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Kamimura K, Kanefuji T, Suda T, Yokoo T, Zhang G, Aoyagi Y, Liu D. Liver lobe-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery to baboons: A preclinical trial for hemophilia gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:903-913. [PMID: 37346981 PMCID: PMC10280096 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrodynamics-based gene transfer has been successfully employed for in vivo gene delivery to the liver of small animals by tail vein injection and of large animals using a computer-assisted and image-guided protocol. In an effort to develop a hydrodynamic gene delivery procedure clinically applicable for gene therapy, we have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a lobe-specific hydrodynamic delivery procedure for hepatic gene delivery in baboons. Reporter plasmid was used to assess the gene delivery efficiency of the lobe-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery, and plasmid-carrying human factor IX gene was used to examine the pattern of long-term gene expression. The results demonstrated liver lobe-specific gene delivery, therapeutic levels of human factor IX gene expression lasting for >100 days, and the efficacy of repeated hydrodynamic gene delivery into the same liver lobes. Other than a transient increase in blood concentration of liver enzymes right after the injection, no significant adverse events were observed in animals during the study period. The results obtained from this first non-human primate study support the clinical applicability of the procedure for lobe-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery to liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uonuma Institute of Community Medicine, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Minami Uonuma, Niigata 949-7302, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Suda T, Yokoo T, Kanefuji T, Kamimura K, Zhang G, Liu D. Hydrodynamic Delivery: Characteristics, Applications, and Technological Advances. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041111. [PMID: 37111597 PMCID: PMC10141091 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The principle of hydrodynamic delivery was initially used to develop a method for the delivery of plasmids into mouse hepatocytes through tail vein injection and has been expanded for use in the delivery of various biologically active materials to cells in various organs in a variety of animal species through systemic or local injection, resulting in significant advances in new applications and technological development. The development of regional hydrodynamic delivery directly supports successful gene delivery in large animals, including humans. This review summarizes the fundamentals of hydrodynamic delivery and the progress that has been made in its application. Recent progress in this field offers tantalizing prospects for the development of a new generation of technologies for broader application of hydrodynamic delivery.
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Yasser M, Ribback S, Evert K, Utpatel K, Annweiler K, Evert M, Dombrowski F, Calvisi DF. Early Subcellular Hepatocellular Alterations in Mice Post Hydrodynamic Transfection: An Explorative Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020328. [PMID: 36672277 PMCID: PMC9857294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020328] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic transfection (HT) or hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) is among the leading technique that is used to deliver plasmid genes mainly into the liver of live mice or rats. The DNA constructs are composed of coupled plasmids, while one contains the gene of interest that stably integrate into the hepatocyte genome with help of the other consisting sleeping beauty transposase system. The rapid injection of a large volume of DNA-solution through the tail vein induces an acute cardiac congestion that refluxed into the liver, mainly in acinus zone 3, also found through our EM study. Although, HT mediated hydrodynamic force can permeabilizes the fenestrated sinusoidal endothelium of liver, but the mechanism of plasmid incorporation into the hepatocytes remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we have hydrodynamically injected 2 mL volume of empty plasmid (transposon vector) or saline solution (control) into the tail vein of anesthetized C57BL/6J/129Sv mice. Liver tissue was resected at different time points from two animal group conditions, i.e., one time point per animal (1, 5, 10-20, 60 min or 24 and 48 hrs after HT) or multiple time points per animal (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 min) and quickly fixed with buffered 4% osmium tetroxide. The tissues fed with only saline solution was also resected and fixed in the similar way. EM evaluation from the liver ultrathin sections reveals that swiftly after 1 min, the hepatocytes near to the central venule in the acinus zone 3 shows cytoplasmic membrane-bound vesicles. Such vesicles increased in both numbers and size to vacuoles and precisely often found in the proximity to the nucleus. Further, EM affirm these vacuoles are also optically empty and do not contain any electron dense material. Although, some of the other hepatocytes reveals sign of cell damage including swollen mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and disrupted plasma membrane, but most of the hepatocytes appeared normal. The ultrastructural findings in the mice injected with empty vector or saline injected control mice were similar. Therefore, we have interpreted the vacuole formation as nonspecific endocytosis without specific interactions at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Yasser
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Katja Evert
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Annweiler
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Feng KN, Meng P, Zou XL, Zhang M, Li HK, Yang HL, Li HT, Zhang TT. IL-37 protects against airway remodeling by reversing bronchial epithelial-mesenchymal transition via IL-24 signaling pathway in chronic asthma. Respir Res 2022; 23:244. [PMID: 36100847 PMCID: PMC9472332 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the mechanisms of airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Interleukin (IL)-24 has been implicated in the promotion of tissue fibrosis, and increased IL-24 levels have been observed in the nasal secretions and sputum of asthmatic patients. However, the role of IL-24 in asthmatic airway remodeling, especially in EMT, remains largely unknown. We aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of IL-24 on EMT and to verify whether IL-37 could alleviate IL-24-induced EMT in chronic asthma. METHODS BEAS-2B cells were exposed to IL-24, and cell migration was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related biomarkers (E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA) was evaluated after the cells were stimulated with IL-24 with or without IL-37. A murine asthma model was established by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extracts for 5 weeks, and the effects of IL-24 and IL-37 on EMT and airway remodeling were investigated by intranasal administration of si-IL-24 and rhIL-37. RESULTS We observed that IL-24 significantly enhanced the migration of BEAS-2B cells in vitro. IL-24 promoted the expression of the EMT biomarkers vimentin and α-SMA via the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. In addition, we found that IL-37 partially reversed IL-24-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells by blocking the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that IL-24 was overexpressed in the airway epithelium of an HDM-induced chronic asthma model, and IL-24 silencing or IL-37 treatment could reverse EMT biomarker expression. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings indicated that IL-37 mitigated HDM-induced airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-24-mediated EMT via the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways, thereby providing experimental evidence for IL-24 as a novel therapeutic target and IL-37 as a promising agent for treating severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-ni Feng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Ping Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Xiao-ling Zou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Hai-ke Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Hai-ling Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Hong-tao Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
| | - Tian-tuo Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute of Respiratory Disease of Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong China
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Shibata O, Kamimura K, Tanaka Y, Ogawa K, Owaki T, Oda C, Morita S, Kimura A, Abe H, Ikarashi S, Hayashi K, Yokoo T, Terai S. Establishment of a pancreatic cancer animal model using the pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery method. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:342-352. [PMID: 35474735 PMCID: PMC9018811 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This research developed an easy-to-use, reproducible pancreatic cancer animal model utilizing pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery to deliver human pancreatic cancer-related genes to the pancreas of wild-type rats. KRASG12D-induced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions showed malignant transformation in the main pancreatic duct at 4 weeks and developed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, which led to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma within 5 weeks, and the gene combination of KRASG12D and YAP enhanced these effects. The repeat hydrodynamic gene delivery of KRASG12D + YAP combination at 4 weeks showed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in all rats and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 80% of rats 1 week later. Metastatic tumors in the liver, lymph nodes, and subcutaneous lesions and nervous invasion were confirmed. KRASG12D and YAP combined transfer contributes to the E- to N-cadherin switch in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells and to tumor metastases. This pancreatic cancer model will speed up pancreatic cancer research for novel treatments and biomarkers for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Shibata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
- Corresponding author. Kenya Kamimura, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Yuto Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Owaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Chiyumi Oda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shinichi Morita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ikarashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kazunao Hayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori Chuo–ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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Huang Y, Kruse RL, Ding H, Itani MI, Morrison J, Wang ZZ, Selaru FM, Kumbhari V. Parameters of biliary hydrodynamic injection during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in pigs for applications in gene delivery. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249931. [PMID: 33909609 PMCID: PMC8081268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The biliary system is routinely accessed for clinical purposes via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We previously pioneered ERCP-mediated hydrodynamic injection in large animal models as an innovative gene delivery approach for monogenic liver diseases. However, the procedure poses potential safety concerns related mainly to liver or biliary tree injury. Here, we sought to further define biliary hydrodynamic injection parameters that are well-tolerated in a human-sized animal model. ERCP was performed in pigs, and hydrodynamic injection carried out using a novel protocol to reduce duct wall stress. Each pig was subjected to multiple repeated injections to expedite testing and judge tolerability. Different injection parameters (volume, flow rate) and injection port diameters were tested. Vital signs were monitored throughout the procedure, and liver enzyme panels were collected pre- and post-procedure. Pigs tolerated repeated biliary hydrodynamic injections with only occasional, mild, isolated elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which returned to normal levels within one day post-injection. All other liver tests remained unchanged. No upper limit of volume tolerance was reached, which suggests the biliary tree can readily transmit fluid into the vascular space. Flow rates up to 10 mL/sec were also tolerated with minimal disturbance to vital signs and no anatomic rupture of bile ducts. Measured intrabiliary pressure was up to 150 mmHg, and fluid-filled vesicles were induced in liver histology at high flow rates, mimicking the changes in histology observed in mouse liver after hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Overall, our investigations in a human-sized pig liver using standard clinical equipment suggest that ERCP-guided hydrodynamic injection will be safely tolerated in patients. Future investigations will interrogate if higher flow rates and pressure mediate higher DNA delivery efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert L. Kruse
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hui Ding
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mohamad I. Itani
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Morrison
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zack Z. Wang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Florin M. Selaru
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VK); (FMS)
| | - Vivek Kumbhari
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VK); (FMS)
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Ates I, Rathbone T, Stuart C, Bridges PH, Cottle RN. Delivery Approaches for Therapeutic Genome Editing and Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1113. [PMID: 32977396 PMCID: PMC7597956 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Impressive therapeutic advances have been possible through the advent of zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases. However, discovery of the more efficient and highly tailorable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and associated proteins (Cas9) has provided unprecedented gene-editing capabilities for treatment of various inherited and acquired diseases. Despite recent clinical trials, a major barrier for therapeutic gene editing is the absence of safe and effective methods for local and systemic delivery of gene-editing reagents. In this review, we elaborate on the challenges and provide practical considerations for improving gene editing. Specifically, we highlight issues associated with delivery of gene-editing tools into clinically relevant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilayda Ates
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Tanner Rathbone
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Callie Stuart
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - P. Hudson Bridges
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Renee N. Cottle
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
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Development of Novel Heparin/Protamine Nanoparticles Useful for Delivery of Exogenous Proteins In Vitro and In Vivo. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10081584. [PMID: 32806578 PMCID: PMC7466629 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that heparin/protamine particles (LHPPs) produced as nanoparticles through simple mixing of raw materials exhibit sustained protein release and can be retained in cells. In the present study, we modified LHPPs without employing any organic synthetic approach. The resulting LHPPs were re-named as improved LHPPs (i-LHPPs) and have the ability to retain cell-penetrating peptides (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ) based on electrostatic interactions. We examined whether i-LHPPs can introduce exogenous proteins (i.e., lacZ protein encoding bacterial β-galactosidase) into cultured cells in vitro, or into murine hepatocytes in vivo through intravenous injection to anesthetized mice. We found an accumulation of the transferred protein in both in vitro cultured cells and in vivo hepatocytes. To the best of our knowledge, reports of successful in vivo delivery to hepatocytes are rare. The i-LHPP-based protein delivery technique will be useful for in vivo functional genetic modification of mouse hepatocytes using Cas9 protein-mediated genome editing targeting specific genes, leading to the creation of hepatic disease animal models for research that aims to treat liver diseases.
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Translational Advances of Hydrofection by Hydrodynamic Injection. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9030136. [PMID: 29494564 PMCID: PMC5867857 DOI: 10.3390/genes9030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic gene delivery has proven to be a safe and efficient procedure for gene transfer, able to mediate, in murine model, therapeutic levels of proteins encoded by the transfected gene. In different disease models and targeting distinct organs, it has been demonstrated to revert the pathologic symptoms and signs. The therapeutic potential of hydrofection led different groups to work on the clinical translation of the procedure. In order to prevent the hemodynamic side effects derived from the rapid injection of a large volume, the conditions had to be moderated to make them compatible with its use in mid-size animal models such as rat, hamster and rabbit and large animals as dog, pig and primates. Despite the different approaches performed to adapt the conditions of gene delivery, the results obtained in any of these mid-size and large animals have been poorer than those obtained in murine model. Among these different strategies to reduce the volume employed, the most effective one has been to exclude the vasculature of the target organ and inject the solution directly. This procedure has permitted, by catheterization and surgical procedures in large animals, achieving protein expression levels in tissue close to those achieved in gold standard models. These promising results and the possibility of employing these strategies to transfer gene constructs able to edit genes, such as CRISPR, have renewed the clinical interest of this procedure of gene transfer. In order to translate the hydrodynamic gene delivery to human use, it is demanding the standardization of the procedure conditions and the molecular parameters of evaluation in order to be able to compare the results and establish a homogeneous manner of expressing the data obtained, as ‘classic’ drugs.
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Woodard LE, Welch RC, Williams FM, Luo W, Cheng J, Wilson MH. Hydrodynamic Renal Pelvis Injection for Non-viral Expression of Proteins in the Kidney. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29364221 DOI: 10.3791/56324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic injection creates a local, high-pressure environment to transfect various tissues with plasmid DNA and other substances. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection, for example, is a well-established method by which the liver can be transfected. This manuscript describes an application of hydrodynamic principles by injection of the mouse kidney directly with plasmid DNA for kidney-specific gene expression. Mice are anesthetized and the kidney is exposed by a flank incision followed by a fast injection of a plasmid DNA-containing solution directly into the renal pelvis. The needle is kept in place for ten seconds and the incision site is sutured. The following day, live animal imaging, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry may be used to assay gene expression, or other assays suited to the transgene of choice are used for detection of the protein of interest. Published methods to prolong gene expression include transposon-mediated transgene integration and cyclophosphamide treatment to inhibit the immune response to the transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Woodard
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Department of Medicine, Baylor University College of Medicine
| | - Richard C Welch
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Felisha M Williams
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Wentian Luo
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jizhong Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University College of Medicine
| | - Matthew H Wilson
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Department of Medicine, Baylor University College of Medicine;
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Ma J, Pichavant C, du Bois H, Bhakta M, Calos MP. DNA-Mediated Gene Therapy in a Mouse Model of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 7:123-131. [PMID: 29159199 PMCID: PMC5684445 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for dysferlin cause a degenerative disorder of skeletal muscle known as limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B. To achieve gene delivery of plasmids encoding dysferlin to hind limb muscles of dysferlin knockout mice, we used a vascular injection method that perfused naked plasmid DNA into all major muscle groups of the hind limb. We monitored delivery by luciferase live imaging and western blot, confirming strong dysferlin expression that persisted over the 3-month time course of the experiment. Co-delivery of the follistatin gene, which may promote muscle growth, was monitored by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry documented the presence of dysferlin in muscle fibers in treated limbs, and PCR confirmed the presence of plasmid DNA. Because dysferlin is involved in repair of the sarcolemmal membrane, dysferlin loss leads to fragile sarcolemmal membranes that can be detected by permeability to Evan’s blue dye. We showed that after gene therapy with a plasmid encoding both dysferlin and follistatin, statistically significant reduction in Evan’s blue dye permeability was present in hamstring muscles. These results suggest that vascular delivery of plasmids carrying these therapeutic genes may lead to simple and effective approaches for improving the clinical condition of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Christophe Pichavant
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Haley du Bois
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Mital Bhakta
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Michele P Calos
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
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Efficacy and Safety of Pancreas-Targeted Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery in Rats. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:80-88. [PMID: 29246326 PMCID: PMC5612811 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of an effective, safe, and convenient method for gene delivery to the pancreas is a critical step toward gene therapy for pancreatic diseases. Therefore, we tested the possibility of applying the principle of hydrodynamic gene delivery for successful gene transfer to pancreas using rats as a model. The established procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the superior mesenteric vein with temporary blood flow occlusion at the portal vein and hydrodynamic injection of DNA solution. We demonstrated that our procedure achieved efficient pancreas-specific gene expression that was 2,000-fold higher than that seen in the pancreas after the systemic hydrodynamic gene delivery. In addition, the level of gene expression achieved in the pancreas by the pancreas-specific gene delivery was comparable to the level in the liver achieved by a liver-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery. The optimal level of reporter gene expression in the pancreas requires an injection volume equivalent to 2.0% body weight with flow rate of 1 mL/s and plasmid DNA concentration at 5 μg/mL. With the exception of transient expansion of intercellular spaces and elevation of serum amylase levels, which recovered within 3 days, no permanent tissue damage was observed. These results suggest that pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery is an effective and safe method for gene delivery to the pancreas and clinically applicable.
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13
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Kobayashi Y, Kamimura K, Abe H, Yokoo T, Ogawa K, Shinagawa-Kobayashi Y, Goto R, Inoue R, Ohtsuka M, Miura H, Kanefuji T, Suda T, Tsuchida M, Aoyagi Y, Zhang G, Liu D, Terai S. Effects of Fibrotic Tissue on Liver-targeted Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e359. [PMID: 27574785 PMCID: PMC5023407 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrodynamic gene delivery is a common method for gene transfer to the liver of small animals, and its clinical applicability in large animals has been demonstrated. Previous studies focused on functional analyses of therapeutic genes in animals with normal livers and little, however, is known regarding its effectiveness and safety in animals with liver fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of liver fibrosis on hydrodynamic gene delivery efficiency using a rat liver fibrosis model. We demonstrated for the first time, using pCMV-Luc plasmid, that this procedure is safe and that the amount of fibrotic tissue in the liver decreases gene delivery efficiency, resulting in decrease in luciferase activity depending on the volume of fibrotic tissue in the liver and the number of hepatocytes that are immunohistochemically stained positive for transgene product. We further demonstrate that antifibrotic gene therapy with matrix metalloproteinase-13 gene reduces liver fibrosis and improves efficiency of hydrodynamic gene delivery. These results demonstrate the negative effects of fibrotic tissue on hydrodynamic gene delivery and its recovery by appropriate antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kobayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori, Chuo–ku, Niigata, Niigata, 9518510, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoko Shinagawa-Kobayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryo Goto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiromi Miura
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masanori Tsuchida
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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Abe H, Kamimura K, Kobayashi Y, Ohtsuka M, Miura H, Ohashi R, Yokoo T, Kanefuji T, Suda T, Tsuchida M, Aoyagi Y, Zhang G, Liu D, Terai S. Effective Prevention of Liver Fibrosis by Liver-targeted Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in a Rat Liver Fibrosis Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e276. [PMID: 26730813 PMCID: PMC5012547 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final stage of liver diseases that lead to liver failure and cancer. While various diagnostic methods, including the use of serum marker, have been established, no standard therapy has been developed. The objective of this study was to assess the approach of overexpressing matrix metalloproteinase-13 gene (MMP13) in rat liver to prevent liver fibrosis progression. A rat liver fibrosis model was established by ligating the bile duct, followed by liver-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery of a MMP13 expression vector, containing a CAG promoter-MMP13-IRES-tdTomato-polyA cassette. After 14 days, the serum level of MMP13 peaked at 71.7 pg/ml in MMP13-treated group, whereas the nontreated group only showed a level of ~5 pg/ml (P < 0.001). These levels were sustained for the next 60 days. The statistically lower level of the hyaluronic acids in treated group versus the nontreated group (P < 0.05) reveals the therapeutic effect of MMP13 overexpression. Quantitative analysis of tissue stained with sirius red showed a statistically larger volume of fibrotic tissue in the nontreated group compared to that of MMP13-treated rats (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the liver-targeted hydrodynamic delivery of MMP13 gene could be effective in the prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1–757 Asahimachi–dori, Chuo–ku, Niigata, Niigata 9518510, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Yuji Kobayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiromi Miura
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Riuko Ohashi
- Department of Pathology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masanori Tsuchida
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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15
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Fan Z, Kocis K, Valley R, Howard JF, Chopra M, Chen Y, An H, Lin W, Muenzer J, Powers W. High-Pressure Transvenous Perfusion of the Upper Extremity in Human Muscular Dystrophy: A Safety Study with 0.9% Saline. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:614-21. [PMID: 25953425 PMCID: PMC4575535 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated safety and feasibility of high-pressure transvenous limb perfusion in an upper extremity of adult patients with muscular dystrophy, after completing a similar study in a lower extremity. A dose escalation study of single-limb perfusion with 0.9% saline was carried out in nine adults with muscular dystrophies under intravenous analgesia. Our study demonstrates that it is feasible and definitely safe to perform high-pressure transvenous perfusion with 0.9% saline up to 35% of limb volume in the upper extremities of young adults with muscular dystrophy. Perfusion at 40% limb volume is associated with short-lived physiological changes in peripheral nerves without clinical correlates in one subject. This study provides the basis for a phase 1/2 clinical trial using pressurized transvenous delivery into upper limbs of nonambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, our results are applicable to other conditions such as limb girdle muscular dystrophy as a method for delivering regional macromolecular therapeutics in high dose to skeletal muscles of the upper extremity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Keith Kocis
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Robert Valley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Manisha Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yasheng Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hongyu An
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Weili Lin
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joseph Muenzer
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William Powers
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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16
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Kamimura K, Yokoo T, Abe H, Kobayashi Y, Ogawa K, Shinagawa Y, Inoue R, Terai S. Image-Guided Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery: Current Status and Future Directions. Pharmaceutics 2015; 7:213-23. [PMID: 26308044 PMCID: PMC4588196 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics7030213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics-based delivery has been used as an experimental tool to express transgene in small animals. This in vivo gene transfer method is useful for functional analysis of genetic elements, therapeutic effect of oligonucleotides, and cancer cells to establish the metastatic cancer animal model for experimental research. Recent progress in the development of image-guided procedure for hydrodynamics-based gene delivery in large animals directly supports the clinical applicability of this technique. This review summarizes the current status and recent progress in the development of hydrodynamics-based gene delivery and discusses the future directions for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Yuji Kobayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Yoko Shinagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
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Abstract
Hydrodynamic delivery (HD) is a broadly used procedure for DNA and RNA delivery in rodents, serving as a powerful tool for gene/protein drug discovery, gene function analysis, target validation, and identification of elements in regulating gene expression in vivo. HD involves a pressurized injection of a large volume of solution into a vasculature. New procedures are being developed to satisfy the need for a safe and efficient gene delivery in clinic. Here, we summarize the fundamentals of HD, its applications, and future perspectives for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, School of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
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18
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Kamimura K, Kanefuji T, Yokoo T, Abe H, Suda T, Kobayashi Y, Zhang G, Aoyagi Y, Liu D. Safety assessment of liver-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery in dogs. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107203. [PMID: 25251246 PMCID: PMC4175463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence in support of safety of a gene delivery procedure is essential toward gene therapy. Previous studies using the hydrodynamics-based procedure primarily focus on gene delivery efficiency or gene function analysis in mice. The current study focuses on an assessment of the safety of computer-controlled and liver-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery in dogs as the first step toward hydrodynamic gene therapy in clinic. We demonstrate that the impacts of the hydrodynamic procedure were limited in the injected region and the influences were transient. Histological examination and the hepatic microcirculation measurement using reflectance spectrophotometry reveal that the liver-specific impact of the procedure involves a transient expansion of the liver sinusoids. No systemic damage or toxicity was observed. Physiological parameters, including electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, remained in normal ranges during and after hydrodynamic injection. Body weight was also examined to assess the long-term effects of the procedure in animals who underwent 3 hydrodynamic injections in 6 weeks with 2-week time interval in between. Serum biochemistry analysis showed a transient increase in liver enzymes and a few cytokines upon injection. These results demonstrate that image-guided, liver-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- * E-mail: kenya––u.ac.jp (KK); (DL)
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuji Kobayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: kenya––u.ac.jp (KK); (DL)
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Kamimura K, Suda T, Zhang G, Aoyagi Y, Liu D. Parameters Affecting Image-guided, Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery to Swine Liver. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e128. [PMID: 24129227 PMCID: PMC4027427 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of a safe and effective method for gene delivery to hepatocytes is a critical step toward gene therapy for liver diseases. Here, we assessed the parameters for gene delivery to the livers of large animals (pigs, 40-65 kg) using an image-guided hydrodynamics-based procedure that involves image-guided catheter insertion into the lobular hepatic vein and hydrodynamic injection of reporter plasmids using a computer-controlled injector. We demonstrated that injection parameters (relative position of the catheter in the hepatic vasculature, intravascular pressure upon injection, and injection volume) are directly related to the safety and efficiency of the procedure. By optimizing these parameters, we explored for the first time, the advantage of the procedure for sequential injections to multiple lobes in human-sized pigs. The optimized procedure resulted in sustained expression of the human α-1 antitrypsin gene in livers for more than 2 months after gene delivery. In addition, repeated hydrodynamic gene delivery was safely conducted and no adverse events were seen in the entire period of the study. Our results support the clinical applicability of the image-guided hydrodynamic gene delivery method for the treatment of liver diseases.Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e128; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.52; published online 15 October 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yutaka Aoyagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy, 450 Pharmacy South, Athens, GA 30602, USA. E-mail:
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20
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Yokoo T, Kamimura K, Suda T, Kanefuji T, Oda M, Zhang G, Liu D, Aoyagi Y. Novel electric power-driven hydrodynamic injection system for gene delivery: safety and efficacy of human factor IX delivery in rats. Gene Ther 2013; 20:816-23. [PMID: 23344066 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of a safe and reproducible gene delivery system is an essential step toward the clinical application of the hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD) method. For this purpose, we have developed a novel electric power-driven injection system called the HydroJector-EM, which can replicate various time-pressure curves preloaded into the computer program before injection. The assessment of the reproducibility and safety of gene delivery system in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the precise replication of intravascular time-pressure curves and the reproducibility of gene delivery efficiency. The highest level of luciferase expression (272 pg luciferase per mg of proteins) was achieved safely using the time-pressure curve, which reaches 30 mm Hg in 10 s among various curves tested. Using this curve, the sustained expression of a therapeutic level of human factor IX protein (>500 ng ml(-1)) was maintained for 2 months after the HGD of the pBS-HCRHP-FIXIA plasmid. Other than a transient increase in liver enzymes that recovered in a few days, no adverse events were seen in rats. These results confirm the effectiveness of the HydroJector-EM for reproducible gene delivery and demonstrate that long-term therapeutic gene expression can be achieved by automatic computer-controlled hydrodynamic injection that can be performed by anyone.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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21
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Noble ML, Kuhr CS, Graves SS, Loeb KR, Sun SS, Keilman GW, Morrison KP, Paun M, Storb RF, Miao CH. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-mediated gene delivery into canine livers. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1687-94. [PMID: 23732985 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) was applied to a targeted canine liver lobe simultaneously with injection of plasmid DNA (pDNA)/microbubble (MB) complexes into a portal vein (PV) segmental branch and occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to facilitate DNA uptake. By using a 1.1 MHz, 13 mm diameter transducer, a fivefold increase in luciferase activity was obtained at 3.3 MPa peak negative pressure (PNP) in the treated lobe. For more effective treatment of large tissue volumes in canines, a planar unfocused transducer with a large effective beam diameter (52 mm) was specifically constructed. Its apodized dual element configuration greatly reduced the near-field transaxial pressure variations, resulting in a remarkably uniform field of US exposure for the treated tissues. Together with a 15 kW capacity US amplifier, a 692-fold increase of gene expression was achieved at 2.7 MPa. Transaminase and histology analysis indicated minimal tissue damage. These experiments represent an important developmental step toward US-mediated gene delivery in large animals and clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty L Noble
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA
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Ma Y, Liu D. Hydrodynamic delivery of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 2 gene blocks high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Gene Ther 2013; 20:846-52. [PMID: 23425917 PMCID: PMC3740076 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adiponectin and its receptors are inversely related to the degree of obesity and have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of hydrodynamic delivery of adiponectin and/or its receptor 2 (adipoR2) genes on controlling the development of obesity and insulin resistance in AKR/J mice fed a high-fat diet. An increase in adiponectin and adipoR2 gene expression by hydrodynamic gene delivery prevented diet-induced weight gain, reduced fat accumulation in liver and adipose tissue, and improved insulin sensitivity. Beneficial effects were seen with reduced gluconeogenesis in the liver and lipogenesis in the liver, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated overexpression of adiponectin and adipoR2 significantly suppressed transcription of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pepck), glucose-6-phosphatase (g6pase), stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (scd-1), and fatty acid synthase (fas) gene. Inhibition effects were mediated by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These results prove that elevation of adiponectin and/or adipoR2 expression via gene transfer is an effective approach in managing obesity epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Chouinard-Pelletier G, Leduc M, Guay D, Coulombe S, Leask RL, Jones EAV. Use of inert gas jets to measure the forces required for mechanical gene transfection. Biomed Eng Online 2012; 11:67. [PMID: 22963645 PMCID: PMC3502573 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-11-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transferring genes and drugs into cells is central to how we now study, identify and treat diseases. Several non-viral gene therapy methods that rely on the mechanical disruption of the plasma membrane have been proposed, but the success of these methods has been limited due to a lack of understanding of the mechanical parameters that lead to cell membrane permeability. Methods We use a simple jet of inert gas to induce local transfection of plasmid DNA both in vitro (HeLa cells) and in vivo (chicken chorioallantoic membrane). Five different capillary tube inner diameters and three different gases were used to treat the cells to understand the dependency of transfection efficiency on the dynamic parameters. Results The simple setup has the advantage of allowing us to calculate the forces acting on cells during transfection. We found permeabilization efficiency was related to the dynamic pressure of the jet. The range of dynamic pressures that led to transfection in HeLa cells was small (200 ± 20 Pa) above which cell stripping occurred. We determined that the temporary pores allow the passage of dextran up to 40 kDa and reclose in less than 5 seconds after treatment. The optimized parameters were also successfully tested in vivo using the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo. Conclusions The results show that the number of cells transfected with the plasmid scales with the dynamic pressure of the jet. Our results show that mechanical methods have a very small window in which cells are permeabilized without injury (200 to 290 Pa). This simple apparatus helps define the forces needed for physical cell transfection methods.
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Yan S, Fu Q, Zhou Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Duan X, Jia S, Peng J, Gao B, Du J, Zhou Q, Li Y, Wang X, Zhan L. High levels of gene expression in the hepatocytes of adult mice, neonatal mice and tree shrews via retro-orbital sinus hydrodynamic injections of naked plasmid DNA. J Control Release 2012; 161:763-71. [PMID: 22609275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Hydrodynamic-based gene delivery has emerged as an efficient and simple method for the intracellular transfection of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) in vivo. In this system, a hydrodynamic injection via the tail vein is the most effective non-viral method of liver-targeted gene delivery. However, this injection is often technically challenging when used in animals whose tail veins are difficult to visualize or too small to operate on. To overcome this limitation, an alternative in vivo gene delivery method, the rapid injection of large volume of pDNA solution through retro-orbital sinus, was established. Using this technique, we successfully delivered pDNA to the tissue of adult mice, neonatal mice and tree shrews. The efficient expression of exogenous genes was specifically detected in the liver of test animals treated with this gene delivery method. This study demonstrates for the first time that the hydrodynamic gene delivery via the retro-orbital sinus can not only reach the same transgene efficiency as a tradition hydrodynamic-based intravascular injection but also be used in animals that are difficult to inject via the tail vein. This method could open up new areas in gene function studies and gene therapy disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoduo Yan
- Laboratory of Blood-borne Virus, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, 27(9) Tai Ping Road, Beijing, China
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Turner PV, Brabb T, Pekow C, Vasbinder MA. Administration of substances to laboratory animals: routes of administration and factors to consider. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2011; 50:600-13. [PMID: 22330705 PMCID: PMC3189662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Administration of substances to laboratory animals requires careful consideration and planning to optimize delivery of the agent to the animal while minimizing potential adverse experiences from the procedure. For all species, many different routes are available for administration of substances. The research team and IACUC members should be aware of reasons for selecting specific routes and of training and competency necessary for personnel to use these routes effectively. Once a route is selected, issues such as volume of administration, site of delivery, pH of the substance, and other factors must be considered to refine the technique. Inadequate training or inattention to detail during this aspect of a study may result in unintentional adverse effects on experimental animals and confounded results.
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Fan Z, Kocis K, Valley R, Howard JF, Chopra M, An H, Lin W, Muenzer J, Powers W. Safety and feasibility of high-pressure transvenous limb perfusion with 0.9% saline in human muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther 2011; 20:456-61. [PMID: 21772257 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated safety and feasibility of the transvenous limb perfusion gene delivery method in muscular dystrophy. A dose escalation study of single limb perfusion with 0.9% saline starting with 5% of limb volume was carried out in adults with muscular dystrophies under intravenous analgesia/anesthesia. Cardiac, vascular, renal, muscle, and nerve functions were monitored. A tourniquet was placed above the knee with inflated pressure of 310 mm Hg. Infusion was carried out with a clinically approved infuser via an intravenous catheter inserted in the saphenous vein with a goal infusion rate of 80 ml/minute. Infusion volume was escalated stepwise to 20% limb volume in seven subjects. No subject complained of any post procedure pain other than due to needle punctures. Safety warning boundaries were exceeded only for transient depression of limb tissue oximetry and transient elevation of muscle compartment pressures; these were not associated with nerve, muscle, or vascular damage. Muscle magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) demonstrated fluid accumulation in muscles of the perfused lower extremity. High-pressure retrograde transvenous limb perfusion with saline up to 20% of limb volume at above infusion parameters is safe and feasible in adult human muscular dystrophy. This study will serve as a basis for future gene transfer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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Wooddell CI, Hegge JO, Zhang G, Sebestyén MG, Noble M, Griffin JB, Pfannes LV, Herweijer H, Hagstrom JE, Braun S, Huss T, Wolff JA. Dose response in rodents and nonhuman primates after hydrodynamic limb vein delivery of naked plasmid DNA. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:889-903. [PMID: 21338336 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of gene therapy mediated by plasmid DNA (pDNA) depends on the selection of suitable vectors and doses. Using hydrodynamic limb vein (HLV) injection to deliver naked pDNA to skeletal muscles of the limbs, we evaluated key parameters that affect expression in muscle from genes encoded in pDNA. Short-term and long-term promoter comparisons demonstrated that kinetics of expression differed between cytomegalovirus (CMV), muscle creatine kinase, and desmin promoters, but all gave stable expression from 2 to 49 weeks after delivery to mouse muscle. Expression from the CMV promoter was highest. For mice, rats, and rhesus monkeys, the linear range for pDNA dose response could be defined by the mass of pDNA relative to the mass of target muscle. Correlation between pDNA dose and expression was linear between a threshold dose of 75 μg/g and maximal expression at approximately 400 μg/g. One HLV injection into rats of a dose of CMV-LacZ yielding maximal expression resulted in an average transfection of 28% of all hind leg muscle and 40% of the gastrocnemius and soleus. Despite an immune reaction to the reporter gene in monkeys, a single injection transfected an average of 10% of all myofibers in the targeted muscle of the arms and legs and an average of 15% of myofibers in the gastrocnemius and soleus.
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Katsimpoulas M, Zacharoulis D, Rountas C, Dimitriou C, Mantziaras G, Kostomitsopoulos N, Habib N, Kostakis A. Minimal invasive technique for gene delivery in porcine liver lobe segment. J INVEST SURG 2011; 24:13-7. [PMID: 21275525 DOI: 10.3109/08941939.2010.519815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The feasibility and outcome of large volume injection of gene solution in a segment of a liver lobe, without backflow, were studied in a porcine model, using a custom-designed balloon catheter. METHOD Eight anesthetized pigs underwent successful injection of 200 ml of gene solution at a rate of 20 ml/s via a minimally invasive technique without backflow. A custom-made balloon catheter was introduced under fluoroscopy guidance into the right lateral liver lobe via the right external jugular vein. The vein of the liver lobe was occluded with the balloon catheter and contrast material was injected to check if total occlusion was achieved. Since there was no backflow an angiographic pump injected the solution. The catheter was left in place for 10 min. Then contrast material was injected to check whether the vein remained occluded. RESULTS All animals tolerated the procedure without obvious adverse effects. Ultrasound scan showed no gross changes within liver three days following the infusion. A transient rise in platelet count was observed which returned to normal after 13 days and remained stable; all other biochemistry values were normal. CONCLUSIONS Injecting large volume of gene solution in a liver lobe segment using this minimally invasive technique in a porcine model is possible, making the development of a successful gene transfer protocol in humans feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Katsimpoulas
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Center for Experimental Surgery, 4, Soranou Ephesius str, Athens, 115 27, Greece.
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Petrus I, Chuah M, VandenDriessche T. Gene therapy strategies for hemophilia: benefits versus risks. J Gene Med 2011; 12:797-809. [PMID: 20848668 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of functional clotting factors VIII or IX in the blood plasma. The drawbacks of the classical protein substitution therapy fueled interest in alternative treatments by gene therapy. Hemophilia has been recognized as an ideal target disease for gene therapy because a relatively modest increase in clotting factor levels can result in a significant therapeutic benefit. Consequently, introducing a functional FVIII or FIX gene copy into the appropriate target cells could ultimately provide a cure for hemophilic patients. Several cell types have been explored for hemophilia gene therapy, including hepatocytes, muscle, endothelial and hematopoietic cells. Both nonviral and viral vectors have been considered for the development of hemophilia gene therapy, including transposons, γ-retroviral, lentiviral, adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vectors. Several of these strategies have resulted in stable correction of the bleeding diathesis in hemophilia A and B murine as well as canine models, paving the way towards clinical trials. Although clotting factor expression has been detected in hemophilic patients treated by gene therapy, the challenge now lies in obtaining prolonged therapeutic FVIII or FIX levels in these patients. This review highlights the benefits and potential risks of the different gene therapy strategies for hemophilia that have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Petrus
- Free University of Brussels, Vesalius Research Center, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology (VIB) & University of Leuven, Belgium
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Belur LR, Podetz-Pedersen KM, Sorenson BS, Hsu AH, Parker JB, Carlson CS, Saltzman DA, Ramakrishnan S, McIvor RS. Inhibition of angiogenesis and suppression of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:14. [PMID: 21310067 PMCID: PMC3045363 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with disease progression and metastatic spread being closely associated with angiogenesis. We investigated whether an antiangiogenic gene transfer approach using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system could be used to inhibit growth of colorectal tumors metastatic to the liver. Results Liver CT26 tumor-bearing mice were hydrodynamically injected with different doses of a plasmid containing a transposon encoding an angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene (Statin AE) along with varying amounts of SB transposase-encoding plasmid. Animals that were injected with a low dose (10 μg) of Statin AE transposon plasmid showed a significant decrease in tumor formation only when co-injected with SB transposase-encoding plasmid, while for animals injected with a higher dose (25 μg) of Statin AE transposon, co-injection of SB transposase-encoding plasmid did not significantly affect tumor load. For animals injected with 10 μg Statin AE transposon plasmid, the number of tumor nodules was inversely proportional to the amount of co-injected SB plasmid. Suppression of metastases was further evident in histological analyses, in which untreated animals showed higher levels of tumor cell proliferation and tumor vascularization than animals treated with low dose transposon plasmid. Conclusion These results demonstrate that hepatic colorectal metastases can be reduced using antiangiogenic transposons, and provide evidence for the importance of the transposition process in mediating suppression of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitha R Belur
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Hydrodynamic delivery of chitosan-folate-DNA nanoparticles in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2011:148763. [PMID: 21274258 PMCID: PMC3022186 DOI: 10.1155/2011/148763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
50 kDa chitosan was conjugated with folate, a specific tissue-targeting ligand. Nanoparticles such as chitosan-DNA and folate-chitosan-DNA were prepared by coacervation process. The hydrodynamic intravenous injection of nanoparticles was performed in the right posterior paw in normal and arthritic rats. Our results demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of DsRed detected was 5 to 12 times more in the right soleus muscle and in the right gastro muscle than other tissue sections. β-galactosidase gene expression with X-gal substrate and folate-chitosan-plasmid nanoparticles showed best coloration in the soleus muscle. Treated arthritic animals also showed a significant decrease in paw swelling and IL-1β and PGE2 concentration in serum compared to untreated rats. This study demonstrated that a nonviral gene therapeutic approach using hydrodynamic delivery could help transfect more efficiently folate-chitosan-DNA nanoparticles in vitro/in vivo and could decrease inflammation in arthritic rats.
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Zhou T, Kamimura K, Zhang G, Liu D. Intracellular gene transfer in rats by tail vein injection of plasmid DNA. AAPS JOURNAL 2010; 12:692-8. [PMID: 20859713 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-010-9231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the effect of various factors on gene delivery efficiency of tail vein injection of plasmid DNA into rats. We measured the level of reporter gene expression in the internal organs including the lung, heart, spleen, kidney, and liver as function of injection volume, injection time, and DNA dose. Persistency of reporter gene expression in transfected animals was also examined. We demonstrated that plasmid delivery to rats by the tail vein is effective as long as the volume of injected DNA solution is adjusted to 7-8% of body weight with an injection time of less than 10 s. With the exception of a short-term increase in serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase and transient irregularity in cardiac function during and soon after the injection, the procedure is well tolerated. Lac Z staining of the liver from transfected animals showed approximately 5-10% positive cells. Persistency test for transgene expression in animals using plasmid carrying cDNA of human alpha 1 antitrypsin gene driven by chicken beta actin gene promoter with CMV enhancers showed peak level of transgene product 1 day after the injection followed by a gradual decline with time. Peak level was regained by a second injection performed on day 38 after the first injection. These results show that tail vein injection is an effective means for introducing plasmid DNA into liver cells in rats. We believe that this procedure will be extremely useful for gene function studies in the context of whole animal in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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Abstract
Prostate cancer is a significant public health problem, and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA. The long natural history of prostate cancer, the presence of a serum biomarker that can be used to detect very early recurrences, and the previous identification of multiple potential tissue-specific target antigens are all features that make this disease suitable for the development of anti-tumor vaccines. To date, many anti-tumor vaccines have entered clinical testing for patients with prostate cancer, and some have demonstrated clinical benefit. DNA vaccines represent one vaccine approach that has been evaluated in multiple preclinical models and clinical trials. The safety, specificity for the target antigen, ease of manufacturing and ease of incorporating other immune-modulating approaches make DNA vaccines particularly relevant for future development. This article focuses on DNA vaccines specifically in the context of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on antigens targeted in preclinical models, recent clinical trials and efforts to improve the potency of these vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Alam
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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