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Gillum DR, Tran A, Fletcher J, Vogel KM. Bridging biosafety and biosecurity gaps: DURC and ePPP policy insights from U.S. institutions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1476527. [PMID: 39398640 PMCID: PMC11467424 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1476527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Overview This study provides empirical data on the knowledge and practices of biosafety and biosecurity professionals and researchers involved in research on enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (ePPPs) and Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) within various U.S. sectors. The goal is to improve public health interventions and oversight for DURC and ePPP, contributing valuable insights for policy development. A notable finding was the association between larger biosafety/biosecurity teams and a higher likelihood of conducting high-risk biological research. Methods A survey of 541 biosafety and biosecurity professionals was conducted between March 8 and 10 April 2024, with results analyzed using SAS at a significance level of 0.05. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) at Arizona State University and the University of Nevada, Reno. Results Government organizations were more likely to conduct DURC compared to other sectors (e.g., Academic, Commercial, Consulting). Public institutions reviewed more experiments outside the scope of the U.S. DURC Policy than private for-profit institutions. Institutions with larger biosafety/biosecurity teams reported greater research activity and more effective non-compliance reporting mechanisms (e.g., anonymous hotlines, reporting forms). Additionally, financial support and the challenges of policy implementation varied significantly across sectors. Discussion The findings emphasize the need for appropriate staffing and resource allocation for high-risk biosafety and biosecurity research. A differentiated regulatory approach and equitable distribution of resources are essential for effective oversight. Moreover, robust non-compliance reporting systems are critical to mitigating the risks associated with DURC and ePPP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Gillum
- School for the Future of Innovation and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Research and Innovation, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - An Tran
- Environmental Science and Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Jennifer Fletcher
- Accountability, Assessment and Research, Chandler Unified School District, Chandler, AZ, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Vogel
- School for the Future of Innovation and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Bloomfield D, Pannu J, Zhu AW, Ng MY, Lewis A, Bendavid E, Asch SM, Hernandez-Boussard T, Cicero A, Inglesby T. AI and biosecurity: The need for governance. Science 2024; 385:831-833. [PMID: 39172825 DOI: 10.1126/science.adq1977] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Governments should evaluate advanced models and if needed impose safety measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doni Bloomfield
- Center for Health Security, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Law, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaspreet Pannu
- Center for Health Security, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alex W Zhu
- Center for Health Security, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Madelena Y Ng
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics), Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ashley Lewis
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eran Bendavid
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven M Asch
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tina Hernandez-Boussard
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics), Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anita Cicero
- Center for Health Security, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tom Inglesby
- Center for Health Security, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zhang Q, Li T, Xu M, Islam B, Wang J. Application of Optogenetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:57. [PMID: 39060759 PMCID: PMC11281982 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics, a revolutionary technique integrating optical and genetic methodologies, offers unparalleled precision in spatial targeting and temporal resolution for cellular control. This approach enables the selective manipulation of specific neuronal populations, inducing subtle electrical changes that significantly impact complex neural circuitry. As optogenetics precisely targets and modulates neuronal activity, it holds the potential for significant breakthroughs in understanding and potentially altering the course of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by selective neuronal loss leading to functional deficits within the nervous system. The integration of optogenetics into neurodegenerative disease research has significantly advanced in the field, offering new insights and paving the way for innovative treatment strategies. Its application in clinical settings, although still in the nascent stages, suggests a promising future for addressing some of the most challenging aspects of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of these research undertakings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Xu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Binish Islam
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwu Wang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Manteghi M, Can O, Kocagoz T. Peptosome: A New Efficient Transfection Tool as an Alternative to Liposome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6918. [PMID: 39000028 PMCID: PMC11241524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is one of the most promising techniques for treating genetic diseases and cancer. The current most important problem in gene therapy is gene delivery. Viral and non-viral vectors like liposomes, used for gene delivery, have many limitations. We have developed new hybrid peptides by combining cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with the DNA-binding domain of the human histone H4 protein. These small peptides bind to DNA molecules through their histone domain, leaving the CPP part free and available for binding and penetration into cells, forming complexes that we named "peptosomes". We evaluated the transfection efficiency of several hybrid peptides by delivering a plasmid carrying the green fluorescent protein gene and following its expression by fluorescent microscopy. Among several hybrid peptides, TM3 achieved a gene delivery efficiency of 76%, compared to 52% for Lipofectamine 2000. TM3 peptosomes may become important gene delivery tools with several advantages over current gene delivery agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Manteghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey;
| | - Ozge Can
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey;
| | - Tanil Kocagoz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey;
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
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Millett P, Alexanian T, Brink KR, Carter SR, Diggans J, Palmer MJ, Ritterson R, Sandbrink JB, Wheeler NE. Beyond Biosecurity by Taxonomic Lists: Lessons, Challenges, and Opportunities. Health Secur 2023; 21:521-529. [PMID: 37856148 PMCID: PMC10733751 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2022.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Piers Millett
- Piers Millett, PhD, is Executive Director, International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science, Washington, DC
| | - Tessa Alexanian
- Tessa Alexanian is Safety and Security Program Officer, iGEM Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Kathryn R. Brink
- Kathryn R. Brink, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for International Security and Cooperation, at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sarah R. Carter
- Sarah R. Carter, PhD, is Principal, Science Policy Consulting LLC, Arlington, VA
| | - James Diggans
- James Diggans, PhD, is Head of Biosecurity, Twist Bioscience, San Francisco, CA
| | - Megan J. Palmer
- Megan J. Palmer, PhD, is Executive Director of Bio Policy & Leadership Initiatives and an Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering; at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Ryan Ritterson
- Ryan Ritterson, PhD, is Executive Vice President of Research, Gryphon Scientific LLC, Takoma Park, MD
| | - Jonas B. Sandbrink
- Jonas B. Sandbrink is a Doctoral Researcher, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole E. Wheeler
- Nicole E. Wheeler, PhD, is a Turing Fellow, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Allela OQB, Pecho RDC, Jayasankar N, Rao DP, Thamaraikani T, Vasanthan M, Viktor P, Lakshmaiya N, Saadh MJ, Amajd A, Abo-Zaid MA, Castillo-Acobo RY, Ismail AH, Amin AH, Akhavan-Sigari R. Progressing nanotechnology to improve targeted cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in its clinical implementation. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:169. [PMID: 37814270 PMCID: PMC10561438 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Institute, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Institute, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
| | | | | | - Narayanan Jayasankar
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Devendra Pratap Rao
- Department of Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry Laboratory, Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (PG) College, Kanpur-208001, U.P, India
| | - Tamilanban Thamaraikani
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Manimaran Vasanthan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Patrik Viktor
- Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management, Óbuda University, Tavaszmező U. 15-17, 1084, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Natrayan Lakshmaiya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | - Ayesha Amajd
- Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, CEMMPRE, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mabrouk A Abo-Zaid
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, 82817, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed H Ismail
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, 82817, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Molinar C, Tannous M, Meloni D, Cavalli R, Scomparin A. Current Status and Trends in Nucleic Acids for Cancer Therapy: A Focus on Polysaccharide-Based Nanomedicines. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300102. [PMID: 37212473 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300102] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The efficacious delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cancer still remains an open issue. Through the years, several strategies are developed for the encapsulation of genetic molecules exploiting different materials, such as viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Indeed, the rapid approval by regulatory authorities and the wide use of LNPs complexing the mRNA coding for the spark protein for COVID-19 vaccination paved the way for the initiation of several clinical trials exploiting lipid nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, polymers still represent a valuable alternative to lipid-based formulations, due to the low cost and the chemical flexibility that allows for the conjugation of targeting ligands. This review will analyze the status of the ongoing clinical trials for cancer therapy, including vaccination and immunotherapy approaches, exploiting polymeric materials. Among those nanosized carriers, sugar-based backbones are an interesting category. A cyclodextrin-based carrier (CALAA-01) is the first polymeric material to enter a clinical trial complexed with siRNA for cancer therapy, and chitosan is one of the most characterized non-viral vectors able to complex genetic material. Finally, the recent advances in the use of sugar-based polymers (oligo- and polysaccharides) for the complexation of nucleic acids in advanced preclinical stage will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Molinar
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Maria Tannous
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, 10125, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Domitilla Meloni
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Anna Scomparin
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, 10125, Italy
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Comprehensive profiling of antibody responses to the human anellome using programmable phage display. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111754. [PMID: 36543141 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anelloviruses represent a major constituent of the commensal human virome; however, little is known about their immunobiology. Here, we present "AnelloScan," a T7 phage library representing the open reading frame 1 (ORF1), ORF2, ORF3, and torque teno virus (TTV)-derived apoptosis-inducing protein (TAIP) sequences of more than 800 human anelloviruses and profile the antibody reactivities of serum samples from a cross-sectional cohort of 156 subjects by using phage-immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq). A majority of anellovirus peptides are not reactive in any of the subjects tested (n = ∼28,000; ∼85% of the library). Antibody-reactive peptides are largely restricted to the C-terminal region of the capsid protein ORF1. Moreover, using a longitudinal cohort of matched blood-transfusion donors and recipients, we find that most transmitted anelloviruses do not elicit a detectable antibody reactivity in the recipient and that the remainder elicit delayed responses appearing ∼100-150 days after transfusion.
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Abstract
The risk of accidental or deliberate misuse of biological research is increasing as biotechnology advances. As open science becomes widespread, we must consider its impact on those risks and develop solutions that ensure security while facilitating scientific progress. Here, we examine the interaction between open science practices and biosecurity and biosafety to identify risks and opportunities for risk mitigation. Increasing the availability of computational tools, datasets, and protocols could increase risks from research with misuse potential. For instance, in the context of viral engineering, open code, data, and materials may increase the risk of release of enhanced pathogens. For this dangerous subset of research, both open science and biosecurity goals may be achieved by using access-controlled repositories or application programming interfaces. While preprints accelerate dissemination of findings, their increased use could challenge strategies for risk mitigation at the publication stage. This highlights the importance of oversight earlier in the research lifecycle. Preregistration of research, a practice promoted by the open science community, provides an opportunity for achieving biosecurity risk assessment at the conception of research. Open science and biosecurity experts have an important role to play in enabling responsible research with maximal societal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Andrew Smith
- Botnar Research Centre and Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonas B. Sandbrink
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Future of Humanity Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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