a host cell genome. Site-directed integration could improve transposon-mediated gene transfer by limiting positional effects on transgene integration, limiting genotoxicity, and improving the overall safety in gene therapy applications. In this chapter, we describe methodology for creating and characterizing functional chimeric ZF transposases and experimental approaches for testing their transpositional activity in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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40
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Vectors for pulmonary gene therapy. Int J Pharm 2009; 390:84-8. [PMID: 19825403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2009] [Revised: 09/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The success of gene transfer in preclinical animal models and proof of principle clinical studies has made gene therapy an attractive concept for disease treatment. A variety of diseases affecting the lung are candidates for gene therapy. Delivery of genes to the lungs seems to be straightforward, because of the easy accessibility of epithelial cells via the airways. However, efficient delivery and expression of the therapeutic transgene at levels sufficient to result in phenotypic correction of the diseased state have proven elusive. This review presents a brief summary about current status and future prospects in the development of viral and non-viral strategies for pulmonary gene therapy.
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41
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Xue X, Huang X, Nodland SE, Mátés L, Ma L, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, LeBien TW, McIvor RS, Wagner JE, Zhou X. Stable gene transfer and expression in cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by a hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Blood 2009; 114:1319-30. [PMID: 19414858 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-210005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we report stable gene transfer in cord blood-derived CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells using a hyperactive nonviral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase (SB100X). In colony-forming assays, SB100X mediated the highest efficiency (24%) of stable Discosoma sp red fluorescent protein (DsRed) reporter gene transfer in committed hematopoietic progenitors compared with both the early-generation hyperactive SB11 transposase and the piggyBac transposon system (1.23% and 3.8%, respectively). In vitro differentiation assays further demonstrated that SB100X-transfected CD34(+) cells can develop into DsRed(+) CD4(+)CD8(+) T (3.17%-21.84%; median, 7.97%), CD19(+) B (3.83%-18.66%; median, 7.84%), CD56(+)CD3(-) NK (3.53%-79.98%; median, 7.88%), and CD33(+) myeloid (7.59%-15.63%; median, 9.48%) cells. SB100X-transfected CD34(+) cells achieved approximately 46% engraftment in NOD-scid IL2gammac(null) (NOG) mice. Twelve weeks after transplantation, 0.57% to 28.96% (median, 2.79%) and 0.49% to 34.50% (median, 5.59%) of total human CD45(+) cells in the bone marrow and spleen expressed DsRed, including CD19(+) B, CD14(+) monocytoid, and CD33(+) myeloid cell lineages. Integration site analysis revealed SB transposon sequences in the human chromosomes of in vitro differentiated T, B, NK, and myeloid cells, as well as in human CD45(+) cells isolated from bone marrow and spleen of transplanted NOG mice. Our results support the continuing development of SB-based gene transfer into human hematopoietic stem cells as a modality for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkui Xue
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Berlin, Germany
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42
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Largaespada DA. Transposon-mediated mutagenesis of somatic cells in the mouse for cancer gene identification. Methods 2009; 49:282-6. [PMID: 19607923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2008] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To successfully treat cancer we will likely need a much more detailed understanding of the genes and pathways meaningfully altered in individual cancer cases. One method for achieving this goal is to derive cancers in model organisms using unbiased forward genetic screens that allow cancer gene candidate discovery. We have developed a method using a "cut-and-paste" DNA transposon system called Sleeping Beauty (SB) to perform forward genetic screens for cancer genes in mice. Although the approach is conceptually similar to the use of replication competent retroviruses for cancer gene identification, the SB system promises to allow such screens in tissues previously not amenable to forward genetic screens such as the gastrointestinal tract, brain, and liver. This article describes the strains useful for SB-based screens for cancer genes in mice and how they are deployed in an experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Largaespada
- Masonic Cancer Center University of Minnesota, Department of Genetics, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Genome Engineering, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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43
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Staunstrup NH, Moldt B, Mátés L, Villesen P, Jakobsen M, Ivics Z, Izsvák Z, Mikkelsen JG. Hybrid lentivirus-transposon vectors with a random integration profile in human cells. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1205-14. [PMID: 19240688 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-based lentiviral vectors (LVs) is efficient, but genomic integration of the viral DNA is strongly biased toward transcriptionally active loci resulting in an increased risk of insertional mutagenesis in gene therapy protocols. Nonviral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors have a significantly safer insertion profile, but efficient delivery into relevant cell/tissue types is a limitation. In an attempt to combine the favorable features of the two vector systems we established a novel hybrid vector technology based on SB transposase-mediated insertion of lentiviral DNA circles generated during transduction of target cells with integrase (IN)-defective LVs (IDLVs). By construction of a lentivirus-transposon hybrid vector allowing transposition exclusively from circular viral DNA substrates, we demonstrate that SB transposase added in trans directs efficient transposon mobilization from DNA circles in vector-transduced cells. Both transfected plasmid DNA and transduced IDLVs can serve as the source of active transposase. Most important, we demonstrate that the SB transposase overrides the natural lentiviral integration pathway and directs vector integration less frequently toward transcriptional units, resulting in a random genomic integration profile. The novel hybrid vector system combines the attractive features of efficient gene delivery by viral transduction and a safer genomic integration profile by DNA transposition.
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44
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Di Gioia S, Conese M. Polyethylenimine-mediated gene delivery to the lung and therapeutic applications. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2009; 2:163-88. [PMID: 19920904 PMCID: PMC2761186 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral gene delivery is now considered a promising alternative to viral vectors. Among nonviral gene delivery agents, polyethylenimine (PEI) has emerged as a potent candidate for gene delivery to the lung. PEI has some advantages over other polycations in that it combines strong DNA compaction capacity with an intrinsic endosomolytic activity. However, intracellular (mainly the nuclear membrane) and extracellular obstacles still hamper its efficiency in vitro and in vivo, depending on the route of administration and the type of PEI. Nuclear delivery has been increased by adding nuclear localization signals. To overcome nonspecific interactions with biological fluids, extracellular matrix components and nontarget cells, strategies have been developed to protect polyplexes from these interactions and to increase target specificity and gene expression. When gene delivery into airway epithelial cells of the conducting airways is necessary, aerosolization of complexes seems to be better suited to guarantee higher transgene expression in the airway epithelial cells with lower toxicity than observed with either intratracheal or intravenous administration. Aerosolization, indeed, is useful to target the alveolar epithelium and pulmonary endothelium. Proof-of-principle that PEI-mediated gene delivery has therapeutic application to some genetic and acquired lung disease is presented, using as genetic material either plasmidic DNA or small-interfering RNA, although optimization of formulation and delivery protocols and limitation of toxicity need further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, Foggia, Italy
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45
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Huang X, Wilber A, McIvor RS, Zhou X. DNA transposons for modification of human primary T lymphocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2009; 506:115-126. [PMID: 19110623 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-409-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBL) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) has been shown to be promising in the treatment of cancer (Nat Rev Cancer 3:35-45, 2003), transplant complications (Curr Opin Hematol 5:478-482, 1998), viral infections (Science 285:546-551, 1999), and immunodeficiencies (Nat Rev Immunol 2:615-621, 2002). There are also significant implications for the study of T cell biology (J Exp Med 191:2031-2037, 2000). Currently, there are three types of vectors that are commonly used for introducing genes into human primary T cells: oncoretroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, and naked DNA. Oncoretroviral vectors transduce and integrate only in dividing cells. However, it has been shown that extended ex vivo culture, required by oncoretroviral-mediated gene transfer, may alter the biologic properties of T cells (Nat Med 4:775-780, 1998; Int Immunol 9:1073- 1083, 1997; Hum Gene Ther 11:1151-1164, 2001; Blood 15:1165-1173, 2002; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1994). HIV-1-derived lentiviral vectors have been shown to transduce a variety of slowly dividing or nondividing cells, including unstimulated T lymphocytes (Blood 96:1309-1316, 2000; Gene Ther 7:596-604, 2000; Blood 101:2167-2174, 2002; Hum Gene Ther 14:1089-1105, 2003). However, achieving effective gene transfer and expression using lentivirus vectors can be complex, and there is at least a perceived risk associated with clinical application of a vector based on a human pathogen (i.e., HIV-1). Recently it has been found that oncoretroviral and lentiviral vectors show a preference for integration into regulatory sequences and active genes, respectively (Cell 110:521-529, 2002; Science 300:1749-1751, 2003). Additionally, insertional mutagenesis has become a serious concern, after several patients treated with an oncoretroviral vector for X-linked SCID developed a leukemia-like syndrome associated with activation of the LMO2 oncogene (Science 302:415-419, 2003). Naked DNA-based genetic engineering of human T lymphocytes also requires T cells to be activated prior to gene transfer (Mol Ther 1:49-55, 2000; Blood 101:1637-1644, 2003; Blood 107:2643-2652, 2006). In addition, random integration by electroporation is of low efficiency. We have recently reported that the Sleeping Beauty transposon system can efficiently mediate stable transgene expression in human primary T cells without prior T cell activation (Blood 107:483-491, 2006). This chapter describes methodology for the introduction of SB transposons into human T cell cultures with subsequent integration and stable long-term expression at noticeably high efficiency for a nonviral gene transfer system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Liver-directed gene therapy using the sleeping beauty transposon system. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2008; 434:267-76. [PMID: 18470650 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-248-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a transposon system genetically reconstructed from teleost fish that mediates chromosomal integration of DNA sequences by a cut-and-paste mechanism. SB has been shown to mediate transposition in a variety of cells and tissues, has been used for the generation of transgenic animals and has been tested as a vector for gene therapy in several animal models of human disease. Here, we describe methods that we have developed for testing SB-mediated transposition, first in cultured mammalian cells, and then in vivo using a combination of rapid, high-volume tail vein injection for DNA delivery to the liver along with in vivo bioluminescence imaging to monitor sustained luciferase gene expression in individual animals.
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Lung-directed gene therapy in mice using the nonviral Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Nat Protoc 2008; 2:3146-52. [PMID: 18079714 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2007.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon is an integrative nonviral plasmid system. Here, we describe a protocol for SB-mediated transgene delivery using DNA/polyethyleneimine (PEI) complexes for long-term expression in mouse lungs. This protocol can be used for delivery of any plasmid-based vector system to mouse lungs, although long-term transgene expression will be obtained only when using the SB transposon or other integrating vector systems. The stages of this protocol are preparation of DNA-PEI complexes and injection of the complexes into the lateral tail vein of mice. We also provide protocols for assessing transgene expression using in vivo bioluminescence imaging and enzymatic assay of lung homogenates. The procedure can be completed within 24 h, starting from preparation of DNA-PEI complexes to analysis of transient transgene expression.
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Huang X, Guo H, Kang J, Choi S, Zhou TC, Tammana S, Lees CJ, Li ZZ, Milone M, Levine BL, Tolar J, June CH, Scott McIvor R, Wagner JE, Blazar BR, Zhou X. Sleeping Beauty transposon-mediated engineering of human primary T cells for therapy of CD19+ lymphoid malignancies. Mol Ther 2008; 16:580-9. [PMID: 18227839 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have reported earlier that the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system can mediate genomic integration and long-term reporter gene expression in human primary peripheral blood (PB) T cells. In order to test whether this system can be used for genetically modifying both PB T cells and umbilical cord blood (UCB) T cells as graft-versus-leukemia effector cells, an SB transposon was constructed to coexpress a single-chain chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for human CD19 and CD20. PB and UCB were nucleofected with the transposon and a transposase plasmid, activated and then expanded in culture using anti-CD3/CD28 beads. Stable dual-gene expression was confirmed in both T-cell types, permitting enrichment by positive selection with Rituxan. The engineered CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells both exhibited specific cytotoxicity against CD19(+) leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, as well as against CD19 transfectants, and produced high-levels of antigen-dependent Th1 (but not Th2) cytokines. The in vivo adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged the survival of the animal. Taken together, these data indicate that T cells from PB and UCB can be stably modified using a non-viral DNA transfer system, and that such modified T cells may be useful in the treatment of refractory leukemia and lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Abstract
Swine production has been an important part of our lives since the late Mesolithic or early Neolithic periods, and ranks number one in world meat production. Pig production also contributes to high-value-added medical markets in the form of pharmaceuticals, heart valves, and surgical materials. Genetic engineering, including the addition of exogenous genetic material or manipulation of the endogenous genome, holds great promise for changing pig phenotypes for agricultural and medical applications. Although the first transgenic pigs were described in 1985, poor survival of manipulated embryos; inefficiencies in the integration, transmission, and expression of transgenes; and expensive husbandry costs have impeded the widespread application of pig genetic engineering. Sequencing of the pig genome and advances in reproductive technologies have rejuvenated efforts to apply transgenesis to swine. Pigs provide a compelling new resource for the directed production of pharmaceutical proteins and the provision of cells, vascular grafts, and organs for xenotransplantation. Additionally, given remarkable similarities in the physiology and size of people and pigs, swine will increasingly provide large animal models of human disease where rodent models are insufficient. We review the challenges facing pig transgenesis and discuss the utility of transposases and recombinases for enhancing the success and sophistication of pig genetic engineering. 'The paradise of my fancy is one where pigs have wings.' (GK Chesterton).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J Clark
- Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, Fitch Ave, St, Paul, MN 55108, USA
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