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Hoekstra M, Van Eck M. Gene Editing for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:139-146. [PMID: 38498115 PMCID: PMC11087331 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-024-01198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Here, we summarize the key findings from preclinical studies that tested the concept that editing of hepatic genes can lower plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels to subsequently reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. RECENT FINDINGS Selective delivery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing tools targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) to hepatocytes, i.e., through encapsulation into N-acetylgalactosamine-coupled lipid nanoparticles, is able to induce a stable ~ 90% decrease in plasma PCSK9 levels and a concomitant 60% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels in mice and non-humane primates. Studies in mice have shown that this state-of-the-art technology can be extended to include additional targets related to dyslipidemia such as angiopoietin-like 3 and several apolipoproteins. The use of gene editors holds great promise to lower plasma LDL-cholesterol levels also in the human setting. However, gene editing safety has to be guaranteed before this approach can become a clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno Hoekstra
- Division of Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Pharmacy Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Miranda Van Eck
- Division of Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Pharmacy Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Chuecos MA, Lagor WR. Liver directed adeno-associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:22-40. [PMID: 37254440 PMCID: PMC10687323 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non-integrating circular double-stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver-directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
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3
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Lee JS. To overcome the limitations of fixed life patterns, plants can generate meristems throughout life. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 291:154097. [PMID: 38006623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The fixed life pattern of plants is the most threatening factor that hinders the survival and reproduction rate of plants. Maximization of reproduction is determined by the survival rate of the organism. If part of a shoot apical meristem or root apical meristem is cut and planted in soil with appropriate nutrients and survival conditions, a cloned plant known as an ramet, may be developed. Therefore, the ability of plants to constantly produce meristems is essential for survival. In addition, meristem stem cells have enabled plants to evolve a wide variety of asexual reproductive systems. When a tree is pruned, at least one or more new meristems are formed in the surrounding area, and those meristems develop into new branches. In other cases, stem cells normally derived from meristems alone exhibit the potential for asexual reproduction through their seed-like roles. Alternatively, some plants can form somatic cells, which are important in various types of asexual reproduction. There are 125 species of plants in the genus of Kalanchoe, which are succulent plants, and most of these species are well known to reproduce asexually through somatic cells. When we cut the stem of a plant, a callus is formed at the end of the cut side. Plant callus is mainly used to develop new plant varieties in tissue culture research. Alternatively, the plant callus is also used as a material for asexual reproduction. Callus can also form if the plant is infected with bacteria such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Differentiated cells of a plant can reproduce asexually by acquiring the ability to function as stems through transdifferentiation. These characteristics play important roles in adapting to environmental changes and extending the lifespan of woody plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Sang Lee
- Department of Biology Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, South Korea.
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4
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Preta G. Development of New Genome Editing Tools for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia. Cells 2023; 12:2466. [PMID: 37887310 PMCID: PMC10605581 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood. It is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Traditional treatment approaches for hyperlipidemia involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and the use of medications like statins. Recent advancements in genome editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, have opened up new possibilities for the treatment of this condition. This review provides a general overview of the main target genes involved in lipid metabolism and highlights the progress made during recent years towards the development of new treatments for dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Preta
- VU LSC-EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Science Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
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5
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Mak MCE, Gurung R, Foo RSY. Applications of Genome Editing Technologies in CAD Research and Therapy with a Focus on Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14057. [PMID: 37762360 PMCID: PMC10531628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), remain the leading cause of death worldwide in recent years, with myocardial infarction (MI) being the most common form of CAD. Atherosclerosis has been highlighted as one of the drivers of CAD, and much research has been carried out to understand and treat this disease. However, there remains much to be better understood and developed in treating this disease. Genome editing technologies have been widely used to establish models of disease as well as to treat various genetic disorders at their root. In this review, we aim to highlight the various ways genome editing technologies can be applied to establish models of atherosclerosis, as well as their therapeutic roles in both atherosclerosis and the clinical implications of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rijan Gurung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, MD6, #08-01, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (M.C.E.M.); (R.S.Y.F.)
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6
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Chu J, Romero A, Taulbee J, Aran K. Development of Single Molecule Techniques for Sensing and Manipulation of CRISPR and Polymerase Enzymes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300328. [PMID: 37226388 PMCID: PMC10524706 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and polymerases are powerful enzymes and their diverse applications in genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have revolutionized the biotechnology industry today. CRISPR has been widely adopted for genomic editing applications and Polymerases can efficiently amplify genomic transcripts via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further investigations into these enzymes can reveal specific details about their mechanisms that greatly expand their use. Single-molecule techniques are an effective way to probe enzymatic mechanisms because they may resolve intermediary conformations and states with greater detail than ensemble or bulk biosensing techniques. This review discusses various techniques for sensing and manipulation of single biomolecules that can help facilitate and expedite these discoveries. Each platform is categorized as optical, mechanical, or electronic. The methods, operating principles, outputs, and utility of each technique are briefly introduced, followed by a discussion of their applications to monitor and control CRISPR and Polymerases at the single molecule level, and closing with a brief overview of their limitations and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Chu
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Andres Romero
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Jeffrey Taulbee
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Kiana Aran
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
- Cardea, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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7
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Adlat S, Vázquez Salgado AM, Lee M, Yin D, Wangensteen KJ. Emerging and potential use of CRISPR in human liver disease. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00538. [PMID: 37607734 PMCID: PMC10881897 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR is a gene editing tool adapted from naturally occurring defense systems from bacteria. It is a technology that is revolutionizing the interrogation of gene functions in driving liver disease, especially through genetic screens and by facilitating animal knockout and knockin models. It is being used in models of liver disease to identify which genes are critical for liver pathology, especially in genetic liver disease, hepatitis, and in cancer initiation and progression. It holds tremendous promise in treating human diseases directly by editing DNA. It could disable gene function in the case of expression of a maladaptive protein, such as blocking transthyretin as a therapy for amyloidosis, or to correct gene defects, such as restoring the normal functions of liver enzymes fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase or alpha-1 antitrypsin. It is also being studied for treatment of hepatitis B infection. CRISPR is an exciting, evolving technology that is facilitating gene characterization and discovery in liver disease and holds the potential to treat liver diseases safely and permanently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Adlat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Liu P, Huang L, Song CQ. Editorial: Genome editing applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in metabolic diseases, hormonal system and cancer research. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1256966. [PMID: 37608792 PMCID: PMC10441539 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1256966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Liu
- Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology (MCCB), 1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lei Huang
- Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology (MCCB), 1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Chun-Qing Song
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Tsuji T, Zhang Y, Tseng YH. Generation of Brown Fat-Specific Knockout Mice Using a Combined Cre-LoxP, CRISPR-Cas9, and Adeno-Associated Virus Single-Guide RNA System. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/65083. [PMID: 37036212 PMCID: PMC10403816 DOI: 10.3791/65083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an adipose depot specialized in energy dissipation that can also serve as an endocrine organ via the secretion of bioactive molecules. The creation of BAT-specific knockout mice is one of the most popular approaches for understanding the contribution of a gene of interest to BAT-mediated energy regulation. The conventional gene targeting strategy utilizing the Cre-LoxP system has been the principal approach to generate tissue-specific knockout mice. However, this approach is time-consuming and tedious. Here, we describe a protocol for the rapid and efficient knockout of a gene of interest in BAT using a combined Cre-LoxP, CRISPR-Cas9, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) single-guide RNA (sgRNA) system. The interscapular BAT is located in the deep layer between the muscles. Thus, the BAT must be exposed in order to inject the AAV precisely and directly into the BAT within the visual field. Appropriate surgical handling is crucial to prevent damage to the sympathetic nerves and vessels, such as the Sultzer's vein that connects to the BAT. To minimize tissue damage, there is a critical need to understand the three-dimensional anatomical location of the BAT and the surgical skills required in the technical steps. This protocol highlights the key technical procedures, including the design of sgRNAs targeting the gene of interest, the preparation of AAV-sgRNA particles, and the surgery for the direct microinjection of AAV into both BAT lobes for generating BAT-specific knockout mice, which can be broadly applied to study the biological functions of genes in BAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadataka Tsuji
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Yang Zhang
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Yu-Hua Tseng
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School;
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10
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Stankov S, Cuchel M. Gene editing for dyslipidemias: New tools to "cut" lipids. Atherosclerosis 2023; 368:14-24. [PMID: 36725417 PMCID: PMC10493168 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective lipid lowering therapies are essential for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Available treatments have evolved in both their efficacy and their frequency of administration, and currently include monoclonal antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA approaches. However, an unmet need remains for more effective and long-lasting therapeutics. Gene editing permanently alters endogenous gene expression and has the potential to revolutionize disease treatment. Despite the existence of several gene editing approaches, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as the preferred technology because of its high efficiency and relative simplicity. This review provides a general overview of this promising technology and an update on the progress made towards the development of treatments of dyslipidemia. The recently started phase 1b gene editing clinical trial targeting PCSK9 in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease highlights how gene editing may become available to treat not only patients affected by rare disorders of lipid metabolism, but also patients that are difficult-to-treat or at high risk. Other targets like ANGPTL3, LDLR, and APOC3 are on track for further pre-clinical development. The identification of novel targets using electronic health record-linked biobanks and human sequencing studies will continue to expand the potential target pool, and clinical assessment of treated patients will provide essential efficacy and safety information on current strategies. Gene editing of genes regulating lipid metabolism holds promise as an exciting new therapeutic approach. However, since gene editing permanently alters a patient's genome, its therapeutic application in humans will require careful safety assessment and ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Stankov
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Marina Cuchel
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.
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11
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Simpson BP, Yrigollen CM, Izda A, Davidson BL. Targeted long-read sequencing captures CRISPR editing and AAV integration outcomes in brain. Mol Ther 2023; 31:760-773. [PMID: 36617193 PMCID: PMC10014281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing is an emerging therapeutic modality that shows promise in Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) mouse models. However, advancing CRISPR-based therapies requires methods to fully define in vivo editing outcomes. Here, we use polymerase-free, targeted long-read nanopore sequencing and evaluate single- and dual-gRNA AAV-CRISPR editing of human ATXN2 in transgenic mouse models of SCA type 2 (SCA2). Unbiased high sequencing coverage showed 10%-25% editing. Along with intended edits there was AAV integration, 1%-2% of which contained the entire AAV genome and were largely unmethylated. More than 150 kb deletions at target loci and rearrangements of the transgenic allele (1%) were also found. In contrast, PCR-based nanopore sequencing showed bias for partial AAV fragments and inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and failed to detect full-length AAV. Cumulatively this work defines the spectrum of outcomes of CRISPR editing in mouse brain after AAV gene transfer using an unbiased long-read sequencing approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Simpson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn M Yrigollen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aleksandar Izda
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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12
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Doerfler AM, Park SH, Assini JM, Youssef A, Saxena L, Yaseen AB, De Giorgi M, Chuecos M, Hurley AE, Li A, Marcovina SM, Bao G, Boffa MB, Koschinsky ML, Lagor WR. LPA disruption with AAV-CRISPR potently lowers plasma apo(a) in transgenic mouse model: A proof-of-concept study. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:337-351. [PMID: 36381302 PMCID: PMC9630778 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.009] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) represents a unique subclass of circulating lipoprotein particles and consists of an apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) molecule covalently bound to apolipoprotein B-100. The metabolism of Lp(a) particles is distinct from that of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and currently approved lipid-lowering drugs do not provide substantial reductions in Lp(a), a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Somatic genome editing has the potential to be a one-time therapy for individuals with extremely high Lp(a). We generated an LPA transgenic mouse model expressing apo(a) of physiologically relevant size. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 was used to disrupt the LPA transgene in the liver. AAV-CRISPR nearly completely eliminated apo(a) from the circulation within a week. We performed genome-wide off-target assays to determine the specificity of CRISPR-Cas9 editing within the context of the human genome. Interestingly, we identified intrachromosomal rearrangements within the LPA cDNA in the transgenic mice as well as in the LPA gene in HEK293T cells, due to the repetitive sequences within LPA itself and neighboring pseudogenes. This proof-of-concept study establishes the feasibility of using CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt LPA in vivo, and highlights the importance of examining the diverse consequences of CRISPR cutting within repetitive loci and in the genome globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria M. Doerfler
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - So Hyun Park
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julia M. Assini
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Amer Youssef
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Lavanya Saxena
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Adam B. Yaseen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marcel Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ayrea E. Hurley
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael B. Boffa
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Marlys L. Koschinsky
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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Dreyfuss AD, Velalopoulou A, Avgousti H, Bell BI, Verginadis II. Preclinical models of radiation-induced cardiac toxicity: Potential mechanisms and biomarkers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:920867. [PMID: 36313656 PMCID: PMC9596809 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.920867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is an important modality in cancer treatment with >50% of cancer patients undergoing RT for curative or palliative intent. In patients with breast, lung, and esophageal cancer, as well as mediastinal malignancies, incidental RT dose to heart or vascular structures has been linked to the development of Radiation-Induced Heart Disease (RIHD) which manifests as ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysfunction, and heart failure. Despite the remarkable progress in the delivery of radiotherapy treatment, off-target cardiac toxicities are unavoidable. One of the best-studied pathological consequences of incidental exposure of the heart to RT is collagen deposition and fibrosis, leading to the development of radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF). However, the pathogenesis of RIMF is still largely unknown. Moreover, there are no available clinical approaches to reverse RIMF once it occurs and it continues to impair the quality of life of long-term cancer survivors. Hence, there is an increasing need for more clinically relevant preclinical models to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development of RIMF. This review offers an insight into the existing preclinical models to study RIHD and the suggested mechanisms of RIMF, as well as available multi-modality treatments and outcomes. Moreover, we summarize the valuable detection methods of RIHD/RIMF, and the clinical use of sensitive radiographic and circulating biomarkers.
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14
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In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 inhibition of hepatic LDH as treatment of primary hyperoxaluria. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:137-146. [PMID: 35402636 PMCID: PMC8971349 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome-editing strategies, especially CRISPR-Cas9 systems, have substantially increased the efficiency of innovative therapeutic approaches for monogenic diseases such as primary hyperoxalurias (PHs). We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of glycolate oxidase using CRISPR-Cas9 systems represents a promising therapeutic option for PH type I (PH1). Here, we extended our work evaluating the efficacy of liver-specific inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a key enzyme responsible for converting glyoxylate to oxalate; this strategy would not be limited to PH1, being applicable to other PH subtypes. In this work, we demonstrate a liver-specific inhibition of LDH that resulted in a drastic reduction of LDH levels in the liver of PH1 and PH3 mice after a single-dose delivery of AAV8 vectors expressing the CRISPR-Cas9 system, resulting in reduced urine oxalate levels and kidney damage without signs of toxicity. Deep sequencing analysis revealed that this approach was safe and specific, with no off-targets detected in the liver of treated animals and no on-target/off-tissue events. Altogether, our data provide evidence that in vivo genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 systems would represent a valuable tool for improved therapeutic approaches for PH.
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15
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Taheri F, Taghizadeh E, Baniamerian F, Rostami D, Rozeian A, Mohammad Gheibi Hayat S, Jamialahmadi T, Reiner Ž, Sahebkar A. Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Managing Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Recent and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2022; 22:1018-1028. [PMID: 35532248 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220509040844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) as a high-frequency genetic disorder is diagnosed based on family and/or patient's history of coronary heart disease (CHD) or some other atherosclerotic disease, LDL-C levels and/or clinical signs such as tendonous xantomata, arcus cornealis before age 45 years as well as functional mutation in the LDLR, apoB or PCSK9 gene. Its clinical features are detectable since early childhood. Early diagnosis and timely treatment increase life expectancy in most patients with FH. Current FH therapies decrease the level of low-density lipoprotein up to ≥50% from baseline with diet, pharmacotherapeutic treatment, lipid apheresis, and liver transplantation. The cornerstone of medical therapy is the use of more potent statins in higher doses, to which often ezetimibe has to be added, but some FH patients do not achieve the target LDL-C with this therapy Therefore, besides these and the most recent but already established therapeutic approaches including PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran, and bempedoic acid, new therapies are on the horizon such as gene therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 strategy etc. This paper focuses on cellular and molecular potential strategies for the treatment of FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Taheri
- Sharekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sharekord, Iran
| | - Eskandar Taghizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Baniamerian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Daryoush Rostami
- Department of Anesthesia, school of Paramedical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Ahmad Rozeian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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De Giorgi M, Jarrett KE, de Aguiar Vallim TQ, Lagor WR. In Vivo Gene Editing in Lipid and Atherosclerosis Research. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2419:673-713. [PMID: 35237996 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) germline knockout (KO) models have provided fundamental insights in lipid and atherosclerosis research for decades. However, testing new candidate genes in these models requires extensive breeding, which is highly time and resource consuming. In this chapter, we provide methods for rapidly modeling hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis as well as testing new genes in adult mice through somatic gene editing. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are exploited to deliver the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing system (AAV-CRISPR) to the liver. This tool enables rapid and efficient editing of lipid- and atherosclerosis-related genes in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey E Jarrett
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Q de Aguiar Vallim
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Rathbone T, Ates I, Fernando L, Addlestone E, Lee CM, Richards VP, Cottle RN. Electroporation-mediated Delivery of Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins Results in High Levels of Gene Editing in Primary Hepatocytes. CRISPR J 2022; 5:397-409. [PMID: 35238624 PMCID: PMC9233506 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus vectors are the most used delivery method for liver-directed gene editing. Still, they are associated with significant disadvantages that can compromise the safety and efficacy of therapies. Here, we investigate the effects of electroporating CRISPR-Cas9 as mRNA and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into primary hepatocytes regarding on-target activity, specificity, and cell viability. We observed a transfection efficiency of >60% and on-target insertions/deletions (indels) of up to 95% in primary mouse hepatocytes electroporated with Cas9 RNPs targeting Hpd, the gene encoding hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase. In primary human hepatocytes, we observed on-target indels of 52.4% with Cas9 RNPs and >65% viability after electroporation. These results establish the impact of using electroporation to deliver Cas9 RNPs into primary hepatocytes as a highly efficient and potentially safe approach for therapeutic liver-directed gene editing and the production of liver disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner Rathbone
- Department of Bioengineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ilayda Ates
- Department of Bioengineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lawrence Fernando
- Department of Bioengineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ethan Addlestone
- Department of Bioengineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciaran M Lee
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Vincent P Richards
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina; and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Renee N Cottle
- Department of Bioengineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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18
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Hurley A, Lagor WR. Treating Cardiovascular Disease with Liver Genome Engineering. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:75-84. [PMID: 35230602 PMCID: PMC8886347 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-00986-z] [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] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review examines recent progress in somatic genome editing for cardiovascular disease. We briefly highlight new gene editing approaches, delivery systems, and potential targets in the liver. Recent Findings In recent years, new editing and delivery systems have been applied successfully in model organisms to modify genes within hepatocytes. Disruption of several genes has been shown to dramatically lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice as well as non-human primates. More precise modification of cardiovascular targets has also been achieved through homology-directed repair or base editing. Improved viral vectors and nanoparticle delivery systems are addressing important delivery challenges and helping to mitigate safety concerns. Summary Liver-directed genome editing has the potential to cure both rare and common forms of cardiovascular disease. Exciting progress is already being made, including promising results from preclinical studies and the initiation of human gene therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayrea Hurley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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19
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Bayoumi M, Munir M. Potential Use of CRISPR/Cas13 Machinery in Understanding Virus-Host Interaction. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:743580. [PMID: 34899631 PMCID: PMC8664230 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.743580] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotes have evolutionarily acquired an immune system to fend off invading mobile genetic elements, including viral phages and plasmids. Through recognizing specific sequences of the invading nucleic acid, prokaryotes mediate a subsequent degradation process collectively referred to as the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) (CRISPR-Cas) system. The CRISPR-Cas systems are divided into two main classes depending on the structure of the effector Cas proteins. Class I systems have effector modules consisting of multiple proteins, while class II systems have a single multidomain effector. Additionally, the CRISPR-Cas systems can also be categorized into types depending on the spacer acquisition components and their evolutionary features, namely, types I-VI. Among CRISPR/Cas systems, Cas9 is one of the most common multidomain nucleases that identify, degrade, and modulate DNA. Importantly, variants of Cas proteins have recently been found to target RNA, especially the single-effector Cas13 nucleases. The Cas13 has revolutionized our ability to study and perturb RNAs in endogenous microenvironments. The Cas13 effectors offer an excellent candidate for developing novel research tools in virological and biotechnological fields. Herein, in this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advances of Cas13s for targeting viral RNA for either RNA-mediated degradation or CRISPR-Cas13-based diagnostics. Additionally, we aim to provide an overview of the proposed applications that could revolutionize our understanding of viral-host interactions using Cas13-mediated approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Bayoumi
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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20
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Rutten MG, Derks TG, Huijkman NC, Bos T, Kloosterhuis NJ, van de Kolk KC, Wolters JC, Koster MH, Bongiovanni L, Thomas RE, de Bruin A, van de Sluis B, Oosterveer MH. Modeling Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a Liver Disease in Mice by Somatic CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9-Mediated Gene Editing. Hepatology 2021; 74:2491-2507. [PMID: 34157136 PMCID: PMC8597008 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD-1a) primarily present with life-threatening hypoglycemia and display severe liver disease characterized by hepatomegaly. Despite strict dietary management, long-term complications still occur, such as liver tumor development. Variations in residual glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC1) activity likely contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity in biochemical symptoms and complications between patients. However, lack of insight into the relationship between G6PC1 activity and symptoms/complications and poor understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms pose major challenges to provide optimal health care and quality of life for GSD-1a patients. Currently available GSD-1a animal models are not suitable to systematically investigate the relationship between hepatic G6PC activity and phenotypic heterogeneity or the contribution of gene-gene interactions (GGIs) in the liver. APPROACH AND RESULTS To meet these needs, we generated and characterized a hepatocyte-specific GSD-1a mouse model using somatic CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing. Hepatic G6pc editing reduced hepatic G6PC activity up to 98% and resulted in failure to thrive, fasting hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis (HS), and increased liver tumor incidence. This approach was furthermore successful in simultaneously modulating hepatic G6PC and carbohydrate response element-binding protein, a transcription factor that is activated in GSD-1a and protects against HS under these conditions. Importantly, it also allowed for the modeling of a spectrum of GSD-1a phenotypes in terms of hepatic G6PC activity, fasting hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly and HS. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we show that somatic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing allows for the modeling of a spectrum of hepatocyte-borne GSD-1a disease symptoms in mice and to efficiently study GGIs in the liver. This approach opens perspectives for translational research and will likely contribute to personalized treatments for GSD-1a and other genetic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn G.S. Rutten
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Terry G.J. Derks
- Section of Metabolic DiseasesBeatrix Children’s HospitalUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Nicolette C.A. Huijkman
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Trijnie Bos
- Department of Laboratory MedicineUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Niels J. Kloosterhuis
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Kees C.W.A. van de Kolk
- Central Animal FacilityGroningen Small Animal Imaging Facility (Gronsai)University Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Justina C. Wolters
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H. Koster
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Dutch Molecular Pathology CenterFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityCL UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Rachel E. Thomas
- Dutch Molecular Pathology CenterFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityCL UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Dutch Molecular Pathology CenterFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityCL UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Maaike H. Oosterveer
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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21
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Siew WS, Tang YQ, Kong CK, Goh BH, Zacchigna S, Dua K, Chellappan DK, Duangjai A, Saokaew S, Phisalprapa P, Yap WH. Harnessing the Potential of CRISPR/Cas in Atherosclerosis: Disease Modeling and Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8422. [PMID: 34445123 PMCID: PMC8395110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis represents one of the major causes of death globally. The high mortality rates and limitations of current therapeutic modalities have urged researchers to explore potential alternative therapies. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is commonly deployed for investigating the genetic aspects of Atherosclerosis. Besides, advances in CRISPR/Cas system has led to extensive options for researchers to study the pathogenesis of this disease. The recent discovery of Cas9 variants, such as dCas9, Cas9n, and xCas9 have been established for various applications, including single base editing, regulation of gene expression, live-cell imaging, epigenetic modification, and genome landscaping. Meanwhile, other Cas proteins, such as Cas12 and Cas13, are gaining popularity for their applications in nucleic acid detection and single-base DNA/RNA modifications. To date, many studies have utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate disease models of atherosclerosis and identify potential molecular targets that are associated with atherosclerosis. These studies provided proof-of-concept evidence which have established the feasibility of implementing the CRISPR/Cas system in correcting disease-causing alleles. The CRISPR/Cas system holds great potential to be developed as a targeted treatment for patients who are suffering from atherosclerosis. This review highlights the advances in CRISPR/Cas systems and their applications in establishing pathogenetic and therapeutic role of specific genes in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sheng Siew
- School of Biosciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (W.S.S.); (Y.Q.T.)
| | - Yin Quan Tang
- School of Biosciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (W.S.S.); (Y.Q.T.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (FHMS), Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chee Kei Kong
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Centre for Translational Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Acharaporn Duangjai
- Unit of Excellence in Research and Product Development of Coffee, Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; (A.D.); (S.S.)
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and IntegratioN (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Unit of Excellence in Research and Product Development of Coffee, Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; (A.D.); (S.S.)
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and IntegratioN (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Unit of Excellence on Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Division of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Pochamana Phisalprapa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Wei Hsum Yap
- School of Biosciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (W.S.S.); (Y.Q.T.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (FHMS), Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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22
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Lucena-Valera A, Perez-Palacios D, Muñoz-Hernandez R, Romero-Gómez M, Ampuero J. Wilson's disease: Revisiting an old friend. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:634-649. [PMID: 34239699 PMCID: PMC8239488 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i6.634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare condition caused by copper accumulation primarily in the liver and secondly in other organs, such as the central nervous system. It is a hereditary autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency in the ATP7B transporter. This protein facilitates the incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin. More than 800 mutations associated with WD have been described. The onset of the disease frequently includes manifestations related to the liver (as chronic liver disease or acute liver failure) and neurological symptoms, although it can sometimes be asymptomatic. Despite it being more frequent in young people, WD has been described in all life stages. Due to its fatal prognosis, WD should be suspected in all patients with unexplained biochemical liver abnormalities or neurological or psychiatric symptoms. The diagnosis is established with a combination of clinical signs and tests, including the measurement of ceruloplasmin, urinary copper excretion, copper quantification in liver biopsy, or genetic assessment. The pharmacological therapies include chelating drugs, such as D-penicillamine or trientine, and zinc salts, which are able to change the natural history of the disease, increasing the survival of these patients. In some cases of end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, liver transplantation must be an option to increase survival. In this narrative review, we offer an overview of WD, focusing on the importance of clinical suspicion, the correct diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucena-Valera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Domingo Perez-Palacios
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Rocio Muñoz-Hernandez
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla 41014, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla 41014, Spain.
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23
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Genome editing in the human liver: Progress and translational considerations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:257-288. [PMID: 34175044 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver-targeted genome editing offers the prospect of life-long therapeutic benefit following a single treatment and is set to rapidly supplant conventional gene addition approaches. Combining progress in liver-targeted gene delivery with genome editing technology, makes this not only feasible but realistically achievable in the near term. However, important challenges remain to be addressed. These include achieving therapeutic levels of editing, particularly in vivo, avoidance of off-target effects on the genome and the potential impact of pre-existing immunity to bacteria-derived nucleases, when used to improve editing rates. In this chapter, we outline the unique features of the liver that make it an attractive target for genome editing, the impact of liver biology on therapeutic efficacy, and disease specific challenges, including whether the approach targets a cell autonomous or non-cell autonomous disease. We also discuss strategies that have been used successfully to achieve genome editing outcomes in the liver and address translational considerations as genome editing technology moves into the clinic.
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24
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Valanti EK, Dalakoura-Karagkouni K, Siasos G, Kardassis D, Eliopoulos AG, Sanoudou D. Advances in biological therapies for dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Metabolism 2021; 116:154461. [PMID: 33290761 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. Despite therapeutic advances that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, atherosclerosis-related diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Precise targeting of genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism is an emerging approach for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. This article focuses on the latest developments, clinical potential and current challenges of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and genome/transcriptome modification strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides, genome/base editing and gene therapy. Multiple lipid lowering biological therapies have already been approved by the FDA with impressive results to date, while many more promising targets are being pursued in clinical trials or pre-clinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftaxia-Konstantina Valanti
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 'Attikon' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gerasimos Siasos
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kardassis
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School Heraklion, Greece; Division of Gene Regulation and Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology of Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristides G Eliopoulos
- Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 'Attikon' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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25
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Wu Q, Shou J. Toward precise CRISPR DNA fragment editing and predictable 3D genome engineering. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:828-856. [PMID: 33125070 PMCID: PMC7883824 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since gene targeting or specific modification of genome sequences in mice was achieved in the early 1980s, the reverse genetic approach of precise editing of any genomic locus has greatly accelerated biomedical research and biotechnology development. In particular, the recent development of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has greatly expedited genetic dissection of 3D genomes. CRISPR gene-editing outcomes result from targeted genome cleavage by ectopic bacterial Cas9 nuclease followed by presumed random ligations via the host double-strand break repair machineries. Recent studies revealed, however, that the CRISPR genome-editing system is precise and predictable because of cohesive Cas9 cleavage of targeting DNA. Here, we synthesize the current understanding of CRISPR DNA fragment-editing mechanisms and recent progress in predictable outcomes from precise genetic engineering of 3D genomes. Specifically, we first briefly describe historical genetic studies leading to CRISPR and 3D genome engineering. We then summarize different types of chromosomal rearrangements by DNA fragment editing. Finally, we review significant progress from precise 1D gene editing toward predictable 3D genome engineering and synthetic biology. The exciting and rapid advances in this emerging field provide new opportunities and challenges to understand or digest 3D genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jia Shou
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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26
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Bao XR, Pan Y, Lee CM, Davis TH, Bao G. Tools for experimental and computational analyses of off-target editing by programmable nucleases. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:10-26. [PMID: 33288953 PMCID: PMC8049448 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing using programmable nucleases is revolutionizing life science and medicine. Off-target editing by these nucleases remains a considerable concern, especially in therapeutic applications. Here we review tools developed for identifying potential off-target editing sites and compare the ability of these tools to properly analyze off-target effects. Recent advances in both in silico and experimental tools for off-target analysis have generated remarkably concordant results for sites with high off-target editing activity. However, no single tool is able to accurately predict low-frequency off-target editing, presenting a bottleneck in therapeutic genome editing, because even a small number of cells with off-target editing can be detrimental. Therefore, we recommend that at least one in silico tool and one experimental tool should be used together to identify potential off-target sites, and amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) should be used as the gold standard assay for assessing the true off-target effects at these candidate sites. Future work to improve off-target analysis includes expanding the true off-target editing dataset to evaluate new experimental techniques and to train machine learning algorithms; performing analysis using the particular genome of the cells in question rather than the reference genome; and applying novel NGS techniques to improve the sensitivity of amplicon-based off-target editing quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Robert Bao
- ILISATech, Houston, TX, USA
- Arsenal Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yidan Pan
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ciaran M Lee
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy H Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Moscoso CG, Steer CJ. Liver targeted gene therapy: Insights into emerging therapies. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2020; 34:9-19. [PMID: 33357766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The large number of monogenic metabolic disorders originating in the liver poses a unique opportunity for development of gene therapy modalities to pursue curative approaches. Various disorders have been successfully treated via liver-directed gene therapy, though most of the advances have been in animal models, with only limited success in clinical trials. Pre-clinical data in animals using non-viral approaches, including the Sleeping Beauty transposon system, are discussed. The various advances with viral vectors for liver-directed gene therapy are also a focus of this review, including retroviral, adenoviral, recombinant adeno-associated viral, and SV40 vectors. Genome editing techniques, including zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are also described. Further, the various controversies in the field with regards to somatic vs. germline editing using CRISPR in humans are explored, while also highlighting the myriad of preclinical advances. Lastly, newer technologies are reviewed, including base editing and prime editing, which use CRISPR with exciting adjunctive properties to avoid double-stranded breaks and thus the recruitment of endogenous repair mechanisms. While encouraging results have been achieved recently, there are still significant challenges to overcome prior to the broad use of vector-based and genome editing techniques in the clinical arena. As these technologies mature, the promise of a cure for many disabling inherited metabolic disorders is within reach, and urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Moscoso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 USA.
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López-Manzaneda S, Ojeda-Pérez I, Zabaleta N, García-Torralba A, Alberquilla O, Torres R, Sánchez-Domínguez R, Torella L, Olivier E, Mountford J, Ramírez JC, Bueren JA, González-Aseguinolaza G, Segovia JC. In Vitro and In Vivo Genetic Disease Modeling via NHEJ-Precise Deletions Using CRISPR-Cas9. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:426-437. [PMID: 33294491 PMCID: PMC7683234 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The development of advanced gene and cell therapies for the treatment of genetic diseases requires reliable animal and cellular models to test their efficacy. Moreover, the availability of the target human primary cells of these therapies is reduced in many diseases. The development of endonucleases that can cut into specific sites of the cell genome, as well as the repair of the generated break by non-homologous end-joining, results in a variety of outcomes, insertions, deletions, and inversions that can induce the disruption of any specific gene. Among the many methods that have been developed for gene editing, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has become one of the most widely used endonuclease tools due to its easy design and its low cost. It has also been reported that the use of two guides, instead of just the one required, reduces the outcomes of non-homologous end joining mainly to the precise genomic sequences between the cutting sites of the guides used. We have explored this strategy to generate useful cellular and animal models. Different distances between the two guides have been tested (from 8 to 500 bp apart), and using the optimal range of 30–60 bp we have obtained a human primary cellular model of a genetic disease, pyruvate kinase deficiency, where the availability of the target cells is limited. We have also generated an in vivo model of glycolate oxidase (GO) deficiency, which is an enzyme involved in the glyoxylate metabolism following the same strategy. We demonstrate that the use of two-guide CRISPR-Cas9-induced non-homologous end joining is a feasible and useful tool for disease modeling, and it is most relevant to those diseases in which it is difficult to get the cells that will be genetically manipulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio López-Manzaneda
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Ojeda-Pérez
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aída García-Torralba
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Omaira Alberquilla
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Torres
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre-CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Sánchez-Domínguez
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Emmanuel Olivier
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and ICAMS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joanne Mountford
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and ICAMS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Juan A Bueren
- Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose-Carlos Segovia
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit. Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Mixta de Terapias Avanzadas. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor A Sobenin
- National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Moscow, Russian Federation
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30
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Wang D, Zhang F, Gao G. CRISPR-Based Therapeutic Genome Editing: Strategies and In Vivo Delivery by AAV Vectors. Cell 2020; 181:136-150. [PMID: 32243786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based biotechnologies has revolutionized the life sciences and introduced new therapeutic modalities with the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. Here, we describe CRISPR-based strategies to improve human health, with an emphasis on the delivery of CRISPR therapeutics directly into the human body using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We also discuss challenges facing broad deployment of CRISPR-based therapeutics and highlight areas where continued discovery and technological development can further advance these revolutionary new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Department of Biological Engineering, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights recent progress in applying genome editing to the study and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has shown that genome editing can be used to determine the pathogenicity of variants of unknown significance in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells can also be used to test therapeutic genome editing approaches in a personalized manner. Somatic genome editing holds great promise for the treatment of CVD, and important proof of concept experiments have already been performed in animal models. Here we briefly review recent progress in patient-derived cells, as well as the development of somatic genome-editing therapies for CVD, with a particular focus on liver and heart. SUMMARY Translating this technology into the clinic will require precise editing enzymes, efficient delivery systems, and mitigation of off-target events and immune responses. Further development of these technologies will improve diagnostics and enable permanent correction of some of the most severe forms of CVD.
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Wei T, Cheng Q, Farbiak L, Anderson DG, Langer R, Siegwart DJ. Delivery of Tissue-Targeted Scalpels: Opportunities and Challenges for In Vivo CRISPR/Cas-Based Genome Editing. ACS NANO 2020; 14:9243-9262. [PMID: 32697075 PMCID: PMC7996671 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c04707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has quickly emerged as a powerful breakthrough technology for use in diverse settings across biomedical research and therapeutic development. Recent efforts toward understanding gene modification methods in vitro have led to substantial improvements in ex vivo genome editing efficiency. Because disease targets for genomic correction are often localized in specific organs, realization of the full potential of genomic medicines will require delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 systems targeting specific tissues and cells directly in vivo. In this Perspective, we focus on progress toward in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas components. Viral and nonviral delivery systems are both promising for gene editing in diverse tissues via local injection and systemic injection. We describe the various viral vectors and synthetic nonviral materials used for in vivo gene editing and applications to research and therapeutic models, and summarize opportunities and progress to date for both methods. We also discuss challenges for viral delivery, including overcoming limited packaging capacity, immunogenicity associated with multiple dosing, and the potential for off-target effects, and nonviral delivery, including efforts to increase efficacy and to expand utility of nonviral carriers for use in extrahepatic tissues and cancer. Looking ahead, additional advances in the safety and efficiency of viral and nonviral delivery systems for tissue- and cell-type-specific gene editing will be required to enable broad clinical translation. We provide a summary of current delivery systems used for in vivo genome editing, organized with respect to route of administration, and highlight immediate opportunities for biomedical research and applications. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges for in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 systems to guide the development of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Wei
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Lukas Farbiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Daniel G. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Daniel J. Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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33
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Moscoso CG, Steer CJ. The Evolution of Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Metabolic Liver Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080915. [PMID: 32785089 PMCID: PMC7463482 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monogenic metabolic disorders of hepatic origin number in the hundreds, and for many, liver transplantation remains the only cure. Liver-targeted gene therapy is an attractive treatment modality for many of these conditions, and there have been significant advances at both the preclinical and clinical stages. Viral vectors, including retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenovirus-based vectors, adeno-associated viruses and simian virus 40, have differing safety, efficacy and immunogenic profiles, and several of these have been used in clinical trials with variable success. In this review, we profile viral vectors and non-viral vectors, together with various payloads, including emerging therapies based on RNA, that are entering clinical trials. Genome editing technologies are explored, from earlier to more recent novel approaches that are more efficient, specific and safe in reaching their target sites. The various curative approaches for the multitude of monogenic hepatic metabolic disorders currently at the clinical development stage portend a favorable outlook for this class of genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G. Moscoso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (C.G.M.); (C.J.S.); Tel.: +1-612-625-8999 (C.G.M. & C.J.S.); Fax: +1-612-625-5620 (C.G.M. & C.J.S.)
| | - Clifford J. Steer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (C.G.M.); (C.J.S.); Tel.: +1-612-625-8999 (C.G.M. & C.J.S.); Fax: +1-612-625-5620 (C.G.M. & C.J.S.)
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34
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Fry LE, Peddle CF, Stevanovic M, Barnard AR, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Promoter Orientation within an AAV-CRISPR Vector Affects Cas9 Expression and Gene Editing Efficiency. CRISPR J 2020; 3:276-283. [PMID: 32833533 PMCID: PMC7469699 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been widely adopted for delivery of CRISPR-Cas components, especially for therapeutic gene editing. For a single vector system, both the Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) are encoded within a single transgene, usually from separate promoters. Careful design of this bi-cistronic construct is required due to the minimal packaging capacity of AAV. We investigated how placement of the U6 promoter expressing the gRNA on the reverse strand to SaCas9 driven by a cytomegalovirus promoter affected gene editing rates compared to placement on the forward strand. We show that orientation in the reverse direction reduces editing rates from an AAV vector due to reduced transcription of both SaCas9 and guide RNA. This effect was observed only following AAV transduction; it was not seen following plasmid transfection. These results have implications for the design of AAV-CRISPR vectors, and suggest that results from optimizing plasmid transgenes may not translate when delivered via AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis E. Fry
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline F. Peddle
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Stevanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R. Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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35
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Ou L, Przybilla MJ, Ahlat O, Kim S, Overn P, Jarnes J, O'Sullivan MG, Whitley CB. A Highly Efficacious PS Gene Editing System Corrects Metabolic and Neurological Complications of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1442-1454. [PMID: 32278382 PMCID: PMC7264433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study delivered zinc finger nucleases to treat mice with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), resulting in a phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02702115). However, in the clinical trial, the efficacy needs to be improved due to the low transgene expression level. To this end, we designed a proprietary system (PS) gene editing approach with CRISPR to insert a promoterless α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) cDNA sequence into the albumin locus of hepatocytes. In this study, adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) vectors delivering the PS gene editing system were injected into neonatal and adult MPS I mice. IDUA enzyme activity in the brain significantly increased, while storage levels were normalized. Neurobehavioral tests showed that treated mice had better memory and learning ability. Also, histological analysis showed efficacy reflected by the absence of foam cells in the liver and vacuolation in neuronal cells. No vector-associated toxicity or increased tumorigenesis risk was observed. Moreover, no off-target effects were detected through the unbiased genome-wide unbiased identification of double-stranded breaks enabled by sequencing (GUIDE-seq) analysis. In summary, these results showed the safety and efficacy of the PS in treating MPS I and paved the way for clinical studies. Additionally, as a therapeutic platform, the PS has the potential to treat other lysosomal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ou
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Michael J Przybilla
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ozan Ahlat
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Paula Overn
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Jeanine Jarnes
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - M Gerard O'Sullivan
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Chester B Whitley
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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36
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Li A, Tanner MR, Lee CM, Hurley AE, De Giorgi M, Jarrett KE, Davis TH, Doerfler AM, Bao G, Beeton C, Lagor WR. AAV-CRISPR Gene Editing Is Negated by Pre-existing Immunity to Cas9. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1432-1441. [PMID: 32348718 PMCID: PMC7264438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a leading candidate for the delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 for therapeutic genome editing in vivo. However, AAV-based delivery involves persistent expression of the Cas9 nuclease, a bacterial protein. Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of neutralizing antibodies and T cells specific to the commonly used Cas9 orthologs from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) and Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9) in humans. We tested in a mouse model whether pre-existing immunity to SaCas9 would pose a barrier to liver genome editing with AAV packaging CRISPR-Cas9. Although efficient genome editing occurred in mouse liver with pre-existing SaCas9 immunity, this was accompanied by an increased proportion of CD8+ T cells in the liver. This cytotoxic T cell response was characterized by hepatocyte apoptosis, loss of recombinant AAV genomes, and complete elimination of genome-edited cells, and was followed by compensatory liver regeneration. Our results raise important efficacy and safety concerns for CRISPR-Cas9-based in vivo genome editing in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mark R Tanner
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ciaran M Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ayrea E Hurley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelsey E Jarrett
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Timothy H Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexandria M Doerfler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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37
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Cooper RC, Yang H. Duplex of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer/Custom-Designed Nuclear-Localization Sequence Peptide for Enhanced Gene Delivery. Bioelectricity 2020; 2:150-157. [PMID: 32856017 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dendrimers are an attractive alternative to viral vectors due to the low cost of production, larger genetic insert-carrying capacity, and added control over immune- and genotoxic complications through versatile functionalization. However, their transfection rates pale in comparison to their viral counterparts, resulting in widespread research efforts in the attempt to improve transfection efficiency. Materials and Methods: In this work, we designed a synthetic diblock nuclear-localization sequence peptide (NLS) (DDDDDDVKRKKKP) and complexed it with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G4 to form a duplex for gene delivery. We conducted transmission electron microscopy, gel mobility shift assay, and intracellular trafficking studies. We also assessed its transfection efficiency for the delivery of a green fluorescent protein-encoding plasmid (pGFP) to NIH3T3 cells. Results: PAMAM dendrimer G4, NLS, and plasmid DNA can form a stable three-part polyplex and gain enhanced entry into the nucleus. We found transfection efficiency, in large part, depends on the ratio of G4:NLS:plasmid. The triplex prepared at the ratio of 1:60:1 for G4:NLS:pGFP has been shown to be more significantly efficient in transfecting cells than the control group (G4/pGFP, 0.5:1). Conclusions: This new diblock NLS peptide can facilely complex with dendrimers to improve dendrimer-based gene transfection. It can also complex with other polycationic polymers to produce more potent nonviral duplex gene delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy C Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Hu Yang
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Aghamiri S, Talaei S, Roshanzamiri S, Zandsalimi F, Fazeli E, Aliyu M, Kheiry Avarvand O, Ebrahimi Z, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Ghanbarian H. Delivery of genome editing tools: A promising strategy for HPV-related cervical malignancy therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:753-766. [PMID: 32281426 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1747429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main cause of various types of cancer especially cervical cancer. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV play critical roles in promoting carcinogenesis and cancer cell growth. As a result, E6 and E7 oncogenes are considered as promising therapeutic targets for cervical cancer. Recently, the development of genome-editing technologies including transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), meganucleases (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), and more importantly clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) has sparked a revolution in the cervical cancer-targeted therapy. However, due to immunogenicity, off-target effect, renal clearance, guide RNA (gRNA) nuclease degradation, and difficult direct transportation into the cytoplasm and nucleus, the safe and effective delivery is considered as the Achilles' heel of this robust strategy. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss cutting-edge available strategies for in vivo delivery of genome-editing technologies for HPV-induced cervical cancer therapy. Moreover, the combination of genome-editing tools and other therapies has been fully discussed. EXPERT OPINION The combination of nanoparticle-based delivery systems and genome-editing tools is a promising powerful strategy for cervical cancer therapy. The most significant limitations of this strategy that need to be focused on are low efficiency and off-target events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Sam Talaei
- School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Roshanzamiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Zandsalimi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Fazeli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansur Aliyu
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus , Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Kheiry Avarvand
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahimi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN) , Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Ghanbarian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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Vermersch E, Jouve C, Hulot JS. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing strategies in cardiovascular cells. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:894-907. [PMID: 31584620 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Western countries and considered as a leading public health issue. Therefore, there is a strong need for new disease models to support the development of novel therapeutics approaches. The successive improvement of genome editing tools with zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and more recently with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) has enabled the generation of genetically modified cells and organisms with much greater efficiency and precision than before. The simplicity of CRISPR/Cas9 technology made it especially suited for different studies, both in vitro and in vivo, and has been used in multiple studies evaluating gene functions, disease modelling, transcriptional regulation, and testing of novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, with the parallel development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), the generation of knock-out and knock-in human cell lines significantly increased our understanding of mutation impacts and physiopathological mechanisms within the cardiovascular domain. Here, we review the recent development of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, the alternative tools, the available strategies to conduct genome editing in cardiovascular cells with a focus on its use for correcting mutations in vitro and in vivo both in germ and somatic cells. We will also highlight that, despite its potential, CRISPR/Cas9 technology comes with important technical and ethical limitations. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for cardiovascular diseases indeed requires to develop a specific strategy in order to optimize the design of the genome editing tools, the manipulation of DNA repair mechanisms, the packaging and delivery of the tools to the studied organism, and the assessment of their efficiency and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vermersch
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center PARCC, Université de Paris, INSERM, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charlène Jouve
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center PARCC, Université de Paris, INSERM, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hulot
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center PARCC, Université de Paris, INSERM, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques CIC1418, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France
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Johnson CG, Chen T, Furey N, Hemmengsen MG, Bissig KD. Somatic Liver Knockout (SLiK): A Quick and Efficient Way to Generate Liver-Specific Knockout Mice Using Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 130:e117. [PMID: 32150344 PMCID: PMC7500866 DOI: 10.1002/cpmb.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Somatic liver knockout (SLiK) is a method developed to rapidly generate a liver-specific knockout of one or several genes. This technique combines the strengths of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and hydrodynamic tail-vein injection, a simple in vivo method for transfection of hepatocytes, to harness the powerful selection pressure of tyrosinemic livers to replace host hepatocytes with any desired gene deletion. In this protocol, we will describe sgRNA design and cloning, hydrodynamic tail-vein injection of targeting constructs, and screening and validation methods for efficient in vivo gene editing. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Support Protocol 1: sgRNA design Support Protocol 2: sgRNA construction: daisy chaining multiple sgRNAs Basic Protocol: Delivery of DNA by hydrodynamic tail-vein injection and liver repopulation of edited hepatocytes Support Protocol 3: Validation of CRISPR/Cas9 cutting in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin G. Johnson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nika Furey
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Madeline G. Hemmengsen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karl-Dimiter Bissig
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Bassendine MF, Taylor-Robinson SD, Fertleman M, Khan M, Neely D. Is Alzheimer's Disease a Liver Disease of the Brain? J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 75:1-14. [PMID: 32250293 PMCID: PMC7306895 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical specialization is not only a force for progress, but it has also led to the fragmentation of medical knowledge. The focus of research in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neurobiology, while hepatologists focus on liver diseases and lipid specialists on atherosclerosis. This article on AD focuses on the role of the liver and lipid homeostasis in the development of AD. Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits accumulate as plaques in the brain of an AD patient long before cognitive decline is evident. Aβ generation is a normal physiological process; the steady-state level of Aβ in the brain is determined by balance between Aβ production and its clearance. We present evidence suggesting that the liver is the origin of brain Aβ deposits and that it is involved in peripheral clearance of circulating Aβ in the blood. Hence the liver could be targeted to decrease Aβ production or increase peripheral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret F. Bassendine
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, UK
| | - Simon D. Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, UK
| | - Michael Fertleman
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Michael Khan
- University of Warwick & University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK
| | - Dermot Neely
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Blood Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Alves-Bezerra M, Furey N, Johnson CG, Bissig KD. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to model human liver disease. JHEP Rep 2019; 1:392-402. [PMID: 32039390 PMCID: PMC7005665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has revolutionised biomedical research. The ease of design has allowed many groups to apply this technology for disease modelling in animals. While the mouse remains the most commonly used organism for embryonic editing, CRISPR is now increasingly performed with high efficiency in other species. The liver is also amenable to somatic genome editing, and some delivery methods already allow for efficient editing in the whole liver. In this review, we describe CRISPR-edited animals developed for modelling a broad range of human liver disorders, such as acquired and inherited hepatic metabolic diseases and liver cancers. CRISPR has greatly expanded the repertoire of animal models available for the study of human liver disease, advancing our understanding of their pathophysiology and providing new opportunities to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Alves-Bezerra
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STAR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nika Furey
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STAR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Collin G Johnson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STAR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karl-Dimiter Bissig
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STAR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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43
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Papasavva P, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. Rare Opportunities: CRISPR/Cas-Based Therapy Development for Rare Genetic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:201-222. [PMID: 30945166 PMCID: PMC6469594 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00392-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases pose a global challenge, in that their collective impact on health systems is considerable, whereas their individually rare occurrence impedes research and development of efficient therapies. In consequence, patients and their families are often unable to find an expert for their affliction, let alone a cure. The tide is turning as pharmaceutical companies embrace gene therapy development and as serviceable tools for the repair of primary mutations separate the ability to create cures from underlying disease expertise. Whereas gene therapy by gene addition took decades to reach the clinic by incremental disease-specific refinements of vectors and methods, gene therapy by genome editing in its basic form merely requires certainty about the causative mutation. Suddenly we move from concept to trial in 3 years instead of 30: therapy development in the fast lane, with all the positive and negative implications of the phrase. Since their first application to eukaryotic cells in 2013, the proliferation and refinement in particular of tools based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) prokaryotic RNA-guided nucleases has prompted a landslide of therapy-development studies for rare diseases. An estimated thousands of orphan diseases are up for adoption, and legislative, entrepreneurial, and research initiatives may finally conspire to find many of them a good home. Here we summarize the most significant recent achievements and remaining hurdles in the application of CRISPR/Cas technology to rare diseases and take a glimpse at the exciting road ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine and The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 International Airport Avenue, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine and The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 International Airport Avenue, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine and The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 International Airport Avenue, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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44
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Caron J, Pène V, Tolosa L, Villaret M, Luce E, Fourrier A, Heslan JM, Saheb S, Bruckert E, Gómez-Lechón MJ, Nguyen TH, Rosenberg AR, Weber A, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient hepatocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells allow familial hypercholesterolemia modeling, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genetic correction, and productive hepatitis C virus infection. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:221. [PMID: 31358055 PMCID: PMC6664765 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia type IIA (FH) is due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) resulting in elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in plasma and in premature cardiovascular diseases. As hepatocytes are the only cells capable of metabolizing cholesterol, they are therefore the target cells for cell/gene therapy approaches in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders. Furthermore, the LDLR has been reported to be involved in hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatocytes; however, its role in the virus infection cycle is still disputed. METHODS We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a homozygous LDLR-null FH-patient (FH-iPSCs). We constructed a correction cassette bearing LDLR cDNA under the control of human hepatic apolipoprotein A2 promoter that targets the adeno-associated virus integration site AAVS1. We differentiated both FH-iPSCs and corrected FH-iPSCs (corr-FH-iPSCs) into hepatocytes to study statin-mediated regulation of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Upon HCV particle inoculation, viral replication and production were quantified in these cells. RESULTS We showed that FH-iPSCs displayed the disease phenotype. Using homologous recombination mediated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, FH-iPSCs were genetically corrected by the targeted integration of a correction cassette at the AAVS1 locus. Both FH-iPSCs and corr-FH-iPSCs were then differentiated into functional polarized hepatocytes using a stepwise differentiation approach (FH-iHeps and corr-FH-iHeps). The correct insertion and expression of the correction cassette resulted in restoration of LDLR expression and function (LDL-c uptake) in corr-FH-iHeps. We next demonstrated that pravastatin treatment increased the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in both cell models. Moreover, LDLR expression and function were also enhanced in corr-FH-iHeps after pravastatin treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that both FH-iHeps and corr-FH-iHeps were as permissive to viral infection as primary human hepatocytes but that virus production in FH-iHeps was significantly decreased compared to corr-FH-iHeps, suggesting a role of the LDLR in HCV morphogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides the first LDLR-null FH cell model and its corrected counterpart to study the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and host determinants of HCV life cycle, and a platform to screen drugs for treating dyslipidemia and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Caron
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Laia Tolosa
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Eléanor Luce
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Angélique Fourrier
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Marie Heslan
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Samir Saheb
- Service d'Endocrinologie Métabolisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bruckert
- Service d'Endocrinologie Métabolisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - María José Gómez-Lechón
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,CIBERehd, FIS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tuan Huy Nguyen
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Arielle R Rosenberg
- Université Paris Descartes, EA4474, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Service de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Anne Weber
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
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Musunuru K, Lagor WR, Miano JM. What Do We Really Think About Human Germline Genome Editing, and What Does It Mean for Medicine? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 10:CIRCGENETICS.117.001910. [PMID: 28974517 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.117.001910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Musunuru
- From the Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, and Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (K.M.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (W.R.L.); and Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY (J.M.M.).
| | - William R Lagor
- From the Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, and Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (K.M.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (W.R.L.); and Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY (J.M.M.)
| | - Joseph M Miano
- From the Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, and Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (K.M.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (W.R.L.); and Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY (J.M.M.)
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46
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De Giorgi M, Lagor WR. Gene Delivery in Lipid Research and Therapies. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2019; 15:62-69. [PMID: 31049151 DOI: 10.14797/mdcj-15-1-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and elevated lipid levels is a major contributor. Gene delivery, which involves controlled transfer of nucleic acids into cells and tissues, has been widely used in research to study lipid metabolism and physiology. Several technologies have been developed to somatically overexpress, silence, or disrupt genes in animal models and have greatly advanced our knowledge of metabolism. This is particularly true with regard to the liver, which plays a central role in lipoprotein metabolism and is amenable to many delivery approaches. In addition to basic science applications, many of these delivery technologies have potential as gene therapies for both common and rare lipid disorders. This review discusses three major gene delivery technologies used in lipid research-including adeno-associated viral vector overexpression, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, and the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing system-and examines their potential therapeutic applications.
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47
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose is to review recent progress in applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system to lipid metabolism and therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to generate knockout animals for lipid genes in multiple species. Somatic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 can efficiently disrupt genes in adult animals, including a new strategy for generating atherosclerosis. Refinements to the CRISPR/Cas9 system including epigenetic modulators and base editors offer new avenues to manipulate gene expression. The recent report of germline genome editing in humans highlights the promise as well as perils of this technology. SUMMARY CRISPR/Cas9 is a transformative technology that will help advance on our understanding of lipid metabolism and physiology. Somatic genome editing is a particularly promising approach for editing genes in tissues of live organisms, and represents a new means of addressing unmet therapeutic challenges in humans. Educational outreach, public debate, and consideration of ethics and safety must guide the use of genome editing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Furgurson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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48
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McCullough KT, Boye SL, Fajardo D, Calabro K, Peterson JJ, Strang CE, Chakraborty D, Gloskowski S, Haskett S, Samuelsson S, Jiang H, Witherspoon CD, Gamlin PD, Maeder ML, Boye SE. Somatic Gene Editing of GUCY2D by AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 Alters Retinal Structure and Function in Mouse and Macaque. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:571-589. [PMID: 30358434 PMCID: PMC6534089 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GUCY2D, the gene encoding retinal guanylate cyclase-1 (retGC1), are the leading cause of autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CORD6). Significant progress toward clinical application of gene replacement therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) due to recessive mutations in GUCY2D (LCA1) has been made, but a different approach is needed to treat CORD6 where gain of function mutations cause dysfunction and dystrophy. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system efficiently disrupts genes at desired loci, enabling complete gene knockout or homology directed repair. Here, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 was used specifically to edit/disrupt this gene's early coding sequence in mouse and macaque photoreceptors in vivo, thereby knocking out retGC1 expression and demonstrably altering retinal function and structure. Neither preexisting nor induced Cas9-specific T-cell responses resulted in ocular inflammation in macaques, nor did it limit GUCY2D editing. The results show, for the first time, the ability to perform somatic gene editing in primates using AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 and demonstrate the viability this approach for treating inherited retinal diseases in general and CORD6 in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Diego Fajardo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kaitlyn Calabro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - James J. Peterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Christianne E. Strang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dibyendu Chakraborty
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul D. Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Hajighasemi S, Mahdavi Gorabi A, Bianconi V, Pirro M, Banach M, Ahmadi Tafti H, Reiner Ž, Sahebkar A. A review of gene- and cell-based therapies for familial hypercholesterolemia. Pharmacol Res 2019; 143:119-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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50
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Oppi S, Lüscher TF, Stein S. Mouse Models for Atherosclerosis Research-Which Is My Line? Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:46. [PMID: 31032262 PMCID: PMC6473202 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This chronic immunometabolic disease evolves during decades in humans and encompasses different organs and immune cell types, as well as local and systemic processes that promote the progression of the disease. The most frequently used animal model to study these atherogenic processes and inter-organ crosstalk in a short time frame are genetically modified mouse models. Some models have been used throughout the last decades, and some others been developed recently. These models have important differences in cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport pathway, obesity and diabetes as well as inflammatory processes. Therefore, the disease develops and progresses differently in the various mouse models. Since atherosclerosis is a multifaceted disease and many processes contribute to its progression, the choice of the right mouse model is important to study specific aspects of the disease. We will describe the different mouse models and provide a roadmap to facilitate current and future atherosclerosis researchers to choose the right model depending on their scientific question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Oppi
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F. Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Heart Division, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sokrates Stein
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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