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Esposito F, Dell'Aquila F, Rhiel M, Auricchio S, Chmielewski KO, Andrieux G, Ferla R, Horrach PS, Padmanabhan A, Di Cunto R, Notaro S, Santeularia ML, Boerries M, Dell'Anno M, Nusco E, Padula A, Nutarelli S, Cornu TI, Sorrentino NC, Piccolo P, Trapani I, Cathomen T, Auricchio A. Safe and effective liver-directed AAV-mediated homology-independent targeted integration in mouse models of inherited diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024:101619. [PMID: 38897206 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101619] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (AAV-HITI) by CRISPR-Cas9 at the highly transcribed albumin locus is under investigation to provide sustained transgene expression following neonatal treatment. We show that targeting the 3' end of the albumin locus results in productive integration in about 15% of mouse hepatocytes achieving therapeutic levels of systemic proteins in two mouse models of inherited diseases. We demonstrate that full-length HITI donor DNA is preferentially integrated upon nuclease cleavage and that, despite partial AAV genome integrations in the target locus, no gross chromosomal rearrangements or insertions/deletions at off-target sites are found. In line with this, no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is observed within the 1-year follow-up. Finally, AAV-HITI is effective at vector doses considered safe if directly translated to humans providing therapeutic efficacy in the adult liver in addition to newborn. Overall, our data support the development of this liver-directed AAV-based knockin strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell'Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Kay Ole Chmielewski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; PhD Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Arjun Padmanabhan
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Cunto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Notaro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Agnese Padula
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Nutarelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatjana I Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolina Cristina Sorrentino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Gene Therapy Joint lab, Dept. of Advanced Biomedical Sciences and Dept. of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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2
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Sarangi P, Kumar N, Sambasivan R, Ramalingam S, Amit S, Chandra D, Jayandharan GR. AAV mediated genome engineering with a bypass coagulation factor alleviates the bleeding phenotype in a murine model of hemophilia B. Thromb Res 2024; 238:151-160. [PMID: 38718473 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.031] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
It is crucial to develop a long-term therapy that targets hemophilia A and B, including inhibitor-positive patients. We have developed an Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based strategy to integrate the bypass coagulation factor, activated FVII (murine, mFVIIa) gene into the Rosa26 locus using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 mediated gene-editing. AAV vectors designed for expression of guide RNA (AAV8-gRNA), Cas9 (AAV2 neddylation mutant-Cas9), and mFVIIa (AAV8-mFVIIa) flanked by homology arms of the target locus were validated in vitro. Hemophilia B mice were administered with AAV carrying gRNA, Cas9 (1 × 1011 vgs/mouse), and mFVIIa with homology arms (2 × 1011 vgs/mouse) with appropriate controls. Functional rescue was documented with suitable coagulation assays at various time points. The data from the T7 endonuclease assay revealed a cleavage efficiency of 20-42 %. Further, DNA sequencing confirmed the targeted integration of mFVIIa into the safe-harbor Rosa26 locus. The prothrombin time (PT) assay revealed a significant reduction in PT in mice that received the gene-editing vectors (22 %), and a 13 % decline in mice that received only the AAV-FVIIa when compared to mock treated mice, 8 weeks after vector administration. Furthermore, FVIIa activity in mice that received triple gene-editing vectors was higher (122.5mIU/mL vs 28.8mIU/mL) than the mock group up to 15 weeks post vector administration. A hemostatic challenge by tail clip assay revealed that hemophilia B mice injected with only FVIIa or the gene-editing vectors had significant reduction in blood loss. In conclusion, AAV based gene-editing facilitates sustained expression of coagulation FVIIa and phenotypic rescue in hemophilia B mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiksha Sarangi
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, UP, India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, UP, India
| | - Ramkumar Sambasivan
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sonal Amit
- Autonomous State Medical College, Kumbhi, Akbarpur, Kanpur, UP, India
| | - Dinesh Chandra
- Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, UP, India.
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3
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Zhang Z, Zhang S, Wong HT, Li D, Feng B. Targeted Gene Insertion: The Cutting Edge of CRISPR Drug Development with Hemophilia as a Highlight. BioDrugs 2024; 38:369-385. [PMID: 38489061 PMCID: PMC11055778 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00654-5] [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] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The remarkable advance in gene editing technology presents unparalleled opportunities for transforming medicine and finding cures for hereditary diseases. Human trials of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease (Cas9)-based therapeutics have demonstrated promising results in disrupting or deleting target sequences to treat specific diseases. However, the potential of targeted gene insertion approaches, which offer distinct advantages over disruption/deletion methods, remains largely unexplored in human trials due to intricate technical obstacles and safety concerns. This paper reviews the recent advances in preclinical studies demonstrating in vivo targeted gene insertion for therapeutic benefits, targeting somatic solid tissues through systemic delivery. With a specific emphasis on hemophilia as a prominent disease model, we highlight advancements in insertion strategies, including considerations of DNA repair pathways, targeting site selection, and donor design. Furthermore, we discuss the complex challenges and recent breakthroughs that offer valuable insights for progressing towards clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK-GIBH CAS Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK-GIBH CAS Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ting Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK-GIBH CAS Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK-GIBH CAS Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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4
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Leal AF, Celik B, Fnu N, Khan S, Tomatsu S, Alméciga-Díaz CJ. Iron oxide-coupled CRISPR-nCas9-based genome editing assessment in mucopolysaccharidosis IVA mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101153. [PMID: 38107675 PMCID: PMC10724691 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GALNS gene that leads to the lysosomal accumulation of keratan sulfate (KS) and chondroitin 6-sulfate, causing skeletal dysplasia and cardiopulmonary complications. Current enzyme replacement therapy does not impact the bone manifestation of the disease, supporting that new therapeutic alternatives are required. We previously demonstrated the suitability of the CRISPR-nCas9 system to rescue the phenotype of human MPS IVA fibroblasts using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as non-viral vectors. Here, we have extended this strategy to an MPS IVA mouse model by inserting the human GALNS cDNA into the ROSA26 locus. The results showed increased GALNS activity, mono-KS reduction, partial recovery of the bone pathology, and non-IONPs-related toxicity or antibody-mediated immune response activation. This study provides, for the first time, in vivo evidence of the potential of a CRISPR-nCas9-based gene therapy strategy for treating MPS IVA using non-viral vectors as carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Leal
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá DC 110231, Colombia
- Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Betul Celik
- Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Nidhi Fnu
- Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Shaukat Khan
- Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
| | - Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá DC 110231, Colombia
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5
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Han JP, Lee Y, Lee JH, Chung HY, Lee GS, Nam YR, Choi M, Moon KS, Lee H, Lee H, Yeom SC. In vivo genome editing using 244- cis LNPs and low-dose AAV achieves therapeutic threshold in hemophilia A mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102050. [PMID: 37916225 PMCID: PMC10616378 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy and rebalancing therapy have emerged as promising approaches for treating hemophilia A, but there are limitations, such as temporary efficacy due to individual differences. Genome editing for hemophilia has shown long-term therapeutic potential in preclinical trials. However, a cautious approach is necessary because genome editing is irreversible. Therefore, we attempted to induce low-level human factor 8 (hF8) gene knockin (KI) using 244-cis lipid nanoparticles and low-dose adeno-associated virus to minimize side effects and achieve a therapeutic threshold in hemophilia A mice. We selected the serpin family C member 1, SerpinC1, locus as a target to enable a combined rebalancing strategy with hF8 KI to augment efficacy. This strategy improved blood coagulation activity and reduced hemophilic complications without adverse effects. Furthermore, hemophilic mice with genome editing exhibit enhanced survival for 40 weeks. Here, we demonstrate an effective, safe, and sustainable treatment for hemophilia A. This study provides valuable information to establish safe and long-term genome-editing-mediated treatment strategies for treating hemophilia and other protein-deficient genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Pil Han
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institute of Green BioScience and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon 25354, Korea
| | - Yeji Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Lee
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institute of Green BioScience and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon 25354, Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Chung
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institute of Green BioScience and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon 25354, Korea
| | - Geon Seong Lee
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institute of Green BioScience and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon 25354, Korea
| | - Yu Ri Nam
- Deartment of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Myeongjin Choi
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sik Moon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Haeshin Lee
- Deartment of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Su Cheong Yeom
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institute of Green BioScience and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon 25354, Korea
- WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Gwanank-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Ragni MV, Chan SY. Innovations in RNA therapy for hemophilia. Blood 2023; 142:1613-1621. [PMID: 37478403 PMCID: PMC10862240 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the shortcomings of current factor-, nonfactor-, and adeno-associated virus gene-based therapies, the recent advent of RNA-based therapeutics for hemophilia is changing the fundamental approach to hemophilia management. From small interfering RNA therapeutics that knockdown clot regulators antithrombin, protein S, and heparin cofactor II, to CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing that may personalize treatment, improved technologies have the potential to reduce bleeds and factor use and avoid inhibitor formation. These novel agents, some in preclinical studies and others in early phase trials, have the potential to simplify treatment and improve hemostasis and quality of life. Furthermore, because these therapies arise from manipulation of the coagulation cascade and thrombin generation and its regulation, they will enhance our understanding of hemostasis and thrombosis and ultimately lead to better therapies for children and adults with inherited bleeding disorders. What does the future hold? With the development of novel preclinical technologies at the bench, there will be fewer joint bleeds, debilitating joint disease, orthopedic surgery, and improved physical and mental health, which were not previously possible. In this review, we identify current limitations of treatment and progress in the development of novel RNA therapeutics, including messenger RNA nanoparticle delivery and gene editing for the treatment of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret V. Ragni
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stephen Y. Chan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
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7
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De Pablo-Moreno JA, Miguel-Batuecas A, Rodríguez-Merchán EC, Liras A. Treatment of congenital coagulopathies, from biologic to biotechnological drugs: The relevance of gene editing (CRISPR/Cas). Thromb Res 2023; 231:99-111. [PMID: 37839151 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.10.001] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Congenital coagulopathies have, throughout the history of medicine, been a focus of scientific study and of great interest as they constitute an alteration of one of the most important and conserved pathways of evolution. The first therapeutic strategies developed to address them were aimed at restoring the blood components lost during hemorrhage by administering whole blood or plasma. Later on, the use of cryoprecipitates was a significant breakthrough as it made it possible to decrease the volumes of blood infused. In the 1970' and 80', clotting factor concentrates became the treatment and, from the 1990's to the present day, recombinant factors -with increasingly longer half-lives- have taken over as the treatment of choice for certain coagulopathies in a seamless yet momentous transition from biological to biotechnological drugs. The beginning of this century, however, saw the emergence of new advanced (gene and cell) treatments, which are currently transforming the therapeutic landscape. The possibility to use cells and viruses as well as specific or bispecific antibodies as medicines is likely to spark a revolution in the world of pharmacology where therapies will be individualized and have long-term effects. Specifically, attention is nowadays focused on the development of gene editing strategies, chiefly those based on CRISPR/Cas technology. Rare coagulopathies such as hemophilia A and B, or even ultra-rare ones such as factor V deficiency, could be among those deriving the greatest benefit from these new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A De Pablo-Moreno
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Miguel-Batuecas
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - E Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital-Autonomous University of Madrid), Spain
| | - Antonio Liras
- Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Biology School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
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Hino T, Omura SN, Nakagawa R, Togashi T, Takeda SN, Hiramoto T, Tasaka S, Hirano H, Tokuyama T, Uosaki H, Ishiguro S, Kagieva M, Yamano H, Ozaki Y, Motooka D, Mori H, Kirita Y, Kise Y, Itoh Y, Matoba S, Aburatani H, Yachie N, Karvelis T, Siksnys V, Ohmori T, Hoshino A, Nureki O. An AsCas12f-based compact genome-editing tool derived by deep mutational scanning and structural analysis. Cell 2023; 186:4920-4935.e23. [PMID: 37776859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
SpCas9 and AsCas12a are widely utilized as genome-editing tools in human cells. However, their relatively large size poses a limitation for delivery by cargo-size-limited adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. The type V-F Cas12f from Acidibacillus sulfuroxidans is exceptionally compact (422 amino acids) and has been harnessed as a compact genome-editing tool. Here, we developed an approach, combining deep mutational scanning and structure-informed design, to successfully generate two AsCas12f activity-enhanced (enAsCas12f) variants. Remarkably, the enAsCas12f variants exhibited genome-editing activities in human cells comparable with those of SpCas9 and AsCas12a. The cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures revealed that the mutations stabilize the dimer formation and reinforce interactions with nucleic acids to enhance their DNA cleavage activities. Moreover, enAsCas12f packaged with partner genes in an all-in-one AAV vector exhibited efficient knock-in/knock-out activities and transcriptional activation in mice. Taken together, enAsCas12f variants could offer a minimal genome-editing platform for in vivo gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Hino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Satoshi N Omura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryoya Nakagawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoki Togashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan
| | - Satoru N Takeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hiramoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tasaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hisato Hirano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tokuyama
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hideki Uosaki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Soh Ishiguro
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 0L4, Canada
| | - Madina Kagieva
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 0L4, Canada
| | - Hiroyuki Yamano
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Ozaki
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideto Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Yamagata 997-0035, Japan; Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan; Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuhei Kirita
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Curreio, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Itoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satoaki Matoba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Nozomu Yachie
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 0L4, Canada; Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Synthetic Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Tautvydas Karvelis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tsukasa Ohmori
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; Center for Gene Therapy Research, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Hoshino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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9
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Li JJ, Wang JH, Tian T, Liu J, Zheng YQ, Mo HY, Sheng H, Chen YX, Wu QN, Han Y, Liao K, Pan YQ, Zeng ZL, Liu ZX, Yang W, Xu RH, Ju HQ. The liver microenvironment orchestrates FGL1-mediated immune escape and progression of metastatic colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6690. [PMID: 37872170 PMCID: PMC10593839 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42332-0] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver metastases usually obtain less benefit from immunotherapy, and the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Here, we identify that fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), secreted from cancer cells and hepatocytes, facilitates the progression of CRC in an intraportal injection model by reducing the infiltration of T cells. Mechanistically, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) activate NF-ĸB by secreting TNFα/IL-1β in the liver microenvironment and transcriptionally upregulate OTU deubiquitinase 1 (OTUD1) expression, which enhances FGL1 stability via deubiquitination. Disrupting the TAM-OTUD1-FGL1 axis inhibits metastatic tumor progression and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Clinically, high plasma FGL1 levels predict poor outcomes and reduced ICB therapy benefits. Benzethonium chloride, an FDA-approved antiseptics, curbs FGL1 secretion, thereby inhibiting liver metastatic tumor growth. Overall, this study uncovers the critical roles and posttranslational regulatory mechanism of FGL1 in promoting metastatic tumor progression, highlighting the TAM-OTUD1-FGL1 axis as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Qiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Yu Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Hui Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Nian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yi Han
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Qian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
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10
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Adlat S, Vázquez Salgado AM, Lee M, Yin D, Wangensteen KJ. Emerging and potential use of CRISPR in human liver disease. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00538. [PMID: 37607734 PMCID: PMC10881897 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR is a gene editing tool adapted from naturally occurring defense systems from bacteria. It is a technology that is revolutionizing the interrogation of gene functions in driving liver disease, especially through genetic screens and by facilitating animal knockout and knockin models. It is being used in models of liver disease to identify which genes are critical for liver pathology, especially in genetic liver disease, hepatitis, and in cancer initiation and progression. It holds tremendous promise in treating human diseases directly by editing DNA. It could disable gene function in the case of expression of a maladaptive protein, such as blocking transthyretin as a therapy for amyloidosis, or to correct gene defects, such as restoring the normal functions of liver enzymes fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase or alpha-1 antitrypsin. It is also being studied for treatment of hepatitis B infection. CRISPR is an exciting, evolving technology that is facilitating gene characterization and discovery in liver disease and holds the potential to treat liver diseases safely and permanently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Adlat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Soroka AB, Feoktistova SG, Mityaeva ON, Volchkov PY. Gene Therapy Approaches for the Treatment of Hemophilia B. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10766. [PMID: 37445943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the standard enzyme-replacement therapy, administered from once per 7-14 days to 2-3 times a week in patients with severe hemophilia B, as a result of a single injection, gene therapy can restore F9 gene expression and maintain it for a prolonged time. In clinical research, the approach of delivering a functional copy of a gene using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is widely used. The scientific community is actively researching possible modifications to improve delivery efficiency and expression. In preclinical studies, the possibility of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology for the treatment of hemophilia B is also being actively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia B Soroka
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Sofya G Feoktistova
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Olga N Mityaeva
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Pavel Y Volchkov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia
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12
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Lee JH, Han JP, Song DW, Lee GS, Choi BS, Kim M, Lee Y, Kim S, Lee H, Yeom SC. In vivo genome editing for hemophilia B therapy by the combination of rebalancing and therapeutic gene knockin using a viral and non-viral vector. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:161-172. [PMID: 37064777 PMCID: PMC10090481 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic strategies for hemophilia include long-term therapeutic gene expression using adeno-associated virus (AAV) and rebalancing therapy via the downregulation of anticoagulant pathways. However, these approaches have limitations in immune responses or insufficiency to control acute bleeding. Thus, we developed a therapeutic strategy for hemophilia B by a combined rebalancing and human factor 9 (hF9) gene knockin (KI) using a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and AAV. Antithrombin (AT; Serpin Family C Member 1 [Serpinc1]) was selected as the target anticoagulation pathway for the gene KI. First, the combined use of LNP-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and AAV donor resulted in 20% insertions or deletions (indels) in Serpinc1 and 67% reduction of blood mouse AT concentration. Second, hF9 coding sequences were integrated into approximately 3% of the target locus. hF9 KI yielded approximately 1,000 ng/mL human factor IX (hFIX) and restored coagulation activity to a normal level. LNP-CRISPR injection caused sustained AT downregulation and hFIX production up to 63 weeks. AT inhibition and hFIX protein-production ability could be maintained by the proliferation of genetically edited hepatocytes in the case of partial hepatectomy. The co-administration of AAV and LNP showed no severe side effects except random integrations. Our results demonstrate hemophilia B therapy by a combination of rebalancing and hF9 KI using LNP and AAV.
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13
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Zhou L, Yao S. Recent advances in therapeutic CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing: mechanisms and applications. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:10. [PMID: 37027099 PMCID: PMC10080534 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 derived editing tools had significantly improved our ability to make desired changes in the genome. Wild-type Cas9 protein recognizes the target genomic loci and induced local double strand breaks (DSBs) in the guidance of small RNA molecule. In mammalian cells, the DSBs are mainly repaired by endogenous non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, which is error prone and results in the formation of indels. The indels can be harnessed to interrupt gene coding sequences or regulation elements. The DSBs can also be fixed by homology directed repair (HDR) pathway to introduce desired changes, such as base substitution and fragment insertion, when proper donor templates are provided, albeit in a less efficient manner. Besides making DSBs, Cas9 protein can be mutated to serve as a DNA binding platform to recruit functional modulators to the target loci, performing local transcriptional regulation, epigenetic remolding, base editing or prime editing. These Cas9 derived editing tools, especially base editors and prime editors, can introduce precise changes into the target loci at a single-base resolution and in an efficient and irreversible manner. Such features make these editing tools very promising for therapeutic applications. This review focuses on the evolution and mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 derived editing tools and their applications in the field of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zhou
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Nanlu 17, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaohua Yao
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin Nanlu 17, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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