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Song X, Liu J, Chen T, Zheng T, Wang X, Guo X. Gene therapy and gene editing strategies in inherited blood disorders. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00180-2. [PMID: 38986807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.07.004] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy has shown significant potential in treating various diseases, particularly inherited blood disorders such as hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. Advances in understanding the regulatory network of disease-associated genes have led to the identification of additional therapeutic targets for treatment, especially for β-hemoglobinopathies. Erythroid regulatory factor BCL11A offers the most promising therapeutic target for β-hemoglobinopathies and reduction of its expression using the commercialized gene therapy product Casgevy was approved for use in the UK and USA in 2023. Notably, the emergence of innovative gene editing technologies has further broadened the gene therapy landscape, presenting new possibilities for treatment. Intensive studies indicate that base editing and prime editing, built upon CRISPR technology, enable precise single-base modification in hematopoietic stem cells for addressing inherited blood disorders ex vivo and in vivo. In this review, we present an overview of the current landscape of gene therapies, focusing on clinical research and gene therapy products for inherited blood disorders, evaluation of potential gene targets, and the gene editing tools employed in current gene therapy practices, which provides an insight for the establishment of safer and more effective gene therapy methods for a wider range of diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Song
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - JinLei Liu
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Tangcong Chen
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Tingfeng Zheng
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Xiang Guo
- Institute of Blood Diseases, Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China.
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Hsiao S, Chen S, Jiang Y, Wang Q, Yang Y, Lai Y, Zhong T, Liao J, Wu Y. Library-Assisted Evolution in Eukaryotic Cells Yield Adenine Base Editors with Enhanced Editing Specificity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309004. [PMID: 38874509 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The current-generation adenine base editor (ABE) ABE8e, which has evolved from the prokaryotic evolution system, exhibits high efficiency in mediating A-to-G conversion and is presumed to be promising for gene therapy. However, its much wider editing window and substantially higher off-target editing activity restricted its applications in precise base editing for therapeutic use. This study uses a library-assisted protein evolution approach using eukaryotic cells to generate ABE variants with improved specificity and reduced off-target editing while maintaining high activity in human cells. The study generated an expanded set of ABEs with efficient editing activities and chose four evolved variants that offered either similar or modestly higher efficiency within a narrower editing window of protospacer position ≈4-7 compared to that of ABE8e in human cells, which would enable minimized bystander editing. Moreover, these variants resulted in reduced off-target editing events when delivered as plasmid or mRNA into human cells. Finally, these variants can install both disease-suppressing mutations and disease-correcting mutations efficiently with minimal undesired bystander editing making them promising approaches for specific therapeutic edits. In summary, the work establishes a mutant-library-assisted protein evolution method in eukaryotic cells and generates alternative ABE variants as efficient tools for precise human genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenlin Hsiao
- 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, 200241, China
| | - Shuanghong Chen
- 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, 200241, China
| | - Yanhong Jiang
- 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, 200241, China
| | - Qiudao Wang
- 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, 200241, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yongrong Lai
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- 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, 200241, China
| | - Jiaoyang Liao
- 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, 200241, China
- YolTech Therapeutics, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- 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, 200241, China
- YolTech Therapeutics, Shanghai, 201199, China
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Prasad K, Devaraju N, George A, Ravi NS, Paul J, Mahalingam G, Rajendiran V, Panigrahi L, Venkatesan V, Lakhotiya K, Periyasami Y, Pai AA, Nakamura Y, Kurita R, Balasubramanian P, Thangavel S, Velayudhan SR, Newby GA, Marepally S, Srivastava A, Mohankumar KM. Precise correction of a spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations in coding and non-coding regions by base editors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102205. [PMID: 38817682 PMCID: PMC11137594 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102205] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
β-thalassemia/HbE results from mutations in the β-globin locus that impede the production of functional adult hemoglobin. Base editors (BEs) could facilitate the correction of the point mutations with minimal or no indel creation, but its efficiency and bystander editing for the correction of β-thalassemia mutations in coding and non-coding regions remains unexplored. Here, we screened BE variants in HUDEP-2 cells for their ability to correct a spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations that were integrated into the genome as fragments of HBB. The identified targets were introduced into their endogenous genomic location using BEs and Cas9/homology-directed repair (HDR) to create cellular models with β-thalassemia/HbE. These β-thalassemia/HbE models were then used to assess the efficiency of correction in the native locus and functional β-globin restoration. Most bystander edits produced near target sites did not interfere with adult hemoglobin expression and are not predicted to be pathogenic. Further, the effectiveness of BE was validated for the correction of the pathogenic HbE variant in severe β0/βE-thalassaemia patient cells. Overall, our study establishes a novel platform to screen and select optimal BE tools for therapeutic genome editing by demonstrating the precise, efficient, and scarless correction of pathogenic point mutations spanning multiple regions of HBB including the promoter, intron, and exons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Prasad
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Nivedhitha Devaraju
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Anila George
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011, India
| | - Nithin Sam Ravi
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011, India
| | - Joshua Paul
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Gokulnath Mahalingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
| | - Vignesh Rajendiran
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011, India
| | - Lokesh Panigrahi
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Vigneshwaran Venkatesan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Kartik Lakhotiya
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | - Yogapriya Periyasami
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
| | - Aswin Anand Pai
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011, India
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3050074, Japan
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011, India
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
| | - Shaji R. Velayudhan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Departments of Genetic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Kumarasamypet M. Mohankumar
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (a Unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Christian Medical College Campus, Bagayam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632002, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka 576104, India
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Zhang L, Li K, Liu Z, An L, Wei H, Pang S, Cao Z, Huang X, Jin X, Ma X. Restoring T and B cell generation in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency mice through hematopoietic stem cells adenine base editing. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1658-1671. [PMID: 38532630 PMCID: PMC11184316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.028] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Base editing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) is an attractive strategy for treating immunohematologic diseases. However, the feasibility of using adenine-base-edited HSPCs for treating X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1), the influence of dose-response relationships on immune cell generation, and the potential risks have not been demonstrated in vivo. Here, a humanized SCID-X1 mouse model was established, and 86.67% ± 2.52% (n = 3) of mouse hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) pathogenic mutations were corrected, with no single-guide-RNA (sgRNA)-dependent off-target effects detected. Analysis of peripheral blood over 16 weeks post-transplantation in mice with different immunodeficiency backgrounds revealed efficient immune cell generation following transplantation of different amounts of modified HSCs. Therefore, a large-scale infusion of gene-corrected HSCs within a safe range can achieve rapid, stable, and durable immune cell regeneration. Tissue-section staining further demonstrated the restoration of immune organ tissue structures, with no tumor formation in multiple organs. Collectively, these data suggest that base-edited HSCs are a potential therapeutic approach for SCID-X1 and that a threshold infusion dose of gene-corrected cells is required for immune cell regeneration. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of base-edited HSCs in treating SCID-X1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource Center, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lisha An
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Haikun Wei
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shanshan Pang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zongfu Cao
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaohua Jin
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xu Ma
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing 102206, China.
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5
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Jiang X, Fu C, Liu Q, Gao J. Generation of a KCNQ1 (c.1032 + 2 T > C) mutant human embryonic stem cell line via CRISPR base editing. Stem Cell Res 2024; 77:103425. [PMID: 38653148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The KCNQ1 gene encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel, which plays an important role in the repolarization of myocardial action potentials. Mutations in this gene often result in type 1 long QT syndrome (LQT1). Here, we generated a KCNQ1 (c.1032 + 2 T > C) mutant human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-1D) based on the transient expression adenine base editing system that converts base A to G. The WAe009-A-1D cell maintains the morphology, pluripotency, and normal karyotype of the stem cells and is capable of differentiating into all three germ layers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jiang
- Anatomy Teaching and Research Office of the Department of Basic Medicine, ZhengZhou Health Vocational College, Zhengzhou 450100, China
| | - Chong Fu
- Henan Institute of Metrology, No.10 Baifo Road, Guancheng District, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Qiying Liu
- Anatomy Teaching and Research Office of the Department of Basic Medicine, ZhengZhou Health Vocational College, Zhengzhou 450100, China
| | - Jiaqi Gao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Huang P, Peslak SA, Shehu V, Keller CA, Giardine B, Shi J, Hardison RC, Blobel GA, Khandros E. let-7 miRNAs repress HIC2 to regulate BCL11A transcription and hemoglobin switching. Blood 2024; 143:1980-1991. [PMID: 38364109 PMCID: PMC11103181 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023399] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The switch from fetal hemoglobin (γ-globin, HBG) to adult hemoglobin (β-globin, HBB) gene transcription in erythroid cells serves as a paradigm for a complex and clinically relevant developmental gene regulatory program. We previously identified HIC2 as a regulator of the switch by inhibiting the transcription of BCL11A, a key repressor of HBG production. HIC2 is highly expressed in fetal cells, but the mechanism of its regulation is unclear. Here we report that HIC2 developmental expression is controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), as loss of global miRNA biogenesis through DICER1 depletion leads to upregulation of HIC2 and HBG messenger RNA. We identified the adult-expressed let-7 miRNA family as a direct posttranscriptional regulator of HIC2. Ectopic expression of let-7 in fetal cells lowered HIC2 levels, whereas inhibition of let-7 in adult erythroblasts increased HIC2 production, culminating in decommissioning of a BCL11A erythroid enhancer and reduced BCL11A transcription. HIC2 depletion in let-7-inhibited cells restored BCL11A-mediated repression of HBG. Together, these data establish that fetal hemoglobin silencing in adult erythroid cells is under the control of a miRNA-mediated inhibitory pathway (let-7 ⊣ HIC2 ⊣ BCL11A ⊣ HBG).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, 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 Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Scott A. Peslak
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vanessa Shehu
- Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cheryl A. Keller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Genomics Research Incubator, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Belinda Giardine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Junwei Shi
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ross C. Hardison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Gerd A. Blobel
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Eugene Khandros
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Wang Z, Xie D, Li J, Zhai Z, Lu Z, Tian X, Niu Y, Zhao Q, Zheng P, Dong L, Wang C. Molecular force-induced liberation of transforming growth factor-beta remodels the spleen for ectopic liver regeneration. J Hepatol 2024; 80:753-763. [PMID: 38244845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ectopic liver regeneration in the spleen is a promising alternative to organ transplantation for treating liver failure. To accommodate transplanted liver cells, the splenic tissue must undergo structural changes to increase extracellular matrix content, demanding a safe and efficient approach for tissue remodelling. METHODS We synthesised sulphated hyaluronic acid (sHA) with an affinity for the latent complex of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and cross-linked it into a gel network (sHA-X) via click chemistry. We injected this glycan into the spleens of mice to induce splenic tissue remodelling via supraphysiological activation of endogenous TGF-β. RESULTS sHA-X efficiently bound to the abundant latent TGF-β in the spleen. It provided the molecular force to liberate the active TGF-β dimers from their latent complex, mimicking the 'bind-and-pull' mechanism required for physiological activation of TGF-β and reshaping the splenic tissue to support liver cell growth. Hepatocytes transplanted into the remodelled spleen developed into liver tissue with sufficient volume to rescue animals with a metabolic liver disorder (Fah-/- transgenic model) or following 90% hepatectomy, with no adverse effects observed and no additional drugs required. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the efficacy and translational potential of using sHA-X to remodel a specific organ by mechanically activating one single cytokine, representing a novel strategy for the design of biomaterials-based therapies for organ regeneration. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Cell transplantation may provide a lifeline to millions of patients with end-stage liver diseases, but their severely damaged livers being unable to accommodate the transplanted cells is a crucial hurdle. Herein, we report an approach to restore liver functions in another organ - the spleen - by activating one single growth factor in situ. This approach, based on a chemically designed polysaccharide that can mechanically liberate the active transforming growth factor-β to an unusually high level, promotes the function of abundant allogenic liver cells in the spleen, rescuing animals from lethal models of liver diseases and showing a high potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Daping Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Ziyu Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Zhuojian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xuejiao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yiming Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovative Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China; National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovative Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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8
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Xu F, Zheng C, Xu W, Zhang S, Liu S, Chen X, Yao K. Breaking genetic shackles: The advance of base editing in genetic disorder treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364135. [PMID: 38510648 PMCID: PMC10953296 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364135] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of gene editing technology has markedly improved the outlook for treating genetic diseases. Base editing, recognized as an exceptionally precise genetic modification tool, is emerging as a focus in the realm of genetic disease therapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and delivery methods of cytosine base editors (CBE), adenine base editors (ABE), and RNA base editors, with a particular focus on their applications and recent research advances in the treatment of genetic diseases. We have also explored the potential challenges faced by base editing technology in treatment, including aspects such as targeting specificity, safety, and efficacy, and have enumerated a series of possible solutions to propel the clinical translation of base editing technology. In conclusion, this article not only underscores the present state of base editing technology but also envisions its tremendous potential in the future, providing a novel perspective on the treatment of genetic diseases. It underscores the vast potential of base editing technology in the realm of genetic medicine, providing support for the progression of gene medicine and the development of innovative approaches to genetic disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyan Zheng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Waldo JJ, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. Epigenetic editing for autosomal dominant neurological disorders. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1304110. [PMID: 38510848 PMCID: PMC10950933 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1304110] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the molecules and mechanisms that modify gene expression states without changing the nucleotide context. These modifications are what encode the cell state during differentiation or epigenetic memory in mitosis. Epigenetic modifications can alter gene expression by changing the chromatin architecture by altering the affinity for DNA to wrap around histone octamers, forming nucleosomes. The higher affinity the DNA has for the histones, the tighter it will wrap and therefore induce a heterochromatin state, silencing gene expression. Several groups have shown the ability to harness the cell's natural epigenetic modification pathways to engineer proteins that can induce changes in epigenetics and consequently regulate gene expression. Therefore, epigenetic modification can be used to target and treat disorders through the modification of endogenous gene expression. The use of epigenetic modifications may prove an effective path towards regulating gene expression to potentially correct or cure genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle D. Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, United States
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10
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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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11
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Castiello MC, Brandas C, Ferrari S, Porcellini S, Sacchetti N, Canarutto D, Draghici E, Merelli I, Barcella M, Pelosi G, Vavassori V, Varesi A, Jacob A, Scala S, Basso Ricci L, Paulis M, Strina D, Di Verniere M, Sergi Sergi L, Serafini M, Holland SM, Bergerson JRE, De Ravin SS, Malech HL, Pala F, Bosticardo M, Brombin C, Cugnata F, Calzoni E, Crooks GM, Notarangelo LD, Genovese P, Naldini L, Villa A. Exonic knockout and knockin gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells rescues RAG1 immunodeficiency. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh8162. [PMID: 38324638 PMCID: PMC11149094 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh8162] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recombination activating genes (RAGs) are tightly regulated during lymphoid differentiation, and their mutations cause a spectrum of severe immunological disorders. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the treatment of choice but is limited by donor availability and toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed gene editing strategies targeting a corrective sequence into the human RAG1 gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) and validated them by tailored two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and in vivo xenotransplant platforms to assess rescue of expression and function. Whereas integration into intron 1 of RAG1 achieved suboptimal correction, in-frame insertion into exon 2 drove physiologic human RAG1 expression and activity, allowing disruption of the dominant-negative effects of unrepaired hypomorphic alleles. Enhanced HDR-mediated gene editing enabled the correction of human RAG1 in HSPCs from patients with hypomorphic RAG1 mutations to overcome T and B cell differentiation blocks. Gene correction efficiency exceeded the minimal proportion of functional HSPCs required to rescue immunodeficiency in Rag1-/- mice, supporting the clinical translation of HSPC gene editing for the treatment of RAG1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Chiara Brandas
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Simona Porcellini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Nicolò Sacchetti
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Daniele Canarutto
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Pediatric Immunohematology Unit and BMT Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pelosi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Valentina Vavassori
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelica Varesi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luca Basso Ricci
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Dario Strina
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza (MI) 20900, Italy
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jenna R E Bergerson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suk See De Ravin
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harry L Malech
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chiara Brombin
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Federica Cugnata
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Enrica Calzoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pietro Genovese
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
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12
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Han H, Chen BT, Liu Y, Wang Y, Xing L, Wang H, Zhou TJ, Jiang HL. Engineered stem cell-based strategy: A new paradigm of next-generation stem cell product in regenerative medicine. J Control Release 2024; 365:981-1003. [PMID: 38123072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.024] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have garnered significant attention in regenerative medicine owing to their abilities of multi-directional differentiation and self-renewal. Despite these encouraging results, the market for stem cell products yields limited, which is largely due to the challenges faced to the safety and viability of stem cells in vivo. Besides, the fate of cells re-infusion into the body unknown is also a major obstacle to stem cell therapy. Actually, both the functional protection and the fate tracking of stem cells are essential in tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Recent studies have utilized cell engineering techniques to modify stem cells for enhancing their treatment efficiency or imparting them with novel biological capabilities, in which advances demonstrate the immense potential of engineered cell therapy. In this review, we proposed that the "engineered stem cells" are expected to represent the next generation of stem cell therapies and reviewed recent progress in this area. We also discussed potential applications of engineered stem cells and highlighted the most common challenges that must be addressed. Overall, this review has important guiding significance for the future design of new paradigms of stem cell products to improve their therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bi-Te Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China.
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13
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Han W, Qiu HY, Sun S, Fu ZC, Wang GQ, Qian X, Wang L, Zhai X, Wei J, Wang Y, Guo YL, Cao GH, Ji RJ, Zhang YZ, Ma H, Wang H, Zhao M, Wu J, Bi L, Chen QB, Li Z, Yu L, Mou X, Yin H, Yang L, Chen J, Yang B, Zhang Y. Base editing of the HBG promoter induces potent fetal hemoglobin expression with no detectable off-target mutations in human HSCs. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1624-1639.e8. [PMID: 37989316 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.10.007] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Reactivating silenced γ-globin expression through the disruption of repressive regulatory domains offers a therapeutic strategy for treating β-hemoglobinopathies. Here, we used transformer base editor (tBE), a recently developed cytosine base editor with no detectable off-target mutations, to disrupt transcription-factor-binding motifs in hematopoietic stem cells. By performing functional screening of six motifs with tBE, we found that directly disrupting the BCL11A-binding motif in HBG1/2 promoters triggered the highest γ-globin expression. Via a side-by-side comparison with other clinical and preclinical strategies using Cas9 nuclease or conventional BEs (ABE8e and hA3A-BE3), we found that tBE-mediated disruption of the BCL11A-binding motif at the HBG1/2 promoters triggered the highest fetal hemoglobin in healthy and β-thalassemia patient hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells while exhibiting no detectable DNA or RNA off-target mutations. Durable therapeutic editing by tBE persisted in repopulating hematopoietic stem cells, demonstrating that tBE-mediated editing in HBG1/2 promoters is a safe and effective strategy for treating β-hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Han
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hou-Yuan Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shangwu Sun
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Can Fu
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Quan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaowen Qian
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Lijie Wang
- CorrectSequence Therapeutics, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- CorrectSequence Therapeutics, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yi-Lin Guo
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Hua Cao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Rui-Jin Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- CorrectSequence Therapeutics, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Mingli Zhao
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lili Bi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qiu-Bing Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiaodun Mou
- CorrectSequence Therapeutics, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pathology and Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; TaiKang Centre for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jia Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Biomacromolecules and Precision Medicine, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Bei Yang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Biomacromolecules and Precision Medicine, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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14
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Zeng S, Lei S, Qu C, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in therapeutic strategies for beta-thalassemia. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1677-1703. [PMID: 37878144 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02610-9] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by point mutations, insertions, and deletions in the HBB gene cluster, resulting in the underproduction of β-globin chains. The most severe type may demonstrate complications including massive hepatosplenomegaly, bone deformities, and severe growth retardation in children. Treatments for β-thalassemia include blood transfusion, splenectomy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, long-term blood transfusions require regular iron removal therapy. For allogeneic HSCT, human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors are rarely available, and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur after the transplantation. Thus, these conventional treatments are facing significant challenges. In recent years, with the advent and advancement of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) gene editing technology, precise genome editing has achieved encouraging successes in basic and clinical studies for treating various genetic disorders, including β-thalassemia. Target gene-edited autogeneic HSCT helps patients avoid graft rejection and GVHD, making it a promising curative therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In this review, we introduce the development and mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9. Recent advances on feasible strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting three globin genes (HBB, HBG, and HBA) and targeting cell selections for β-thalassemia therapy are highlighted. Current CRISPR-based clinical trials in the treatment of β-thalassemia are summarized, which are focused on γ-globin reactivation and fetal hemoglobin reproduction in hematopoietic stem cells. Lastly, the applications of other promising CRISPR-based technologies, such as base editing and prime editing, in treating β-thalassemia and the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system in therapeutic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyin Lei
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Qu
- The First Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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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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Abstract
Ex vivo gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) represents a promising curative treatment strategy for monogenic blood disorders. Gene editing using the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway enables precise genetic modifications ranging from single base pair correction to replacement or insertion of large DNA segments. Hence, HDR-based gene editing could facilitate broad application of gene editing across monogenic disorders, but the technology still faces challenges for clinical translation. Among these, recent studies demonstrate induction of a DNA damage response (DDR) and p53 activation caused by DNA double-strand breaks and exposure to recombinant adeno-associated virus vector repair templates, resulting in reduced proliferation, engraftment, and clonogenic capacity of edited HSPCs. While different mitigation strategies can reduce this DDR, more research is needed on this phenomenon to ensure safe and efficient implementation of HDR-based gene editing in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie R. Dorset
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O. Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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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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Lue NZ, Liau BB. Base editor screens for in situ mutational scanning at scale. Mol Cell 2023; 83:2167-2187. [PMID: 37390819 PMCID: PMC10330937 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in biology is understanding the molecular details of protein function. How mutations alter protein activity, regulation, and response to drugs is of critical importance to human health. Recent years have seen the emergence of pooled base editor screens for in situ mutational scanning: the interrogation of protein sequence-function relationships by directly perturbing endogenous proteins in live cells. These studies have revealed the effects of disease-associated mutations, discovered novel drug resistance mechanisms, and generated biochemical insights into protein function. Here, we discuss how this "base editor scanning" approach has been applied to diverse biological questions, compare it with alternative techniques, and describe the emerging challenges that must be addressed to maximize its utility. Given its broad applicability toward profiling mutations across the proteome, base editor scanning promises to revolutionize the investigation of proteins in their native contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Z Lue
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brian B Liau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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19
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Liang Y, Chen F, Wang K, Lai L. Base editors: development and applications in biomedicine. Front Med 2023; 17:359-387. [PMID: 37434066 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Base editor (BE) is a gene-editing tool developed by combining the CRISPR/Cas system with an individual deaminase, enabling precise single-base substitution in DNA or RNA without generating a DNA double-strand break (DSB) or requiring donor DNA templates in living cells. Base editors offer more precise and secure genome-editing effects than other conventional artificial nuclease systems, such as CRISPR/Cas9, as the DSB induced by Cas9 will cause severe damage to the genome. Thus, base editors have important applications in the field of biomedicine, including gene function investigation, directed protein evolution, genetic lineage tracing, disease modeling, and gene therapy. Since the development of the two main base editors, cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs), scientists have developed more than 100 optimized base editors with improved editing efficiency, precision, specificity, targeting scope, and capacity to be delivered in vivo, greatly enhancing their application potential in biomedicine. Here, we review the recent development of base editors, summarize their applications in the biomedical field, and discuss future perspectives and challenges for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Liang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Fangbing Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Kepin Wang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Sanya Institute of Swine Resource, Hainan Provincial Research Centre of Laboratory Animals, Sanya, 572000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China.
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20
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Hunt JMT, Samson CA, Rand AD, Sheppard HM. Unintended CRISPR-Cas9 editing outcomes: a review of the detection and prevalence of structural variants generated by gene-editing in human cells. Hum Genet 2023; 142:705-720. [PMID: 37093294 PMCID: PMC10182114 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) gene-editing system (CRISPR-Cas) is a valuable tool for fundamental and applied research applications. Significant improvements in editing efficacy have advanced genome editing strategies into phase 3 human clinical trials. However, recent studies suggest that our understanding of editing outcomes has lagged behind the developments made in generating the edits themselves. While many researchers have analyzed on- and off-target events through the lens of small insertions or deletions at predicted sites, screens for larger structural variants (SVs) and chromosomal abnormalities are not routinely performed. Full and comprehensive validation of on- and off-target effects is required to ensure reproducibility and to accurately assess the safety of future editing applications. Here we review SVs associated with CRISPR-editing in cells of human origin and highlight the methods used to detect and avoid them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex du Rand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hilary M Sheppard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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21
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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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