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Yuan H, Wu X, Liu H, Chang LJ. Lentiviral Gene Therapy of Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Functional Assessment of Universal and Tissue-Specific Promoters. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:19-29. [PMID: 36274229 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare congenital immunodeficiency characterized by a defect in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase required for phagocytosis. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is currently the only curative treatment, but it is ladened with morbidities and mortality. Gene therapy is a promising treatment for CGD. However, if not properly designed, the gene therapy approach may not be successful. We engineered lentiviral vectors (LVs) carrying a universal promoter (EF1a) and two myeloid-specific promoters (miR223 and CD68) to drive the expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) or CYBB, one of the key defective genes causing CGD. Tissue-specific LV expression was investigated in vitro and in a CGD mouse model. We compared GFP expression in both myeloid differentiated and undifferentiated HSCs. The CGD mice were transplanted with LV-modified mouse HSCs to investigate expression of CYBB and restoration of reactive oxygen species. The LV promoters were further compared under low and high-transgenic conditions to assess safety and therapeutic efficacy. A pneumonia disease model based on pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus challenge was established to assess the survival rate and body weight change. All three promoters demonstrated ectopic CYBB expression in vitro and in vivo. The EF1a promoter showed the highest expression of GFP or CYBB in transduced cells, including HSCs without cytotoxicity, whereas the LV-miR223 showed the highest transgene delivery efficiency with high myeloid specificity. Importantly, under low-transgenic condition, only the LV-EF1a-CYBB showed high antibacterial activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokun Yuan
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lung-Ji Chang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Fader KA, Pardo ID, Kovi RC, Somps CJ, Wang HH, Vaidya VS, Ramaiah SK, Sirivelu MP. Circulating neurofilament light chain as a promising biomarker of AAV-induced dorsal root ganglia toxicity in nonclinical toxicology species. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:264-277. [PMID: 35505662 PMCID: PMC9024379 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-induced dorsal root ganglia (DRG) toxicity has been observed in several nonclinical species, where lesions are characterized by neuronal degeneration/necrosis, nerve fiber degeneration, and mononuclear cell infiltration. As AAV vectors become an increasingly common platform for novel therapeutics, non-invasive biomarkers are needed to better characterize and manage the risk of DRG neurotoxicity in both nonclinical and clinical studies. Based on biological relevance, reagent availability, antibody cross-reactivity, DRG protein expression, and assay performance, neurofilament light chain (NF-L) emerged as a promising biomarker candidate. Dose- and time-dependent changes in NF-L were evaluated in male Wistar Han rats and cynomolgus monkeys following intravenous or intrathecal AAV injection, respectively. NF-L profiles were then compared against microscopic DRG lesions on day 29 post-dosing. In animals exhibiting DRG toxicity, plasma/serum NF-L was strongly associated with the severity of neuronal degeneration/necrosis and nerve fiber degeneration, with elevations beginning as early as day 8 in rats (≥5 × 1013 vg/kg) and day 14 in monkeys (≥3.3 × 1013 vg/dose). Consistent with the unique positioning of DRGs outside the blood-brain barrier, NF-L in cerebrospinal fluid was only weakly associated with DRG findings. In summary, circulating NF-L is a promising biomarker of AAV-induced DRG toxicity in nonclinical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Fader
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | | | - Ramesh C Kovi
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christopher J Somps
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Helen Hong Wang
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vishal S Vaidya
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shashi K Ramaiah
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Madhu P Sirivelu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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3
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Martínez-García J, Molina A, González-Aseguinolaza G, Weber ND, Smerdou C. Gene Therapy for Acquired and Genetic Cholestasis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061238. [PMID: 35740260 PMCID: PMC9220166 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic diseases can be caused by the dysfunction of transporters involved in hepatobiliary circulation. Although pharmacological treatments constitute the current standard of care for these diseases, none are curative, with liver transplantation being the only long-term solution for severe cholestasis, albeit with many disadvantages. Liver-directed gene therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials for genetic diseases, and it could constitute a potential new therapeutic approach for cholestatic diseases. Many preclinical gene therapy studies have shown positive results in animal models of both acquired and genetic cholestasis. The delivery of genes that reduce apoptosis or fibrosis or improve bile flow has shown therapeutic effects in rodents in which cholestasis was induced by drugs or bile duct ligation. Most studies targeting inherited cholestasis, such as progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), have focused on supplementing a correct version of a mutated gene to the liver using viral or non-viral vectors in order to achieve expression of the therapeutic protein. These strategies have generated promising results in treating PFIC3 in mouse models of the disease. However, important challenges remain in translating this therapy to the clinic, as well as in developing gene therapy strategies for other types of acquired and genetic cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martínez-García
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.); (G.G.-A.)
| | - Angie Molina
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.); (G.G.-A.)
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.); (G.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nicholas D. Weber
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (N.D.W.); (C.S.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (N.D.W. & C.S.)
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.); (G.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (N.D.W.); (C.S.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (N.D.W. & C.S.)
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4
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Han SP, Scherer L, Gethers M, Salvador AM, Salah MBH, Mancusi R, Sagar S, Hu R, DeRogatis J, Kuo YH, Marcucci G, Das S, Rossi JJ, Goddard WA. Programmable siRNA pro-drugs that activate RNAi activity in response to specific cellular RNA biomarkers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:797-809. [PMID: 35116191 PMCID: PMC8789579 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Since Paul Ehrlich's introduction of the "magic bullet" concept in 1908, drug developers have been seeking new ways to target drug activity to diseased cells while limiting effects on normal tissues. In recent years, it has been proposed that coupling riboswitches capable of detecting RNA biomarkers to small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to create siRNA pro-drugs could selectively activate RNA interference (RNAi) activity in specific cells. However, this concept has not been achieved previously. We report here that we have accomplished this goal, validating a simple and programmable new design that functions reliably in mammalian cells. We show that these conditionally activated siRNAs (Cond-siRNAs) can switch RNAi activity against different targets between clearly distinguished OFF and ON states in response to different cellular RNA biomarkers. Notably, in a rat cardiomyocyte cell line (H9C2), one version of our construct demonstrated biologically meaningful inhibition of a heart-disease-related target gene protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP3CA) in response to increased expression of the pathological marker atrial natriuretic peptide (NPPA) messenger RNA (mRNA). Our results demonstrate the ability of synthetic riboswitches to regulate gene expression in mammalian cells, opening a new path for development of programmable siRNA pro-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-ping Han
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lisa Scherer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Matt Gethers
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Ane M. Salvador
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marwa Ben Haj Salah
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Rebecca Mancusi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sahil Sagar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Robin Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Julia DeRogatis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ya-Huei Kuo
- Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Department of Hematological Malignancies Translational Science, Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John J. Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - William A. Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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5
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The Key Role of Peroxisomes in Follicular Growth, Oocyte Maturation, Ovulation, and Steroid Biosynthesis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7982344. [PMID: 35154572 PMCID: PMC8831076 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7982344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The absence of peroxisomes can cause disease in the human reproductive system, including the ovaries. The available peroxisomal gene-knockout female mouse models, which exhibit pathological changes in the ovary and reduced fertility, are listed in this review. Our review article provides the first systematic presentation of peroxisomal regulation and its possible functions in the ovary. Our immunofluorescence results reveal that peroxisomes are present in all cell types in the ovary; however, peroxisomes exhibit different numerical abundances and strong heterogeneity in their protein composition among distinct ovarian cell types. The peroxisomal compartment is strongly altered during follicular development and during oocyte maturation, which suggests that peroxisomes play protective roles in oocytes against oxidative stress and lipotoxicity during ovulation and in the survival of oocytes before conception. In addition, the peroxisomal compartment is involved in steroid synthesis, and peroxisomal dysfunction leads to disorder in the sexual hormone production process. However, an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these physiological and pathological processes is lacking. To date, no effective treatment for peroxisome-related disease has been developed, and only supportive methods are available. Thus, further investigation is needed to resolve peroxisome deficiency in the ovary and eventually promote female fertility.
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6
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Papasavva PL, Patsali P, Loucari CC, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. CRISPR Editing Enables Consequential Tag-Activated MicroRNA-Mediated Endogene Deactivation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1082. [PMID: 35163006 PMCID: PMC8834719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular therapies and functional studies greatly benefit from spatial and temporal precision of genetic intervention. We therefore conceived and explored tag-activated microRNA (miRNA)-mediated endogene deactivation (TAMED) as a research tool and potential lineage-specific therapy. For proof of principle, we aimed to deactivate γ-globin repressor BCL11A in erythroid cells by tagging the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of BCL11A with miRNA recognition sites (MRSs) for the abundant erythromiR miR-451a. To this end, we employed nucleofection of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles alongside double- or single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides for, respectively, non-homologous-end-joining (NHEJ)- or homology-directed-repair (HDR)-mediated MRS insertion. NHEJ-based tagging was imprecise and inefficient (≤6%) and uniformly produced knock-in- and indel-containing MRS tags, whereas HDR-based tagging was more efficient (≤18%), but toxic for longer donors encoding concatenated and thus potentially more efficient MRS tags. Isolation of clones for robust HEK293T cells tagged with a homozygous quadruple MRS resulted in 25% spontaneous reduction in BCL11A and up to 36% reduction after transfection with an miR-451a mimic. Isolation of clones for human umbilical cord blood-derived erythroid progenitor-2 (HUDEP-2) cells tagged with single or double MRS allowed detection of albeit weak γ-globin induction. Our study demonstrates suitability of TAMED for physiologically relevant modulation of gene expression and its unsuitability for therapeutic application in its current form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota L. Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Petros Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos C. Loucari
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8521, Japan;
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan;
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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7
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Pavani G, Amendola M. Targeted Gene Delivery: Where to Land. Front Genome Ed 2021; 2:609650. [PMID: 34713234 PMCID: PMC8525409 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.609650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-editing technologies have the potential to correct most genetic defects involved in blood disorders. In contrast to mutation-specific editing, targeted gene insertion can correct most of the mutations affecting the same gene with a single therapeutic strategy (gene replacement) or provide novel functions to edited cells (gene addition). Targeting a selected genomic harbor can reduce insertional mutagenesis risk, while enabling the exploitation of endogenous promoters, or selected chromatin contexts, to achieve specific transgene expression levels/patterns and the modulation of disease-modifier genes. In this review, we will discuss targeted gene insertion and the advantages and limitations of different genomic harbors currently under investigation for various gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pavani
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Univ Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Mario Amendola
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Univ Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
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8
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Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells’ substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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9
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Lee HHC, Pearl PL, Rotenberg A. Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Relevance in γ-Aminobutyric Acid Plasticity. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:1200-1209. [PMID: 33624531 PMCID: PMC8382780 DOI: 10.1177/0883073821993000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is a rare inborn metabolic disorder caused by the functional impairment of SSADH (encoded by the ALDH5A1 gene), an enzyme essential for metabolism of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In SSADHD, pathologic accumulation of GABA and its metabolite γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) results in broad spectrum encephalopathy including developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, and a heightened risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Proof-of-concept systemic SSADH restoration via enzyme replacement therapy increased survival of SSADH knockout mice, suggesting that SSADH restoration might be a viable intervention for SSADHD. However, before testing enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy in patients, we must consider its safety and feasibility in the context of early brain development and unique SSADHD pathophysiology. Specifically, a profound use-dependent downregulation of GABAA receptors in SSADHD indicates a risk that any sudden SSADH restoration might diminish GABAergic tone and provoke seizures. In addition, the tight developmental regulation of GABA circuit plasticity might limit the age window when SSADH restoration is accomplished safely. Moreover, given SSADH expressions are cell type-specific, targeted instead of global restoration might be necessary. We therefore describe 3 key parameters for the clinical readiness of SSADH restoration: (1) rate, (2) timing, and (3) cell type specificity. Our work focuses on the construction of a novel SSADHD mouse model that allows "on-demand" SSADH restoration for the systematic investigation of these key parameters. We aim to understand the impacts of specific SSADH restoration protocols on brain physiology, accelerating bench-to-bedside development of enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy for SSADHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Hing Cheong Lee
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital,Correspondence: Henry Lee () and Alexander Rotenberg ()
| | | | - Alexander Rotenberg
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital,Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital,Correspondence: Henry Lee () and Alexander Rotenberg ()
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10
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Boucher P, Cui X, Curiel DT. Adenoviral vectors for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas gene editors. J Control Release 2020; 327:788-800. [PMID: 32891680 PMCID: PMC8091654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system for genome editing in eukaryotes has revolutionized basic biomedical research and translational sciences. The ability to create targeted alterations of the genome through this easy to design system has presented unprecedented opportunities to treat inherited disorders and other diseases such as cancer through gene therapy. A major hurdle is the lack of an efficient and safe in vivo delivery system, limiting most of the current gene therapy efforts to ex vivo editing of extracted cells. Here we discuss the unique features of adenoviral vectors that enable tissue specific and efficient delivery of the CRISPR-Cas machinery for in vivo genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boucher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Cui
- Genome Engineering & iPSC Center, Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Biologic Therapeutics Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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11
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Kim SH, Lee S, Lee H, Cho M, Schaffer DV, Jang JH. AAVR-Displaying Interfaces: Serotype-Independent Adeno-Associated Virus Capture and Local Delivery Systems. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:432-443. [PMID: 31670142 PMCID: PMC6831863 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interfacing gene delivery vehicles with biomaterials has the potential to play a key role in diversifying gene transfer capabilities, including localized, patterned, and controlled delivery. However, strategies for modifying biomaterials to interact with delivery vectors must be redesigned whenever new delivery vehicles and applications are explored. We have developed a vector-independent biomaterial platform capable of interacting with various adeno-associated viral (AAV) serotypes. A water-soluble, cysteine-tagged, recombinant protein version of the recently discovered multi-AAV serotype receptor (AAVR), referred to as cys-AAVR, was conjugated to maleimide-displaying polycaprolactone (PCL) materials using click chemistry. The resulting cys-AAVR-PCL system bound to a broad range of therapeutically relevant AAV serotypes, thereby providing a platform capable of modulating the delivery of all AAV serotypes. Intramuscular injection of cys-AAVR-PCL microspheres with bound AAV vectors resulted in localized and sustained gene delivery as well as reduced spread to off-target organs compared to a vector solution. This cys-AAVR-PCL system is thus an effective approach for biomaterial-based AAV gene delivery for a broad range of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Slgirim Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea; Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Heehyung Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Mira Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3220, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3220, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3220, USA.
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
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12
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Piekarowicz K, Bertrand AT, Azibani F, Beuvin M, Julien L, Machowska M, Bonne G, Rzepecki R. A Muscle Hybrid Promoter as a Novel Tool for Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:157-169. [PMID: 31660418 PMCID: PMC6807297 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising strategy to cure rare diseases. The lack of regulatory sequences ensuring specific and robust expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle is a substantial limitation of gene therapy efficiency targeting the muscle tissue. Here we describe a novel muscle hybrid (MH) promoter that is highly active in both skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. It has an easily exchangeable modular structure, including an intronic module that highly enhances the expression of the gene driven by it. In cultured myoblasts, myotubes, and cardiomyocytes, the MH promoter gives relatively stable expression as well as higher activity and protein levels than the standard CMV and desmin gene promoters or the previously developed synthetic or CKM-based promoters. Combined with AAV2/9, the MH promoter also provides a high in vivo expression level in skeletal muscle and the heart after both intramuscular and systemic delivery. It is much more efficient than the desmin-encoding gene promoter, and it maintains the same specificity. This novel promoter has potential for gene therapy in muscle cells. It can provide stable transgene expression, ensuring high levels of therapeutic protein, and limited side effects because of its specificity. This constitutes an improvement in the efficiency of genetic disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piekarowicz
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Anne T Bertrand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Feriel Azibani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Maud Beuvin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Laura Julien
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Magdalena Machowska
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Gisèle Bonne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Paris 75 651, France
| | - Ryszard Rzepecki
- Laboratory of Nuclear Proteins, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
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13
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Mesuraca M, Amodio N, Chiarella E, Scicchitano S, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Bond HM, Morrone G. Turning Stem Cells Bad: Generation of Clinically Relevant Models of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Gene Delivery- or Genome Editing-Based Approaches. Molecules 2018; 23:E2060. [PMID: 30126100 PMCID: PMC6222541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in the adult, is believed to arise as a consequence of multiple molecular events that confer on primitive hematopoietic progenitors unlimited self-renewal potential and cause defective differentiation. A number of genetic aberrations, among which a variety of gene fusions, have been implicated in the development of a transformed phenotype through the generation of dysfunctional molecules that disrupt key regulatory mechanisms controlling survival, proliferation, and differentiation in normal stem and progenitor cells. Such genetic aberrations can be recreated experimentally to a large extent, to render normal hematopoietic stem cells "bad", analogous to the leukemic stem cells. Here, we wish to provide a brief outline of the complementary experimental approaches, largely based on gene delivery and more recently on gene editing, employed over the last two decades to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AML development and progression and on the prospects that their applications offer for the discovery and validation of innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy.
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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14
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15
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Lu P, Jiang SJ, Pan H, Xu AL, Wang GH, Ma CL, Shi Z. Short hairpin RNA interference targeting interleukin 1 receptor type I in the paraventricular nucleus attenuates hypertension in rats. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:439-448. [PMID: 29143938 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Blood pressure is controlled by tonic sympathetic activities, excessive activation of which contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension. Interleukin (IL)-1β in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is involved in sympathetic overdrive and hypertension. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1R1) gene silencing in the PVN on hypertension. Recombinant lentivirus vectors expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting IL-1R1 (Lv-shR-IL-1R1) or a control shRNA were microinjected into PVN of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive WKY rats. The fluorescence of green fluorescent protein-labelled vectors appeared at 2 weeks after injection and persisted for at least 8 weeks. IL-1R1 protein expression in the PVN was reduced 4 weeks after Lv-shR-IL-1R1 injection in SHRs. IL-1R1 interference also reduced basal sympathetic activity, cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex in SHRs. Depressor effects were observed from week 2 to 10 after Lv-shR-IL-1R1 treatment in SHRs, with the most prominent effects seen at the end of week 4. Furthermore, Lv-shR-IL-1R1 treatment decreased the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight and cross-sectional areas of myocardial cells in SHRs. Additionally, Lv-shR-IL-1R1 treatment prevented an increase in superoxide anion and pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs, TNF-α and IL-1β) in the PVN of SHR, and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine (AIC, IL-10) expression. These results indicate that shRNA interference targeting IL-1R1 in the PVN decreases arterial blood pressure, attenuates excessive sympathetic activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex, and improves myocardial remodelling in SHRs by restoring the balance between PICs and AICs to attenuate oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lu
- Department of Education, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Stroke, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Shu-Jun Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Rd, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Physiology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Rd, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China
| | - Ai-Li Xu
- Department of Physiology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Rd, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China
| | - Gui-Hua Wang
- Experimental Teaching Management Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Chun-Lei Ma
- Department of Physiology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Rd, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China.,Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Stroke, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Zhen Shi
- Department of Physiology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Rd, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China.
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16
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Javan B, Shahbazi M. Hypoxia-inducible tumour-specific promoters as a dual-targeting transcriptional regulation system for cancer gene therapy. Ecancermedicalscience 2017; 11:751. [PMID: 28798809 PMCID: PMC5533602 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2017.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional targeting is the best approach for specific gene therapy. Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, targeting gene expression in hypoxic cells by placing transgene under the control of a hypoxia-responsive promoter can be a good strategy for cancer-specific gene therapy. The hypoxia-inducible gene expression system has been investigated more in suicide gene therapy and it can also be of great help in knocking down cancer gene therapy with siRNAs. However, this system needs to be optimised to have maximum efficacy with minimum side effects in normal tissues. The combination of tissue-/tumour-specific promoters with HRE core sequences has been found to enhance the specificity and efficacy of this system. In this review, hypoxia-inducible gene expression system as well as gene therapy strategies targeting tumour hypoxia will be discussed. This review will also focus on hypoxia-inducible tumour-specific promoters as a dual-targeting transcriptional regulation systems developed for cancer-specific gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Javan
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174515, Iran
| | - Majid Shahbazi
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174515, Iran
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17
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Low-Dose Gene Therapy for Murine PKU Using Episomal Naked DNA Vectors Expressing PAH from Its Endogenous Liver Promoter. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624210 PMCID: PMC5423318 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Limited duration of transgene expression, insertional mutagenesis, and size limitations for transgene cassettes pose challenges and risk factors for many gene therapy vectors. Here, we report on physiological expression of liver phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) by delivery of naked DNA/minicircle (MC)-based vectors for correction of homozygous enu2 mice, a model of human phenylketonuria (PKU). Because MC vectors lack a defined size limit, we constructed a MC vector expressing a codon-optimized murine Pah cDNA that includes a truncated intron and is under the transcriptional control of a 3.6-kb native Pah promoter/enhancer sequence. This vector, delivered via hydrodynamic injection, yielded therapeutic liver PAH activity and sustained correction of blood phenylalanine comparable to viral or synthetic liver promoters. Therapeutic efficacy was seen with vector copy numbers of <1 vector genome per diploid hepatocyte genome and was achieved at a vector dose that was significantly lowered. Partial hepatectomy and subsequent liver regeneration was associated with >95% loss of vector genomes and PAH activity in liver, demonstrating that MC vectors had not integrated into the liver genome. In conclusion, MC vectors, which do not have a defined size-limitation, offer a favorable safety profile for hepatic gene therapy due to their non-integration in combination with native promoters.
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18
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Martin F, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Sánchez S, Galvani G, Benabdellah K. Genome editing: An alternative to retroviral vectors for Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) Gene Therapy? Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1142870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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19
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Klouwer FCC, Berendse K, Ferdinandusse S, Wanders RJA, Engelen M, Poll-The BT. Zellweger spectrum disorders: clinical overview and management approach. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:151. [PMID: 26627182 PMCID: PMC4666198 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs) represent the major subgroup within the peroxisomal biogenesis disorders caused by defects in PEX genes. The Zellweger spectrum is a clinical and biochemical continuum which can roughly be divided into three clinical phenotypes. Patients can present in the neonatal period with severe symptoms or later in life during adolescence or adulthood with only minor features. A defect of functional peroxisomes results in several metabolic abnormalities, which in most cases can be detected in blood and urine. There is currently no curative therapy, but supportive care is available. This review focuses on the management of patients with a ZSD and provides recommendations for supportive therapeutic options for all those involved in the care for ZSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke C C Klouwer
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO BOX 22660, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kevin Berendse
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO BOX 22660, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sacha Ferdinandusse
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ronald J A Wanders
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marc Engelen
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO BOX 22660, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bwee Tien Poll-The
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO BOX 22660, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Synthetic Biology--Toward Therapeutic Solutions. J Mol Biol 2015; 428:945-62. [PMID: 26334368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Higher multicellular organisms have evolved sophisticated intracellular and intercellular biological networks that enable cell growth and survival to fulfill an organism's needs. Although such networks allow the assembly of complex tissues and even provide healing and protective capabilities, malfunctioning cells can have severe consequences for an organism's survival. In humans, such events can result in severe disorders and diseases, including metabolic and immunological disorders, as well as cancer. Dominating the therapeutic frontier for these potentially lethal disorders, cell and gene therapies aim to relieve or eliminate patient suffering by restoring the function of damaged, diseased, and aging cells and tissues via the introduction of healthy cells or alternative genes. However, despite recent success, these efforts have yet to achieve sufficient therapeutic effects, and further work is needed to ensure the safe and precise control of transgene expression and cellular processes. In this review, we describe the biological tools and devices that are at the forefront of synthetic biology and discuss their potential to advance the specificity, efficiency, and safety of the current generation of cell and gene therapies, including how they can be used to confer curative effects that far surpass those of conventional therapeutics. We also highlight the current therapeutic delivery tools and the current limitations that hamper their use in human applications.
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21
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Duan XC, Liu SY, Guo R, Xiao L, Xue HM, Guo Q, Jin S, Wu YM. Cystathionine-β-Synthase Gene Transfer Into Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Exacerbates Hypertension via Nitric Oxide in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Am J Hypertens 2015; 28:1106-13. [PMID: 25628417 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpu299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) plays a crucial role in the central regulation of cardiovascular functions. Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) is a major hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-generating enzyme that has been identified mainly in the brain. The present study was designed to examine CBS expression and determine its roles and mechanisms of regulating sympathetic outflow and blood pressure (BP) in the RVLM in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS AND RESULTS CBS expression was decreased in the RVLM in SHR compared to Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Accumulating evidences suggest that H2S interacts with nitric oxide (NO) to regulate cardiovascular function. Therefore, we hypothesize that the decrease in CBS expression in the RVLM may be involved in the disorder of l-arginine/NO pathway, which subsequently affects BP in SHR. Overexpression of CBS in the RVLM caused significant increases in BP, heart rate, and urinary norepinephrine excretion in SHR but not in WKY. Acute experiments were carried out at day 7 after gene transfer. NO metabolite levels, neuronal NO synthase, and γ-amino butyric acid were decreased in SHR after CBS gene transfer. Furthermore, pressor responses to microinjection of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine into RVLM were blunt in SHR transfected with AdCBS compared to SHR transfected with AdEGFP. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of CBS in the RVLM elicits enhanced pressor responses in SHR, but not in WKY, and the NO system is involved in these effects. The results suggest that alterations of H2S signaling in the brain may be associated with the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cui Duan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shang-Yu Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Education Administration, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xue
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-Ming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China;
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22
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Yao Y, Jin S, Long H, Yu Y, Zhang Z, Cheng G, Xu C, Ding Y, Guan Q, Li N, Fu S, Chen XJ, Yan YB, Zhang H, Tong P, Tan Y, Yu Y, Fu S, Li J, He GJ, Wu Q. RNAe: an effective method for targeted protein translation enhancement by artificial non-coding RNA with SINEB2 repeat. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:e58. [PMID: 25722369 PMCID: PMC4482056 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a universal protein expression enhancement RNA tool, termed RNAe, was developed by modifying a recently discovered natural long non-coding RNA. At the moment, RNAe is the only technology for gene expression enhancement, as opposed to silencing, at the post-transcriptional level. With this technology, an expression enhancement of 50-1000% is achievable, with more than 200% enhancement achieved in most cases. This work identified the sufficient and necessary element for RNAe function, which was found to be merely 300 nucleotides long and was named minRNAe. It contains a 72-nt 5' pairing sequence which determines the specificity, a 167-nt short non-pairing interspersed nuclear element (SINE) B2 sequence which enhances ribosome recruitment to the target mRNA, and a poly(A) tail, provided together on a plasmid bearing the appropriate sequences. Cellular delivery of RNAe was achieved using routine transfection. The RNAe platform was validated in several widely-used mammalian cell lines. It was proven to be efficient and flexible in specifically enhancing the expression of various endogenous and exogenous proteins of diverse functions in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the expression-inhibitory tool RNAi, the RNAe tool has a comparable effect size, with an enhancing as opposed to inhibitory effect. One may predict that this brand new technology for enhancing the production of proteins will find wide applications in both research and biopharmaceutical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shouhong Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haizhou Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yingting Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenming Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ge Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chengwei Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qian Guan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ning Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Suneng Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yong-Bin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | | | - Pei Tong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yue Tan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yang Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shushu Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Juan Li
- ViewSolid Biotech, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guang-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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23
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Duan XC, Guo R, Liu SY, Xiao L, Xue HM, Guo Q, Jin S, Wu YM. Gene transfer of cystathionine β-synthase into RVLM increases hydrogen sulfide-mediated suppression of sympathetic outflow via KATP channel in normotensive rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 308:H603-11. [PMID: 25599573 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00693.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to have a sympathoinhibitory effect in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). The present study examined the function of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS)/hydrogen sulfide system in the RVLM, which plays a crucial role in the control of blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity. Adenovirus vectors encoding CBS (AdCBS) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (AdEGFP) were transfected into the RVLM in normotensive rats. Identical microinjection of AdCBS into the RVLM had no effect on systolic blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in conscious rats. Acute experiments were performed at day 7 after gene transfer in anesthetized rats. Microinjection of the CBS inhibitors hydroxylamine (HA) or amino-oxyacetate into the RVLM produced an increase in the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and HR. There was a potentiation of the increases in RSNA, MAP, and HR because of the CBS inhibitors in AdCBS-injected rats compared with AdEGFP-injected rats. Pretreatment with pinacidil, a ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activator, abolished the effects of HA in two groups. Microinjection of glibenclamide, a KATP channel blocker, produced increases in RSNA, MAP, and HR in AdCBS-injected rats. No changes in behavior were observed in AdEGFP-injected rats. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated an increase in the expression of sulfonylurea receptor 2 and inward rectifier K(+) 6.1 in AdCBS-injected rats. These results suggest that the increase in KATP channels in the RVLM may be responsible for the greater sympathetic outflow and pressor effect of HA in AdCBS-injected rats compared with AdEGFP-injected rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-cui Duan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; and
| | - Rong Guo
- Dean's Office of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shang-yu Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong-mei Xue
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-ming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China;
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Braun CJ, Witzel M, Paruzynski A, Boztug K, von Kalle C, Schmidt M, Klein C. Gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome-Long-term reconstitution and clinical benefits, but increased risk for leukemogenesis. Rare Dis 2014; 2:e947749. [PMID: 26942098 PMCID: PMC4755244 DOI: 10.4161/21675511.2014.947749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich-Syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked recessive disease caused by mutations of the WAS gene. It is characterized by immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, low numbers of small platelets (microthrombocytopenia) and a high risk of cancer, especially B cell lymphoma and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Joerg Braun
- Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital; Ludwig Maximilians University Munich ; Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Witzel
- Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital; Ludwig Maximilians University Munich ; Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Paruzynski
- Department of Translational Oncology; National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center; Heidelberg, Germany; New address: BioNTech AG; Mainz, Germany
| | - Kaan Boztug
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover, Germany; Present address: CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences/Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria
| | - Christof von Kalle
- Department of Translational Oncology; National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- Department of Translational Oncology; National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center ; Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Klein
- Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital; Ludwig Maximilians University Munich ; Munich, Germany
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Gao L, Zhu T, Xie G, Lou X, Li S, Zhou Y, Deng Z, Chu D, Lou J, Du D. GABA(A) receptor overexpression in the lateral hypothalamic area attenuates gastric ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rats. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:1057-62. [PMID: 25354809 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive activation of the greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) has previously been determined to contribute to the progression of gastric ischemia‑reperfusion (GI‑R) injury. The present study was designed to estimate the protective effects of GABAA receptor (GABA(A)R) overexpression in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) against GI‑R injury. The GI‑R injury model was induced in rats by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min and then reperfusing for 1 h. Microinjection of recombinant adenoviral vectors overexpressing GABA(A)R (Ad‑GABA(A)R) or control adenoviral vectors (Ad‑Con) into the LHA was conducted in GI‑R and normal control rats. Significant protective effects were observed on day 2 after Ad‑GABA(A)R treatment in the GI‑R injury rats. Ad‑GABA(A)R treatment reduced plasma norepinephrine levels, plasma angiotensin II levels and peripheral GSN activity, but increased the gastric mucosal blood flow, as compared with Ad‑Con treatment. These results indicate that adenoviral vector‑induced GABA(A)R overexpression in the LHA blunts GSN activity and subsequently alleviates the effects of gastric injury in GI‑R rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Second Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450014, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Guilin Xie
- Life Science College of Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Xiangxin Lou
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P.R. China
| | - Shibao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222006, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenxu Deng
- Department of Life Science, Heze University, Heze, Shandong 274500, P.R. China
| | - Dechang Chu
- Department of Life Science, Heze University, Heze, Shandong 274500, P.R. China
| | - Jiyu Lou
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Second Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450014, P.R. China
| | - Dongshu Du
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
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26
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Wang D, Zhong L, Nahid MA, Gao G. The potential of adeno-associated viral vectors for gene delivery to muscle tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:345-364. [PMID: 24386892 PMCID: PMC4098646 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.871258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle-directed gene therapy is rapidly gaining attention primarily because muscle is an easily accessible target tissue and is also associated with various severe genetic disorders. Localized and systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors of several serotypes results in very efficient transduction of skeletal and cardiac muscles, which has been achieved in both small and large animals, as well as in humans. Muscle is the target tissue in gene therapy for many muscular dystrophy diseases, and may also be exploited as a biofactory to produce secretory factors for systemic disorders. Current limitations of using rAAVs for muscle gene transfer include vector size restriction, potential safety concerns such as off-target toxicity and the immunological barrier composing of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and CD8(+) T-cell response against AAV capsid in humans. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss basic AAV vector biology and its application in muscle-directed gene delivery, as well as potential strategies to overcome the aforementioned limitations of rAAV for further clinical application. EXPERT OPINION Delivering therapeutic genes to large muscle mass in humans is arguably the most urgent unmet demand in treating diseases affecting muscle tissues throughout the whole body. Muscle-directed, rAAV-mediated gene transfer for expressing antibodies is a promising strategy to combat deadly infectious diseases. Developing strategies to circumvent the immune response following rAAV administration in humans will facilitate clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - M Abu Nahid
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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27
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Jazwa A, Florczyk U, Jozkowicz A, Dulak J. Gene therapy on demand: Site specific regulation of gene therapy. Gene 2013; 525:229-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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28
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Brendel C, Hänseler W, Wohlgensinger V, Bianchi M, Tokmak S, Chen-Wichmann L, Kuzmenko E, Cesarovic N, Nicholls F, Reichenbach J, Seger R, Grez M, Siler U. Human miR223 promoter as a novel myelo-specific promoter for chronic granulomatous disease gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:151-9. [PMID: 23489116 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting transgene expression to specific hematopoietic cell lineages could contribute to the safety of retroviral vectors in gene therapeutic applications. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a defect of phagocytic cells, can be managed by gene therapy, using retroviral vectors with targeted expression to myeloid cells. In this context, we analyzed the myelospecificity of the human miR223 promoter, which is known to be strongly upregulated during myeloid differentiation, to drive myeloid-restricted expression of p47(phox) and gp91(phox) in mouse models of CGD and in primary patient-derived cells. The miR223 promoter restricted the expression of p47(phox), gp91(phox), and green fluorescent protein (GFP) within self-inactivating (SIN) gamma- and lentiviral vectors to granulocytes and macrophages, with only marginal expression in lymphocytes or hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Furthermore, gene transfer into primary CD34+ cells derived from a p47(phox) patient followed by ex vivo differentiation to neutrophils resulted in restoration of Escherichia coli killing activity by miR223 promoter-mediated p47(phox) expression. These results indicate that the miR223 promoter as an internal promoter within SIN gene therapy vectors is able to efficiently correct the CGD phenotype with negligible activity in hematopoietic progenitors, thereby limiting the risk of insertional oncogenesis and development of clonal dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Brendel
- Biomedical Research Institute Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
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29
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Levin MC, Lidberg U, Jirholt P, Adiels M, Wramstedt A, Gustafsson K, Greaves DR, Li S, Fazio S, Linton MF, Olofsson SO, Borén J, Gjertsson I. Evaluation of macrophage-specific promoters using lentiviral delivery in mice. Gene Ther 2012; 19:1041-7. [PMID: 22130447 PMCID: PMC3697098 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In gene therapy, tissue-specific promoters are useful tools to direct transgene expression and improve efficiency and safety. Macrophage-specific promoters (MSPs) have previously been published using different delivery systems. In this study, we evaluated five different MSPs fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) to delineate the one with highest specificity using lentiviral delivery. We compared three variants of the CD68 promoter (full length, the 343-bp proximal part and the 150-bp proximal part) and two variants (in forward and reverse orientation) of a previously characterized synthetic promoter derived from elements of transcription factor genes. We transduced a number of cell lines and primary cells in vitro. In addition, hematopoietic stem cells were transduced with MSPs and transferred into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis was performed to determine the GFP expression in different cell populations both in vitro and in vivo. We showed that MSPs can efficiently be used for lentiviral gene delivery and that the 150-bp proximal part of the CD68 promoter provides primarily macrophage-specific expression of GFP. We propose that this is the best currently available MSP to use for directing transgene expression to macrophage populations in vivo using lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Levin
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
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30
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SOD1 gene transfer into paraventricular nucleus attenuates hypertension and sympathetic activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pflugers Arch 2012; 465:261-70. [PMID: 23114721 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-012-1173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Excessive sympathetic activity contributes to the initiation and progression of hypertension. Reactive oxygen species in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is involved in sympathetic overdrive and hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate whether superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) overexpression in the PVN attenuated sympathetic activation and hypertension. Adenoviral vectors containing human SOD1 or null adenoviral vectors were microinjected into the PVN of Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Significant depressor effects were observed from weeks 1 to 4 after SOD1 gene transfer in SHR. Acute experiments were carried out at the end of the 3rd week. In the PVN, superoxide anion and angiotensin II levels were increased while SOD1 activity and protein expression were decreased in SHR, which were attenuated by SOD1 overexpression in the PVN. However, SOD1 overexpression had no significant effect on the SOD2 activity in the PVN. The blood pressure response to ganglionic blockade, cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex (CSAR) were enhanced, and the plasma norepinephrine level was increased in SHR, which were prevented by SOD1 gene transfer in the PVN. Furthermore, SOD1 overexpression decreased the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight, cross-sectional areas of myocardial cells, media thickness, and the media/lumen ratio of small arteries in the heart in SHR. These results indicate that SOD1 overexpression in the PVN reduces arterial blood pressure, attenuates excessive sympathetic activity and CSAR, and improves myocardial and vascular remodeling in SHR.
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Risks, benefits and ethical, legal, and societal considerations for translation of prenatal gene therapy to human application. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 891:371-87. [PMID: 22648781 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-873-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The still experimental nature of prenatal gene therapy carries a certain degree of risk, both for the pregnant mother as well as for the fetus. Some of the risks are procedural hazards already known from more conventional fetal medicine interventions. Others are more specific to gene therapy such as the potential for interference with normal fetal development, the possibility of inadvertent germ line gene transfer, and the danger of oncogenesis. This chapter reviews the potential risks in relation to the expected benefits of prenatal gene therapy. It discusses the scientific, ethical, legal, and social implications of this novel preventive approach to genetic disease and outlines preconditions to be met in preparation for a potential future clinical application.
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Amino acid starvation induces reactivation of silenced transgenes and latent HIV-1 provirus via down-regulation of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:E2284-93. [PMID: 22826225 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1202174109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic silencing of exogenous transcriptional units integrated into the genome represents a critical problem both for long-term gene therapy efficacy and for the eradication of latent viral infections. We report here that limitation of essential amino acids, such as methionine and cysteine, causes selective up-regulation of exogenous transgene expression in mammalian cells. Prolonged amino acid deprivation led to significant and reversible increase in the expression levels of stably integrated transgenes transcribed by means of viral or human promoters in HeLa cells. This phenomenon was mediated by epigenetic chromatin modifications, because histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors reproduced starvation-induced transgene up-regulation, and transcriptome analysis, ChIP, and pharmacological and RNAi approaches revealed that a specific class II HDAC, namely HDAC4, plays a critical role in maintaining the silencing of exogenous transgenes. This mechanism was also operational in cells chronically infected with HIV-1, the etiological agent of AIDS, in a latency state. Indeed, both amino acid starvation and pharmacological inhibition of HDAC4 promoted reactivation of HIV-1 transcription and reverse transcriptase activity production in HDAC4(+) ACH-2 T-lymphocytic cells but not in HDAC4(-) U1 promonocytic cells. Thus, amino acid deprivation leads to transcriptional derepression of silenced transgenes, including integrated plasmids and retroviruses, by a process involving inactivation or down-regulation of HDAC4. These findings suggest that selective targeting of HDAC4 might represent a unique strategy for modulating the expression of therapeutic viral vectors, as well as that of integrated HIV-1 proviruses in latent reservoirs without significant cytotoxicity.
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Specific marking of hESCs-derived hematopoietic lineage by WAS-promoter driven lentiviral vectors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39091. [PMID: 22720040 PMCID: PMC3375235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is instrumental for tracing lineage commitment and to studying human development. Here we used hematopoietic-specific Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene (WAS)-promoter driven lentiviral vectors (LVs) to achieve highly specific gene expression in hESCs-derived hematopoietic cells. We first demonstrated that endogenous WAS gene was not expressed in undifferentiated hESCs but was evident in hemogenic progenitors (CD45−CD31+CD34+) and hematopoietic cells (CD45+). Accordingly, WAS-promoter driven LVs were unable to express the eGFP transgene in undifferentiated hESCs. eGFP+ cells only appeared after embryoid body (EB) hematopoietic differentiation. The phenotypic analysis of the eGFP+ cells showed marking of different subpopulations at different days of differentiation. At days 10–15, AWE LVs tag hemogenic and hematopoietic progenitors cells (CD45−CD31+CD34dim and CD45+CD31+CD34dim) emerging from hESCs and at day 22 its expression became restricted to mature hematopoietic cells (CD45+CD33+). Surprisingly, at day 10 of differentiation, the AWE vector also marked CD45−CD31low/−CD34− cells, a population that disappeared at later stages of differentiation. We showed that the eGFP+CD45−CD31+ population generate 5 times more CD45+ cells than the eGFP−CD45−CD31+ indicating that the AWE vector was identifying a subpopulation inside the CD45−CD31+ cells with higher hemogenic capacity. We also showed generation of CD45+ cells from the eGFP+CD45−CD31low/−CD34− population but not from the eGFP−CD45−CD31low/−CD34− cells. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a gene transfer vector which specifically labels hemogenic progenitors and hematopoietic cells emerging from hESCs. We propose the use of WAS-promoter driven LVs as a novel tool to studying human hematopoietic development.
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34
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2012; 19:233-47. [PMID: 22531108 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283542fb3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Hsu CYM, Uludağ H. Nucleic-acid based gene therapeutics: delivery challenges and modular design of nonviral gene carriers and expression cassettes to overcome intracellular barriers for sustained targeted expression. J Drug Target 2012; 20:301-28. [PMID: 22303844 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2012.655247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of nucleic acid molecules into cells to alter physiological functions at the genetic level is a powerful approach to treat a wide range of inherited and acquired disorders. Biocompatible materials such as cationic polymers, lipids, and peptides are being explored as safer alternatives to viral gene carriers. However, the comparatively low efficiency of nonviral carriers currently hampers their translation into clinical settings. Controlling the size and stability of carrier/nucleic acid complexes is one of the primary hurdles as the physicochemical properties of the complexes can define the uptake pathways, which dictate intracellular routing, endosomal processing, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. In addition to nuclear import, subnuclear trafficking, posttranscriptional events, and immune responses can further limit transfection efficiency. Chemical moieties, reactive linkers or signal peptide have been conjugated to carriers to prevent aggregation, induce membrane destabilization and localize to subcellular compartments. Genetic elements can be inserted into the expression cassette to facilitate nuclear targeting, delimit expression to targeted tissue, and modulate transgene expression. The modular option afforded by both gene carriers and expression cassettes provides a two-tier multicomponent delivery system that can be optimized for targeted gene delivery in a variety of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Yu Ming Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Cananda
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36
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Non-viral gene therapy for neurological diseases, with an emphasis on targeted gene delivery. J Control Release 2012; 157:183-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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37
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Coutelle C, Waddington SN. Vector systems for prenatal gene therapy: choosing vectors for different applications. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 891:41-53. [PMID: 22648767 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-873-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This chapter gives a comparative review of the different vector systems applied to date in prenatal gene therapy experiments highlighting the need for versatility and choice for application in accordance with the actual aim of the study. It reviews the key characteristics of the four main gene therapy vector systems and gives examples for their successful application in prenatal gene therapy experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Coutelle
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Molecular and Cellular Medicine Section, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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38
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Artificial microRNA interference targeting AT1a receptors in paraventricular nucleus attenuates hypertension in rats. Gene Ther 2011; 19:810-7. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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