1
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Gharib E, Robichaud GA. From Crypts to Cancer: A Holistic Perspective on Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9463. [PMID: 39273409 PMCID: PMC11395697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Recent progress in research highlights the distinct clinical and molecular characteristics of colon versus rectal cancers, underscoring tumor location's importance in treatment approaches. This article provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of CRC epidemiology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, and management strategies. We also present the intricate cellular architecture of colonic crypts and their roles in intestinal homeostasis. Colorectal carcinogenesis multistep processes are also described, covering the conventional adenoma-carcinoma sequence, alternative serrated pathways, and the influential Vogelstein model, which proposes sequential APC, KRAS, and TP53 alterations as drivers. The consensus molecular CRC subtypes (CMS1-CMS4) are examined, shedding light on disease heterogeneity and personalized therapy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Gharib
- Département de Chimie et Biochimie, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Gilles A Robichaud
- Département de Chimie et Biochimie, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
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2
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Yu R, Zhao F, Xu Z, Zhang G, Du B, Shu Q. Current status and future of cancer vaccines: A bibliographic study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24404. [PMID: 38293405 PMCID: PMC10826732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer vaccines are an important component of tumour immunotherapy. An increasing number of studies have shown that cancer vaccines have considerable clinical benefits. With the development of tumour precision medicine, cancer vaccines have become important because of their individualised targeting effects. However, few bibliometric studies have conducted comprehensive systematic reviews in this field. This study aimed to assess the scientific output and trends in cancer vaccine research from a global perspective. Methods We collected publications on cancer vaccines from the Web of Science Core Collection database, which was limited to articles and reviews in English. Microsoft Excel, VOS Viewer, and CiteSpace V were used for quantitative and visual analyses. Results A total of 7807 articles were included. From 1991 to 2022, the number of publications increased annually. The United States had the highest number of articles published in this field (48.28 %), the highest citation frequency (183,964 times), and the highest H-index (182). The National Institutes of Health topped the list with 476 articles. Schlom J had the highest number of published articles (128) and was the main investigator in this field. The journal, Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, had published the highest number of articles in related fields. In recent years, tumour microenvironment, immune checkpoint inhibitors, particle vaccines, tumour antigens, and dendritic cells have become research hotspots related to cancer vaccines. Conclusion Cancer vaccines are a popular research topic in the field of tumour immunotherapy. Related research and publications will enter a boom stage. "Immune checkpoint inhibitors", "tumour microenvironment" and "dendritic cells" may become future research hotspots, while "T-cell suppressor" is a potential puzzle to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangmin Zhao
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeting Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gaochenxi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingqing Du
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qijin Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Rossi M, Steklov M, Huberty F, Nguyen T, Marijsse J, Jacques-Hespel C, Najm P, Lonez C, Breman E. Efficient shRNA-based knockdown of multiple target genes for cell therapy using a chimeric miRNA cluster platform. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102038. [PMID: 37799328 PMCID: PMC10548280 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering technologies are powerful tools in cell-based immunotherapy to optimize or fine-tune cell functionalities. However, their use for multiple gene edits poses relevant biological and technical challenges. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based cell engineering bypasses these criticalities and represents a valid alternative to CRISPR-based gene editing. Here, we describe a microRNA (miRNA)-based multiplex shRNA platform obtained by combining highly efficient miRNA scaffolds into a chimeric cluster, to deliver up to four shRNA-like sequences. Thanks to its limited size, our cassette could be deployed in a one-step process along with all the CAR components, streamlining the generation of engineered CAR T cells. The plug-and-play design of the shRNA platform allowed us to swap each shRNA-derived guide sequence without affecting the system performance. Appropriately choosing the target sequences, we were able to either achieve a functional KO, or fine-tune the expression levels of the target genes, all without the need for gene editing. Through our strategy we achieved easy, safe, efficient, and tunable modulation of multiple target genes simultaneously. This approach allows for the effective introduction of multiple functionally relevant tweaks in the transcriptome of the engineered cells, which may lead to increased performance in challenging environments, e.g., solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | | | - Thuy Nguyen
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | | | - Paul Najm
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | | | - Eytan Breman
- Celyad Oncology, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
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4
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Magliulo D, Simoni M, Caserta C, Fracassi C, Belluschi S, Giannetti K, Pini R, Zapparoli E, Beretta S, Uggè M, Draghi E, Rossari F, Coltella N, Tresoldi C, Morelli MJ, Di Micco R, Gentner B, Vago L, Bernardi R. The transcription factor HIF2α partakes in the differentiation block of acute myeloid leukemia. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17810. [PMID: 37807875 PMCID: PMC10630882 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the defining features of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an arrest of myeloid differentiation whose molecular determinants are still poorly defined. Pharmacological removal of the differentiation block contributes to the cure of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in the absence of cytotoxic chemotherapy, but this approach has not yet been translated to non-APL AMLs. Here, by investigating the function of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF1α and HIF2α, we found that both genes exert oncogenic functions in AML and that HIF2α is a novel regulator of the AML differentiation block. Mechanistically, we found that HIF2α promotes the expression of transcriptional repressors that have been implicated in suppressing AML myeloid differentiation programs. Importantly, we positioned HIF2α under direct transcriptional control by the prodifferentiation agent all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and demonstrated that HIF2α blockade cooperates with ATRA to trigger AML cell differentiation. In conclusion, we propose that HIF2α inhibition may open new therapeutic avenues for AML treatment by licensing blasts maturation and leukemia debulking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Magliulo
- Division of Experimental OncologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Matilde Simoni
- Division of Experimental OncologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Carolina Caserta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Cristina Fracassi
- Division of Experimental OncologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Serena Belluschi
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University School of MedicineMilanItaly
- Present address:
MogrifyCambridgeUK
| | - Kety Giannetti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Raffaella Pini
- Center for Omics SciencesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Ettore Zapparoli
- Center for Omics SciencesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Beretta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Martina Uggè
- Division of Experimental OncologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Eleonora Draghi
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and ImmunobiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Federico Rossari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University School of MedicineMilanItaly
| | - Nadia Coltella
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Cristina Tresoldi
- Unit of Hematology and Bone Marrow TransplantationIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Marco J Morelli
- Center for Omics SciencesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Raffaella Di Micco
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Present address:
Ludwig Institute for Cancer researchLausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and ImmunobiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Rosa Bernardi
- Division of Experimental OncologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
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5
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Krivdova G, Voisin V, Schoof EM, Marhon SA, Murison A, McLeod JL, Gabra MM, Zeng AGX, Aigner S, Yee BA, Shishkin AA, Van Nostrand EL, Hermans KG, Trotman-Grant AC, Mbong N, Kennedy JA, Gan OI, Wagenblast E, De Carvalho DD, Salmena L, Minden MD, Bader GD, Yeo GW, Dick JE, Lechman ER. Identification of the global miR-130a targetome reveals a role for TBL1XR1 in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and t(8;21) AML. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110481. [PMID: 35263585 PMCID: PMC11185845 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression profiling and proteome analysis of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) point to shared core stemness properties. However, discordance between mRNA and protein signatures highlights an important role for post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) in governing this critical nexus. Here, we identify miR-130a as a regulator of HSC self-renewal and differentiation. Enforced expression of miR-130a impairs B lymphoid differentiation and expands long-term HSCs. Integration of protein mass spectrometry and chimeric AGO2 crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) identifies TBL1XR1 as a primary miR-130a target, whose loss of function phenocopies miR-130a overexpression. Moreover, we report that miR-130a is highly expressed in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it is critical for maintaining the oncogenic molecular program mediated by the AML1-ETO complex. Our study establishes that identification of the comprehensive miRNA targetome within primary cells enables discovery of genes and molecular networks underpinning stemness properties of normal and leukemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Krivdova
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A5, Canada
| | - Veronique Voisin
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Sajid A Marhon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Alex Murison
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jessica L McLeod
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Martino M Gabra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Andy G X Zeng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A5, Canada
| | - Stefan Aigner
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Brian A Yee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alexander A Shishkin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eric L Van Nostrand
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Karin G Hermans
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Program of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G0A4, Canada
| | - Aaron C Trotman-Grant
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Nathan Mbong
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - James A Kennedy
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N3M5, Canada
| | - Olga I Gan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Elvin Wagenblast
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leonardo Salmena
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A5, Canada; The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A1, Canada
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John E Dick
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A5, Canada.
| | - Eric R Lechman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
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6
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Lam AJ, Lin DTS, Gillies JK, Uday P, Pesenacker AM, Kobor MS, Levings MK. Optimized CRISPR-mediated gene knockin reveals FOXP3-independent maintenance of human Treg identity. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109494. [PMID: 34348163 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is a promising curative approach for a variety of immune-mediated conditions. CRISPR-based genome editing allows precise insertion of transgenes through homology-directed repair, but its use in human Tregs has been limited. We report an optimized protocol for CRISPR-mediated gene knockin in human Tregs with high-yield expansion. To establish a benchmark of human Treg dysfunction, we target the master transcription factor FOXP3 in naive and memory Tregs. Although FOXP3-ablated Tregs upregulate cytokine expression, effects on suppressive capacity in vitro manifest slowly and primarily in memory Tregs. Moreover, FOXP3-ablated Tregs retain their characteristic protein, transcriptional, and DNA methylation profile. Instead, FOXP3 maintains DNA methylation at regions enriched for AP-1 binding sites. Thus, although FOXP3 is important for human Treg development, it has a limited role in maintaining mature Treg identity. Optimized gene knockin with human Tregs will enable mechanistic studies and the development of tailored, next-generation Treg cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery J Lam
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - David T S Lin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Jana K Gillies
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Prakruti Uday
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Anne M Pesenacker
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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7
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Barzaghi F, Passerini L. IPEX Syndrome: Improved Knowledge of Immune Pathogenesis Empowers Diagnosis. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:612760. [PMID: 33692972 PMCID: PMC7937806 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.612760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare monogenic autoimmune disease with variable clinical manifestations, ranging from early-onset severe autoimmunity, including enteropathy, eczema, and type 1 diabetes, to late-onset or atypical symptoms. Despite the clinical heterogeneity, the unifying feature of IPEX is mutation of the FOXP3 gene, which encodes a transcription factor essential for maintenance of thymus-derived regulatory T cells (Tregs). In IPEX patients, Tregs can be present, although unstable and impaired in function, unable to inhibit proliferation and cytokine production of effector T (Teff) cells. Mutated FOXP3 can also disrupt other compartments: FOXP3-deficient Teff cells proliferate more than the wild-type counterpart, display altered T-cell-receptor signaling response, a reduced T-naïve compartment and a skew toward a Th2 profile. Due to FOXP3 mutations, the frequency of autoreactive B cells is increased and the IgA and IgE production is altered, together with early emergence of tissue-specific autoantibodies. Recently, the awareness of the wide clinical spectrum of IPEX improved the diagnostic tools. In cases presenting with enteropathy, histological evaluation is helpful, although there are no pathognomonic signs of disease. On the other hand, the study of FOXP3 expression and in vitro Treg function, as well as the detection of specific circulating autoantibodies, is recommended to narrow the differential diagnosis. Nowadays, Sanger sequencing should be limited to cases presenting with the classical triad of symptoms; otherwise, next-generation sequencing is recommended, given the cost-effectiveness and the advantage of excluding IPEX-like syndromes. The latter approach could be time spearing in children with severe phenotypes and candidate to advanced therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barzaghi
- Department of Paediatric Immunohematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Passerini
- Mechanisms of Peripheral Tolerance Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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8
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Hamilton N, Claudio NM, Armstrong RJ, Pucci F. Cell Surface Labeling by Engineered Extracellular Vesicles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000007. [PMID: 32390342 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate local and long-range intercellular communication via cell surface signaling. In order to perform in vivo studies of unmanipulated, endogenously released EVs, sensitive but stringent approaches able to detect EV-cell surface interactions are needed. However, isolation and reinfusion of EVs can introduce biases. A rigorous way to study EVs in vivo is by genetically engineering membrane-bound reporters into parental cells. Still, the amount of reporter molecules that EVs can carry is relatively small, and thus, the sensitivity of the approach is suboptimal. This work addresses this issue by engineering EVs to display a membrane-bound form of Sortase A (SrtA), a bacterial transpeptidase that can catalyze the transfer of reporter molecules on the much bigger surface of EV-binding cells. SrtA design and reaction requirements are optimized and validated. Efficient in vitro labeling of EV-binding cells is achieved, even in the presence of only one N-terminal glycine on cell surface proteins. As compared to indirect labeling of EV-binding cells (e.g., using CD63-GFP fusion), the SrtA-based approach shows 1-2 log increase in sensitivity, depending on the EV source. This novel approach will be useful to identify and study the full set of host cells interacting with native EVs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicklas Hamilton
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Natalie M Claudio
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Randall J Armstrong
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ferdinando Pucci
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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9
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Hashemi V, Maleki LA, Esmaily M, Masjedi A, Ghalamfarsa G, Namdar A, Yousefi M, Yousefi B, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Regulatory T cells in breast cancer as a potent anti-cancer therapeutic target. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 78:106087. [PMID: 31841758 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite marked advances in treatment approaches, breast cancer is still going to be more prevalent, worldwide. High levels of regulatory T (Treg) cells have repeatedly been demonstrated in circulation, lymph nodes, and tumor samples from patients with various cancer types. The transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)-expressing Treg cells have the high suppressive potential of the immune system and are fundamental in preserving immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. However, they enhance tumor development by curbing efficient anti-tumor immune mechanisms in malignancies. Moreover, the accumulation of Treg cells in breast tumors is related to the short overall survival of patients. Treg cell frequency has been applied as an independent predicting factor to diagnose patients with a high risk of relapse. Pulling out all populations of Treg cells to promote the efficacy of anticancer treatment methods may potentially lead to hazardous autoimmune disorders. Thus, realizing the exact structure of tumor-infiltrating Treg cells is pivotal to efficiently target Treg cells in tumors. There are exclusive and non-exclusive approaches to lower down and degrade the number/function of Treg cells. These approaches can include inhibiting tumoral migration, depletion, interference with function, and utilizing T cell plasticity. This review article attempts to clarify the implications concerning the involvement of Treg cells in breast cancer progression and discuss the current approaches in the treatment of this cancer via modulation of Treg cells function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Hashemi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Esmaily
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Masjedi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Ghalamfarsa
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Afshin Namdar
- Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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10
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Mahamud MR, Geng X, Ho YC, Cha B, Kim Y, Ma J, Chen L, Myers G, Camper S, Mustacich D, Witte M, Choi D, Hong YK, Chen H, Varshney G, Engel JD, Wang S, Kim TH, Lim KC, Srinivasan RS. GATA2 controls lymphatic endothelial cell junctional integrity and lymphovenous valve morphogenesis through miR-126. Development 2019; 146:dev184218. [PMID: 31582413 PMCID: PMC6857586 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 cause lymphedema. GATA2 is necessary for the development of lymphatic valves and lymphovenous valves, and for the patterning of lymphatic vessels. Here, we report that GATA2 is not necessary for valvular endothelial cell (VEC) differentiation. Instead, GATA2 is required for VEC maintenance and morphogenesis. GATA2 is also necessary for the expression of the cell junction molecules VE-cadherin and claudin 5 in lymphatic vessels. We identified miR-126 as a target of GATA2, and miR-126-/- embryos recapitulate the phenotypes of mice lacking GATA2. Primary human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) lacking GATA2 (HLECΔGATA2) have altered expression of claudin 5 and VE-cadherin, and blocking miR-126 activity in HLECs phenocopies these changes in expression. Importantly, overexpression of miR-126 in HLECΔGATA2 significantly rescues the cell junction defects. Thus, our work defines a new mechanism of GATA2 activity and uncovers miR-126 as a novel regulator of mammalian lymphatic vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Riaj Mahamud
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Xin Geng
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yen-Chun Ho
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Boksik Cha
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yuenhee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Greggory Myers
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sally Camper
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Debbie Mustacich
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Marlys Witte
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Dongwon Choi
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gaurav Varshney
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - James Douglas Engel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Kim-Chew Lim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - R Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
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11
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Mollazadeh S, Fazly Bazzaz BS, Neshati V, de Vries AAF, Naderi-Meshkin H, Mojarad M, Mirahmadi M, Neshati Z, Kerachian MA. Overexpression of MicroRNA-148b-3p stimulates osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: the role of MicroRNA-148b-3p in osteogenesis. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:117. [PMID: 31262253 PMCID: PMC6604430 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive choices in regenerative medicine and can be genetically modified to obtain better results in therapeutics. Bone development and metabolism are controlled by various factors including microRNAs (miRs) interference, which are small non-coding endogenous RNAs. Methods In the current study, the effects of forced miR-148b expression was evaluated on osteogenic activity. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transduced with bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding hsa-miR-148b-3p or -5p and the enhanced green fluorescent protein. Fourteen days post-transduction, immunostaining as well as Western blotting were used to analyze osteogenesis. Results Overexpression of miR-148b-3p increased the osteogenic differentiation of human BM-MSCs as demonstrated by anenhancement of mineralized nodular formation and an increase in the levels of osteoblastic differentiation biomarkers, alkaline phosphatase and collagen type I. Conclusions Since lentivirally overexpressed miR-148b-3p increased osteogenic differentiation capability of BM-MSCs, this miR could be applied as a therapeutic modulator to optimize bone function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-019-0854-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Food and Drug Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Neshati
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Antoine A F de Vries
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hojjat Naderi-Meshkin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Mojarad
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mirahmadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Kerachian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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12
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Crisafulli L, Muggeo S, Uva P, Wang Y, Iwasaki M, Locatelli S, Anselmo A, Colombo FS, Carlo-Stella C, Cleary ML, Villa A, Gentner B, Ficara F. MicroRNA-127-3p controls murine hematopoietic stem cell maintenance by limiting differentiation. Haematologica 2019; 104:1744-1755. [PMID: 30792210 PMCID: PMC6717575 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.198499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance between self-renewal and differentiation is crucial to ensure the homeostasis of the hematopoietic system, and is a hallmark of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the underlying molecular pathways, including the role of micro-RNA, are not completely understood. To assess the contribution of micro-RNA, we performed micro-RNA profiling of hematopoietic stem cells and their immediate downstream progeny multi-potent progenitors from wild-type control and Pbx1-conditional knockout mice, whose stem cells display a profound self-renewal defect. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis separated stem cells from multi-potent progenitors, suggesting that micro-RNA might regulate the first transition step in the adult hematopoietic development. Notably, Pbx1-deficient and wild-type cells clustered separately, linking micro-RNAs to self-renewal impairment. Differential expression analysis of micro-RNA in the physiological stem cell-to-multi-potent progenitor transition and in Pbx1-deficient stem cells compared to control stem cells revealed miR-127-3p as the most differentially expressed. Furthermore, miR-127-3p was strongly stem cell-specific, being quickly down-regulated upon differentiation and not re-expressed further downstream in the bone marrow hematopoietic hierarchy. Inhibition of miR-127-3p function in Lineage-negative cells, achieved through a lentiviral-sponge vector, led to severe stem cell depletion, as assessed with serial transplantation assays. miR-127-3p-sponged stem cells displayed accelerated differentiation, which was uncoupled from proliferation, accounting for the observed stem cell reduction. miR-127-3p overexpression in Lineage-negative cells did not alter stem cell pool size, but gave rise to lymphopenia, likely due to lack of miR-127-3p physiological downregulation beyond the stem cell stage. Thus, tight regulation of miR-127-3p is crucial to preserve the self-renewing stem cell pool and homeostasis of the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Crisafulli
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sharon Muggeo
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- CRS4, Science and Technology Park Polaris, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Yulei Wang
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Masayuki Iwasaki
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Locatelli
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Achille Anselmo
- Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Federico S Colombo
- Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Carmelo Carlo-Stella
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Humanitas Huniversity, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael L Cleary
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna Villa
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, Milan, Italy.,San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ficara
- UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, Milan, Italy .,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
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13
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Role of human forkhead box P3 in early thymic maturation and peripheral T-cell homeostasis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:1909-1921.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Dwarakanath BS, Farooque A, Gupta S. Targeting regulatory T cells for improving cancer therapy: Challenges and prospects. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2018; 1:e21105. [PMID: 32729245 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in immune responses to infectious agents and tumors. Paradoxically, Tregs protect self-cells from the immune response as a part of peripheral tolerance and prevents autoimmune disorders, whereas during the process of carcinogenesis, they are exploited by tumor cells for protection against antitumor immune responses. Therefore, Tregs are often considered as a major obstacle in anticancer therapy. The objective of this review is to provide a current understanding on Tregs as a potential cellular target for achieving therapeutic gain and discuss various approaches that are implicated at preclinical and clinical scenario. RECENT FINDINGS Several approaches like immunotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, which reduce Tregs population, have been found to be useful in improving local tumor control. Our recent observations with the glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, established as an adjuvant in radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumors also show that potential of 2-deoxy-D-glucose to improve local tumor control is linked with its ability to reduce the Tregs pool. CONCLUSIONS Several published studies and emerging evidences indicate that suppression of Treg numbers, infiltration into the tumors, and function can improve the cancer therapy by enhancing the antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seema Gupta
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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15
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16
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Wang Y, Bergelson S, Feschenko M. Determination of Lentiviral Infectious Titer by a Novel Droplet Digital PCR Method. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 29:96-103. [PMID: 29378428 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2017.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentivirus is one of the best vehicles in delivering exogenous genes for therapeutics. Prior to application, it is very important to determine the infectious titer, which measures only mature virus capable of infecting target cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting are commonly used for determination of infectious titer. This study introduces a new method based on Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), a recently developed PCR technology that quantifies the absolute amount of target DNA in the reaction. In this study, the dynamic range, Limit of Quantification (LOQ), and data acceptance criteria for ddPCR are defined against lentiviral sequence. ddPCR performance is also compared to established FACS and qPCR methods. This work not only demonstrates the feasibility of ddPCR in determining lentiviral infectious titer, but provides a detailed method that can be easily adapted by the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Analytical Development, Biogen Inc. , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Svetlana Bergelson
- Department of Analytical Development, Biogen Inc. , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marina Feschenko
- Department of Analytical Development, Biogen Inc. , Cambridge, Massachusetts
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17
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Chae WJ, Bothwell ALM. Therapeutic Potential of Gene-Modified Regulatory T Cells: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2018; 9:303. [PMID: 29503652 PMCID: PMC5820299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an important subset of adaptive immune cells and control immune reactions for maintaining homeostasis. Tregs are generated upon their encounter with self or non-self-antigen and mediate tolerance or suppress aberrant immune responses. A high level of specificity of Tregs to recognize antigen(s) suggested their instrumental potential to treat various inflammatory diseases. This review will first introduce seminal basic research findings in the field of Tregs over the last two decades pertinent to therapeutic approaches in progress. We will then discuss the previous approaches to use Tregs for therapeutic purposes and the more recent development of gene-modification approaches. The suppressive function of Tregs has been studied intensively in clinical settings, including cancer, autoimmunity, and allotransplantation. In cancer, Tregs are often aberrantly increased in their number, and their suppressor function inhibits mounting of effective antitumor immune responses. We will examine potential approaches of using gene-modified Tregs to treat cancer. In autoimmunity and allotransplantation, chronic inflammation due to inherent genetic defects in the immune system or mismatch between organ donor and recipient results in dysfunction of Tregs, leading to inflammatory diseases or rejection, respectively. Since the recognition of antigen is a central part in Treg function and their therapeutic use, the modulation of T cell receptor specificity will be discussed. Finally, we will focus on future novel strategies employing the therapeutic potential of Tregs using gene modification to broaden our perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alfred L. M. Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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18
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Du X, Cai Y, Xi W, Zhang R, Jia L, Yang A, Zhao J, Yan B. Multi‑target inhibition by four tandem shRNAs embedded in homo‑ or hetero‑miRNA backbones. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:307-314. [PMID: 29115602 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional influence of microRNA (miRNA)backbone selection remains unclear with respect to multiplexing miRNA‑based short hairpin RNAs (shRNAmiRs), due to a lack of comparative studies. To this end, a pair of shRNAmiR tetramers were designed in the present study that targeted four genes with a shared miR30a backbone (homo‑BB) or four miRNA backbones (hetero‑BB). A PBLT+ 293A cell line overexpressing four targets was established, which permitted simultaneous dissection of individual gene knockdown. Multi‑target inhibition was confirmed by a decrease in positive cell populations of the relative gene and mean fluorescence intensities, with almost comparable activities of homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetramers. Of note, this multi‑inhibition was sustained over a 1‑month period, with no notable difference, particularly in the late‑phased inhibitory effects between homo‑ and hetero‑BB tetra‑shRNA miRs. These preliminary data may indicate little influence of scaffold substitution in the functionalities of multiplexed shRNAmiRs and little recombination‑depleted risk of repetitively adopting the same miRNA backbone in this artificial in vitro system. More comparative studies are further required to explore extended repertoires of scaffold‑paralleled multi‑shRNAmiRs in more physiologically relevant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Yanhui Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Xi
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Angang Yang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
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19
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Dawson NAJ, Vent-Schmidt J, Levings MK. Engineered Tolerance: Tailoring Development, Function, and Antigen-Specificity of Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1460. [PMID: 29163527 PMCID: PMC5675854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are potent suppressors of immune responses and are currently being clinically tested for their potential to stop or control undesired immune responses in autoimmunity, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and solid organ transplantation. Current clinical approaches aim to boost Tregs in vivo either by using Treg-promoting small molecules/proteins and/or by adoptive transfer of expanded Tregs. However, the applicability of Treg-based immunotherapies continues to be hindered by technical limitations related to cell isolation and expansion of a pure, well-characterized, and targeted Treg product. Efforts to overcome these limitations and improve Treg-directed therapies are now under intense investigation in animal models and pre-clinical studies. Here, we review cell and protein engineering-based approaches that aim to target different aspects of Treg biology including modulation of IL-2 signaling or FOXP3 expression, and targeted antigen-specificity using transgenic T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors. With the world-wide interest in engineered T cell therapy, these exciting new approaches have the potential to be rapidly implemented and developed into therapies that can effectively fine-tune immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A J Dawson
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jens Vent-Schmidt
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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20
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Anti-leukemic activity of microRNA-26a in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia mouse model. Oncogene 2017; 36:6617-6626. [PMID: 28783166 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The Eμ-TCL1 transgenic mouse develops a form of leukemia that is similar to the aggressive type of human B-CLL, and this valuable model has been widely used for testing novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we adopted this model to investigate the potential effects of miR-26a, miR-130an and antimiR-155 in CLL therapy. Improved delivery of miRNA molecules into CLL cells was obtained by developing a novel system based on lipid nanoparticles conjugated with an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. This methodology has proven to be highly effective in delivering miRNA molecules into leukemic cells. Short- and long-term experiments showed that miR-26a, miR-130a and anti-miR-155 increased apoptosis after in vitro and in vivo treatment. Of this miRNA panel, miR-26a was the most effective in reducing leukemic cell expansion. Following long-term treatment, apoptosis was readily detectable by analyzing cleavage of PARP and caspase-7. These effects could be directly attributed to miR-26a, as confirmed by significant downregulation of its proven targets, namely cyclin-dependent kinase 6 and Mcl1. The results of this study are relevant to two distinct areas. The first is related to the design of a technical strategy and to the selection of CD38 as a molecular target on CLL cells, both consenting efficient and specific intracellular transfer of miRNA. The original scientific finding inferred from the above approach is that miR-26a can elicit in vivo anti-leukemic activities mediated by increased apoptosis.
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21
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Cambon K, Zimmer V, Martineau S, Gaillard MC, Jarrige M, Bugi A, Miniarikova J, Rey M, Hassig R, Dufour N, Auregan G, Hantraye P, Perrier AL, Déglon N. Preclinical Evaluation of a Lentiviral Vector for Huntingtin Silencing. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 5:259-276. [PMID: 28603746 PMCID: PMC5453866 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder resulting from a polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) protein. There is currently no cure for this disease, but recent studies suggest that RNAi to downregulate the expression of both normal and mutant HTT is a promising therapeutic approach. We previously developed a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), vectorized in an HIV-1-derived lentiviral vector (LV), that reduced pathology in an HD rodent model. Here, we modified this vector for preclinical development by using a tat-independent third-generation LV (pCCL) backbone and removing the original reporter genes. We demonstrate that this novel vector efficiently downregulated HTT expression in vitro in striatal neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of HD patients. It reduced two major pathological HD hallmarks while triggering a minimal inflammatory response, up to 6 weeks after injection, when administered by stereotaxic surgery in the striatum of an in vivo rodent HD model. Further assessment of this shRNA vector in vitro showed proper processing by the endogenous silencing machinery, and we analyzed gene expression changes to identify potential off-targets. These preclinical data suggest that this new shRNA vector fulfills primary biosafety and efficiency requirements for further development in the clinic as a cure for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Cambon
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Virginie Zimmer
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Research Center, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Martineau
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marie-Claude Gaillard
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Margot Jarrige
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR861, I-Stem, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- UEVE UMR861, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Aurore Bugi
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure, 1105 Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Rey
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Research Center, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raymonde Hassig
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Noelle Dufour
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gwenaelle Auregan
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology Francois Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, University Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anselme L. Perrier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR861, I-Stem, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- UEVE UMR861, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Research Center, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Corresponding author: Nicole Déglon, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies (LNCM), Pavillon 3, Avenue de Beaumont, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Trohatou O, Zagoura D, Orfanos NK, Pappa KI, Marinos E, Anagnou NP, Roubelakis MG. miR-26a Mediates Adipogenesis of Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells via PTEN, Cyclin E1, and CDK6. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:482-494. [PMID: 28068868 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical for the regulatory network of adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Fetal MSCs derived from amniotic fluid (AF-MSCs) represent a population of multipotent stem cells characterized by a wide range of differentiation properties that can be applied in cell-based therapies. In this study, miRNA microarray analysis was performed to assess miRNA expression in terminal differentiated AF-MSCs into adipocyte-like cells (AL cells). MiR-26a was identified in high expression levels in AL cells indicating a critical role in the process of adipogenesis. Overexpression of miR-26a in AF-MSCs led to significant induction of their adipogenic differentiation properties that were altered after miR-26a inhibition. We have demonstrated that miR-26a regulates adipogenesis through direct inhibition of PTEN, which in turn promotes activation of Akt pathway. Also, miR-26a modulates cell cycle during adipogenesis by interacting with Cyclin E1 and CDK6. These results point to the regulatory role of miR-26a and its target genes PTEN, Cyclin E1, and CDK6 in adipogenic differentiation of AF-MSCs, providing a basis for understanding the mechanisms of fat cell development and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Trohatou
- 1 Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece .,2 Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Centre of Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) , Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Zagoura
- 1 Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece .,2 Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Centre of Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) , Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos K Orfanos
- 2 Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Centre of Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) , Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi I Pappa
- 3 First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Marinos
- 1 Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Nicholas P Anagnou
- 1 Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece .,2 Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Centre of Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) , Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Roubelakis
- 1 Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece .,2 Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Centre of Basic Research II, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) , Athens, Greece
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23
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Maetzig T, Ruschmann J, Lai CK, Ngom M, Imren S, Rosten P, Norddahl GL, von Krosigk N, Sanchez Milde L, May C, Selich A, Rothe M, Dhillon I, Schambach A, Humphries RK. A Lentiviral Fluorescent Genetic Barcoding System for Flow Cytometry-Based Multiplex Tracking. Mol Ther 2017; 25:606-620. [PMID: 28253481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral integration site analysis and barcoding have been instrumental for multiplex clonal fate mapping, although their use imposes an inherent delay between sample acquisition and data analysis. Monitoring of multiple cell populations in real time would be advantageous, but multiplex assays compatible with flow cytometric tracking of competitive growth behavior are currently limited. We here describe the development and initial validation of three generations of lentiviral fluorescent genetic barcoding (FGB) systems that allow the creation of 26, 14, or 6 unique labels. Color-coded populations could be tracked in multiplex in vitro assays for up to 28 days by flow cytometry using all three vector systems. Those involving lower levels of multiplexing eased color-code generation and the reliability of vector expression and enabled functional in vitro and in vivo studies. In proof-of-principle experiments, FGB vectors facilitated in vitro multiplex screening of microRNA (miRNA)-induced growth advantages, as well as the in vivo recovery of color-coded progeny of murine and human hematopoietic stem cells. This novel series of FGB vectors provides new tools for assessing comparative growth properties in in vitro and in vivo multiplexing experiments, while simultaneously allowing for a reduction in sample numbers by up to 26-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Maetzig
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Jens Ruschmann
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Courteney K Lai
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Mor Ngom
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Suzan Imren
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Patricia Rosten
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Gudmundur L Norddahl
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Niklas von Krosigk
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Lea Sanchez Milde
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Christopher May
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Anton Selich
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ishpreet Dhillon
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R Keith Humphries
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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24
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Brendel C, Guda S, Renella R, Bauer DE, Canver MC, Kim YJ, Heeney MM, Klatt D, Fogel J, Milsom MD, Orkin SH, Gregory RI, Williams DA. Lineage-specific BCL11A knockdown circumvents toxicities and reverses sickle phenotype. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:3868-3878. [PMID: 27599293 DOI: 10.1172/jci87885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing expression of the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) repressor BCL11A leads to a simultaneous increase in γ-globin expression and reduction in β-globin expression. Thus, there is interest in targeting BCL11A as a treatment for β-hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia. Here, we found that using optimized shRNAs embedded within an miRNA (shRNAmiR) architecture to achieve ubiquitous knockdown of BCL11A profoundly impaired long-term engraftment of both human and mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) despite a reduction in nonspecific cellular toxicities. BCL11A knockdown was associated with a substantial increase in S/G2-phase human HSCs after engraftment into immunodeficient (NSG) mice, a phenotype that is associated with HSC exhaustion. Lineage-specific, shRNAmiR-mediated suppression of BCL11A in erythroid cells led to stable long-term engraftment of gene-modified cells. Transduced primary normal or SCD human HSCs expressing the lineage-specific BCL11A shRNAmiR gave rise to erythroid cells with up to 90% reduction of BCL11A protein. These erythrocytes demonstrated 60%-70% γ-chain expression (vs. < 10% for negative control) and a corresponding increase in HbF. Transplantation of gene-modified murine HSCs from Berkeley sickle cell mice led to a substantial improvement of sickle-associated hemolytic anemia and reticulocytosis, key pathophysiological biomarkers of SCD. These data form the basis for a clinical trial application for treating sickle cell disease.
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25
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Nucera S, Giustacchini A, Boccalatte F, Calabria A, Fanciullo C, Plati T, Ranghetti A, Garcia-Manteiga J, Cittaro D, Benedicenti F, Lechman ER, Dick JE, Ponzoni M, Ciceri F, Montini E, Gentner B, Naldini L. miRNA-126 Orchestrates an Oncogenic Program in B Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Cell 2016; 29:905-921. [PMID: 27300437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-126 is a known regulator of hematopoietic stem cell quiescence. We engineered murine hematopoiesis to express miRNA-126 across all differentiation stages. Thirty percent of mice developed monoclonal B cell leukemia, which was prevented or regressed when a tetracycline-repressible miRNA-126 cassette was switched off. Regression was accompanied by upregulation of cell-cycle regulators and B cell differentiation genes, and downregulation of oncogenic signaling pathways. Expression of dominant-negative p53 delayed blast clearance upon miRNA-126 switch-off, highlighting the relevance of p53 inhibition in miRNA-126 addiction. Forced miRNA-126 expression in mouse and human progenitors reduced p53 transcriptional activity through regulation of multiple p53-related targets. miRNA-126 is highly expressed in a subset of human B-ALL, and antagonizing miRNA-126 in ALL xenograft models triggered apoptosis and reduced disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nucera
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Giustacchini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Boccalatte
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Fanciullo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Plati
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Ranghetti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jose Garcia-Manteiga
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Cittaro
- Centre for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eric R Lechman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - John E Dick
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Pathology Unit, IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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26
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Hemmesi K, Squadrito ML, Mestdagh P, Conti V, Cominelli M, Piras IS, Sergi LS, Piccinin S, Maestro R, Poliani PL, Speleman F, De Palma M, Galli R. miR-135a Inhibits Cancer Stem Cell-Driven Medulloblastoma Development by Directly Repressing Arhgef6 Expression. Stem Cells 2016; 33:1377-89. [PMID: 25639612 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs, which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play crucial roles in relevant biological and pathological processes. Here, we investigated the putative role of miRNAs in modulating the tumor-initiating potential of mouse medulloblastoma (MB)-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs). We first subjected bona fide highly tumorigenic (HT) CSCs as well as lowly tumorigenic MB CSCs and normal neural stem cells to miRNA profiling, which identified a HT CSC-specific miRNA signature. Next, by cross-checking CSC mRNA/miRNA profiles, we pinpointed miR-135a as a potential tumor suppressor gene, which was strongly downregulated in HT CSCs as well as in the highly malignant experimental tumors derived from them. Remarkably, enforced expression of miR-135a in HT CSCs strongly inhibited tumorigenesis by repressing the miR-135a direct target gene Arhgef6. Considering the upregulation of Arhgef6 in human MBs and its involvement in mediating experimental medulloblastomagenesis, its efficient suppression by miR-135a might make available an effective therapeutic strategy to selectively impair the tumorigenic potential of MB CSCs. Stem Cells 2015;33:1377-1389.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoun Hemmesi
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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27
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Bacchetta R, Barzaghi F, Roncarolo MG. From IPEX syndrome to FOXP3
mutation: a lesson on immune dysregulation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1417:5-22. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bacchetta
- Department of Pediatrics; Division of Pediatric Stem Cells, Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine; Stanford University Medical School; Stanford California
| | - Federica Barzaghi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy; Division of Regenerative Medicine; Stem Cells and Gene Therapy; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan Italy
| | - Maria-Grazia Roncarolo
- Department of Pediatrics; Division of Pediatric Stem Cells, Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine; Stanford University Medical School; Stanford California
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28
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Cottone L, Capobianco A, Gualteroni C, Monno A, Raccagni I, Valtorta S, Canu T, Di Tomaso T, Lombardo A, Esposito A, Moresco RM, Maschio AD, Naldini L, Rovere-Querini P, Bianchi ME, Manfredi AA. Leukocytes recruited by tumor-derived HMGB1 sustain peritoneal carcinomatosis. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1122860. [PMID: 27467932 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1122860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors that determine whether disseminated transformed cells in vivo yield neoplastic lesions have only been partially identified. We established an ad hoc model of peritoneal carcinomatosis by injecting colon carcinoma cells in mice. Tumor cells recruit inflammatory leukocytes, mostly macrophages, and generate neoplastic peritoneal lesions. Phagocyte depletion via clodronate treatment reduces neoplastic growth. Colon carcinoma cells release a prototypic damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)/alarmin, High Mobility Group Box1 (HMGB1), which attracts leukocytes. Exogenous HMGB1 accelerates leukocyte recruitment, macrophage infiltration, tumor growth and vascularization. Lentiviral-based HMGB1 knockdown or pharmacological interference with its extracellular impair macrophage recruitment and tumor growth. Our findings provide a preclinical proof of principle that strategies based on preventing HMGB1-driven recruitment of leukocytes could be used for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cottone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capobianco
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Gualteroni
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Monno
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Isabella Raccagni
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Valtorta
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; IBFM, CNR, Milano, Italy
| | - Tamara Canu
- Department of Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Facility of the Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Tiziano Di Tomaso
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy; San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy; Department of Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Facility of the Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Maschio
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy; Department of Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Facility of the Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy; San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco E Bianchi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy; Division of Genetics & Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo A Manfredi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, School of Medicine, Milano, Italy
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29
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Fowler DK, Williams C, Gerritsen AT, Washbourne P. Improved knockdown from artificial microRNAs in an enhanced miR-155 backbone: a designer's guide to potent multi-target RNAi. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:e48. [PMID: 26582923 PMCID: PMC4797272 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) sequences embedded in natural microRNA (miRNA) backbones have proven to be useful tools for RNA interference (RNAi). amiRNAs have reduced off-target and toxic effects compared to other RNAi-based methods such as short-hairpin RNAs (shRNA). amiRNAs are often less effective for knockdown, however, compared to their shRNA counterparts. We screened a large empirically-designed amiRNA set in the synthetic inhibitory BIC/miR-155 RNA (SIBR) scaffold and show common structural and sequence-specific features associated with effective amiRNAs. We then introduced exogenous motifs into the basal stem region which increase amiRNA biogenesis and knockdown potency. We call this modified backbone the enhanced SIBR (eSIBR) scaffold. Using chained amiRNAs for multi-gene knockdown, we show that concatenation of miRNAs targeting different genes is itself sufficient for increased knockdown efficacy. Further, we show that eSIBR outperforms wild-type SIBR (wtSIBR) when amiRNAs are chained. Finally, we use a lentiviral expression system in cultured neurons, where we again find that eSIBR amiRNAs are more potent for multi-target knockdown of endogenous genes. eSIBR will be a valuable tool for RNAi approaches, especially for studies where knockdown of multiple targets is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Fowler
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Carly Williams
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Alida T Gerritsen
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Philip Washbourne
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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30
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A diphtheria toxin resistance marker for in vitro and in vivo selection of stably transduced human cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14721. [PMID: 26420058 PMCID: PMC4588510 DOI: 10.1038/srep14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a selectable marker rendering human cells resistant to Diphtheria Toxin (DT). The marker (DTR) consists of a primary microRNA sequence engineered to downregulate the ubiquitous DPH2 gene, a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of the DT target diphthamide. DTR expression in human cells invariably rendered them resistant to DT in vitro, without altering basal cell growth. DTR-based selection efficiency and stability were comparable to those of established drug-resistance markers. As mice are insensitive to DT, DTR-based selection can be also applied in vivo. Direct injection of a GFP-DTR lentiviral vector into human cancer cell-line xenografts and patient-derived tumorgrafts implanted in mice, followed by systemic DT administration, yielded tumors entirely composed of permanently transduced cells and detectable by imaging systems. This approach enabled high-efficiency in vivo selection of xenografted human tumor tissues expressing ectopic transgenes, a hitherto unmet need for functional and morphological studies in laboratory animals.
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31
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Calloni R, Bonatto D. Scaffolds for Artificial miRNA Expression in Animal Cells. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 26:162-74. [PMID: 26406928 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2015.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) are molecules that have been developed to promote gene silencing in a similar manner to naturally occurring miRNAs. amiRNAs are generally constructed by replacing the mature miRNA sequence in the pre-miRNA stem-loop with a sequence targeting a gene of interest. These molecules offer an interesting alternative to silencing approaches that are based on shRNAs and siRNAs because they present the same efficiency as these options and are less cytotoxic. amiRNAs have mostly been applied to gene knockdown in plants; they have been examined to a lesser extent in animal cells. Therefore, this article reviews the amiRNAs that have been developed for animal cells and focuses on the miRNA scaffolds that can already be applied to construct the artificial counterparts, as well as on the different approaches that have been described to promote amiRNA expression and silencing efficiency. Furthermore, the availability of amiRNA libraries and other tools that can be used to design and construct these molecules is briefly discussed, along with an overview of the therapeutic applications for which amiRNAs have already been evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Calloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, and Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diego Bonatto
- Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, and Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre, Brazil
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32
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Artificial MiRNA Knockdown of Platelet Glycoprotein lbα: A Tool for Platelet Gene Silencing. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132899. [PMID: 26176854 PMCID: PMC4503784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, candidate genes and proteins implicated in platelet function have been identified by various genomic approaches. To elucidate their exact role, we aimed to develop a method to apply miRNA interference in platelet progenitor cells by using GPIbα as a proof-of-concept target protein. After in silico and in vitro screening of siRNAs targeting GPIbα (siGPIBAs), we developed artificial miRNAs (miGPIBAs), which were tested in CHO cells stably expressing GPIb-IX complex and megakaryoblastic DAMI cells. Introduction of siGPIBAs in CHO GPIb-IX cells resulted in 44 to 75% and up to 80% knockdown of GPIbα expression using single or combined siRNAs, respectively. Conversion of siGPIBAs to miGPIBAs resulted in reduced silencing efficiency, which could however be circumvented by tandem integration of two hairpins targeting different regions of GPIBA mRNA where 72% GPIbα knockdown was achieved. CHO GPIb-IX cells transfected with the miGPIBA construct displayed a significant decrease in their ability to aggregate characterized by lower aggregate numbers and size compared to control CHO GPIb-IX cells. More importantly, we successfully silenced GPIbα in differentiating megakaryoblastic DAMI cells that exhibited morphological changes associated with actin organization. In conclusion, we here report the successful use of miRNA technology to silence a platelet protein in megakaryoblastic cells and demonstrate its usefulness in functional assays. Hence, we believe that artificial miRNAs are suitable tools to unravel the role of a protein of interest in stem cells, megakaryocytes and platelets, thereby expanding their application to novel fields of basic and translational research.
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Christodoulou I, Patsali P, Stephanou C, Antoniou M, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. Measurement of lentiviral vector titre and copy number by cross-species duplex quantitative PCR. Gene Ther 2015. [PMID: 26202078 PMCID: PMC4705430 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviruses are the vectors of choice for many preclinical studies and clinical applications of gene therapy. Accurate measurement of biological vector titre before treatment is a prerequisite for vector dosing, and the calculation of vector integration sites per cell after treatment is as critical to the characterisation of modified cell products as it is to long-term follow-up and the assessment of risk and therapeutic efficiency in patients. These analyses are typically based on quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), but as yet compromise accuracy and comparability between laboratories and experimental systems, the former by using separate simplex reactions for the detection of endogene and lentiviral sequences and the latter by designing different PCR assays for analyses in human cells and animal disease models. In this study, we validate in human and murine cells a qPCR system for the single-tube assessment of lentiviral vector copy numbers that is suitable for analyses in at least 33 different mammalian species, including human and other primates, mouse, pig, cat and domestic ruminants. The established assay combines the accuracy of single-tube quantitation by duplex qPCR with the convenience of one-off assay optimisation for cross-species analyses and with the direct comparability of lentiviral transduction efficiencies in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,King's College London, Gene Expression and Therapy Group London, UK
| | - C Stephanou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,King's College London, Gene Expression and Therapy Group London, UK
| | - M Antoniou
- King's College London, Gene Expression and Therapy Group London, UK
| | - M Kleanthous
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - C W Lederer
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Guda S, Brendel C, Renella R, Du P, Bauer DE, Canver MC, Grenier JK, Grimson AW, Kamran SC, Thornton J, de Boer H, Root DE, Milsom MD, Orkin SH, Gregory RI, Williams DA. miRNA-embedded shRNAs for Lineage-specific BCL11A Knockdown and Hemoglobin F Induction. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1465-74. [PMID: 26080908 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) expressed via RNA polymerase (pol) III promoters has been widely exploited to modulate gene expression in a variety of mammalian cell types. For certain applications, such as lineage-specific knockdown, embedding targeting sequences into pol II-driven microRNA (miRNA) architecture is required. Here, using the potential therapeutic target BCL11A, we demonstrate that pol III-driven shRNAs lead to significantly increased knockdown but also increased cytotoxcity in comparison to pol II-driven miRNA adapted shRNAs (shRNA(miR)) in multiple hematopoietic cell lines. We show that the two expression systems yield mature guide strand sequences that differ by a 4 bp shift. This results in alternate seed sequences and consequently influences the efficacy of target gene knockdown. Incorporating a corresponding 4 bp shift into the guide strand of shRNA(miR)s resulted in improved knockdown efficiency of BCL11A. This was associated with a significant de-repression of the hemoglobin target of BCL11A, human γ-globin or the murine homolog Hbb-y. Our results suggest the requirement for optimization of shRNA sequences upon incorporation into a miRNA backbone. These findings have important implications in future design of shRNA(miR)s for RNAi-based therapy in hemoglobinopathies and other diseases requiring lineage-specific expression of gene silencing sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaroopa Guda
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Brendel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peng Du
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jennifer K Grenier
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew W Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sophia C Kamran
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Thornton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen de Boer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David E Root
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael D Milsom
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard I Gregory
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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35
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Tan YS, Kim M, Kingsbury TJ, Civin CI, Cheng WC. Regulation of RAB5C is important for the growth inhibitory effects of MiR-509 in human precursor-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111777. [PMID: 25368993 PMCID: PMC4219775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate essentially all cellular processes, but few miRs are known to inhibit growth of precursor-B acute lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALLs). We identified miR-509 via a human genome-wide gain-of-function screen for miRs that inhibit growth of the NALM6 human B-ALL cell line. MiR-509-mediated inhibition of NALM6 growth was confirmed by 3 independent assays. Enforced miR-509 expression inhibited 2 of 2 additional B-ALL cell lines tested, but not 3 non-B-ALL leukemia cell lines. MiR-509-transduced NALM6 cells had reduced numbers of actively proliferating cells and increased numbers of cells undergoing apoptosis. Using miR target prediction algorithms and a filtering strategy, RAB5C was predicted as a potentially relevant target of miR-509. Enforced miR-509 expression in NALM6 cells reduced RAB5C mRNA and protein levels, and RAB5C was demonstrated to be a direct target of miR-509. Knockdown of RAB5C in NALM6 cells recapitulated the growth inhibitory effects of miR-509. Co-expression of the RAB5C open reading frame without its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) blocked the growth-inhibitory effect mediated by miR-509. These findings establish RAB5C as a target of miR-509 and an important regulator of B-ALL cell growth with potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Sun Tan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - MinJung Kim
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tami J. Kingsbury
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Curt I. Civin
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wen-Chih Cheng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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36
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Sustained inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication in vivo using RNAi-activating lentiviruses. Gene Ther 2014; 22:163-71. [PMID: 25338920 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) puts individuals at high risk for complicating cirrhosis and liver cancer, but available treatment to counter the virus rarely eliminates infection. Although harnessing RNA interference (RNAi) to silence HBV genes has shown the potential, achieving efficient and durable silencing of viral genes remains an important goal. Here we report on the propagation of lentiviral vectors (LVs) that successfully deliver HBV-targeting RNAi activators to liver cells. Mono- and tricistronic artificial primary microRNAs (pri-miRs) derived from pri-miR-31, placed under transcriptional control of the liver-specific modified murine transthyretin (mTTR) promoter, caused efficient inhibition of HBV replication markers. The tricistronic cassette was capable of silencing a mutant viral target and the effects were observed without disrupting the function of an endogenous miR (miR-16). The mTTR promoter stably expressed a reporter transgene in mouse livers over a study period of 1 year. Good silencing of HBV genes, without evidence of toxicity, was demonstrated following intravenous injection of LVs into neonatal HBV transgenic mice. Collectively, these data indicate that LVs may achieve sustained inhibition of HBV replication that is appealing for their therapeutic use.
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37
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Chen CL, Wu JC, Chen GY, Yuan PH, Tseng YW, Li KC, Hwang SM, Hu YC. Baculovirus-mediated miRNA regulation to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenicity and metastasis. Mol Ther 2014; 23:79-88. [PMID: 25023326 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA 122 (miR-122) is a tumor suppressor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but is lowly expressed in HCC cells. MiR-151 is aberrantly overexpressed in HCC cells and promotes HCC metastasis yet its roles on HCC tumorigenicity are unknown. To combat HCC tumorigenicity/metastasis, we developed Sleeping Beauty (SB)-based hybrid baculovirus (BV) vectors that expressed (i) miR-122 precursors (pre-miR-122), (ii) miR-151 sponges, or (iii) pre-miR-122 and miR-151 sponges. Transduction of aggressive HCC cells (Mahlavu) with the pre-miR-122-expressing BV tremendously enhanced miR-122 levels for >6 weeks, suppressed the levels of downstream effectors (e.g., ADAM10 and Bcl-w), proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, motility and migration/invasion in vitro. Intratumoral injection of the pre-miR-122-expressing BV attenuated the HCC growth/metastasis. The miR-151 sponges-expressing BV diminished the miR-151 levels for 6 weeks, enhanced RhoGDIA expression, suppressed RhoGTPases, as well as motility and migration/invasion of Mahlavu cells. Intratumoral injection of the miR-151 sponge-expressing BV impeded not only HCC metastasis but also cell proliferation, MMP expression and tumor growth in vivo. The BV co-expressing pre-miR-122 and miR-151 sponges also simultaneously enhanced miR-122 expression and inhibited miR-151, and conferred antitumor/anti-metastasis effects albeit lack of synergism. These data implicate the potentials of the SB-based hybrid BV for persistently modulating miRNA and suppressing HCC tumorigenicity/metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Ling Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Yu Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsiang Yuan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wen Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chang Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shiaw-Min Hwang
- Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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38
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Park TS, Abate-Daga D, Zhang L, Zheng Z, Morgan RA. Gamma-retroviral vector design for the co-expression of artificial microRNAs and therapeutic proteins. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:356-63. [PMID: 25019196 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2014.0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To generate γ-retroviral vectors for stable conjoint expression of artificial microRNAs (amiR) and therapeutic genes in primary human lymphocytes, and to identify the design parameters that are key for successful vector generation. Gamma-retroviral vectors were designed to co-express both amiRs and a linked reporter gene, truncated CD34 (tCD34). Artificial miRs based on microRNAs miR-16, miR-142, miR-146b, miR-150, miR155, and miR-223 were inserted into sites within the intron of the vector and tested for tCD34 expression by flow cytometry (FACS). Different constructs were assembled with amiRs targeted to knockdown expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) or programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1, PD-1). Three of the six amiRs maintained tCD34 expression. Expansion of primary human T cells transduced with these amiR vectors, as well as transgene expression, were equivalent to control engineered T cells over a 40-day period. Knockdown of SOCS1 RNA and PD-1 expression by FACS was shown to vary between constructs, dependent on either the specific short interfering RNA sequence used in the amiR, or the microRNA backbone and location in the vector intron. Gamma-retroviral vectors that both efficiently knockdown endogenous gene expression and maintain linked transgene production can be produced, but empirical vector evaluations were best suited for optimal construct analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen S Park
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland
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39
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All-in-One inducible lentiviral vector systems based on drug controlled FLP recombinase. Biomaterials 2014; 35:4345-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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40
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Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells and calvarial defect repair using baculovirus-mediated co-expression of BMP-2 and miR-148b. Biomaterials 2014; 35:4901-10. [PMID: 24674465 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Repair of large calvarial bony defect remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) modulate the osteogenesis of osteoprogenitor cells, we aimed to engineer human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), a promising cell source for bone engineering, with miRNA-expressing baculovirus vectors. We constructed 4 baculoviruses each expressing 1 human miRNA (miR-26a, miR-29b, miR-148b, miR-196a) and verified that the miRNA-expressing baculovirus vectors augmented hASCs osteogenesis. Among these 4 miRNAs, miR-148b and miR-196a exerted more potent osteoinductive effects than miR-26a and miR-29b. Furthermore, we unveiled that co-transduction of hASCs with miR-148b-expressing and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)-expressing baculovirus vectors enhanced and prolonged BMP-2 expression, and synergistically promoted the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Implantation of the hASCs co-expressing BMP-2/miR-148b into critical-size (4 mm in diameter) calvarial bone defects in nude mice accelerated and potentiated the bone healing and remodeling, filling ≈94% of defect area and ≈89% of defect volume with native calvaria-like flat bone in 12 weeks, as judged from micro computed tomography, histology and immunohistochemical staining. Altogether, this study confirmed the feasibility of combining miRNA and growth factor expression for synergistic stimulation of in vitro osteogenesis and in vivo calvarial bone healing.
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41
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Passerini L, Mel ER, Sartirana C, Fousteri G, Bondanza A, Naldini L, Roncarolo MG, Bacchetta R. CD4+ T Cells from IPEX Patients Convert into Functional and Stable Regulatory T Cells by FOXP3 Gene Transfer. Sci Transl Med 2013; 5:215ra174. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3007320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Trohatou O, Zagoura D, Bitsika V, Pappa KI, Antsaklis A, Anagnou NP, Roubelakis MG. Sox2 suppression by miR-21 governs human mesenchymal stem cell properties. Stem Cells Transl Med 2013; 3:54-68. [PMID: 24307698 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to act as regulatory signals for maintaining stemness and for determining the fate of adult and fetal stem cells, such as human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs constitute a population of multipotent stem cells that can be expanded easily in culture and are able to differentiate into many lineages. We have isolated two subpopulations of fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from amniotic fluid (AF) known as spindle-shaped (SS) and round-shaped (RS) cells and characterized them on the basis of their phenotypes, pluripotency, proliferation rates, and differentiation potentials. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA profile of MSCs derived from AF, bone marrow (BM), and umbilical cord blood (UCB). We initially identified 67 different miRNAs that were expressed in all three types of MSCs but at different levels, depending on the source. A more detailed analysis revealed that miR-21 was expressed at higher levels in RS-AF-MSCs and BM-MSCs compared with SS-AF-MSCs. We further demonstrated for the first time a direct interaction between miR-21 and the pluripotency marker Sox2. The induction of miR-21 strongly inhibited Sox2 expression in SS-AF-MSCs, resulting in reduced clonogenic and proliferative potential and cell cycle arrest. Strikingly, the opposite effect was observed upon miR-21 inhibition in RS-AF-MSCs and BM-MSCs, which led to an enhanced proliferation rate. Finally, miR-21 induction accelerated osteogenesis and impaired adipogenesis and chondrogenesis in SS-AF-MSCs. Therefore, these findings suggest that miR-21 might specifically function by regulating Sox2 expression in human MSCs and might also act as a key molecule determining MSC proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Trohatou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Center of Basic Research II, and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Osório L, Gijsbers R, Oliveras-Salvá M, Michiels A, Debyser Z, Van den Haute C, Baekelandt V. Viral vectors expressing a single microRNA-based short-hairpin RNA result in potent gene silencing in vitro and in vivo. J Biotechnol 2013; 169:71-81. [PMID: 24252659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of RNA interference and the accompanying microRNAs (miRs), together with the exogenous expression of artificial miR-like elements, has led to the development of strategies for specific and potent gene silencing. In turn, this allows manipulation of gene expression levels for target validation purposes in cell culture or for the generation of animal models. In this study we determined the optimal strategy to achieve the most potent knockdown using miR-based viral vectors. We studied polycistronic miRs in a viral vector context and evaluated knockdown potency of multiple-miRs targeting the same seed sequence in parallel with miRs targeting different seed sequences, both for a reporter and endogenous mRNA targets. We demonstrate that potent knockdown can be obtained in vitro and in vivo using viral vectors that encode a single miR-based short-hairpin RNA and report a generic and effective cloning platform for artificial miR30-based short-hairpin RNAs to generate potent knockdown viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Osório
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Viral Vector Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marusela Oliveras-Salvá
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Michiels
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Viral Vector Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium.
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Butt AQ, Mills KHG. Immunosuppressive networks and checkpoints controlling antitumor immunity and their blockade in the development of cancer immunotherapeutics and vaccines. Oncogene 2013; 33:4623-31. [PMID: 24141774 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines that promote protective adaptive immune responses have been successfully developed against a range of infectious diseases, and these are normally administered prior to exposure with the relevant virus or bacteria. Adaptive immunity also plays a critical role in the control of tumors. Immunotherapeutics and vaccines that promote effector T cell responses have the potential to eliminate tumors when used in a therapeutic setting. However, the induction of protective antitumor immunity is compromised by innate immunosuppressive mechanisms and regulatory cells that often dominate the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that blocking these suppressor cells and immune checkpoints to allow induction of antitumor immunity is a successful immunotherapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, stimulation of innate and consequently adaptive immune responses with concomitant inhibition of immune suppression, especially that mediated by regulatory T (Treg) cells, is emerging as a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic vaccines against cancer. This review describes the immunosuppressive mechanisms controlling antitumor immunity and the novel strategies being employed to design effective immunotherapeutics against tumors based on inhibition of suppressor cells or blockade of immune checkpoints to allow induction of more potent effector T cell responses. This review also discusses the potential of using a combination of adjuvants with inhibition of immune checkpoint or suppressor cells for therapeutic vaccines and the translation of pre-clinical studies to the next-generation vaccines against cancer in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Q Butt
- Immune Regulation Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K H G Mills
- Immune Regulation Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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45
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Stoller ML, Chang HC, Fekete DM. Bicistronic gene transfer tools for delivery of miRNAs and protein coding sequences. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:18239-55. [PMID: 24013374 PMCID: PMC3794778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140918239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a category of small RNAs that modulate levels of proteins via post-transcriptional inhibition. Currently, a standard strategy to overexpress miRNAs is as mature miRNA duplexes, although this method is cumbersome if multiple miRNAs need to be delivered. Many of these miRNAs are found within introns and processed through the RNA polymerase II pathway. We have designed a vector to exploit this naturally-occurring intronic pathway to deliver the three members of the sensory-specific miR-183 family from an artificial intron. In one version of the vector, the downstream exon encodes the reporter (GFP) while another version encodes a fusion protein created between the transcription factor Atoh1 and the hemaglutinin epitope, to distinguish it from endogenous Atoh1. In vitro analysis shows that the miRNAs contained within the artificial intron are processed and bind to their targets with specificity. The genes downstream are successfully translated into protein and identifiable through immunofluorescence. More importantly, Atoh1 is proven functional through in vitro assays. These results suggest that this cassette allows expression of miRNAs and proteins simultaneously, which provides the opportunity for joint delivery of specific translational repressors (miRNA) and possibly transcriptional activators (transcription factors). This ability is attractive for future gene therapy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Stoller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392, USA; E-Mails: (M.L.S.); (H.C.C.)
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 201 S University Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2064, USA
| | - Henry C. Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392, USA; E-Mails: (M.L.S.); (H.C.C.)
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 201 S University Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2064, USA
| | - Donna M. Fekete
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392, USA; E-Mails: (M.L.S.); (H.C.C.)
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 201 S University Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2064, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-765-496-3058; Fax: +1-765-494-0876
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Vent-Schmidt J, Han JM, MacDonald KG, Levings MK. The Role of FOXP3 in Regulating Immune Responses. Int Rev Immunol 2013; 33:110-28. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.811657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Patel AS, Smith A, Nucera S, Biziato D, Saha P, Attia RQ, Humphries J, Mattock K, Grover SP, Lyons OT, Guidotti LG, Siow R, Ivetic A, Egginton S, Waltham M, Naldini L, De Palma M, Modarai B. TIE2-expressing monocytes/macrophages regulate revascularization of the ischemic limb. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:858-69. [PMID: 23653322 PMCID: PMC3779448 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A third of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) will eventually require limb amputation. Therapeutic neovascularization using unselected mononuclear cells to salvage ischemic limbs has produced modest results. The TIE2-expressing monocytes/macrophages (TEMs) are a myeloid cell subset known to be highly angiogenic in tumours. This study aimed to examine the kinetics of TEMs in patients with CLI and whether these cells promote neovascularization of the ischemic limb. Here we show that there are 10-fold more circulating TEMs in CLI patients, and removal of ischemia reduces their numbers to normal levels. TEM numbers in ischemic muscle are two-fold greater than normoxic muscle from the same patient. TEMs from patients with CLI display greater proangiogenic activity than TIE2-negative monocytes in vitro. Using a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia, lentiviral-based Tie2 knockdown in TEMs impaired recovery from ischemia, whereas delivery of mouse macrophages overexpressing TIE2, or human TEMs isolated from CLI patients, rescued limb ischemia. These data suggest that enhancing TEM recruitment to the ischemic muscle may have the potential to improve limb neovascularization in CLI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish S Patel
- Academic Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
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Gentner B, Naldini L. Exploiting microRNA regulation for genetic engineering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 80:393-403. [PMID: 23020307 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been a landmark discovery in science. A typical application is to knock down the expression of endogenous genes by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells triggering the degradation of complementary mRNA. However, RNAi can also be exploited the other way round: making use of the huge diversity of endogenous microRNAs (miRNA), the expression of exogenously introduced genes tagged with artificial miRNA target sequences can be negatively regulated according to the activity of a given miRNA which can be tissue-, lineage-, activation- or differentiation stage specific. This has significantly expanded the regulatory potential of gene transfer vectors and will benefit both basic science and therapeutic applications. This review briefly introduces the reader to the technical basis for exploiting miRNA regulation, followed by a discussion of specific applications for miRNA-regulated vectors/viruses in basic research, gene- and virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Lebedev TD, Spirin PV, Prassolov VS. Transfer and Expression of Small Interfering RNAs in Mammalian Cells Using Lentiviral Vectors. Acta Naturae 2013; 5:7-18. [PMID: 23819033 PMCID: PMC3695350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference is a convenient tool for modulating gene expression. The widespread application of RNA interference is made difficult because of the imperfections of the methods used for efficient target cell delivery of whatever genes are under study. One of the most convenient and efficient gene transfer and expression systems is based on the use of lentiviral vectors, which direct the synthesis of small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), the precursors of siRNAs. The application of these systems enables one to achieve sustainable and long-term shRNA expression in cells. This review considers the adaptation of the processing of artificial shRNA to the mechanisms used by cellular microRNAs and simultaneous expression of several shRNAs as potential approaches for producing lentiviral vectors that direct shRNA synthesis. Approaches to using RNA interference for the treatment of cancer, as well as hereditary and viral diseases, are under active development today. The improvement made to the methods for constructing lentiviral vectors and the investigation into the mechanisms of processing of small interfering RNA allow one to now consider lentiviral vectors that direct shRNA synthesis as one of the most promising tools for delivering small interfering RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. D. Lebedev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 32, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - P. V. Spirin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 32, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - V. S. Prassolov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 32, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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Huang X, Schwind S, Yu B, Santhanam R, Wang H, Hoellerbauer P, Mims A, Klisovic R, Walker AR, Chan KK, Blum W, Perrotti D, Byrd JC, Bloomfield CD, Caligiuri MA, Lee RJ, Garzon R, Muthusamy N, Lee LJ, Marcucci G. Targeted delivery of microRNA-29b by transferrin-conjugated anionic lipopolyplex nanoparticles: a novel therapeutic strategy in acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:2355-67. [PMID: 23493348 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-3191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE miR-29b directly or indirectly targets genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), namely, DNMTs, CDK6, SP1, KIT, and FLT3. Higher miR-29b pretreatment expression is associated with improved response to decitabine and better outcome in AML. Thus, designing a strategy to increase miR-29b levels in AML blasts may be of therapeutic value. However, free synthetic miRs are easily degraded in bio-fluids and have limited cellular uptake. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel transferrin-conjugated nanoparticle delivery system for synthetic miR-29b (Tf-NP-miR-29b). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Delivery efficiency was investigated by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and quantitative PCR. The expression of miR-29b targets was measured by immunoblotting. The antileukemic activity of Tf-NP-miR-29b was evaluated by measuring cell proliferation and colony formation ability and in a leukemia mouse model. RESULTS Tf-NP-miR-29b treatment resulted in more than 200-fold increase of mature miR-29b compared with free miR-29b and was approximately twice as efficient as treatment with non-transferrin-conjugated NP-miR-29b. Tf-NP-miR-29b treatment significantly downregulated DNMTs, CDK6, SP1, KIT, and FLT3 and decreased AML cell growth by 30% to 50% and impaired colony formation by approximately 50%. Mice engrafted with AML cells and then treated with Tf-NP-miR-29b had significantly longer survival compared with Tf-NP-scramble (P = 0.015) or free miR-29b (P = 0.003). Furthermore, priming AML cell with Tf-NP-miR-29b before treatment with decitabine resulted in marked decrease in cell viability in vitro and showed improved antileukemic activity compared with decitabine alone (P = 0.001) in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Tf-NP effectively delivered functional miR-29b, resulting in target downregulation and antileukemic activity and warrants further investigation as a novel therapeutic approach in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Huang
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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