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Rallabandi R, Sharp B, Majerus S, Royster A, Hoffer S, Ikeda M, Devaux P. Engineering single-cycle MeV vector for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101290. [PMID: 39070290 PMCID: PMC11283025 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing has vast applications in basic and clinical research and is a promising tool for several disorders. Our lab previously developed a non-integrating RNA virus, measles virus (MeV), as a single-cycle reprogramming vector by replacing the viral attachment protein with the reprogramming factors for induced pluripotent stem cell generation. Encouraged by the MeV reprogramming vector efficiency, in this study, we develop a single-cycle MeV vector to deliver the gRNA(s) and Cas9 nuclease to human cells for efficient gene editing. We show that the MeV vector achieved on-target gene editing of the reporter (mCherry) and endogenous genes (HBB and FANCD1) in human cells. Additionally, the MeV vector achieved precise knock-in via homology-directed repair using a single-stranded oligonucleotide donor. The MeV vector is a new and flexible platform for gene knock-out and knock-in modifications in human cells, capable of incorporating new technologies as they are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Rallabandi
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brenna Sharp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Spencer Majerus
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Austin Royster
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sarrianna Hoffer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mia Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Patricia Devaux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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2
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Li T, Li S, Kang Y, Zhou J, Yi M. Harnessing the evolving CRISPR/Cas9 for precision oncology. J Transl Med 2024; 22:749. [PMID: 39118151 PMCID: PMC11312220 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, a groundbreaking innovation in genetic engineering, has revolutionized our approach to surmounting complex diseases, culminating in CASGEVY™ approved for sickle cell anemia. Derived from a microbial immune defense mechanism, CRISPR/Cas9, characterized as precision, maneuverability and universality in gene editing, has been harnessed as a versatile tool for precisely manipulating DNA in mammals. In the process of applying it to practice, the consecutive exploitation of novel orthologs and variants never ceases. It's conducive to understanding the essentialities of diseases, particularly cancer, which is crucial for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 is used not only to investigate tumorous genes functioning but also to model disparate cancers, providing valuable insights into tumor biology, resistance, and immune evasion. Upon cancer therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 is instrumental in developing individual and precise cancer therapies that can selectively activate or deactivate genes within tumor cells, aiming to cripple tumor growth and invasion and sensitize cancer cells to treatments. Furthermore, it facilitates the development of innovative treatments, enhancing the targeting efficiency of reprogrammed immune cells, exemplified by advancements in CAR-T regimen. Beyond therapy, it is a potent tool for screening susceptible genes, offering the possibility of intervening before the tumor initiative or progresses. However, despite its vast potential, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer research and therapy is accompanied by significant efficacy, efficiency, technical, and safety considerations. Escalating technology innovations are warranted to address these issues. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is revolutionizing cancer research and treatment, opening up new avenues for advancements in our understanding and management of cancers. The integration of this evolving technology into clinical practice promises a new era of precision oncology, with targeted, personalized, and potentially curative therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuiquan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Park A, Lee JY. Adenoviral Vector System: A Comprehensive Overview of Constructions, Therapeutic Applications and Host Responses. J Microbiol 2024; 62:491-509. [PMID: 39037484 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00159-4] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors are crucial for gene therapy and vaccine development, offering a platform for gene delivery into host cells. Since the discovery of adenoviruses, first-generation vectors with limited capacity have evolved to third-generation vectors flacking viral coding sequences, balancing safety and gene-carrying capacity. The applications of adenoviral vectors for gene therapy and anti-viral treatments have expanded through the use of in vitro ligation and homologous recombination, along with gene editing advancements such as CRISPR-Cas9. Current research aims to maintain the efficacy and safety of adenoviral vectors by addressing challenges such as pre-existing immunity against adenoviral vectors and developing new adenoviral vectors from rare adenovirus types and non-human species. In summary, adenoviral vectors have great potential in gene therapy and vaccine development. Through continuous research and technological advancements, these vectors are expected to lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyeseu Park
- The Laboratory of Viromics and Evolution, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Yoon Lee
- The Laboratory of Viromics and Evolution, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54531, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Buck AM, LaFranchi BH, Henrich TJ. Gaining momentum: stem cell therapies for HIV cure. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:194-200. [PMID: 38686850 PMCID: PMC11155292 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Durable HIV-1 remission has been reported in a person who received allogeneic stem cell transplants (SCTs) involving CCR5 Δ32/Δ32 donor cells. Much of the reduction in HIV-1 burden following allogeneic SCT with or without donor cells inherently resistant to HIV-1 infection is likely due to cytotoxic graft-versus-host effects on residual recipient immune cells. Nonetheless, there has been growing momentum to develop and implement stem cell therapies that lead to durable long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free remission without the need for SCT. RECENT FINDINGS Most current research leverages gene editing techniques to modify hematopoietic stem cells which differentiate into immune cells capable of harboring HIV-1. Approaches include targeting genes that encode HIV-1 co-receptors using Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN) or CRISPR-Cas-9 to render a pool of adult or progenitor cells resistant to de-novo infection. Other strategies involve harnessing multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells to foster immune environments that can more efficiently recognize and target HIV-1 while promoting tissue homeostasis. SUMMARY Many of these strategies are currently in a state of infancy or adolescence; nonetheless, promising preclinical and first-in-human studies have been performed, providing further rationale to focus resources on stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Buck
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Banda A, Impomeni O, Singh A, Baloch AR, Hu W, Jaijyan DK. Precision in Action: The Role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas in Gene Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:636. [PMID: 38932365 PMCID: PMC11209408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme-CAS holds great promise for treating many uncured human diseases and illnesses by precisely correcting harmful point mutations and disrupting disease-causing genes. The recent Food and Drug Association (FDA) approval of the first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell anemia marks the beginning of a new era in gene editing. However, delivering CRISPR specifically into diseased cells in vivo is a significant challenge and an area of intense research. The identification of new CRISPR/Cas variants, particularly ultra-compact CAS systems with robust gene editing activities, paves the way for the low-capacity delivery vectors to be used in gene therapies. CRISPR/Cas technology has evolved beyond editing DNA to cover a wide spectrum of functionalities, including RNA targeting, disease diagnosis, transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, high-throughput screening, and new disease modeling. CRISPR/Cas can be used to engineer B-cells to produce potent antibodies for more effective vaccines and enhance CAR T-cells for the more precise and efficient targeting of tumor cells. However, CRISPR/Cas technology has challenges, including off-target effects, toxicity, immune responses, and inadequate tissue-specific delivery. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the development of a more effective and specific CRISPR/Cas delivery system. This entails strategically utilizing specific gRNAs in conjunction with robust CRISPR/Cas variants to mitigate off-target effects. This review seeks to delve into the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas mechanism, explore progress in gene therapies, evaluate gene delivery systems, highlight limitations, outline necessary precautions, and scrutinize the ethical considerations associated with its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Banda
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Olivia Impomeni
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Aparana Singh
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala 799046, India;
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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Dampier W, Berman R, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Computational analysis of cas proteins unlocks new potential in HIV-1 targeted gene therapy. Front Genome Ed 2024; 5:1248982. [PMID: 38239625 PMCID: PMC10794619 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1248982] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pandemic has been slowed with the advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). However, ART is not a cure and as such has pushed the disease into a chronic infection. One potential cure strategy that has shown promise is the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas gene editing system. It has recently been shown to successfully edit and/or excise the integrated provirus from infected cells and inhibit HIV-1 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. These studies have primarily been conducted with SpCas9 or SaCas9. However, additional Cas proteins are discovered regularly and modifications to these known proteins are being engineered. The alternative Cas molecules have different requirements for protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) which impact the possible targetable regions of HIV-1. Other modifications to the Cas protein or gRNA handle impact the tolerance for mismatches between gRNA and the target. While reducing off-target risk, this impacts the ability to fully account for HIV-1 genetic variability. Methods: This manuscript strives to examine these parameter choices using a computational approach for surveying the suitability of a Cas editor for HIV-1 gene editing. The Nominate, Diversify, Narrow, Filter (NDNF) pipeline measures the safety, broadness, and effectiveness of a pool of potential gRNAs for any PAM. This technique was used to evaluate 46 different potential Cas editors for their HIV therapeutic potential. Results: Our examination revealed that broader PAMs that improve the targeting potential of editors like SaCas9 and LbCas12a have larger pools of useful gRNAs, while broader PAMs reduced the pool of useful SpCas9 gRNAs yet increased the breadth of targetable locations. Investigation of the mismatch tolerance of Cas editors indicates a 2-missmatch tolerance is an ideal balance between on-target sensitivity and off-target specificity. Of all of the Cas editors examined, SpCas-NG and SPRY-Cas9 had the highest number of overall safe, broad, and effective gRNAs against HIV. Discussion: Currently, larger proteins and wider PAMs lead to better targeting capacity. This implies that research should either be targeted towards delivering longer payloads or towards increasing the breadth of currently available small Cas editors. With the discovery and adoption of additional Cas editors, it is important for researchers in the HIV-1 gene editing field to explore the wider world of Cas editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Berman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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7
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Khan A, Paneerselvam N, Lawson BR. Antiretrovirals to CCR5 CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing - A paradigm shift chasing an HIV cure. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109741. [PMID: 37611838 PMCID: PMC10631514 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109741] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of drug-resistant viral strains and anatomical and cellular reservoirs of HIV pose significant clinical challenges to antiretroviral therapy. CCR5 is a coreceptor critical for HIV host cell fusion, and a homozygous 32-bp gene deletion (∆32) leads to its loss of function. Interestingly, an allogeneic HSCT from an HIV-negative ∆32 donor to an HIV-1-infected recipient demonstrated a curative approach by rendering the recipient's blood cells resistant to viral entry. Ex vivo gene editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, hold tremendous promise in generating allogeneic HSC grafts that can potentially replace allogeneic ∆32 HSCTs. Here, we review antiretroviral therapeutic challenges, clinical successes, and failures of allogeneic and allogeneic ∆32 HSCTs, and newer exciting developments within CCR5 editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in the search to cure HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Khan
- The Scintillon Research Institute, 6868 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Brian R Lawson
- The Scintillon Research Institute, 6868 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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8
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Lee K, Lee C. Generation of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockin mutant models in mice and MEFs for studies of polymorphism in clock genes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8109. [PMID: 37208532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The creation of mutant mice has been invaluable for advancing biomedical science, but is too time- and resource-intensive for investigating the full range of mutations and polymorphisms. Cell culture models are therefore an invaluable complement to mouse models, especially for cell-autonomous pathways like the circadian clock. In this study, we quantitatively assessed the use of CRISPR to create cell models in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as compared to mouse models. We generated two point mutations in the clock genes Per1 and Per2 in mice and in MEFs using the same sgRNAs and repair templates for HDR and quantified the frequency of the mutations by digital PCR. The frequency was about an order of magnitude higher in mouse zygotes compared to that in MEFs. However, the mutation frequency in MEFs was still high enough for clonal isolation by simple screening of a few dozen individual cells. The Per mutant cells that we generated provide important new insights into the role of the PAS domain in regulating PER phosphorylation, a key aspect of the circadian clock mechanism. Quantification of the mutation frequency in bulk MEF populations provides a valuable basis for optimizing CRISPR protocols and time/resource planning for generating cell models for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangjun Lee
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Choogon Lee
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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9
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Padmaswari MH, Agrawal S, Jia MS, Ivy A, Maxenberger DA, Burcham LA, Nelson CE. Delivery challenges for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011307. [PMID: 36864908 PMCID: PMC9969352 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects about one in every 5000 live male births. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, which is required for muscle membrane stabilization. The loss of functional dystrophin causes muscle degradation that leads to weakness, loss of ambulation, cardiac and respiratory complications, and eventually, premature death. Therapies to treat DMD have advanced in the past decade, with treatments in clinical trials and four exon-skipping drugs receiving conditional Food and Drug Administration approval. However, to date, no treatment has provided long-term correction. Gene editing has emerged as a promising approach to treating DMD. There is a wide range of tools, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and, most notably, RNA-guided enzymes from the bacterial adaptive immune system clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Although challenges in using CRISPR for gene therapy in humans still abound, including safety and efficiency of delivery, the future for CRISPR gene editing for DMD is promising. This review will summarize the progress in CRISPR gene editing for DMD including key summaries of current approaches, delivery methodologies, and the challenges that gene editing still faces as well as prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shilpi Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Mary S. Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Allie Ivy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Daniel A. Maxenberger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Landon A. Burcham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
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10
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Hussein M, Molina MA, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. A CRISPR-Cas Cure for HIV/AIDS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1563. [PMID: 36675077 PMCID: PMC9863116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and HIV-induced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to represent a global health burden. There is currently no effective vaccine, nor any cure, for HIV infections; existing antiretroviral therapy can suppress viral replication, but only as long as antiviral drugs are taken. HIV infects cells of the host immune system, and it can establish a long-lived viral reservoir, which can be targeted and edited through gene therapy. Gene editing platforms based on the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat-Cas system (CRISPR-Cas) have been recognized as promising tools in the development of gene therapies for HIV infections. In this review, we evaluate the current landscape of CRISPR-Cas-based therapies against HIV, with an emphasis on the infection biology of the virus as well as the activity of host restriction factors. We discuss the potential of a combined CRISPR-Cas approach that targets host and viral genes to activate antiviral host factors and inhibit viral replication simultaneously. Lastly, we focus on the challenges and potential solutions of CRISPR-Cas gene editing approaches in achieving an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Malla RR, Middela K. CRISPR-Based Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:1-14. [PMID: 38050977 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023048723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology is a powerful gene editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. It allows for precise and efficient editing of specific genes that drive cancer growth and progression. CRISPR-based approaches gene knock-out, which deletes specific genes or sequences of DNA within a cancer cell, and gene knock-in, which inserts new sequences of DNA into a cancer cell to identify potential targets for cancer therapy. Further, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-based screens identify specific markers for diagnosis of cancers. Recently, immunotherapy has become a highly efficient strategy for the treatment of cancer. The use of CRISPR in cancer immunotherapy is focused on enhancing the function of T cells, making them more effective at attacking cancer cells and inactivating the immune evasion mechanisms of cancer cells. It has the potential to generate CAR-T cells, which are T cells that have been genetically engineered to target and attack cancer cells specifically. This review uncovers the latest developments in CRISPR-based gene editing strategies and delivery of their components in cancer cells. In addition, the applications of CRISPR in cancer immune therapy are discussed. Overall, this review helps to explore the potential of CRISPR-based strategies in cancer immune therapy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Keerthana Middela
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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12
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García M, Bonafont J, Martínez-Palacios J, Xu R, Turchiano G, Svensson S, Thrasher AJ, Larcher F, Del Rio M, Hernández-Alcoceba R, Garín MI, Mencía Á, Murillas R. Preclinical model for phenotypic correction of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa by in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 delivery using adenoviral vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:96-108. [PMID: 36212909 PMCID: PMC9531050 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a devastating skin fragility disease characterized by recurrent skin blistering, scarring, and a high risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma is caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene encoding type VII collagen, which is the major component of the anchoring fibrils that bind the dermis and epidermis. Ex vivo correction of COL7A1 by gene editing in patients' cells has been achieved before. However, in vivo editing approaches are necessary to address the direct treatment of the blistering lesions characteristic of this disease. We have now generated adenoviral vectors for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery to remove exon 80 of COL7A1, which contains a highly prevalent frameshift mutation in Spanish patients. For in vivo testing, a humanized skin mouse model was used. Efficient viral transduction of skin was observed after excisional wounds generated with a surgical punch on regenerated patient skin grafts were filled with the adenoviral vectors embedded in a fibrin gel. Type VII collagen deposition in the basement membrane zone of the wounded areas treated with the vectors correlated with restoration of dermal-epidermal adhesion, demonstrating that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient skin lesions can be directly treated by CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Bonafont
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jesús Martínez-Palacios
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rudan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
| | - Giandomenico Turchiano
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stina Svensson
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela Del Rio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Hernández-Alcoceba
- Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Terapia Génica y Regulación de la Expresión Génica, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marina I. Garín
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Mencía
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Murillas
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Wei Y, Zhao Z, Ma X. Description of CRISPR-Cas9 development and its prospects in human papillomavirus-driven cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1037124. [PMID: 36479105 PMCID: PMC9721393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1037124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been recognized as the etiologic agents of various cancers and are called HPV-driven cancers. Concerning HPV-mediated carcinogenic action, gene therapy can cure cancer at the molecular level by means of the correction of specific genes or sites. CRISPR-Cas9, as a novel genetic editing technique, can correct errors in the genome and change the gene expression and function in cells efficiently, quickly, and with relative ease. Herein, we overviewed studies of CRISPR-mediated gene remedies for HPV-driven cancers and summarized the potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in gene therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Xuelei Ma,
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14
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Li R, Wang Q, She K, Lu F, Yang Y. CRISPR/Cas systems usher in a new era of disease treatment and diagnosis. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:31. [PMID: 36239875 PMCID: PMC9560888 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas system is a milestone in precise medicine. CRISPR/Cas nucleases, base-editing (BE) and prime-editing (PE) are three genome editing technologies derived from CRISPR/Cas. In recent years, CRISPR-based genome editing technologies have created immense therapeutic potential with safe and efficient viral or non-viral delivery systems. Significant progress has been made in applying genome editing strategies to modify T cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo and to treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders in vivo. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of this unique technology still faces many challenges, especially targeting, safety and delivery issues, which require further improvement and optimization. In addition, with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), CRISPR-based molecular diagnosis has attracted extensive attention. Growing from the specific set of molecular biological discoveries to several active clinical trials, CRISPR/Cas systems offer the opportunity to create a cost-effective, portable and point-of-care diagnosis through nucleic acid screening of diseases. In this review, we describe the development, mechanisms and delivery systems of CRISPR-based genome editing and focus on clinical and preclinical studies of therapeutic CRISPR genome editing in disease treatment as well as its application prospects in therapeutics and molecular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Qin Wang
- grid.412723.10000 0004 0604 889XSchool of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225 Sichuan China
| | - Kaiqin She
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Fang Lu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yang Yang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
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15
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Merle N, Elmshäuser S, Strassheimer F, Wanzel M, König AM, Funk J, Neumann M, Kochhan K, Helmprobst F, Pagenstecher A, Nist A, Mernberger M, Schneider A, Braun T, Borggrefe T, Savai R, Timofeev O, Stiewe T. Monitoring autochthonous lung tumors induced by somatic CRISPR gene editing in mice using a secreted luciferase. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:191. [PMID: 36192757 PMCID: PMC9531476 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In vivo gene editing of somatic cells with CRISPR nucleases has facilitated the generation of autochthonous mouse tumors, which are initiated by genetic alterations relevant to the human disease and progress along a natural timeline as in patients. However, the long and variable, orthotopic tumor growth in inner organs requires sophisticated, time-consuming and resource-intensive imaging for longitudinal disease monitoring and impedes the use of autochthonous tumor models for preclinical studies. Methods To facilitate a more widespread use, we have generated a reporter mouse that expresses a Cre-inducible luciferase from Gaussia princeps (GLuc), which is secreted by cells in an energy-consuming process and can be measured quantitatively in the blood as a marker for the viable tumor load. In addition, we have developed a flexible, complementary toolkit to rapidly assemble recombinant adenoviruses (AVs) for delivering Cre recombinase together with CRISPR nucleases targeting cancer driver genes. Results We demonstrate that intratracheal infection of GLuc reporter mice with CRISPR-AVs efficiently induces lung tumors driven by mutations in the targeted cancer genes and simultaneously activates the GLuc transgene, resulting in GLuc secretion into the blood by the growing tumor. GLuc blood levels are easily and robustly quantified in small-volume blood samples with inexpensive equipment, enable tumor detection already several months before the humane study endpoint and precisely mirror the kinetics of tumor development specified by the inducing gene combination. Conclusions Our study establishes blood-based GLuc monitoring as an inexpensive, rapid, high-throughput and animal-friendly method to longitudinally monitor autochthonous tumor growth in preclinical studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01661-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasja Merle
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Elmshäuser
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Strassheimer
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Wanzel
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander M König
- Clinic of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps-University, Core Facility 7T-small animal MRI, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julianne Funk
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kochhan
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frederik Helmprobst
- Mouse Pathology and Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Department of Neuropathology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Axel Pagenstecher
- Mouse Pathology and Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Department of Neuropathology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marco Mernberger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - André Schneider
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Tilman Borggrefe
- Department of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany. .,Genomics Core Facility, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany. .,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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16
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Statkute E, Wang ECY, Stanton RJ. An Optimized CRISPR/Cas9 Adenovirus Vector (AdZ-CRISPR) for High-Throughput Cloning of sgRNA, Using Enhanced sgRNA and Cas9 Variants. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:990-1001. [PMID: 35196879 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.120] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adenovirus vectors enable highly efficient gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. As a result, they are widely used in gene therapy, vaccination, and anticancer applications. We have previously developed the AdZ vector system, which uses recombineering to permit high-throughput cloning of transgenes into Adenovirus vectors, simplifies alteration of the vector backbone, and enables rapid recovery of infectious virus, even if a transgene is incompatible with vector replication. In this study, we adapt this vector system to enable high-throughput cloning of sequences for CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Vectors were optimized to ensure efficient cloning, and high editing efficiency using spCas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences in a single vector. Using a multiplicity of infection of 50, knockout efficiencies of up to 80% could be achieved with a single sgRNA. Vectors were further enhanced by altering the spCas9 sequence to match that of SniperCas9, which has reduced off-target activity, but maintains on-target efficiency, and by applying modifications to the sgRNA sequence that significantly enhance editing efficiency. Thus, the AdZ-CRISPR vectors offer highly efficient knockout, even in hard to transfect cells, and enables large-scale CRISPR/Cas9 projects to be undertaken easily and quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Statkute
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Stanton
- Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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17
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. In vivo Delivery Tools for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/Associated Protein 9-Mediated Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:953218. [PMID: 35847068 PMCID: PMC9284033 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.953218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem despite the availability of an effective prophylactic HBV vaccine. Current antiviral therapies are unable to fully cure chronic hepatitis B (CHB) because of the persistent nature of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), a replicative template for HBV, which necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. The CRISPR/Cas system, a newly emerging genome editing tool, holds great promise for genome editing and gene therapy. Several in vitro and/or in vivo studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of HBV-specific clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems in cleaving HBV DNA and cccDNA. Although recent advances in CRISPR/Cas technology enhance its prospects for clinical application against HBV infection, in vivo delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system at targets sites remains a major challenge that needs to be resolved before its clinical application in gene therapy for CHB. In the present review, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9 delivery tools for targeting HBV infection, with a focus on the development of adeno-associated virus vectors and lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery to treat CHB. In addition, we discuss the importance of delivery tools in the enhancement of the antiviral efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, Bangladesh
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh,
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
- Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara,
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18
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Klinnert S, Chemnitzer A, Rusert P, Metzner KJ. Systematic HIV-1 promoter targeting with CRISPR/dCas9-VPR reveals optimal region for activation of the latent provirus. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 35671066 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001754] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/dCas9-based activation systems (CRISPRa) enable sequence-specific gene activation and are therefore of particular interest for the 'shock and kill' cure approach against HIV-1 infections. This approach aims to activate the latent HIV-1 proviruses in infected cells and subsequently kill these cells. Several CRISPRa systems have been shown to specifically and effectively activate latent HIV-1 when targeted to the HIV-1 5'LTR promoter, making them a promising 'shock' strategy. Here, we aimed to evaluate the dCas9-VPR system for its applicability in reversing HIV-1 latency and identify the optimal gRNA target site in the HIV-1 5'LTR promoter leading to the strongest activation of the provirus with this system. We systematically screened the HIV-1 promoter by selecting 14 specific gRNAs that cover almost half of the HIV-1 promoter from the 3' half of the U3 until the beginning of the R region. Screening in several latently HIV-1 infected cell lines showed that dCas9-VPR leads to a high activation of HIV-1 and that gRNA-V and -VII induce the strongest activation of replication competent latent provirus. This data indicates that the optimal activation region in the HIV-1 promoter for the dCas9-VPR system is located -165 to -106 bp from the transcription start site and that it is consistent with the optimal activation region reported for other CRISPRa systems. Our data demonstrates that the dCas9-VPR system is a powerful tool for HIV-1 activation and could be harnessed for the 'shock and kill' cure approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Klinnert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Sciences Graduate School, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Chemnitzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Rusert
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin J Metzner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Tsoukas RL, Volkwein W, Gao J, Schiwon M, Bahlmann N, Dittmar T, Hagedorn C, Ehrke-Schulz E, Zhang W, Baiker A, Ehrhardt A. A Human In Vitro Model to Study Adenoviral Receptors and Virus Cell Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050841. [PMID: 35269463 PMCID: PMC8909167 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop adenoviral cell- or tissue-specific gene delivery, understanding of the infection mechanisms of adenoviruses is crucial. Several adenoviral attachment proteins such as CD46, CAR and sialic acid have been identified and studied. However, most receptor studies were performed on non-human cells. Combining our reporter gene-tagged adenovirus library with an in vitro human gene knockout model, we performed a systematic analysis of receptor usage comparing different adenoviruses side-by-side. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to knockout CD46 and CAR in the human lung epithelial carcinoma cell line A549. Knockout cells were infected with 22 luciferase-expressing adenoviruses derived from adenovirus species B, C, D and E. HAdV-B16, -B21 and -B50 from species B1 as well as HAdV-B34 and -B35 were found to be CD46-dependent. HAdV-C5 and HAdV-E4 from species E were found to be CAR-dependent. Regarding cell entry of HAdV-B3 and -B14 and all species D viruses, both CAR and CD46 play a role, and here, other receptors or attachment structures may also be important since transductions were reduced but not completely inhibited. The established human knockout cell model enables the identification of the most applicable adenovirus types for gene therapy and to further understand adenovirus infection biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael L. Tsoukas
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfram Volkwein
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (W.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Jian Gao
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Maren Schiwon
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Nora Bahlmann
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany;
| | - Claudia Hagedorn
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Eric Ehrke-Schulz
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Armin Baiker
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (W.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany; (R.L.T.); (J.G.); (M.S.); (N.B.); (E.E.-S.); (W.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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van Hees M, Slott S, Hansen AH, Kim HS, Ji HP, Astakhova K. New approaches to moderate CRISPR-Cas9 activity: Addressing issues of cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Mol Ther 2022; 30:32-46. [PMID: 34091053 PMCID: PMC8753288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly entering molecular biology and biomedicine as a promising gene-editing tool. A unique feature of CRISPR-Cas9 is a single-guide RNA directing a Cas9 nuclease toward its genomic target. Herein, we highlight new approaches for improving cellular uptake and endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9. As opposed to other recently published works, this review is focused on non-viral carriers as a means to facilitate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 through endocytosis. The majority of non-viral carriers, such as gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanoscale zeolitic imidazole frameworks, is developed with a focus toward optimizing the endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9 by taking advantage of the acidic environment in the late endosomes. Among the most broadly used methods for in vitro and ex vivo ribonucleotide protein transfection are electroporation and microinjection. Thus, other delivery formats are warranted for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. Herein, we specifically revise the use of peptide and nanoparticle-based systems as platforms for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo. Finally, we highlight future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool and the prospects of using non-viral vectors to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja van Hees
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Heon Seok Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark,Corresponding author: Kira Astakhova, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
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21
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Pan X, Veroniaina H, Su N, Sha K, Jiang F, Wu Z, Qi X. Applications and developments of gene therapy drug delivery systems for genetic diseases. Asian J Pharm Sci 2021; 16:687-703. [PMID: 35027949 PMCID: PMC8737406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diseases seriously threaten human health and have always been one of the refractory conditions facing humanity. Currently, gene therapy drugs such as siRNA, shRNA, antisense oligonucleotide, CRISPR/Cas9 system, plasmid DNA and miRNA have shown great potential in biomedical applications. To avoid the degradation of gene therapy drugs in the body and effectively deliver them to target tissues, cells and organelles, the development of excellent drug delivery vehicles is of utmost importance. Viral vectors are the most widely used delivery vehicles for gene therapy in vivo and in vitro due to their high transfection efficiency and stable transgene expression. With the development of nanotechnology, novel nanocarriers are gradually replacing viral vectors, emerging superior performance. This review mainly illuminates the current widely used gene therapy drugs, summarizes the viral vectors and non-viral vectors that deliver gene therapy drugs, and sums up the application of gene therapy to treat genetic diseases. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities of the field are discussed from the perspective of developing an effective nano-delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Pan
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | | | - Nan Su
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kang Sha
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Fenglin Jiang
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhenghong Wu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaole Qi
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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22
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Ling K, Yang L, Yang N, Chen M, Wang Y, Liang S, Li Y, Jiang L, Yan P, Liang Z. Gene Targeting of HPV18 E6 and E7 Synchronously by Nonviral Transfection of CRISPR/Cas9 System in Cervical Cancer. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:297-308. [PMID: 31989837 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 genes display vital oncogenic properties in cervical cancer. Eliminating HPV driver gene or loss of function by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is a promising treatment for the HPV-associated cancer. Thus, this study designed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to target the E6 and E7 genes at once, to detect whether it have efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, CRISPR/Cas9 system was measured after transfection with liposomes but virus. Cervical cancer lines (HeLa and SiHa) were used in this study. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the single CRISPR/Cas9 vector [termed E6E7-knockout (KO)] containing guide RNAs could targeting both HPV18 E6 and E7 genes in vitro. In addition, double-targeting E6 and E7 increased p53 protein expression significantly while compared with E6 or E7 targeting, respectively. Mice with xenografts were divided into four groups: three doses of experimental groups (20, 40, and 60 μg) and one control group. The E6E7-KO through liposome delivery was injected into tumors. Tumor growth was measured and protein expression was observed through immunohistochemistry. The toxic side effects in vivo were also evaluated. E6E7-KO induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation markedly in vitro. E6E7-KO downregulated the messenger RNA and protein expression of E6 and E7, whereas p53 and p21 protein levels were upregulated accordingly. Notably, E6E7-KO delivery by liposome exhibited an effect in vivo. Tumor growth was inhibited in the E6E7-KO groups, which was accompanied by decreased E6/E7 protein expression and increased p53/p21 protein expression, especially the level of p53 protein expression. Therefore, E6E7-KO could have synergy efficient by p53 pathway. Furthermore, local injection with CRISPR/Cas9 by nonviral delivery may be regarded as a potential therapy for cervical cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijian Ling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Leiyan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Neng Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengyue Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanzhou Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi Liang
- Birmingham Young University, Rexburg, Idaho
| | - Yudi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lupin Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Martens MC, Edelkamp J, Seebode C, Schäfer M, Stählke S, Krohn S, Jung O, Murua Escobar H, Emmert S, Boeckmann L. Generation and Characterization of a CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated SNAP29 Knockout in Human Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105293. [PMID: 34069872 PMCID: PMC8157373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP29) lead to the rare autosomal recessive neurocutaneous cerebral dysgenesis, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma (CEDNIK) syndrome. SNAP29 is a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein. So far, it has been shown to be involved in membrane fusion, epidermal differentiation, formation of primary cilia, and autophagy. Recently, we reported the successful generation of two mouse models for the human CEDNIK syndrome. The aim of this investigation was the generation of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SNAP29 knockout (KO) in an immortalized human cell line to further investigate the role of SNAP29 in cellular homeostasis and signaling in humans independently of animal models. Comparison of different methods of delivery for CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids into the cell revealed that lentiviral transduction is more efficient than transfection methods. Here, we reported to the best of our knowledge the first successful generation of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SNAP29 KO in immortalized human MRC5Vi fibroblasts (c.169_196delinsTTCGT) via lentiviral transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Christine Martens
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Janin Edelkamp
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Christina Seebode
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Mirijam Schäfer
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Susanne Stählke
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Saskia Krohn
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (S.K.); (H.M.E.)
| | - Ole Jung
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (S.K.); (H.M.E.)
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
| | - Lars Boeckmann
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.C.M.); (J.E.); (C.S.); (M.S.); (O.J.); (S.E.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Novel formulations and drug delivery systems to administer biological solids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:183-210. [PMID: 33705873 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in formulation sciences have expanded the previously limited design space for biological modalities, including peptide, protein, and vaccine products. At the same time, the discovery and application of new modalities, such as cellular therapies and gene therapies, have presented formidable challenges to formulation scientists. We explore these challenges and highlight the opportunities to overcome them through the development of novel formulations and drug delivery systems as biological solids. We review the current progress in both industry and academic laboratories, and we provide expert perspectives in those settings. Formulation scientists have made a tremendous effort to accommodate the needs of these novel delivery routes. These include stability-preserving formulations and dehydration processes as well as dosing regimes and dosage forms that improve patient compliance.
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25
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Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:642858. [PMID: 33776777 PMCID: PMC7996372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.642858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive, asymmetric muscle weakness at the face, shoulders, and upper limbs, which spreads to the lower body with age. It is the third most common inherited muscular disorder worldwide. Around 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound, and some present with extramuscular manifestations. FSHD is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene in muscle. DUX4 codes for a transcription factor which, in skeletal muscle, dysregulates numerous signaling activities that culminate in cytotoxicity. Potential treatments for FSHD therefore aim to reduce the expression of DUX4 or the activity of its toxic protein product. In this article, we review how genetic approaches such as those based on oligonucleotide and genome editing technologies have been developed to achieve these goals. We also outline the challenges these therapies are facing on the road to translation, and discuss possible solutions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q. Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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26
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Mollanoori H, Rahmati Y, Hassani B, Havasi Mehr M, Teimourian S. Promising therapeutic approaches using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genes Dis 2021; 8:146-156. [PMID: 33997161 PMCID: PMC8099695 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive hereditary monogenic disorder caused by inability to produce dystrophin protein. In most patients, the expression of dystrophin lost due to disrupting mutations in open reading frame. Despite the efforts in a large number of different therapeutic approaches to date, the treatments available for DMD remain mitigative and supportive to improve the symptoms of the disease, rather than to be curative. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing scope and considered as pioneer in effective genomic engineering. Deletions or excisions of intragenic DNA by CRISPR as well as a similar strategy with exon skipping at the DNA level induced by antisense oligonucleotides, are new and promising approaches in correcting DMD gene, which restore the expression of a truncated but functional dystrophin protein. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be used to treat DMD by removing duplicated exons, precise correction of causative mutation by HDR-based pathway and inducing the expression of compensatory proteins such as utrophin. In this study, we briefly explained the molecular genetics of DMD and a historical overview of DMD gene therapy. We in particular focused on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated therapeutic approaches that used to treat DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Mollanoori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yazdan Rahmati
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Bita Hassani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, 1985717443, Iran
| | - Meysam Havasi Mehr
- Department of Physiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Shahram Teimourian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
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27
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Bloemberg D, Sosa-Miranda CD, Nguyen T, Weeratna RD, McComb S. Self-Cutting and Integrating CRISPR Plasmids Enable Targeted Genomic Integration of Genetic Payloads for Rapid Cell Engineering. CRISPR J 2021; 4:104-119. [PMID: 33616439 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since observations that CRISPR nucleases function in mammalian cells, many strategies have been devised to adapt them for genetic engineering. Here, we investigated self-cutting and integrating CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids (SCIPs) as easy-to-use gene editing tools that insert themselves at CRISPR-guided locations. SCIPs demonstrated similar expression kinetics and gene disruption efficiency in mouse (EL4) and human (Jurkat) cells, with stable integration in 3-6% of transfected cells. Clonal sequencing analysis indicated that integrants showed bi- or mono-allelic integration of entire CRISPR plasmids in predictable orientations and with limited insertion or deletion formation. Interestingly, including longer homology arms (HAs; 500 bp) in varying orientations only modestly increased knock-in efficiency (by around twofold). Using a SCIP-payload design (SCIPpay) that liberates a promoter-less sequence flanked by HAs thereby requiring perfect homology-directed repair for transgene expression, longer HAs resulted in higher integration efficiency and precision of the payload but did not affect integration of the remaining plasmid sequence. As proofs of concept, we used SCIPpay to insert (1) a gene fragment encoding tdTomato into the CD69 locus of Jurkat cells, thereby creating a cell line that reports T-cell activation, and (2) a chimeric antigen receptor gene into the TRAC locus. Here, we demonstrate that SCIPs function as simple, efficient, and programmable tools useful for generating gene knock-out/knock-in cell lines, and we suggest future utility in knock-in site screening/optimization, unbiased off-target site identification, and multiplexed, iterative, and/or library-scale automated genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin Bloemberg
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Tina Nguyen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Risini D Weeratna
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Scott McComb
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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28
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Randhawa S. CRISPR-Cas9 in cancer therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:129-163. [PMID: 34127191 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease mainly caused by an accumulation of mutations in cells. Consequently, correcting those genetic aberrations could be a potential treatment strategy. The traditional route for cancer drug development is tedious, laborious, and time-consuming. Due to target identification, drug formulation, pre-clinical testing, clinical testing, and regulatory hurdles, on average, it takes 10-15 years for a cancer drug to go from target discovery to a marketable oncology drug. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has greatly expedited this procedure. CRISPR-Cas9 has single-handedly accelerated target identification and pre-clinical testing. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 has also been used in ex vivo editing of T-cells to specifically target tumor cells. In this chapter, we will discuss the various ways in which CRISPR-Cas9 has been used for the betterment of the cancer drug development process. Additionally, we will discuss various ways in which it is currently being used as therapy and the drawbacks which restrict the use of this groundbreaking technology as direct therapy.
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29
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Gohil N, Bhattacharjee G, Lam NL, Perli SD, Singh V. CRISPR-Cas systems: Challenges and future prospects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 180:141-151. [PMID: 33934835 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The advancement gained over the past couple of decades in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) systems have revolutionized the field of synthetic biology, therapeutics, diagnostics and metabolic engineering. The technique has enabled the process of genome editing to be very precise, rapid, cost-effective and highly efficient which were the downfalls for the previously debuted zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) technologies. However, despite its great potential, challenges including off-target activity, method of delivery, ethical and regulatory issues still remain unresolved for the CRISPR-Cas systems. In this chapter, we present and point out the obstacles faced in implementation of the CRISPR-Cas system along with its future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Navya Lavina Lam
- The J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Samuel D Perli
- The J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
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30
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The evolution and history of gene editing technologies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 178:1-62. [PMID: 33685594 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Scientific enquiry must be the driving force of research. This sentiment is manifested as the profound impact gene editing technologies are having in our current world. There exist three main gene editing technologies today: Zinc Finger Nucleases, TALENs and the CRISPR-Cas system. When these systems were being uncovered, none of the scientists set out to design tools to engineer genomes. They were simply trying to understand the mechanisms existing in nature. If it was not for this simple sense of wonder, we probably would not have these breakthrough technologies. In this chapter, we will discuss the history, applications and ethical issues surrounding these technologies, focusing on the now predominant CRISPR-Cas technology. Gene editing technologies, as we know them now, are poised to have an overwhelming impact on our world. However, it is impossible to predict the route they will take in the future or to comprehend the full impact of its repercussions.
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31
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Brücher D, Kirchhammer N, Smith SN, Schumacher J, Schumacher N, Kolibius J, Freitag PC, Schmid M, Weiss F, Keller C, Grove M, Greber UF, Zippelius A, Plückthun A. iMATCH: an integrated modular assembly system for therapeutic combination high-capacity adenovirus gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:572-586. [PMID: 33665227 PMCID: PMC7890373 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adenovirus-mediated combination gene therapies have shown promising results in vaccination or treating malignant and genetic diseases. Nevertheless, an efficient system for the rapid assembly and incorporation of therapeutic genes into high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HCAdVs) is still missing. In this study, we developed the iMATCH (integrated modular assembly for therapeutic combination HCAdVs) platform, which enables the generation and production of HCAdVs encoding therapeutic combinations in high quantity and purity within 3 weeks. Our modular cloning system facilitates the efficient combination of up to four expression cassettes and the rapid integration into HCAdV genomes with defined sizes. Helper viruses (HVs) and purification protocols were optimized to produce HCAdVs with distinct capsid modifications and unprecedented purity (0.1 ppm HVs). The constitution of HCAdVs, with adapters for targeting and a shield of trimerized single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for reduced liver clearance, mediated cell- and organ-specific targeting of HCAdVs. As proof of concept, we show that a single HCAdV encoding an anti PD-1 antibody, interleukin (IL)-12, and IL-2 produced all proteins, and it led to tumor regression and prolonged survival in tumor models, comparable to a mixture of single payload HCAdVs in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the iMATCH system provides a versatile platform for the generation of high-capacity gene therapy vectors with a high potential for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Kirchhammer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sheena N. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jatina Schumacher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schumacher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Kolibius
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C. Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schmid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Corina Keller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Grove
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author: Andreas Plückthun, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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32
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Ashraf MU, Salman HM, Khalid MF, Khan MHF, Anwar S, Afzal S, Idrees M, Chaudhary SU. CRISPR-Cas13a mediated targeting of hepatitis C virus internal-ribosomal entry site (IRES) as an effective antiviral strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 136:111239. [PMID: 33454599 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) hepatitis C virus (HCV). The genetic diversity of the virus and quasispecies produced during replication have resulted in viral resistance to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) as well as impediments in vaccine development. The recent adaptation of CRISPR-Cas as an alternative antiviral approach has demonstrated degradation of viral nucleic acids in eukaryotes. In particular, the CRISPR-effector Cas13 enzyme has been shown to target ssRNA viruses effectively. In this work, we have employed Cas13a to knockdown HCV in mammalian cells. Using a computational screen, we identified several potential Cas13a target sites within highly conserved regions of the HCV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). Our results demonstrate significant inhibition of HCV replication as well as translation in huh-7.5 cells with minimal effects on cell viability. These findings were validated using a multi-modality approach involving qRT-PCR, luciferase assay, and MTT cell viability assay. In conclusion, the CRISPR-Cas13a system efficiently targets HCV in vitro, suggesting its potential as a programmable therapeutic antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Ashraf
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan; Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Salman
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farhan Khalid
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haider Farooq Khan
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saima Anwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Safee Ullah Chaudhary
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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33
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DGK and DZHK position paper on genome editing: basic science applications and future perspective. Basic Res Cardiol 2021; 116:2. [PMID: 33449167 PMCID: PMC7810637 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-020-00839-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, gene editing had been a scientific concept, which was limited to a few applications. With recent developments, following the discovery of TALEN zinc-finger endonucleases and in particular the CRISPR/Cas system, gene editing has become a technique applicable in most laboratories. The current gain- and loss-of function models in basic science are revolutionary as they allow unbiased screens of unprecedented depth and complexity and rapid development of transgenic animals. Modifications of CRISPR/Cas have been developed to precisely interrogate epigenetic regulation or to visualize DNA complexes. Moreover, gene editing as a clinical treatment option is rapidly developing with first trials on the way. This article reviews the most recent progress in the field, covering expert opinions gathered during joint conferences on genome editing of the German Cardiac Society (DGK) and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). Particularly focusing on the translational aspect and the combination of cellular and animal applications, the authors aim to provide direction for the development of the field and the most frequent applications with their problems.
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34
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Ghaemi A, Bagheri E, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M. CRISPR-cas9 genome editing delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy. Life Sci 2020; 267:118969. [PMID: 33385410 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems could be applied as revolutionized genome editing tool in live cells of various species to modify, visualize and identify definite sequences of DNA and RNA. CRISPR-Cas could edit the genome by homology-directed repair and non-homologous end joining mechanisms. Furthermore, DNA-targeting modification by CRISPR-Cas methodology provides opportunity for diagnosis, therapy and the genetic disorders investigation. Here, we summarized delivery systems employed for CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing. Then preclinical studies of the CRISPR-Cas9-based therapeutics will be discussed considering the associated challenges and developments in its translation to clinic for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ghaemi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Bagheri
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Shukla S, Hu H, Cai H, Chan SK, Boone CE, Beiss V, Chariou PL, Steinmetz NF. Plant Viruses and Bacteriophage-Based Reagents for Diagnosis and Therapy. Annu Rev Virol 2020; 7:559-587. [PMID: 32991265 PMCID: PMC8018517 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-010720-052252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral nanotechnology exploits the prefabricated nanostructures of viruses, which are already abundant in nature. With well-defined molecular architectures, viral nanocarriers offer unprecedented opportunities for precise structural and functional manipulation using genetic engineering and/or bio-orthogonal chemistries. In this manner, they can be loaded with diverse molecular payloads for targeted delivery. Mammalian viruses are already established in the clinic for gene therapy and immunotherapy, and inactivated viruses or virus-like particles have long been used as vaccines. More recently, plant viruses and bacteriophages have been developed as nanocarriers for diagnostic imaging, vaccine and drug delivery, and combined diagnosis/therapy (theranostics). The first wave of these novel virus-based tools has completed clinical development and is poised to make an impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Shukla
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - He Hu
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Soo-Khim Chan
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Christine E Boone
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Veronique Beiss
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Paul L Chariou
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center and Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA;
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Gallego C, Gonçalves MAFV, Wijnholds J. Novel Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases: Focus on CRISPR/Cas-Based Gene Editing. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:838. [PMID: 32973430 PMCID: PMC7468381 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases encompass a highly heterogenous group of disorders caused by a wide range of genetic variants and with diverse clinical symptoms that converge in the common trait of retinal degeneration. Indeed, mutations in over 270 genes have been associated with some form of retinal degenerative phenotype. Given the immune privileged status of the eye, cell replacement and gene augmentation therapies have been envisioned. While some of these approaches, such as delivery of genes through recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, have been successfully tested in clinical trials, not all patients will benefit from current advancements due to their underlying genotype or phenotypic traits. Gene editing arises as an alternative therapeutic strategy seeking to correct mutations at the endogenous locus and rescue normal gene expression. Hence, gene editing technologies can in principle be tailored for treating retinal degeneration. Here we provide an overview of the different gene editing strategies that are being developed to overcome the challenges imposed by the post-mitotic nature of retinal cell types. We further discuss their advantages and drawbacks as well as the hurdles for their implementation in treating retinal diseases, which include the broad range of mutations and, in some instances, the size of the affected genes. Although therapeutic gene editing is at an early stage of development, it has the potential of enriching the portfolio of personalized molecular medicines directed at treating genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gallego
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Adenoviral Vectors Armed with PAPILLOMAVIRUs Oncogene Specific CRISPR/Cas9 Kill Human-Papillomavirus-Induced Cervical Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071934. [PMID: 32708897 PMCID: PMC7409089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause malignant epithelial cancers including cervical carcinoma, non-melanoma skin and head and neck cancer. They drive tumor development through the expression of their oncoproteins E6 and E7. Designer nucleases were shown to be efficient to specifically destroy HPV16 and HPV18 oncogenes to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Here, we used high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HCAdVs) expressing the complete CRISPR/Cas9 machinery specific for HPV18-E6 or HPV16-E6. Cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and CaSki containing HPV16 and HeLa cells containing HPV18 genomes integrated into the cellular genome, as well as HPV-negative cancer cells were transduced with HPV-type-specific CRISPR-HCAdV. Upon adenoviral delivery, the expression of HPV-type-specific CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in decreased cell viability of HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, whereas HPV-negative cells were unaffected. Transduced cervical cancer cells showed increased apoptosis induction and decreased proliferation compared to untreated or HPV negative control cells. This suggests that HCAdV can serve as HPV-specific cancer gene therapeutic agents when armed with HPV-type-specific CRISPR/Cas9. Based on the versatility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we anticipate that our approach can contribute to personalized treatment options specific for the respective HPV type present in each individual tumor.
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Breunig CT, Köferle A, Neuner AM, Wiesbeck MF, Baumann V, Stricker SH. CRISPR Tools for Physiology and Cell State Changes: Potential of Transcriptional Engineering and Epigenome Editing. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:177-211. [PMID: 32525760 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the large amount of genome-wide data that have been collected during the last decades, a good understanding of how and why cells change during development, homeostasis, and disease might be expected. Unfortunately, the opposite is true; triggers that cause cellular state changes remain elusive, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Although genes with the potential to influence cell states are known, the historic dependency on methods that manipulate gene expression outside the endogenous chromatin context has prevented us from understanding how cells organize, interpret, and protect cellular programs. Fortunately, recent methodological innovations are now providing options to answer these outstanding questions, by allowing to target and manipulate individual genomic and epigenomic loci. In particular, three experimental approaches are now feasible due to DNA targeting tools, namely, activation and/or repression of master transcription factors in their endogenous chromatin context; targeting transcription factors to endogenous, alternative, or inaccessible sites; and finally, functional manipulation of the chromatin context. In this article, we discuss the molecular basis of DNA targeting tools and review the potential of these new technologies before we summarize how these have already been used for the manipulation of cellular states and hypothesize about future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Breunig
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anna Köferle
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea M Neuner
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Wiesbeck
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Valentin Baumann
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan H Stricker
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Brescia M, Janssen JM, Liu J, Gonçalves MAFV. High-Capacity Adenoviral Vectors Permit Robust and Versatile Testing of DMD Gene Repair Tools and Strategies in Human Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040869. [PMID: 32252479 PMCID: PMC7226760 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked muscle wasting disorder arising from mutations in the ~2.4 Mb dystrophin-encoding DMD gene. RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases (RGNs) are opening new DMD therapeutic routes whose bottlenecks include delivering sizable RGN complexes for assessing their effects on human genomes and testing ex vivo and in vivo DMD-correcting strategies. Here, high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdVs) encoding single or dual high-specificity RGNs with optimized components were investigated for permanently repairing defective DMD alleles either through exon 51-targeted indel formation or major mutational hotspot excision (>500 kb), respectively. Firstly, we establish that, at high doses, third-generation HC-AdVs lacking all viral genes are significantly less cytotoxic than second-generation adenoviral vectors deleted in E1 and E2A. Secondly, we demonstrate that genetically retargeted HC-AdVs can correct up to 42% ± 13% of defective DMD alleles in muscle cell populations through targeted removal of the major mutational hotspot, in which over 60% of frame-shifting large deletions locate. Both DMD gene repair strategies tested readily led to the detection of Becker-like dystrophins in unselected muscle cell populations, leading to the restoration of β-dystroglycan at the plasmalemma of differentiated muscle cells. Hence, HC-AdVs permit the effective assessment of DMD gene-editing tools and strategies in dystrophin-defective human cells while broadening the gamut of DMD-correcting agents.
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Li Y, Glass Z, Huang M, Chen ZY, Xu Q. Ex vivo cell-based CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for therapeutic applications. Biomaterials 2020; 234:119711. [PMID: 31945616 PMCID: PMC7035593 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized the genome engineering field. Since 2016, increasing number of studies regarding CRISPR therapeutics have entered clinical trials, most of which are focusing on the ex vivo genome editing. In this review, we highlight the ex vivo cell-based CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for therapeutic applications. In these studies, CRISPR/Cas9 tools were used to edit cells in vitro and the successfully edited cells were considered as therapeutics, which can be introduced into patients to treat diseases. Considering a large number of previous reviews have been focused on the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods and materials, this review provides a different perspective, by mainly introducing the targeted conditions and design strategies for ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutics. Brief descriptions of the history, functionality, and applications of CRISPR/Cas9 systems will be introduced first, followed by the design strategies and most significant results from previous research that used ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the treatment of conditions or diseases. The last part of this review includes general information about the status of CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutics in clinical trials. We also discuss some of the challenges as well as the opportunities in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Zachary Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Mingqian Huang
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Zheng-Yi Chen
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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Jo A, Ringel-Scaia VM, McDaniel DK, Thomas CA, Zhang R, Riffle JS, Allen IC, Davis RM. Fabrication and characterization of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating large CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:16. [PMID: 31959180 PMCID: PMC6970287 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and Cas9 protein system is a revolutionary tool for gene therapy. Despite promising reports of the utility of CRISPR–Cas9 for in vivo gene editing, a principal problem in implementing this new process is delivery of high molecular weight DNA into cells. Results Using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a nanoparticle carrier was designed to deliver a model CRISPR–Cas9 plasmid into primary bone marrow derived macrophages. The engineered PLGA-based carriers were approximately 160 nm and fluorescently labeled by encapsulation of the fluorophore 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene). An amine-end capped PLGA encapsulated 1.6 wt% DNA, with an encapsulation efficiency of 80%. Release studies revealed that most of the DNA was released within the first 24 h and corresponded to ~ 2–3 plasmid copies released per nanoparticle. In vitro experiments conducted with murine bone marrow derived macrophages demonstrated that after 24 h of treatment with the PLGA-encapsulated CRISPR plasmids, the majority of cells were positive for TIPS pentacene and the protein Cas9 was detectable within the cells. Conclusions In this work, plasmids for the CRISPR–Cas9 system were encapsulated in nanoparticles comprised of PLGA and were shown to induce expression of bacterial Cas9 in murine bone marrow derived macrophages in vitro. These results suggest that this nanoparticle-based plasmid delivery method can be effective for future in vivo applications of the CRISPR–Cas9 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Jo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Veronica M Ringel-Scaia
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Dylan K McDaniel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Cassidy A Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Judy S Riffle
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Irving C Allen
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA.
| | - Richey M Davis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Tang Q, Liu J, Jiang Y, Zhang M, Mao L, Wang M. Cell-Selective Messenger RNA Delivery and CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing by Modulating the Interface of Phenylboronic Acid-Derived Lipid Nanoparticles and Cellular Surface Sialic Acid. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:46585-46590. [PMID: 31763806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b17749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents an emerging class of nucleic acid therapeutics for genome editing and genetic disease treatment. Delivering exogenous mRNA selectively to cells, however, remains a main challenge to broaden the biomedical application of mRNA and develop targeted gene therapy. Herein, we report cell-selective mRNA delivery and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing by modulating the interface of phenylboronic acid (PBA) derived lipid nanoparticles (NPs) and cellular surface sialic acid (SA). We design a cationic lipid featuring a PBA group, PBA-BADP, to self-assemble with mRNA into nanoparticles via electrostatic interactions. Importantly, these nanoparticles present free PBA groups on their surface, showing an enhanced cellular uptake by SA-overexpressing cancer cells via the interfacial PBA/SA interaction. It is shown that PBA-BADP/mRNA NPs transfection results in 300 times higher luciferase reporter gene expression in cancer cells than that in noncancer cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that the delivery of tumor suppressor p53 mRNA using PBA-BADP selectively prohibits cancer cell growth, while PBA-BADP/Cas9 mRNA NPs delivery knocks out gene expression of HeLa cancer cells in a much higher efficiency than noncancer cells. We believe these findings could further extend the modulation of PBA and cellular SA interface to advance mRNA delivery and genome editing for new gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- Department of Chemistry , Renmin University of China , Beijing 100872 , China
| | - Ji Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Ying Jiang
- College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Meining Zhang
- Department of Chemistry , Renmin University of China , Beijing 100872 , China
| | - Lanqun Mao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
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Li C, Lieber A. Adenovirus vectors in hematopoietic stem cell genome editing. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:3623-3648. [PMID: 31705806 PMCID: PMC10473235 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) represents a therapeutic option for a number of hematological genetic diseases, as HSCs have the potential for self-renewal and differentiation into all blood cell lineages. This review presents advances of genome editing in HSCs utilizing adenovirus vectors as delivery vehicles. We focus on capsid-modified, helper-dependent adenovirus vectors that are devoid of all viral genes and therefore exhibit an improved safety profile. We discuss HSC genome engineering for several inherited disorders and infectious diseases including hemoglobinopathies, Fanconi anemia, hemophilia, and HIV-1 infection by ex vivo and in vivo editing in transgenic mice, nonhuman primates, as well as in human CD34+ cells. Mechanisms of therapeutic gene transfer including episomal expression of designer nucleases and base editors, transposase-mediated random integration, and targeted homology-directed repair triggered integration into selected genomic safe harbor loci are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - André Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy: The optimal use of lentivirus and gene editing approaches. Blood Rev 2019; 40:100641. [PMID: 31761379 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to pioneering in vitro investigations on gene modification, gene engineering platforms have incredibly improved to a safer and more powerful tool for the treatment of multiple blood and immune disorders. Likewise, several clinical trials have been initiated combining autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) with gene therapy (GT) tools. As several GT modalities such as lentivirus and gene editing tools have a long developmental path ahead to diminish its negative side effects, it is hard to decide which modality is optimal for treating a specific disease. Gene transfer by lentiviruses is the platform of choice for loss-of-mutation diseases, whereas gene correction/addition or gene disruption by gene editing tools, mainly CRISPR/Cas9, is likely to be more efficient in diseases where tight regulation is needed. Therefore, in this review, we compiled pertinent information about lentiviral gene transfer and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, their evolution to a safer platform for HSCT, and their applications on other types of gene disorders based on the etiology of the disease and cell fitness.
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45
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Huo H, Hu G. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LMP1 knockout inhibits Epstein-Barr virus infection and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth. Infect Agent Cancer 2019; 14:30. [PMID: 31673282 PMCID: PMC6816172 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-019-0246-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A strong association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been widely recognized in recent decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) regulation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE-2 cell growth and then examine the effects of LMP1-knockout with CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and CNE-2 cell growth. Methods Human NPC CNE-2 cells were infected with the recombinant LMP1- and LMP2A-carrying lentivirus, and then examined for cell growth with the colony forming assay as well as for the activation of transcription of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) with reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of LMP1 or LMP2A was performed with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting sequences within LMP1 or LMP2A. The knockout effect and the EBV proliferation were examined with RT-qPCR, western blot and cell growth assay. Results LMP1 overexpression promoted CNE-2 cell growth, compared to LMP2A overexpression. Loss-of-function experiments confirmed that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) upregulation mediated this effect. LMP1 knockout significantly inhibited EBV proliferation in CNE-2 cells and markedly inhibited LMP1-mediated promotion of cell growth. The knockout of either LMP1 or LMP2A blocked the eIF4E activation, which is induced either by the EBV infection or by the overexpression of LMP1 or LMP2A. Conclusion We confirmed the LMP1-mediated promotion of NPC cell growth. Such promotion can be effectively blocked by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LMP1 knockout. Precise LMP1 knockout might be a promising method for targeted inhibition of EBV infection and NPC cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Huo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Guohua Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
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El-Kenawy A, Benarba B, Neves AF, de Araujo TG, Tan BL, Gouri A. Gene surgery: Potential applications for human diseases. EXCLI JOURNAL 2019; 18:908-930. [PMID: 31762718 PMCID: PMC6868916 DOI: 10.17179/excli2019-1833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy became in last decade a new emerging therapeutic era showing promising results against different diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Recently, the genome editing technique for eukaryotic cells called CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has enriched the field of gene surgery with enhanced applications. In the present review, we summarized the different applications of gene surgery for treating human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, nervous, and cardiovascular diseases, besides the molecular mechanisms involved in these important effects. Several studies support the important therapeutic applications of gene surgery in a large number of health disorders and diseases including β-thalassemia, cancer, immunodeficiencies, diabetes, and neurological disorders. In diabetes, gene surgery was shown to be effective in type 1 diabetes by triggering different signaling pathways. Furthermore, gene surgery, especially that using CRISPR-Cas possessed important application on diagnosis, screening and treatment of several cancers such as lung, liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, gene surgery still presents some limitations such as the design difficulties and costs regarding ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases) and TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) use, off-target effects, low transfection efficiency, in vivo delivery-safety and ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman El-Kenawy
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Biology, GEBRI, University of Sadat City, P.O. Box 79, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Bachir Benarba
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Adriana Freitas Neves
- Institute of Biotechnology, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Goias, Catalao, Brazil
| | - Thaise Gonçalves de Araujo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Bee Ling Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Adel Gouri
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Annaba, Algeria
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47
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Shahryari A, Saghaeian Jazi M, Mohammadi S, Razavi Nikoo H, Nazari Z, Hosseini ES, Burtscher I, Mowla SJ, Lickert H. Development and Clinical Translation of Approved Gene Therapy Products for Genetic Disorders. Front Genet 2019; 10:868. [PMID: 31608113 PMCID: PMC6773888 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of gene therapy is striving more than ever to define a path to the clinic and the market. Twenty gene therapy products have already been approved and over two thousand human gene therapy clinical trials have been reported worldwide. These advances raise great hope to treat devastating rare and inherited diseases as well as incurable illnesses. Understanding of the precise pathomechanisms of diseases as well as the development of efficient and specific gene targeting and delivery tools are revolutionizing the global market. Currently, human cancers and monogenic disorders are indications number one. The elevated prevalence of genetic disorders and cancers, clear gene manipulation guidelines and increasing financial support for gene therapy in clinical trials are major trends. Gene therapy is presently starting to become commercially profitable as a number of gene and cell-based gene therapy products have entered the market and the clinic. This article reviews the history and development of twenty approved human gene and cell-based gene therapy products that have been approved up-to-now in clinic and markets of mainly North America, Europe and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shahryari
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marie Saghaeian Jazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hadi Razavi Nikoo
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Nazari
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Elaheh Sadat Hosseini
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ingo Burtscher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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48
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CRISPR technologies for stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107447. [PMID: 31513841 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 system exploits the concerted action of Cas9 nuclease and programmable single guide RNA (sgRNA), and has been widely used for genome editing. The Cas9 nuclease activity can be abolished by mutation to yield the catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9). Coupling with the customizable sgRNA for targeting, dCas9 can be fused with transcription repressors to inhibit specific gene expression (CRISPR interference, CRISPRi) or fused with transcription activators to activate the expression of gene of interest (CRISPR activation, CRISPRa). Here we introduce the principles and recent advances of these CRISPR technologies, their delivery vectors and review their applications in stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine. In particular, we focus on in vitro stem cell fate manipulation and in vivo applications such as prevention of retinal and muscular degeneration, neural regeneration, bone regeneration, cartilage tissue engineering, as well as treatment of diseases in blood, skin and liver. Finally, the challenges to translate CRISPR to regenerative medicine and future perspectives are discussed and proposed.
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49
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Young CS, Pyle AD, Spencer MJ. CRISPR for Neuromuscular Disorders: Gene Editing and Beyond. Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 34:341-353. [PMID: 31389773 PMCID: PMC6863376 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00012.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a review describing advances in CRISPR/Cas-mediated therapies for neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). We explore both CRISPR-mediated editing and dead Cas approaches as potential therapeutic strategies for multiple NMDs. Last, therapeutic considerations, including delivery and off-target effects, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S Young
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - April D Pyle
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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50
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Bollen Y, Post J, Koo BK, Snippert HJG. How to create state-of-the-art genetic model systems: strategies for optimal CRISPR-mediated genome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:6435-6454. [PMID: 29955892 PMCID: PMC6061873 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Model systems with defined genetic modifications are powerful tools for basic research and translational disease modelling. Fortunately, generating state-of-the-art genetic model systems is becoming more accessible to non-geneticists due to advances in genome editing technologies. As a consequence, solely relying on (transient) overexpression of (mutant) effector proteins is no longer recommended since scientific standards increasingly demand genetic modification of endogenous loci. In this review, we provide up-to-date guidelines with respect to homology-directed repair (HDR)-mediated editing of mammalian model systems, aimed at assisting researchers in designing an efficient genome editing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Bollen
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, The Netherlands.,Medical Cell BioPhysics, MIRA Institute, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jasmin Post
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
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