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Arumugam P, Carey BC, Wikenheiser-Brokamp KA, Krischer J, Wessendarp M, Shima K, Chalk C, Stock J, Ma Y, Black D, Imbrogno M, Collins M, Kalenda Yombo DJ, Sakthivel H, Suzuki T, Lutzko C, Cancelas JA, Adams M, Hoskins E, Lowe-Daniels D, Reeves L, Kaiser A, Trapnell BC. A toxicology study of Csf2ra complementation and pulmonary macrophage transplantation therapy of hereditary PAP in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101213. [PMID: 38596536 PMCID: PMC11001781 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary macrophage transplantation (PMT) is a gene and cell transplantation approach in development as therapy for hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (hPAP), a surfactant accumulation disorder caused by mutations in CSF2RA/B (and murine homologs). We conducted a toxicology study of PMT of Csf2ra gene-corrected macrophages (mGM-Rα+Mϕs) or saline-control intervention in Csf2raKO or wild-type (WT) mice including single ascending dose and repeat ascending dose studies evaluating safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Lentiviral-mediated Csf2ra cDNA transfer restored GM-CSF signaling in mGM-Rα+Mϕs. Following PMT, mGM-Rα+Mϕs engrafted, remained within the lungs, and did not undergo uncontrolled proliferation or result in bronchospasm, pulmonary function abnormalities, pulmonary or systemic inflammation, anti-transgene product antibodies, or pulmonary fibrosis. Aggressive male fighting caused a similarly low rate of serious adverse events in saline- and PMT-treated mice. Transient, minor pulmonary neutrophilia and exacerbation of pre-existing hPAP-related lymphocytosis were observed 14 days after PMT of the safety margin dose but not the target dose (5,000,000 or 500,000 mGM-Rα+Mϕs, respectively) and only in Csf2raKO mice but not in WT mice. PMT reduced lung disease severity in Csf2raKO mice. Results indicate PMT of mGM-Rα+Mϕs was safe, well tolerated, and therapeutically efficacious in Csf2raKO mice, and established a no adverse effect level and 10-fold safety margin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritha Arumugam
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brenna C. Carey
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Wikenheiser-Brokamp
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey Krischer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matthew Wessendarp
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kenjiro Shima
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Claudia Chalk
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Stock
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yan Ma
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Diane Black
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michelle Imbrogno
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Margaret Collins
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dan Justin Kalenda Yombo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Haripriya Sakthivel
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Carolyn Lutzko
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Cell Manipulations Laboratory, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Michelle Adams
- Office for Clinical and Translational Research, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hoskins
- Office for Clinical and Translational Research, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Lilith Reeves
- Translational Core Laboratory, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anne Kaiser
- Office of Research Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce C. Trapnell
- Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Bauler M, Ferrara F, Lowe B, Beard JA, Wincek C, Wielgosz MM, Park JJ, Shang N, Nandy S, Li C, Langfitt DM, Zhou S, Throm RE. Genetic alteration of SJ293TS cells and modification of serum-free media enhances lentiviral vector production. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101270. [PMID: 38883976 PMCID: PMC11176759 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101270] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Successful cell and gene therapy clinical trials have resulted in the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approving their use for treatment of patients with certain types of cancers and monogenetic diseases. These novel therapies, which rely heavily on lentiviral vectors to deliver therapeutic transgenes to patient cells, have driven additional investigations, increasing demand for both pre-clinical and current Good Manufacturing Practices-grade viral vectors. To better support novel studies by improving current production methods, we report the development of a genetically modified HEK293T-based cell line that is null for expression of both Protein Kinase R and Beta-2 microglobulin and grows in suspension using serum-free media, SJ293TS-DPB. Absence of Protein Kinase R increased anti-sense lentiviral vector titers by more than 7-fold, while absence of Beta-2 microglobulin, a key component of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, has been reported to reduce the immunogenicity of lentiviral particles. Furthermore, we describe an improved methodology for culturing SJ293TS-DPB that facilitates expansion, reduces handling, and increases titers by 2-fold compared with previous methods. SJ293TS-DPB stably produced lentiviral vectors for over 4 months and generated lentiviral vectors that efficiently transduce healthy human donor T cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bauler
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Francesca Ferrara
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Brandon Lowe
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jordan A Beard
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chris Wincek
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Matthew M Wielgosz
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeoungeun J Park
- Experimental Cell Therapeutics Lab, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Na Shang
- Experimental Cell Therapeutics Lab, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Saikat Nandy
- Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cai Li
- Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Deanna M Langfitt
- Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Experimental Cell Therapeutics Lab, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Robert E Throm
- Vector Development and Production Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Koniali L, Flouri C, Kostopoulou MI, Papaioannou NY, Papasavva PL, Naiisseh B, Stephanou C, Demetriadou A, Sitarou M, Christou S, Antoniou MN, Kleanthous M, Patsali P, Lederer CW. Evaluation of Mono- and Bi-Functional GLOBE-Based Vectors for Therapy of β-Thalassemia by HBBAS3 Gene Addition and Mutation-Specific RNA Interference. Cells 2023; 12:2848. [PMID: 38132168 PMCID: PMC10741507 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242848] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy via the gene addition of the anti-sickling βAS3-globin transgene is potentially curative for all β-hemoglobinopathies and therefore of particular clinical and commercial interest. This study investigates GLOBE-based lentiviral vectors (LVs) for βAS3-globin addition and evaluates strategies for an increased β-like globin expression without vector dose escalation. First, we report the development of a GLOBE-derived LV, GLV2-βAS3, which, compared to its parental vector, adds anti-sickling action and a transcription-enhancing 848-bp transcription terminator element, retains high vector titers and allows for superior β-like globin expression in primary patient-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Second, prompted by our previous correction of HBBIVSI-110(G>A) thalassemia based on RNApol(III)-driven shRNAs in mono- and combination therapy, we analyzed a series of novel LVs for the RNApol(II)-driven constitutive or late-erythroid expression of HBBIVSI-110(G>A)-specific miRNA30-embedded shRNAs (shRNAmiR). This included bifunctional LVs, allowing for concurrent βAS3-globin expression. LVs were initially compared for their ability to achieve high β-like globin expression in HBBIVSI-110(G>A)-transgenic cells, before the evaluation of shortlisted candidate LVs in HBBIVSI-110(G>A)-homozygous HSPCs. The latter revealed that β-globin promoter-driven designs for monotherapy with HBBIVSI-110(G>A)-specific shRNAmiRs only marginally increased β-globin levels compared to untransduced cells, whereas bifunctional LVs combining miR30-shRNA with βAS3-globin expression showed disease correction similar to that achieved by the parental GLV2-βAS3 vector. Our results establish the feasibility of high titers for LVs containing the full HBB transcription terminator, emphasize the importance of the HBB terminator for the high-level expression of HBB-like transgenes, qualify the therapeutic utility of late-erythroid HBBIVSI-110(G>A)-specific miR30-shRNA expression and highlight the exceptional potential of GLV2-βAS3 for the treatment of severe β-hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Koniali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Christina Flouri
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; (C.F.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Markela I. Kostopoulou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Nikoletta Y. Papaioannou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Panayiota L. Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Basma Naiisseh
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Coralea Stephanou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Anthi Demetriadou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Maria Sitarou
- Thalassemia Clinic Larnaca, Larnaca General Hospital, 6301 Larnaca, Cyprus;
| | - Soteroula Christou
- Thalassemia Clinic Nicosia, Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, 1474 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Michael N. Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; (C.F.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Petros Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus; (L.K.); (M.I.K.); (N.Y.P.); (P.L.P.); (B.N.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (M.K.)
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Segura EER, Ayoub PG, Hart KL, Kohn DB. Gene Therapy for β-Hemoglobinopathies: From Discovery to Clinical Trials. Viruses 2023; 15:713. [PMID: 36992422 PMCID: PMC10054523 DOI: 10.3390/v15030713] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations to understand the function and control of the globin genes have led to some of the most exciting molecular discoveries and biomedical breakthroughs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Extensive characterization of the globin gene locus, accompanied by pioneering work on the utilization of viruses as human gene delivery tools in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPSCs), has led to transformative and successful therapies via autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplant with gene therapy (HSCT-GT). Due to the advanced understanding of the β-globin gene cluster, the first diseases considered for autologous HSCT-GT were two prevalent β-hemoglobinopathies: sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, both affecting functional β-globin chains and leading to substantial morbidity. Both conditions are suitable for allogeneic HSCT; however, this therapy comes with serious risks and is most effective using an HLA-matched family donor (which is not available for most patients) to obtain optimal therapeutic and safe benefits. Transplants from unrelated or haplo-identical donors carry higher risks, although they are progressively improving. Conversely, HSCT-GT utilizes the patient's own HSPCs, broadening access to more patients. Several gene therapy clinical trials have been reported to have achieved significant disease improvement, and more are underway. Based on the safety and the therapeutic success of autologous HSCT-GT, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 approved an HSCT-GT for β-thalassemia (Zynteglo™). This review illuminates the β-globin gene research journey, adversities faced, and achievements reached; it highlights important molecular and genetic findings of the β-globin locus, describes the predominant globin vectors, and concludes by describing promising results from clinical trials for both sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Eugenie Rose Segura
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Paul George Ayoub
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kevyn Lopez Hart
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Donald Barry Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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5
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Na Y, Hall A, Yu Y, Hu L, Choi K, Burgard JA, Szabo S, Huang G, Ratner N, Wu J. Runx1/3-driven adaptive endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways contribute to neurofibromagenesis. Oncogene 2023; 42:1038-1047. [PMID: 36759572 PMCID: PMC10194627 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients are predisposed to develop plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). Three endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways restore cellular homeostasis. The unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors contribute to tumor initiation in many cancers. We found that all three UPR pathways were activated in mouse and human PNFs, with protein kinase RNA [PKR]-like ER kinase (PERK) the most highly expressed. We tested if neurofibroma cells adapt to ER stress, leading to their growth. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PERK reduced mouse neurofibroma-sphere number, and genetic inhibition in PERK in Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) decreased tumor-like lesion numbers in a cell transplantation model. Further, in a PNF mouse model, deletion of PERK in Schwann cells (SCs) and SCPs reduced tumor size, number, and increased survival. Mechanistically, loss of Nf1 activated PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling and increased ATF4 downstream target gene p21 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm. This nucleus-cytoplasm translocation was mediated by exportin-1. Runx transcriptionally activated ribosome gene expression and increased protein synthesis to allow SCs to adapt to ER stress and tumor formation. We propose that targeting proteostasis might provide cytotoxic and/or potentially durable novel therapy for PNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Na
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ashley Hall
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Yanan Yu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Liang Hu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jake A Burgard
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sara Szabo
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pediatric Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Episomes and Transposases-Utilities to Maintain Transgene Expression from Nonviral Vectors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101872. [PMID: 36292757 PMCID: PMC9601623 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101872] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient delivery and stable transgene expression are critical for applications in gene therapy. While carefully selected and engineered viral vectors allowed for remarkable clinical successes, they still bear significant safety risks. Thus, nonviral vectors are a sound alternative and avoid genotoxicity and adverse immunological reactions. Nonviral vector systems have been extensively studied and refined during the last decades. Emerging knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of replication and spatial chromatin organisation, as well as new technologies, such as Crispr/Cas, were employed to enhance the performance of different nonviral vector systems. Thus, nonviral vectors are in focus and hold some promising perspectives for future applications in gene therapy. This review addresses three prominent nonviral vector systems: the Sleeping Beauty transposase, S/MAR-based episomes, and viral plasmid replicon-based EBV vectors. Exemplarily, we review different utilities, modifications, and new concepts that were pursued to overcome limitations regarding stable transgene expression and mitotic stability. New insights into the nuclear localisation of nonviral vector molecules and the potential consequences thereof are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining limitations and provide an outlook on possible future developments in nonviral vector technology.
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7
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Wolff JH, Mikkelsen JG. Delivering genes with human immunodeficiency virus-derived vehicles: still state-of-the-art after 25 years. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:79. [PMID: 36209077 PMCID: PMC9548131 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are naturally endowed with the capacity to transfer genetic material between cells. Following early skepticism, engineered viruses have been used to transfer genetic information into thousands of patients, and genetic therapies are currently attracting large investments. Despite challenges and severe adverse effects along the way, optimized technologies and improved manufacturing processes are driving gene therapy toward clinical translation. Fueled by the outbreak of AIDS in the 1980s and the accompanying focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lentiviral vectors derived from HIV have grown to become one of the most successful and widely used vector technologies. In 2022, this vector technology has been around for more than 25 years. Here, we celebrate the anniversary by portraying the vector system and its intriguing properties. We dive into the technology itself and recapitulate the use of lentiviral vectors for ex vivo gene transfer to hematopoietic stem cells and for production of CAR T-cells. Furthermore, we describe the adaptation of lentiviral vectors for in vivo gene delivery and cover the important contribution of lentiviral vectors to basic molecular research including their role as carriers of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Last, we dwell on the emerging capacity of lentiviral particles to package and transfer foreign proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Holst Wolff
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Abbasalipour M, Khosravi MA, Zeinali S, Khanahmad H, Azadmanesh K, Karimipoor M. Lentiviral vector containing beta-globin gene for beta thalassemia gene therapy. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Papayanni PG, Psatha N, Christofi P, Li XG, Melo P, Volpin M, Montini E, Liu M, Kaltsounis G, Yiangou M, Emery DW, Anagnostopoulos A, Papayannopoulou T, Huang S, Stamatoyannopoulos G, Yannaki E. Investigating the Barrier Activity of Novel, Human Enhancer-Blocking Chromatin Insulators for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1186-1199. [PMID: 34477013 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the unequivocal success of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell gene therapy, limitations still exist including genotoxicity and variegation/silencing of transgene expression. A class of DNA regulatory elements known as chromatin insulators (CIs) can mitigate both vector transcriptional silencing (barrier CIs) and vector-induced genotoxicity (enhancer-blocking CIs) and have been proposed as genetic modulators to minimize unwanted vector/genome interactions. Recently, a number of human, small-sized, and compact CIs bearing strong enhancer-blocking activity were identified. To ultimately uncover an ideal CI with a dual, enhancer-blocking and barrier activity, we interrogated these elements in vitro and in vivo. After initial screening of a series of these enhancer-blocking insulators for potential barrier activity, we identified three distinct categories with no, partial, or full protection against transgene silencing. Subsequently, the two CIs with full barrier activity (B4 and C1) were tested for their ability to protect against position effects in primary cells, after incorporation into lentiviral vectors (LVs) and transduction of human CD34+ cells. B4 and C1 did not adversely affect vector titers due to their small size, while they performed as strong barrier insulators in CD34+ cells, both in vitro and in vivo, shielding transgene's long-term expression, more robustly when placed in the forward orientation. Overall, the incorporation of these dual-functioning elements into therapeutic viral vectors will potentially provide a new generation of safer and more efficient LVs for all hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope-Georgia Papayanni
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Psatha
- Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Panayota Christofi
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Xing-Guo Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pamela Melo
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Monica Volpin
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy-IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy-IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mingdong Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Georgios Kaltsounis
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Minas Yiangou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - David W Emery
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Achilles Anagnostopoulos
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Suming Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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10
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Cortijo-Gutiérrez M, Sánchez-Hernández S, Tristán-Manzano M, Maldonado-Pérez N, Lopez-Onieva L, Real PJ, Herrera C, Marchal JA, Martin F, Benabdellah K. Improved Functionality of Integration-Deficient Lentiviral Vectors (IDLVs) by the Inclusion of IS 2 Protein Docks. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081217. [PMID: 34452178 PMCID: PMC8401568 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081217] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors (IDLVs) have recently generated increasing interest, not only as a tool for transient gene delivery, but also as a technique for detecting off-target cleavage in gene-editing methodologies which rely on customized endonucleases (ENs). Despite their broad potential applications, the efficacy of IDLVs has historically been limited by low transgene expression and by the reduced sensitivity to detect low-frequency off-target events. We have previously reported that the incorporation of the chimeric sequence element IS2 into the long terminal repeat (LTR) of IDLVs increases gene expression levels, while also reducing the episome yield inside transduced cells. Our study demonstrates that the effectiveness of IDLVs relies on the balance between two parameters which can be modulated by the inclusion of IS2 sequences. In the present study, we explore new IDLV configurations harboring several elements based on IS2 modifications engineered to mediate more efficient transgene expression without affecting the targeted cell load. Of all the insulators and configurations analysed, the insertion of the IS2 into the 3′LTR produced the best results. After demonstrating a DAPI-low nuclear gene repositioning of IS2-containing episomes, we determined whether, in addition to a positive effect on transcription, the IS2 could improve the capture of IDLVs on double strand breaks (DSBs). Thus, DSBs were randomly generated, using the etoposide or locus-specific CRISPR-Cas9. Our results show that the IS2 element improved the efficacy of IDLV DSB detection. Altogether, our data indicate that the insertion of IS2 into the LTR of IDLVs improved, not only their transgene expression levels, but also their ability to be inserted into existing DSBs. This could have significant implications for the development of an unbiased detection tool for off-target cleavage sites from different specific nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cortijo-Gutiérrez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
| | - Sabina Sánchez-Hernández
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
| | - Noelia Maldonado-Pérez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
| | - Lourdes Lopez-Onieva
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Molecular Oncology Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (L.L.-O.); (P.J.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Pedro J. Real
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Molecular Oncology Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (L.L.-O.); (P.J.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Personalized Oncology Group, Bio-Health Research Institute (ibs Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Concha Herrera
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research in Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain;
- Department of Haematology, Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biomedical Research Institute (ibs. Granada), 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit: Modeling Nature (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, Av. de la Illustration 114, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.-G.); (S.S.-H.); (M.T.-M.); (N.M.-P.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-715-500
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11
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Nualkaew T, Sii-Felice K, Giorgi M, McColl B, Gouzil J, Glaser A, Voon HPJ, Tee HY, Grigoriadis G, Svasti S, Fucharoen S, Hongeng S, Leboulch P, Payen E, Vadolas J. Coordinated β-globin expression and α2-globin reduction in a multiplex lentiviral gene therapy vector for β-thalassemia. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2841-2853. [PMID: 33940155 PMCID: PMC8417505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A primary challenge in lentiviral gene therapy of β-hemoglobinopathies is to maintain low vector copy numbers to avoid genotoxicity while being reliably therapeutic for all genotypes. We designed a high-titer lentiviral vector, LVβ-shα2, that allows coordinated expression of the therapeutic βA-T87Q-globin gene and of an intron-embedded miR-30-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) selectively targeting the α2-globin mRNA. Our approach was guided by the knowledge that moderate reduction of α-globin chain synthesis ameliorates disease severity in β-thalassemia. We demonstrate that LVβ-shα2 reduces α2-globin mRNA expression in erythroid cells while keeping α1-globin mRNA levels unchanged and βA-T87Q-globin gene expression identical to the parent vector. Compared with the first βA-T87Q-globin lentiviral vector that has received conditional marketing authorization, BB305, LVβ-shα2 shows 1.7-fold greater potency to improve α/β ratios. It may thus result in greater therapeutic efficacy and reliability for the most severe types of β-thalassemia and provide an improved benefit/risk ratio regardless of the β-thalassemia genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiwaporn Nualkaew
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Karine Sii-Felice
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA François Jacob Biology Institute, 18 route du Panorama, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Paris-Saclay University, CEA, INSERM, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial Diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), 18 route du Panorama, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Marie Giorgi
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA François Jacob Biology Institute, 18 route du Panorama, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Bradley McColl
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Julie Gouzil
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA François Jacob Biology Institute, 18 route du Panorama, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Astrid Glaser
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Hsiao P J Voon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cancer Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hsin Y Tee
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - George Grigoriadis
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Saovaros Svasti
- Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Suthat Fucharoen
- Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Philippe Leboulch
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA François Jacob Biology Institute, 18 route du Panorama, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Genetics Division, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Payen
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA François Jacob Biology Institute, 18 route du Panorama, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Paris-Saclay University, CEA, INSERM, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial Diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), 18 route du Panorama, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
| | - Jim Vadolas
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
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12
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Zittersteijn HA, Harteveld CL, Klaver-Flores S, Lankester AC, Hoeben RC, Staal FJT, Gonçalves MAFV. A Small Key for a Heavy Door: Genetic Therapies for the Treatment of Hemoglobinopathies. Front Genome Ed 2021; 2:617780. [PMID: 34713239 PMCID: PMC8525365 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.617780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the past decades, the search for a treatment for severe hemoglobinopathies has gained increased interest within the scientific community. The discovery that ɤ-globin expression from intact HBG alleles complements defective HBB alleles underlying β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, has provided a promising opening for research directed at relieving ɤ-globin repression mechanisms and, thereby, improve clinical outcomes for patients. Various gene editing strategies aim to reverse the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch to up-regulate ɤ-globin expression through disabling either HBG repressor genes or repressor binding sites in the HBG promoter regions. In addition to these HBB mutation-independent strategies involving fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis de-repression, the expanding genome editing toolkit is providing increased accuracy to HBB mutation-specific strategies encompassing adult hemoglobin (HbA) restoration for a personalized treatment of hemoglobinopathies. Moreover, besides genome editing, more conventional gene addition strategies continue under investigation to restore HbA expression. Together, this research makes hemoglobinopathies a fertile ground for testing various innovative genetic therapies with high translational potential. Indeed, the progressive understanding of the molecular clockwork underlying the hemoglobin switch together with the ongoing optimization of genome editing tools heightens the prospect for the development of effective and safe treatments for hemoglobinopathies. In this context, clinical genetics plays an equally crucial role by shedding light on the complexity of the disease and the role of ameliorating genetic modifiers. Here, we cover the most recent insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying hemoglobin biology and hemoglobinopathies while providing an overview of state-of-the-art gene editing platforms. Additionally, current genetic therapies under development, are equally discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidde A. Zittersteijn
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L. Harteveld
- Department of Human and Clinical Genetics, The Hemoglobinopathies Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan C. Lankester
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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13
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Breda L, Ghiaccio V, Tanaka N, Jarocha D, Ikawa Y, Abdulmalik O, Dong A, Casu C, Raabe TD, Shan X, Danet-Desnoyers GA, Doto AM, Everett J, Bushman FD, Radaelli E, Assenmacher CA, Tarrant JC, Hoepp N, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Guzikowski V, Smith-Whitley K, Kwiatkowski JL, Rivella S. Lentiviral vector ALS20 yields high hemoglobin levels with low genomic integrations for treatment of beta-globinopathies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1625-1638. [PMID: 33515514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ongoing clinical trials for treatment of beta-globinopathies by gene therapy involve the transfer of the beta-globin gene, which requires integration of three to four copies per genome in most target cells. This high proviral load may increase genome toxicity, potentially limiting the safety of this therapy and relegating its use to total body myeloablation. We hypothesized that introducing an additional hypersensitive site from the locus control region, the complete sequence of the second intron of the beta-globin gene, and the ankyrin insulator may enhance beta-globin expression. We identified a construct, ALS20, that synthesized significantly higher adult hemoglobin levels than those of other constructs currently used in clinical trials. These findings were confirmed in erythroblastic cell lines and in primary cells isolated from sickle cell disease patients. Bone marrow transplantation studies in beta-thalassemia mice revealed that ALS20 was curative at less than one copy per genome. Injection of human CD34+ cells transduced with ALS20 led to safe, long-term, and high polyclonal engraftment in xenograft experiments. Successful treatment of beta-globinopathies with ALS20 could potentially be achieved at less than two copies per genome, minimizing the risk of cytotoxic events and lowering the intensity of myeloablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Breda
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Valentina Ghiaccio
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naoto Tanaka
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Danuta Jarocha
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Ikawa
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Osheiza Abdulmalik
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alisa Dong
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carla Casu
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tobias D Raabe
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaochuan Shan
- Stem and Xenograft Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gwenn A Danet-Desnoyers
- Stem and Xenograft Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aoife M Doto
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Everett
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frederic D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charles A Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James C Tarrant
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie Hoepp
- Clinical Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Virginia Guzikowski
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kim Smith-Whitley
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janet L Kwiatkowski
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Affinity Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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15
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Lu XB, Guo YH, Huang W. Characterization of the cHS4 insulator in mouse embryonic stem cells. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:644-656. [PMID: 32087050 PMCID: PMC7137798 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology circuits are often constructed with multiple gene expression units assembled in close proximity, and they can be used to perform complex functions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, mutual interference between transcriptional units has not been well studied in mouse ESCs. To assess the efficiency of insulators at suppressing promoter interference in mouse ESCs, we used an evaluation scheme in which a tunable tetracycline response element promoter is connected to a constant Nanog promoter. The chicken hypersensitive site 4 (cHS4) insulator, widely used both for enhancer blocking and for barrier insulation in vitro and in vivo, was positioned between the two expression units for assessment. By inserting the cassette into various loci of the mouse ESC genome with PiggyBac transposon, we were able to quantitatively examine the protective effect of cHS4 by gradually increasing the transcriptional activity of the tetracycline response element promoter with doxycycline and then measuring the transcriptional activity of the Nanog promoter. Our results indicate that the cHS4 insulator has minimal insulating effects on promoter interference in mouse ESCs. Further studies show that the cHS4 insulation effect may be promoter specific and related to interaction with CCCTC‐binding factor‐mediated loop formation. In addition, we also compared DNA transposition and transgene expression with or without the cHS4 insulator using well‐established ESC reporters. The results indicate that cHS4 has no apparent effects on DNA transposition and transgene expression levels, but exerts modest protective effects on long‐term transgene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Bin Lu
- Core Research Facilities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Han Guo
- Forward Pharmaceuticals Limited Co., Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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16
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Leonard A, Tisdale J, Abraham A. Curative options for sickle cell disease: haploidentical stem cell transplantation or gene therapy? Br J Haematol 2020; 189:408-423. [PMID: 32034776 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is curative in sickle cell disease (SCD); however, the lack of available matched donors makes this therapy out of reach for the majority of patients with SCD. Alternative donor sources such as haploidentical HSCT expand the donor pool to nearly all patients with SCD, with recent data showing high overall survival, limited toxicities, and effective reduction in acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Simultaneously, multiple gene therapy strategies are entering clinical trials with preliminary data showing their success, theoretically offering all patients yet another curative strategy without the morbidity and mortality of GVHD. As improvements are made for alternative donors in the allogeneic setting and as data emerge from gene therapy trials, the optimal curative strategy for any individual patient with SCD will be determined by many critical factors including efficacy, transplant morbidity and mortality, safety, patient disease status and preference, cost and applicability. Haploidentical may be the preferred choice now based mostly on availability of data; however, gene therapy is closing the gap and may ultimately prove to be the better option. Progress in both strategies, however, makes cure more attainable for the individual with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Division of Hematology, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
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17
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Chambers CB, Gross J, Pratt K, Guo X, Byrnes C, Lee YT, Lavelle D, Dean A, Miller JL, Wilber A. The mRNA-Binding Protein IGF2BP1 Restores Fetal Hemoglobin in Cultured Erythroid Cells from Patients with β-Hemoglobin Disorders. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:429-440. [PMID: 32154328 PMCID: PMC7056608 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia are caused by structural abnormality or inadequate production of adult hemoglobin (HbA, α2β2), respectively. Individuals with either disorder are asymptomatic before birth because fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) is unaffected. Thus, reversal of the switch from HbF to HbA could reduce or even prevent symptoms these disorders. In this study, we show that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is one factor that could accomplish this goal. IGF2BP1 is a fetal factor that undergoes a transcriptional switch consistent with the transition from HbF to HbA. Lentivirus delivery of IGF2BP1 to CD34+ cells of healthy adult donors reversed hemoglobin production toward the fetal type in culture-differentiated erythroid cells. Analogous studies using patient-derived CD34+ cells revealed that IGF2BP1-dependent HbF induction could ameliorate the chain imbalance in β-thalassemia or potently suppress expression of sickle β-globin in SCD. In all cases, fetal γ-globin mRNA increased and adult β-globin decreased due, in part, to formation of contacts between the locus control region (LCR) and γ-globin genes. We conclude that expression of IGF2BP1 in adult erythroid cells has the potential to maximize HbF expression in patients with severe β-hemoglobin disorders by reversing the developmental γ- to β-globin switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Chambers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gross
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Katherine Pratt
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Xiang Guo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Colleen Byrnes
- Genetics of Development and Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Y Terry Lee
- Genetics of Development and Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Donald Lavelle
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ann Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffery L Miller
- Genetics of Development and Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew Wilber
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA.,Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
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18
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Skipper KA, Hollensen AK, Antoniou MN, Mikkelsen JG. Sustained transgene expression from sleeping beauty DNA transposons containing a core fragment of the HNRPA2B1-CBX3 ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE). BMC Biotechnol 2019; 19:75. [PMID: 31706316 PMCID: PMC6842454 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-019-0570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA transposon-based vectors are effective nonviral tools for gene therapy and genetic engineering of cells. However, promoter DNA methylation and a near-random integration profile, which can result in transgene integration into heterochromatin, renders such vectors vulnerable to transcriptional repression. Therefore, to secure persistent transgene expression it may be necessary to protect transposon-embedded transgenes with anti-transcriptional silencing elements. Results We compare four different protective strategies in CHO-K1 cells. Our findings show robust protection from silencing of transgene cassettes mediated by the ubiquitous chromatin-opening element (UCOE) derived from the HNRPA2B1-CBX3 locus. Using a bioinformatic approach, we define a shorter HNRPA2B1-CBX3 UCOE core fragment and demonstrate that this can robustly maintain transgene expression after extended passaging of CHO-K1 cells carrying DNA transposon vectors equipped with this protective feature. Conclusions Our findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of HNRPA2B1-CBX3 UCOE-based transgene protection and support the use of a correctly oriented core fragment of this UCOE for DNA transposon vector-based production of recombinant proteins in CHO-K1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Kruse Hollensen
- Department of Biomedicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, DK- 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael N Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, 8th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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19
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Abstract
Gene therapy for β-thalassemia and sickle-cell disease is based on transplantation of genetically corrected, autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach, currently based on lentiviral vectors to transfer a β-globin gene under the transcriptional control of regulatory elements of the β-globin locus. Nevertheless, a number of factors are still limiting its efficacy, such as limited stem-cell dose and quality, suboptimal gene transfer efficiency and gene expression levels, and toxicity of myeloablative regimens. In addition, the cost and complexity of the current vector and cell manufacturing clearly limits its application to patients living in less favored countries, where hemoglobinopathies may reach endemic proportions. Gene-editing technology may provide a therapeutic alternative overcoming some of these limitations, though proving its safety and efficacy will most likely require extensive clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cavazzana
- University of Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, IMAGINE Institute, Paris, France
- Correspondence: Marina Cavazzana, Imagine Institute, 24 Boulevard de Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Fulvio Mavilio
- University of Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, IMAGINE Institute, Paris, France
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Fulvio Mavilio, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41100 Modena, Italy.
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20
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Drakopoulou E, Georgomanoli M, Lederer CW, Kleanthous M, Costa C, Bernadin O, Cosset FL, Voskaridou E, Verhoeyen E, Papanikolaou E, Anagnou NP. A Novel BaEVRless-Pseudotyped γ-Globin Lentiviral Vector Drives High and Stable Fetal Hemoglobin Expression and Improves Thalassemic Erythropoiesis In Vitro. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:601-617. [PMID: 30324804 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been demonstrated that the self-inactivating γ-globin lentiviral vector GGHI can significantly increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in erythroid cells from thalassemia patients and thus improve the disease phenotype in vitro. In the present study, the GGHI vector was improved further by incorporating novel enhancer elements and also pseudotyping it with the baboon endogenous virus envelope glycoprotein BaEVRless, which efficiently and specifically targets human CD34+ cells. We evaluated the hypothesis that the newly constructed vector designated as GGHI-mB-3D would increase hCD34+ cell tropism and thus transduction efficiency at low multiplicity of infection, leading to increased transgene expression. High and stable HbF expression was demonstrated in thalassemic cells for the resulting GGHI-mB-3D/BaEVRless vector, exhibiting increased transduction efficiency compared to the original GGHI-mB-3D/VSVG vector, with a concomitant 91% mean HbF increase at a mean vector copy number per cell of 0.86 and a mean transduction efficiency of 56.4%. Transduced populations also exhibited a trend toward late erythroid, orthochromatic differentiation and reduced apoptosis, a further indication of successful gene therapy treatment. Monitoring expression of ATG5, a key link between autophagy and apoptosis, it was established that this correction correlates with a reduction of enhanced autophagy activation, a typical feature of thalassemic polychromatophilic normoblasts. This work provides novel mechanistic insights into gene therapy-mediated correction of erythropoiesis and demonstrates the beneficial role of BaEVRless envelope glycoprotein compared to VSVG pseudotyping and of the novel GGHI-mB-3D/BaEVRless lentiviral vector for enhanced thalassemia gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekati Drakopoulou
- 1 Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.,2 Laboratory of Biology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Georgomanoli
- 1 Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.,2 Laboratory of Biology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- 3 Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,4 Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- 3 Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,4 Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Caroline Costa
- 5 CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ornellie Bernadin
- 5 CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - François-Loïc Cosset
- 5 CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ersi Voskaridou
- 6 Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Centre, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- 5 CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France.,7 Inserm, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe Contrôle Métabolique des Morts Cellulaires, Nice, France
| | - Eleni Papanikolaou
- 1 Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.,2 Laboratory of Biology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicholas P Anagnou
- 1 Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Centre for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.,2 Laboratory of Biology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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21
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Sánchez-Hernández S, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Martín-Guerra R, Cortijo-Gutierrez M, Tristán-Manzano M, Rodriguez-Perales S, Sanchez L, Garcia-Perez JL, Chato-Astrain J, Fernandez-Valades R, Carrillo-Galvez AB, Anderson P, Montes R, Real PJ, Martin F, Benabdellah K. The IS2 Element Improves Transcription Efficiency of Integration-Deficient Lentiviral Vector Episomes. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:16-28. [PMID: 30227274 PMCID: PMC6141704 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integration-defective lentiviral vectors (IDLVs) have become an important alternative tool for gene therapy applications and basic research. Unfortunately, IDLVs show lower transgene expression as compared to their integrating counterparts. In this study, we aimed to improve the expression levels of IDLVs by inserting the IS2 element, which harbors SARs and HS4 sequences, into their LTRs (SE-IS2-IDLVs). Contrary to our expectations, the presence of the IS2 element did not abrogate epigenetic silencing by histone deacetylases. In addition, the IS2 element reduced episome levels in IDLV-transduced cells. Interestingly, despite these negative effects, SE-IS2-IDLVs outperformed SE-IDLVs in terms of percentage and expression levels of the transgene in several cell lines, including neurons, neuronal progenitor cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. We estimated that the IS2 element enhances the transcriptional activity of IDLV LTR circles 6- to 7-fold. The final effect the IS2 element in IDLVs will greatly depend on the target cell and the balance between the negative versus the positive effects of the IS2 element in each cell type. The better performance of SE-IS2-IDLVs was not due to improved stability or differences in the proportions of 1-LTR versus 2-LTR circles but probably to a re-positioning of IS2-episomes into transcriptionally active regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Sánchez-Hernández
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez-Guerrero
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Martín-Guerra
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Marina Cortijo-Gutierrez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Sandra Rodriguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Department, CNIO, Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanchez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Garcia-Perez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesus Chato-Astrain
- Department of Histology, Tissue Engineering Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ricardo Fernandez-Valades
- Pediatric Surgery Department, University Hospital "Virgen de las Nieves," Avda. Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Carrillo-Galvez
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Per Anderson
- LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain; Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Montes
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Pedro J Real
- Oncology Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain.
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; LentiStem Biotech, GENYO, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 PTS Granada, Spain.
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22
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Lidonnici MR, Paleari Y, Tiboni F, Mandelli G, Rossi C, Vezzoli M, Aprile A, Lederer CW, Ambrosi A, Chanut F, Sanvito F, Calabria A, Poletti V, Mavilio F, Montini E, Naldini L, Cristofori P, Ferrari G. Multiple Integrated Non-clinical Studies Predict the Safety of Lentivirus-Mediated Gene Therapy for β-Thalassemia. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 11:9-28. [PMID: 30320151 PMCID: PMC6178212 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy clinical trials require rigorous non-clinical studies in the most relevant models to assess the benefit-to-risk ratio. To support the clinical development of gene therapy for β-thalassemia, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies for prediction of safety. First we developed newly GLOBE-derived vectors that were tested for their transcriptional activity and potential interference with the expression of surrounding genes. Because these vectors did not show significant advantages, GLOBE lentiviral vector (LV) was elected for further safety characterization. To support the use of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transduced by GLOBE LV for the treatment of β-thalassemia, we conducted toxicology, tumorigenicity, and biodistribution studies in compliance with the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice. We demonstrated a lack of toxicity and tumorigenic potential associated with GLOBE LV-transduced cells. Vector integration site (IS) studies demonstrated that both murine and human transduced HSCs retain self-renewal capacity and generate new blood cell progeny in the absence of clonal dominance. Moreover, IS analysis showed an absence of enrichment in cancer-related genes, and the genes targeted by GLOBE LV in human HSCs are well known sites of integration, as seen in other lentiviral gene therapy trials, and have not been associated with clonal expansion. Taken together, these integrated studies provide safety data supporting the clinical application of GLOBE-mediated gene therapy for β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Lidonnici
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ylenia Paleari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Tiboni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mandelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Rossi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Vezzoli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aprile
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Carsten Werner Lederer
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Francesca Sanvito
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Mavilio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modeno, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cristofori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,GlaxoSmithKline Ware, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Giuliana Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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23
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Cellular Antisilencing Elements Support Transgene Expression from Herpes Simplex Virus Vectors in the Absence of Immediate Early Gene Expression. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00536-18. [PMID: 29950408 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00536-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of all herpes simplex virus (HSV) immediate early (IE) genes to eliminate vector cytotoxicity results in rapid silencing of the viral genome, similar to the establishment of HSV latency. We recently reported that silencing of a nonviral reporter cassette could be overcome in nonneuronal cells by positioning the cassette in the viral latency (LAT) locus between resident chromatin boundary elements. Here, we tested the abilities of the chicken hypersensitive site 4 insulator and the human ubiquitous chromatin opening element A2UCOE to promote transgene expression from an IE-gene-inactivated HSV vector. We found that A2UCOE was particularly active in nonneuronal cells and reduced reporter promoter occupancy by a repressive histone mark. We determined whether multiple transgenes could be expressed under the control of different promoters from different loci of the same virus. The results showed abundant coexpression of LAT-embedded and A2UCOE-flanked genes in nonneuronal cells. In addition, a third reporter gene without known protective elements was active in cultured rat sensory neurons. These findings indicate that cellular antisilencing sequences can contribute to the expression of multiple genes from separate promoters in fully IE gene-disabled HSV vectors, providing an opportunity for therapeutic applications requiring mutually independent expression of different gene products from a single vector.IMPORTANCE Gene therapy has now entered a phase of development in which a growing number of recessive single gene defects can be successfully treated by vector-mediated introduction of a wild-type copy of the gene into the appropriate tissue. However, many disease conditions, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and inflammatory processes, are more complex, requiring either multiple gene corrections or provision of coordinated gene activities to achieve a therapeutic outcome. Although herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors have the capacity to meet this need, the challenge has been to genetically engineer the HSV genome in a manner to prevent expression of any viral genes while retaining the ability to express multiple therapeutic transgenes under independent transcriptional control. Here, we show that non-HSV insulator elements can be applied to retain at least transient transgene activity from multiple viral loci, thereby opening the door for more complex gene therapy applications in the future.
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24
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Demirci S, Uchida N, Tisdale JF. Gene therapy for sickle cell disease: An update. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:899-910. [PMID: 29859773 PMCID: PMC6123269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common life-threatening monogenic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. Allogenic hematopietic stem cell transplantation is the only known cure for the disease with high success rates, but the limited availability of matched sibling donors and the high risk of transplantation-related side effects force the scientific community to envision additional therapies. Ex vivo gene therapy through globin gene addition has been investigated extensively and is currently being tested in clinical trials that have begun reporting encouraging data. Recent improvements in our understanding of the molecular pathways controlling mammalian erythropoiesis and globin switching offer new and exciting therapeutic options. Rapid and substantial advances in genome engineering tools, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have raised the possibility of genetic correction in induced pluripotent stem cells as well as patient-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. However, these techniques are still in their infancy, and safety/efficacy issues remain that must be addressed before translating these promising techniques into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirci
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Naoya Uchida
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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25
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Lidonnici MR, Ferrari G. Gene therapy and gene editing strategies for hemoglobinopathies. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2018; 70:87-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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26
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Bhukhai K, de Dreuzy E, Giorgi M, Colomb C, Negre O, Denaro M, Gillet-Legrand B, Cheuzeville J, Paulard A, Trebeden-Negre H, Borwornpinyo S, Sii-Felice K, Maouche L, Down JD, Leboulch P, Payen E. Ex Vivo Selection of Transduced Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Gene Therapy of β-Hemoglobinopathies. Mol Ther 2018; 26:480-495. [PMID: 29221807 PMCID: PMC5835017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gene transfer to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has shown therapeutic efficacy in recent trials for several individuals with inherited disorders, transduction incompleteness of the HSC population remains a hurdle to yield a cure for all patients with reasonably low integrated vector numbers. In previous attempts at HSC selection, massive loss of transduced HSCs, contamination with non-transduced cells, or lack of applicability to large cell populations has rendered the procedures out of reach for human applications. Here, we fused codon-optimized puromycin N-acetyltransferase to herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase. When expressed from a ubiquitous promoter within a complex lentiviral vector comprising the βAT87Q-globin gene, viral titers and therapeutic gene expression were maintained at effective levels. Complete selection and preservation of transduced HSCs were achieved after brief exposure to puromycin in the presence of MDR1 blocking agents, suggesting the procedure's suitability for human clinical applications while affording the additional safety of conditional suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanit Bhukhai
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Edouard de Dreuzy
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Marie Giorgi
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Charlotte Colomb
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Olivier Negre
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; bluebird bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02141, USA; bluebird bio France, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | | | - Béatrix Gillet-Legrand
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; bluebird bio France, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Joëlle Cheuzeville
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; bluebird bio France, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Anaïs Paulard
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; bluebird bio France, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | | | | | - Karine Sii-Felice
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France
| | - Leila Maouche
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; INSERM, Paris 75013, France
| | - Julian D Down
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Phillippe Leboulch
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Harvard Medical School and Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Payen
- CEA, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; UMR_007, CEA and University of Paris Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses 92260, France; INSERM, Paris 75013, France.
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Galy A. Major Advances in the Development of Vectors for Clinical Gene Therapy of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from European Groups over the Last 25 Years. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:964-971. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Galy
- Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, EPHE, Evry, France
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Ferrari G, Cavazzana M, Mavilio F. Gene Therapy Approaches to Hemoglobinopathies. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2017; 31:835-852. [PMID: 28895851 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies is currently based on transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells genetically modified with a lentiviral vector expressing a globin gene under the control of globin transcriptional regulatory elements. Preclinical and early clinical studies showed the safety and potential efficacy of this therapeutic approach as well as the hurdles still limiting its general application. In addition, for both beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, an altered bone marrow microenvironment reduces the efficiency of stem cell harvesting as well as engraftment. These hurdles need be addressed for gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies to become a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Istituto Scientifico Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Imagine Institute, 149 rue de Sèvres, Paris 75015, France; Paris Descartes University, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Fulvio Mavilio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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29
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Dong AC, Rivella S. Gene Addition Strategies for β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1013:155-176. [PMID: 29127680 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7299-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are two of the most common diseases related to the hemoglobin protein. In these diseases, the beta-globin gene is mutated, causing severe anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis. Patients can additionally present with a number of life-threatening co-morbidities, such as stroke or spontaneous fractures. Current treatment involves transfusion and iron chelation; allogeneic bone marrow transplant is the only curative option, but is limited by the availability of matching donors and graft-versus-host disease. As these two diseases are monogenic diseases, they make an attractive setting for gene therapy. Gene therapy aims to correct the mutated beta-globin gene or add back a functional copy of beta- or gamma-globin. Initial gene therapy work was done with oncoretroviral vectors, but has since shifted to lentiviral vectors. Currently, there are a few clinical trials underway to test the curative potential of some of these lentiviral vectors. This review will highlight the work done thus far, and present the challenges still facing gene therapy, such as genome toxicity concerns and achieving sufficient transgene expression to cure those with the most severe forms of thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa C Dong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, 515 E. 71st St., Room S-709, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, 515 E. 71st St., S702, Box 284, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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30
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Malik P. Gene Therapy for Hemoglobinopathies: Tremendous Successes and Remaining Caveats. Mol Ther 2016; 24:668-70. [PMID: 27081721 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Viral vector use in gene therapy has highlighted several safety concerns, including genotoxic events. Generally, vector-mediated genotoxicity results from upregulation of cellular proto-oncogenes via promoter insertion, promoter activation, or gene transcript truncation, with enhancer-mediated activation of nearby genes the primary mechanism reported in gene therapy trials. Vector-mediated genotoxicity can be influenced by virus type, integration target site, and target cell type; different vectors have distinct integration profiles which are cell-specific. Non-viral factors, including patient age, disease, and dose can also influence genotoxic potential, thus the choice of test models and clinical trial populations is important to ensure they are indicative of efficacy and safety. Efforts have been made to develop viral vectors with less risk of insertional mutagenesis, including self-inactivating (SIN) vectors, enhancer-blocking insulators, and microRNA targeting of vectors, although insertional mutagenesis is not completely abrogated. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral vector-mediated genotoxicity risk from factors contributing to viral vector-mediated genotoxicity to efforts made to reduce genotoxicity, and testing strategies required to adequately assess the risk of insertional mutagenesis. It is clear that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to vector modification for reducing genotoxicity, and addressing these challenges will be a key step in the development of therapies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and delivery of future gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon M David
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Ann T Doherty
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
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de Dreuzy E, Bhukhai K, Leboulch P, Payen E. Current and future alternative therapies for beta-thalassemia major. Biomed J 2016; 39:24-38. [PMID: 27105596 PMCID: PMC6138429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia is a group of frequent genetic disorders resulting in the synthesis of little or no β-globin chains. Novel approaches are being developed to correct the resulting α/β-globin chain imbalance, in an effort to move beyond the palliative management of this disease and the complications of its treatment (e.g. life-long red blood cell transfusion, iron chelation, splenectomy), which impose high costs on healthcare systems. Three approaches are envisaged: fetal globin gene reactivation by pharmacological compounds injected into patients throughout their lives, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and gene therapy. HSCT is currently the only treatment shown to provide an effective, definitive cure for β-thalassemia. However, this procedure remains risky and histocompatible donors are identified for only a small fraction of patients. New pharmacological compounds are being tested, but none has yet made it into common clinical practice for the treatment of beta-thalassemia major. Gene therapy is in the experimental phase. It is emerging as a powerful approach without the immunological complications of HSCT, but with other possible drawbacks. Rapid progress is being made in this field, and long-term efficacy and safety studies are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard de Dreuzy
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Fontenay aux Roses, France; University of Paris 11, CEA-iMETI, 92260 Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Kanit Bhukhai
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Fontenay aux Roses, France; University of Paris 11, CEA-iMETI, 92260 Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Philippe Leboulch
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Fontenay aux Roses, France; University of Paris 11, CEA-iMETI, 92260 Fontenay aux Roses, France; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA, USA; Mahidol University and Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Emmanuel Payen
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies, Fontenay aux Roses, France; University of Paris 11, CEA-iMETI, 92260 Fontenay aux Roses, France; INSERM, Paris, France.
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33
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Genetic treatment of a molecular disorder: gene therapy approaches to sickle cell disease. Blood 2016; 127:839-48. [PMID: 26758916 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-09-618587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective medical management for sickle cell disease (SCD) remains elusive. As a prevalent and severe monogenic disorder, SCD has been long considered a logical candidate for gene therapy. Significant progress has been made in moving toward this goal. These efforts have provided substantial insight into the natural regulation of the globin genes and illuminated challenges for genetic manipulation of the hematopoietic system. The initial γ-retroviral vectors, next-generation lentiviral vectors, and novel genome engineering and gene regulation approaches each share the goal of preventing erythrocyte sickling. After years of preclinical studies, several clinical trials for SCD gene therapies are now open. This review focuses on progress made toward achieving gene therapy, the current state of the field, consideration of factors that may determine clinical success, and prospects for future development.
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Saliba AN, Alameddine RS, Harb AR, Taher AT. Globin gene regulation for treating β-thalassemias: progress, obstacles and future. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1074071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Romero Z, Campo-Fernandez B, Wherley J, Kaufman ML, Urbinati F, Cooper AR, Hoban MD, Baldwin KM, Lumaquin D, Wang X, Senadheera S, Hollis RP, Kohn DB. The human ankyrin 1 promoter insulator sustains gene expression in a β-globin lentiviral vector in hematopoietic stem cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2015; 2:15012. [PMID: 26029723 PMCID: PMC4445009 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors designed for the treatment of the hemoglobinopathies require the inclusion of regulatory and strong enhancer elements to achieve sufficient expression of the β-globin transgene. Despite the inclusion of these elements, the efficacy of these vectors may be limited by transgene silencing due to the genomic environment surrounding the integration site. Barrier insulators can be used to give more consistent expression and resist silencing even with lower vector copies. Here, the barrier activity of an insulator element from the human ankyrin-1 gene was analyzed in a lentiviral vector carrying an antisickling human β-globin gene. Inclusion of a single copy of the Ankyrin insulator did not affect viral titer, and improved the consistency of expression from the vector in murine erythroleukemia cells. The presence of the Ankyrin insulator element did not change transgene expression in human hematopoietic cells in short-term erythroid culture or in vivo in primary murine transplants. However, analysis in secondary recipients showed that the lentiviral vector with the Ankyrin element preserved transgene expression, whereas expression from the vector lacking the Ankyrin insulator decreased in secondary recipients. These studies demonstrate that the Ankyrin insulator may improve long-term β-globin expression in hematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulema Romero
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Beatriz Campo-Fernandez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Wherley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael L Kaufman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fabrizia Urbinati
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aaron R Cooper
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Megan D Hoban
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kismet M Baldwin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dianne Lumaquin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shantha Senadheera
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Roger P Hollis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Donald B Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Finotti A, Breda L, Lederer CW, Bianchi N, Zuccato C, Kleanthous M, Rivella S, Gambari R. Recent trends in the gene therapy of β-thalassemia. J Blood Med 2015; 6:69-85. [PMID: 25737641 PMCID: PMC4342371 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s46256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of hereditary hematological diseases caused by over 300 mutations of the adult β-globin gene. Together with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia syndromes are among the most impactful diseases in developing countries, in which the lack of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to the maintenance of a very high frequency of these genetic diseases in the population. Gene therapy for β-thalassemia has recently seen steadily accelerating progress and has reached a crossroads in its development. Presently, data from past and ongoing clinical trials guide the design of further clinical and preclinical studies based on gene augmentation, while fundamental insights into globin switching and new technology developments have inspired the investigation of novel gene-therapy approaches. Moreover, human erythropoietic stem cells from β-thalassemia patients have been the cellular targets of choice to date whereas future gene-therapy studies might increasingly draw on induced pluripotent stem cells. Herein, we summarize the most significant developments in β-thalassemia gene therapy over the last decade, with a strong emphasis on the most recent findings, for β-thalassemia model systems; for β-, γ-, and anti-sickling β-globin gene addition and combinatorial approaches including the latest results of clinical trials; and for novel approaches, such as transgene-mediated activation of γ-globin and genome editing using designer nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Cell and Development Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
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Liu M, Maurano MT, Wang H, Qi H, Song CZ, Navas PA, Emery DW, Stamatoyannopoulos JA, Stamatoyannopoulos G. Genomic discovery of potent chromatin insulators for human gene therapy. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 33:198-203. [PMID: 25580597 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Insertional mutagenesis and genotoxicity, which usually manifest as hematopoietic malignancy, represent major barriers to realizing the promise of gene therapy. Although insulator sequences that block transcriptional enhancers could mitigate or eliminate these risks, so far no human insulators with high functional potency have been identified. Here we describe a genomic approach for the identification of compact sequence elements that function as insulators. These elements are highly occupied by the insulator protein CTCF, are DNase I hypersensitive and represent only a small minority of the CTCF recognition sequences in the human genome. We show that the elements identified acted as potent enhancer blockers and substantially decreased the risk of tumor formation in a cancer-prone animal model. The elements are small, can be efficiently accommodated by viral vectors and have no detrimental effects on viral titers. The insulators we describe here are expected to increase the safety of gene therapy for genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Liu
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew T Maurano
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Heyuan Qi
- 1] Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. [2] Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Zhong Song
- 1] Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. [2] Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Patrick A Navas
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David W Emery
- 1] Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. [2] Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John A Stamatoyannopoulos
- 1] Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. [2] Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - George Stamatoyannopoulos
- 1] Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. [2] Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mao Y, Yan R, Li A, Zhang Y, Li J, Du H, Chen B, Wei W, Zhang Y, Sumners C, Zheng H, Li H. Lentiviral Vectors Mediate Long-Term and High Efficiency Transgene Expression in HEK 293T cells. Int J Med Sci 2015; 12:407-15. [PMID: 26005375 PMCID: PMC4441065 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.11270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lentiviral vectors have been used successfully to rapidly produce decigram quantities of active recombinant proteins in mammalian cell lines. To optimize the protein production platform, the roles of Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Element (UCOE), an insulator, and selected promoters were evaluated based on efficiency and stability of foreign gene expression mediated by lentiviral vectors. METHODS Five lentiviral vectors, pFIN-EF1α-GFP-2A-mCherH-WPRE containing EF1α promoter and HS4 insulator, p'HR.cppt.3'1.2kb-UCOE-SFFV-eGFP containing SFFV promoter and UCOE, pTYF-CMV(β-globin intron)-eGFP containing CMV promoter and β-globin intron, pTYF-CMV-eGFP containing CMV promoter, and pTYF-EF1α-eGFP with EF1α promoter were packaged, titered, and then transduced into 293T cells (1000 viral genomes per cell). The transduced cells were passaged once every three days at a ratio of 1:10. Expression level and stability of the foreign gene, green fluorescence protein (GFP), was evaluated using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Furthermore, we constructed a hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1 recombinant lentiviral vector, pLV-CMV-E1, driven by the CMV promoter. This vector was packaged and transduced into 293T cells, and the recombinant cell lines with stable expression of E1 protein were established by limiting dilution. RESULTS GFP expression in 293T cells transduced with the five lentiviral vectors peaked between passages 3 and 5 and persisted for more than 5 weeks. The expression was prolonged in the cells transduced with TYF-CMV (β-globin intron)-eGFP or TYF-CMV-eGFP, demonstrating less than a 50% decrease even at 9 weeks post transduction (p>0.05). The TYF-CMV-eGFP-transduced cells began with a higher level of GFP expression than other vectors did. The percentage of GFP positive cells for any of the five lentiviral vectors sustained over time. Moreover, the survival rates of all transfected cells exceeded 80% at both 5 and 9 weeks post transduction. Surprisingly, neither the HS4 insulator nor the UCOE sequence improved the GFP expression level or stability. Clonal cell lines with HCV E1 gene were generated from LV-CMV-E1 vector-infected 293T cells. A representative recombinant cell line maintained stable E1expression for at least 9 weeks without significant difference in morphology compared with untreated 293T cells. CONCLUSION The results suggest that all five vectors can stably transduce 293T cells, producing long term transgene expression with different efficiencies. However, neither the insulator nor the UCOE improved the GFP expression. The vectors containing the promoter CMV or CMV (β-globin intron) generated the highest gene expressions, manifesting as more favorable candidates for recombinant protein production in HEK293T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Mao
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Renhe Yan
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Andrew Li
- 2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yanling Zhang
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongyan Du
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Baihong Chen
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjin Wei
- 3. Beijing Minhai Biotechnology CO., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- 4. Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Colin Sumners
- 5. Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Haifa Zheng
- 3. Beijing Minhai Biotechnology CO., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- 1. School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Chandrakasan S, Malik P. Gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies: the state of the field and the future. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2014; 28:199-216. [PMID: 24589262 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
After nearly two decades of struggle, gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies using vectors carrying β or γ-globin gene has finally reached the clinical doorsteps. This was made possible by advances made in our understanding of critical regulatory elements required for high level of globin gene expression and improved gene transfer vectors and methodologies. Development of gene editing technologies and reprogramming somatic cells for regenerative medicine holds the promise of genetic correction of hemoglobinopathies in the future. This article will review the state of the field and the upcoming technologies that will allow genetic therapeutic correction of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmuganathan Chandrakasan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute (CBDI), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology/Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cancer and Blood Institute (CBDI), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cancer and Blood Institute (CBDI), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Suzuki T, Arumugam P, Sakagami T, Lachmann N, Chalk C, Sallese A, Abe S, Trapnell C, Carey B, Moritz T, Malik P, Lutzko C, Wood RE, Trapnell BC. Pulmonary macrophage transplantation therapy. Nature 2014; 514:450-4. [PMID: 25274301 PMCID: PMC4236859 DOI: 10.1038/nature13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow transplantation is an effective cell therapy but requires myeloablation, which increases infection-risk and mortality. Recent lineage-tracing studies documenting that resident macrophage populations self-maintain independent of hematologic progenitors prompted us to consider organ-targeted, cell-specific therapy. Here, using GM-CSF receptor-β deficient (Csf2rb−/−) mice that develop a myeloid cell disorder identical to hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (hPAP) in children with CSF2RA/CSF2RB mutations, we show that pulmonary macrophage transplantation (PMT) of either wild-type or Csf2rb-gene-corrected macrophages without myeloablation was safe, well-tolerated, and that one administration corrected the lung disease, secondary systemic manifestations, normalized disease-related biomarkers, and prevented disease-specific mortality. PMT-derived alveolar macrophages persisted for at least one year as did therapeutic effects. Results identify mechanisms regulating alveolar macrophage population size in health and disease, indicate that GM-CSF is required for phenotypic determination of alveolar macrophages, and support translation of PMT as the first specific therapy for children with hPAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Suzuki
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Paritha Arumugam
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Takuro Sakagami
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Nico Lachmann
- RG Reprograming and Gene Therapy, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Chalk
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Anthony Sallese
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Shuichi Abe
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Cole Trapnell
- 1] Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA [2] Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Brenna Carey
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Thomas Moritz
- RG Reprograming and Gene Therapy, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Carolyn Lutzko
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Robert E Wood
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Bruce C Trapnell
- 1] Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA [2] Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA [3] Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Acuto S, Baiamonte E, Di Stefano R, Spina B, Barone R, Maggio A. Development and Recent Progresses of Gene Therapy for β-Thalassemia. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2014.2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemias are among the most common inherited monogenic disorders worldwide due to mutations in the β-globin gene that reduce or abolish the production of the β-globin chain resulting in transfusion-dependent chronic anemia. Currently, the only curative treatment is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transplantation, but this option is limited by the a vailability of HLA-matched donor. Gene therapy, based on autologous transplantation of genetically corrected HSCs, holds the promise to treat patients lacking a compati ble bone marrow donor. I nit ial attempts of gene transfer have been unsuccessful due to limitations of available vectors to stably transfer a globin gene in HSCs and reach high and regulated expression in the erythroid progeny. With the advent of lentiviral vectors (LVs), based on human immunodeficiency virus, many of the initial limitations have been overcome. Since 2000 when Sadelain and co-workers first demonstrated successful globin gene transfer in murine thalassemia models with improvement of the phenotype using a recombinant β globin/LV, several other groups have developed different vectors encoding either β, γ or mutated globin genes and confirmed these results in both murine models and erythroid progeny derived from patient’s HSCs. In light of these encouraging results, research has recently moved into clinical trials that are ongoing or soon to begin. One participant in an ongoing gene transfer trial for β-thalassemia has achieved clinical benefit with elimination of his transfusi on re quirement. Here , dev elopmen t and recent progress of gene therapy for β-thalassemia is reviewed.
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A modified piggybac transposon system mediated by exogenous mRNA to perform gene delivery in bovine mammary epithelial cells. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-013-0811-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Antoniou MN, Skipper KA, Anakok O. Optimizing retroviral gene expression for effective therapies. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:363-74. [PMID: 23517535 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With their ability to integrate their genetic material into the target cell genome, retroviral vectors (RV) of both the gamma-retroviral (γ-RV) and lentiviral vector (LV) classes currently remain the most efficient and thus the system of choice for achieving transgene retention and therefore potentially long-term expression and therapeutic benefit. However, γ-RV and LV integration comes at a cost in that transcription units will be present within a native chromatin environment and thus be subject to epigenetic effects (DNA methylation, histone modifications) that can negatively impact on their function. Indeed, highly variable expression and silencing of γ-RV and LV transgenes especially resulting from promoter DNA methylation is well documented and was the cause of the failure of gene therapy in a clinical trial for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease. This review will critically explore the use of different classes of genetic control elements that can in principle reduce vector insertion site position effects and epigenetic-mediated silencing. These transcriptional regulatory elements broadly divide themselves into either those with a chromatin boundary or border function (scaffold/matrix attachment regions, insulators) or those with a dominant chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activating capability (locus control regions,, ubiquitous chromatin opening elements). All these types of elements have their strengths and weaknesses within the constraints of a γ-RV and LV backbone, showing varying degrees of efficacy in improving reproducibility and stability of transgene function. Combinations of boundary and chromatin remodeling; transcriptional activating elements, which do not impede vector production; transduction efficiency; and stability are most likely to meet the requirements within a gene therapy context especially when targeting a stem cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Antoniou
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King's College London School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
β-thalassemia is an inherited disorder due to mutations found in the β-globin gene, leading to anemia and requiring sporadic or chronic blood transfusions for survival. Without proper chelation, β-thalassemia results in iron overload. Ineffective erythropoiesis can lead to iron overload even in untransfused patients who are affected by β-thalassemia intermedia. Better understanding of the molecular biologic aspects of this disorder has led to improvements in population screening and prenatal diagnosis, which, in turn, have led to dramatic reductions in the number of children born with β-thalassemia major in the Mediterranean littoral. However, as a consequence of decreases in neonatal and childhood mortality in other geographical areas, β-thalassemia has become a worldwide clinical problem. A number of unsolved pathophysiological issues remain, such as ineffective erythropoieis, abnormal iron absorption, oxidative stress, splenomegaly and thrombosis. In the last few years, novel studies have the potential to introduce new therapeutic approaches that might reduce these problems and limit the need for blood transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Rivella
- Weill College Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, 515 E 71st Street, S702, New York, NY 10021, USA, Tel.: +1 212 746 4941, ,
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Benabdellah K, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Cobo M, Muñoz P, Martín F. A chimeric HS4-SAR insulator (IS2) that prevents silencing and enhances expression of lentiviral vectors in pluripotent stem cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84268. [PMID: 24400083 PMCID: PMC3882226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin insulators, such as the chicken β-globin locus control region hypersensitive site 4 (HS4), and scaffold/matrix attachment regions (SARs/MARs) have been incorporated separately or in combination into retroviral vectors (RVs) in order to increase transgene expression levels, avoid silencing and reduce expression variability. However, their incorporation into RVs either produces a reduction on titer and/or expression levels or do not have sufficient effect on stem cells. In order to develop an improved insulator we decided to combine SAR elements with HS4 insulators. We designed several synthetic shorter SAR elements containing 4 or 5 MAR/SARs recognition signatures (MRS) and studied their effects on a lentiviral vector (LV) expressing eGFP through the SFFV promoter (SE). A 388 bp SAR element containing 5 MRS, named SAR2, was as efficient or superior to the other SARs analyzed. SAR2 enhanced transgene expression and reduced silencing and variability on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We next compared the effect of different HS4-based insulators, the HS4-Core (250 bp), the HS4-Ext (400 bp) and the HS4-650 (650 bp). All HS4 elements reduced silencing and expression variability but they also had a negative effect on transgene expression levels and titer. In general, the HS4-650 element had a better overall effect. Based on these data we developed a chimeric insulator, IS2, combining the SAR2 and the HS4-650. When incorporated into the 3′ LTR of the SE LV, the IS2 element was able to enhance expression, avoid silencing and reduce variability of expression on hESCs. Importantly, these effects were maintained after differentiation of the transduced hESCs toward the hematopoietic linage. Neither the HS4-650 nor the SAR2 elements had these effects. The IS2 element is therefore a novel insulator that confers expression stability and enhances expression of LVs on stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Benabdellah
- Human DNA Variability Department, GENYO - Centre for Genomic and Oncological Research (Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- * E-mail: (FM); (KB)
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez-Guerrero
- Human DNA Variability Department, GENYO - Centre for Genomic and Oncological Research (Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marién Cobo
- Human DNA Variability Department, GENYO - Centre for Genomic and Oncological Research (Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Muñoz
- Human DNA Variability Department, GENYO - Centre for Genomic and Oncological Research (Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martín
- Human DNA Variability Department, GENYO - Centre for Genomic and Oncological Research (Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- * E-mail: (FM); (KB)
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Uchida N, Hanawa H, Yamamoto M, Shimada T. The chicken hypersensitivity site 4 core insulator blocks promoter interference in lentiviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:117-24. [PMID: 23448496 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors, including double internal promoters, can be used to express two transgenes in a single vector construct; however, transcriptional activities from double internal promoters are often inhibited by promoter interference. To determine whether the chicken hypersensitivity site 4 insulator (cHS4) could block promoter interference, lentiviral vectors including an MSCV-U3 promoter (Mp) and an EF1α promoter (Ep) were generated, and transgene expression was evaluated among transduced cells. In the Ep-Mp configuration, transcriptional activity from Mp was much lower, while Mp-Ep had similar transcription levels from both promoters. The cHS4 core insulator increased expression levels from Mp in HeLa cells, hematopoietic cell lines, and mouse peripheral blood cells following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation transduced with the Mp-Ep configured vector. This blocking function was mainly mediated by barrier activity regions in the insulator but not by CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binding sites. Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) methylation did not contribute to this barrier activity. In summary, combining the cHS4 insulator in double promoter vectors can improve transgene expression levels in various cell lines and mouse hematopoietic repopulating cells. These findings are useful for developing hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Uchida
- Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602 Japan.
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Koldej RM, Carney G, Wielgosz MM, Zhou S, Zhan J, Sorrentino BP, Nienhuis AW. Comparison of insulators and promoters for expression of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein using lentiviral vectors. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2013; 24:77-85. [PMID: 23786330 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2012.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for the treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) presents an alternative to the current use of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We describe the development of a self-inactivating lentiviral vector containing chromatin insulators for treatment of WAS and compare a gammaretroviral (MND), human cellular (EF1α), and the human WASp gene promoter for expression patterns in vivo during murine hematopoiesis using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker. Compared with the EF1α and the WASp promoters, expression from the MND promoter in mouse transplant recipients was much higher in all lineages examined. Importantly, there was sustained expression in the platelets of secondary recipient animals, necessary to correct the thrombocytopenia defect in WAS patients. Analysis of WAS protein expression in transduced human EBV-immortalized B-cells and transduced patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells also demonstrated stronger expression per copy from the MND promoter compared with the other promoters. In addition, when analyzed in an LM02 activation assay, the addition of an insulator to MND-promoter-containing constructs reduced transactivation of the LM02 gene. We propose a clinical trial design in which cytokine-mobilized, autologous, transduced CD34(+) cells are administered after myelosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Koldej
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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48
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Luo Y, Liu J, Liu Q, Zheng L, Wang Y, Su J, Hu G, Zhang Y. Chicken hypersensitive site-4 insulator increases human serum albumin expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells modified with phiC31 integrase. Biotechnol Lett 2012; 35:529-37. [PMID: 23264267 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-012-1125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Achieving high expression levels of recombinant human serum albumin (HSA) for purification is a solution for the large amount of plasma-derived HSA needed in therapeutic applications. Here, we employed phiC31 integrase system and chicken hypersensitive site-4 (cHS4) insulators to construct a HSA expression vector for high-level HSA expression. The phiC31 integrase system mediated efficient transgene integration in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). A preferred pseudo attP site, which had 38 % identity with the 39 bp wild-type attP sequence, was detected in six out of 55 bMEC colonies. Addition of the cHS4 insulator to the phiC31 integrase system resulted in 8-20-fold increases of HSA expression compared with that of using integrase alone. Moreover, the reverse-oriented cHS4 insulator in the phiC31 integrase system provided the optimal level of HSA expression in bMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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49
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Abstract
Retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells provides a potentially curative therapy for severe β-thalassemia. Lentiviral vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus have been developed for this purpose and have been shown to be effective in curing thalassemia in mouse models. One participant in an ongoing clinical trial has achieved transfusion independence after gene transfer into bone marrow stem cells owing, in part, to a genetically modified, dominant clone. Ongoing efforts are focused on improving the efficiency of lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer into stem cells so that the curative potential of gene transfer can be consistently achieved.
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50
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Sharma N, Hollensen AK, Bak RO, Staunstrup NH, Schrøder LD, Mikkelsen JG. The impact of cHS4 insulators on DNA transposon vector mobilization and silencing in retinal pigment epithelium cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48421. [PMID: 23110238 PMCID: PMC3482222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA transposons have become important vectors for efficient non-viral integration of transgenes into genomic DNA. The Sleeping Beauty (SB), piggyBac (PB), and Tol2 transposable elements have distinct biological properties and currently represent the most promising transposon systems for animal transgenesis and gene therapy. A potential obstacle, however, for persistent function of integrating vectors is transcriptional repression of the element and its genetic cargo. In this study we analyze the insulating effect of the 1.2-kb 5'-HS4 chicken β-globin (cHS4) insulator element in the context of SB, PB, and Tol2 transposon vectors. By examining transgene expression from genomically inserted transposon vectors encoding a marker gene driven by a silencing-prone promoter, we detect variable levels of transcriptional silencing for the three transposon systems in retinal pigment epithelium cells. Notably, the PB system seems less vulnerable to silencing. Incorporation of cHS4 insulator sequences into the transposon vectors results in 2.2-fold and 1.5-fold increased transgene expression levels for insulated SB and PB vectors, respectively, but an improved persistency of expression was not obtained for insulated transgenes. Colony formation assays and quantitative excision assays unveil enhanced SB transposition efficiencies by the inclusion of the cHS4 element, resulting in a significant increase in the stable transfection rate for insulated SB transposon vectors in human cell lines. Our findings reveal a positive impact of cHS4 insulator inclusion for SB and PB vectors in terms of increased transgene expression levels and improved SB stable transfection rates, but also the lack of a long-term protective effect of the cHS4 insulator against progressive transgene silencing in retinal pigment epithelium cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynne Sharma
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Rasmus O. Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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