1
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Coatti GC, Vaghela N, Gillurkar P, Leir SH, Harris A. A promoter-dependent upstream activator augments CFTR expression in diverse epithelial cell types. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195031. [PMID: 38679287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encodes an anion-selective channel found in epithelial cell membranes. Mutations in CFTR cause cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder that impairs epithelial function in multiple organs. Most men with CF are infertile due to loss of intact genital ducts. Here we investigated a novel epididymis-selective cis-regulatory element (CRE), located within a peak of open chromatin at -9.5 kb 5' to the CFTR gene promoter. Activation of the -9.5 kb CRE alone by CRISPRa had no impact on CFTR gene expression. However, CRISPRa co-activation of the -9.5 kb CRE and the CFTR gene promoter in epididymis cells significantly augmented CFTR mRNA and protein expression when compared to promoter activation alone. This increase was accompanied by enhanced chromatin accessibility at both sites. Furthermore, the combined CRISPRa strategy activated CFTR expression in other epithelial cells that lack open chromatin at the -9.5 kb site and in which the locus is normally inactive. However, the -9.5 kb CRE does not function as a classical enhancer of the CFTR promoter in transient reporter gene assays. These data provide a novel mechanism for activating/augmenting CFTR expression, which may have therapeutic utility for mutations that perturb CFTR transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana C Coatti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nirbhayaditya Vaghela
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Pulak Gillurkar
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Shih-Hsing Leir
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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2
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Blotas C, Férec C, Moisan S. Tissue-Specific Regulation of CFTR Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10678. [PMID: 37445855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 2000 variations are described within the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) gene and related to large clinical issues from cystic fibrosis to mono-organ diseases. Although these CFTR-associated diseases have been well documented, a large phenotype spectrum is observed and correlations between phenotypes and genotypes are still not well established. To address this issue, we present several regulatory elements that can modulate CFTR gene expression in a tissue-specific manner. Among them, cis-regulatory elements act through chromatin loopings and take part in three-dimensional structured organization. With tissue-specific transcription factors, they form chromatin modules and can regulate gene expression. Alterations of specific regulations can impact and modulate disease expressions. Understanding all those mechanisms highlights the need to expand research outside the gene to enhance our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Blotas
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Claude Férec
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Stéphanie Moisan
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et d'Histocompatibilité, CHU Brest, F-29200 Brest, France
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3
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Ghigo A, De Santi C, Hart M, Mitash N, Swiatecka-Urban A. Cell signaling and regulation of CFTR expression in cystic fibrosis cells in the era of high efficiency modulator therapy. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S12-S16. [PMID: 36621372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP- and protein kinase A (PKA)-regulated channel, expressed on the luminal surface of secretory and absorptive epithelial cells. CFTR has a complex, cell-specific regulatory network playing a major role in cAMP- and Ca2+-activated secretion of electrolytes. It secretes intracellular Cl- and bicarbonate and regulates absorption of electrolytes by differentially controlling the activity of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in colon, airways, and sweat ducts. The CFTR gene expression is regulated by cell-specific, time-dependent mechanisms reviewed elsewhere [1]. This review will focus on the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational regulation of CFTR by cAMP-PKA, non-coding (nc)RNAs, and TGF-β signaling pathways in cystic fibrosis (CF) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ghigo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino 10126, Italy.
| | - Chiara De Santi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 111St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Merrill Hart
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nilay Mitash
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, United States
| | - Agnieszka Swiatecka-Urban
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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4
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Non-coding RNAs in human health and disease: potential function as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:33. [PMID: 36625940 PMCID: PMC9838419 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-022-00947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Human diseases have been a critical threat from the beginning of human history. Knowing the origin, course of action and treatment of any disease state is essential. A microscopic approach to the molecular field is a more coherent and accurate way to explore the mechanism, progression, and therapy with the introduction and evolution of technology than a macroscopic approach. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play increasingly important roles in detecting, developing, and treating all abnormalities related to physiology, pathology, genetics, epigenetics, cancer, and developmental diseases. Noncoding RNAs are becoming increasingly crucial as powerful, multipurpose regulators of all biological processes. Parallel to this, a rising amount of scientific information has revealed links between abnormal noncoding RNA expression and human disorders. Numerous non-coding transcripts with unknown functions have been found in addition to advancements in RNA-sequencing methods. Non-coding linear RNAs come in a variety of forms, including circular RNAs with a continuous closed loop (circRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA). This comprises specific information on their biogenesis, mode of action, physiological function, and significance concerning disease (such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases and others). This study review focuses on non-coding RNA as specific biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.
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5
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Qiao X, Ding Y, Wu D, Zhang A, Yin Y, Wang Q, Wang W, Kang J. The roles of long noncoding RNA-mediated macrophage polarization in respiratory diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1110774. [PMID: 36685535 PMCID: PMC9849253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1110774] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play an essential role in maintaining the normal function of the innate and adaptive immune responses during host defence. Macrophages acquire diverse functional phenotypes in response to various microenvironmental stimuli, and are mainly classified into classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). Macrophage polarization participates in the inflammatory, fibrotic, and oncogenic processes of diverse respiratory diseases by changing phenotype and function. In recent decades, with the advent of broad-range profiling methods such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing, the discovery of RNA transcripts that do not encode proteins termed "noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs)" has become more easily accessible. As one major member of the regulatory ncRNA family, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs, transcripts >200 nucleotides) participate in multiple pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and vary with different stimulants and cell types. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs account for the regulation of macrophage polarization and subsequent effects on respiratory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current published literature from the PubMed database concerning lncRNAs relevant to macrophage polarization and the underlying molecular mechanisms during the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases. These differentially expressed lncRNAs are expected to be biomarkers and targets for the therapeutic regulation of macrophage polarization during disease development.
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6
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Qiao X, Hou G, He YL, Song DF, An Y, Altawil A, Zhou XM, Wang QY, Kang J, Yin Y. The Novel Regulatory Role of the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA Axis in Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:927549. [PMID: 35769905 PMCID: PMC9234692 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.927549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory airway diseases, characterized by airway inflammation and airway remodelling, are increasing as a cause of morbidity and mortality for all age groups and races across the world. The underlying molecular mechanisms involved in chronic inflammatory airway diseases have not been fully explored. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently attracted much attention for their roles in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. A number of studies have confirmed that both lncRNAs and miRNAs can regulate the initiation and progression of chronic airway diseases by targeting mRNAs and regulating different cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, accumulative evidence has shown that the novel regulatory mechanism underlying the interaction among lncRNAs, miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) plays a critical role in the pathophysiological processes of chronic inflammatory airway diseases. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the regulatory roles of the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network in different cell types and their potential roles as biomarkers, indicators of comorbidities or therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory airway diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gang Hou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Lin He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Fang Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi An
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Abdullah Altawil
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhou
- Respiratory Department, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Ming Zhou, ; Yan Yin,
| | - Qiu-Yue Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Ming Zhou, ; Yan Yin,
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7
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Soni DK, Biswas R. Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Lung Diseases. Front Genet 2021; 12:767348. [PMID: 34819948 PMCID: PMC8606426 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.767348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), notably microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have recently gained increasing consideration because of their versatile role as key regulators of gene expression. They adopt diverse mechanisms to regulate transcription and translation, and thereby, the function of the protein, which is associated with several major biological processes. For example, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolic pathways demand fine-tuning for the precise development of a specific tissue or organ. The deregulation of ncRNA expression is concomitant with multiple diseases, including lung diseases. This review highlights recent advances in the post-transcriptional regulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs in lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Further, we also discuss the emerging role of ncRNAs as biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for lung diseases. However, more investigations are required to explore miRNAs and lncRNAs interaction, and their function in the regulation of mRNA expression. Understanding these mechanisms might lead to early diagnosis and the development of novel therapeutics for lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar Soni
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Roopa Biswas
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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8
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Gu Y, Wang C, Chen S, Tang J, Guo X, Hu W, Cui A, Zhang D, Yu K, Chen M. A Critical Role of Peptidylprolyl Isomerase A Pseudogene 22/microRNA-197-3p/Peptidylprolyl Isomerase A Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:604461. [PMID: 33790943 PMCID: PMC8006304 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.604461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is increasing over time, while the underlying molecular mechanism of HCC development is still under exploration. Pseudogenes are classified as a special type of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and they played a vital role in regulating tumor-associated gene expression. Here, we report that a pseudogene peptidylprolyl isomerase A pseudogene 22 (PPIAP22) and its parental gene peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) were upregulated in HCC and were associated with the clinical outcomes of HCC. Further investigation revealed that PPIAP22 might upregulate the expression of PPIA through sponging microRNA (miR)-197-3p, behaving as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). PPIA could participate in the development of HCC by regulating mRNA metabolic process and tumor immunity based on the functional enrichment analysis. We also found a strong correlation between the expression levels of PPIA and the immune cell infiltration or the expression of chemokines, especially macrophage, C-C motif chemokine ligand 15 (CCL15), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). Our findings demonstrate that the PPIAP22/miR-197-3p/PPIA axis plays a vital role in the progression of HCC by increasing the malignancy of tumor cells and regulating the immune cell infiltration, especially macrophage, through CCL15-CCR1 or CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengsen Chen
- Department of Endoscopy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - An Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dian Zhang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingquan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
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9
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Scott TA, O’Meally D, Grepo NA, Soemardy C, Lazar DC, Zheng Y, Weinberg MS, Planelles V, Morris KV. Broadly active zinc finger protein-guided transcriptional activation of HIV-1. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 20:18-29. [PMID: 33335944 PMCID: PMC7726486 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) causes a persistent viral infection resulting in the demise of immune regulatory cells. Clearance of HIV-1 infection results in integration of proviral DNA into the genome of host cells, which provides a means for evasion and long-term persistence. A therapeutic compound that specifically targets and sustainably activates a latent HIV-1 provirus could be transformative and is the goal for the "shock-and-kill" approach to a functional cure for HIV-1. Substantial progress has been made toward the development of recombinant proteins that target specific genomic loci for gene activation, repression, or inactivation by directed mutations. However, most of these modalities are too large or too complex for efficient therapeutic application. We describe here the development and testing of a novel recombinant zinc finger protein transactivator, ZFP-362-VPR, which specifically and potently enhances proviral HIV-1 transcription both in established latency models and activity across different viral clades. Additionally, ZFP-362-VPR-activated HIV-1 reporter gene expression in a well-established primary human CD4+ T cell latency model and off-target pathways were determined by transcriptome analyses. This study provides clear proof of concept for the application of a novel, therapeutically relevant, protein transactivator to purge cellular reservoirs of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan A. Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Denis O’Meally
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Nicole Anne Grepo
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Citradewi Soemardy
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Daniel C. Lazar
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yue Zheng
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT 92037, USA
| | - Marc S. Weinberg
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Wits-SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine & Hematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- HIV Pathogenesis Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vicente Planelles
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT 92037, USA
| | - Kevin V. Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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10
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Maule G, Ensinck M, Bulcaen M, Carlon MS. Rewriting CFTR to cure cystic fibrosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:185-224. [PMID: 34175042 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive monogenic disease caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. Although F508del is the most frequent mutation, there are in total 360 confirmed disease-causing CFTR mutations, impairing CFTR production, function and stability. Currently, the only causal treatments available are CFTR correctors and potentiators that directly target the mutant protein. While these pharmacological advances and better symptomatic care have improved life expectancy of people with CF, none of these treatments provides a cure. The discovery and development of programmable nucleases, in particular CRISPR nucleases and derived systems, rekindled the field of CF gene therapy, offering the possibility of a permanent correction of the CFTR gene. In this review we will discuss different strategies to restore CFTR function via gene editing correction of CFTR mutations or enhanced CFTR expression, and address how best to deliver these treatments to target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maule
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Trento, Italy
| | - Marjolein Ensinck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Mattijs Bulcaen
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Marianne S Carlon
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Flanders, Belgium.
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11
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Zhao D, Zhao H, He Y, Yang Y, Du Y, Zhang M. The inhibitive effects of proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on pterygium fibroblasts in vitro and the potential key regulators involved. Life Sci 2021; 270:119088. [PMID: 33482188 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether MG-132 as a proteasome inhibitor can effectively hinder pterygium progression, and to screen out potential regulators involved in MG-132 mediated process. Human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) were derived from pterygium tissues from 5 patients. Cell proliferation was examined by MTT, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The overgrowth pterygium tissues were characterized by H&E staining and IHC compared with normal tissues. Differential mRNA expression with MG-132 treatment was determined by RNA sequencing and analyzed by GO and KEGG pathways. The expression levels of Nrf2, MCPIP1, CDKN1B and XBP1, four genes closely associated with pterygium, were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. MG-132 dose-dependently inhibited the growth of HPFs, induced G2/M phase arrest of cell cycle at a certain dose, and also caused cell apoptosis, with the levels of cleaved caspase3, cleaved PARP, Bax and p21 increased. Ki-67 and Bcl-2 were highly expressed while Bax was decreased in pterygium tissues. Total 7199 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including HSPA family most significantly increased, and AL590428.1, AL122125.1 and lincRNAs such as FGF14-AS2 decreased. The up-regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in RNA degradation pathway, while down-regulated DEGs were related to the regulation of cell cycle. The expressions of Nrf2 and MCPIP1 were significantly increased, while XBP1 and CDKN1B were decreased. In conclusion, MG-132 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of HPFs in vitro with 7199 DEGs participated in, which may provide a useful reference for the exploitation of MG-132 in treating pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongxia Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, Yunnan, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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12
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A bird eye view on cystic fibrosis: An underestimated multifaceted chronic disorder. Life Sci 2020; 268:118959. [PMID: 33383045 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease which involves the mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CF involves in the inflammatory processes and is considered as a multisystem disorder that is not confined to lungs, but it also affects other vital organs that leads to numerous co-morbidities. The respiratory disorder in the CF results in mortality and morbidity which is characterized by series of serious events involving mucus hypersecretion, microbial infections, airways obstruction, inflammation, destruction of epithelium, tissue remodeling and terminal lung diseases. Mucins are the high molecular weight glycoproteins important for the viscoelastic properties of the mucus, play a significant role in the disease mechanisms. Determining the functional association between the CFTR and mucins might help to identify the putative target for specific therapeutic approach. In fact, furin enzyme which helps in the entry of novel COVID-19 virus into the cell, is upregulated in CF and this can also serve as a potential target for CF treatment. Moreover, the use of nano-formulations for CF treatment is an area of research being widely studied as they have also demonstrated promising outcomes. The in-depth knowledge of non-coding RNAs like miRNAs and lncRNAs and their functional association with CFTR gene expression and mutation can provide a different range of opportunity to identify the promising therapeutic approaches for CF.
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13
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Dang H, Polineni D, Pace RG, Stonebraker JR, Corvol H, Cutting GR, Drumm ML, Strug LJ, O’Neal WK, Knowles MR. Mining GWAS and eQTL data for CF lung disease modifiers by gene expression imputation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239189. [PMID: 33253230 PMCID: PMC7703903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genomic loci with candidate modifiers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, but only a small proportion of the expected genetic contribution is accounted for at these loci. We leveraged expression data from CF cohorts, and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) reference data sets from multiple human tissues to generate predictive models, which were used to impute transcriptional regulation from genetic variance in our GWAS population. The imputed gene expression was tested for association with CF lung disease severity. By comparing and combining results from alternative approaches, we identified 379 candidate modifier genes. We delved into 52 modifier candidates that showed consensus between approaches, and 28 of them were near known GWAS loci. A number of these genes are implicated in the pathophysiology of CF lung disease (e.g., immunity, infection, inflammation, HLA pathways, glycosylation, and mucociliary clearance) and the CFTR protein biology (e.g., cytoskeleton, microtubule, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi, and ubiquitination). Gene set enrichment results are consistent with current knowledge of CF lung disease pathogenesis. HLA Class II genes on chr6, and CEP72, EXOC3, and TPPP near the GWAS peak on chr5 are most consistently associated with CF lung disease severity across the tissues tested. The results help to prioritize genes in the GWAS regions, predict direction of gene expression regulation, and identify new candidate modifiers throughout the genome for potential therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Dang
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Deepika Polineni
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Rhonda G. Pace
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn R. Stonebraker
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Pediatric Pulmonary Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux sde Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Trousseau, Institut National de la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U938, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Garry R. Cutting
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mitchell L. Drumm
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lisa J. Strug
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wanda K. O’Neal
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Knowles
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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14
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Wei T, Sui H, Su Y, Cheng W, Liu Y, He Z, Ji Q, Xu C. Research advances in molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis: From technical improvement to clinical applications (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4992-5002. [PMID: 33173976 PMCID: PMC7646950 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease causing severe impairment to the respiratory system and digestive tracts. Currently, CF is incurable. As an autosomal recessive disorder, the morbidity of CF is significantly higher among Caucasians of European descent, whereas it is less pervasive among African and Asian populations. The disease is caused by identical mutations (homozygosity) or different mutations (heterozygosity) of an autosomal recessive mutation at position 7q31.2-q31.1 of chromosome 7. Diagnostic criteria and guidelines work concurrently with laboratory detection to facilitate precise CF detection. With technological advances, the understanding of CF pathogenesis has reached an unprecedented level, allowing for increasingly precise carrier screening, more effective early stage CF intervention and improved prognostic outcomes. These advances significantly increase the life quality and expectancy of patients with CF. Given the numerous improvements in the field of CF, the current review summarized the technical advances in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying CF, as well as how these improvements facilitate the clinical outcomes of CF. Furthermore, challenges and obstacles to overcome are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Hongshu Sui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Wanjing Cheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yunhua Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Zilin He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Qingchao Ji
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Changlong Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530031, P.R. China
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15
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Vu A, McCray PB. New Directions in Pulmonary Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:921-939. [PMID: 32814451 PMCID: PMC7495918 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung has long been a target for gene therapy, yet efficient delivery and phenotypic disease correction has remained challenging. Although there have been significant advancements in gene therapies of other organs, including the development of several ex vivo therapies, in vivo therapeutics of the lung have been slower to transition to the clinic. Within the past few years, the field has witnessed an explosion in the development of new gene addition and gene editing strategies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. In this review, we will summarize current developments in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and surfactant protein deficiencies. We will explore the different gene addition and gene editing strategies under investigation and review the challenges of delivery to the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Vu
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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16
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Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancers and Their Dynamic Regulations. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051245. [PMID: 32429086 PMCID: PMC7281179 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which is a kind of noncoding RNA, is generally characterized as being more than 200 nucleotide transcripts in length. LncRNAs exhibit many biological activities, including, but not limited to, cancer development. In this review, a search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term "lncRNA or long non-coding RNA" was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: mechanism, structure, regulation, and cancer. The eligibility of the retrieved studies was mainly based on the abstract. The decision as to whether or not the study was included in this review was made after a careful assessment of its content. The reference lists were also checked to identify any other study that could be relevant to this review. We first summarized the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis, including competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, decoy and scaffold mechanisms, mRNA and protein stability regulation, transcriptional and translational regulation, miRNA processing regulation, and the architectural role of lncRNAs, which will help a broad audience better understand how lncRNAs work in cancer. Second, we introduced recent studies to elucidate the structure of lncRNAs, as there is a link between lncRNA structure and function and visualizing the architectural domains of lncRNAs is vital to understanding their function. Third, we explored emerging evidence for regulators of lncRNA expression, lncRNA turnover, and lncRNA modifications (including 5-methylcytidine, N6-methyladenosine, and adenosine to inosine editing), highlighting the dynamics of lncRNAs. Finally, we used autophagy in cancer as an example to interpret the diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs and introduced clinical trials of lncRNA-based cancer therapies.
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17
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Kumar P, Sen C, Peters K, Frizzell RA, Biswas R. Comparative analyses of long non-coding RNA profiles in vivo in cystic fibrosis lung airway and parenchyma tissues. Respir Res 2019; 20:284. [PMID: 31842871 PMCID: PMC6916039 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in the functional analyses of endogenous non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules, including long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), have provided a new perspective on the crucial roles of RNA in gene regulation. Consequently, LncRNA deregulation is a key factor in various diseases, including pulmonary disorders like Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is the most common life limiting recessive disease in the U.S., and is due to mutations in the CFTR gene. CF mutations, of which the most common is F508del-CFTR, prevents correct folding, trafficking and function of the mutant CFTR protein and is further manifested by the hyper-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines into the airway lumen leading to bronchiectasis and culminating in lung destruction. METHODS Here we report a distinct LncRNA signature and corresponding mRNAs that distinguishes CF lung (airway and parenchyma) tissues from matched non-CF controls (n = 4 each group), generated by microarray specific for LncRNAs which includes corresponding mRNA expressions. In silico analyses of the cellular processes that are impacted by these LncRNAs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO). A selected subset of LncRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS We have identified 636 LncRNAs differentially expressed in CF airway epithelium and 1974 in CF lung parenchyma compared to matched non-CF controls (fold change ≥2, p < 0.05), majority of which (> 50%) are intergenic. Interestingly, 15 of these differentially expressed LncRNAs and 9 coding mRNAs are common to airway and parenchyma tissues. GO analyses indicates that signaling pathways and cell membrane functions are significantly affected by the alteration in LncRNA expressions in CF lung tissues. Seven of the differentially expressed LncRNAs, exhibit similar expression trends in CFBE41o- compared to control cells. CONCLUSION Understanding the mechanisms by which these LncRNAs regulate CF disease phenotype will help develop novel therapeutic targets for CF and related pulmonary diseases, such as COPD and Asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameet Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Room B4024, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Chaitali Sen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Room B4024, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kathryn Peters
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Raymond A Frizzell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Roopa Biswas
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Room B4024, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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18
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Villamizar O, Waters SA, Scott T, Saayman S, Grepo N, Urak R, Davis A, Jaffe A, Morris KV. Targeted Activation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1737-1748. [PMID: 31383454 PMCID: PMC6822231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The majority of CFTR mutations result in impaired chloride channel function as only a fraction of the mutated CFTR reaches the plasma membrane. The development of a therapeutic approach that facilitates increased cell-surface expression of CFTR could prove clinically relevant. Here, we evaluate and contrast two molecular approaches to activate CFTR expression. We find that an RNA-guided nuclease null Cas9 (dCas9) fused with a tripartite activator, VP64-p65-Rta can activate endogenous CFTR in cultured human nasal epithelial cells from CF patients. We also find that targeting BGas, a long non-coding RNA involved in transcriptionally modulating CFTR expression with a gapmer, induced both strong knockdown of BGas and concordant activation of CFTR. Notably, the gapmer can be delivered to target cells when generated as electrostatic particles with recombinant HIV-Tat cell penetrating peptide (CPP), when packaged into exosomes, or when loaded into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Treatment of patient-derived human nasal epithelial cells containing F508del with gapmer-CPP, gapmer-exosomes, or LNPs resulted in increased expression and function of CFTR. Collectively, these observations suggest that CRISPR/dCas-VPR (CRISPR) and BGas-gapmer approaches can target and specifically activate CFTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Villamizar
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia; Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), School of Women's & Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sheena Saayman
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Grepo
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ryan Urak
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Alicia Davis
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia; Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), School of Women's & Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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19
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Finotti A, Fabbri E, Lampronti I, Gasparello J, Borgatti M, Gambari R. MicroRNAs and Long Non-coding RNAs in Genetic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:155-171. [PMID: 30610665 PMCID: PMC6469593 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery and classification of non-coding RNAs, their roles have gained great attention. In this respect, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have been firmly demonstrated to be linked to regulation of gene expression and onset of human diseases, including rare genetic diseases; therefore they are suitable targets for therapeutic intervention. This issue, in the context of rare genetic diseases, is being considered by an increasing number of research groups and is of key interest to the health community. In the case of rare genetic diseases, the possibility of developing personalized therapy in precision medicine has attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians involved in developing "orphan medicinal products" and proposing these to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) in the United States. The major focuses of these activities are the evaluation and development of products (drugs, biologics, devices, or medical foods) considered to be promising for diagnosis and/or treatment of rare diseases or conditions, including rare genetic diseases. In an increasing number of rare genetic diseases, analysis of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs has been proven a promising strategy. These diseases include, but are not limited to, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Rett syndrome, and β-thalassemia. In conclusion, a large number of approaches based on targeting microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are expected in the field of molecular diagnosis and therapy, with a facilitated technological transfer in the case of rare genetic diseases, in virtue of the existing regulation concerning these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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20
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Ideozu JE, Zhang X, McColley S, Levy H. Transcriptome Profiling and Molecular Therapeutic Advances in Cystic Fibrosis: Recent Insights. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030180. [PMID: 30813620 PMCID: PMC6470978 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene disrupt the capacity of the encoded protein to function as a channel to transport chloride ions and water across cell membranes. The consequences are deleterious, system-wide, and immensely variable, even among patients with the same CFTR genotype. This underscores the need to characterize the mechanisms contributing to CF pathophysiology. Gene replacement and gene editing therapies have been pursued intensively and are expected to provide a one-time treatment for CF. However, gene replacement therapy is limited by the lack of efficient vectors to deliver functional copies of CFTR to cells without immunological complications, while gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 are still in their infancy, mainly useful in somatic cells and limited by off-target insertions. Small molecule treatments targeted at potentiating or correcting CFTR have shown clinical benefits, but they are limited to a few CFTR mutations and insufficient to overcome challenges related to clinical heterogeneity. Transcriptome profiling approaches have emerged as robust tools capable of characterizing phenotypic variability and revealing novel molecular targets with therapeutic potential for CF. We summarize current insights gained through transcriptome profiling approaches in CF studies and recent advances in molecular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Ideozu
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
- Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
- Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Susanna McColley
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Hara Levy
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
- Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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21
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Astakhova K, Ray R, Taskova M, Uhd J, Carstens A, Morris K. "Clicking" Gene Therapeutics: A Successful Union of Chemistry and Biomedicine for New Solutions. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:2892-2899. [PMID: 29300491 PMCID: PMC6078818 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of nucleic acid, DNA and RNA, based strategies to disrupt gene expression as a therapeutic is quickly emerging. Indeed, synthetic oligonucleotides represent a major component of modern gene therapeutics. However, the efficiency and specificity of intracellular uptake for nonmodified oligonucleotides is rather poor. Utilizing RNA based oligonucleotides as therapeutics is even more challenging to deliver, due to extremely fast enzymatic degradation of the RNAs. RNAs get rapidly degraded in vivo and demonstrate large off-target binding events when they can reach and enter the desired target cells. One approach that holds much promise is the utilization of "click chemistry" to conjugate receptor or cell specific targeting molecules directly to the effector oligonucleotides. We discuss here the applications of the breakthrough technology of CuAAC click chemistry and the immense potential in utilizing "click chemistry" in the development of new age targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 206 Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Roslyn Ray
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope – Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope. 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Maria Taskova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 206 Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jesper Uhd
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 206 Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Annika Carstens
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 206 Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kevin Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope – Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope. 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
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22
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Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an abundant class of RNAs that include small ncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and pseudogenes. The human ncRNA atlas includes thousands of these specialised RNA molecules that are further subcategorised based on their size or function. Two of the more well-known and widely studied ncRNA species are microRNAs (miRNAs) and lncRNAs. These are regulatory RNAs and their altered expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Failure to express a functional cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane receptor (CFTR) chloride ion channel in epithelial cells underpins CF. Secondary to the CFTR defect, it is known that other pathways can be altered and these may contribute to the pathophysiology of CF lung disease in particular. For example, quantitative alterations in expression of some ncRNAs are associated with CF. In recent years, there has been a series of published studies exploring ncRNA expression and function in CF. The majority have focussed principally on miRNAs, with just a handful of reports to date on lncRNAs. The present study reviews what is currently known about ncRNA expression and function in CF, and discusses the possibility of applying this knowledge to the clinical management of CF in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene M.A. Glasgow
- Lung Biology Group, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Chiara De Santi
- Lung Biology Group, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Catherine M. Greene
- Lung Biology Group, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
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23
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Zhang Y, Luo G, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou J, Gao W, Xuan X, Yang X, Yang D, Tian Z, Ni B, Tang J. Critical effects of long non-coding RNA on fibrosis diseases. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:e428. [PMID: 29350677 PMCID: PMC5799794 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression or dysfunction of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is closely related to various hereditary diseases, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases and tumors. LncRNAs were also recently recognized as functional regulators of fibrosis, which is a secondary process in many of these diseases and a primary pathology in fibrosis diseases. We review the latest findings on lncRNAs in fibrosis diseases of the liver, myocardium, kidney, lung and peritoneum. We also discuss the potential of disease-related lncRNAs as therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of human fibrosis diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, 105th Hospital of PLA, Hefei, China.,Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Gang Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 150th Hospital of PLA, Luoyang, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwu Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuyun Xuan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Yang
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Dermatology, 105th Hospital of PLA, Hefei, China.,Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Narożna B, Langwiński W, Szczepankiewicz A. Non-Coding RNAs in Pediatric Airway Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8120348. [PMID: 29186897 PMCID: PMC5748666 DOI: 10.3390/genes8120348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of numerous biological processes and pathways and therefore have been extensively studied in human diseases. Previous reports have shown that non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and aberrant regulation of respiratory diseases. The altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs in blood and also locally in sputum or exhaled breath condensate influences lung function, immune response, and disease phenotype and may be used for the development of biomarkers specific for airway disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent works studying the non-coding RNAs in airway diseases, with a particular focus on chronic respiratory diseases of childhood. We have chosen the most common chronic respiratory condition—asthma—and the most severe, chronic disease of the airways—cystic fibrosis. Study of the altered expression of non-coding RNAs in these diseases may be key to better understanding their pathogenesis and improving diagnosis, while also holding promise for the development of therapeutic strategies using the regulatory potential of non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Narożna
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-512 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Langwiński
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-512 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Szczepankiewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-512 Poznan, Poland.
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Ezegbunam W, Foronjy R. Posttranscriptional control of airway inflammation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2017; 9. [PMID: 29071794 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute inflammation in the lungs is a vital protective response, efficiently and swiftly eliminating inciters of tissue injury. However, in respiratory diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, enhanced expression of inflammatory mediators leads to tissue damage and impaired lung function. Although transcription is an essential first step in the induction of proinflammatory genes, tight regulation of inflammation requires more rapid, flexible responses. Increasing evidence shows that such responses are achieved by posttranscriptional mechanisms directly affecting mRNA stability and translation initiation. RNA-binding proteins, microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs interact with messenger RNA and each other to impact the stability and/or translation of mRNAs implicated in lung inflammation. Recent research has shown that these biological processes play a central role in the pathogenesis of several important pulmonary conditions. This review will highlight several posttranscriptional control mechanisms that influence lung inflammation and the known associations of derangements in these mechanisms with common respiratory diseases. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1455. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1455 This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Ezegbunam
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Robert Foronjy
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Balloy V, Koshy R, Perra L, Corvol H, Chignard M, Guillot L, Scaria V. Bronchial Epithelial Cells from Cystic Fibrosis Patients Express a Specific Long Non-coding RNA Signature upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:218. [PMID: 28611953 PMCID: PMC5447040 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is the leading cause of chronic lung infection in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. It is well recognized that CF epithelial cells fail to develop an appropriate response to infection, allowing bacterial colonization and a chronic inflammatory response. Since long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are known to play a key role in regulating mammalian innate immune response, we hypothesized that CF cells exposed to Pa could express a specific lncRNA signature responsible of the maladaptative CF response. We analyzed transcriptomic datasets to compare the expression profiles of lncRNAs in primary CF and non-CF epithelial cells infected with Pa at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h of infection. Our analysis identified temporal expression signatures of 25, 73, 15, and 26 lncRNA transcripts differentially expressed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h post-infection respectively, between CF and non-CF cells. In addition, we identified profiles specific to CF and non-CF cells. The differential expression of two candidate lncRNAs were independently validated using real-time PCR. We identified a specific CF signature of lncRNA expression in a context of Pa infection that could potentially play a role in the maladaptive immune response of CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)Paris, France
| | - Remya Koshy
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyDelhi, India
| | - Lea Perra
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)Paris, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)Paris, France.,Pneumologie Pédiatrique, AP-HP, Hôpital TrousseauParis, France
| | - Michel Chignard
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)Paris, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)Paris, France
| | - Vinod Scaria
- GN Ramachandran Knowledge Center for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyDelhi, India.,CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchDelhi, India
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