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Masarwy R, Stotsky-Oterin L, Elisha A, Hazan-Halevy I, Peer D. Delivery of nucleic acid based genome editing platforms via lipid nanoparticles: Clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115359. [PMID: 38857763 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115359] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technology presents a promising approach for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. Despite its potential, the translation of CRISPR/Cas into effective in-vivo gene therapy encounters challenges, primarily due to the need for safe and efficient delivery mechanisms. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), FDA-approved for RNA delivery, show potential for delivering also CRISPR/Cas, offering the capability to efficiently encapsulate large mRNA molecules with single guide RNAs. However, achieving precise targeting in-vivo remains a significant obstacle, necessitating further research into optimizing LNP formulations. Strategies to enhance specificity, such as modifying LNP structures and incorporating targeting ligands, are explored to improve organ and cell type targeting. Furthermore, the development of base and prime editing technology presents a potential breakthrough, offering precise modifications without generating double-strand breaks (DSBs). Prime editing, particularly when delivered via targeted LNPs, holds promise for treating diverse diseases safely and precisely. This review assesses both the progress made and the persistent challenges faced in using LNP-encapsulated CRISPR-based technologies for therapeutic purposes, with a particular focus on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Masarwy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Stotsky-Oterin
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviad Elisha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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2
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Tang MS, Shan H. Current state of gene therapy in sickle cell disease. Vox Sang 2024; 119:521-528. [PMID: 38487952 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13612] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a type of hemoglobinopathy due to an autosomal recessive genetic defect, causing significant red cell sickling, multi-organ damage and long-term severe morbidities. Due to its complicated care and the impact on quality of life, a curative treatment for SCD is highly desirable. In recent years, gene therapy is emerging as a curative option for SCD, where autologous haematopoietic stem cells are collected from SCD patients and genetically modified ex vivo to reduce its sickling tendency before reinfusion. Although still largely investigational, a limited number of gene therapy options have been recently granted approval for SCD patients. Published data are still currently limited, but early studies have so far demonstrated the intended outcomes of less vaso-occlusive crisis and haemolysis. Nonetheless, despite its curative potential, larger clinical trials and longer follow-up period are still necessary to evaluate the safety of this treatment option, especially the risk of unintended genetic modifications. Furthermore, SCD patients frequently have limited access to specialty care; hence, the issues of affordability and accessibility to SCD gene therapy must also be addressed for it to benefit the appropriate patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei San Tang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hua Shan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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3
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Alayoubi AM, Khawaji ZY, Mohammed MA, Mercier FE. CRISPR-Cas9 system: a novel and promising era of genotherapy for beta-hemoglobinopathies, hematological malignancy, and hemophilia. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1805-1817. [PMID: 37736806 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy represents a significant potential to revolutionize the field of hematology with applications in correcting genetic mutations, generating cell lines and animal models, and improving the feasibility and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Compared to different genetic engineering tools, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) emerged as an effective and versatile genetic editor with the ability to precisely modify the genome. The applications of genetic engineering in various hematological disorders have shown encouraging results. Monogenic hematological disorders can conceivably be corrected with single gene modification. Through the use of CRISPR-CAS9, restoration of functional red blood cells and hemostasis factors were successfully attained in sickle cell anemia, beta-thalassemia, and hemophilia disorders. Our understanding of hemato-oncology has been advanced via CRIPSR-CAS9 technology. CRISPR-CAS9 aided to build a platform of mutated genes responsible for cell survival and proliferation in leukemia. Therapeutic application of CRISPR-CAS9 when combined with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in multiple myeloma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia was feasible with attenuation of CAR T cell therapy pitfalls. Our review outlines the latest literature on the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9 in the treatment of beta-hemoglobinopathies and hemophilia disorders. We present the strategies that were employed and the findings of preclinical and clinical trials. Also, the review will discuss gene engineering in the field of hemato-oncology as a proper tool to facilitate and overcome the drawbacks of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulfatah M Alayoubi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - François E Mercier
- Divisions of Experimental Medicine & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Dimitrievska M, Bansal D, Vitale M, Strouboulis J, Miccio A, Nicolaides KH, El Hoss S, Shangaris P, Jacków-Malinowska J. Revolutionising healing: Gene Editing's breakthrough against sickle cell disease. Blood Rev 2024; 65:101185. [PMID: 38493007 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in gene editing illuminate new potential therapeutic approaches for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a debilitating monogenic disorder caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene. Despite the availability of several FDA-approved medications for symptomatic relief, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the sole curative option, underscoring a persistent need for novel treatments. This review delves into the growing field of gene editing, particularly the extensive research focused on curing haemoglobinopathies like SCD. We examine the use of techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 and homology-directed repair, base editing, and prime editing to either correct the pathogenic variant into a non-pathogenic or wild-type one or augment fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production. The article elucidates ways to optimize these tools for efficacious gene editing with minimal off-target effects and offers insights into their effective delivery into cells. Furthermore, we explore clinical trials involving alternative SCD treatment strategies, such as LentiGlobin therapy and autologous HSCT, distilling the current findings. This review consolidates vital information for the clinical translation of gene editing for SCD, providing strategic insights for investigators eager to further the development of gene editing for SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Dimitrievska
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Dravie Bansal
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marta Vitale
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John Strouboulis
- Red Cell Hematology Lab, Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, Paris 75015, France
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara El Hoss
- Red Cell Hematology Lab, Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Panicos Shangaris
- Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Suchy FP, Karigane D, Nakauchi Y, Higuchi M, Zhang J, Pekrun K, Hsu I, Fan AC, Nishimura T, Charlesworth CT, Bhadury J, Nishimura T, Wilkinson AC, Kay MA, Majeti R, Nakauchi H. Genome engineering with Cas9 and AAV repair templates generates frequent concatemeric insertions of viral vectors. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02171-w. [PMID: 38589662 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 paired with adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) is among the most efficient tools for producing targeted gene knockins. Here, we report that this system can lead to frequent concatemeric insertions of the viral vector genome at the target site that are difficult to detect. Such errors can cause adverse and unreliable phenotypes that are antithetical to the goal of precision genome engineering. The concatemeric knockins occurred regardless of locus, vector concentration, cell line or cell type, including human pluripotent and hematopoietic stem cells. Although these highly abundant errors were found in more than half of the edited cells, they could not be readily detected by common analytical methods. We describe strategies to detect and thoroughly characterize the concatemeric viral vector insertions, and we highlight analytical pitfalls that mask their prevalence. We then describe strategies to prevent the concatemeric inserts by cutting the vector genome after transduction. This approach is compatible with established gene editing pipelines, enabling robust genetic knockins that are safer, more reliable and more reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian P Suchy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Daiki Karigane
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakauchi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maimi Higuchi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katja Pekrun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian Hsu
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy C Fan
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Toshinobu Nishimura
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carsten T Charlesworth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joydeep Bhadury
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Toshiya Nishimura
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adam C Wilkinson
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark A Kay
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Distinguished Professor Unit, Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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6
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Perez-Bermejo JA, Efagene O, Matern WM, Holden JK, Kabir S, Chew GM, Andreoletti G, Catton E, Ennis CL, Garcia A, Gerstenberg TL, Hill KA, Jain A, Krassovsky K, Lalisan CD, Lord D, Quejarro BJ, Sales-Lee J, Shah M, Silva BJ, Skowronski J, Strukov YG, Thomas J, Veraz M, Vijay T, Wallace KA, Yuan Y, Grogan JL, Wienert B, Lahiri P, Treusch S, Dever DP, Soros VB, Partridge JR, Seim KL. Functional screening in human HSPCs identifies optimized protein-based enhancers of Homology Directed Repair. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2625. [PMID: 38521763 PMCID: PMC10960832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46816-5] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Homology Directed Repair (HDR) enables precise genome editing, but the implementation of HDR-based therapies is hindered by limited efficiency in comparison to methods that exploit alternative DNA repair routes, such as Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). In this study, we develop a functional, pooled screening platform to identify protein-based reagents that improve HDR in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We leverage this screening platform to explore sequence diversity at the binding interface of the NHEJ inhibitor i53 and its target, 53BP1, identifying optimized variants that enable new intermolecular bonds and robustly increase HDR. We show that these variants specifically reduce insertion-deletion outcomes without increasing off-target editing, synergize with a DNAPK inhibitor molecule, and can be applied at manufacturing scale to increase the fraction of cells bearing repaired alleles. This screening platform can enable the discovery of future gene editing reagents that improve HDR outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Meet Shah
- Graphite Bio, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yue Yuan
- Graphite Bio, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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8
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Meaker GA, Wilkinson AC. Ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell expansion technologies: recent progress, applications, and open questions. Exp Hematol 2024; 130:104136. [PMID: 38072133 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a rare but potent cell type that support life-long hematopoiesis and stably regenerate the entire blood and immune system following transplantation. HSC transplantation represents a mainstay treatment for various diseases of the blood and immune systems. The ex vivo expansion and manipulation of HSCs therefore represents an important approach to ask biological questions in experimental hematology and to help improve clinical HSC transplantation therapies. However, it has remained challenging to expand transplantable HSCs ex vivo. This review summarizes recent progress in ex vivo HSC expansion technologies and their applications to biological and clinical problems and discusses current questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Meaker
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam C Wilkinson
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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9
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Yang Y, He L, Xie Y, Zhu L, Wu J, Fan Y, Yang Y, Sun X. In situ correction of various β-thalassemia mutations in human hematopoietic stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1276890. [PMID: 38333188 PMCID: PMC10850376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1276890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia (β-thal) is the most common monogenic disorder caused by various mutations in the human hemoglobin β (HBB) gene and affecting millions of people worldwide. Electroporation of Cas9 and single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex-mediated gene targeting in patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), followed by autologous transplantation, holds the promise to cure patients lacking a compatible bone marrow donor. In this study, a universal gene correction method was devised to achieve in situ correction of most types of HBB mutations by using validated CRISPR/sgRNA-RNP complexes and recombinant adeno-associated viral 6 (rAAV6) donor-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) in HSCs. The gene-edited HSCs exhibited multi-lineage formation abilities, and the expression of β-globin transcripts was restored in differentiated erythroid cells. The method was applied to efficiently correct different mutations in β-thal patient-derived HSCs, and the edited HSCs retained the ability to engraft into the bone marrow of immunodeficient NOD-scid-IL2Rg-/- (NSI) mice. This study provides an efficient and safe approach for targeting HSCs by HDR at the HBB locus, which provides a potential therapeutic approach for treating other types of monogenic diseases in patient-specific HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zigong Hospital of Women and Children Health Care, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lifen Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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11
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Kuczynski CE, Porada CD, Atala A, Cho SS, Almeida-Porada G. Evaluating sheep hemoglobins with MD simulations as an animal model for sickle cell disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:276. [PMID: 38168584 PMCID: PMC10761887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50707-y] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions worldwide, yet there are few therapeutic options. To develop effective treatments, preclinical models that recapitulate human physiology and SCD pathophysiology are needed. SCD arises from a single Glu-to-Val substitution at position 6 in the β subunit of hemoglobin (Hb), promoting Hb polymerization and subsequent disease. Sheep share important physiological and developmental characteristics with humans, including the same developmental pattern of fetal to adult Hb switching. Herein, we investigated whether introducing the SCD mutation into the sheep β-globin locus would recapitulate SCD's complex pathophysiology by generating high quality SWISS-MODEL sheep Hb structures and performing MD simulations of normal/sickle human (huHbA/huHbS) and sheep (shHbB/shHbS) Hb, establishing how accurately shHbS mimics huHbS behavior. shHbS, like huHbS, remained stable with low RMSD, while huHbA and shHbB had higher and fluctuating RMSD. shHbB and shHbS also behaved identically to huHbA and huHbS with respect to β2-Glu6 and β1-Asp73 (β1-Asn72 in sheep) solvent interactions. These data demonstrate that introducing the single SCD-causing Glu-to-Val substitution into sheep β-globin causes alterations consistent with the Hb polymerization that drives RBC sickling, supporting the development of a SCD sheep model to pave the way for alternative cures for this debilitating, globally impactful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Samuel S Cho
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
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12
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Becker HJ, Yamazaki S. Understanding genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited hematopoietic stem cell products. Exp Hematol 2024; 129:104133. [PMID: 38036097 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas gene editing has transformed genetic research and is poised to drive the next generation of gene therapies targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the installation of the "desired" edit is most often only achieved in a minor subset of alleles. The array of cellular pathways triggered by gene editing tools produces a broad spectrum of "undesired" editing outcomes, including short insertions and deletions (indels) and chromosome rearrangements, leading to considerable genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited HSC populations. This heterogeneity may undermine the effect of the genetic intervention since only a subset of cells will carry the intended modification. Also, undesired mutations represent a potential safety concern as gene editing advances toward broader clinical use. Here, we will review the different sources of "undesired" edits and will discuss strategies for their mitigation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jiro Becker
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan; Division of Cell Regulation, Center of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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13
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Jacob SA, Talati R, Kanter J. The evolving treatment landscape for children with sickle cell disease. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:797-808. [PMID: 37858508 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited pathological haemoglobinopathy. Over the past 30 years, disease-related morbidity and mortality have improved in high-income countries due to advances in preventive care and treatments. Established disease-modifying therapies, such as hydroxyurea (hydrocarbamide), are continuing to have an important role in the treatment of sickle cell disease, and newer agents also show promise. In the past 5 years, the US Food and Drug Administration approved three additional sickle cell disease-modifying medications, and new gene therapies have been developed as an alternative curative treatment to haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. In this Review, we discuss the current treatment landscape for paediatric sickle cell disease and emerging innovations in care. We also review the need for close, long-term management for children receiving newer therapies and the importance of ongoing investment in people with sickle cell disease in low-income and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seethal A Jacob
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ravi Talati
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Blood/Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Julie Kanter
- Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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14
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Tejero M, Duzenli OF, Caine C, Kuoch H, Aslanidi G. Bioengineered Hybrid Rep 2/6 Gene Improves Encapsulation of a Single-Stranded Expression Cassette into AAV6 Vectors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1866. [PMID: 37895215 PMCID: PMC10606878 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101866] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of clinical-grade recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for gene therapy trials remains a major hurdle in the further advancement of the gene therapy field. During the past decades, AAV research has been predominantly focused on the development of new capsid modifications, vector-associated immunogenicity, and the scale-up vector production. However, limited studies have examined the possibility to manipulate non-structural components of AAV such as the Rep genes. Historically, naturally isolated, or recombinant library-derived AAV capsids have been produced using the AAV serotype 2 Rep gene to package ITR2-flanked vector genomes. In the current study, we mutated four variable amino acids in the conservative part of the binding domain in AAV serotype 6 Rep to generate a Rep2/6 hybrid gene. This newly generated Rep2/6 hybrid had improved packaging ability over wild-type Rep6. AAV vectors produced with Rep2/6 exhibited similar in vivo activity as standard AAV6 vectors. Furthermore, we show that this Rep2/6 hybrid also improves full/empty capsid ratios, suggesting that Rep bioengineering can be used to improve the ratio of fully encapsulated AAV vectors during upstream manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Tejero
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55455, USA; (M.T.)
| | - Ozgun F. Duzenli
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55455, USA; (M.T.)
| | - Colin Caine
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55455, USA; (M.T.)
| | - Hisae Kuoch
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55455, USA; (M.T.)
| | - George Aslanidi
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55455, USA; (M.T.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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15
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Murugesan R, Karuppusamy KV, Marepally S, Thangavel S. Current approaches and potential challenges in the delivery of gene editing cargos into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1148693. [PMID: 37780116 PMCID: PMC10540692 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1148693] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in gene delivery and editing have expanded the applications of autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for the treatment of monogenic and acquired diseases. The gene editing toolbox is growing, and the ability to achieve gene editing with mRNA or protein delivered intracellularly by vehicles, such as electroporation and nanoparticles, has highlighted the potential of gene editing in HSPCs. Ongoing phase I/II clinical trials with gene-edited HSPCs for β-hemoglobinopathies provide hope for treating monogenic diseases. The development of safe and efficient gene editing reagents and their delivery into hard-to-transfect HSPCs have been critical drivers in the rapid translation of HSPC gene editing into clinical studies. This review article summarizes the available payloads and delivery vehicles for gene editing HSPCs and their potential impact on therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Murugesan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Karthik V. Karuppusamy
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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16
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Rubio-Lara JA, Igarashi KJ, Sood S, Johansson A, Sommerkamp P, Yamashita M, Lin DS. Expanding hematopoietic stem cell ex vivo: recent advances and technical considerations. Exp Hematol 2023; 125-126:6-15. [PMID: 37543237 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most primitive cell type in the hematopoietic hierarchy, which are responsible for sustaining the lifelong production of mature blood and immune cells. Due to their superior long-term regenerative capacity, HSC therapies such as stem cell transplantation have been used in a broad range of hematologic disorders. However, the rarity of this population in vivo considerably limits its clinical applications and large-scale analyses such as screening and safety studies. Therefore, ex vivo culture methods that allow long-term expansion and maintenance of functional HSCs are instrumental in overcoming the difficulties in studying HSC biology and improving HSC therapies. In this perspective, we discuss recent advances and technical considerations for three ex vivo HSC expansion methods including 1) polyvinyl alcohol-based HSC expansion, 2) mesenchymal stromal cell-HSC co-culture, and 3) two-/three-dimensional hydrogel HSC culture. This review summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2022 International Society for Experimental Hematology (ISEH) Annual Meeting New Investigator Technology Session.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyomi J Igarashi
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Shubhankar Sood
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Inflammatory Stress in Stem Cells, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alban Johansson
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Pia Sommerkamp
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masayuki Yamashita
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dawn S Lin
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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Lidonnici MR, Scaramuzza S, Ferrari G. Gene Therapy for Hemoglobinopathies. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:793-807. [PMID: 37675899 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.138] [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] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia and sickle cell disease are autosomal recessive disorders of red blood cells due to mutations in the adult β-globin gene, with a worldwide diffusion. The severe forms of hemoglobinopathies are fatal if untreated, and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation can be offered to a limited proportion of patients. The unmet clinical need and the disease incidence have promoted the development of new genetic therapies based on the engineering of autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Here, the steps of ex vivo gene therapy development are reviewed along with results from clinical trials and recent new approaches employing cutting edge gene editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Lidonnici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Samantha Scaramuzza
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Giuliana Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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18
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Neldeborg S, Soerensen JF, Møller CT, Bill M, Gao Z, Bak RO, Holm K, Sorensen B, Nyegaard M, Luo Y, Hokland P, Stougaard M, Ludvigsen M, Holm CK. Dual intron-targeted CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of the AML RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene effectively inhibits proliferation and decreases tumor volume in vitro and in vivo. Leukemia 2023; 37:1792-1801. [PMID: 37464068 PMCID: PMC10457201 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic fusion drivers are common in hematological cancers and are thus relevant targets of future CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment strategies. However, breakpoint-location variation in patients pose a challenge to traditional breakpoint-targeting CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption strategies. Here we present a new dual intron-targeting CRISPR-Cas9 treatment strategy, for targeting t(8;21) found in 5-10% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which efficiently disrupts fusion genes without prior identification of breakpoint location. We show in vitro growth rate and proliferation reduction by 69 and 94% in AML t(8;21) Kasumi-1 cells, following dual intron-targeted disruption of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 compared to a non t(8;21) AML control. Furthermore, mice injected with RUNX1-RUNX1T1-disrupted Kasumi-1 cells had in vivo tumor growth reduction by 69 and 91% compared to controls. Demonstrating the feasibility of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 disruption, these findings were substantiated in isolated primary cells from a patient diagnosed with AML t(8;21). In conclusion, we demonstrate proof-of-principle of a dual intron-targeting CRISPR-Cas9 treatment strategy in AML t(8;21) without need for precise knowledge of the breakpoint location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Neldeborg
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Johannes Frasez Soerensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Bill
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zongliang Gao
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kasper Holm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Boe Sorensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Nyegaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Hokland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Magnus Stougaard
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Life Science Cluster, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maja Ludvigsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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19
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Nam H, Xie K, Majumdar I, Yang S, Starzyk J, Lee D, Shan R, Li J, Wu H. TESOGENASE, An Engineered Nuclease Editor for Enhanced Targeted Genome Integration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.553855. [PMID: 37693500 PMCID: PMC10491117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.553855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral DNA donor template has been widely used for targeted genomic integration by homologous recombination (HR). This process has become more efficient with RNA guided endonuclease editor system such as CRISPR/Cas9. Circular single stranded DNA (cssDNA) has been harnessed previously as a g enome engineering c atalyst (GATALYST) for efficient and safe targeted gene knock-in. However, the engineering efficiency is bottlenecked by the nucleoplasm trafficking and genomic tethering of cssDNA donor, especially for extra-large transgene integration. Here we developed enGager, en hanced G ATALYST a ssociated g enome e ditor system by fusion of nucleus localization signal (NLS) peptide tagged Cas9 with various single stranded DNA binding protein modules through a GFP reporter Knock-in screening. The enGager system assembles an integrative genome integration machinery by forming tripartite complex for engineered nuclease editors, sgRNA and ssDNA donors, thereby facilitate the nucleus trafficking of DNA donors and increase their active local concentration at the targeted genomic site. When applied for genome integration with cssDNA donor templates to diverse genomic loci in various cell types, these enGagers outperform unfused editors. The enhancement of integration efficiency ranges from 1.5- to more than 6-fold, with the effect being more prominent for > 4Kb transgene knock-in in primary cells. We further demonstrated that enGager mediated enhancement for genome integration is ssDNA, but less dsDNA dependent. Using one of the mini-enGagers, we demonstrated large chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene integration in primary T cells with exceptional efficiency and anti-tumor function. These tripartite e ditors with s sDNA o ptimized g enome en gineering system (TESOGENASE TM ) add a set of novel endonuclease editors into the gene-editing toolbox for potential cell and gene therapeutic development based on ssDNA mediated non-viral genome engineering. Highlight A reporter Knock-in screening establishes enGager system to identify TESOGENASE editor to improving ssDNA mediated genome integrationMini-TESOGENASEs developed by fusing Cas9 nuclease with novel ssDNA binding motifsmRNA mini-TESOGENASEs enhance targeted genome integration via various non-viral delivery approachesEfficient functional CAR-T cell engineering by mini-TESOGENASE.
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20
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Piel FB, Rees DC, DeBaun MR, Nnodu O, Ranque B, Thompson AA, Ware RE, Abboud MR, Abraham A, Ambrose EE, Andemariam B, Colah R, Colombatti R, Conran N, Costa FF, Cronin RM, de Montalembert M, Elion J, Esrick E, Greenway AL, Idris IM, Issom DZ, Jain D, Jordan LC, Kaplan ZS, King AA, Lloyd-Puryear M, Oppong SA, Sharma A, Sung L, Tshilolo L, Wilkie DJ, Ohene-Frempong K. Defining global strategies to improve outcomes in sickle cell disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e633-e686. [PMID: 37451304 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric B Piel
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - David C Rees
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael R DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Obiageli Nnodu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Health Sciences and Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Brigitte Ranque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris Centre, University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alexis A Thompson
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology and Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Miguel R Abboud
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Sickle Cell Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emmanuela E Ambrose
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Biree Andemariam
- New England Sickle Cell Institute, University of Connecticut Health, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roshan Colah
- Department of Haematogenetics, Indian Council of Medical Research National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai, India
| | - Raffaella Colombatti
- Pediatric Oncology Hematology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Conran
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemocentro), University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Costa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemocentro), University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Robert M Cronin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariane de Montalembert
- Department of Pediatrics, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Elion
- Paris Cité University and University of the Antilles, Inserm, BIGR, Paris, France
| | - Erica Esrick
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anthea L Greenway
- Department Clinical Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville and Department Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ibrahim M Idris
- Department of Hematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital/Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - David-Zacharie Issom
- Department of Business Information Systems, School of Management, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dipty Jain
- Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India
| | - Lori C Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zane S Kaplan
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Monash Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Allison A King
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michele Lloyd-Puryear
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samuel A Oppong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leon Tshilolo
- Institute of Biomedical Research/CEFA Monkole Hospital Centre and Official University of Mbuji-Mayi, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kwaku Ohene-Frempong
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, Kumasi, Ghana
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21
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Becker HJ, Ishida R, Wilkinson AC, Kimura T, Lee MSJ, Coban C, Ota Y, Tanaka Y, Roskamp M, Sano T, Tojo A, Kent DG, Yamazaki S. Controlling genetic heterogeneity in gene-edited hematopoietic stem cells by single-cell expansion. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:987-1000.e8. [PMID: 37385251 PMCID: PMC10338855 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing using engineered nucleases frequently produces unintended genetic lesions in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Gene-edited HSC cultures thus contain heterogeneous populations, the majority of which either do not carry the desired edit or harbor unwanted mutations. In consequence, transplanting edited HSCs carries the risks of suboptimal efficiency and of unwanted mutations in the graft. Here, we present an approach for expanding gene-edited HSCs at clonal density, allowing for genetic profiling of individual clones before transplantation. We achieved this by developing a defined, polymer-based expansion system and identifying long-term expanding clones within the CD201+CD150+CD48-c-Kit+Sca-1+Lin- population of precultured HSCs. Using the Prkdcscid immunodeficiency model, we demonstrate that we can expand and profile edited HSC clones to check for desired and unintended modifications, including large deletions. Transplantation of Prkdc-corrected HSCs rescued the immunodeficient phenotype. Our ex vivo manipulation platform establishes a paradigm to control genetic heterogeneity in HSC gene editing and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jiro Becker
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan; Division of Stem Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
| | - Reiko Ishida
- Division of Stem Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Adam C Wilkinson
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Takaharu Kimura
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Michelle Sue Jann Lee
- Division of Malaria Immunology and International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Cevayir Coban
- Division of Malaria Immunology and International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yasunori Ota
- Department of Pathology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tanaka
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City 860-0811, Japan
| | - Meike Roskamp
- Pharma Solutions, Nutrition & Health, BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Strasse 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Tsubasa Sano
- Pharma Solutions, Nutrition & Health, BASF Japan Ltd, Tokyo 103-0022, Japan
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - David G Kent
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan; Division of Stem Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
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22
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Srivastava A. Rationale and strategies for the development of safe and effective optimized AAV vectors for human gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:949-959. [PMID: 37293185 PMCID: PMC10244667 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been, or are currently in use, in 332 phase I/II/III clinical trials in a number of human diseases, and in some cases, remarkable clinical efficacy has also been achieved. There are now three US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved AAV "drugs," but it has become increasingly clear that the first generation of AAV vectors are not optimal. In addition, relatively large vector doses are needed to achieve clinical efficacy, which has been shown to provoke host immune responses culminating in serious adverse events and, more recently, in the deaths of 10 patients to date. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of the next generation of AAV vectors that are (1) safe, (2) effective, and (3) human tropic. This review describes the strategies to potentially overcome each of the limitations of the first generation of AAV vectors and the rationale and approaches for the development of the next generation of AAV serotype vectors. These vectors promise to be efficacious at significant reduced doses, likely to achieve clinical efficacy, thereby increasing the safety as well as reducing vector production costs, ensuring translation to the clinic with higher probability of success, without the need for the use of immune suppression, for gene therapy of a wide variety of diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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23
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Ma L, Yang S, Peng Q, Zhang J, Zhang J. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology for sickle cell disease. Gene 2023; 874:147480. [PMID: 37182559 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenic hematologic disorder and is essentially congenital hemolytic anemia caused by an inherited point mutation in the β-globin on chromosome 11. Although the genetic basis of SCD was revealed as early as 1957, treatment options for SCD have been very limited to date. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was thought to hold promise as a cure for SCD, but the available donors were still only 15% useful. Gene therapy has advanced rapidly into the 21st century with the promise of a cure for SCD, and gene editing strategies based on the cluster-based regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequence (CRISPR)/Cas9 system have revolutionized the field of gene therapy by precisely targeting genes. In this paper, we review the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches of SCD, briefly summarize the delivery strategies of CRISPR/Cas9, and finally discuss in depth the current status, application barriers, and solution directions of CRISPR/Cas9 in SCD. Through the review in this paper, we hope to provide some references for gene therapy in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Ma
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Shanglun Yang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Qianya Peng
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 620000, China.
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24
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Ferrari S, Valeri E, Conti A, Scala S, Aprile A, Di Micco R, Kajaste-Rudnitski A, Montini E, Ferrari G, Aiuti A, Naldini L. Genetic engineering meets hematopoietic stem cell biology for next-generation gene therapy. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:549-570. [PMID: 37146580 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The growing clinical success of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapy (GT) relies on the development of viral vectors as portable "Trojan horses" for safe and efficient gene transfer. The recent advent of novel technologies enabling site-specific gene editing is broadening the scope and means of GT, paving the way to more precise genetic engineering and expanding the spectrum of diseases amenable to HSPC-GT. Here, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art and prospective developments of the HSPC-GT field, highlighting how advances in biological characterization and manipulation of HSPCs will enable the design of the next generation of these transforming therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Erika Valeri
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anastasia Conti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aprile
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Micco
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aiuti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy.
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25
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Everette KA, Newby GA, Levine RM, Mayberry K, Jang Y, Mayuranathan T, Nimmagadda N, Dempsey E, Li Y, Bhoopalan SV, Liu X, Davis JR, Nelson AT, Chen PJ, Sousa AA, Cheng Y, Tisdale JF, Weiss MJ, Yen JS, Liu DR. Ex vivo prime editing of patient haematopoietic stem cells rescues sickle-cell disease phenotypes after engraftment in mice. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:616-628. [PMID: 37069266 PMCID: PMC10195679 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is caused by an A·T-to-T·A transversion mutation in the β-globin gene (HBB). Here we show that prime editing can correct the SCD allele (HBBS) to wild type (HBBA) at frequencies of 15%-41% in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients with SCD. Seventeen weeks after transplantation into immunodeficient mice, prime-edited SCD HSPCs maintained HBBA levels and displayed engraftment frequencies, haematopoietic differentiation and lineage maturation similar to those of unedited HSPCs from healthy donors. An average of 42% of human erythroblasts and reticulocytes isolated 17 weeks after transplantation of prime-edited HSPCs from four SCD patient donors expressed HBBA, exceeding the levels predicted for therapeutic benefit. HSPC-derived erythrocytes carried less sickle haemoglobin, contained HBBA-derived adult haemoglobin at 28%-43% of normal levels and resisted hypoxia-induced sickling. Minimal off-target editing was detected at over 100 sites nominated experimentally via unbiased genome-wide analysis. Our findings support the feasibility of a one-time prime editing SCD treatment that corrects HBBS to HBBA, does not require any viral or non-viral DNA template and minimizes undesired consequences of DNA double-strand breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcee A Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel M Levine
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kalin Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yoonjeong Jang
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Nikitha Nimmagadda
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erin Dempsey
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yichao Li
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Xiong Liu
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew T Nelson
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander A Sousa
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan S Yen
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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26
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Li C, Georgakopoulou A, Newby GA, Chen PJ, Everette KA, Paschoudi K, Vlachaki E, Gil S, Anderson AK, Koob T, Huang L, Wang H, Kiem HP, Liu DR, Yannaki E, Lieber A. In vivo HSC prime editing rescues sickle cell disease in a mouse model. Blood 2023; 141:2085-2099. [PMID: 36800642 PMCID: PMC10163316 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disease caused by a nucleotide mutation in the β-globin gene. Current gene therapy studies are mainly focused on lentiviral vector-mediated gene addition or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated fetal globin reactivation, leaving the root cause unfixed. We developed a vectorized prime editing system that can directly repair the SCD mutation in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo in a SCD mouse model (CD46/Townes mice). Our approach involved a single intravenous injection of a nonintegrating, prime editor-expressing viral vector into mobilized CD46/Townes mice and low-dose drug selection in vivo. This procedure resulted in the correction of ∼40% of βS alleles in HSCs. On average, 43% of sickle hemoglobin was replaced by adult hemoglobin, thereby greatly mitigating the SCD phenotypes. Transplantation in secondary recipients demonstrated that long-term repopulating HSCs were edited. Highly efficient target site editing was achieved with minimal generation of insertions and deletions and no detectable off-target editing. Because of its simplicity and portability, our in vivo prime editing approach has the potential for application in resource-poor countries where SCD is prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Aphrodite Georgakopoulou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Peter J. Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Kelcee A. Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Kiriaki Paschoudi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efthymia Vlachaki
- Hematological Laboratory, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sucheol Gil
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Anna K. Anderson
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Theodore Koob
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Lishan Huang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - André Lieber
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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27
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Wolff JH, Mikkelsen JG. Prime editing in hematopoietic stem cells—From ex vivo to in vivo CRISPR-based treatment of blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1148650. [PMID: 36969373 PMCID: PMC10036844 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1148650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing of human hematopoietic stem cells has the potential to become a safe and efficient way of treating diseases of the blood directly in patients. By allowing site-targeted gene intervention without homology-directed repair donor templates and DNA double-stranded breaks, the invention of prime editing fuels the exploration of alternatives to conventional recombination-based ex vivo genome editing of hematopoietic stem cells. Prime editing is as close as we get today to a true genome editing drug that does not require a separate DNA donor. However, to adapt the technology to perform in vivo gene correction, key challenges remain to be solved, such as identifying effective prime editing guide RNAs for clinical targets as well as developing efficient vehicles to deliver prime editors to stem cells in vivo. In this review, we summarize the current progress in delivery of prime editors both in vitro and in vivo and discuss future challenges that need to be adressed to allow in vivo prime editing as a cure for blood disorders.
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28
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Hartweger H, Gautam R, Nishimura Y, Schmidt F, Yao KH, Escolano A, Jankovic M, Martin MA, Nussenzweig MC. Gene Editing of Primary Rhesus Macaque B Cells. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64858. [PMID: 36847375 PMCID: PMC11099984 DOI: 10.3791/64858] [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: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
B cells and their progeny are the sources of highly expressed antibodies. Their high protein expression capabilities together with their abundance, easy accessibility via peripheral blood, and amenability to simple adoptive transfers have made them an attractive target for gene editing approaches to express recombinant antibodies or other therapeutic proteins. The gene editing of mouse and human primary B cells is efficient, and mouse models for in vivo studies have shown promise, but feasibility and scalability for larger animal models have so far not been demonstrated. We, therefore, developed a protocol to edit rhesus macaque primary B cells in vitro to enable such studies. We report conditions for in vitro culture and gene-editing of primary rhesus macaque B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells or splenocytes using CRISPR/Cas9. To achieve the targeted integration of large (<4.5 kb) cassettes, a fast and efficient protocol was included for preparing recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 6 as a homology-directed repair template using a tetracycline-enabled self-silencing adenoviral helper vector. These protocols enable the study of prospective B cell therapeutics in rhesus macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajeev Gautam
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
| | - Yoshiaki Nishimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
| | - Fabian Schmidt
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University; Laboratory of Applied Virology and Precision Medicine, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
| | - Kai-Hui Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University
| | - Amelia Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University; Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute
| | - Mila Jankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University
| | - Malcolm A Martin
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
| | - Michel C Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University
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29
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Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rosa Bacchetta,
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30
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Buffa V, Alvarez Vargas JR, Galy A, Spinozzi S, Rocca CJ. Hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells gene editing: Beyond blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 4:997142. [PMID: 36698790 PMCID: PMC9868335 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.997142] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lessons learned from decades-long practice in the transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to treat severe inherited disorders or cancer, have set the stage for the current ex vivo gene therapies using autologous gene-modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that have treated so far, hundreds of patients with monogenic disorders. With increased knowledge of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, improved modalities for patient conditioning and with the emergence of new gene editing technologies, a new era of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based gene therapies is poised to emerge. Gene editing has the potential to restore physiological expression of a mutated gene, or to insert a functional gene in a precise locus with reduced off-target activity and toxicity. Advances in patient conditioning has reduced treatment toxicities and may improve the engraftment of gene-modified cells and specific progeny. Thanks to these improvements, new potential treatments of various blood- or immune disorders as well as other inherited diseases will continue to emerge. In the present review, the most recent advances in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell gene editing will be reported, with a focus on how this approach could be a promising solution to treat non-blood-related inherited disorders and the mechanisms behind the therapeutic actions discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Buffa
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - José Roberto Alvarez Vargas
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Anne Galy
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Simone Spinozzi
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Céline J. Rocca
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France,*Correspondence: Céline J. Rocca,
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31
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Fañanas-Baquero S, Morín M, Fernández S, Ojeda-Perez I, Dessy-Rodriguez M, Giurgiu M, Bueren JA, Moreno-Pelayo MA, Segovia JC, Quintana-Bustamante O. Specific correction of pyruvate kinase deficiency-causing point mutations by CRISPR/Cas9 and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1104666. [PMID: 37188156 PMCID: PMC10175809 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1104666] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the PKLR gene. PKD-erythroid cells suffer from an energy imbalance caused by a reduction of erythroid pyruvate kinase (RPK) enzyme activity. PKD is associated with reticulocytosis, splenomegaly and iron overload, and may be life-threatening in severely affected patients. More than 300 disease-causing mutations have been identified as causing PKD. Most mutations are missense mutations, commonly present as compound heterozygous. Therefore, specific correction of these point mutations might be a promising therapy for the treatment of PKD patients. We have explored the potential of precise gene editing for the correction of different PKD-causing mutations, using a combination of single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODN) with the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We have designed guide RNAs (gRNAs) and single-strand donor templates to target four different PKD-causing mutations in immortalized patient-derived lymphoblastic cell lines, and we have detected the precise correction in three of these mutations. The frequency of the precise gene editing is variable, while the presence of additional insertions/deletions (InDels) has also been detected. Significantly, we have identified high mutation-specificity for two of the PKD-causing mutations. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a highly personalized gene-editing therapy to treat point mutations in cells derived from PKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fañanas-Baquero
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Matías Morín
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Fernández
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Ojeda-Perez
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Dessy-Rodriguez
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miruna Giurgiu
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. Bueren
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Moreno-Pelayo
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Segovia
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jose Carlos Segovia, ; Oscar Quintana-Bustamante,
| | - Oscar Quintana-Bustamante
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jose Carlos Segovia, ; Oscar Quintana-Bustamante,
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Shakirova A, Karpov T, Komarova Y, Lepik K. In search of an ideal template for therapeutic genome editing: A review of current developments for structure optimization. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1068637. [PMID: 36911237 PMCID: PMC9992834 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1068637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a fast developing field of medicine with hundreds of ongoing early-stage clinical trials and numerous preclinical studies. Genome editing (GE) now is an increasingly important technology for achieving stable therapeutic effect in gene correction, with hematopoietic cells representing a key target cell population for developing novel treatments for a number of hereditary diseases, infections and cancer. By introducing a double strand break (DSB) in the defined locus of genomic DNA, GE tools allow to knockout the desired gene or to knock-in the therapeutic gene if provided with an appropriate repair template. Currently, the efficiency of methods for GE-mediated knock-in is limited. Significant efforts were focused on improving the parameters and interaction of GE nuclease proteins. However, emerging data suggests that optimal characteristics of repair templates may play an important role in the knock-in mechanisms. While viral vectors with notable example of AAVs as a donor template carrier remain the mainstay in many preclinical trials, non-viral templates, including plasmid and linear dsDNA, long ssDNA templates, single and double-stranded ODNs, represent a promising alternative. Furthermore, tuning of editing conditions for the chosen template as well as its structure, length, sequence optimization, homology arm (HA) modifications may have paramount importance for achieving highly efficient knock-in with favorable safety profile. This review outlines the current developments in optimization of templates for the GE mediated therapeutic gene correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Shakirova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Timofey Karpov
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yaroslava Komarova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Shiroshita K, Kobayashi H, Watanuki S, Karigane D, Sorimachi Y, Fujita S, Tamaki S, Haraguchi M, Itokawa N, Aoyoama K, Koide S, Masamoto Y, Kobayashi K, Nakamura-Ishizu A, Kurokawa M, Iwama A, Okamoto S, Kataoka K, Takubo K. A culture platform to study quiescent hematopoietic stem cells following genome editing. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100354. [PMID: 36590688 PMCID: PMC9795334 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Other than genetically engineered mice, few reliable platforms are available for the study of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence. Here we present a platform to analyze HSC cell cycle quiescence by combining culture conditions that maintain quiescence with a CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system optimized for HSCs. We demonstrate that preculture of HSCs enhances editing efficiency by facilitating nuclear transport of ribonucleoprotein complexes. For post-editing culture, mouse and human HSCs edited based on non-homologous end joining and cultured under low-cytokine, low-oxygen, and high-albumin conditions retain their phenotypes and quiescence better than those cultured under the proliferative conditions. Using this approach, HSCs regain quiescence even after editing by homology-directed repair. Our results show that low-cytokine culture conditions for gene-edited HSCs are a useful approach for investigating HSC quiescence ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shiroshita
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shintaro Watanuki
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Daiki Karigane
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sorimachi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shinya Fujita
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinpei Tamaki
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Miho Haraguchi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Naoki Itokawa
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Aoyoama
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Shuhei Koide
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yosuke Masamoto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Ayako Nakamura-Ishizu
- Department of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Mineo Kurokawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwama
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Okamoto
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kataoka
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Division of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Keiyo Takubo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
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Godfrey LC, Rodriguez-Meira A. Viewing AML through a New Lens: Technological Advances in the Study of Epigenetic Regulation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235989. [PMID: 36497471 PMCID: PMC9740143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235989] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, such as histone modifications and DNA methylation, are essential for ensuring the dynamic control of gene regulation in every cell type. These modifications are associated with gene activation or repression, depending on the genomic context and specific type of modification. In both cases, they are deposited and removed by epigenetic modifier proteins. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the function of these proteins is perturbed through genetic mutations (i.e., in the DNA methylation machinery) or translocations (i.e., MLL-rearrangements) arising during leukemogenesis. This can lead to an imbalance in the epigenomic landscape, which drives aberrant gene expression patterns. New technological advances, such as CRISPR editing, are now being used to precisely model genetic mutations and chromosomal translocations. In addition, high-precision epigenomic editing using dCas9 or CRISPR base editing are being used to investigate the function of epigenetic mechanisms in gene regulation. To interrogate these mechanisms at higher resolution, advances in single-cell techniques have begun to highlight the heterogeneity of epigenomic landscapes and how these impact on gene expression within different AML populations in individual cells. Combined, these technologies provide a new lens through which to study the role of epigenetic modifications in normal hematopoiesis and how the underlying mechanisms can be hijacked in the context of malignancies such as AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Godfrey
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Correspondence: (L.C.G.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Alba Rodriguez-Meira
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Correspondence: (L.C.G.); (A.R.-M.)
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Charlesworth CT, Hsu I, Wilkinson AC, Nakauchi H. Immunological barriers to haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:719-733. [PMID: 35301483 PMCID: PMC8929255 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies using haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) epitomize the transformative potential of regenerative medicine. Recent clinical successes for gene therapies involving autologous HSC transplantation (HSCT) demonstrate the potential of genetic engineering in this stem cell type for curing disease. With recent advances in CRISPR gene-editing technologies, methodologies for the ex vivo expansion of HSCs and non-genotoxic conditioning protocols, the range of clinical indications for HSC-based gene therapies is expected to significantly expand. However, substantial immunological challenges need to be overcome. These include pre-existing immunity to gene-therapy reagents, immune responses to neoantigens introduced into HSCs by genetic engineering, and unique challenges associated with next-generation and off-the-shelf HSC products. By synthesizing these factors in this Review, we hope to encourage more research to address the immunological issues associated with current and next-generation HSC-based gene therapies to help realize the full potential of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten T Charlesworth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian Hsu
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam C Wilkinson
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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36
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In Vivo Hematopoietic Stem Cell Genome Editing: Perspectives and Limitations. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122222. [PMID: 36553489 PMCID: PMC9778055 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tremendous evolution of genome-editing tools in the last two decades has provided innovative and effective approaches for gene therapy of congenital and acquired diseases. Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator- like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR-Cas9 have been already applied by ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy in genetic diseases (i.e., Hemoglobinopathies, Fanconi anemia and hereditary Immunodeficiencies) as well as infectious diseases (i.e., HIV), and the recent development of CRISPR-Cas9-based systems using base and prime editors as well as epigenome editors has provided safer tools for gene therapy. The ex vivo approach for gene addition or editing of HSCs, however, is complex, invasive, technically challenging, costly and not free of toxicity. In vivo gene addition or editing promise to transform gene therapy from a highly sophisticated strategy to a "user-friendly' approach to eventually become a broadly available, highly accessible and potentially affordable treatment modality. In the present review article, based on the lessons gained by more than 3 decades of ex vivo HSC gene therapy, we discuss the concept, the tools, the progress made and the challenges to clinical translation of in vivo HSC gene editing.
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Lattanzi A, Maddalo D. The CRISPR Revolution in the Drug Discovery Workflow: An Industry Perspective. CRISPR J 2022; 5:634-641. [PMID: 35917561 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In a relatively short time, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a rapid integration of the CRISPR technology in multiple areas of research, development, therapy, and diagnostics. A unique feature to this system compared with other technologies is the exceptional versatility in adapting to the broad range of needs across the drug discovery pipeline, such as target identification, cell engineering, and in vivo modeling. As a consequence, the CRISPR toolbox has been evolving to address key questions around preclinical and clinical drug development. In this review, we provide a high-level perspective of how CRISPR has impacted several aspects of the drug discovery workflow and the future ahead for this exciting technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Lattanzi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danilo Maddalo
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
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38
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Chupradit K, Thongsin N, Tayapiwatana C, Wattanapanitch M. A precise gene delivery approach for human induced pluripotent stem cells using Cas9 RNP complex and recombinant AAV6 donor vectors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270963. [PMID: 35797389 PMCID: PMC9262223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offers a potential tool for studying gene functions in disease models and correcting genetic mutations for cell-based therapy. Precise transgene insertion in hiPSCs represents a significant challenge. In the past decade, viral transduction has been widely used due to its high transduction efficiency; however, it can result in random transgene integration and variable transgene copy numbers. Non-viral-based strategies are generally safer but limited by their low transfection efficiency in hiPSCs. Recently, genome engineering using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has emerged as a promising gene delivery approach due to AAVs’ low immunogenicity, toxicity, and ability to infect a broad range of cells. The following protocol describes the workflow for genome editing in hiPSCs using the CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex combined with the recombinant AAV serotype 6 (AAV6) donor vectors to introduce a gene of interest (GOI) fused with mCherry fluorescent reporter gene into the AAVS1 safe harbor site. This approach leads to efficient transgene insertion and is applicable to precise genome editing of hiPSCs or other types of stem cells for research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koollawat Chupradit
- Research Department, Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nontaphat Thongsin
- Research Department, Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Tayapiwatana
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Innovative Immunodiagnostic Development, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Methichit Wattanapanitch
- Research Department, Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Woodard KJ, Doerfler PA, Mayberry KD, Sharma A, Levine R, Yen J, Valentine V, Palmer LE, Valentine M, Weiss MJ. Limitations of mouse models for sickle cell disease conferred by their human globin transgene configurations. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275817. [PMID: 35793591 PMCID: PMC9277148 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized the human β-like globin transgenes in two mouse models of sickle cell disease (SCD) and tested a genome-editing strategy to induce red blood cell fetal hemoglobin (HbF; α2γ2). Berkeley SCD mice contain four to 22 randomly arranged, fragmented copies of three human transgenes (HBA1, HBG2-HBG1-HBD-HBBS and a mini-locus control region) integrated into a single site of mouse chromosome 1. Cas9 disruption of the BCL11A repressor binding motif in the γ-globin gene (HBG1 and HBG2; HBG) promoters of Berkeley mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) caused extensive death from multiple double-strand DNA breaks. Long-range sequencing of Townes SCD mice verified that the endogenous Hbb genes were replaced by single-copy segments of human HBG1 and HBBS including proximal but not some distal gene-regulatory elements. Townes mouse HSCs were viable after Cas9 disruption of the HBG1 BCL11A binding motif but failed to induce HbF to therapeutic levels, contrasting with human HSCs. Our findings provide practical information on the genomic structures of two common mouse SCD models, illustrate their limitations for analyzing therapies to induce HbF and confirm the importance of distal DNA elements in human globin regulation. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Editor's choice: This study describes the genomic structures of two common sickle cell disease mouse models, illustrates their limitations for analyzing some genetic therapies and confirms the importance of distal DNA elements in human globin gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitly J Woodard
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.,Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Phillip A Doerfler
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kalin D Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Rachel Levine
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jonathan Yen
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Virginia Valentine
- Cytogenetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lance E Palmer
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Marc Valentine
- Cytogenetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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40
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Quintana-Bustamante O, Fañanas-Baquero S, Dessy-Rodriguez M, Ojeda-Pérez I, Segovia JC. Gene Editing for Inherited Red Blood Cell Diseases. Front Physiol 2022; 13:848261. [PMID: 35418876 PMCID: PMC8995967 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.848261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Today gene therapy is a real therapeutic option to address inherited hematological diseases that could be beneficial for thousands of patients worldwide. Currently, gene therapy is used to treat different monogenic hematological pathologies, including several red blood cell diseases such as β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease and pyruvate kinase deficiency. This approach is based on addition gene therapy, which consists of the correction of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using lentiviral vectors, which integrate a corrected version of the altered gene. Lentivirally-corrected HSCs generate healthy cells that compensate for the deficiency caused by genetic mutations. Despite its successful results, this approach lacks both control of the integration of the transgene into the genome and endogenous regulation of the therapeutic gene, both of which are important aspects that might be a cause for concern. To overcome these limitations, gene editing is able to correct the altered gene through more precise and safer approaches. Cheap and easy-to-design gene editing tools, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, allow the specific correction of the altered gene without affecting the rest of the genome. Inherited erythroid diseases, such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, have been the test bed for these gene editing strategies, and promising results are currently being seen. CRISPR/Cas9 system has been successfully used to manipulate globin regulation to re-activate fetal globin chains in adult red blood cells and to compensate for hemoglobin defects. Knock-in at the mutated locus to express the therapeutic gene under the endogenous gene regulatory region has also been accomplished successfully. Thanks to the lessons learned from previous lentiviral gene therapy research and trials, gene editing for red blood cell diseases is rapidly moving from its proof-of-concept to its first exciting results in the clinic. Indeed, patients suffering from β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease have already been successfully treated with gene editing, which will hopefully inspire the use of gene editing to cure erythroid disorders and many other inherited diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Quintana-Bustamante
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Fañanas-Baquero
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Dessy-Rodriguez
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Ojeda-Pérez
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose-Carlos Segovia
- Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas, Madrid, Spain
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41
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Ravendran S, Hernández SS, König S, Bak RO. CRISPR/Cas-Based Gene Editing Strategies for DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:793010. [PMID: 35373187 PMCID: PMC8969908 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.793010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the DOCK8 gene causes combined immunodeficiency termed DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome (DIDS). DIDS previously belonged to the disease category of autosomal recessive hyper IgE syndrome (AR-HIES) but is now classified as a combined immunodeficiency (CID). This genetic disorder induces early onset of susceptibility to severe recurrent viral and bacterial infections, atopic diseases and malignancy resulting in high morbidity and mortality. This pathological state arises from impairment of actin polymerization and cytoskeletal rearrangement, which induces improper immune cell migration-, survival-, and effector functions. Owing to the severity of the disease, early allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recommended even though it is associated with risk of unintended adverse effects, the need for compatible donors, and high expenses. So far, no alternative therapies have been developed, but the monogenic recessive nature of the disease suggests that gene therapy may be applied. The advent of the CRISPR/Cas gene editing system heralds a new era of possibilities in precision gene therapy, and positive results from clinical trials have already suggested that the tool may provide definitive cures for several genetic disorders. Here, we discuss the potential application of different CRISPR/Cas-mediated genetic therapies to correct the DOCK8 gene. Our findings encourage the pursuit of CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing approaches, which may constitute more precise, affordable, and low-risk definitive treatment options for DOCK8 deficiency.
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Bhattacharjee G, Gohil N, Khambhati K, Mani I, Maurya R, Karapurkar JK, Gohil J, Chu DT, Vu-Thi H, Alzahrani KJ, Show PL, Rawal RM, Ramakrishna S, Singh V. Current approaches in CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing for biomedical and therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2022; 343:703-723. [PMID: 35149141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A single gene mutation can cause a number of human diseases that affect quality of life. Until the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, it was challenging to correct a gene mutation to avoid disease by reverting phenotypes. The advent of CRISPR technology has changed the field of gene editing, given its simplicity and intrinsic programmability, surpassing the limitations of both zinc-finger nuclease and transcription activator-like effector nuclease and becoming the method of choice for therapeutic gene editing by overcoming the bottlenecks of conventional gene-editing techniques. Currently, there is no commercially available medicinal cure to correct a gene mutation that corrects and reverses the abnormality of a gene's function. Devising reprogramming strategies for faithful recapitulation of normal phenotypes is a crucial aspect for directing the reprogrammed cells toward clinical trials. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been promising as a tool for correcting gene mutations in maladies including blood disorders and muscular degeneration as well as neurological, cardiovascular, renal, genetic, stem cell, and optical diseases. In this review, we highlight recent developments and utilization of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in correcting or generating gene mutations to create model organisms to develop deeper insights into diseases, rescue normal gene functionality, and curb the progression of a disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Khushal Khambhati
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India
| | - Rupesh Maurya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Jigresh Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hue Vu-Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pau-Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Rakesh M Rawal
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India.
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43
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Allen D, Weiss LE, Saguy A, Rosenberg M, Iancu O, Matalon O, Lee C, Beider K, Nagler A, Shechtman Y, Hendel A. High-throughput Imaging of CRISPR- and Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus-induced DNA Damage Response in Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. CRISPR J 2022; 5:80-94. [PMID: 35049367 PMCID: PMC8892977 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology has revolutionized gene editing, but concerns remain due to its propensity for off-target interactions. This, combined with genotoxicity related to both CRISPR-Cas9-induced double-strand breaks and transgene delivery, poses a significant liability for clinical genome-editing applications. Current best practice is to optimize genome-editing parameters in preclinical studies. However, quantitative tools that measure off-target interactions and genotoxicity are costly and time-consuming, limiting the practicality of screening large numbers of potential genome-editing reagents and conditions. Here, we show that flow-based imaging facilitates DNA damage characterization of hundreds of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells per minute after treatment with CRISPR-Cas9 and recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 6. With our web-based platform that leverages deep learning for image analysis, we find that greater DNA damage response is observed for guide RNAs with higher genome-editing activity, differentiating even single on-target guide RNAs with different levels of off-target interactions. This work simplifies the characterization and screening process of genome-editing parameters toward enabling safer and more effective gene-therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Allen
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Lucien E Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montreal, Canada
| | - Alon Saguy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ortal Iancu
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Omri Matalon
- Arazi School of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ciaran Lee
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Katia Beider
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoav Shechtman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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44
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Ramadier S, Chalumeau A, Felix T, Othman N, Aknoun S, Casini A, Maule G, Masson C, De Cian A, Frati G, Brusson M, Concordet JP, Cavazzana M, Cereseto A, El Nemer W, Amendola M, Wattellier B, Meneghini V, Miccio A. Combination of lentiviral and genome editing technologies for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:145-163. [PMID: 34418541 PMCID: PMC8753569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation in the β-globin gene leading to polymerization of the sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and deformation of red blood cells. Autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) genetically modified using lentiviral vectors (LVs) to express an anti-sickling β-globin leads to some clinical benefit in SCD patients, but it requires high-level transgene expression (i.e., high vector copy number [VCN]) to counteract HbS polymerization. Here, we developed therapeutic approaches combining LV-based gene addition and CRISPR-Cas9 strategies aimed to either knock down the sickle β-globin and increase the incorporation of an anti-sickling globin (AS3) in hemoglobin tetramers, or to induce the expression of anti-sickling fetal γ-globins. HSPCs from SCD patients were transduced with LVs expressing AS3 and a guide RNA either targeting the endogenous β-globin gene or regions involved in fetal hemoglobin silencing. Transfection of transduced cells with Cas9 protein resulted in high editing efficiency, elevated levels of anti-sickling hemoglobins, and rescue of the SCD phenotype at a significantly lower VCN compared to the conventional LV-based approach. This versatile platform can improve the efficacy of current gene addition approaches by combining different therapeutic strategies, thus reducing the vector amount required to achieve a therapeutic VCN and the associated genotoxicity risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Ramadier
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; Phasics, Bâtiment Explorer, Espace Technologique, Route de l'Orme des Merisiers, 91190 St. Aubin, France
| | - Anne Chalumeau
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Tristan Felix
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Othman
- Phasics, Bâtiment Explorer, Espace Technologique, Route de l'Orme des Merisiers, 91190 St. Aubin, France
| | - Sherazade Aknoun
- Phasics, Bâtiment Explorer, Espace Technologique, Route de l'Orme des Merisiers, 91190 St. Aubin, France
| | | | - Giulia Maule
- CIBIO, University of Trento, 38100 Trento, Italy
| | - Cecile Masson
- Paris-Descartes Bioinformatics Platform, Imagine Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Anne De Cian
- INSERM U1154, CNRS UMR7196, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Megane Brusson
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Concordet
- INSERM U1154, CNRS UMR7196, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; Imagine Institute, 75015 Paris, France; Biotherapy Department and Clinical Investigation Center, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Wassim El Nemer
- Etablissement Français du Sang PACA-Corse, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, EFS, CNRS, ADES, "Biologie des Groupes Sanguins," 13000 Marseille, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | | | - Benoit Wattellier
- Phasics, Bâtiment Explorer, Espace Technologique, Route de l'Orme des Merisiers, 91190 St. Aubin, France
| | - Vasco Meneghini
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR1163, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France.
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45
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Li G, Li X, Zhuang S, Wang L, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Sun W, Wu Z, Zhou Z, Chen J, Huang X, Wang J, Li D, Li W, Wang H, Wei W. Gene editing and its applications in biomedicine. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:660-700. [PMID: 35235150 PMCID: PMC8889061 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The steady progress in genome editing, especially genome editing based on the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and programmable nucleases to make precise modifications to genetic material, has provided enormous opportunities to advance biomedical research and promote human health. The application of these technologies in basic biomedical research has yielded significant advances in identifying and studying key molecular targets relevant to human diseases and their treatment. The clinical translation of genome editing techniques offers unprecedented biomedical engineering capabilities in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease or disability. Here, we provide a general summary of emerging biomedical applications of genome editing, including open challenges. We also summarize the tools of genome editing and the insights derived from their applications, hoping to accelerate new discoveries and therapies in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Songkuan Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yangcan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zeguang Wu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhuo Zhou
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Xingxu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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46
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Haltalli MLR, Wilkinson AC, Rodriguez-Fraticelli A, Porteus M. Hematopoietic stem cell gene editing and expansion: State-of-the-art technologies and recent applications. Exp Hematol 2021; 107:9-13. [PMID: 34973360 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2021.12.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for a range of hematological diseases, from leukemias to immunodeficiencies and anemias. The aim in using HSCT is to replace a patient's dysfunctional blood system with a functional one by transplanting healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs may be collected from a healthy donor (for allogeneic HSCT) or from the patient for genetic correction (for autologous HSCT gene therapies). Despite the curative potential of HSCT, several hurdles to its wider and safer use remain, including how to efficiently genetically correct HSCs and how to increase donor HSC numbers to improve the donor pool. In recent years, the development of state-of-the-art technologies, such as Cas9-AAV6 technologies and identification of the small molecule HSC agonist UM171, have accelerated progress in HSC gene editing and expansion. These translational research efforts were the focus of the Spring 2021 International Society for Experimental Hematology (ISEH) webinar. Here we present a summary and discussion of the implications of these new approaches to improve HSC-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam L R Haltalli
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Adam C Wilkinson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Matthew Porteus
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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47
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Kanter J. Gene therapy for sickle cell disease: where we are now? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2021; 2021:174-180. [PMID: 34889358 PMCID: PMC8791177 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2021000250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The landscape of sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment continues to evolve rapidly, with new disease-modifying therapies in development and potentially curative options on the horizon. Until recently, allogeneic stem cell transplant has been the only proven cure for SCD. Gene therapy is rising to the forefront of the discussion as a potentially curative or highly disease- modifying option for abating the complications of the disease. Understanding the different types of gene therapy in use, the differences in their end points, and their potential risks and benefits will be key to optimizing the long-term use of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Kanter
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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48
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Newby GA, Liu DR. In vivo somatic cell base editing and prime editing. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3107-3124. [PMID: 34509669 PMCID: PMC8571176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in genome editing technologies have magnified the prospect of single-dose cures for many genetic diseases. For most genetic disorders, precise DNA correction is anticipated to best treat patients. To install desired DNA changes with high precision, our laboratory developed base editors (BEs), which can correct the four most common single-base substitutions, and prime editors, which can install any substitution, insertion, and/or deletion over a stretch of dozens of base pairs. Compared to nuclease-dependent editing approaches that involve double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) and often result in a large percentage of uncontrolled editing outcomes, such as mixtures of insertions and deletions (indels), larger deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements, base editors and prime editors often offer greater efficiency with fewer byproducts in slowly dividing or non-dividing cells, such as those that make up most of the cells in adult animals. Both viral and non-viral in vivo delivery methods have now been used to deliver base editors and prime editors in animal models, establishing that base editors and prime editors can serve as effective agents for in vivo therapeutic genome editing in animals. This review summarizes examples of in vivo somatic cell (post-natal) base editing and prime editing and prospects for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA.
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA.
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49
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Lee BC, Lozano RJ, Dunbar CE. Understanding and overcoming adverse consequences of genome editing on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3205-3218. [PMID: 34509667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapies have recently moved beyond gene-addition approaches to encompass targeted genome modification or correction, based on the development of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas technologies. Advances in ex vivo HSPC manipulation techniques have greatly improved HSPC susceptibility to genetic modification. Targeted gene-editing techniques enable precise modifications at desired genomic sites. Numerous preclinical studies have already demonstrated the therapeutic potential of gene therapies based on targeted editing. However, several significant hurdles related to adverse consequences of gene editing on HSPC function and genomic integrity remain before broad clinical potential can be realized. This review summarizes the status of HSPC gene editing, focusing on efficiency, genomic integrity, and long-term engraftment ability related to available genetic editing platforms and HSPC delivery methods. The response of long-term engrafting HSPCs to nuclease-mediated DNA breaks, with activation of p53, is a significant challenge, as are activation of innate and adaptive immune responses to editing components. Lastly, we propose alternative strategies that can overcome current hurdles to HSPC editing at various stages from cell collection to transplantation to facilitate successful clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Chul Lee
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard J Lozano
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cynthia E Dunbar
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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50
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Ferrari S, Vavassori V, Canarutto D, Jacob A, Castiello MC, Javed AO, Genovese P. Gene Editing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Hopes and Hurdles Toward Clinical Translation. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:618378. [PMID: 34713250 PMCID: PMC8525369 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.618378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of hematology, gene therapies based on integrating vectors have reached outstanding results for a number of human diseases. With the advent of novel programmable nucleases, such as CRISPR/Cas9, it has been possible to expand the applications of gene therapy beyond semi-random gene addition to site-specific modification of the genome, holding the promise for safer genetic manipulation. Here we review the state of the art of ex vivo gene editing with programmable nucleases in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We highlight the potential advantages and the current challenges toward safe and effective clinical translation of gene editing for the treatment of hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,PhD course in Molecular Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Vavassori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,PhD course in Molecular Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Canarutto
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,PhD course in Molecular Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffele University, Milan, Italy.,Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,PhD Program in Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), Milano-Bicocca University, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research Milan Unit, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Attya Omer Javed
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Genovese
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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