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Chiu V, Yee C, Main N, Stevanovski I, Watt M, Wilson T, Angus P, Roberts T, Shackel N, Herath C. Oncogenic plasmid DNA and liver injury agent dictates liver cancer development in a mouse model. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1227-1248. [PMID: 39254423 PMCID: PMC11427747 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240560] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is an increasing problem worldwide and is associated with significant mortality. A popular method of modeling liver cancer in mice is plasmid hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI). However, plasmid-HTVI models rarely recapitulate the chronic liver injury which precedes the development of most human liver cancer. We sought to investigate how liver injury using thioacetamide contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer in two oncogenic plasmid-HTVI-induced mouse liver cancer models. Fourteen-week-old male mice received double-oncogene plasmid-HTVI (SB/AKT/c-Met and SB/AKT/NRas) and then twice-weekly intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide for 6 weeks. Liver tissue was examined for histopathological changes, including fibrosis and steatosis. Further characterization of fibrosis and inflammation was performed with immunostaining and real-time quantitative PCR. RNA sequencing with pathway analysis was used to explore novel pathways altered in the cancer models. Hepatocellular and cholangiocellular tumors were observed in mice injected with double-oncogene plasmid-HTVI models (SB/AKT/c-Met and SB/AKT/NRas). Thioacetamide induced mild fibrosis and increased alpha smooth muscle actin-expressing cells. However, the combination of plasmids and thioacetamide did not significantly increase tumor size, but increased multiplicity of small neoplastic lesions. Cancer and/or liver injury up-regulated profibrotic and proinflammatory genes while metabolic pathway genes were mostly down-regulated. We conclude that the liver injury microenvironment can interact with liver cancer and alter its presentation. However, the effects on cancer development vary depending on the genetic drivers with differing active oncogenic pathways. Therefore, the choice of plasmid-HTVI model and injury agent may influence the extent to which injury promotes liver cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chiu
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Yee
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Main
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Igor Stevanovski
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Watt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tara Roberts
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Shackel
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chandana Herath
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Yasser M, Ribback S, Evert K, Utpatel K, Annweiler K, Evert M, Dombrowski F, Calvisi DF. Early Subcellular Hepatocellular Alterations in Mice Post Hydrodynamic Transfection: An Explorative Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020328. [PMID: 36672277 PMCID: PMC9857294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic transfection (HT) or hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) is among the leading technique that is used to deliver plasmid genes mainly into the liver of live mice or rats. The DNA constructs are composed of coupled plasmids, while one contains the gene of interest that stably integrate into the hepatocyte genome with help of the other consisting sleeping beauty transposase system. The rapid injection of a large volume of DNA-solution through the tail vein induces an acute cardiac congestion that refluxed into the liver, mainly in acinus zone 3, also found through our EM study. Although, HT mediated hydrodynamic force can permeabilizes the fenestrated sinusoidal endothelium of liver, but the mechanism of plasmid incorporation into the hepatocytes remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we have hydrodynamically injected 2 mL volume of empty plasmid (transposon vector) or saline solution (control) into the tail vein of anesthetized C57BL/6J/129Sv mice. Liver tissue was resected at different time points from two animal group conditions, i.e., one time point per animal (1, 5, 10-20, 60 min or 24 and 48 hrs after HT) or multiple time points per animal (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 min) and quickly fixed with buffered 4% osmium tetroxide. The tissues fed with only saline solution was also resected and fixed in the similar way. EM evaluation from the liver ultrathin sections reveals that swiftly after 1 min, the hepatocytes near to the central venule in the acinus zone 3 shows cytoplasmic membrane-bound vesicles. Such vesicles increased in both numbers and size to vacuoles and precisely often found in the proximity to the nucleus. Further, EM affirm these vacuoles are also optically empty and do not contain any electron dense material. Although, some of the other hepatocytes reveals sign of cell damage including swollen mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and disrupted plasma membrane, but most of the hepatocytes appeared normal. The ultrastructural findings in the mice injected with empty vector or saline injected control mice were similar. Therefore, we have interpreted the vacuole formation as nonspecific endocytosis without specific interactions at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Yasser
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Katja Evert
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Annweiler
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Kopasz AG, Pusztai DZ, Karkas R, Hudoba L, Abdullah KSA, Imre G, Pankotai-Bodó G, Migh E, Nagy A, Kriston A, Germán P, Drubi AB, Molnár A, Fekete I, Dani VÉ, Ocsovszki I, Puskás LG, Horváth P, Sükösd F, Mátés L. A versatile transposon-based technology to generate loss- and gain-of-function phenotypes in the mouse liver. BMC Biol 2022; 20:74. [PMID: 35361222 PMCID: PMC8974095 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01262-x] [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: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the contribution of gene function in distinct organ systems to the pathogenesis of human diseases in biomedical research requires modifying gene expression through the generation of gain- and loss-of-function phenotypes in model organisms, for instance, the mouse. However, methods to modify both germline and somatic genomes have important limitations that prevent easy, strong, and stable expression of transgenes. For instance, while the liver is remarkably easy to target, nucleic acids introduced to modify the genome of hepatocytes are rapidly lost, or the transgene expression they mediate becomes inhibited due to the action of effector pathways for the elimination of exogenous DNA. Novel methods are required to overcome these challenges, and here we develop a somatic gene delivery technology enabling long-lasting high-level transgene expression in the entire hepatocyte population of mice. RESULTS We exploit the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) gene correction-induced regeneration in Fah-deficient livers, to demonstrate that such approach stabilizes luciferase expression more than 5000-fold above the level detected in WT animals, following plasmid DNA introduction complemented by transposon-mediated chromosomal gene transfer. Building on this advancement, we created a versatile technology platform for performing gene function analysis in vivo in the mouse liver. Our technology allows the tag-free expression of proteins of interest and silencing of any arbitrary gene in the mouse genome. This was achieved by applying the HADHA/B endogenous bidirectional promoter capable of driving well-balanced bidirectional expression and by optimizing in vivo intronic artificial microRNA-based gene silencing. We demonstrated the particular usefulness of the technology in cancer research by creating a p53-silenced and hRas G12V-overexpressing tumor model. CONCLUSIONS We developed a versatile technology platform for in vivo somatic genome editing in the mouse liver, which meets multiple requirements for long-lasting high-level transgene expression. We believe that this technology will contribute to the development of a more accurate new generation of tools for gene function analysis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dávid Zsolt Pusztai
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Réka Karkas
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Liza Hudoba
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Khaldoon Sadiq Ahmed Abdullah
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Imre
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Ede Migh
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Nagy
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kriston
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Germán
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Bakné Drubi
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Molnár
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Fekete
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Virág Éva Dani
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imre Ocsovszki
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Géza Puskás
- grid.481815.1Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Horváth
- grid.481814.00000 0004 0479 9817Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary ,grid.452494.a0000 0004 0409 5350Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Institute of Pathology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos Mátés
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.
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4
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Gu CY, Lee TKW. Preclinical mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview and update. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113042. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hubner EK, Lechler C, Kohnke-Ertel B, Zmoos AF, Sage J, Schmid RM, Ehmer U. An in vivo transfection system for inducible gene expression and gene silencing in murine hepatocytes. J Gene Med 2018; 19. [PMID: 28009940 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI) of transposon-based integration vectors is an established system for stably transfecting mouse hepatocytes in vivo that has been successfully employed to study key questions in liver biology and cancer. Refining the vectors for transposon-mediated hepatocyte transfection will further expand the range of applications of this technique in liver research. In the present study, we report an advanced transposon-based system for manipulating gene expression in hepatocytes in vivo. METHODS Transposon-based vector constructs were generated to enable the constitutive expression of inducible Cre recombinase (CreER) together with tetracycline-inducible transgene or miR-small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression (Tet-ON system). Transposon and transposase expression vectors were co-injected into R26R-mTmG reporter mice by HTVI. Cre-mediated gene recombination was induced by tamoxifen, followed by the administration of doxycycline to drive tetracycline-inducible gene or shRNA expression. Expression was visualized by immunofluorescence staining in livers of injected mice. RESULTS After HTVI, Cre recombination by tamoxifen led to the expression of membrane-bound green fluorescent protein in transfected hepatocytes. Activation of inducible gene or shRNA expression was detected by immunostaining in up to one-third of transfected hepatocytes, with an efficiency dependent on the promoter driving the Tet-ON system. CONCLUSIONS Our vector system combines Cre-lox mediated gene mutation with inducible gene expression or gene knockdown, respectively. It provides the opportunity for rapid and specific modification of hepatocyte gene expression and can be a useful tool for genetic screening approaches and analysis of target genes specifically in genetically engineered mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric K Hubner
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Lechler
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Kohnke-Ertel
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne-Flore Zmoos
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ursula Ehmer
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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6
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Hubner EK, Lechler C, Rösner TN, Kohnke-Ertel B, Schmid RM, Ehmer U. Constitutive and Inducible Systems for Genetic In Vivo Modification of Mouse Hepatocytes Using Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443066 DOI: 10.3791/56613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In research models of liver cancer, regeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis, flexible systems for in vivo gene expression and silencing are highly useful. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection of transposon-based constructs is an efficient method for genetic manipulation of hepatocytes in adult mice. In addition to constitutive transgene expression, this system can be used for more advanced applications, such as shRNA-mediated gene knock-down, implication of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to induce gene mutations, or inducible systems. Here, the combination of constitutive CreER expression together with inducible expression of a transgene or miR-shRNA of choice is presented as an example of this technique. We cover the multi-step procedure starting from the preparation of sleeping beauty-transposon constructs, to the injection and treatment of mice, and the preparation of liver tissue for analysis by immunostaining. The system presented is a reliable and efficient approach to achieve complex genetic manipulations in hepatocytes. It is specifically useful in combination with Cre/loxP-based mouse strains and can be applied to a variety of models in the research of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric K Hubner
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München; Department of Pneumology, Center for Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg
| | - Christian Lechler
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
| | - Thomas N Rösner
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
| | - Birgit Kohnke-Ertel
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München
| | - Ursula Ehmer
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München;
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The Antibiotic-free pFAR4 Vector Paired with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System Mediates Efficient Transgene Delivery in Human Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 11:57-67. [PMID: 29858090 PMCID: PMC5852330 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The anti-angiogenic and neurogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) demonstrated a potency to control choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. The goal of the present study was the development of an efficient and safe technique to integrate, ex vivo, the PEDF gene into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells for later transplantation to the subretinal space of AMD patients to allow continuous PEDF secretion in the vicinity of the affected macula. Because successful gene therapy approaches require efficient gene delivery and stable gene expression, we used the antibiotic-free pFAR4 mini-plasmid vector to deliver the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system, which mediates transgene integration into the genome of host cells. In an initial study, lipofection-mediated co-transfection of HeLa cells with the SB100X transposase gene and a reporter marker delivered by pFAR4 showed a 2-fold higher level of genetically modified cells than when using the pT2 vectors. Similarly, with the pFAR4 constructs, electroporation-mediated transfection of primary human RPE cells led to 2.4-fold higher secretion of recombinant PEDF protein, which was still maintained 8 months after transfection. Thus, our results show that the pFAR4 plasmid is a superior vector for the delivery and integration of transgenes into eukaryotic cells.
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8
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Aronovich EL, Hyland KA, Hall BC, Bell JB, Olson ER, Rusten MU, Hunter DW, Ellinwood NM, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. Prolonged Expression of Secreted Enzymes in Dogs After Liver-Directed Delivery of Sleeping Beauty Transposons: Implications for Non-Viral Gene Therapy of Systemic Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:551-564. [PMID: 28530135 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-viral, integrating Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is efficient in treating systemic monogenic disease in mice, including hemophilia A and B caused by deficiency of blood clotting factors and mucopolysaccharidosis types I and VII caused by α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) and β-glucuronidase (GUSB) deficiency, respectively. Modified approaches of the hydrodynamics-based procedure to deliver transposons to the liver in dogs were recently reported. Using the transgenic canine reporter secreted alkaline phosphatase (cSEAP), transgenic protein in the plasma was demonstrated for up to 6 weeks post infusion. This study reports that immunosuppression of dogs with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) prolonged the presence of cSEAP in the circulation up to 5.5 months after a single vector infusion. Transgene expression declined gradually but appeared to stabilize after about 2 months at approximately fourfold baseline level. Durability of transgenic protein expression in the plasma was inversely associated with transient increase of liver enzymes alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in response to the plasmid delivery procedure, which suggests a deleterious effect of hepatocellular toxicity on transgene expression. GdCl3 treatment was ineffective for repeat vector infusions. In parallel studies, dogs were infused with potentially therapeutic transposons. Activities of transgenic IDUA and GUSB in plasma peaked at 50-350% of wildtype, but in the absence of immunosuppression lasted only a few days. Transposition was detectable by excision assay only when the most efficient transposase, SB100X, was used. Dogs infused with transposons encoding canine clotting factor IX (cFIX) were treated with GdCl3 and showed expression profiles similar to those in cSEAP-infused dogs, with expression peaking at 40% wt (2 μg/mL). It is concluded that GdCl3 can support extended transgene expression after hydrodynamic introduction of SB transposons in dogs, but that alternative regimens will be required to achieve therapeutic levels of transgene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena L Aronovich
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Bryan C Hall
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jason B Bell
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Erik R Olson
- 2 Discovery Genomics, Inc. , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Myra Urness Rusten
- 3 Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David W Hunter
- 3 Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - R Scott McIvor
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Discovery Genomics, Inc. , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Perry B Hackett
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Discovery Genomics, Inc. , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Looyenga B, VanOpstall C, Lee Z, Bell J, Lodge E, Wrobel K, Arnoys E, Louters L. Determination of GLUT1 Oligomerization Parameters using Bioluminescent Förster Resonance Energy Transfer. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29130. [PMID: 27357903 PMCID: PMC4928127 DOI: 10.1038/srep29130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The facilitated glucose transporter GLUT1 (SLC2A1) is an important mediator of glucose homeostasis in humans. Though it is found in most cell types to some extent, the level of GLUT1 expression across different cell types can vary dramatically. Prior studies in erythrocytes-which express particularly high levels of GLUT1-have suggested that GLUT1 is able to form tetrameric complexes with enhanced transport activity. Whether dynamic aggregation of GLUT1 also occurs in cell types with more modest expression of GLUT1, however, is unclear. To address this question, we developed a genetically encoded bioluminescent Förster resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay using the luminescent donor Nanoluciferase and fluorescent acceptor mCherry. By tethering these proteins to the N-terminus of GLUT1 and performing saturation BRET analysis, we were able to demonstrate the formation of multimeric complexes in live cells. Parallel use of flow cytometry and immunoblotting further enabled us to estimate the density of GLUT1 proteins required for spontaneous oligomerization. These data provide new insights into the physiological relevance of GLUT1 multimerization as well as a new variant of BRET assay that is useful for measuring the interactions among other cell membrane proteins in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Looyenga
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Calvin VanOpstall
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Zion Lee
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Jed Bell
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Evans Lodge
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Katherine Wrobel
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Eric Arnoys
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Larry Louters
- Calvin College, Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry, 3201 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
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Cocchiarella F, Latella MC, Basile V, Miselli F, Galla M, Imbriano C, Recchia A. Transcriptionally regulated and nontoxic delivery of the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty Transposase. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16038. [PMID: 27574698 PMCID: PMC4985251 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase and, in particular, its hyperactive variant SB100X raises increasing interest for gene therapy application, including genome modification and, more recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) reprogramming. The documented cytotoxicity of the transposase, when constitutively expressed by an integrating retroviral vector (iRV), has been circumvented by the transient delivery of SB100X using retroviral mRNA transfer. In this study, we developed an alternative, safe, and efficient transposase delivery system based on a tetracycline-ON regulated expression cassette and the rtTA2(S)-M2 transactivator gene transiently delivered by integration-defective lentiviral vectors (IDLVs). Compared with iRV-mediated delivery, expression of tetracycline-induced SB100X delivered by an IDLV results in more efficient integration of a GFP transposon and reduced toxicity. Tightly regulated expression and reactivation of the transposase was achieved in HeLa cells as wells as in human primary keratinocytes. Based on these properties, the regulated transposase-IDLV vectors may represent a valuable tool for genetic engineering and therapeutic gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Cocchiarella
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Latella
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Basile
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Miselli
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
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A Broad Range of Dose Optima Achieve High-level, Long-term Gene Expression After Hydrodynamic Delivery of Sleeping Beauty Transposons Using Hyperactive SB100x Transposase. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e279. [PMID: 26784638 PMCID: PMC5012552 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been shown to enable long-term gene expression by integrating new sequences into host cell chromosomes. We found that the recently reported SB100x hyperactive transposase conferred a surprisingly high level of long-term expression after hydrodynamic delivery of luciferase-encoding reporter transposons in the mouse. We conducted dose-ranging studies to determine the effect of varying the amount of SB100x transposase-encoding plasmid (pCMV-SB100x) at a set dose of luciferase transposon and of varying the amount of transposon-encoding DNA at a set dose of pCMV-SB100x in hydrodynamically injected mice. Animals were immunosuppressed using cyclophosphamide in order to prevent an antiluciferase immune response. At a set dose of transposon DNA (25 µg), we observed a broad range of pCMV-SB100x doses (0.1–2.5 µg) conferring optimal levels of long-term expression (>1011 photons/second/cm2). At a fixed dose of 0.5 μg of pCMV-SB100x, maximal long-term luciferase expression (>1010 photons/second/cm2) was achieved at a transposon dose of 5–125 μg. We also found that in the linear range of transposon doses (100 ng), co-delivering the CMV-SB100x sequence on the same plasmid was less effective in achieving long-term expression than delivery on separate plasmids. These results show marked flexibility in the doses of SB transposon plus pCMV-SB100x that achieve maximal SB-mediated gene transfer efficiency and long-term gene expression after hydrodynamic DNA delivery to mouse liver.
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Alessio AP, Fili AE, Garrels W, Forcato DO, Olmos Nicotra MF, Liaudat AC, Bevacqua RJ, Savy V, Hiriart MI, Talluri TR, Owens JB, Ivics Z, Salamone DF, Moisyadi S, Kues WA, Bosch P. Establishment of cell-based transposon-mediated transgenesis in cattle. Theriogenology 2015; 85:1297-311.e2. [PMID: 26838464 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transposon-mediated transgenesis is a well-established tool for genome modification in small animal models. However, translation of this active transgenic method to large animals warrants further investigations. Here, the piggyBac (PB) and sleeping beauty (SB) transposon systems were assessed for stable gene transfer into the cattle genome. Bovine fibroblasts were transfected either with a helper-independent PB system or a binary SB system. Both transposons were highly active in bovine cells increasing the efficiency of DNA integration up to 88 times over basal nonfacilitated integrations in a colony formation assay. SB transposase catalyzed multiplex transgene integrations in fibroblast cells transfected with the helper vector and two donor vectors carrying different transgenes (fluorophore and neomycin resistance). Stably transfected fibroblasts were used for SCNT and on in vitro embryo culture, morphologically normal blastocysts that expressed the fluorophore were obtained with both transposon systems. The data indicate that transposition is a feasible approach for genetic engineering in the cattle genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Alessio
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina
| | - Alejandro E Fili
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina
| | - Wiebke Garrels
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institut für Nutztiergenetik, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Diego O Forcato
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina
| | - María F Olmos Nicotra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina
| | - Ana C Liaudat
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina
| | - Romina J Bevacqua
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, República Argentina
| | - Virginia Savy
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, República Argentina
| | - María I Hiriart
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, República Argentina
| | - Thirumala R Talluri
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institut für Nutztiergenetik, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Jesse B Owens
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Daniel F Salamone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, República Argentina
| | - Stefan Moisyadi
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institut für Nutztiergenetik, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, República Argentina.
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13
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Sleeping Beauty Transposon Vectors in Liver-directed Gene Delivery of LDLR and VLDLR for Gene Therapy of Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Mol Ther 2015; 24:620-35. [PMID: 26670130 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmid-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors were developed and used to deliver genes for low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR and VLDLR, respectively) or lacZ reporter into liver of an LDLR-deficient mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). SB transposase, SB100x, was used to integrate the therapeutic transposons into mice livers for evaluating the feasibility of the vectors in reducing high blood cholesterol and the progression of atherosclerosis. Hydrodynamic gene delivery of transposon-VLDLR into the livers of the mice resulted in initial 17-19% reductions in plasma cholesterol, and at the later time points, in a significant stabilization of the cholesterol level for the 6.5-month duration of the study compared to the control mice. Transposon-LDLR-treated animals also demonstrated a trend of stabilization in the cholesterol levels in the long term. Vector-treated mice had slightly less lipid accumulation in the liver and reduced aortic atherosclerosis. Clinical chemistry and histological analyses revealed normal liver function and morphology comparable to that of the controls during the follow-up with no safety issues regarding the vector type, transgenes, or the gene transfer method. The study demonstrates the safety and potential benefits of the SB transposon vectors in the treatment of FH.
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14
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Hou X, Du Y, Deng Y, Wu J, Cao G. Sleeping Beauty transposon system for genetic etiological research and gene therapy of cancers. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:8-16. [PMID: 25455252 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.986944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is etiologically associated with somatic mutations of critical genes. Recently, a number of somatic mutations and key molecules have been found to be involved in functional networks affecting cancer progression. Suitable animal models are required to validate cancer-promoting or -inhibiting capacities of these mutants and molecules. Sleeping Beauty transposon system consists of a transposon that carries gene(s) of interest and a transposase that recognizes, excises, and reinserts genes in given location of the genome. It can create both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations, thus being frequently chosen to investigate the etiological mechanisms and gene therapy for cancers in animal models. In this review, we summarized current advances of Sleeping Beauty transposon system in revealing molecular mechanism of cancers and improving gene therapy. Understanding molecular mechanisms by which driver mutations contribute to carcinogenesis and metastasis may pave the way for the development of innovative prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against malignant diseases.
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Key Words
- 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate
- Alb-Cre, Albumin promoter-Cre
- CAG promoter, CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin promoter
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CIS, common insertion site
- CMV, chimeric cytomegalovirus
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- Cre, cyclization recombination enzyme
- DDE, Asp, Asp, Glu
- DMBA/TPA
- DR, direct orientation
- Fah, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene
- GWAS, gnome wide analysis study
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HBx, HBV X protein
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- IRs, inverted repeat sequences
- LsL, loxP-stop-loxP
- MPNSTs, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
- MSCV, murine stem cell virus
- PAI, Pro, Ala, Ile
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- RED, Arg, Glu, Asp
- RosaSBaseLsL, Cre-inducible SBase allele
- Rtl1, Retrotransposon-like 1
- SB, Sleeping Beauty
- SBase, Sleeping Beauty transposase
- Sleeping Beauty transposon system
- StatinAE, angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene
- Trp53, transformation related protein 53
- animal model
- driver
- gene function
- gene therapy
- malignant diseases
- sgRNA, single guide RNA
- shp53, short hairpin RNA against the Trp53 gene
- somatic mutation
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Hou
- a Department of Epidemiology ; Second Military Medical University ; Shanghai , China
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15
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Ju HL, Han KH, Lee JD, Ro SW. Transgenic mouse models generated by hydrodynamic transfection for genetic studies of liver cancer and preclinical testing of anti-cancer therapy. Int J Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Jong Doo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Catholic Kwandong University; Seoul Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
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16
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Guerrero AD, Moyes JS, Cooper LJN. The human application of gene therapy to re-program T-cell specificity using chimeric antigen receptors. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2015; 33:421-33. [PMID: 25189715 PMCID: PMC4190432 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.014.10100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of T cells is a promising approach to treat cancers. Primary human T cells can be modified using viral and non-viral vectors to promote the specific targeting of cancer cells via the introduction of exogenous T-cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). This gene transfer displays the potential to increase the specificity and potency of the anticancer response while decreasing the systemic adverse effects that arise from conventional treatments that target both cancerous and healthy cells. This review highlights the generation of clinical-grade T cells expressing CARs for immunotherapy, the use of these cells to target B-cell malignancies and, particularly, the first clinical trials deploying the Sleeping Beauty gene transfer system, which engineers T cells to target CD19+ leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Guerrero
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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17
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Podetz-Pedersen KM, Vezys V, Somia NV, Russell SJ, McIvor RS. Cellular immune response against firefly luciferase after sleeping beauty-mediated gene transfer in vivo. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:955-65. [PMID: 25093708 PMCID: PMC4251089 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been shown to mediate new gene sequence integration resulting in long-term expression. Here the effectiveness of hyperactive SB100X transposase was tested, and we found that hydrodynamic co-delivery of a firefly luciferase transposon (pT2/CaL) along with SB100X transposase (pCMV-SB100X) resulted in remarkably sustained, high levels of luciferase expression. However, after 4 weeks there was a rapid, animal-by-animal loss of luciferase expression that was not observed in immunodeficient mice. We hypothesized that this sustained, high-level luciferase expression achieved using the SB100X transposase elicits an immune response in pT2/CaL co-administered mice, which was supported by the rapid loss of luciferase expression upon challenge of previously treated animals and in naive animals adoptively transferred with splenocytes from previously treated animals. Specificity of the immune response to luciferase was demonstrated by increased cytokine expression in splenocytes after exposure to luciferase peptide in parallel with MHC I-luciferase peptide tetramer binding. This anti-luciferase immune response observed following continuous, high-level luciferase expression in vivo clearly impacts its use as an in vivo reporter. As both an immunogen and an extremely sensitive reporter, luciferase is also a useful model system for the study of immune responses following in vivo gene transfer and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Podetz-Pedersen
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Vaiva Vezys
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Nikunj V. Somia
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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18
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Hackett PB, Aronovich EL. Rational design for enhanced gene therapy with DNA transposons. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1575-7. [PMID: 25186559 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Hackett
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elena L Aronovich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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19
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Xiang D, Liu CC, Wang MJ, Li JX, Chen F, Yao H, Yu B, Lu L, Borjigin U, Chen YX, Zhong L, Wangensteen KJ, He ZY, Wang X, Hu YP. Non-viral FoxM1 gene delivery to hepatocytes enhances liver repopulation. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1252. [PMID: 24853430 PMCID: PMC4047909 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation as a substitute strategy of orthotopic liver transplantation is being studied for treating end-stage liver diseases. Several technical hurdles must be overcome in order to achieve the therapeutic liver repopulation, such as the problem of insufficient expansion of the transplanted hepatocytes in recipient livers. In this study, we analyzed the application of FoxM1, a cell-cycle regulator, to enhance the proliferation capacity of hepatocytes. The non-viral sleeping beauty (SB) transposon vector carrying FoxM1 gene was constructed for delivering FoxM1 into the hepatocytes. The proliferation capacities of hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Results indicated that the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had a higher proliferation rate than wild-type (WT) hepatocytes in vitro. In comparison with WT hepatocytes, the hepatocytes with FoxM1 expression had an enhanced level of liver repopulation in the recipient livers at both sub-acute injury (fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase (Fah)–/– mice model) and acute injury (2/3 partial hepatectomy mice model). Importantly, there was no increased risk of tumorigenicity with FoxM1 expression in recipients even after serial transplantation. In conclusion, expression of FoxM1 in hepatocytes enhanced the capacity of liver repopulation without inducing tumorigenesis. FoxM1 gene delivered by non-viral SB vector into hepatocytes may be a viable approach to promote therapeutic repopulation after hepatocyte transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Xiang
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - C-C Liu
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - M-J Wang
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - J-X Li
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - F Chen
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - H Yao
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - B Yu
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - L Lu
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - U Borjigin
- The Key Laboratory of National Education Ministry for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China
| | - Y-X Chen
- 1] Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA [2] Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - L Zhong
- 1] School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China [2] Shenzhen Center for ADR Monitoring, Shenzhen, China
| | - K J Wangensteen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Z-Y He
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Wang
- 1] The Key Laboratory of National Education Ministry for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China [2] Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA [3] Hepatoscience Incorporation, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Y-P Hu
- 1] Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China [2] Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, The Graduate School, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Aronovich EL, Hall BC, Bell JB, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. Quantitative analysis of α-L-iduronidase expression in immunocompetent mice treated with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78161. [PMID: 24205141 PMCID: PMC3804460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty transposon system, a non-viral, integrating vector that can deliver the alpha-L-iduronidase-encoding gene, is efficient in correcting mucopolysaccharidosis type I in NOD/SCID mice. However, in previous studies we failed to attain reliable long-term alpha-L-iduronidase expression in immunocompetent mice. Here, we focused on achieving sustained high-level expression in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. In our standard liver-directed treatment we hydrodynamically infuse mice with plasmids containing a SB transposon-encoding human alpha-L-iduronidase, along with a source of SB transposase. We sought to 1) minimize expression of the therapeutic enzyme in antigen-presenting cells, while avoiding promoter shutdown and gender bias, 2) increase transposition efficiency and 3) improve immunosuppression. By using a liver-specific promoter to drive IDUA expression, the SB100X hyperactive transposase and transient cyclophosphamide immunosuppression we achieved therapeutic-level (>100 wild-type) stabilized expression for 1 year in 50% of C57BL/6 mice. To gain insights into the causes of variability in transgene expression, we quantified the rates of alpha-L-iduronidase activity decay vis-a-vis transposition and transgene maintenance using the data obtained in this and previous studies. Our analyses showed that immune responses are the most important variable to control in order to prevent loss of transgene expression. Cumulatively, our results allow transition to pre-clinical studies of SB-mediated alpha-L-iduronidase expression and correction of mucopolysaccharidosis type I in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena L. Aronovich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Bryan C. Hall
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jason B. Bell
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Perry B. Hackett
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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21
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Zhang W, Solanki M, Müther N, Ebel M, Wang J, Sun C, Izsvak Z, Ehrhardt A. Hybrid adeno-associated viral vectors utilizing transposase-mediated somatic integration for stable transgene expression in human cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76771. [PMID: 24116154 PMCID: PMC3792901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have been shown to be one of the most promising vectors for therapeutic gene delivery because they can induce efficient and long-term transduction in non-dividing cells with negligible side-effects. However, as AAV vectors mostly remain episomal, vector genomes and transgene expression are lost in dividing cells. Therefore, to stably transduce cells, we developed a novel AAV/transposase hybrid-vector. To facilitate SB-mediated transposition from the rAAV genome, we established a system in which one AAV vector contains the transposon with the gene of interest and the second vector delivers the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase SB100X. Human cells were infected with the AAV-transposon vector and the transposase was provided in trans either by transient and stable plasmid transfection or by AAV vector transduction. We found that groups which received the hyperactive transposase SB100X showed significantly increased colony forming numbers indicating enhanced integration efficiencies. Furthermore, we found that transgene copy numbers in transduced cells were dose-dependent and that predominantly SB transposase-mediated transposition contributed to stabilization of the transgene. Based on a plasmid rescue strategy and a linear-amplification mediated PCR (LAM-PCR) protocol we analysed the SB100X-mediated integration profile after transposition from the AAV vector. A total of 1840 integration events were identified which revealed a close to random integration profile. In summary, we show for the first time that AAV vectors can serve as template for SB transposase mediated somatic integration. We developed the first prototype of this hybrid-vector system which with further improvements may be explored for treatment of diseases which originate from rapidly dividing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zhang
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Manish Solanki
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Nadine Müther
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Ebel
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Jichang Wang
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Zhang W, Muck-Hausl M, Wang J, Sun C, Gebbing M, Miskey C, Ivics Z, Izsvak Z, Ehrhardt A. Integration profile and safety of an adenovirus hybrid-vector utilizing hyperactive sleeping beauty transposase for somatic integration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75344. [PMID: 24124483 PMCID: PMC3790794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently developed adenovirus/transposase hybrid-vectors utilizing the previously described hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase HSB5 for somatic integration and we could show stabilized transgene expression in mice and a canine model for hemophilia B. However, the safety profile of these hybrid-vectors with respect to vector dose and genotoxicity remains to be investigated. Herein, we evaluated this hybrid-vector system in C57Bl/6 mice with escalating vector dose settings. We found that in all mice which received the hyperactive SB transposase, transgene expression levels were stabilized in a dose-dependent manner and that the highest vector dose was accompanied by fatalities in mice. To analyze potential genotoxic side-effects due to somatic integration into host chromosomes, we performed a genome-wide integration site analysis using linker-mediated PCR (LM-PCR) and linear amplification-mediated PCR (LAM-PCR). Analysis of genomic DNA samples obtained from HSB5 treated female and male mice revealed a total of 1327 unique transposition events. Overall the chromosomal distribution pattern was close-to-random and we observed a random integration profile with respect to integration into gene and non-gene areas. Notably, when using the LM-PCR protocol, 27 extra-chromosomal integration events were identified, most likely caused by transposon excision and subsequent transposition into the delivered adenoviral vector genome. In total, this study provides a careful evaluation of the safety profile of adenovirus/Sleeping Beauty transposase hybrid-vectors. The obtained information will be useful when designing future preclinical studies utilizing hybrid-vectors in small and large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zhang
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
| | - Martin Muck-Hausl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jichang Wang
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Csaba Miskey
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Hackett PB, Largaespada DA, Switzer KC, Cooper LJN. Evaluating risks of insertional mutagenesis by DNA transposons in gene therapy. Transl Res 2013; 161:265-83. [PMID: 23313630 PMCID: PMC3602164 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Investigational therapy can be successfully undertaken using viral- and nonviral-mediated ex vivo gene transfer. Indeed, recent clinical trials have established the potential for genetically modified T cells to improve and restore health. Recently, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system has been applied in clinical trials to stably insert a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to redirect T-cell specificity. We discuss the context in which the SB system can be harnessed for gene therapy and describe the human application of SB-modified CAR(+) T cells. We have focused on theoretical issues relating to insertional mutagenesis in the context of human genomes that are naturally subjected to remobilization of transposons and the experimental evidence over the last decade of employing SB transposons for defining genes that induce cancer. These findings are put into the context of the use of SB transposons in the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Hackett
- Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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24
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Ju HL, Ahn SH, Kim DY, Baek S, Chung SI, Seong J, Han KH, Ro SW. Investigation of oncogenic cooperation in simple liver-specific transgenic mouse models using noninvasive in vivo imaging. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59869. [PMID: 23555816 PMCID: PMC3610734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a complex multistep process requiring genetic alterations in multiple proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Although hundreds of genes are known to play roles in hepatocarcinogenesis, oncogenic collaboration among these genes is still largely unknown. Here, we report a simple methodology by which oncogenic cooperation between cancer-related genes can be efficiently investigated in the liver. We developed various non-germline transgenic mouse models using hydrodynamics-based transfection which express HrasG12V, SmoM2, and a short-hairpin RNA down-regulating p53 (shp53) individually or in combination in the liver. In this transgenic system, firefly luciferase was co-expressed with the oncogenes as a reporter, allowing tumor growth in the liver to be monitored over time without an invasive procedure. Very strong bioluminescence imaging (BLI) signals were observed at 4 weeks post-hydrodynamic injection (PHI) in mice co-expressing HrasG12V and shp53, while only background signals were detected in other double or single transgenic groups until 30 weeks PHI. Consistent with the BLI data, tumors were observed in the HrasG12V plus shp53 group at 4 weeks PHI, while other transgenic groups failed to exhibit a hyperplastic nodule at 30 weeks PHI. In the HrasG12V plus shp53 transgenic group, BLI signals were well-correlated with actual tumor growth in the liver, confirming the versatility of BLI-based monitoring of tumor growth in this organ. The methodology described here is expected to accelerate and facilitate in vivo studies of the hepatocarcinogenic potential of cancer-related genes by means of oncogenic cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sinhwa Baek
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook In Chung
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinsil Seong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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25
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Ma K, Wang DD, Lin Y, Wang J, Petrenko V, Mao C. Synergetic Targeted Delivery of Sleeping-Beauty Transposon System to Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using LPD Nanoparticles Modified with a Phage-Displayed Targeting Peptide. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2013; 23:1172-1181. [PMID: 23885226 PMCID: PMC3718568 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201102963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
An important criterion for effective gene therapy is sufficient chromosomal integration activity. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a plasmid system allowing efficient insertion of transgenes into the host genome. However, such efficient insertion occurs only after the system is delivered to nuclei. Since transposons do not have the transducing abilities of viral vectors, efficient delivery of this system first into cells and then into cell nuclei is still a challenge. Here, a phage display technique using a major coat displayed phage library is employed to identify a peptide (VTAMEPGQ) that can home to rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). A nanoparticle, called liposome protamine/DNA lipoplex (LPD), is electrostatically assembled from cationic liposomes and an anionic complex of protamine, DNA and targeting peptides. Various peptides are enveloped inside the LPD to improve its targeting capability for rMSCs and nuclei. The rMSC-targeting peptide and nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide can execute the synergetic effect to promote transfection action of LPD. The homing peptide directs the LPD to target the MSCs, whereas the NLS peptide directs transposon to accumulate into nuclei once LPD is internalized inside the cells, leading to increased gene expression. This suggests that rMSC-targeting peptide and NLS peptide within LPD can target to rMSCs and then guide transposon into nuclei. After entering the nuclei, SB transposon increase the insertion rates into cellular chromosomes. The targeting LPD does not show obvious cell toxicity and influence on the differentiation potential of rMSCs. Therefore, the integration of SB transposon and LPD system is a promising nonviral gene delivery vector in stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Dong-Dong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Yiyang Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Jianglin Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Valery Petrenko
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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26
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Di Matteo M, Belay E, Chuah MK, Vandendriessche T. Recent developments in transposon-mediated gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:841-58. [PMID: 22679910 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.684875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continuous improvement of gene transfer technologies has broad implications for stem cell biology, gene discovery, and gene therapy. Although viral vectors are efficient gene delivery vehicles, their safety, immunogenicity and manufacturing challenges hamper clinical progress. In contrast, non-viral gene delivery systems are less immunogenic and easier to manufacture. AREAS COVERED In this review, we explore the emerging potential of transposons in gene and cell therapy. The safety, efficiency, and biology of novel hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB) transposon systems will be highlighted for ex vivo gene therapy in clinically relevant adult stem/progenitor cells, particularly hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), myoblasts, and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Moreover, efforts toward in vivo transposon-based gene therapy will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The latest generation SB and PB transposons currently represent some of the most attractive systems for stable non-viral genetic modification of primary cells, particularly adult stem cells. This paves the way toward the use of transposons as a non-viral gene therapy approach to correct hereditary disorders including those that affect the hematopoietic system. The development of targeted integration into "safe harbor" genetic loci may further improve their safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Di Matteo
- Free University of Brussels, Division of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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27
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Chen CA, Carolan PC, Annes JP. In vivo screening for secreted proteins that modulate glucose handling identifies interleukin-6 family members as potent hypoglycemic agents. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44600. [PMID: 22962620 PMCID: PMC3433445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a disease of abnormal glucose homeostasis characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and a broad array of consequent organ damage. Because normal glucose homeostasis is maintained by a complex interaction between behavior (feeding and physical activity) and metabolic activity that is modulated by inter-organ signaling through secreted factors, disease modeling in vitro is necessarily limited. In contrast, in vivo studies allow complex metabolic phenotypes to be studied but present a barrier to high throughput studies. Here we present the development of a novel in vivo screening platform that addresses this primary limitation of in vivo experimentation. Our platform leverages the large secretory capacity of the liver and the hepatocyte transfection technique of hydrodynamic tail vein injection to achieve supraphysiologic blood levels of secreted proteins. To date, the utility of hydrodynamic transfection has been limited by the deleterious impact of the variable transfection efficiency inherent to this technique. We overcome this constraint by co-transfection of a secreted luciferase cDNA whose product can be easily monitored in the blood of a living animal and used as a surrogate marker for transfection efficiency and gene expression levels. To demonstrate the utility of our strategy, we screened 248 secreted proteins for the ability to enhance glucose tolerance. Surprisingly, interleukin-6 and several of its family members but not other well-recognized insulin sensitizing agents were identified as potent hypoglycemic factors. We propose this experimental system as a powerful and flexible in vivo screening platform for identifying genes that modulate complex behavioral and metabolic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Amy Chen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter C. Carolan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Justin P. Annes
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Mok PL, Cheong SK, Leong CF, Chua KH, Ainoon O. Human mesenchymal stromal cells could deliver erythropoietin and migrate to the basal layer of hair shaft when subcutaneously implanted in a murine model. Tissue Cell 2012; 44:249-56. [PMID: 22560724 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2011] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are an attractive cell-targeting vehicle for gene delivery. MIDGE (an acronym for Minimalistic, Immunologically Defined Gene Expression) construct is relatively safer than the viral or plasmid expression system as the detrimental eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene and sequences have been eliminated. The objective of this study was to test the ability of the human MSC (hMSC) to deliver the erythropoietin (EPO) gene in a nude mice model following nucleofection using a MIDGE construct. hMSC nucleofected with MIDGE encoding the EPO gene was injected subcutaneously in Matrigel at the dorsal flank of nude mice. Subcutaneous implantation of nucleofected hMSC resulted in increased hemoglobin level with presence of human EPO in the peripheral blood of the injected nude mice in the first two weeks post-implantation compared with the control groups. The basal layer of the hair shaft in the dermal layer was found to be significantly positive for immunohistochemical staining of a human EPO antibody. However, only a few basal layers of the hair shaft were found to be positively stained for CD105. In conclusion, hMSC harboring MIDGE-EPO could deliver and transiently express the EPO gene in the nude mice model. These cells could be localized to the hair follicle and secreted EPO protein might have possible role in hair regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Mok
- PPUKM-MAKNA Cancer Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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29
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A PGC1-α-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat and thermogenesis. Nature 2012; 481:463-8. [PMID: 22237023 PMCID: PMC3522098 DOI: 10.1038/nature10777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3276] [Impact Index Per Article: 273.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exercise benefits a variety of organ systems in mammals, and some of the best-recognized effects of exercise on muscle are mediated by the transcriptional co-activator PPAR-γ co-activator-1 α (PGC1-α). Here we show in mouse that PGC1-α expression in muscle stimulates an increase in expression of FNDC5, a membrane protein that is cleaved and secreted as a newly identified hormone, irisin. Irisin acts on white adipose cells in culture and in vivo to stimulate UCP1 expression and a broad program of brown-fat-like development. Irisin is induced with exercise in mice and humans, and mildly increased irisin levels in the blood cause an increase in energy expenditure in mice with no changes in movement or food intake. This results in improvements in obesity and glucose homeostasis. Irisin could be therapeutic for human metabolic disease and other disorders that are improved with exercise.
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30
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Swierczek M, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. The Sleeping Beauty transposon system for clinical applications. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 12:139-53. [PMID: 22176302 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.642358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been made to establish efficient and safe gene delivery protocols that could meet demanding expectations of a successful gene therapy. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system combines simplicity and inexpensive manufacture offered by plasmid-based vector formulation with integrative features exhibited by some viral vectors. Activated after over ten million years of silent genomic existence, the SB transposable element entered the 21st century as a potent technology for a broad range of applications in genome engineering, including gene therapy. Beneficially for gene therapy purposes, the SB system has been demonstrated to enable persistent expression of therapeutic genes followed by restoration of homeostasis in a variety of disease models. Importantly, this non-viral gene delivery vehicle is postulated to constitute a relatively safe vector system, because it lacks a preference for inserting into transcription units and their upstream regulatory regions, thereby minimizing genotoxic risks that might be associated with vector integration. Further evolution and wide, comprehensive preclinical testing of the SB transposon system in the context of several disease models is expected to further refine this valuable technology matched by enhanced biosafety towards disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Swierczek
- Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Strasse 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany
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31
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Hackett PB, Aronovich EL, Hunter D, Urness M, Bell JB, Kass SJ, Cooper LJN, McIvor S. Efficacy and safety of Sleeping Beauty transposon-mediated gene transfer in preclinical animal studies. Curr Gene Ther 2011; 11:341-9. [PMID: 21888621 PMCID: PMC3728161 DOI: 10.2174/156652311797415827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 06/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposons have been effective in delivering therapeutic genes to treat certain diseases in mice. Hydrodynamic gene delivery of integrating transposons to 5-20% of the hepatocytes in a mouse results in persistent elevated expression of the therapeutic polypeptides that can be secreted into the blood for activity throughout the animal. An alternative route of delivery is ex vivo transformation with SB transposons of hematopoietic cells, which then can be reintroduced into the animal for treatment of cancer. We discuss issues associated with the scale-up of hydrodynamic delivery to the liver of larger animals as well as ex vivo delivery. Based on our and others' experience with inefficient delivery to larger animals, we hypothesize that impulse, rather than pressure, is a critical determinant of the effectiveness of hydrodynamic delivery. Accordingly, we propose some alterations in delivery strategies that may yield efficacious levels of gene delivery in dogs and swine that will be applicable to humans. To ready hydrodynamic delivery for human application we address a second issue facing transposons used for gene delivery regarding their potential to "re-hop" from one site to another and thereby destabilize the genome. The ability to correct genetic diseases through the infusion of DNA plasmids remains an appealing goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Hackett
- Dept. of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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32
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Aronovich EL, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. The Sleeping Beauty transposon system: a non-viral vector for gene therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:R14-20. [PMID: 21459777 PMCID: PMC3095056 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been developed as the leading non-viral vector for gene therapy. This vector combines the advantages of viruses and naked DNA. Here we review progress over the last 2 years in vector design, methods of delivery and safety that have supported its use in the clinic. Currently, the SB vector has been validated for ex vivo gene delivery to stem cells, including T-cells for the treatment of lymphoma. Progress in delivery of SB transposons to liver for treatment of various systemic diseases, such as hemophilia and mucopolysaccharidoses types I and VII, has encountered some problems, but even here progress is being made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena L Aronovich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, The Center for Genome Engineering, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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33
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Belur LR, Podetz-Pedersen KM, Sorenson BS, Hsu AH, Parker JB, Carlson CS, Saltzman DA, Ramakrishnan S, McIvor RS. Inhibition of angiogenesis and suppression of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:14. [PMID: 21310067 PMCID: PMC3045363 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with disease progression and metastatic spread being closely associated with angiogenesis. We investigated whether an antiangiogenic gene transfer approach using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system could be used to inhibit growth of colorectal tumors metastatic to the liver. Results Liver CT26 tumor-bearing mice were hydrodynamically injected with different doses of a plasmid containing a transposon encoding an angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene (Statin AE) along with varying amounts of SB transposase-encoding plasmid. Animals that were injected with a low dose (10 μg) of Statin AE transposon plasmid showed a significant decrease in tumor formation only when co-injected with SB transposase-encoding plasmid, while for animals injected with a higher dose (25 μg) of Statin AE transposon, co-injection of SB transposase-encoding plasmid did not significantly affect tumor load. For animals injected with 10 μg Statin AE transposon plasmid, the number of tumor nodules was inversely proportional to the amount of co-injected SB plasmid. Suppression of metastases was further evident in histological analyses, in which untreated animals showed higher levels of tumor cell proliferation and tumor vascularization than animals treated with low dose transposon plasmid. Conclusion These results demonstrate that hepatic colorectal metastases can be reduced using antiangiogenic transposons, and provide evidence for the importance of the transposition process in mediating suppression of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitha R Belur
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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34
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Helper-independent piggyBac plasmids for gene delivery approaches: strategies for avoiding potential genotoxic effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:8117-22. [PMID: 20404201 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1003674107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient integration of functional genes is an essential prerequisite for successful gene delivery such as cell transfection, animal transgenesis, and gene therapy. Gene delivery strategies based on viral vectors are currently the most efficient. However, limited cargo capacity, host immune response, and the risk of insertional mutagenesis are limiting factors and of concern. Recently, several groups have used transposon-based approaches to deliver genes to a variety of cells. The piggyBac (pB) transposase in particular has been shown to be well suited for cell transfection and gene therapy approaches because of its flexibility for molecular modification, large cargo capacity, and high transposition activity. However, safety considerations regarding transposase gene insertions into host genomes have rarely been addressed. Here we report our results on engineering helper-independent pB plasmids. The single-plasmid gene delivery system carries both the piggyBac transposase (pBt) expression cassette as well as the transposon cargo flanked by terminal repeat element sequences. Improvements to the helper-independent structure were achieved by developing new plasmids in which the pBt gene is rendered inactive after excision of the transposon from the plasmid. As a consequence, potentially negative effects that may develop by the persistence of an active pBt gene posttransposition are eliminated. The results presented herein demonstrate that our helper-independent plasmids represent an important step in the development of safe and efficient gene delivery methods that should prove valuable in gene therapy and transgenic approaches.
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35
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Bell JB, Podetz-Pedersen KM, Aronovich EL, Belur LR, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. Preferential delivery of the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to livers of mice by hydrodynamic injection. Nat Protoc 2007; 2:3153-65. [PMID: 18079715 PMCID: PMC2548418 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2007.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nonviral, DNA-mediated gene transfer is an alternative to viral delivery systems for expressing new genes in cells and tissues. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system combines the advantages of viruses and naked DNA molecules for gene therapy purposes; however, efficacious delivery of DNA molecules to animal tissues can still be problematic. Here we describe the hydrodynamic delivery procedure for the SB transposon system that allows efficient delivery to the liver in the mouse. The procedure involves rapid, high-pressure injection of a DNA solution into the tail vein. The overall procedure takes <1 h although the delivery into one mouse requires only a few seconds. Successful injections result in expression of the transgene in 5-40% of hepatocytes 1 d after injection. Several weeks after injection, transgene expression stabilizes at approximately 1% of the level at 24 h, presumably owing to integration of the transposons into chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B Bell
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Beckman Center for Transposon Research, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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