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Neumayer G, Torkelson JL, Li S, McCarthy K, Zhen HH, Vangipuram M, Mader MM, Gebeyehu G, Jaouni TM, Jacków-Malinowska J, Rami A, Hansen C, Guo Z, Gaddam S, Tate KM, Pappalardo A, Li L, Chow GM, Roy KR, Nguyen TM, Tanabe K, McGrath PS, Cramer A, Bruckner A, Bilousova G, Roop D, Tang JY, Christiano A, Steinmetz LM, Wernig M, Oro AE. A scalable and cGMP-compatible autologous organotypic cell therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5834. [PMID: 38992003 PMCID: PMC11239819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49400-z] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We present Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Cell Therapy (DEBCT), a scalable platform producing autologous organotypic iPS cell-derived induced skin composite (iSC) grafts for definitive treatment. Clinical-grade manufacturing integrates CRISPR-mediated genetic correction with reprogramming into one step, accelerating derivation of COL7A1-edited iPS cells from patients. Differentiation into epidermal, dermal and melanocyte progenitors is followed by CD49f-enrichment, minimizing maturation heterogeneity. Mouse xenografting of iSCs from four patients with different mutations demonstrates disease modifying activity at 1 month. Next-generation sequencing, biodistribution and tumorigenicity assays establish a favorable safety profile at 1-9 months. Single cell transcriptomics reveals that iSCs are composed of the major skin cell lineages and include prominent holoclone stem cell-like signatures of keratinocytes, and the recently described Gibbin-dependent signature of fibroblasts. The latter correlates with enhanced graftability of iSCs. In conclusion, DEBCT overcomes manufacturing and safety roadblocks and establishes a reproducible, safe, and cGMP-compatible therapeutic approach to heal lesions of DEB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Neumayer
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Torkelson
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shengdi Li
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kelly McCarthy
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hanson H Zhen
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Madhuri Vangipuram
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius M Mader
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gulilat Gebeyehu
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Life Sciences Solutions Group, Cell Biology, Research and Development, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Taysir M Jaouni
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Life Sciences Solutions Group, Cell Biology, Research and Development, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joanna Jacków-Malinowska
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Avina Rami
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corey Hansen
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zongyou Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadhana Gaddam
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Keri M Tate
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lingjie Li
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Grace M Chow
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin R Roy
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thuylinh Michelle Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Patrick S McGrath
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amber Cramer
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna Bruckner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ganna Bilousova
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dennis Roop
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jean Y Tang
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lars M Steinmetz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Anthony E Oro
- Department of Dermatology-Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Gila F, Alamdari-Palangi V, Rafiee M, Jokar A, Ehtiaty S, Dianatinasab A, Khatami SH, Taheri-Anganeh M, Movahedpour A, Fallahi J. Gene-edited cells: novel allogeneic gene/cell therapy for epidermolysis bullosa. J Appl Genet 2024:10.1007/s13353-024-00839-2. [PMID: 38459407 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic skin fragility disorders, which are hereditary. These disorders are associated with mutations in at least 16 genes that encode components of the epidermal adhesion complex. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this disorder. All current treatment approaches focus on topical treatments to prevent complications and infections. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the treatment of the severe genetic skin blistering condition known as EB through preclinical and clinical advancements. Promising developments have emerged in the areas of protein and cell therapies, such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation; in addition, RNA-based therapies and gene therapy approaches have also become a reality. Stem cells obtained from embryonic or adult tissues, including the skin, are undifferentiated cells with the ability to generate, maintain, and replace fully developed cells and tissues. Recent advancements in preclinical and clinical research have significantly enhanced stem cell therapy, presenting a promising treatment option for various diseases that are not effectively addressed by current medical treatments. Different types of stem cells such as primarily hematopoietic and mesenchymal, obtained from the patient or from a donor, have been utilized to treat severe forms of diseases, each with some beneficial effects. In addition, extensive research has shown that gene transfer methods targeting allogeneic and autologous epidermal stem cells to replace or correct the defective gene are promising. These methods can regenerate and restore the adhesion of primary keratinocytes in EB patients. The long-term treatment of skin lesions in a small number of patients has shown promising results through the transplantation of skin grafts produced from gene-corrected autologous epidermal stem cells. This article attempts to summarize the current situation, potential development prospects, and some of the challenges related to the cell therapy approach for EB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Gila
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahab Alamdari-Palangi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Rafiee
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Arezoo Jokar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sajad Ehtiaty
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Dianatinasab
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Neumayer G, Torkelson JL, Li S, McCarthy K, Zhen HH, Vangipuram M, Jackow J, Rami A, Hansen C, Guo Z, Gaddam S, Pappalardo A, Li L, Cramer A, Roy KR, Nguyen TM, Tanabe K, McGrath PS, Bruckner A, Bilousova G, Roop D, Bailey I, Tang JY, Christiano A, Steinmetz LM, Wernig M, Oro AE. A scalable, GMP-compatible, autologous organotypic cell therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.28.529447. [PMID: 36909618 PMCID: PMC10002612 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.529447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Gene editing in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been hailed to enable new cell therapies for various monogenetic diseases including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). However, manufacturing, efficacy and safety roadblocks have limited the development of genetically corrected, autologous iPS cell-based therapies. Methods We developed Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Cell Therapy (DEBCT), a new generation GMP-compatible (cGMP), reproducible, and scalable platform to produce autologous clinical-grade iPS cell-derived organotypic induced skin composite (iSC) grafts to treat incurable wounds of patients lacking type VII collagen (C7). DEBCT uses a combined high-efficiency reprogramming and CRISPR-based genetic correction single step to generate genome scar-free, COL7A1 corrected clonal iPS cells from primary patient fibroblasts. Validated iPS cells are converted into epidermal, dermal and melanocyte progenitors with a novel 2D organoid differentiation protocol, followed by CD49f enrichment and expansion to minimize maturation heterogeneity. iSC product characterization by single cell transcriptomics was followed by mouse xenografting for disease correcting activity at 1 month and toxicology analysis at 1-6 months. Culture-acquired mutations, potential CRISPR-off targets, and cancer-driver variants were evaluated by targeted and whole genome sequencing. Findings iPS cell-derived iSC grafts were reproducibly generated from four recessive DEB patients with different pathogenic mutations. Organotypic iSC grafts onto immune-compromised mice developed into stable stratified skin with functional C7 restoration. Single cell transcriptomic characterization of iSCs revealed prominent holoclone stem cell signatures in keratinocytes and the recently described Gibbin-dependent signature in dermal fibroblasts. The latter correlated with enhanced graftability. Multiple orthogonal sequencing and subsequent computational approaches identified random and non-oncogenic mutations introduced by the manufacturing process. Toxicology revealed no detectable tumors after 3-6 months in DEBCT-treated mice. Interpretation DEBCT successfully overcomes previous roadblocks and represents a robust, scalable, and safe cGMP manufacturing platform for production of a CRISPR-corrected autologous organotypic skin graft to heal DEB patient wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Neumayer
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology, and Department of Chemical and Systems Biology
| | - Jessica L. Torkelson
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
| | - Shengdi Li
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kelly McCarthy
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
| | - Hanson H. Zhen
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
| | - Madhuri Vangipuram
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology, and Department of Chemical and Systems Biology
| | - Joanna Jackow
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
- St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Avina Rami
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Corey Hansen
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Zongyou Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Sadhana Gaddam
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
| | | | - Lingjie Li
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
| | - Amber Cramer
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
| | - Kevin R. Roy
- Department of Genetics and Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thuylinh Michelle Nguyen
- Department of Genetics and Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Patrick S. McGrath
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anna Bruckner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ganna Bilousova
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dennis Roop
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Irene Bailey
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
| | - Jean Y. Tang
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
| | | | - Lars M. Steinmetz
- Department of Genetics and Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology, and Department of Chemical and Systems Biology
| | - Anthony E. Oro
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine
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4
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In situ transduction of cells in human corneal limbus using adeno-associated viruses: an ex vivo study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22481. [PMID: 36577775 PMCID: PMC9797548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26926-0] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of in situ adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery into the human corneal limbal region via targeted sub-limbal injection technique. Human cadaveric corneal tissues were fixed on an artificial anterior chamber. Feasibility of sub-limbal injection technique was tested using trypan blue and black India ink. An enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) encoding AAV DJ was injected into sub-limbal region. After AAV injection, corneal tissues were incubated in air-lift culture and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. Cell survivial and expression of eGFP, stem cell markers (p63α and cytokeratin 19 (KRT19)), and differentiation marker cytokeratin 3 (KRT3) were evaluated using confocal microscopy. Both trypan blue and black India ink stained and were retained sub-limbally establishing specificity of the injection technique. Immunohistochemical analysis of corneas injected with AAV DJ-eGFP indicated that AAV-transduced cells in the limbal region co-express eGFP, p63α, and KRT19 and that these transduced cells were capable of differentiating to KRT3 postitive corneal epithelial cells. Our sub-limbal injection technique can target cells in the human limbus in a reproducible and efficient manner. Thus, we demonstrate that in situ injection of corneal limbus may provide a feasible mode of genetic therapy for corneal disorders with an epithelial etiology.
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Qiao Y, Sun Z, Tan C, Lai J, Sun X, Chen J. Intracameral Injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 Reduces the IOP of Mice by Reshaping the Trabecular Outflow Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 36520455 PMCID: PMC9769031 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The angiopoietin-1 (ANG1)-TIE signaling pathway orchestrates the development and maintenance of the Schlemm's canal (SC). In this study, we investigated the impact of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein-ANG1 (COMP-ANG1) on trabecular outflow pathway. Methods Different serotypes of AAVs were compared for transduction specificity and efficiency in the anterior segment. The selected AAVs encoding COMP-ANG1 or ZsGreen1 (control) were delivered into the anterior chambers of wild-type C57BL/6J mice. The IOP and ocular surface were monitored regularly. Ocular perfusion was performed to measure the outflow facility and label flow patterns of the trabecular drainage pathway. Structural features of SC as well as limbal, retinal, and skin vessels were visualized by immunostaining. Ultrastructural changes in the SC and trabecular meshwork were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results AAV-DJ could effectively infect the anterior segment. Intracameral injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 lowered IOP in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. No signs of inflammation or angiogenesis were noticed. Four weeks after AAV injection, the conventional outflow facility and effective filtration area were increased significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.04, respectively). Consistently, the area of the SC was enlarged (P < 0.001) with increased density of giant vacuoles in the inner wall (P = 0.006). In addition, the SC endothelia lay on a more discontinuous basement membrane (P = 0.046) and a more porous juxtacanalicular tissue (P = 0.005) in the COMP-ANG1 group. Conclusions Intracamerally injected AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 offers a significant IOP-lowering effect by remodeling the trabecular outflow pathway of mouse eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongmou Sun
- University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, New York, United States
| | - Chen Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
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Ivanenko AV, Evtushenko NA, Gurskaya NG. Genome Editing in Therapy of Genodermatoses. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322060085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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7
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Bie Nkowska-Tokarczyk A, Małecki M. Stability of Recombinant Mosaic Adeno-Associated Virus Vector rAAV/DJ/CAG at Different Temperature Conditions. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:2114-2124. [PMID: 34906273 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The nanometer size and biological characteristics of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAV) make them particularly useful as gene therapy vectors and they have been successfully used in this role. Our latest research revealed that the rAAV/DJ/CAG mosaic vector offers highly efficient targeted gene delivery to melanoma cells metastasized to the lungs and that the transduction is temperature dependent. In order to further explore the ability of the rAAV/DJ/CAG vector to deliver highly selective transduction, this study was designed to identify the transduction stability of rAAV/DJ/CAG under various conditions. The temperatures used in this study ranged from -196 ° (liquid nitrogen) to 90 °, and the effect of temperature fluctuations (freeze-thaw, cooling-heating cycles) was also studied. This research also investigated the effects of UV radiation (ultraviolet) on the rAAV/DJ/CAG activity. Changes in the transduction efficiency were assessed via fluorescence microscopy imaging and the qPCR method. Under the test conditions, the transduction efficiency was reduced by approx. 35%, on average. High temperatures (70 °/90 °) and UV light proved to have the most detrimental impact. Changes in the stability of the rAAV/DJ/CAG structure are manifested by variations in the number of genome copies (gc) and GFP+ cells. Temperature fluctuations resulted in differences in the number of gc while maintaining a similar number of GFP+ cells, which may indicate specific changes in the rAAV/DJ/CAG structure, triggering disorders or degradation in the vector entry. This study provides interesting insights into rAAV/DJ/CAG, and the implications of these findings provide a basis for developing new protocols in cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maciej Małecki
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
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8
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Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare inherited blistering skin disorders characterized by skin fragility following minor trauma, usually present since birth. EB can be categorized into four classical subtypes, EB simplex, junctional EB, dystrophic EB and Kindler EB, distinguished on clinical features, plane of blister formation in the skin, and molecular pathology. Treatment for EB is mostly supportive, focusing on wound care and patient symptoms such as itch or pain. However, therapeutic advances have also been made in targeting the primary genetic abnormalities as well as the secondary inflammatory footprint of EB. Pre-clinical or clinical testing of gene therapies (gene replacement, gene editing, RNA-based therapy, natural gene therapy), cell-based therapies (fibroblasts, bone marrow transplantation, mesenchymal stromal cells, induced pluripotential stem cells), recombinant protein therapies, and small molecule and drug repurposing approaches, have generated new hope for better patient care. In this article, we review advances in translational research that are impacting on the quality of life for people living with different forms of EB and which offer hope for improved clinical management.
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9
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Jiang Z, Li N, Zhu D, Ren L, Shao Q, Yu K, Yang G. Genetically modified cell sheets in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120908. [PMID: 34119885 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified cell sheet technology is emerging as a promising biomedical tool to deliver therapeutic genes for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Virus-based gene transfection and non-viral gene transfection have been used to fabricate genetically modified cell sheets. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown various beneficial effects of genetically modified cell sheets in the regeneration of bone, periodontal tissue, cartilage and nerves, as well as the amelioration of dental implant osseointegration, myocardial infarction, skeletal muscle ischemia and kidney injury. Furthermore, this technology provides a potential treatment option for various hereditary diseases. However, the method has several limitations, such as safety concerns and difficulties in controlling transgene expression. Therefore, recent studies explored efficient and safe gene transfection methods, prolonged and controllable transgene expression and their potential application in personalized and precision medicine. This review summarizes various types of genetically modified cell sheets, preparation procedures, therapeutic applications and possible improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Jiang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Na Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Danji Zhu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Lingfei Ren
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Qin Shao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Ke Yu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Guoli Yang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
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Wagner HJ, Weber W, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Biology: Emerging Concepts to Design and Advance Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004018. [PMID: 33977059 PMCID: PMC8097373 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Three recent approvals and over 100 ongoing clinical trials make adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors the leading gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in this small and nonpathogenic gene shuttle to increase the therapeutic portfolios within the coming years. This prospect of marking a new era in gene therapy has fostered both investigations of the fundamental AAV biology as well as engineering studies to enhance delivery vehicles. Driven by the high clinical potential, a new generation of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors is on the rise. Concepts from synthetic biology enable the control and fine-tuning of vector function at different stages of cellular transduction and gene expression. It is anticipated that the emerging field of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors can shape future gene therapeutic approaches and thus the design of tomorrow's gene delivery vectors. This review describes and discusses the recent trends in capsid and vector genome engineering, with particular emphasis on synthetic-biological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J. Wagner
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50Basel4056Switzerland
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11
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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.
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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.
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12
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Kocher T, Koller U. Advances in gene editing strategies for epidermolysis bullosa. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:81-109. [PMID: 34175052 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa represents a monogenetic disease comprising a variety of heterogeneous mutations in at least 16 genes encoding structural proteins crucial for skin integrity. Due to well-defined mutations but still lacking causal treatment options for the disease, epidermolysis bullosa represents an ideal candidate for gene therapeutic interventions. Recent developments and improvements in the genome editing field have paved the way for the translation of various gene repair strategies into the clinic. With the ability to accurately predict and monitor targeting events within the human genome, the translation might soon be possible. Here, we describe current advancements in the genome editing field for epidermolysis bullosa, along with a discussion of aspects and strategies for precise and personalized gene editing-based medicine, in order to develop efficient and safe ex vivo as well as in vivo genome editing therapies for epidermolysis bullosa patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
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13
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El Andari J, Grimm D. Production, Processing, and Characterization of Synthetic AAV Gene Therapy Vectors. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000025. [PMID: 32975881 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, gene therapy vectors based on wild-type Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are safe and efficacious in numerous clinical trials and are translated into three approved gene therapy products. Concomitantly, a large body of preclinical work has illustrated the power and potential of engineered synthetic AAV capsids that often excel in terms of an organ or cell specificity, the efficiency of in vitro or in vivo gene transfer, and/or reactivity with anti-AAV immune responses. In turn, this has created a demand for new, scalable, easy-to-implement, and plug-and-play platform processes that are compatible with the rapidly increasing range of AAV capsid variants. Here, the focus is on recent advances in methodologies for downstream processing and characterization of natural or synthetic AAV vectors, comprising different chromatography techniques and thermostability measurements. To illustrate the breadth of this portfolio, two chimeric capsids are used as representative examples that are derived through forward- or backwards-directed molecular evolution, namely, AAV-DJ and Anc80. Collectively, this ever-expanding arsenal of technologies promises to facilitate the development of the next AAV vector generation derived from synthetic capsids and to accelerate their manufacturing, and to thus boost the field of human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihad El Andari
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Nobuta H, Yang N, Ng YH, Marro SG, Sabeur K, Chavali M, Stockley JH, Killilea DW, Walter PB, Zhao C, Huie P, Goldman SA, Kriegstein AR, Franklin RJM, Rowitch DH, Wernig M. Oligodendrocyte Death in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease Is Rescued by Iron Chelation. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 25:531-541.e6. [PMID: 31585094 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is an X-linked leukodystrophy caused by mutations in Proteolipid Protein 1 (PLP1), encoding a major myelin protein, resulting in profound developmental delay and early lethality. Previous work showed involvement of unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, but poor PLP1 genotype-phenotype associations suggest additional pathogenetic mechanisms. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and gene-correction, we show that patient-derived oligodendrocytes can develop to the pre-myelinating stage, but subsequently undergo cell death. Mutant oligodendrocytes demonstrated key hallmarks of ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation, abnormal iron metabolism, and hypersensitivity to free iron. Iron chelation rescued mutant oligodendrocyte apoptosis, survival, and differentiationin vitro, and post-transplantation in vivo. Finally, systemic treatment of Plp1 mutant Jimpy mice with deferiprone, a small molecule iron chelator, reduced oligodendrocyte apoptosis and enabled myelin formation. Thus, oligodendrocyte iron-induced cell death and myelination is rescued by iron chelation in PMD pre-clinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Nobuta
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nan Yang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yi Han Ng
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Samuele G Marro
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Khalida Sabeur
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Manideep Chavali
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John H Stockley
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - David W Killilea
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Patrick B Walter
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609, USA; Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip Huie
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arnold R Kriegstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Robin J M Franklin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - David H Rowitch
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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15
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Keith AR, Twaroski K, Ebens CL, Tolar J. Leading edge: emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:911-923. [PMID: 32178539 PMCID: PMC7392816 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1740678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a rare inherited genetic disorder with limited treatments beyond palliative care. A major hallmark of JEB is skin blistering caused by functional loss or complete absence of major structural proteins of the skin. Impaired wound healing in patients with JEB gives rise to chronic cutaneous ulcers that require daily care. Wound care and infection control are the current standard of care for this patient population. AREAS COVERED This review covers research and clinical implementation of emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for JEB. Current clinical trials use topical drug delivery to manipulate the inflammation and re-epithelialization phases of wound healing or promote premature stop codon readthrough to accelerate chronic wound closure. Allogeneic cell therapies for JEB have been largely unsuccessful, with autologous skin grafting emerging as a reliable method of resolving the cutaneous manifestations of JEB. Genetic correction and transplant of autologous keratinocytes have demonstrated persistent amelioration of chronic wounds in a subset of patients. EXPERT OPINION Emerging therapies address the cutaneous symptoms of JEB but are unable to attend to systemic manifestations of the disease. Investigations into the molecular mechanism(s) underpinning the failure of systemic allogeneic cell therapies are necessary to expand the range of effective JEB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R. Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kirk Twaroski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christen L. Ebens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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16
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Ran G, Chen X, Xie Y, Zheng Q, Xie J, Yu C, Pittman N, Qi S, Yu FX, Agbandje-McKenna M, Srivastava A, Ling C. Site-Directed Mutagenesis Improves the Transduction Efficiency of Capsid Library-Derived Recombinant AAV Vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:545-555. [PMID: 32258217 PMCID: PMC7114622 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors selected from capsid libraries present enormous advantages in high selectivity of tissue tropism and their potential use in human gene therapy applications. For example, rAAV-LK03, was used in a gene therapy trial for hemophilia A (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03003533). However, high doses in patients resulted in severe adverse events and subsequent loss of factor VIII (FVIII) expression. Thus, additional strategies are needed to enhance the transduction efficiency of capsid library-derived rAAV vectors such that improved clinical efficacy can be achieved at low vector doses. In this study, we characterized two commonly used library-derived rAAV vectors, rAAV-DJ and rAAV-LK03. It was concluded that rAAV-DJ shared similar transport pathways (e.g., cell surface binding, endocytosis-dependent internalization, and cytoplasmic trafficking) with rAAV serotype 2, while rAAV-LK03 and rAAV serotype 3 shared similar transport pathways. We then performed site-directed mutagenesis of surface-exposed tyrosine (Y), serine (S), aspartic acid (D), and tryptophan (W) residues on rAAV-DJ and rAAV-LK03 capsids. Our results demonstrated that rAAV-DJ-S269T and rAAV-LK03-Y705+731F variants had significantly enhanced transduction efficiency compared to wild-type counterparts. Our studies suggest that the strategy of site-directed mutagenesis should be applicable to other non-natural AAV variants for their optimal use in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gai Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yilin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qingyun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jinyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chenghui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Nikea Pittman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sixian Qi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Fa-Xing Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
- Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Chen Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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17
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Prodinger C, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Laimer M. Epidermolysis bullosa: Advances in research and treatment. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:1176-1189. [PMID: 31140655 PMCID: PMC6900197 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is the umbrella term for a group of rare inherited skin fragility disorders caused by mutations in at least 20 different genes. There is no cure for any of the subtypes of EB resulting from different mutations, and current therapy only focuses on the management of wounds and pain. Novel effective therapeutic approaches are therefore urgently required. Strategies include gene-, protein- and cell-based therapies. This review discusses molecular procedures currently under investigation at the EB House Austria, a designated Centre of Expertise implemented in the European Reference Network for Rare and Undiagnosed Skin Diseases. Current clinical research activities at the EB House Austria include newly developed candidate substances that have emerged out of our translational research initiatives as well as already commercially available medications that are applied in off-licensed indications. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major cause of death in severe forms of EB. We are evaluating immunotherapy using an anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody as a palliative treatment option for locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the skin unresponsive to previous systemic therapy. In addition, we are evaluating topical calcipotriol and topical diacerein as potential agents to improve the healing of skin wounds in EBS patients. Finally, the review will highlight the recent advancements of gene therapy development for EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Prodinger
- EB House AustriaResearch Program for Molecular Therapy of GenodermatosesDepartment of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Julia Reichelt
- Department of DermatologyVenereology and Allergology, Medical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Johann W. Bauer
- EB House AustriaResearch Program for Molecular Therapy of GenodermatosesDepartment of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Martin Laimer
- EB House AustriaResearch Program for Molecular Therapy of GenodermatosesDepartment of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
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18
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Marinkovich MP, Tang JY. Gene Therapy for Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:1221-1226. [PMID: 31068252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa is a family of diseases characterized by blistering and fragility of the skin in response to mechanical trauma. Advances in our understanding of epidermolysis bullosa pathophysiology have provided the necessary foundation for the first clinical trials of gene therapy for junctional and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. These therapies show that gene therapy is both safe and effective, with the potential to correct the molecular and clinical phenotype of patients with epidermolysis bullosa. Improvements in gene delivery and in preventing immune reactions will be among the challenges that lie ahead during further therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Peter Marinkovich
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Dermatology, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - Jean Y Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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19
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CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for genodermatoses: progress and perspectives. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:313-326. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20180148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Genodermatoses constitute a clinically heterogeneous group of devastating genetic skin disorders. Currently, therapy options are largely limited to symptomatic treatments and although significant advances have been made in ex vivo gene therapy strategies, various limitations remain. However, the recent technical transformation of the genome editing field promises to overcome the hurdles associated with conventional gene addition approaches. In this review, we discuss the need for developing novel treatments and describe the current status of gene editing for genodermatoses, focusing on a severe blistering disease called epidermolysis bullosa (EB), for which significant progress has been made. Initial research utilized engineered nucleases such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases and meganucleases. However, over the last few years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) have upstaged older generation gene editing tools. We examine different strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 application that can be employed depending on the type and position of the mutation as well as the mode of its inheritance. Promising developments in the field of base editing opens new avenues for precise correction of single base substitutions, common in EB and other genodermatoses. We also address the potential limitations and challenges such as safety concerns and delivery efficiency. This review gives an insight into the future of gene editing technologies for genodermatoses.
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20
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Katada Y, Kobayashi K, Tsubota K, Kurihara T. Evaluation of AAV-DJ vector for retinal gene therapy. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6317. [PMID: 30671314 PMCID: PMC6339780 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The most common virus vector used in gene therapy research for ophthalmologic diseases is the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, which has been used successfully in a number of preclinical and clinical studies. It is important to evaluate novel AAV vectors in animal models for application of clinical gene therapy. The AAV-DJ (type 2/type 8/type 9 chimera) was engineered from shuffling eight different wild-type native viruses. In this study, we investigated the efficiency of gene transfer by AAV-DJ injections into the retina. Methods One microliter of AAV-2-CAGGS-EGFP or AAV-DJ-CAGGS-EGFP vector at a titer of 1.4 × 10e12 vg/ml was injected intravitreally or subretinally in each eye of C57BL/6 mice. We evaluated the transduction characteristics of AAV-2 and -DJ vectors using fluorescence microscopy and electroretinography. Results The results confirmed that AAV-DJ could deeply transfer gene to photoreceptor layer with intravitreal injection and has an efficient gene transfer to various cell types especially the Mueller cells in the retina. Retinal function was not affected by AAV-DJ infection or ectopic EGFP expression. Conclusions The AAV-DJ vector efficiently induces the reporter gene in both the inner and outer murine retina without functional toxicity. These data indicated that the AAV-DJ vector is a useful tool for the gene therapy research targeting retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Katada
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Photobiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Photobiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Benati D, Miselli F, Cocchiarella F, Patrizi C, Carretero M, Baldassarri S, Ammendola V, Has C, Colloca S, Del Rio M, Larcher F, Recchia A. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated In Situ Correction of LAMB3 Gene in Keratinocytes Derived from a Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Patient. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2592-2603. [PMID: 30122422 PMCID: PMC6224783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of basement membrane heterotrimeric laminin 332 component, coded by LAMA3, LAMB3, and LAMC2 genes, causes junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), a severe skin adhesion defect. Herein, we report the first application of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology direct repair (HDR) to in situ restore LAMB3 expression in JEB keratinocytes in vitro and in immunodeficient mice transplanted with genetically corrected skin equivalents. We packaged an adenovector carrying Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) tailored to the intron 2 of LAMB3 gene and an integration defective lentiviral vector bearing a promoterless quasi-complete LAMB3 cDNA downstream a splice acceptor site and flanked by homology arms. Upon genuine HDR, we exploited the in vitro adhesion advantage of laminin 332 production to positively select LAMB3-expressing keratinocytes. HDR and restored laminin 332 expression were evaluated at single-cell level. Notably, monoallelic-targeted integration of LAMB3 cDNA was sufficient to in vitro recapitulate the adhesive property, the colony formation typical of normal keratinocytes, as well as their cell growth. Grafting of genetically corrected skin equivalents onto immunodeficient mice showed a completely restored dermal-epidermal junction. This study provides evidence for efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in situ restoration of LAMB3 expression, paving the way for ex vivo clinical application of this strategy to laminin 332 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Benati
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Miselli
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabienne Cocchiarella
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clarissa Patrizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marta Carretero
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER (Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases), Madrid, Spain; Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha Baldassarri
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Marcela Del Rio
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER (Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases), Madrid, Spain; Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT-CIBERER (Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases), Madrid, Spain; Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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22
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De Rosa L, Koller U, Bauer JW, De Luca M, Reichelt J. Advances on potential therapeutic options for epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1463216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Rosa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari”, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, University Hospital of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W. Bauer
- EB House Austria, University Hospital of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michele De Luca
- Center for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari”, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Julia Reichelt
- EB House Austria, University Hospital of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Hynds RE, Bonfanti P, Janes SM. Regenerating human epithelia with cultured stem cells: feeder cells, organoids and beyond. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 10:139-150. [PMID: 29288165 PMCID: PMC5801505 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 40 years ago, Howard Green's laboratory developed a method for long-term expansion of primary human epidermal keratinocytes by co-culture with 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. This was a breakthrough for in vitro cultivation of cells from human skin and later for other epithelia: it led to the first stem cell therapy using cultured cells and has vastly increased our understanding of epithelial stem cell biology. In recent years, new methods to expand epithelial cells as three-dimensional organoids have provided novel means to investigate the functions of these cells in health and disease. Here, we outline the history of stratified epithelial stem cell culture and the application of cultured epithelial cells in clinical therapies. We further discuss the derivation of organoids from other types of epithelia and the challenges that remain for the translation of novel stem cell therapies toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Hynds
- Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- CRUK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sam M Janes
- Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
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24
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Therapies for genetic extracellular matrix diseases of the skin. Matrix Biol 2017; 71-72:330-347. [PMID: 29274938 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A specialized, highly developed dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) provides the skin with its unique mechano-resilient properties and is vital for organ function. Accordingly, genetically acquired deficiency of dermal ECM proteins or proteins essential for the post-translational modification and homeostasis of the dermal ECM, results in diseases affecting the skin. Some of these diseases are lethal or lead to severe complications for the affected individuals. At present limited efficient and evidence-based treatment options exist for genetic ECM diseases of the skin. There is thus a high unmet medical need, creating an urgent demand to develop improved care for these diseases. Here, by drawing examples from the wealth of research on epidermolysis bullosa, we present the current status of biological and small molecule therapies for genetic ECM diseases with skin manifestations. We discuss challenges, and using existing data to propose strategies and future directions allowing development of more efficacious therapies and advancement of them into clinical practice.
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25
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Bachtarzi H. Ex vivo and in vivo genome editing: a regulatory scientific framework from early development to clinical implementation. Regen Med 2017; 12:1015-1030. [PMID: 29243558 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2017-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in human genome science have paved the way to a new class of human gene therapies based on gene editing, with the potential to provide a long-lasting curative strategy for many debilitating and complex disorders, for which there is an unmet medical need. Therapeutic genome editing encompasses both ex vivo and in vivo gene correction modalities, for which similar and also application-specific considerations apply, which dictate the overall strategy to be followed from a scientific, clinical and regulatory perspective. Here, the major regulatory barriers to successful clinical implementation are discussed, together with the key issues to be considered for generating safe (minimizing risks of tumorigenesis and off-target effects) and effective gene editing-based medicines for application in regenerative medicine.
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26
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Guitart JR, Johnson JL, Chien WW. Research Techniques Made Simple: The Application of CRISPR-Cas9 and Genome Editing in Investigative Dermatology. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 136:e87-e93. [PMID: 27542298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Designer nucleases have gained widespread attention for their ability to precisely modify genomic DNA in a programmable manner. These genome-editing nucleases make double-stranded breaks at specified loci, and desired changes can be made to modify, ablate, or excise target genes. This technology has been used widely to develop human disease models in laboratory animals and to study gene functions by silencing, activating, or modifying them. Furthermore, the recent discovery of a bacterially derived programmable nuclease termed clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) has revolutionized the field because of its versatility and wide applicability. In this article, we discuss various modalities used to achieve genome editing with an emphasis on CRISPR-Cas9. We discuss genome-editing strategies to either repair or ablate target genes, with emphasis on their applications for investigating dermatological diseases. Additionally, we highlight preclinical studies showing the potential of genome editing as a therapy for congenital blistering diseases and as an antimicrobial agent, and we discuss limitations and future directions of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Ramon Guitart
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Jodi L Johnson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wade W Chien
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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27
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Valdmanis PN, Kay MA. Future of rAAV Gene Therapy: Platform for RNAi, Gene Editing, and Beyond. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:361-372. [PMID: 28073291 PMCID: PMC5399734 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) ushered in a new millennium of gene transfer for therapeutic treatment of a number of conditions, including congenital blindness, hemophilia, and spinal muscular atrophy. rAAV vectors have remarkable staying power from a therapeutic standpoint, withstanding several ebbs and flows. As new technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat genome editing emerge, it is now the delivery tool-the AAV vector-that is the stalwart. The long-standing safety of this vector in a multitude of clinical settings makes rAAV a selling point in the advancement of approaches for gene replacement, gene knockdown, gene editing, and genome modification/engineering. The research community is building on these advances to develop more tailored delivery approaches and to tweak the genome in new and unique ways. Intertwining these approaches with newly engineered rAAV vectors is greatly expanding the available tools to manipulate gene expression with a therapeutic intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N. Valdmanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mark A. Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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28
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Nyström A, Bornert O, Kühl T. Cell therapy for basement membrane-linked diseases. Matrix Biol 2016; 57-58:124-139. [PMID: 27609402 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For most disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding basement membrane (BM) proteins, there are at present only limited treatment options available. Genetic BM-linked disorders can be viewed as especially suited for treatment with cell-based therapy approaches because the proteins that need to be restored are located in the extracellular space. In consequence, complete and permanent engraftment of cells does not necessarily have to occur to achieve substantial causal therapeutic effects. For these disorders cells can be used as transient vehicles for protein replacement. In addition, it is becoming evident that BM-linked genetic disorders are modified by secondary diseases mechanisms. Cell-based therapies have also the ability to target such disease modifying mechanisms. Thus, cell therapies can simultaneously provide causal treatment and symptomatic relief, and accordingly hold great potential for treatment of BM-linked disorders. However, this potential has for most applications and diseases so far not been realized. Here, we will present the state of cell therapies for BM-linked diseases. We will discuss use of both pluripotent and differentiated cells, the limitation of the approaches, their challenges, and the way forward to potential wider implementation of cell therapies in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kühl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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29
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Jakobsen M, Askou AL, Stenderup K, Rosada C, Dagnæs-Hansen F, Jensen TG, Corydon TJ, Mikkelsen JG, Aagaard L. Robust Lentiviral Gene Delivery But Limited Transduction Capacity of Commonly Used Adeno-Associated Viral Serotypes in Xenotransplanted Human Skin. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2016. [PMID: 26204415 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin is an easily accessible organ, and therapeutic gene transfer to skin remains an attractive alternative for the treatment of skin diseases. Although we have previously documented potent lentiviral gene delivery to human skin, vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) rank among the most promising gene delivery tools for in vivo purposes. Thus, we compared the potential usefulness of various serotypes of recombinant AAV vectors and lentiviral vectors for gene transfer to human skin in a xenotransplanted mouse model. Vector constructs encoding firefly luciferase were packaged in AAV capsids of serotype 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9 and separately administered by intradermal injection in human skin transplants. For all serotypes, live bioimaging demonstrated low levels of transgene expression in the human skin graft, and firefly luciferase expression was observed primarily in neighboring tissue outside of the graft. In contrast, gene delivery by intradermally injected lentiviral vectors was efficient and led to extensive and persistent firefly luciferase expression within the human skin graft only. The study demonstrates the limited capacity of single-stranded AAV vectors of six commonly used serotypes for gene delivery to human skin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jakobsen
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Denmark .,2 Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University , Denmark
| | | | - Karin Stenderup
- 3 Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Rosada
- 3 Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Lars Aagaard
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Denmark
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30
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Novelli F, Lena AM, Panatta E, Nasser W, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Candi E, Melino G. Allele-specific silencing of EEC p63 mutant R304W restores p63 transcriptional activity. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2227. [PMID: 27195674 PMCID: PMC4917656 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
EEC (ectrodactily-ectodermal dysplasia and cleft lip/palate) syndrome is a rare genetic disease, autosomal dominant inherited. It is part of the ectodermal dysplasia disorders caused by heterozygous mutations in TP63 gene. EEC patients present limb malformations, orofacial clefting, skin and skin's appendages defects, ocular abnormalities. The transcription factor p63, encoded by TP63, is a master gene for the commitment of ectodermal-derived tissues, being expressed in the apical ectodermal ridge is critical for vertebrate limb formation and, at a later stage, for skin and skin's appendages development. The ΔNp63α isoform is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells and it is indispensable for preserving the self-renewal capacity of adult stem cells and to engage specific epithelial differentiation programs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a potential therapy approach for EEC patients by selectively silencing the mutant allele. Here, using a systemic screening based on a dual-luciferase reported gene assay, we have successfully identified specific siRNAs for repressing the EEC-causing p63 mutant, R304W. Upon siRNA treatment, we were able to restore ΔNp63-WT allele transcriptional function in induced pluripotent stem cells that were derived from EEC patient biopsy. This study demonstrates that siRNAs approach is promising and, may pave the way for curing/delaying major symptoms, such as cornea degeneration and skin erosions in young EEC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Novelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - A M Lena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - E Panatta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - W Nasser
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - R Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - E Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - G Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, Leicester University, Hodgkin Building, Leicester, UK
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31
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Gene Editing for the Efficient Correction of a Recurrent COL7A1 Mutation in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Keratinocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e307. [PMID: 27045209 PMCID: PMC5014520 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clonal gene therapy protocols based on the precise manipulation of epidermal stem cells require highly efficient gene-editing molecular tools. We have combined adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of donor template DNA with transcription activator-like nucleases (TALE) expressed by adenoviral vectors to address the correction of the c.6527insC mutation in the COL7A1 gene, causing recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in a high percentage of Spanish patients. After transduction with these viral vectors, high frequencies of homology-directed repair were found in clones of keratinocytes derived from a recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient homozygous for the c.6527insC mutation. Gene-edited clones recovered the expression of the COL7A1 transcript and collagen VII protein at physiological levels. In addition, treatment of patient keratinocytes with TALE nucleases in the absence of a donor template DNA resulted in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated indel generation in the vicinity of the c.6527insC mutation site in a large proportion of keratinocyte clones. A subset of these indels restored the reading frame of COL7A1 and resulted in abundant, supraphysiological expression levels of mutant or truncated collagen VII protein. Keratinocyte clones corrected both by homology-directed repair (HDR) or NHEJ were used to regenerate skin displaying collagen VII in the dermo-epidermal junction.
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32
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Meganuclease-Mediated COL7A1 Gene Correction for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:872-875. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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33
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Dopamine/Tyrosine Hydroxylase Neurons of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Release GABA, Communicate with Dopaminergic and Other Arcuate Neurons, and Respond to Dynorphin, Met-Enkephalin, and Oxytocin. J Neurosci 2016; 35:14966-82. [PMID: 26558770 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0293-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED We employ transgenic mice with selective expression of tdTomato or cre recombinase together with optogenetics to investigate whether hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) dopamine/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons interact with other ARC neurons, how they respond to hypothalamic neuropeptides, and to test whether these cells constitute a single homogeneous population. Immunostaining with dopamine and TH antisera was used to corroborate targeted transgene expression. Using whole-cell recording on a large number of neurons (n = 483), two types of neurons with different electrophysiological properties were identified in the dorsomedial ARC where 94% of TH neurons contained immunoreactive dopamine: bursting and nonbursting neurons. In contrast to rat, the regular oscillations of mouse bursting neurons depend on a mechanism involving both T-type calcium and A-type potassium channel activation, but are independent of gap junction coupling. Optogenetic stimulation using cre recombinase-dependent ChIEF-AAV-DJ expressed in ARC TH neurons evoked postsynaptic GABA currents in the majority of neighboring dopamine and nondopamine neurons, suggesting for the first time substantial synaptic projections from ARC TH cells to other ARC neurons. Numerous met-enkephalin (mENK) and dynorphin-immunoreactive boutons appeared to contact ARC TH neurons. mENK inhibited both types of TH neuron through G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium currents mediated by δ and μ opioid receptors. Dynorphin-A inhibited both bursting and nonbursting TH neurons by activating κ receptors. Oxytocin excited both bursting and nonbursting neurons. These results reveal a complexity of TH neurons that communicate extensively with neurons within the ARC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we show that the great majority of mouse hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurons that synthesize TH in the dorsomedial ARC also contain immunoreactive dopamine, and show either bursting or nonbursting electrical activity. Unlike rats, the mechanism underlying bursting was not dependent on gap junctions but required T-type calcium and A-type potassium channel activation. Neuropeptides dynorphin and met-enkephalin inhibited dopamine neurons, whereas oxytocin excited them. Most ventrolateral ARC TH cells did not contain dopamine and did not show bursting electrical activity. TH-containing neurons appeared to release synaptic GABA within the ARC onto dopamine neurons and unidentified neurons, suggesting that the cells not only control pituitary hormones but also may modulate nearby neurons.
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34
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Maeder ML, Gersbach CA. Genome-editing Technologies for Gene and Cell Therapy. Mol Ther 2016; 24:430-46. [PMID: 26755333 PMCID: PMC4786923 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 410] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has historically been defined as the addition of new genes to human cells. However, the recent advent of genome-editing technologies has enabled a new paradigm in which the sequence of the human genome can be precisely manipulated to achieve a therapeutic effect. This includes the correction of mutations that cause disease, the addition of therapeutic genes to specific sites in the genome, and the removal of deleterious genes or genome sequences. This review presents the mechanisms of different genome-editing strategies and describes each of the common nuclease-based platforms, including zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), meganucleases, and the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We then summarize the progress made in applying genome editing to various areas of gene and cell therapy, including antiviral strategies, immunotherapies, and the treatment of monogenic hereditary disorders. The current challenges and future prospects for genome editing as a transformative technology for gene and cell therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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35
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Mao Y, Wang X, Yan R, Hu W, Li A, Wang S, Li H. Single point mutation in adeno-associated viral vectors -DJ capsid leads to improvement for gene delivery in vivo. BMC Biotechnol 2016; 16:1. [PMID: 26729248 PMCID: PMC4700607 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-015-0230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rational design of AAV capsids is a simple method for enhancing AAV transduction efficiency. AAV-DJ is a highly recombinogenic hybrid vector created from DNA shuffling of eight AAV serotypes, which mediates efficient gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. AAV2 and AAV8 are the closest parental vectors of AAV-DJ and it has been reported that mutations on the 137/251/503 ubiquitination or phosphorylation sites of the AAV2 or AAV8 capsid lead to dramatic enhancement of gene delivery. Here, we aimed to find out whether the same point mutations on the AAV-DJ capsid could lead to significant improvement for gene delivery both in vitro and in vivo. Results We constructed three single point mutants (K137R/T251A/S503A) of AAV-DJ and the transduction efficiency of these mutants and AAV-DJ were investigated using two reporter gene systems including green fluorescent protein (GFP) and dual-luciferase (Gaussia luciferase and Firefly luciferase). Data indicated that single point mutations T251A/S503A lead to significant improvement of dual-luciferase expression in vivo after tail vein (TV) injection in mice respectively, despite limited enhancement of GFP expression in 293 T, Hela and HepG2 cells in vitro. Moreover, in vivo bioluminescence image and viral genome DNA copy number in tissue analysis showed that these mutants reserved the liver tropism characteristics, consistent with AAV-DJ. Conclusion Single point mutations on the 251/503 sites of AAV-DJ capsid can lead to a significant improvement for in vivo gene expression. These enhanced AAV vectors have great potential in gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Mao
- School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Renhe Yan
- School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shengqi Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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36
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Lai M, Pifferi M, Bush A, Piras M, Michelucci A, Di Cicco M, del Grosso A, Quaranta P, Cursi C, Tantillo E, Franceschi S, Mazzanti MC, Simi P, Saggese G, Boner A, Pistello M. Gene editing ofDNAH11restores normal cilia motility in primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Med Genet 2016; 53:242-9. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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37
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Li J, Sen GL. Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis. J Vis Exp 2015:e53280. [PMID: 26709715 DOI: 10.3791/53280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Organotypic cultures allow the reconstitution of a 3D environment critical for cell-cell contact and cell-matrix interactions which mimics the function and physiology of their in vivo tissue counterparts. This is exemplified by organotypic skin cultures which faithfully recapitulates the epidermal differentiation and stratification program. Primary human epidermal keratinocytes are genetically manipulable through retroviruses where genes can be easily overexpressed or knocked down. These genetically modified keratinocytes can then be used to regenerate human epidermis in organotypic skin cultures providing a powerful model to study genetic pathways impacting epidermal growth, differentiation, and disease progression. The protocols presented here describe methods to prepare devitalized human dermis as well as to genetically manipulate primary human keratinocytes in order to generate organotypic skin cultures. Regenerated human skin can be used in downstream applications such as gene expression profiling, immunostaining, and chromatin immunoprecipitations followed by high throughput sequencing. Thus, generation of these genetically modified organotypic skin cultures will allow the determination of genes that are critical for maintaining skin homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingting Li
- Department of Dermatology, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego
| | - George L Sen
- Department of Dermatology, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego;
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38
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Karnan S, Ota A, Konishi Y, Wahiduzzaman M, Hosokawa Y, Konishi H. Improved methods of AAV-mediated gene targeting for human cell lines using ribosome-skipping 2A peptide. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:e54. [PMID: 26657635 PMCID: PMC4824082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based targeting vector has been one of the tools commonly used for genome modification in human cell lines. It allows for relatively efficient gene targeting associated with 1–4-log higher ratios of homologous-to-random integration of targeting vectors (H/R ratios) than plasmid-based targeting vectors, without actively introducing DNA double-strand breaks. In this study, we sought to improve the efficiency of AAV-mediated gene targeting by introducing a 2A-based promoter-trap system into targeting constructs. We generated three distinct AAV-based targeting vectors carrying 2A for promoter trapping, each targeting a GFP-based reporter module incorporated into the genome, PIGA exon 6 or PIGA intron 5. The absolute gene targeting efficiencies and H/R ratios attained using these vectors were assessed in multiple human cell lines and compared with those attained using targeting vectors carrying internal ribosome entry site (IRES) for promoter trapping. We found that the use of 2A for promoter trapping increased absolute gene targeting efficiencies by 3.4–28-fold and H/R ratios by 2–5-fold compared to values obtained with IRES. In CRISPR-Cas9-assisted gene targeting using plasmid-based targeting vectors, the use of 2A did not enhance the H/R ratios but did upregulate the absolute gene targeting efficiencies compared to the use of IRES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivasundaram Karnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Akinobu Ota
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yuko Konishi
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Md Wahiduzzaman
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hosokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konishi
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
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39
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Long-term skin regeneration from a gene-targeted human epidermal stem cell clone. Mol Ther 2015; 22:1878-80. [PMID: 25365983 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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40
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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: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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.
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Lisowski L, Tay SS, Alexander IE. Adeno-associated virus serotypes for gene therapeutics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:59-67. [PMID: 26291407 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene transfer vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are showing exciting therapeutic promise in early phase clinical trials. The ability to cross-package the prototypic AAV2 vector genome into different capsids is a powerful way of conferring novel tropism and biology, with evolving capsid engineering technologies and directed evolution approaches further enhancing the utility and flexibility of these vectors. Novel properties of specific capsids show unpredictable species and cell-type specificity. Therefore, full realisation of the therapeutic potential of AAV vectors requires the development of more therapeutically predictive preclinical methods for evaluating capsid performance. This will strongly complement an iterative approach to the evaluation of capsid variants in the clinic and, should wherever possible, include the determination of gene transfer efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Lisowski
- Gene Transfer, Targeting and Therapeutics Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Szun Szun Tay
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Edward Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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42
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Sebastiano V, Zhen HH, Haddad B, Derafshi BH, Bashkirova E, Melo SP, Wang P, Leung TL, Siprashvili Z, Tichy A, Li J, Ameen M, Hawkins J, Lee S, Li L, Schwertschkow A, Bauer G, Lisowski L, Kay MA, Kim SK, Lane AT, Wernig M, Oro AE. Human COL7A1-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Sci Transl Med 2015; 6:264ra163. [PMID: 25429056 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3009540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) lack functional type VII collagen owing to mutations in the gene COL7A1 and suffer severe blistering and chronic wounds that ultimately lead to infection and development of lethal squamous cell carcinoma. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the ability to edit the genome bring the possibility to provide definitive genetic therapy through corrected autologous tissues. We generated patient-derived COL7A1-corrected epithelial keratinocyte sheets for autologous grafting. We demonstrate the utility of sequential reprogramming and adenovirus-associated viral genome editing to generate corrected iPSC banks. iPSC-derived keratinocytes were produced with minimal heterogeneity, and these cells secreted wild-type type VII collagen, resulting in stratified epidermis in vitro in organotypic cultures and in vivo in mice. Sequencing of corrected cell lines before tissue formation revealed heterogeneity of cancer-predisposing mutations, allowing us to select COL7A1-corrected banks with minimal mutational burden for downstream epidermis production. Our results provide a clinical platform to use iPSCs in the treatment of debilitating genodermatoses, such as RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Sebastiano
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hanson Hui Zhen
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Bahareh Haddad Derafshi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizaveta Bashkirova
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sandra P Melo
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas L Leung
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zurab Siprashvili
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrea Tichy
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jiang Li
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mohammed Ameen
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John Hawkins
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Susie Lee
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lingjie Li
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aaron Schwertschkow
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Gerhard Bauer
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Seung K Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alfred T Lane
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Anthony E Oro
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Abstract
In the past few years, substantial preclinical and experimental advances have been made in the treatment of the severe monogenic skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Promising approaches have been developed in the fields of protein and cell therapies, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation; in addition, the application of gene therapy approaches has become reality. The first ex vivo gene therapy for a junctional EB (JEB) patient was performed in Italy more than 8 years ago and was shown to be effective. We have now continued this approach for an Austrian JEB patient. Further, clinical trials for a gene therapy treatment of recessive dystrophic EB are currently under way in the United States and in Europe. In this review, we aim to point out that sustainable correction of autologous keratinocytes by stable genomic integration of a therapeutic gene represents a realistic option for patients with EB.
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44
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Molecular architecture and function of the hemidesmosome. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 360:529-44. [PMID: 26017636 PMCID: PMC4452579 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2216-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hemidesmosomes are multiprotein complexes that facilitate the stable adhesion of basal epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane. The mechanical stability of hemidesmosomes relies on multiple interactions of a few protein components that form a membrane-embedded tightly-ordered complex. The core of this complex is provided by integrin α6β4 and P1a, an isoform of the cytoskeletal linker protein plectin that is specifically associated with hemidesmosomes. Integrin α6β4 binds to the extracellular matrix protein laminin-332, whereas P1a forms a bridge to the cytoplasmic keratin intermediate filament network. Other important components are BPAG1e, the epithelial isoform of bullous pemphigoid antigen 1, BPAG2, a collagen-type transmembrane protein and CD151. Inherited or acquired diseases in which essential components of the hemidesmosome are missing or structurally altered result in tissue fragility and blistering. Modulation of hemidesmosome function is of crucial importance for a variety of biological processes, such as terminal differentiation of basal keratinocytes and keratinocyte migration during wound healing and carcinoma invasion. Here, we review the molecular characteristics of the proteins that make up the hemidesmosome core structure and summarize the current knowledge about how their assembly and turnover are regulated by transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms.
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45
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Has C, Kiritsi D. Therapies for inherited skin fragility disorders. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:325-31. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology; Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Dimitra Kiritsi
- Department of Dermatology; Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
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46
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From marrow to matrix: novel gene and cell therapies for epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:987-992. [PMID: 25803200 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa encompasses a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that range from mild to lethal. There is no cure, and current treatment is limited to palliative care that is largely ineffective in treating the systemic, life-threatening pathology associated with the most severe forms of the disease. Although allogeneic cell- and protein-based therapies have shown promise, both novel and combinatorial approaches will undoubtedly be required to totally alleviate the disorder. Progress in the development of next-generation therapies that synergize targeted gene-correction and induced pluripotent stem cell technologies offers exciting prospects for personalized, off-the-shelf treatment options that could avoid many of the limitations associated with current allogeneic cell-based therapies. Although no single therapeutic avenue has achieved complete success, each has substantially increased our collective understanding of the complex biology underlying the disease, both providing mechanistic insights and uncovering new hurdles that must be overcome.
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48
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Abstract
The ability to remove blood cells, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), from a person and then re-transplant them (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-established treatment paradigm that can be used in both the autologous setting or in the allogeneic setting. Using allogeneic HSCT can cure different genetic diseases of the blood but has significant limitations. An alternative to allogeneic HSCT is to transplant genetically modified HSCs instead. A powerful approach to the precision modification of HSCs is to use genome editing whereby the genome is modified with spatial precision (at an exact location) in the genome and sometimes with nucleotide precision (the exact nucleotide changes are introduced). The progress and challenges of genome editing of blood are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Porteus
- Dept. of Pediatrics MC5462, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305,
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49
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Molecular architecture and function of the hemidesmosome. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 360:363-78. [PMID: 25487405 PMCID: PMC4544487 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hemidesmosomes are multiprotein complexes that facilitate the stable adhesion of basal epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane. The mechanical stability of hemidesmosomes relies on multiple interactions of a few protein components that form a membrane-embedded tightly-ordered complex. The core of this complex is provided by integrin α6β4 and P1a, an isoform of the cytoskeletal linker protein plectin that is specifically associated with hemidesmosomes. Integrin α6β4 binds to the extracellular matrix protein laminin-332, whereas P1a forms a bridge to the cytoplasmic keratin intermediate filament network. Other important components are BPAG1e, the epithelial isoform of bullous pemphigoid antigen 1, BPAG2, a collagen-type transmembrane protein and CD151. Inherited or acquired diseases in which essential components of the hemidesmosome are missing or structurally altered result in tissue fragility and blistering. Modulation of hemidesmosome function is of crucial importance for a variety of biological processes, such as terminal differentiation of basal keratinocytes and keratinocyte migration during wound healing and carcinoma invasion. Here, we review the molecular characteristics of the proteins that make up the hemidesmosome core structure and summarize the current knowledge about how their assembly and turnover are regulated by transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms.
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50
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Ahmed H, O'Toole EA. Recent advances in the genetics and management of harlequin ichthyosis. Pediatr Dermatol 2014; 31:539-46. [PMID: 24920541 DOI: 10.1111/pde.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is the most severe and devastating form of the autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCIs). Mutations in the ABCA12 gene result in disruption of intercellular lipid deposition in the stratum corneum and a major skin barrier defect. Patients present at birth, often premature, with cutaneous thick, yellow, hyperkeratotic plates with deep erythematous fissures, causing a typical facial appearance. Harlequin ichthyosis has often been considered to be fatal, and management tends to be palliative, but follow-up of 45 affected infants has shown that with good neonatal care and early introduction of oral retinoids, survival rates are improving. Because ABCA12 mutations have been identified, known carriers are able to undergo preventative preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing. Experimental studies have shown recovery of lipid secretion in lamellar granules using corrective gene therapy. Further research is needed to develop alternative therapies to retinoids in HI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hera Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust, Whitechapel, London, UK
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