1
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Cooney AL, Loza LM, Najdawi K, Brommel CM, McCray PB, Sinn PL. High ionic strength vector formulations enhance gene transfer to airway epithelia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576687. [PMID: 38328187 PMCID: PMC10849541 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy is ensuring sufficient transduction of airway epithelia to achieve therapeutic correction. Hypertonic saline (HTS) is frequently administered to people with CF to enhance mucus clearance. HTS transiently disrupts epithelial cell tight junctions, but its ability to improve gene transfer has not been investigated. Here we asked if increasing the concentration of NaCl enhances the transduction efficiency of three gene therapy vectors: adenovirus, AAV, and lentiviral vectors. Vectors formulated with 3-7% NaCl exhibited markedly increased transduction for all three platforms, leading to anion channel correction in primary cultures of human CF epithelial cells and enhanced gene transfer in mouse and pig airways in vivo. The mechanism of transduction enhancement involved tonicity but not osmolarity or pH. Formulating vectors with a high ionic strength solution is a simple strategy to greatly enhance efficacy and immediately improve preclinical or clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Cooney
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura Marquez Loza
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kenan Najdawi
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christian M. Brommel
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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3
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Hua WK, Hsu JC, Chen YC, Chang PS, Wen KLK, Wang PN, Yang WC, Shen CN, Yu YS, Chen YC, Cheng IC, Wu SCY. Quantum pBac: An effective, high-capacity piggyBac-based gene integration vector system for unlocking gene therapy potential. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23108. [PMID: 37534940 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201654r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in gene therapy have brought novel treatment options for cancer. However, the full potential of this approach has yet to be unlocked due to the limited payload capacity of commonly utilized viral vectors. Virus-free DNA transposons, including piggyBac, have the potential to obviate these shortcomings. In this study, we improved a previously modified piggyBac system with superior transposition efficiency. We demonstrated that the internal domain sequences (IDS) within the 3' terminal repeat domain of hyperactive piggyBac (hyPB) donor vector contain dominant enhancer elements. Plasmid-free donor vector devoid of IDS was used in conjunction with a helper plasmid expressing Quantum PBase™ v2 to generate an optimal piggyBac system, Quantum pBac™ (qPB), for use in T cells. qPB outperformed hyPB in CD20/CD19 CAR-T production in terms of performance as well as yield of the CAR-T cells produced. Furthermore, qPB also produced CAR-T cells with lower donor-associated variabilities compared to lentiviral vector. Importantly, qPB yielded mainly CD8+ CAR-TSCM cells, and the qPB-produced CAR-T cells effectively eliminated CD20/CD19-expressing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings confirm qPB as a promising virus-free vector system with an enhanced payload capacity to incorporate multiple genes. This highly efficient and potentially safe system will be expected to further advance gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Kai Hua
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Jeff C Hsu
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Peter S Chang
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | | | - Po-Nan Wang
- Division of Hematology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chia-Ning Shen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Yi-Shan Yu
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - Ying-Chun Chen
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
| | - I-Cheng Cheng
- GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC
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4
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Wang Z, Zhu S, Jia Y, Wang Y, Kubota N, Fujiwara N, Gordillo R, Lewis C, Zhu M, Sharma T, Li L, Zeng Q, Lin YH, Hsieh MH, Gopal P, Wang T, Hoare M, Campbell P, Hoshida Y, Zhu H. Positive selection of somatically mutated clones identifies adaptive pathways in metabolic liver disease. Cell 2023; 186:1968-1984.e20. [PMID: 37040760 PMCID: PMC10321862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations in nonmalignant tissues accumulate with age and injury, but whether these mutations are adaptive on the cellular or organismal levels is unclear. To interrogate genes in human metabolic disease, we performed lineage tracing in mice harboring somatic mosaicism subjected to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Proof-of-concept studies with mosaic loss of Mboat7, a membrane lipid acyltransferase, showed that increased steatosis accelerated clonal disappearance. Next, we induced pooled mosaicism in 63 known NASH genes, allowing us to trace mutant clones side by side. This in vivo tracing platform, which we coined MOSAICS, selected for mutations that ameliorate lipotoxicity, including mutant genes identified in human NASH. To prioritize new genes, additional screening of 472 candidates identified 23 somatic perturbations that promoted clonal expansion. In validation studies, liver-wide deletion of Tbx3, Bcl6, or Smyd2 resulted in protection against hepatic steatosis. Selection for clonal fitness in mouse and human livers identifies pathways that regulate metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Wang
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shijia Zhu
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuemeng Jia
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yunguan Wang
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Naoto Kubota
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ruth Gordillo
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Tissue Management Shared Resource, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Min Zhu
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tripti Sharma
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qiyu Zeng
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lin
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Meng-Hsiung Hsieh
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Purva Gopal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Matt Hoare
- University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; University of Cambridge Early Cancer Institute, Hutchison Research Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Peter Campbell
- Cancer Genome Project, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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5
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Wang Z, Zhu S, Jia Y, Wang Y, Kubota N, Fujiwara N, Gordillo R, Lewis C, Zhu M, Sharma T, Li L, Zeng Q, Lin YH, Hsieh MH, Gopal P, Wang T, Hoare M, Campbell P, Hoshida Y, Zhu H. Positive selection of somatically mutated clones identifies adaptive pathways in metabolic liver disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533505. [PMID: 36993727 PMCID: PMC10055219 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations in non-malignant tissues accumulate with age and insult, but whether these mutations are adaptive on the cellular or organismal levels is unclear. To interrogate mutations found in human metabolic disease, we performed lineage tracing in mice harboring somatic mosaicism subjected to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Proof-of-concept studies with mosaic loss of Mboat7 , a membrane lipid acyltransferase, showed that increased steatosis accelerated clonal disappearance. Next, we induced pooled mosaicism in 63 known NASH genes, allowing us to trace mutant clones side-by-side. This in vivo tracing platform, which we coined MOSAICS, selected for mutations that ameliorate lipotoxicity, including mutant genes identified in human NASH. To prioritize new genes, additional screening of 472 candidates identified 23 somatic perturbations that promoted clonal expansion. In validation studies, liver-wide deletion of Bcl6, Tbx3, or Smyd2 resulted in protection against NASH. Selection for clonal fitness in mouse and human livers identifies pathways that regulate metabolic disease. Highlights Mosaic Mboat7 mutations that increase lipotoxicity lead to clonal disappearance in NASH. In vivo screening can identify genes that alter hepatocyte fitness in NASH. Mosaic Gpam mutations are positively selected due to reduced lipogenesis. In vivo screening of transcription factors and epifactors identified new therapeutic targets in NASH.
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6
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Intranasal application of adeno-associated viruses: a systematic review. Transl Res 2022; 248:87-110. [PMID: 35597541 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) represent some of the most commonly employed vectors for targeted gene delivery and their extensive study has resulted in the approval of multiple gene therapies to treat human diseases. The intranasal route of vector application in gene therapy offers several advantages over traditional ways of administration. In addition to targeting local tissue like the olfactory epithelium, it provides minimally invasive access to various organ systems, including the central nervous system and the respiratory tract. Through a systematic literature review, a total of 53 articles that investigated the intranasal application of AAVs were identified, included, and summarized in this manuscript. Within these studies, AAV-based gene therapy was mainly investigated for its application in various infectious, pulmonary, or neurologic and/or psychiatric diseases. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the current technological state of the art regarding the intranasal application of AAVs for gene transfer and discusses remaining hurdles, which still have to be resolved before this approach can effectively be implemented in the routine clinical setting.
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7
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Application and Design of Switches Used in CAR. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121910. [PMID: 35741039 PMCID: PMC9221702 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many oncology therapies, few have generated as much excitement as CAR-T. The success of CAR therapy would not have been possible without the many discoveries that preceded it, most notably, the Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in cellular immunity. However, despite the fact that CAR-T already offers not only hope for development, but measurable results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, CAR-T still cannot be safely applied to solid tumors. The reason for this is, among other things, the lack of tumor-specific antigens which, in therapy, threatens to cause a lethal attack of lymphocytes on healthy cells. In the case of hematological malignancies, dangerous complications such as cytokine release syndrome may occur. Scientists have responded to these clinical challenges with molecular switches. They make it possible to remotely control CAR lymphocytes after they have already been administered to the patient. Moreover, they offer many additional capabilities. For example, they can be used to switch CAR antigenic specificity, create logic gates, or produce local activation under heat or light. They can also be coupled with costimulatory domains, used for the regulation of interleukin secretion, or to prevent CAR exhaustion. More complex modifications will probably require a combination of reprogramming (iPSc) technology with genome editing (CRISPR) and allogenic (off the shelf) CAR-T production.
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8
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Cooney AL, Wambach JA, Sinn PL, McCray PB. Gene Therapy Potential for Genetic Disorders of Surfactant Dysfunction. Front Genome Ed 2022; 3:785829. [PMID: 35098209 PMCID: PMC8798122 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.785829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary surfactant is critically important to prevent atelectasis by lowering the surface tension of the alveolar lining liquid. While respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is common in premature infants, severe RDS in term and late preterm infants suggests an underlying genetic etiology. Pathogenic variants in the genes encoding key components of pulmonary surfactant including surfactant protein B (SP-B, SFTPB gene), surfactant protein C (SP-C, SFTPC gene), and the ATP-Binding Cassette transporter A3 (ABCA3, ABCA3 gene) result in severe neonatal RDS or childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD). These proteins play essential roles in pulmonary surfactant biogenesis and are expressed in alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC2), the progenitor cell of the alveolar epithelium. SP-B deficiency most commonly presents in the neonatal period with severe RDS and requires lung transplantation for survival. SFTPC mutations act in an autosomal dominant fashion and more commonly presents with chILD or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis than neonatal RDS. ABCA3 deficiency often presents as neonatal RDS or chILD. Gene therapy is a promising option to treat monogenic lung diseases. Successes and challenges in developing gene therapies for genetic disorders of surfactant dysfunction include viral vector design and tropism for target cell types. In this review, we explore adeno-associated virus (AAV), lentiviral, and adenoviral (Ad)-based vectors as delivery vehicles. Both gene addition and gene editing strategies are compared to best design treatments for lung diseases resulting from pathogenic variants in the SFTPB, SFTPC, and ABCA3 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ashley L. Cooney,
| | - Jennifer A. Wambach
- Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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9
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Beckermann TM, Luo W, Wilson CM, Veach RA, Wilson MH. Cognate restriction of transposition by piggyBac-like proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8135-8144. [PMID: 34232995 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements have been harnessed for gene transfer for a wide variety of applications including generation of stable cell lines, recombinant protein production, creation of transgenic animals, and engineering cell and gene therapy products. The piggyBac transposon family includes transposase or transposase-like proteins from a variety of species including insect, bat and human. Recently, human piggyBac transposable element derived 5 (PGBD5) protein was reported to be able to transpose piggyBac transposons in human cells raising possible safety concerns for piggyBac-mediated gene transfer applications. We evaluated three piggyBac-like proteins across species including piggyBac (insect), piggyBat (bat) and PGBD5 (human) for their ability to mobilize piggyBac transposons in human cells. We observed a lack of cross-species transposition activity. piggyBac and piggyBat activity was restricted to their cognate transposons. PGBD5 was unable to mobilize piggyBac transposons based on excision, colony count and plasmid rescue analysis, and it was unable to bind piggyBac terminal repeats. Within the piggyBac family, we observed a lack of cross-species activity and found that PGBD5 was unable to bind, excise or integrate piggyBac transposons in human cells. Transposition activity appears restricted within species within the piggyBac family of mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Beckermann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Services, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Wentian Luo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Services, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Catherine M Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Veach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Services, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Matthew H Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Services, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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10
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Tissue and cell-type-specific transduction using rAAV vectors in lung diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1057-1071. [PMID: 34021360 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy of genetically determined diseases, including some pathologies of the respiratory system, requires an efficient method for transgene delivery. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors are well studied and employed in gene therapy, as they are relatively simple and low immunogenic and able to efficiently transduce eukaryotic cells. To date, many natural and artificial (with modified capsids) AAV serotypes have been isolated, demonstrating preferential tropism toward different tissues and cells in accordance with the prevalent receptors on the cell surface. However, rAAV-mediated delivery is not strictly specific due to wide tropism of some viral serotypes. Thus, the development of the methods allowing modulating specificity of these vectors could be beneficial in some cases. This review describes various approaches for retargeting rAAV to respiratory cells, for example, using different types of capsid modifications and regulation of a transgene expression by tissue-specific promoters. Part of the review is devoted to the issues of transduction of stem and progenitor lung cells using AAV, which is a complicated task today.
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11
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Allan KM, Farrow N, Donnelley M, Jaffe A, Waters SA. Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: From Gene- to Cell-Based Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:639475. [PMID: 33796025 PMCID: PMC8007963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.639475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) varies extensively despite recent advances in targeted therapies that improve CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Despite being a multi-organ disease, extensive lung tissue destruction remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Progress towards a curative treatment strategy that implements a CFTR gene addition-technology to the patients’ lungs has been slow and not yet developed beyond clinical trials. Improved delivery vectors are needed to overcome the body’s defense system and ensure an efficient and consistent clinical response before gene therapy is suitable for clinical care. Cell-based therapy–which relies on functional modification of allogenic or autologous cells ex vivo, prior to transplantation into the patient–is now a therapeutic reality for various diseases. For CF, pioneering research has demonstrated proof-of-principle for allogenic transplantation of cultured human airway stem cells into mouse airways. However, applying a cell-based therapy to the human airways has distinct challenges. We review CF gene therapies using viral and non-viral delivery strategies and discuss current advances towards autologous cell-based therapies. Progress towards identification, correction, and expansion of a suitable regenerative cell, as well as refinement of pre-cell transplant lung conditioning protocols is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin M Allan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nigel Farrow
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Brommel CM, Cooney AL, Sinn PL. Adeno-Associated Virus-Based Gene Therapy for Lifelong Correction of Genetic Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:985-995. [PMID: 32718227 PMCID: PMC7495917 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The list of successful gene therapy trials using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors continues to grow and includes a wide range of monogenic diseases. Replication incompetent AAV genomes typically remain episomal and expression dilutes as cells divide and die. Consequently, long-term transgene expression from AAV is best suited for quiescent cell types, such as retinal cells, myocytes, or neurons. For genetic diseases that involve cells with steady turnover, AAV-conferred correction may require routine readministration, where every dose carries the risk of developing an adaptive immune response that renders treatment ineffective. Here, we discuss innovative approaches to permanently modify the host genome using AAV-based platforms, thus potentially requiring only a single dose. Such approaches include using AAV delivery of DNA transposons, homologous recombination templates into safe harbors, and nucleases for targeting integration. In tissues with continual cell turnover, genetic modification of progenitor cell populations will help ensure persistent therapeutic outcomes. Combining the safety profile of AAV-based gene therapy vectors with the ability to integrate a therapeutic transgene creates novel solutions to the challenge of lifelong curative treatments for human genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L. Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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13
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A viral toolkit for recording transcription factor-DNA interactions in live mouse tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10003-10014. [PMID: 32300008 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918241117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) enact precise regulation of gene expression through site-specific, genome-wide binding. Common methods for TF-occupancy profiling, such as chromatin immunoprecipitation, are limited by requirement of TF-specific antibodies and provide only end-point snapshots of TF binding. Alternatively, TF-tagging techniques, in which a TF is fused to a DNA-modifying enzyme that marks TF-binding events across the genome as they occur, do not require TF-specific antibodies and offer the potential for unique applications, such as recording of TF occupancy over time and cell type specificity through conditional expression of the TF-enzyme fusion. Here, we create a viral toolkit for one such method, calling cards, and demonstrate that these reagents can be delivered to the live mouse brain and used to report TF occupancy. Further, we establish a Cre-dependent calling cards system and, in proof-of-principle experiments, show utility in defining cell type-specific TF profiles and recording and integrating TF-binding events across time. This versatile approach will enable unique studies of TF-mediated gene regulation in live animal models.
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14
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Singh BK, Cooney AL, Krishnamurthy S, Sinn PL. Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated siRNA Delivery, Protein Delivery, and CFTR Complementation in Well-Differentiated Human Airway Epithelial Cells. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040351. [PMID: 32224868 PMCID: PMC7230663 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a class of naturally occurring secreted cellular bodies that are involved in long distance cell-to-cell communication. Proteins, lipids, mRNA, and miRNA can be packaged into these vesicles and released from the cell. This information is then delivered to target cells. Since EVs are naturally adapted molecular messengers, they have emerged as an innovative, inexpensive, and robust method to deliver therapeutic cargo in vitro and in vivo. Well-differentiated primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAE) are refractory to standard transfection techniques. Indeed, common strategies used to overexpress or knockdown gene expression in immortalized cell lines simply have no detectable effect in HAE. Here we use EVs to efficiently deliver siRNA or protein to HAE. Furthermore, EVs can deliver CFTR protein to cystic fibrosis donor cells and functionally correct the Cl− channel defect in vitro. EV-mediated delivery of siRNA or proteins to HAE provides a powerful genetic tool in a model system that closely recapitulates the in vivo airways.
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15
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piggyBac-Based Non-Viral In Vivo Gene Delivery Useful for Production of Genetically Modified Animals and Organs. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030277. [PMID: 32204422 PMCID: PMC7151002 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo gene delivery involves direct injection of nucleic acids (NAs) into tissues, organs, or tail-veins. It has been recognized as a useful tool for evaluating the function of a gene of interest (GOI), creating models for human disease and basic research targeting gene therapy. Cargo frequently used for gene delivery are largely divided into viral and non-viral vectors. Viral vectors have strong infectious activity and do not require the use of instruments or reagents helpful for gene delivery but bear immunological and tumorigenic problems. In contrast, non-viral vectors strictly require instruments (i.e., electroporator) or reagents (i.e., liposomes) for enhanced uptake of NAs by cells and are often accompanied by weak transfection activity, with less immunological and tumorigenic problems. Chromosomal integration of GOI-bearing transgenes would be ideal for achieving long-term expression of GOI. piggyBac (PB), one of three transposons (PB, Sleeping Beauty (SB), and Tol2) found thus far, has been used for efficient transfection of GOI in various mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we outline recent achievements of PB-based production of genetically modified animals and organs and will provide some experimental concepts using this system.
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16
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Cooney AL, Thornell IM, Singh BK, Shah VS, Stoltz DA, McCray PB, Zabner J, Sinn PL. A Novel AAV-mediated Gene Delivery System Corrects CFTR Function in Pigs. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 61:747-754. [PMID: 31184507 PMCID: PMC6890402 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0006oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal-recessive disease that is caused by a mutant CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene and is characterized by chronic bacterial lung infections and inflammation. Complementation with functional CFTR normalizes anion transport across the airway surface. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a useful vector for gene therapy because of its low immunogenicity and ability to persist for months to years. However, because its episomal expression may decrease after cell division, readministration of the AAV vector may be required. To overcome this, we designed an integrating AAV-based CFTR-expressing vector, termed piggyBac (PB)/AAV, carrying CFTR flanked by the terminal repeats of the piggyBac transposon. With codelivery of the piggyBac transposase, PB/AAV can integrate into the host genome. Because of the packaging constraints of AAV, careful consideration was required to ensure that the vector would package and express its CFTR cDNA cargo. In this short-term study, PB/AAV-CFTR was aerosolized to the airways of CF pigs in the absence of the transposase. Two weeks later, transepithelial Cl- current was restored in freshly excised tracheal and bronchial tissue. Additionally, we observed an increase in tracheal airway surface liquid pH and bacterial killing in comparison with untreated CF pigs. Airway surface liquid from primary airway cells cultured from treated CF pigs exhibited increased pH correlating with decreased viscosity. Together, these results show that complementing CFTR in CF pigs with PB/AAV rescues the anion transport defect in a large-animal CF model. Delivery of this integrating viral vector system to airway progenitor cells could lead to persistent, life-long expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Cooney
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
| | - Ian M. Thornell
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Brajesh K. Singh
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
| | - Viral S. Shah
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David A. Stoltz
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
| | - Joseph Zabner
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
- Center for Gene Therapy, and
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17
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Li N, Cooney AL, Zhang W, Ehrhardt A, Sinn PL. Enhanced Tropism of Species B1 Adenoviral-Based Vectors for Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 14:228-236. [PMID: 31417941 PMCID: PMC6690641 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviruses are efficient vehicles for transducing airway epithelial cells. Human adenoviruses (Ads) are classified into seven species termed A–G. Most species use the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) as a primary cellular receptor. Ad group B is notable because it is further divided into groups B1 and B2 and its members use CD46 or desmoglein 2 (DSG2) as cellular receptors. To date, human Ad types 2 and 5 have been the predominant choices for preclinical and clinical trials using Ad-based viral vectors in the airways. In this study, we screened 14 Ad types representing species C, B1, B2, D, and E. Using well-differentiated primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAEs), we examined transduction efficiency. Based on GFP or nanoluciferase expression, multiple Ad types transduced HAEs as well as or better than Ad5. Ad3, Ad21, and Ad14 belong to species B and had notable transduction properties. We further examined the transduction properties of conditionally reprogrammed airway basal cells and primary basal cells from human lung donors. Again, the transduction efficiency of species B members outperformed the other types. These data suggest that adenoviral vectors based on species B transduce fully differentiated epithelial cells and progenitor cells in the human airways better than Ad5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ashley L Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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18
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Cooney AL, Singh BK, Loza LM, Thornell IM, Hippee CE, Powers LS, Ostedgaard LS, Meyerholz DK, Wohlford-Lenane C, Stoltz DA, B McCray P, Sinn PL. Widespread airway distribution and short-term phenotypic correction of cystic fibrosis pigs following aerosol delivery of piggyBac/adenovirus. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:9591-9600. [PMID: 30165523 PMCID: PMC6182177 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene coding for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Although CF affects multiple organ systems, chronic bacterial infections and inflammation in the lung are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in people with CF. Complementation with a functional CFTR gene repairs this defect, regardless of the disease-causing mutation. In this study, we used a gene delivery system termed piggyBac/adenovirus (Ad), which combines the delivery efficiency of an adenoviral-based vector with the persistent expression of a DNA transposon-based vector. We aerosolized piggyBac/Ad to the airways of pigs and observed widespread pulmonary distribution of vector. We quantified the regional distribution in the airways and observed transduction of large and small airway epithelial cells of non-CF pigs, with ∼30–50% of surface epithelial cells positive for GFP. We transduced multiple cell types including ciliated, non-ciliated, basal, and submucosal gland cells. In addition, we phenotypically corrected CF pigs following delivery of piggyBac/Ad expressing CFTR as measured by anion channel activity, airway surface liquid pH, and bacterial killing ability. Combining an integrating DNA transposon with adenoviral vector delivery is an efficient method for achieving functional CFTR correction from a single vector administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Cooney
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brajesh K Singh
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura Marquez Loza
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ian M Thornell
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Camilla E Hippee
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Linda S Powers
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lynda S Ostedgaard
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Chris Wohlford-Lenane
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David A Stoltz
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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19
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In Vivo Piggybac-Based Gene Delivery towards Murine Pancreatic Parenchyma Confers Sustained Expression of Gene of Interest. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133116. [PMID: 31247905 PMCID: PMC6651600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreas is a glandular organ that functions in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. The most common disorders involving the pancreas are diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. In vivo gene delivery targeting the pancreas is important for preventing or curing such diseases and for exploring the biological function of genes involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our previous experiments demonstrated that adult murine pancreatic cells can be efficiently transfected by exogenous plasmid DNA following intraparenchymal injection and subsequent in vivo electroporation using tweezer-type electrodes. Unfortunately, the induced gene expression was transient. Transposon-based gene delivery, such as that facilitated by piggyBac (PB), is known to confer stable integration of a gene of interest (GOI) into host chromosomes, resulting in sustained expression of the GOI. In this study, we investigated the use of the PB transposon system to achieve stable gene expression when transferred into murine pancreatic cells using the above-mentioned technique. Expression of the GOI (coding for fluorescent protein) continued for at least 1.5 months post-gene delivery. Splinkerette-PCR-based analysis revealed the presence of the consensus sequence TTAA at the junctional portion between host chromosomes and the transgenes; however, this was not observed in all samples. This plasmid-based PB transposon system enables constitutive expression of the GOI in pancreas for potential therapeutic and biological applications.
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20
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Sato M, Saitoh I, Inada E, Nakamura S, Watanabe S. Potential for Isolation of Immortalized Hepatocyte Cell Lines by Liver-Directed In Vivo Gene Delivery of Transposons in Mice. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:5129526. [PMID: 31281376 PMCID: PMC6589260 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5129526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolation of hepatocytes and their culture in vitro represent important avenues to explore the function of such cells. However, these studies are often difficult to perform because of the inability of hepatocytes to proliferate in vitro. Immortalization of isolated hepatocytes is thus an important step toward continuous in vitro culture. For cellular immortalization, integration of relevant genes into the host chromosomes is a prerequisite. Transposons, which are mobile genetic elements, are known to facilitate integration of genes of interest (GOI) into chromosomes in vitro and in vivo. Here, we proposed that a combination of transposon- and liver-directed introduction of nucleic acids may confer acquisition of unlimited cellular proliferative potential on hepatocytes, enabling the possible isolation of immortalized hepatocyte cell lines, which has often failed using more traditional immortalization methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sato
- Section of Gene Expression Regulation, Frontier Science Research Center, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Issei Saitoh
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Animal Genome Unit, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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21
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Guan S, Munder A, Hedtfeld S, Braubach P, Glage S, Zhang L, Lienenklaus S, Schultze A, Hasenpusch G, Garrels W, Stanke F, Miskey C, Johler SM, Kumar Y, Tümmler B, Rudolph C, Ivics Z, Rosenecker J. Self-assembled peptide-poloxamine nanoparticles enable in vitro and in vivo genome restoration for cystic fibrosis. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 14:287-297. [PMID: 30692673 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-018-0358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Developing safe and efficient non-viral delivery systems remains a major challenge for in vivo applications of gene therapy, especially in cystic fibrosis. Unlike conventional cationic polymers or lipids, the emerging poloxamine-based copolymers display promising in vivo gene delivery capabilities. However, poloxamines are invalid for in vitro applications and their in vivo transfection efficiency is still low compared with viral vectors. Here, we show that peptides developed by modular design approaches can spontaneously form compact and monodisperse nanoparticles with poloxamines and nucleic acids via self-assembly. Both messenger RNA and plasmid DNA expression mediated by peptide-poloxamine nanoparticles are greatly boosted in vitro and in the lungs of cystic fibrosis mice with negligible toxicity. Peptide-poloxamine nanoparticles containing integrating vectors enable successful in vitro and in vivo long-term restoration of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator deficiency with a safe integration profile. Our dataset provides a new framework for designing non-viral gene delivery systems qualified for in vivo genetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Guan
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Munder
- Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Hedtfeld
- Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Braubach
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Glage
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Longgui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Schultze
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wiebke Garrels
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke Stanke
- Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Sarah M Johler
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Ethris, Planegg, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Joseph Rosenecker
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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22
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Cooney AL, McCray PB, Sinn PL. Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy: Looking Back, Looking Forward. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9110538. [PMID: 30405068 PMCID: PMC6266271 DOI: 10.3390/genes9110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a cAMP-regulated anion channel. Although CF is a multi-organ system disease, most people with CF die of progressive lung disease that begins early in childhood and is characterized by chronic bacterial infection and inflammation. Nearly 90% of people with CF have at least one copy of the ΔF508 mutation, but there are hundreds of CFTR mutations that result in a range of disease severities. A CFTR gene replacement approach would be efficacious regardless of the disease-causing mutation. After the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989, the in vitro proof-of-concept for gene therapy for CF was quickly established in 1990. In 1993, the first of many gene therapy clinical trials attempted to rescue the CF defect in airway epithelia. Despite the initial enthusiasm, there is still no FDA-approved gene therapy for CF. Here we discuss the history of CF gene therapy, from the discovery of the CFTR gene to current state-of-the-art gene delivery vector designs. While implementation of CF gene therapy has proven more challenging than initially envisioned; thanks to continued innovation, it may yet become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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23
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Intravenous Delivery of piggyBac Transposons as a Useful Tool for Liver-Specific Gene-Switching. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113452. [PMID: 30400245 PMCID: PMC6274756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics-based gene delivery (HGD) is an efficient method for transfecting plasmid DNA into hepatocytes in vivo. However, the resulting gene expression is transient, and occurs in a non-tissue specific manner. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system allows chromosomal integration of a transgene in vitro. This study aimed to achieve long-term in vivo expression of a transgene by performing hepatocyte-specific chromosomal integration of the transgene using PB and HGD. Using this approach, we generated a novel mouse model for a hepatic disorder. A distinct signal from the reporter plasmid DNA was discernible in the murine liver approximately two months after the administration of PB transposons carrying a reporter gene. Then, to induce the hepatic disorder, we first administered mice with a PB transposon carrying a CETD unit (loxP-flanked stop cassette, diphtheria toxin-A chain gene, and poly(A) sites), and then with a plasmid expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of a liver-specific promoter. We showed that this system can be used for in situ manipulation and analysis of hepatocyte function in vivo in non-transgenic (Tg) animals.
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24
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Cooney AL, Abou Alaiwa MH, Shah VS, Bouzek DC, Stroik MR, Powers LS, Gansemer ND, Meyerholz DK, Welsh MJ, Stoltz DA, Sinn PL, McCray PB. Lentiviral-mediated phenotypic correction of cystic fibrosis pigs. JCI Insight 2018; 1:88730. [PMID: 27656681 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), resulting in defective anion transport. Regardless of the disease-causing mutation, gene therapy is a strategy to restore anion transport to airway epithelia. Indeed, viral vector-delivered CFTR can complement the anion channel defect. In this proof-of-principle study, functional in vivo CFTR channel activity was restored in the airways of CF pigs using a feline immunodeficiency virus-based (FIV-based) lentiviral vector pseudotyped with the GP64 envelope. Three newborn CF pigs received aerosolized FIV-CFTR to the nose and lung. Two weeks after viral vector delivery, epithelial tissues were analyzed for functional correction. In freshly excised tracheal and bronchus tissues and cultured ethmoid sinus cells, we observed a significant increase in transepithelial cAMP-stimulated current, evidence of functional CFTR. In addition, we observed increases in tracheal airway surface liquid pH and bacterial killing in CFTR vector-treated animals. Together, these data provide the first evidence to our knowledge that lentiviral delivery of CFTR can partially correct the anion channel defect in a large-animal CF model and validate a translational strategy to treat or prevent CF lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Cooney
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Departments of Microbiology
| | - Mahmoud H Abou Alaiwa
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - Viral S Shah
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine.,Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Drake C Bouzek
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - Mallory R Stroik
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - Linda S Powers
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - Nick D Gansemer
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Pathology
| | - Michael J Welsh
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute.,Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
| | - David A Stoltz
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Internal Medicine
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.,Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.,Departments of Microbiology.,Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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25
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Hodge R, Narayanavari SA, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. Wide Awake and Ready to Move: 20 Years of Non-Viral Therapeutic Genome Engineering with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:842-855. [PMID: 28870121 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies will only become a widespread tool in the clinical treatment of human diseases with the advent of gene transfer vectors that integrate genetic information stably, safely, effectively, and economically. Two decades after the discovery of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, it has been transformed into a vector system that is fulfilling these requirements. SB may well overcome some of the limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are being used in the majority of ongoing clinical trials. The SB system has achieved a high level of stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, representing crucial steps that may permit its clinical use in the near future. This article reviews the most important aspects of SB as a tool for gene therapy, including aspects of its vectorization and genomic integration. As an illustration, the clinical development of the SB system toward gene therapy of age-related macular degeneration and cancer immunotherapy is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ Hodge
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 2 Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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26
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Gene editing & stem cells. J Cyst Fibros 2017; 17:10-16. [PMID: 29233638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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27
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Preclinical and clinical advances in transposon-based gene therapy. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160614. [PMID: 29089466 PMCID: PMC5715130 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons derived from Sleeping Beauty (SB), piggyBac (PB), or Tol2 typically require cotransfection of transposon DNA with a transposase either as an expression plasmid or mRNA. Consequently, this results in genomic integration of the potentially therapeutic gene into chromosomes of the desired target cells, and thus conferring stable expression. Non-viral transfection methods are typically preferred to deliver the transposon components into the target cells. However, these methods do not match the efficacy typically attained with viral vectors and are sometimes associated with cellular toxicity evoked by the DNA itself. In recent years, the overall transposition efficacy has gradually increased by codon optimization of the transposase, generation of hyperactive transposases, and/or introduction of specific mutations in the transposon terminal repeats. Their versatility enabled the stable genetic engineering in many different primary cell types, including stem/progenitor cells and differentiated cell types. This prompted numerous preclinical proof-of-concept studies in disease models that demonstrated the potential of DNA transposons for ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. One of the merits of transposon systems relates to their ability to deliver relatively large therapeutic transgenes that cannot readily be accommodated in viral vectors such as full-length dystrophin cDNA. These emerging insights paved the way toward the first transposon-based phase I/II clinical trials to treat hematologic cancer and other diseases. Though encouraging results were obtained, controlled pivotal clinical trials are needed to corroborate the efficacy and safety of transposon-based therapies.
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28
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Endogenous Transposase Source in Human Cells Mobilizes piggyBac Transposons. Mol Ther 2017; 24:851-4. [PMID: 27198853 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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29
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Tipanee J, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. Transposons: Moving Forward from Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1087-1104. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jaitip Tipanee
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K. Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Kim SH, Lee M, Cho M, Kim IS, Park KI, Lee H, Jang JH. Inverted Quasi-Spherical Droplets on Polydopamine-TiO2
Substrates for Enhancing Gene Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Yonsei University; 50 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Mihyun Lee
- Department of Chemistry; Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; 291 Daehak-ro Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology; ETH Zürich Otto-Stern-Weg 7 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Mira Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Yonsei University; 50 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Sun Kim
- Department of Pediatric; Yonsei University College of Medicine; 50-1 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Kook In Park
- Department of Pediatric; Yonsei University College of Medicine; 50-1 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Haeshin Lee
- Department of Chemistry; Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; 291 Daehak-ro Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Yonsei University; 50 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
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31
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Reznikov LR. Cystic Fibrosis and the Nervous System. Chest 2017; 151:1147-1155. [PMID: 27876591 PMCID: PMC5472519 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is an anion channel that conducts bicarbonate and chloride across cell membranes. Although defective anion transport across epithelial cells is accepted as the basic defect in CF, many of the features observed in people with CF and organs affected by CF are modulated by the nervous system. This is of interest because CFTR expression has been reported in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it is well known that the transport of anions, such as chloride, greatly modulates neuronal excitability. Thus it is predicted that in CF, lack of CFTR in the nervous system affects neuronal function. Consistent with this prediction, several nervous system abnormalities and nervous system disorders have been described in people with CF and in animal models of CF. The goal of this special feature article is to highlight the expression and function of CFTR in the nervous system. Special emphasis is placed on nervous system abnormalities described in people with CF and in animal models of CF. Finally, features of CF that may be modulated by or attributed to faulty nervous system function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Reznikov
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
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32
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Skipper KA, Mikkelsen JG. Delivering the Goods for Genome Engineering and Editing. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:486-97. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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33
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Cunningham SC, Siew SM, Hallwirth CV, Bolitho C, Sasaki N, Garg G, Michael IP, Hetherington NA, Carpenter K, de Alencastro G, Nagy A, Alexander IE. Modeling correction of severe urea cycle defects in the growing murine liver using a hybrid recombinant adeno-associated virus/piggyBac transposase gene delivery system. Hepatology 2015; 62:417-28. [PMID: 26011400 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Liver-targeted gene therapy based on recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) shows promising therapeutic efficacy in animal models and adult-focused clinical trials. This promise, however, is not directly translatable to the growing liver, where high rates of hepatocellular proliferation are accompanied by loss of episomal rAAV genomes and subsequently a loss in therapeutic efficacy. We have developed a hybrid rAAV/piggyBac transposon vector system combining the highly efficient liver-targeting properties of rAAV with stable piggyBac-mediated transposition of the transgene into the hepatocyte genome. Transposition efficiency was first tested using an enhanced green fluorescent protein expression cassette following delivery to newborn wild-type mice, with a 20-fold increase in stably gene-modified hepatocytes observed 4 weeks posttreatment compared to traditional rAAV gene delivery. We next modeled the therapeutic potential of the system in the context of severe urea cycle defects. A single treatment in the perinatal period was sufficient to confer robust and stable phenotype correction in the ornithine transcarbamylase-deficient Spf(ash) mouse and the neonatal lethal argininosuccinate synthetase knockout mouse. Finally, transposon integration patterns were analyzed, revealing 127,386 unique integration sites which conformed to previously published piggyBac data. CONCLUSION Using a hybrid rAAV/piggyBac transposon vector system, we achieved stable therapeutic protection in two urea cycle defect mouse models; a clinically conceivable early application of this technology in the management of severe urea cycle defects could be as a bridging therapy while awaiting liver transplantation; further improvement of the system will result from the development of highly human liver-tropic capsids, the use of alternative strategies to achieve transient transposase expression, and engineered refinements in the safety profile of piggyBac transposase-mediated integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C Cunningham
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Sydney Medical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan M Siew
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claus V Hallwirth
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Bolitho
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natsuki Sasaki
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gagan Garg
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iacovos P Michael
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicola A Hetherington
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kevin Carpenter
- Biochemical Genetics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gustavo de Alencastro
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science and Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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34
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Abstract
DNA transposons offer an efficient nonviral method of permanently modifying the genomes of mammalian cells. The piggyBac transposon system has proven effective in genomic engineering of mammalian cells for preclinical applications, including gene discovery, simultaneous multiplexed genome modification, animal transgenesis, gene transfer in vivo achieving long-term gene expression in animals, and the genetic modification of clinically relevant cell types, such as induced pluripotent stem cells and human T lymphocytes. piggyBac has many desirable features, including seamless excision of transposons from the genomic DNA and the potential to target integration events to desired DNA sequences. In this review, we explore these recent applications and also highlight the unique advantages of using piggyBac for developing new molecular therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Woodard
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health System, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew H Wilson
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health System, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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