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Khalifah BA, Alghamdi SA, Alhasan AH. Unleashing the potential of catalytic RNAs to combat mis-spliced transcripts. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1244377. [PMID: 38047291 PMCID: PMC10690607 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1244377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human transcriptome can undergo RNA mis-splicing due to spliceopathies contributing to the increasing number of genetic diseases including muscular dystrophy (MD), Alzheimer disease (AD), Huntington disease (HD), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Intron retention (IR) is a major inducer of spliceopathies where two or more introns remain in the final mature mRNA and account for many intronic expansion diseases. Potential removal of such introns for therapeutic purposes can be feasible when utilizing bioinformatics, catalytic RNAs, and nano-drug delivery systems. Overcoming delivery challenges of catalytic RNAs was discussed in this review as a future perspective highlighting the significance of utilizing synthetic biology in addition to high throughput deep sequencing and computational approaches for the treatment of mis-spliced transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashayer A. Khalifah
- Institute for Bioengineering, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali H. Alhasan
- Institute for Bioengineering, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Nikom D, Zheng S. Alternative splicing in neurodegenerative disease and the promise of RNA therapies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:457-473. [PMID: 37336982 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates a myriad of RNA products and protein isoforms of different functions from a single gene. Dysregulated alternative splicing has emerged as a new mechanism broadly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease and repeat expansion diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and functional outcomes of abnormal splicing in neurological disorders is vital in developing effective therapies to treat mis-splicing pathology. In this Review, we discuss emerging research and evidence of the roles of alternative splicing defects in major neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the latest advances in RNA-based therapeutic strategies to target these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nikom
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sika Zheng
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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3
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COL7A1 Editing via RNA Trans-Splicing in RDEB-Derived Skin Equivalents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054341. [PMID: 36901775 PMCID: PMC10002491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the COL7A1 gene lead to malfunction, reduction or complete absence of type VII collagen (C7) in the skin's basement membrane zone (BMZ), impairing skin integrity. In epidermolysis bullosa (EB), more than 800 mutations in COL7A1 have been reported, leading to the dystrophic form of EB (DEB), a severe and rare skin blistering disease associated with a high risk of developing an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we leveraged a previously described 3'-RTMS6m repair molecule to develop a non-viral, non-invasive and efficient RNA therapy to correct mutations within COL7A1 via spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT). RTM-S6m, cloned into a non-viral minicircle-GFP vector, is capable of correcting all mutations occurring between exon 65 and exon 118 of COL7A1 via SMaRT. Transfection of the RTM into recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) keratinocytes resulted in a trans-splicing efficiency of ~1.5% in keratinocytes and ~0.6% in fibroblasts, as confirmed on mRNA level via next-generation sequencing (NGS). Full-length C7 protein expression was primarily confirmed in vitro via immunofluorescence (IF) staining and Western blot analysis of transfected cells. Additionally, we complexed 3'-RTMS6m with a DDC642 liposomal carrier to deliver the RTM topically onto RDEB skin equivalents and were subsequently able to detect an accumulation of restored C7 within the basement membrane zone (BMZ). In summary, we transiently corrected COL7A1 mutations in vitro in RDEB keratinocytes and skin equivalents derived from RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts using a non-viral 3'-RTMS6m repair molecule.
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Keyt LK, Duran JM, Bui QM, Chen C, Miyamoto MI, Silva Enciso J, Tardiff JC, Adler ED. Thin filament cardiomyopathies: A review of genetics, disease mechanisms, and emerging therapeutics. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:972301. [PMID: 36158814 PMCID: PMC9489950 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.972301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All muscle contraction occurs due to the cyclical interaction between sarcomeric thin and thick filament proteins within the myocyte. The thin filament consists of the proteins actin, tropomyosin, Troponin C, Troponin I, and Troponin T. Mutations in these proteins can result in various forms of cardiomyopathy, including hypertrophic, restrictive, and dilated phenotypes and account for as many as 30% of all cases of inherited cardiomyopathy. There is significant evidence that thin filament mutations contribute to dysregulation of Ca2+ within the sarcomere and may have a distinct pathomechanism of disease from cardiomyopathy associated with thick filament mutations. A number of distinct clinical findings appear to be correlated with thin-filament mutations: greater degrees of restrictive cardiomyopathy and relatively less left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and LV outflow tract obstruction than that seen with thick filament mutations, increased morbidity associated with heart failure, increased arrhythmia burden and potentially higher mortality. Most therapies that improve outcomes in heart failure blunt the neurohormonal pathways involved in cardiac remodeling, while most therapies for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involve use of negative inotropes to reduce LV hypertrophy or septal reduction therapies to reduce LV outflow tract obstruction. None of these therapies directly address the underlying sarcomeric dysfunction associated with thin-filament mutations. With mounting evidence that thin filament cardiomyopathies occur through a distinct mechanism, there is need for therapies targeting the unique, underlying mechanisms tailored for each patient depending on a given mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas K. Keyt
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jason M. Duran
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Quan M. Bui
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Jorge Silva Enciso
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jil C. Tardiff
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Eric D. Adler
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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Mayr E, Ablinger M, Lettner T, Murauer EM, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñón Hofbauer J, Hainzl S, Kaiser M, Klausegger A, Bauer JW, Koller U, Wally V. 5'RNA Trans-Splicing Repair of COL7A1 Mutant Transcripts in Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031732. [PMID: 35163654 PMCID: PMC8835740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations within the COL7A1 gene underlie the inherited recessive subtype of the blistering skin disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Although gene replacement approaches for genodermatoses are clinically advanced, their implementation for RDEB is challenging and requires endogenous regulation of transgene expression. Thus, we are using spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) to repair mutations in COL7A1 at the mRNA level. Here, we demonstrate the capability of a COL7A1-specific RNA trans-splicing molecule (RTM), initially selected using a fluorescence-based screening procedure, to accurately replace COL7A1 exons 1 to 64 in an endogenous setting. Retroviral RTM transduction into patient-derived, immortalized keratinocytes resulted in an increase in wild-type transcript and protein levels, respectively. Furthermore, we revealed accurate deposition of recovered type VII collagen protein within the basement membrane zone of expanded skin equivalents using immunofluorescence staining. In summary, we showed for the first time the potential of endogenous 5′ trans-splicing to correct pathogenic mutations within the COL7A1 gene. Therefore, we consider 5′ RNA trans-splicing a suitable tool to beneficially modulate the RDEB-phenotype, thus targeting an urgent need of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Mayr
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Ablinger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Lettner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva M Murauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Manfred Kaiser
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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6
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Saeb S, Assche JV, Loustau T, Rohr O, Wallet C, Schwartz C. Suicide gene therapy in cancer and HIV-1 infection: An alternative to conventional treatments. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114893. [PMID: 34968484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Suicide Gene Therapy (SGT) aims to introduce a gene encoding either a toxin or an enzyme making the targeted cell more sensitive to chemotherapy. SGT represents an alternative approach to combat pathologies where conventional treatments fail such as pancreatic cancer or the high-grade glioblastoma which are still desperately lethal. We review the possibility to use SGT to treat these cancers which have shown promising results in vitro and in preclinical trials. However, SGT has so far failed in phase III clinical trials thus further improvements are awaited. We can now take advantages of the many advances made in SGT for treating cancer to combat other pathologies such as HIV-1 infection. In the review we also discuss the feasibility to add SGT to the therapeutic arsenal used to cure HIV-1-infected patients. Indeed, preliminary results suggest that both productive and latently infected cells are targeted by the SGT. In the last section, we address the limitations of this approach and how we might improve it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Saeb
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Jeanne Van Assche
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Thomas Loustau
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Clémentine Wallet
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA trans-splicing joins exons from different pre-mRNA transcripts to generate a chimeric product. Trans-splicing can also occur at the protein level, with split inteins mediating the ligation of separate gene products to generate a mature protein. SOURCES OF DATA Comprehensive literature search of published research papers and reviews using Pubmed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Trans-splicing techniques have been used to target a wide range of diseases in both in vitro and in vivo models, resulting in RNA, protein and functional correction. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Off-target effects can lead to therapeutically undesirable consequences. In vivo efficacy is typically low, and delivery issues remain a challenge. GROWING POINTS Trans-splicing provides a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic approaches. However, much more research needs to be done before developing towards preclinical studies. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Increasing trans-splicing efficacy and specificity by rational design, screening and competitive inhibition of endogenous cis-splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Carin K Ingemarsdotter
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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8
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Xu B, Meng Y, Jin Y. RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1626. [PMID: 32929887 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing greatly expands the transcriptomic and proteomic diversities related to physiological and developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Splicing of long noncoding RNAs, and back- and trans- splicing further expanded the regulatory repertoire of alternative splicing. RNA structures were shown to play an important role in regulating alternative splicing and back-splicing. Application of novel sequencing technologies made it possible to identify genome-wide RNA structures and interaction networks, which might provide new insights into RNA splicing regulation in vitro to in vivo. The emerging transcription-folding-splicing paradigm is changing our understanding of RNA alternative splicing regulation. Here, we review the insights into the roles and mechanisms of RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing, as well as how disruption of these structures affects alternative splicing and then leads to human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Jaudon F, Baldassari S, Musante I, Thalhammer A, Zara F, Cingolani LA. Targeting Alternative Splicing as a Potential Therapy for Episodic Ataxia Type 2. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E332. [PMID: 32899500 PMCID: PMC7555146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder characterized by paroxysmal attacks of ataxia, vertigo, and nausea that usually last hours to days. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in CACNA1A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α1 subunit of P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Although pharmacological treatments, such as acetazolamide and 4-aminopyridine, exist for EA2, they do not reduce or control the symptoms in all patients. CACNA1A is heavily spliced and some of the identified EA2 mutations are predicted to disrupt selective isoforms of this gene. Modulating splicing of CACNA1A may therefore represent a promising new strategy to develop improved EA2 therapies. Because RNA splicing is dysregulated in many other genetic diseases, several tools, such as antisense oligonucleotides, trans-splicing, and CRISPR-based strategies, have been developed for medical purposes. Here, we review splicing-based strategies used for genetic disorders, including those for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular dystrophy, and frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, and discuss their potential applicability to EA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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10
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Suñé-Pou M, Limeres MJ, Moreno-Castro C, Hernández-Munain C, Suñé-Negre JM, Cuestas ML, Suñé C. Innovative Therapeutic and Delivery Approaches Using Nanotechnology to Correct Splicing Defects Underlying Disease. Front Genet 2020; 11:731. [PMID: 32760425 PMCID: PMC7373156 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA contributes strongly to the diversity of cell- and tissue-specific protein expression patterns. Global transcriptome analyses have suggested that >90% of human multiexon genes are alternatively spliced. Alterations in the splicing process cause missplicing events that lead to genetic diseases and pathologies, including various neurological disorders, cancers, and muscular dystrophies. In recent decades, research has helped to elucidate the mechanisms regulating alternative splicing and, in some cases, to reveal how dysregulation of these mechanisms leads to disease. The resulting knowledge has enabled the design of novel therapeutic strategies for correction of splicing-derived pathologies. In this review, we focus primarily on therapeutic approaches targeting splicing, and we highlight nanotechnology-based gene delivery applications that address the challenges and barriers facing nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Suñé-Pou
- Drug Development Service (SDM), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María J Limeres
- Institute of Research in Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Moreno-Castro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández-Munain
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Josep M Suñé-Negre
- Drug Development Service (SDM), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María L Cuestas
- Institute of Research in Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Suñé
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
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11
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Maltês S, Lopes LR. New perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Rev Port Cardiol 2020; 39:99-109. [PMID: 32245685 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited cardiac disease and a major cause of heart failure and sudden death. Even though it was described more than 50 years ago, sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy still lacks a disease-specific treatment. The drugs routinely used alleviate symptoms but do not prevent or revert the phenotype. With recent advances in the knowledge about the genetics and pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, new genetic and pharmacological approaches have been recently discovered and studied that, by influencing different pathways involved in this disease, have the potential to function as disease-modifying therapies. These promising new pharmacological and genetic therapies will be the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Maltês
- Clínica Universitária de Cardiologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luis Rocha Lopes
- Centre for Heart Muscle Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Inglaterra; St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, Inglaterra; Centro Cardiovascular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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12
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Maltês S, Lopes LR. New perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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13
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Coutinho MF, Matos L, Santos JI, Alves S. RNA Therapeutics: How Far Have We Gone? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:133-177. [PMID: 31342441 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA molecule became one of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, a large number of RNA-based therapeutics are being investigated both at the basic research level and in late-stage clinical trials. Some of them are even already approved for treatment. RNA-based approaches can act at pre-mRNA level (by splicing modulation/correction using antisense oligonucleotides or U1snRNA vectors), at mRNA level (inhibiting gene expression by siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides) or at DNA level (by editing mutated sequences through the use of CRISPR/Cas). Other RNA approaches include the delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA or the use of oligonucleotides aptamers. Here we review these approaches and their translation into clinics trying to give a brief overview also on the difficulties to its application as well as the research that is being done to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Dourado Alcorte M, Sogayar MC, Demasi MA. Patent landscape of molecular and cellular targeted therapies for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:327-337. [PMID: 31017019 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1608181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a monogenetic inherited genodermatosis associated with deleterious mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen (COL7A1). COL7A1 is essential for promoting attachment of the epidermis to the dermis, and its dysfunction may lead to generalized mucosal and cutaneous blistering associated to severe deformities. Currently, management of RDEB patients is limited to supportive care, being aimed at treating and preventing common complications associated with this condition. There is a great demand to develop targeted therapies for this devastating disease and RDEB research advances are currently being translated into clinical trials. AREAS COVERED Based on the literature and patent search, the authors have grouped the RDEB targeted therapies into five categories: a) cell-based therapies; b) gene therapy; c) protein replacement therapy; d) molecular therapy based on exon skipping; and e) drug-mediated premature termination codon read-through. The patent searching strategy involved inquiring Google and USPTO patent databases to reveal companies and institutions that are active in the area of RDEB targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION The patent landscape related to targeted therapies for RDEB is quite heterogeneous, with each targeted therapeutic approach being associated with its own challenges in achieving robust patent protection and identifying opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Cleide Sogayar
- a NUCEL - School of Medicine , University of Sao Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Marcos Angelo Demasi
- a NUCEL - School of Medicine , University of Sao Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
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15
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Abstract
Recent advances in RNA engineering during the last two decades have supported the development of RNA-based therapeutics targeting a variety of human diseases. The broad scope of these emerging drugs clearly demonstrates the versatility of RNA. Ribozymes have been seen as promising candidates in this area. However, efficient intracellular application of ribozymes remains challenging, and other strategies appear to have outperformed ribozymes as molecular drugs. Nevertheless, trans-cleaving ribozymes have been applied for specific cleavage of target mRNAs in order to inhibit undesired gene expression. Furthermore, ribozymes have been engineered to allow site-directed RNA sequence alterations, enabling the correction of genetic misinformation at the RNA level. This chapter provides an overview of ribozyme-based strategies, highlighting the promises and pitfalls for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Balke
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Biochemistry Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4 17487 Greifswald Germany
| | - Sabine Müller
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Biochemistry Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4 17487 Greifswald Germany
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16
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Tasfaout H, Cowling BS, Laporte J. Centronuclear myopathies under attack: A plethora of therapeutic targets. J Neuromuscul Dis 2019; 5:387-406. [PMID: 30103348 PMCID: PMC6218136 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-180309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Centronuclear myopathies are a group of congenital myopathies characterized by severe muscle weakness, genetic heterogeneity, and defects in the structural organization of muscle fibers. Their names are derived from the central position of nuclei on biopsies, while they are at the fiber periphery under normal conditions. No specific therapy exists yet for these debilitating diseases. Mutations in the myotubularin phosphoinositides phosphatase, the GTPase dynamin 2, or amphiphysin 2 have been identified to cause respectively X-linked centronuclear myopathies (also called myotubular myopathy) or autosomal dominant and recessive forms. Mutations in additional genes, as RYR1, TTN, SPEG or CACNA1S, were linked to phenotypes that can overlap with centronuclear myopathies. Numerous animal models of centronuclear myopathies have been studied over the last 15 years, ranging from invertebrate to large mammalian models. Their characterization led to a partial understanding of the pathomechanisms of these diseases and allowed the recent validation of therapeutic proof-of-concepts. Here, we review the different therapeutic strategies that have been tested so far for centronuclear myopathies, some of which may be translated to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Tasfaout
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Belinda S. Cowling
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jocelyn Laporte
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Correspondence to: Jocelyn Laporte, Tel.: 33 0 388653412; E-mail:
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17
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Peking P, Breitenbach JS, Ablinger M, Muss WH, Poetschke FJ, Kocher T, Koller U, Hainzl S, Kitzmueller S, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Lettner T, Wally V. An ex vivo RNA trans-splicing strategy to correct human generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Br J Dermatol 2018; 180:141-148. [PMID: 30099737 PMCID: PMC6334280 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS‐gen sev) is a genetic blistering skin disease in which autosomal dominant mutations in either the keratin KRT5 or KRT14 genes lead to impaired function of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton in the basal epidermis. Here we present an ex vivo RNA trans‐splicing‐based therapeutic approach to correct the phenotype. Objectives To correct a mutation within exon 1 of the KRT14 gene, using a 5′‐trans‐splicing approach, where any mutation within the first seven exons could be replaced by a single therapeutic molecule. Methods A therapeutic RNA trans‐splicing molecule containing wild‐type exons 1–7 was stably transduced into an EBS patient‐derived keratinocyte line. Trans‐splicing was confirmed via reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Skin equivalents generated from corrected keratinocytes were grafted onto nude mice and analysed about 8 weeks post‐transplantation for regular epidermal stratification, trans‐splicing‐induced green fluorescent protein expression and blistering. Results Transplanted skin equivalents generated from trans‐splicing‐corrected patient keratinocytes showed a stable and blister‐free epidermis. KRT14 correction disrupted EBS‐gen sev‐associated proinflammatory signalling, as shown at the mRNA and protein levels. Disruption of the pathogenic feedback loop in addition to overall downregulation of KRT14 expression highlighted the effect of KRT14 correction on the EBS pathomechanism. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that trans‐splicing‐mediated mRNA therapy is an effective method for the correction of dominantly inherited KRT14 mutations at the transcriptional level. This results in the rescue of the EBS‐gen sev phenotype and stabilization of the epidermis in a xenograft mouse model. What's already known about this topic? RTM163, described in this study, was previously used in a transient in vitro transfection system, where the ability to correct KRT14 at the mRNA level was demonstrated.
What does this study add? In this study, we stably transduced RTM163 in a second patient‐derived keratinocyte line. Successful trans‐splicing was confirmed in this cell line. The expression of disease‐related marker genes, which are characteristically deregulated in epidermolysis bullosa simplex, were analysed. For the first time this study showed that RNA trans‐splicing molecule‐transduced patient keratinocytes can differentiate into a phenotypically normal and blister‐free epidermis in a xenograft mouse model.
What is the translational message? This study shows the feasibility of using spliceosome‐mediated RNA trans‐splicing to generate a stable and blister‐free epidermis in vivo. Combined with pre‐existing ex vivo gene therapeutic methods, this might be a valid option for future treatments of dominantly inherited genodermatoses.
Linked Comment: Bremer and van den Akker. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:17–19.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Peking
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (Sci-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J S Breitenbach
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - M Ablinger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - W H Muss
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - F J Poetschke
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - T Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - U Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - S Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - S Kitzmueller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J Reichelt
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - T Lettner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - V Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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18
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Booth KT, Kahrizi K, Najmabadi H, Azaiez H, Smith RJ. Old gene, new phenotype: splice-altering variants in CEACAM16 cause recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment. J Med Genet 2018; 55:555-560. [PMID: 29703829 PMCID: PMC6060001 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic cause underlying the postlingual progressive hearing loss in two Iranian families. METHODS We used OtoSCOPE, a next-generation sequencing platform targeting >150 genes causally linked to deafness, to screen two deaf probands. Data analysis was completed using a custom bioinformatics pipeline, and variants were functionally assessed using minigene splicing assays. RESULTS We identified two homozygous splice-altering variants (c.37G>T and c.662-1G>C) in the CEACAM16 gene, segregating with the deafness in each family. The minigene splicing results revealed the c.37G>T results in complete skipping of exon 2 and loss of the AUG start site. The c.662-1G>C activates a cryptic splice site inside exon 5 resulting in a shift in the mRNA reading frame. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that loss-of-function mutations in CEACAM16 result in postlingual progressive hearing impairment and further support the role of CEACAM16 in auditory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Booth
- Molecular Otolaryngology Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kimia Kahrizi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Najmabadi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hela Azaiez
- Molecular Otolaryngology Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Richard J Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Prondzynski M, Mearini G, Carrier L. Gene therapy strategies in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pflugers Arch 2018; 471:807-815. [PMID: 29971600 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-018-2173-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited myocardial disease with an estimated prevalence of 1:200 caused by mutations in sarcomeric proteins. It is associated with hypertrophy of the left ventricle, increased interstitial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction for heterozygous mutation carriers. Carriers of double heterozygous, compound heterozygous, and homozygous mutations often display more severe forms of cardiomyopathies, ultimately leading to premature death. So far, there is no curative treatment against HCM, as current therapies are focused on symptoms relief by pharmacological intervention and not on the cause of HCM. In the last decade, several strategies have been developed to remove genetic defects, including genome editing, exon skipping, allele-specific silencing, spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing, and gene replacement. Most of these technologies have already been tested for efficacy and efficiency in animal- or human-induced pluripotent stem cell models of HCM with promising results. We will summarize recent technological advances and their implication as gene therapy options in HCM with a special focus on treating MYBPC3 mutations and its potential for being a successful bench to bedside example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksymilian Prondzynski
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Mearini
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucie Carrier
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. .,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
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20
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Sertznig H, Hillebrand F, Erkelenz S, Schaal H, Widera M. Behind the scenes of HIV-1 replication: Alternative splicing as the dependency factor on the quiet. Virology 2018; 516:176-188. [PMID: 29407375 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing plays a key role in the HIV-1 life cycle and is essential to maintain an equilibrium of mRNAs that encode viral proteins and polyprotein-isoforms. In particular, since all early HIV-1 proteins are expressed from spliced intronless and late enzymatic and structural proteins from intron containing, i.e. splicing repressed viral mRNAs, cellular splicing factors and splicing regulatory proteins are crucial for the replication capacity. In this review, we will describe the complex network of cis-acting splicing regulatory elements (SREs), which are mainly localized in the neighbourhoods of all HIV-1 splice sites and warrant the proper ratio of individual transcript isoforms. Since SREs represent binding sites for trans-acting cellular splicing factors interacting with the cellular spliceosomal apparatus we will review the current knowledge of interactions between viral RNA and cellular proteins as well as their impact on viral replication. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting HIV-1 alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Sertznig
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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21
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Peking P, Koller U, Murauer EM. Functional therapies for cutaneous wound repair in epidermolysis bullosa. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:330-343. [PMID: 29248480 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounding as a result of recurrent skin blistering in the painful genetic skin disease epidermolysis bullosa, may lead to life-threatening infections, increased risk of tumor formation, and other serious medical complications. Therefore, epidermolysis bullosa patients have an urgent need for optimal wound care and tissue regeneration. Therapeutic strategies using gene-, protein-, and cell-therapies are being developed to improve clinical symptoms, and some of them have already been investigated in early clinical trials. The most favorable options of functional therapies include gene replacement, gene editing, RNA targeting, and harnessing natural gene therapy. This review describes the current progress of the different approaches targeting autologous skin cells, and will discuss the benefits and challenges of their application.
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22
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Balke D, Becker A, Müller S. In vitro repair of a defective EGFP transcript and translation into a functional protein. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:6729-37. [PMID: 27314882 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01043a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Twin ribozymes mediate the exchange of a short patch of RNA against an exogenous oligonucleotide within a suitable RNA substrate. Thus, twin ribozymes are promising tools for RNA repair, i.e. for the treatment of genetic disorders at the mRNA level. A number of twin ribozyme-mediated RNA fragment exchange reactions have been successfully demonstrated using short model substrates. Herein we show for the first time a twin ribozyme-mediated in vitro repair of a full-length transcript and translation into a functional protein. The system is based on the repair of a designed mutant EGFP mRNA containing the four-base deletion ΔACTC (190-193). Upon twin ribozyme-mediated replacement of a patch of 15 nucleotides with an externally added repair oligonucleotide (19 mer) the wild type sequence of the EGFP transcript could be restored with 32% yield. This is the first time that such a high twin ribozyme-mediated repair yield, so far observed only for short model substrates, has been obtained for a full-length mRNA. Translation of the repaired EGFP-ΔACTC mRNA produces functional EGFP, as detected by the restored fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Balke
- Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Institut für Biochemie, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Aileen Becker
- Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Institut für Biochemie, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Sabine Müller
- Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Institut für Biochemie, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
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23
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Poddar S, Loh PS, Ooi ZH, Osman F, Eul J, Patzel V. RNA Structure Design Improves Activity and Specificity of trans-Splicing-Triggered Cell Death in a Suicide Gene Therapy Approach. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:41-56. [PMID: 29858076 PMCID: PMC5849863 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing enables correction or labeling of pre-mRNA, but therapeutic applications are hampered by issues related to the activity and target specificity of trans-splicing RNA (tsRNA). We employed computational RNA structure design to improve both on-target activity and specificity of tsRNA in a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy approach targeting alpha fetoprotein (AFP), a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) pre-mRNA. While unstructured, mismatched target binding domains significantly improved 3′ exon replacement (3’ER), 5′ exon replacement (5’ER) correlated with the thermodynamic stability of the tsRNA 3′ end. Alternative on-target trans-splicing was found to be a prevalent event. The specificity of trans-splicing with the intended target splice site was improved 10-fold by designing tsRNA that harbors secondary target binding domains shielding alternative on-target and blinding off-target splicing events. Such rationally designed suicide RNAs efficiently triggered death of HPV-16-transduced or hepatoblastoma-derived human tissue culture cells without evidence for off-target cell killing. Highest cell death activities were observed with novel dual-targeting tsRNAs programmed for trans-splicing toward AFP and a second HCC pre-mRNA biomarker. Our observations suggest trans-splicing represents a promising approach to suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Poddar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Pei She Loh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Zi Hao Ooi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Farhana Osman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Joachim Eul
- INEIDFO GmbH, Weserstrasse 23, 12045 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Patzel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 5, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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24
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Azibani F, Brull A, Arandel L, Beuvin M, Nelson I, Jollet A, Ziat E, Prudhon B, Benkhelifa-Ziyyat S, Bitoun M, Lorain S, Bonne G, Bertrand AT. Gene Therapy via Trans-Splicing for LMNA-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 10:376-386. [PMID: 29499949 PMCID: PMC5862133 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the potential of Lmna-mRNA repair by spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing as a therapeutic approach for LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy. This gene therapy strategy leads to reduction of mutated transcript expression for the benefit of corresponding wild-type (WT) transcripts. We developed 5′-RNA pre-trans-splicing molecules containing the first five exons of Lmna and targeting intron 5 of Lmna pre-mRNA. Among nine pre-trans-splicing molecules, differing in the targeted sequence in intron 5 and tested in C2C12 myoblasts, three induced trans-splicing events on endogenous Lmna mRNA and confirmed at protein level. Further analyses performed in primary myotubes derived from an LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD) mouse model led to a partial rescue of the mutant phenotype. Finally, we tested this approach in vivo using adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery in newborn mice and showed that trans-splicing events occurred in WT mice 50 days after AAV delivery, although at a low rate. Altogether, while these results provide the first evidence for reprogramming LMNA mRNA in vitro, strategies to improve the rate of trans-splicing events still need to be developed for efficient application of this therapeutic approach in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feriel Azibani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Astrid Brull
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Arandel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Maud Beuvin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Nelson
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Jollet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Esma Ziat
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Bernard Prudhon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Marc Bitoun
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Lorain
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Gisèle Bonne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Anne T Bertrand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Center of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France.
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25
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Jyotsana N, Heuser M. Exploiting differential RNA splicing patterns: a potential new group of therapeutic targets in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 22:107-121. [PMID: 29235382 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1417390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in genes associated with splicing have been found in hematologic malignancies, but also in solid cancers. Aberrant cancer specific RNA splicing either results from mutations or misexpression of the spliceosome genes directly, or from mutations in splice sites of oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Areas covered: In this review, we present molecular targets of aberrant splicing in various malignancies, information on existing and emerging therapeutics against such targets, and strategies for future drug development. Expert opinion: Alternative splicing is an important mechanism that controls gene expression, and hence pharmacologic and genetic control of aberrant alternative RNA splicing has been proposed as a potential therapy in cancer. To identify and validate aberrant RNA splicing patterns as therapeutic targets we need to (1) characterize the most common genetic aberrations of the spliceosome and of splice sites, (2) understand the dysregulated downstream pathways and (3) exploit in-vivo disease models of aberrant splicing. Antisense oligonucleotides show promising activity, but will benefit from improved delivery tools. Inhibitors of mutated splicing factors require improved specificity, as alternative and aberrant splicing are often intertwined like two sides of the same coin. In summary, targeting aberrant splicing is an early but emerging field in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Jyotsana
- a Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- a Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
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26
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Peking P, Koller U, Duarte B, Murillas R, Wolf S, Maetzig T, Rothe M, Kocher T, García M, Brachtl G, Schambach A, Larcher F, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. An RNA-targeted therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:10259-10269. [PMID: 28973459 PMCID: PMC5737646 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional impairment or complete loss of type VII collagen, caused by mutations within COL7A1, lead to the severe recessive form of the skin blistering disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Here, we successfully demonstrate RNA trans-splicing as an auspicious repair option for mutations located in a wide range of exons by fully converting an RDEB phenotype in an ex vivo pre-clinical mouse model based on xenotransplantation. Via a self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector a 3' RNA trans-splicing molecule, capable of replacing COL7A1 exons 65-118, was delivered into type VII collagen deficient patient keratinocytes, carrying a homozygous mutation in exon 80 (c.6527insC). Following vector integration, protein analysis of an isolated corrected single cell clone showed secretion of the corrected type VII collagen at similar levels compared to normal keratinocytes. To confirm full phenotypic and long-term correction in vivo, patches of skin equivalents expanded from the corrected cell clone were grafted onto immunodeficient mice. Immunolabelling of 12 weeks old skin specimens showed strong expression of human type VII collagen restricted to the basement membrane zone. We demonstrate that the RNA trans-splicing technology combined with a SIN lentiviral vector is suitable for an ex vivo molecular therapy approach and thus adaptable for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Peking
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Blanca Duarte
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER, Department of Bioengineering, UC3M, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Murillas
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER, Department of Bioengineering, UC3M, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susanne Wolf
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Maetzig
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marta García
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER, Department of Bioengineering, UC3M, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriele Brachtl
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Cell Therapy, Core Facility for Flow Cytometry, SCI-TRECS, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER, Department of Bioengineering, UC3M, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Reichelt
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva M Murauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
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Huang D, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Palmer N, McLenachan S, Mackey DA, Chen FK. Inherited Retinal Disease Therapies Targeting Precursor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. Vision (Basel) 2017; 1:vision1030022. [PMID: 31740647 PMCID: PMC6836112 DOI: 10.3390/vision1030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases are an extremely diverse group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous conditions characterized by variable maturation of retinal development, impairment of photoreceptor cell function and gradual loss of photoreceptor cells and vision. Significant progress has been made over the last two decades in identifying the many genes implicated in inherited retinal diseases and developing novel therapies to address the underlying genetic defects. Approximately one-quarter of exonic mutations related to human inherited diseases are likely to induce aberrant splicing products, providing opportunities for the development of novel therapeutics that target splicing processes. The feasibility of antisense oligomer mediated splice intervention to treat inherited diseases has been demonstrated in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss therapeutic approaches to treat inherited retinal disease, including strategies to correct splicing and modify exon selection at the level of pre-mRNA. The challenges of clinical translation of this class of emerging therapeutics will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Huang
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute, 4th Floor A Block, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Verdun Street, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute, 4th Floor A Block, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Verdun Street, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia
- Perron Institute, 4th Floor A Block, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Verdun Street, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Norman Palmer
- Perron Institute, 4th Floor A Block, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Verdun Street, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - David A. Mackey
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
| | - Fred K. Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth 6000, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9381-0817
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Ingemarsdotter CK, Poddar S, Mercier S, Patzel V, Lever AML. Expression of Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase/Ganciclovir by RNA Trans-Splicing Induces Selective Killing of HIV-Producing Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 7:140-154. [PMID: 28624190 PMCID: PMC5415956 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral strategies targeting hijacked cellular processes are less easily evaded by the virus than viral targets. If selective for viral functions, they can have a high therapeutic index. We used RNA trans-splicing to deliver the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase-ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV) cell suicide system into HIV-producing cells. Using an extensive in silico bioinformatics and RNA structural analysis approach, ten HIV RNA trans-splicing constructs were designed targeting eight different HIV splice donor or acceptor sites and were tested in cells expressing HIV. Trans-spliced mRNAs were identified in HIV-expressing cells using qRT-PCR with successful detection of fusion RNA transcripts between HIV RNA and the HSV-tk RNA transcripts from six of ten candidate RNA trans-splicing constructs. Conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed RNA trans-splicing junctions. Measuring cell viability in the presence or absence of GCV expression of HSV-tk by RNA trans-splicing led to selective killing of HIV-producing cells using either 3' exon replacement or 5' exon replacement in the presence of GCV. Five constructs targeting four HIV splice donor and acceptor sites, D4, A5, A7, and A8, involved in regulating the generation of multiple HIV RNA transcripts proved to be effective for trans-splicing mediated selective killing of HIV-infected cells, within which individual constructs targeting D4 and A8 were the most efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin K Ingemarsdotter
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sushmita Poddar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Sarah Mercier
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Volker Patzel
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Jiang X, Hall AB, Biedler JK, Tu Z. Single molecule RNA sequencing uncovers trans-splicing and improves annotations in Anopheles stephensi. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:298-307. [PMID: 28181326 PMCID: PMC5718059 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing has recently been used to obtain full-length cDNA sequences that improve genome annotation and reveal RNA isoforms. Here, we used one such method called isoform sequencing from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) to sequence a cDNA library from the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi. More than 600 000 full-length cDNAs, referred to as reads of insert, were identified. Owing to the inherently high error rate of PacBio sequencing, we tested different approaches for error correction. We found that error correction using Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) generated more data than using the default SMRT pipeline. The full-length error-corrected PacBio reads greatly improved the gene annotation of Anopheles stephensi: 4867 gene models were updated and 1785 alternatively spliced isoforms were added to the annotation. In addition, six trans-splicing events, where exons from different primary transcripts were joined together, were identified in An. stephensi. All six trans-splicing events appear to be conserved in Culicidae, as they are also found in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti. The proteins encoded by trans-splicing events are also highly conserved and the orthologues of these proteins are cis-spliced in outgroup species, indicating that trans-splicing may arise as a mechanism to rescue genes that broke up during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Jiang
- Program in Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - A B Hall
- Program in Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - J K Biedler
- Program in Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Z Tu
- Program in Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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30
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Prondzynski M, Krämer E, Laufer SD, Shibamiya A, Pless O, Flenner F, Müller OJ, Münch J, Redwood C, Hansen A, Patten M, Eschenhagen T, Mearini G, Carrier L. Evaluation of MYBPC3 trans-Splicing and Gene Replacement as Therapeutic Options in Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624223 PMCID: PMC5458066 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising option for severe forms of genetic diseases. We previously provided evidence for the feasibility of trans-splicing, exon skipping, and gene replacement in a mouse model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) carrying a mutation in MYBPC3, encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). Here we used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from an HCM patient carrying a heterozygous c.1358-1359insC MYBPC3 mutation and from a healthy donor. HCM hiPSC-CMs exhibited ∼50% lower MYBPC3 mRNA and cMyBP-C protein levels than control, no truncated cMyBP-C, larger cell size, and altered gene expression, thus reproducing human HCM features. We evaluated RNA trans-splicing and gene replacement after transducing hiPSC-CMs with adeno-associated virus. trans-splicing with 5' or 3' pre-trans-splicing molecules represented ∼1% of total MYBPC3 transcripts in healthy hiPSC-CMs. In contrast, gene replacement with the full-length MYBPC3 cDNA resulted in ∼2.5-fold higher MYBPC3 mRNA levels in HCM and control hiPSC-CMs. This restored the cMyBP-C level to 81% of the control level, suppressed hypertrophy, and partially restored gene expression to control level in HCM cells. This study provides evidence for (1) the feasibility of trans-splicing, although with low efficiency, and (2) efficient gene replacement in hiPSC-CMs with a MYBPC3 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksymilian Prondzynski
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Krämer
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra D Laufer
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Zentrum für Experimentelle Therapieforschung (HEXT) Stem Cell Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aya Shibamiya
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Zentrum für Experimentelle Therapieforschung (HEXT) Stem Cell Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer IME Screening-Port, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frederik Flenner
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Müller
- Department of Cardiology, Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Münch
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; University Heart Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charles Redwood
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PA, UK
| | - Arne Hansen
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monica Patten
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; University Heart Center Hamburg, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Mearini
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Lucie Carrier
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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31
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Suñé-Pou M, Prieto-Sánchez S, Boyero-Corral S, Moreno-Castro C, El Yousfi Y, Suñé-Negre JM, Hernández-Munain C, Suñé C. Targeting Splicing in the Treatment of Human Disease. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8030087. [PMID: 28245575 PMCID: PMC5368691 DOI: 10.3390/genes8030087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tightly regulated process of precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) alternative splicing (AS) is a key mechanism in the regulation of gene expression. Defects in this regulatory process affect cellular functions and are the cause of many human diseases. Recent advances in our understanding of splicing regulation have led to the development of new tools for manipulating splicing for therapeutic purposes. Several tools, including antisense oligonucleotides and trans-splicing, have been developed to target and alter splicing to correct misregulated gene expression or to modulate transcript isoform levels. At present, deregulated AS is recognized as an important area for therapeutic intervention. Here, we summarize the major hallmarks of the splicing process, the clinical implications that arise from alterations in this process, and the current tools that can be used to deliver, target, and correct deficiencies of this key pre-mRNA processing event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Suñé-Pou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
- Drug Development Service, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, s/n 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Silvia Prieto-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Sofía Boyero-Corral
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Cristina Moreno-Castro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Younes El Yousfi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Josep Mª Suñé-Negre
- Drug Development Service, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, s/n 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Hernández-Munain
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
| | - Carlos Suñé
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS, Granada 18016, Spain.
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Kamps R, Brandão RD, Bosch BJVD, Paulussen ADC, Xanthoulea S, Blok MJ, Romano A. Next-Generation Sequencing in Oncology: Genetic Diagnosis, Risk Prediction and Cancer Classification. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020308. [PMID: 28146134 PMCID: PMC5343844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has expanded in the last decades with significant improvements in the reliability, sequencing chemistry, pipeline analyses, data interpretation and costs. Such advances make the use of NGS feasible in clinical practice today. This review describes the recent technological developments in NGS applied to the field of oncology. A number of clinical applications are reviewed, i.e., mutation detection in inherited cancer syndromes based on DNA-sequencing, detection of spliceogenic variants based on RNA-sequencing, DNA-sequencing to identify risk modifiers and application for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, cancer somatic mutation analysis, pharmacogenetics and liquid biopsy. Conclusive remarks, clinical limitations, implications and ethical considerations that relate to the different applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Kamps
- Department of Clinical Genetics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rita D Brandão
- Department of Clinical Genetics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bianca J van den Bosch
- Department of Clinical Genetics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Aimee D C Paulussen
- Department of Clinical Genetics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sofia Xanthoulea
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marinus J Blok
- Department of Clinical Genetics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Miletta MC, Flück CE, Mullis PE. Targeting GH-1 splicing as a novel pharmacological strategy for growth hormone deficiency type II. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 124:1-9. [PMID: 27457999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD II) is a rare genetic splicing disorder characterized by reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion and short stature. It is mainly caused by autosomal dominant-negative mutations within the growth hormone gene (GH-1) which results in missplicing at the mRNA level and the subsequent loss of exon 3, producing the 17.5-kDa GH isoform: a mutant and inactive GH protein that reduces the stability and the secretion of the 22-kDa GH isoform, the main biologically active GH form. At present, patients suffering from IGHD II are treated with daily injections of recombinant human GH (rhGH) in order to reach normal height. However, this type of replacement therapy, although effective in terms of growth, does not prevent the toxic effects of the 17.5-kDa mutant on the pituitary gland, which may eventually lead to other hormonal deficiencies. As the severity of the disease inversely correlates with the 17.5-kDa/22-kDa ratio, increasing the inclusion of exon 3 is expected to ameliorate disease symptoms. This review focuses on the recent advances in experimental and therapeutic strategies applicable to treat IGHD II in clinical and preclinical contexts. Several avenues for alternative IGHD II therapy will be discussed including the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs that specifically target the exon 3-deleted transcripts as well as the application of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to enhance full-length GH-1 transcription, correct GH-1 exon 3 splicing and manipulate GH pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consolata Miletta
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Primus-E Mullis
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Designing Efficient Double RNA trans-Splicing Molecules for Targeted RNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17101609. [PMID: 27669223 PMCID: PMC5085642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17101609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA trans-splicing is a promising tool for mRNA modification in a diversity of genetic disorders. In particular, the substitution of internal exons of a gene by combining 3' and 5' RNA trans-splicing seems to be an elegant way to modify especially large pre-mRNAs. Here we discuss a robust method for designing double RNA trans-splicing molecules (dRTM). We demonstrate how the technique can be implemented in an endogenous setting, using COL7A1, the gene encoding type VII collagen, as a target. An RTM screening system was developed with the aim of testing the replacement of two internal COL7A1 exons, harbouring a homozygous mutation, with the wild-type version. The most efficient RTMs from a pool of randomly generated variants were selected via our fluorescence-based screening system and adapted for use in an in vitro disease model system. Transduction of type VII collagen-deficient keratinocytes with the selected dRTM led to accurate replacement of two internal COL7A1 exons resulting in a restored wild-type RNA sequence. This is the first study demonstrating specific exon replacement by double RNA trans-splicing within an endogenous transcript in cultured cells, corroborating the utility of this technology for mRNA repair in a variety of genetic disorders.
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Reprogramming the Dynamin 2 mRNA by Spliceosome-mediated RNA Trans-splicing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e362. [PMID: 27623444 PMCID: PMC5056991 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dynamin 2 (DNM2) is a large GTPase, ubiquitously expressed, involved in membrane trafficking and regulation of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. DNM2 mutations cause autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy which is a rare congenital myopathy characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and histopathological features including nuclear centralization in absence of regeneration. No curative treatment is currently available for the DNM2-related autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy. In order to develop therapeutic strategy, we evaluated here the potential of Spliceosome-Mediated RNA Trans-splicing technology to reprogram the Dnm2-mRNA in vitro and in vivo in mice. We show that classical 3′-trans-splicing strategy cannot be considered as accurate therapeutic strategy regarding toxicity of the pre-trans-splicing molecules leading to low rate of trans-splicing in vivo. Thus, we tested alternative strategies devoted to prevent this toxicity and enhance frequency of trans-splicing events. We succeeded to overcome the toxicity through a 5′-trans-splicing strategy which also allows detection of trans-splicing events at mRNA and protein levels in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that the Spliceosome-Mediated RNA Trans-splicing strategy may be used to reprogram mutated Dnm2-mRNA but highlight the potential toxicity linked to the molecular tools which have to be carefully investigated during preclinical development.
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Construction and validation of an RNA trans-splicing molecule suitable to repair a large number of COL7A1 mutations. Gene Ther 2016; 23:775-784. [PMID: 27434145 PMCID: PMC5097067 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA trans-splicing has become a versatile tool in the gene therapy of monogenetic diseases. This technique is especially valuable for the correction of mutations in large genes such as COL7A1, which underlie the dystrophic subtype of the skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa. Over 800 mutations spanning the entire length of the COL7A1 gene have been associated with defects in type VII collagen, leading to excessive fragility of epithelial tissues, the hallmark of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). In the present study, we designed an RNA trans-splicing molecule (RTM) that is capable of repairing any given mutation within a 4200 nucleotide region spanning the 3′ half of COL7A1. The selected RTM, RTM28, was able to induce accurate trans-splicing into endogenous COL7A1 pre-mRNA transcripts in a type VII collagen-deficient DEB patient-derived cell line. Correct trans-splicing was detected at the RNA level by semiquantitative RT-PCR and correction of full-length type VII collagen was confirmed at the protein level by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Our results demonstrate that RTM28, which covers >60% of all mutations reported in DEB and is thus the longest RTM described so far for the repair of COL7A1, represents a promising candidate for therapeutic applications.
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Popa MO, Irimia AM, Papagheorghe MN, Vasile EM, Tircol SA, Negulescu RA, Toader C, Adam R, Dorobantu L, Caldararu C, Alexandrescu M, Onciul S. The mechanisms, diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation in mitral valve prolapse and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Discoveries (Craiova) 2016; 4:e61. [PMID: 32309580 PMCID: PMC7159827 DOI: 10.15190/d.2016.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Valvular disease is a frequent cardiac pathology leading to heart failure and, ultimately, death. Mitral regurgitation, defined as the inability of the two mitral leaflets to coapt, is a common valvular disease and a self sustained pathology. A better understanding of the mitral valve histological layers provides a better understanding of the leaflet and chordae changes in mitral valve prolapse.
Mitral valve prolapse may occur in myxomatous degenerative abnormalities, connective tissue disorders or in sporadic isolated cases. It is the most common mitral abnormality of non-ischemic cause leading to severe surgery-requiring mitral regurgitation. In addition to standard echocardiographic investigations, newly implemented three-dimensional techniques are being used and they permit a better visualisation, from the so-called ‘surgical view’, and an improved evaluation of the mitral valve.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most frequent inherited myocardial disease caused by mutations in various genes encoding proteins of the cardiac sarcomere, leading to a marked left ventricular hypertrophy unexplained by other comorbidities. The pathological echocardiographic hallmarks of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve contributes to the development of mitral regurgitation and further narrows the left ventricular outflow tract, leading to more severe symptomatology. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging accurately measures the left ventricular mass, the degree of diastolic function and it may also be used to distinguish phenotypic variants.
The clinical outcome of patients with these pathologies is mostly determined by the selected option of treatment. The purpose of surgical correction regarding mitral valve involvement is to restore valvular competence. Surgery has proven to be the only useful treatment in preventing heart failure, improving symptomatology and reducing mortality. Our approach wishes to enhance the understanding of the mitral valve’s involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and mitral valve prolapse from genetic, haemodynamic and clinical perspectives, as well as to present novelties in the grand field of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Maria Irimia
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | - Catalina Toader
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Robert Adam
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucian Dorobantu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Monza Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Maria Alexandrescu
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Monza Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sebastian Onciul
- Department of Cardiology, Floreasca Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Lei Q, Li C, Zuo Z, Huang C, Cheng H, Zhou R. Evolutionary Insights into RNA trans-Splicing in Vertebrates. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:562-77. [PMID: 26966239 PMCID: PMC4824033 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-RNA splicing is an essential step in generating mature mRNA. RNA trans-splicing combines two separate pre-mRNA molecules to form a chimeric non-co-linear RNA, which may exert a function distinct from its original molecules. Trans-spliced RNAs may encode novel proteins or serve as noncoding or regulatory RNAs. These novel RNAs not only increase the complexity of the proteome but also provide new regulatory mechanisms for gene expression. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that trans-splicing occurs frequently in both physiological and pathological processes. In addition, mRNA reprogramming based on trans-splicing has been successfully applied in RNA-based therapies for human genetic diseases. Nevertheless, clarifying the extent and evolution of trans-splicing in vertebrates and developing detection methods for trans-splicing remain challenging. In this review, we summarize previous research, highlight recent advances in trans-splicing, and discuss possible splicing mechanisms and functions from an evolutionary viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Lei
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Zhixiang Zuo
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Hanhua Cheng
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, P.R. China
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A Gene Gun-mediated Nonviral RNA trans-splicing Strategy for Col7a1 Repair. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e287. [PMID: 26928235 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA trans-splicing represents an auspicious option for the correction of genetic mutations at RNA level. Mutations within COL7A1 causing strong reduction or absence of type VII collagen are associated with the severe skin blistering disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The human COL7A1 mRNA constitutes a suitable target for this RNA therapy approach, as only a portion of the almost 9 kb transcript has to be delivered into the target cells. Here, we have proven the feasibility of 5' trans-splicing into the Col7a1 mRNA in vitro and in vivo. We designed a 5' RNA trans-splicing molecule, capable of replacing Col7a1 exons 1-15 and verified it in a fluorescence-based trans-splicing model system. Specific and efficient Col7a1 trans-splicing was confirmed in murine keratinocytes. To analyze trans-splicing in vivo, we used gene gun delivery of a minicircle expressing a FLAG-tagged 5' RNA trans-splicing molecule into the skin of wild-type mice. Histological and immunofluorescence analysis of bombarded skin sections revealed vector delivery and expression within dermis and epidermis. Furthermore, we have detected trans-spliced type VII collagen protein using FLAG-tag antibodies. In conclusion, we describe a novel in vivo nonviral RNA therapy approach to restore type VII collagen expression for causative treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
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Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) in cardiac pathophysiology. Gene 2015; 573:188-97. [PMID: 26358504 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
More than 350 individual MYPBC3 mutations have been identified in patients with inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), thus representing 40–50% of all HCM mutations, making it the most frequently mutated gene in HCM. HCM is considered a disease of the sarcomere and is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, myocyte disarray and diastolic dysfunction. MYBPC3 encodes for the thick filament associated protein cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), a signaling node in cardiac myocytes that contributes to the maintenance of sarcomeric structure and regulation of contraction and relaxation. This review aims to provide a succinct overview of how mutations in MYBPC3 are considered to affect the physiological function of cMyBP-C, thus causing the deleterious consequences observed inHCM patients. Importantly, recent advances to causally treat HCM by repairing MYBPC3 mutations by gene therapy are discussed here, providing a promising alternative to heart transplantation for patients with a fatal form of neonatal cardiomyopathy due to bi-allelic truncating MYBPC3 mutations.
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41
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Can we be SMaRT-er in our approach to cancer therapy? EBioMedicine 2015; 2:621-2. [PMID: 26288827 PMCID: PMC4534698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Shang Y, Tesar D, Hötzel I. Modular protein expression by RNA trans-splicing enables flexible expression of antibody formats in mammalian cells from a dual-host phage display vector. Protein Eng Des Sel 2015; 28:437-44. [PMID: 25855659 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzv018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A recently described dual-host phage display vector that allows expression of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in mammalian cells bypasses the need for subcloning of phage display clone inserts to mammalian vectors for IgG expression in large antibody discovery and optimization campaigns. However, antibody discovery and optimization campaigns usually need different antibody formats for screening, requiring reformatting of the clones in the dual-host phage display vector to an alternative vector. We developed a modular protein expression system mediated by RNA trans-splicing to enable the expression of different antibody formats from the same phage display vector. The heavy-chain region encoded by the phage display vector is directly and precisely fused to different downstream heavy-chain sequences encoded by complementing plasmids simply by joining exons in different pre-mRNAs by trans-splicing. The modular expression system can be used to efficiently express structurally correct IgG and Fab fragments or other antibody formats from the same phage display clone in mammalian cells without clone reformatting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglei Shang
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Devin Tesar
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Isidro Hötzel
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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Tardiff JC, Carrier L, Bers DM, Poggesi C, Ferrantini C, Coppini R, Maier LS, Ashrafian H, Huke S, van der Velden J. Targets for therapy in sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 105:457-70. [PMID: 25634554 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, no compounds or interventions exist that treat or prevent sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. Established therapies currently improve the outcome, but novel therapies may be able to more fundamentally affect the disease process and course. Investigations of the pathomechanisms are generating molecular insights that can be useful for the design of novel specific drugs suitable for clinical use. As perturbations in the heart are stage-specific, proper timing of drug treatment is essential to prevent initiation and progression of cardiac disease in mutation carrier individuals. In this review, we emphasize potential novel therapies which may prevent, delay, or even reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by sarcomeric gene mutations. These include corrections of genetic defects, altered sarcomere function, perturbations in intracellular ion homeostasis, and impaired myocardial energetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jil C Tardiff
- Department of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, 1656 East Mabel Street, MRB 312, Tucson, AZ 85724-5217, USA
| | - Lucie Carrier
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- Center of Molecular Medicine and Applied Biophysics (CIMMBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ferrantini
- Center of Molecular Medicine and Applied Biophysics (CIMMBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Center of Molecular Medicine and Applied Biophysics (CIMMBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lars S Maier
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Houman Ashrafian
- Experimental Therapeutics and Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sabine Huke
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (ICaR-VU), VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands ICIN-Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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44
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Berger A, Lorain S, Joséphine C, Desrosiers M, Peccate C, Voit T, Garcia L, Sahel JA, Bemelmans AP. Repair of rhodopsin mRNA by spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing: a new approach for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:918-930. [PMID: 25619725 PMCID: PMC4427870 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The promising clinical results obtained for ocular gene therapy in recent years have paved the way for gene supplementation to treat recessively inherited forms of retinal degeneration. The situation is more complex for dominant mutations, as the toxic mutant gene product must be removed. We used spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing as a strategy for repairing the transcript of the rhodopsin gene, the gene most frequently mutated in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We tested 17 different molecules targeting the pre-mRNA intron 1, by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells, with subsequent trans-splicing quantification at the transcript level. We found that the targeting of some parts of the intron promoted trans-splicing more efficiently than the targeting of other areas, and that trans-splicing rate could be increased by modifying the replacement sequence. We then developed cell lines stably expressing the rhodopsin gene, for the assessment of phenotypic criteria relevant to the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa. Using this model, we showed that trans-splicing restored the correct localization of the protein to the plasma membrane. Finally, we tested our best candidate by AAV gene transfer in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa that expresses a mutant allele of the human rhodopsin gene, and demonstrated the feasibility of trans-splicing in vivo. This work paves the way for trans-splicing gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa due to rhodopsin gene mutation and, more generally, for the treatment of genetic diseases with dominant transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Berger
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Lorain
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Charlène Joséphine
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Melissa Desrosiers
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Peccate
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Voit
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- UFR des sciences de la santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France; Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, France; Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France; Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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45
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Koller U, Hainzl S, Kocher T, Hüttner C, Klausegger A, Gruber C, Mayr E, Wally V, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. Trans-splicing improvement by the combined application of antisense strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:1179-91. [PMID: 25569093 PMCID: PMC4307297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16011179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing has become an emergent tool for the repair of mutated pre-mRNAs in the treatment of genetic diseases. RNA trans-splicing molecules (RTMs) are designed to induce a specific trans-splicing reaction via a binding domain for a respective target pre-mRNA region. A previously established reporter-based screening system allows us to analyze the impact of various factors on the RTM trans-splicing efficiency in vitro. Using this system, we are further able to investigate the potential of antisense RNAs (AS RNAs), presuming to improve the trans-splicing efficiency of a selected RTM, specific for intron 102 of COL7A1. Mutations in the COL7A1 gene underlie the dystrophic subtype of the skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). We have shown that co-transfections of the RTM and a selected AS RNA, interfering with competitive splicing elements on a COL7A1-minigene (COL7A1-MG), lead to a significant increase of the RNA trans-splicing efficiency. Thereby, accurate trans-splicing between the RTM and the COL7A1-MG is represented by the restoration of full-length green fluorescent protein GFP on mRNA and protein level. This mechanism can be crucial for the improvement of an RTM-mediated correction, especially in cases where a high trans-splicing efficiency is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Koller
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Thomas Kocher
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Clemens Hüttner
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Christina Gruber
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Elisabeth Mayr
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Verena Wally
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
| | - Eva M Murauer
- Department of Dermatology and EB House Austria, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria.
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46
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Koller U, Wally V, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. Considerations for a Successful RNA Trans-splicing Repair of Genetic Disorders. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e157. [PMID: 24714422 PMCID: PMC4012396 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Koller
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva M Murauer
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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47
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Behrens-Gawlik V, Mearini G, Gedicke-Hornung C, Richard P, Carrier L. MYBPC3 in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: from mutation identification to RNA-based correction. Pflugers Arch 2013; 466:215-23. [PMID: 24337823 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in MYBPC3 gene, encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), frequently cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which affects 0.2 % of the general population. This myocardial autosomal-dominant disorder is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death particularly in young athletes. The current pharmacological and surgical treatments of HCM focus on symptoms relief, but do not address the cause of the disease. With the development of novel strategies targeting the endogenous mutation, causal HCM therapy is now possible. This review will discuss the current knowledge on HCM from the identification of MYBPC3 gene mutations to potential RNA-based correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Behrens-Gawlik
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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48
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Murauer EM, Koller U, Hainzl S, Wally V, Bauer JW. A reporter-based screen to identify potent 3' trans-splicing molecules for endogenous RNA repair. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:19-27. [PMID: 23320616 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of genetic disorders, repairing defective pre-mRNAs by RNA trans-splicing has become an emerging alternative to conventional gene therapy. Previous studies have made clear that the design of the binding domains of the corrective RNA trans-splicing molecules (RTMs) is crucial for their optimal functionality. We established a reporter-based screening method that allows for selection of highly functional RTMs from a large pool of variants. The efficiency and functionality of the screen were validated in the COL7A1 gene, in which mutations are the cause of the skin disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Comparison of RTMs containing different binding domains hybridizing to COL7A1 intron 64/exon 65 revealed highly different trans-splicing efficiencies. Isolated RTMs were then adapted for endogenous trans-splicing in a recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) keratinocyte cell line expressing reduced levels of COL7A1 mRNA. Our results confirm the applicability and relevance of prescreening reporter RTMs, as significant levels of endogenous COL7A1 mRNA repair were seen with RTMs identified as being highly efficient in our screening system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Murauer
- Division of Molecular Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
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49
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Gruber C, Koller U, Murauer EM, Hainzl S, Hüttner C, Kocher T, South AP, Hintner H, Bauer JW. The design and optimization of RNA trans-splicing molecules for skin cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:1056-68. [PMID: 23998959 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor marker genes by RNA trans-splicing is a promising means to induce tumor cell-specific death. Using a screening system we designed RNA trans-splicing molecules (RTM) specifically binding the pre-mRNA of SLCO1B3, a marker gene in epidermolysis bullosa associated squamous cell carcinoma (EB-SCC). Specific trans-splicing, results in the fusion of the endogenous target mRNA of SLCO1B3 and the coding sequence of the suicide gene, provided by the RTM. SLCO1B3-specific RTMs containing HSV-tk were analyzed regarding their trans-splicing potential in a heterologous context using a SLCO1B3 expressing minigene (SLCO1B3-MG). Expression of the chimeric SLCO1B3-tk was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis assays confirmed that the RTMs induced suicide gene-mediated apoptosis in SLCO1B3-MG expressing cells. The lead RTM also showed its potential to facilitate a trans-splicing reaction into the endogenous SLCO1B3 pre-mRNA in EB-SCC cells resulting in tk-mediated apoptosis. We assume that the pre-selection of RTMs by our inducible cell-death system accelerates the design of optimal RTMs capable to induce tumor specific cell death in skin cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gruber
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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Mearini G, Stimpel D, Krämer E, Geertz B, Braren I, Gedicke-Hornung C, Précigout G, Müller OJ, Katus HA, Eschenhagen T, Voit T, Garcia L, Lorain S, Carrier L. Repair of Mybpc3 mRNA by 5'-trans-splicing in a Mouse Model of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e102. [PMID: 23820890 PMCID: PMC3731888 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA trans-splicing has been explored as a therapeutic option for a variety of genetic diseases, but not for cardiac genetic disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal-dominant disease, characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. MYBPC3, encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is frequently mutated. We evaluated the 5'-trans-splicing strategy in a mouse model of HCM carrying a Mybpc3 mutation. 5'-trans-splicing was induced between two independently transcribed molecules, the mutant endogenous Mypbc3 pre-mRNA and an engineered pre-trans-splicing molecule (PTM) carrying a FLAG-tagged wild-type (WT) Mybpc3 cDNA sequence. PTMs were packaged into adeno-associated virus (AAV) for transduction of cultured cardiac myocytes and the heart in vivo. Full-length repaired Mybpc3 mRNA represented up to 66% of total Mybpc3 transcripts in cardiac myocytes and 0.14% in the heart. Repaired cMyBP-C protein was detected by immunoprecipitation in cells and in vivo and exhibited correct incorporation into the sarcomere in cardiac myocytes. This study provides (i) the first evidence of successful 5'-trans-splicing in vivo and (ii) proof-of-concept of mRNA repair in the most prevalent cardiac genetic disease. Since current therapeutic options for HCM only alleviate symptoms, these findings open new horizons for causal therapy of the severe forms of the disease.Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e102; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.31; published online 2 July 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mearini
- 1] Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
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