1
|
Chen Y, Luo S, Hu Y, Mao B, Wang X, Lu Z, Shan Q, Zhang J, Wang S, Feng G, Wang C, Liang C, Tang N, Niu R, Wang J, Han J, Yang N, Wang H, Zhou Q, Li W. All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration in mammalian cells with rationally engineered R2 retrotransposons. Cell 2024; 187:4674-4689.e18. [PMID: 38981481 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration methods, rendering reduced immunogenicity, effective deliverability with non-viral vehicles, and a low risk of random mutagenesis, are urgently needed for next-generation gene addition technologies. Naturally occurring R2 retrotransposons hold promise in this context due to their site-specific integration profile. Here, we systematically analyzed the biodiversity of R2 elements and screened several R2 orthologs capable of full-length gene insertion in mammalian cells. Robust R2 system gene integration efficiency was attained using combined donor RNA and protein engineering. Importantly, the all-RNA-delivered engineered R2 system showed effective integration activity, with efficiency over 60% in mouse embryos. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the engineered R2 system exhibited high on-target integration specificity (99%). In conclusion, our study provides engineered R2 tools for applications based on hit-and-run targeted DNA integration and insights for further optimization of retrotransposon systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangcan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shengqiu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bangwei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zongbao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingtong Shan
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chenxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Na Tang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Niu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiabao Han
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang X, Van Treeck B, Horton CA, McIntyre JJR, Palm SM, Shumate JL, Collins K. Harnessing eukaryotic retroelement proteins for transgene insertion into human safe-harbor loci. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02137-y. [PMID: 38379101 PMCID: PMC11371274 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Current approaches for inserting autonomous transgenes into the genome, such as CRISPR-Cas9 or virus-based strategies, have limitations including low efficiency and high risk of untargeted genome mutagenesis. Here, we describe precise RNA-mediated insertion of transgenes (PRINT), an approach for site-specifically primed reverse transcription that directs transgene synthesis directly into the genome at a multicopy safe-harbor locus. PRINT uses delivery of two in vitro transcribed RNAs: messenger RNA encoding avian R2 retroelement-protein and template RNA encoding a transgene of length validated up to 4 kb. The R2 protein coordinately recognizes the target site, nicks one strand at a precise location and primes complementary DNA synthesis for stable transgene insertion. With a cultured human primary cell line, over 50% of cells can gain several 2 kb transgenes, of which more than 50% are full-length. PRINT advantages include no extragenomic DNA, limiting risk of deleterious mutagenesis and innate immune responses, and the relatively low cost, rapid production and scalability of RNA-only delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Briana Van Treeck
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Connor A Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy J R McIntyre
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Palm
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Justin L Shumate
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Collins
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kovač A, Miskey C, Ivics Z. Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions into Nucleolar DNA by an Engineered Transposase Localized in the Nucleolus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14978. [PMID: 37834425 PMCID: PMC10573994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are nature's gene delivery vehicles that can be harnessed for experimental and therapeutic purposes. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon shows efficient transposition and long-term transgene expression in human cells, and is currently under clinical development for gene therapy. SB transposition occurs into the human genome in a random manner, which carries a risk of potential genotoxic effects associated with transposon integration. Here, we evaluated an experimental strategy to manipulate SB's target site distribution by preferentially compartmentalizing the SB transposase to the nucleolus, which contains repetitive ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. We generated a fusion protein composed of the nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (B23) and the SB100X transposase, which was found to retain almost full transposition activity as compared to unfused transposase and to be predominantly localized to nucleoli in transfected human cells. Analysis of transposon integration sites generated by B23-SB100X revealed a significant enrichment into the p-arms of chromosomes containing nucleolus organizing regions (NORs), with preferential integration into the p13 and p11.2 cytobands directly neighboring the NORs. This bias in the integration pattern was accompanied by an enrichment of insertions into nucleolus-associated chromatin domains (NADs) at the periphery of nucleolar DNA and into lamina-associated domains (LADs). Finally, sub-nuclear targeting of the transposase resulted in preferential integration into chromosomal domains associated with the Upstream Binding Transcription Factor (UBTF) that plays a critical role in the transcription of 47S rDNA gene repeats of the NORs by RNA Pol I. Future modifications of this technology may allow the development of methods for specific gene insertion for precision genetic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Transposition and Genome Engineering, Research Centre of the Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51–59, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spector LP, Tiffany M, Ferraro NM, Abell NS, Montgomery SB, Kay MA. Evaluating the Genomic Parameters Governing rAAV-Mediated Homologous Recombination. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1028-1046. [PMID: 33248247 PMCID: PMC7934627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have the unique ability to promote targeted integration of transgenes via homologous recombination at specified genomic sites, reaching frequencies of 0.1%-1%. We studied genomic parameters that influence targeting efficiencies on a large scale. To do this, we generated more than 1,000 engineered, doxycycline-inducible target sites in the human HAP1 cell line and infected this polyclonal population with a library of AAV-DJ targeting vectors, with each carrying a unique barcode. The heterogeneity of barcode integration at each target site provided an assessment of targeting efficiency at that locus. We compared targeting efficiency with and without target site transcription for identical chromosomal positions. Targeting efficiency was enhanced by target site transcription, while chromatin accessibility was associated with an increased likelihood of targeting. ChromHMM chromatin states characterizing transcription and enhancers in wild-type K562 cells were also associated with increased AAV-HR efficiency with and without target site transcription, respectively. Furthermore, the amenability of a site to targeting was influenced by the endogenous transcriptional level of intersecting genes. These results define important parameters that may not only assist in designing optimal targeting vectors for genome editing, but also provide new insights into the mechanism of AAV-mediated homologous recombination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Spector
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Tiffany
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicole M Ferraro
- Biomedical Informatics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nathan S Abell
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephen B Montgomery
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Buscara L, Gross DA, Daniele N. Of rAAV and Men: From Genetic Neuromuscular Disorder Efficacy and Toxicity Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials and Back. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E258. [PMID: 33260623 PMCID: PMC7768510 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a large group of rare pathologies characterised by skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness, with the common involvement of respiratory and/or cardiac muscles. These diseases lead to life-long motor deficiencies and specific organ failures, and are, in their worst-case scenarios, life threatening. Amongst other causes, they can be genetically inherited through mutations in more than 500 different genes. In the last 20 years, specific pharmacological treatments have been approved for human usage. However, these "à-la-carte" therapies cover only a very small portion of the clinical needs and are often partially efficient in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, even less so in curing it. Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene transfer is a more general strategy that could be adapted for a large majority of these diseases and has proved very efficient in rescuing the symptoms in many neuropathological animal models. On this solid ground, several clinical trials are currently being conducted with the whole-body delivery of the therapeutic vectors. This review recapitulates the state-of-the-art tools for neuron and muscle-targeted gene therapy, and summarises the main findings of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) trials. Despite promising efficacy results, serious adverse events of various severities were observed in these trials. Possible leads for second-generation products are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David-Alexandre Gross
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France; (L.B.); (D.-A.G.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schenkwein D, Afzal S, Nousiainen A, Schmidt M, Ylä-Herttuala S. Efficient Nuclease-Directed Integration of Lentivirus Vectors into the Human Ribosomal DNA Locus. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1858-1875. [PMID: 32504545 PMCID: PMC7403359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentivirus vectors (LVs) are efficient tools for gene transfer, but the non-specific nature of transgene integration by the viral integration machinery carries an inherent risk for genotoxicity. We modified the integration machinery of LVs and harnessed the cellular DNA double-strand break repair machinery to integrate transgenes into ribosomal DNA, a promising genomic safe-harbor site for transgenes. LVs carrying modified I-PpoI-derived homing endonuclease proteins were characterized in detail, and we found that at least 21% of all integration sites localized to ribosomal DNA when LV transduction was coupled to target DNA cleavage. In addition to the primary sequence recognized by the endonuclease, integration was also enriched in chromatin domains topologically associated with nucleoli, which contain the targeted ribosome RNA genes. Targeting of this highly repetitive region for integration was not associated with detectable DNA deletions or negative impacts on cell health in transduced primary human T cells. The modified LVs characterized here have an overall lower risk for insertional mutagenesis than regular LVs and can thus improve the safety of gene and cellular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Schenkwein
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Saira Afzal
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alisa Nousiainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; GeneWerk GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
He X, Xie H, Liu X, Gu F. Basic and Clinical Application of Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Genome Editing. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:673-681. [PMID: 30588843 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional gene therapy (gene replacement) has made a breakthrough in treating inherited diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a highly promising vector with innate ability, boosting the development of gene replacement and gene targeting. With the recent advance of engineered nucleases that work efficiently in human cells, AAV mediated-genome editing with nucleases has raised hopes for in situ gene therapy of inherited and non-inherited diseases. Here, the applications of AAV-mediated genome editing are highlighted, and the prospect of AAV and nucleases that will render extension of such success in clinical gene therapy is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiubin He
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Haihua Xie
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiexie Liu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Zhao J, Duan N, Liu W, Zhang Y, Zhou M, Hu Z, Feng M, Liu X, Wu L, Li Z, Liang D. Paired CRISPR/Cas9 Nickases Mediate Efficient Site-Specific Integration of F9 into rDNA Locus of Mouse ESCs. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103035. [PMID: 30301136 PMCID: PMC6213315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B (HB) is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, caused by F9 gene deficiency. Gene therapy combined with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers a potential cure for hemophilia B. Now the Cas9 nickase (Cas9n) shows a great advantage in reducing off-target effect compared with wild-type Cas9. In this study, we found that in the multicopy ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus, the homology directed recombination (HDR) efficiency induced by sgRNA-Cas9n was much higher than sgRNA-Cas9, meanwhile without off-target in six predicted sites. After co-transfection into mESCs with sgRNA-Cas9n and a non-viral rDNA targeting vector pMrnF9, harboring the homology donor template and the human F9 expression cassette, a recombination efficiency of 66.7% was achieved and all targeted clones were confirmed to be site-specific integration of F9 in the rDNA locus by PCR and southern blotting. Targeted mESCs retained the main pluripotent properties and were then differentiated into hepatic progenitor like cells (HPLCs) and mature hepatocytes, which were characterized by hepatic markers and functional assays. Importantly, the differentiated cells could transcribe exogenous F9 and secrete coagulation factor IX (FIX) proteins, suggesting active transcription and stable inheritance of transgenes in the rDNA locus. After intrasplenical transplantation in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice, targeted HPLCs could survive and migrate from spleen to liver, resulting in secretion of exogenous FIX into blood. In summary, we demonstrate an efficient and site-specific gene targeting strategy in rDNA locus for stem cell-based gene therapy for hemophilia B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Junya Zhao
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Nannan Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Zhiqing Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Mai Feng
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Zhuo Li
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brown N, Song L, Kollu NR, Hirsch ML. Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors and Stem Cells: Friends or Foes? Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:450-463. [PMID: 28490211 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The infusion of healthy stem cells into a patient-termed "stem-cell therapy"-has shown great promise for the treatment of genetic and non-genetic diseases, including mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, numerous immunodeficiency disorders, and aplastic anemia. Stem cells for cell therapy can be collected from the patient (autologous) or collected from another "healthy" individual (allogeneic). The use of allogenic stem cells is accompanied with the potentially fatal risk that the transplanted donor T cells will reject the patient's cells-a process termed "graft-versus-host disease." Therefore, the use of autologous stem cells is preferred, at least from the immunological perspective. However, an obvious drawback is that inherently as "self," they contain the disease mutation. As such, autologous cells for use in cell therapies often require genetic "correction" (i.e., gene addition or editing) prior to cell infusion and therefore the requirement for some form of nucleic acid delivery, which sets the stage for the AAV controversy discussed herein. Despite being the most clinically applied gene delivery context to date, unlike other more concerning integrating and non-integrating vectors such as retroviruses and adenovirus, those based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) have not been employed in the clinic. Furthermore, published data regarding AAV vector transduction of stem cells are inconsistent in regards to vector transduction efficiency, while the pendulum swings far in the other direction with demonstrations of AAV vector-induced toxicity in undifferentiated cells. The variation present in the literature examining the transduction efficiency of AAV vectors in stem cells may be due to numerous factors, including inconsistencies in stem-cell collection, cell culture, vector preparation, and/or transduction conditions. This review summarizes the controversy surrounding AAV vector transduction of stem cells, hopefully setting the stage for future elucidation and eventual therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Brown
- 1 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina.,2 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina
| | - Liujiang Song
- 1 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina.,2 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina
| | - Nageswara R Kollu
- 1 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina.,2 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina
| | - Matthew L Hirsch
- 1 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina.,2 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nygaard S, Barzel A, Haft A, Major A, Finegold M, Kay MA, Grompe M. A universal system to select gene-modified hepatocytes in vivo. Sci Transl Med 2017; 8:342ra79. [PMID: 27280686 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad8166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many genetic and acquired liver disorders are amenable to gene and/or cell therapy. However, the efficiencies of cell engraftment and stable genetic modification are low and often subtherapeutic. In particular, targeted gene modifications from homologous recombination are rare events. These obstacles could be overcome if hepatocytes that have undergone genetic modification were to be selectively amplified or expanded. We describe a universally applicable system for in vivo selection and expansion of gene-modified hepatocytes in any genetic background. In this system, the therapeutic transgene is coexpressed with a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) that confers modified hepatocytes with resistance to drug-induced toxicity. An shRNA against the tyrosine catabolic enzyme 4-OH-phenylpyruvate dioxygenase protected hepatocytes from 4-[(2-carboxyethyl)-hydroxyphosphinyl]-3-oxobutyrate, a small-molecule inhibitor of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase. To select for specific gene targeting events, the protective shRNA was embedded in a microRNA and inserted into a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector designed to integrate site-specifically into the highly active albumin locus. After selection of the gene-targeted cells, transgene expression increased 10- to 1000-fold, reaching supraphysiological levels of human factor 9 protein (50,000 ng/ml) in mice. This drug resistance system can be used to achieve therapeutically relevant transgene levels in hepatocytes in any setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Nygaard
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Adi Barzel
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Annelise Haft
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Angela Major
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Milton Finegold
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gene Therapy in Tyrosinemia: Potential and Pitfalls. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 959:231-243. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55780-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Papapetrou EP, Schambach A. Gene Insertion Into Genomic Safe Harbors for Human Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2016; 24:678-84. [PMID: 26867951 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic safe harbors (GSHs) are sites in the genome able to accommodate the integration of new genetic material in a manner that ensures that the newly inserted genetic elements: (i) function predictably and (ii) do not cause alterations of the host genome posing a risk to the host cell or organism. GSHs are thus ideal sites for transgene insertion whose use can empower functional genetics studies in basic research and therapeutic applications in human gene therapy. Currently, no fully validated GSHs exist in the human genome. Here, we review our formerly proposed GSH criteria and discuss additional considerations on extending these criteria, on strategies for the identification and validation of GSHs, as well as future prospects on GSH targeting for therapeutic applications. In view of recent advances in genome biology, gene targeting technologies, and regenerative medicine, gene insertion into GSHs can potentially catalyze nearly all applications in human gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini P Papapetrou
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Genome Engineering Using Adeno-associated Virus: Basic and Clinical Research Applications. Mol Ther 2015; 24:458-64. [PMID: 26373345 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to their broad potential for therapeutic gene delivery, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors possess the innate ability to stimulate homologous recombination in mammalian cells at high efficiencies. This process--referred to as AAV-mediated gene targeting--has enabled the introduction of a diverse array of genomic modifications both in vitro and in vivo. With the recent emergence of targeted nucleases, AAV-mediated genome engineering is poised for clinical translation. Here, we review key properties of AAV vectors that underscore its unique utility in genome editing. We highlight the broad range of genome engineering applications facilitated by this technology and discuss the strong potential for unifying AAV with targeted nucleases for next-generation gene therapy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Saunders A, Sabatini BL. Cre Activated and Inactivated Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors for Neuronal Anatomical Tracing or Activity Manipulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 72:1.24.1-1.24.15. [PMID: 26131660 DOI: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0124s72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) transcriptionally activated by Cre recombinase (Cre-On) are powerful tools for determining the anatomy and function of genetically defined neuronal types in transgenic Cre driver mice. Here we describe how rAAVs transcriptionally inactivated by Cre (Cre-Off) can be used in conjunction with Cre-On rAAVs or genomic Cre-reporter alleles to study brain circuits. Intracranial injection of Cre-On/Cre-Off rAAVs into spatially intermingled Cre(+) and Cre(-) neurons allows these populations to be differentially labeled or manipulated within individual animals. This comparison helps define the unique properties of Cre(+) neurons, highlighting the specialized role they play in their constituent brain circuits. This protocol touches on the conceptual and experimental background of Cre-Off rAAV systems, including caveats and methods of validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpiar Saunders
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Recent advances in the development of genome editing technologies based on programmable nucleases have substantially improved our ability to make precise changes in the genomes of eukaryotic cells. Genome editing is already broadening our ability to elucidate the contribution of genetics to disease by facilitating the creation of more accurate cellular and animal models of pathological processes. A particularly tantalizing application of programmable nucleases is the potential to directly correct genetic mutations in affected tissues and cells to treat diseases that are refractory to traditional therapies. Here we discuss current progress toward developing programmable nuclease-based therapies as well as future prospects and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Benjamin Turitz Cox
- 1] Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [3] Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [4] McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Randall Jeffrey Platt
- 1] Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [2] McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [3] Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [4] Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- 1] Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [2] McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [3] Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [4] Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Barzel A, Paulk NK, Shi Y, Huang Y, Chu K, Zhang F, Valdmanis PN, Spector LP, Porteus MH, Gaensler KM, Kay MA. Promoterless gene targeting without nucleases ameliorates haemophilia B in mice. Nature 2014; 517:360-4. [PMID: 25363772 PMCID: PMC4297598 DOI: 10.1038/nature13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific gene addition can allow stable transgene expression for gene therapy. When possible, this is preferred over the use of promiscuously integrating vectors, which are sometimes associated with clonal expansion and oncogenesis. Site-specific endonucleases that can induce high rates of targeted genome editing are finding increasing applications in biological discovery and gene therapy. However, two safety concerns persist: endonuclease-associated adverse effects, both on-target and off-target; and oncogene activation caused by promoter integration, even without nucleases. Here we perform recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated promoterless gene targeting without nucleases and demonstrate amelioration of the bleeding diathesis in haemophilia B mice. In particular, we target a promoterless human coagulation factor IX (F9) gene to the liver-expressed mouse albumin (Alb) locus. F9 is targeted, along with a preceding 2A-peptide coding sequence, to be integrated just upstream to the Alb stop codon. While F9 is fused to Alb at the DNA and RNA levels, two separate proteins are synthesized by way of ribosomal skipping. Thus, F9 expression is linked to robust hepatic albumin expression without disrupting it. We injected an AAV8-F9 vector into neonatal and adult mice and achieved on-target integration into ∼0.5% of the albumin alleles in hepatocytes. We established that F9 was produced only from on-target integration, and ribosomal skipping was highly efficient. Stable F9 plasma levels at 7-20% of normal were obtained, and treated F9-deficient mice had normal coagulation times. In conclusion, transgene integration as a 2A-fusion to a highly expressed endogenous gene may obviate the requirement for nucleases and/or vector-borne promoters. This method may allow for safe and efficacious gene targeting in both infants and adults by greatly diminishing off-target effects while still providing therapeutic levels of expression from integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Barzel
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - N K Paulk
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - Y Shi
- Department of Medicine, Box 1270, UCSF, San Francisco, California 94143-1270, USA
| | - Y Huang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - K Chu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - F Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - P N Valdmanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - L P Spector
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - M H Porteus
- Department of Pediatrics, 269 Campus Drive, Lorry Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, Room G3045, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| | - K M Gaensler
- Department of Medicine, Box 1270, UCSF, San Francisco, California 94143-1270, USA
| | - M A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, CCSR Building, Room 2105, Stanford, California 94305-5164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase deficient pigs are a novel large animal model of metabolic liver disease. Stem Cell Res 2014; 13:144-53. [PMID: 24879068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT1) is caused by deficiency in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), an enzyme that catalyzes the last step of tyrosine metabolism. The most severe form of the disease presents acutely during infancy, and is characterized by severe liver involvement, most commonly resulting in death if untreated. Generation of FAH(+/-) pigs was previously accomplished by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene knockout in fibroblasts and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Subsequently, these animals were outbred and crossed to produce the first FAH(-/-) pigs. FAH-deficiency produced a lethal defect in utero that was corrected by administration of 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3 cyclohexanedione (NTBC) throughout pregnancy. Animals on NTBC were phenotypically normal at birth; however, the animals were euthanized approximately four weeks after withdrawal of NTBC due to clinical decline and physical examination findings of severe liver injury and encephalopathy consistent with acute liver failure. Biochemical and histological analyses, characterized by diffuse and severe hepatocellular damage, confirmed the diagnosis of severe liver injury. FAH(-/-) pigs provide the first genetically engineered large animal model of a metabolic liver disorder. Future applications of FAH(-/-) pigs include discovery research as a large animal model of HT1 and spontaneous acute liver failure, and preclinical testing of the efficacy of liver cell therapies, including transplantation of hepatocytes, liver stem cells, and pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lisowski L, Dane AP, Chu K, Zhang Y, Cunningham SC, Wilson EM, Nygaard S, Grompe M, Alexander IE, Kay MA. Selection and evaluation of clinically relevant AAV variants in a xenograft liver model. Nature 2014; 506:382-6. [PMID: 24390344 PMCID: PMC3939040 DOI: 10.1038/nature12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors have shown early promise in clinical trials. The therapeutic transgene cassette can be packaged in different AAV capsid pseudotypes, each having a unique transduction profile. At present, rAAV capsid serotype selection for a specific clinical trial is based on effectiveness in animal models. However, preclinical animal studies are not always predictive of human outcome. Here, in an attempt to further our understanding of these discrepancies, we used a chimaeric human-murine liver model to compare directly the relative efficiency of rAAV transduction in human versus mouse hepatocytes in vivo. As predicted from preclinical and clinical studies, rAAV2 vectors functionally transduced mouse and human hepatocytes at equivalent but relatively low levels. However, rAAV8 vectors, which are very effective in many animal models, transduced human hepatocytes rather poorly-approximately 20 times less efficiently than mouse hepatocytes. In light of the limitations of the rAAV vectors currently used in clinical studies, we used the same murine chimaeric liver model to perform serial selection using a human-specific replication-competent viral library composed of DNA-shuffled AAV capsids. One chimaeric capsid composed of five different parental AAV capsids was found to transduce human primary hepatocytes at high efficiency in vitro and in vivo, and provided species-selected transduction in primary liver, cultured cells and a hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft model. This vector is an ideal clinical candidate and a reagent for gene modification of human xenotransplants in mouse models of human diseases. More importantly, our results suggest that humanized murine models may represent a more precise approach for both selecting and evaluating clinically relevant rAAV serotypes for gene therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Lisowski
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Allison P. Dane
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirk Chu
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sharon C. Cunningham
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sean Nygaard
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ian E. Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark A. Kay
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Adeno-associated virus-mediated rescue of neonatal lethality in argininosuccinate synthetase-deficient mice. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1823-31. [PMID: 23817206 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are showing exciting promise in gene therapy trials targeting the adult liver. A major challenge in extending this promise to the pediatric liver is the loss of episomal vector genomes that accompanies hepatocellular proliferation during liver growth. Hence maintenance of sufficient transgene expression will be critical for success in infants and children. We therefore set out to explore the therapeutic efficacy and durability of liver-targeted gene transfer in the challenging context of a neonatal lethal urea cycle defect, using the argininosuccinate synthetase deficient mouse. Lethal neonatal hyperammonemia was prevented by prenatal and early postnatal vector delivery; however, hyperammonemia subsequently recurred limiting survival to no more than 33 days despite vector readministration. Antivector antibodies acquired in milk from vector-exposed dams were subsequently shown to be blocking vector readministration, and were avoided by crossfostering vector-treated pups to vector-naive dams. In the absence of passively acquired antivector antibodies, vector redelivery proved efficacious with mice surviving to adulthood without recurrence of significant hyperammonemia. These data demonstrate the potential of AAV vectors in the developing liver, showing that vector readministration can be used to counter growth-associated loss of transgene expression provided the challenge of antivector humoral immunity is addressed.
Collapse
|
20
|
Kushwaha B, Nagpure NS. Characterization and physical mapping of 18S and 5S ribosomal genes in Indian major carps (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Micron 2013; 49:40-5. [PMID: 23587674 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
21
|
Nonviral gene targeting at rDNA locus of human mesenchymal stem cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:135189. [PMID: 23762822 PMCID: PMC3666425 DOI: 10.1155/2013/135189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background. Genetic modification, such as the addition of exogenous genes to the MSC genome, is crucial to their use as cellular vehicles. Due to the risks associated with viral vectors such as insertional mutagenesis, the safer nonviral vectors have drawn a great deal of attention. Methods. VEGF, bFGF, vitamin C, and insulin-transferrin-selenium-X were supplemented in the MSC culture medium. The cells' proliferation and survival capacity was measured by MTT, determination of the cumulative number of cells, and a colony-forming efficiency assay. The plasmid pHr2-NL was constructed and nucleofected into MSCs. The recombinants were selected using G418 and characterized using PCR and Southern blotting. Results. BFGF is critical to MSC growth and it acted synergistically with vitamin C, VEGF, and ITS-X, causing the cells to expand significantly. The neomycin gene was targeted to the rDNA locus of human MSCs using a nonviral human ribosomal targeting vector. The recombinant MSCs retained multipotential differentiation capacity, typical levels of hMSC surface marker expression, and a normal karyotype, and none were tumorigenic in nude mice. Conclusions. Exogenous genes can be targeted to the rDNA locus of human MSCs while maintaining the characteristics of MSCs. This is the first nonviral gene targeting of hMSCs.
Collapse
|
22
|
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] [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.
Collapse
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.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rawlinson JW, Vaden K, Hunsaker J, Miller DF, Nephew KP. Adenoviral-delivered HE4-HSV-tk sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to ganciclovir. GENE THERAPY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 15:120-130. [PMID: 26005395 PMCID: PMC4440683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is most often contained within the peritoneal cavity, making it an ideal disease for adenoviral-delivered gene therapies. In effort to develop a safe and effective gene therapy for OC, we created a replication deficient adenovirus bearing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene under direction of the tumor specific promoter human epididymis protein 4 (HE4). The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of our adenoviral construct to transduce OC cells in vitro and mediate transgene expression of HSV-tk, thereby sensitizing OC to the pro-drug ganciclovir. Cisplatin-sensitive (CS) and -resistant (CR) A2780 OC cells, infected with virus for 6 hours at 100, 500, and 1000 multiplicity of infection followed by ganciclovir treatment every other day for 5 days, were assayed for cell viability. Adenoviral-mediated transgene expression increased with increasing amounts of virus and peaked at 48 hours after transduction in both A2780-CS and -CR. Unexpectedly, ganciclovir alone was slightly toxic to both A2780 cell lines (IC50 of 234.9 μg/mL and 257.2 μg/mL in A2780-CS and -CR, respectively). Transduction with ADV-HE4-HSV-tk followed by ganciclovir treatment increased (P<0.05) cell killing up to ten-fold, lowering the IC50 to 23.9 μg/mL and 32.6 μg/mL in A2780-CS and -CR, respectively, at 1000 multiplicity of infection. The results support the potential use of this approach as a gene therapy for OC, a disease that accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W. Rawlinson
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University Idaho, Rexburg, ID 83460, USA
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kiara Vaden
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University Idaho, Rexburg, ID 83460, USA
| | - Joseph Hunsaker
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University Idaho, Rexburg, ID 83460, USA
| | - David F. Miller
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Valdmanis PN, Lisowski L, Kay MA. rAAV-mediated tumorigenesis: still unresolved after an AAV assault. Mol Ther 2012; 20:2014-7. [PMID: 23131853 PMCID: PMC3498811 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Valdmanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
AAV vectors for the nucleolus. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1842-3. [PMID: 23023058 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.193] [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
|
26
|
Wang Z, Lisowski L, Finegold MJ, Nakai H, Kay MA, Grompe M. AAV vectors containing rDNA homology display increased chromosomal integration and transgene persistence. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1902-11. [PMID: 22990673 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors are promising tools for gene therapy of genetic disorders, they remain mostly episomal and hence are lost during cell replication. For this reason, rAAV vectors capable of chromosomal integration would be desirable. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat sequences are overrepresented during random integration of rAAV. We therefore sought to enhance AAV integration frequency by including 28S rDNA homology arms into our vector design. A vector containing ~1 kb of homology on each side of a cDNA expression cassette for human fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) was constructed. rAAV of serotypes 2 and 8 were injected into Fah-deficient mice, a model for human tyrosinemia type 1. Integrated FAH transgenes are positively selected in this model and rDNA-containing AAV vectors had a ~30× higher integration frequency than controls. Integration by homologous recombination (HR) into the 28S rDNA locus was seen in multiple tissues. Furthermore, rDNA-containing AAV vectors for human factor IX (hFIX) demonstrated increased transgene persistence after liver regeneration. We conclude that rDNA containing AAV vectors may be superior to conventional vector design for the treatment of genetic diseases, especially those associated with increased hepatocyte replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongya Wang
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|