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Mosallaei D, Hao M, Antaya RJ, Levian B, Kwong A, Cogan J, Hamilton C, Schwieger-Briel A, Tan C, Tang X, Woodley DT, Chen M. Molecular and Clinical Outcomes After Intravenous Gentamicin Treatment for Patients With Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Caused by Nonsense Variants. JAMA Dermatol 2022; 158:366-374. [PMID: 35234826 PMCID: PMC8892363 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.5992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an incurable blistering skin disorder with high infant mortality often caused by nonsense variants in the genes that encode laminin 332. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and outcomes following intravenous gentamicin readthrough therapy and subsequent laminin 332 expression in patients with JEB. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This open-label, pilot nonrandomized clinical trial assessed 1 course of low- or high-dose intravenous gentamicin, including follow-up at 30 and 90 days after treatment. Five pediatric patients with JEB (2 with intermediate JEB and 3 with severe JEB) and confirmed nonsense variants in LAMA3 or LAMB3 in 1 or 2 alleles and decreased expression of laminin 332 at the dermal-epidermal junction of their skin participated in the study, which was performed at a single institution in collaboration with physicians and home infusion services near the patients from April 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021, with follow-up until May 31, 2021. INTERVENTIONS Three patients received gentamicin at 7.5 mg/kg daily for 14 days, and 2 patients received gentamicin at 10 mg/kg daily for 24 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were change in expression of laminin 332 in patients' skin and assessments for safety (ototoxic effects, nephrotoxic effects, and autoimmune response). Secondary outcomes included wound healing in monitored wounds and Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) score. RESULTS After gentamicin treatment, all 5 patients (age range, 3 months to 10 years, 4 [80%] female) exhibited increased laminin 332 in the dermal-epidermal junction. By 1 month, 7 of 9 wounds in patients receiving low-dose intravenous gentamicin and all wounds in patients receiving high-dose intravenous gentamicin exhibited at least 50% wound closure. By 3 months, 8 of 9 wounds in patients receiving low-dose gentamicin and all wounds in patients receiving high-dose intravenous gentamicin exhibited greater than 85% closure. All 3 patients who were evaluated with EBDASI showed a decrease in total activity scores that met minimal clinically important differences 1 month after treatment. All 5 patients completed the study, and no ototoxic effects, nephrotoxic effects, or anti-laminin 332 antibodies were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this nonrandomized clinical trial, intravenous gentamicin therapy was associated with induced readthrough of nonsense variants in patients with JEB, restored functional laminin 332 in their skin, and wound closure during the 3-month study period. Although long-term safety and efficacy requires further evaluation, a single cycle of intravenous gentamicin may be a safe and readily available therapy in the short term for this population of patients with JEB. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03526159 and NCT04140786.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mosallaei
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michelle Hao
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Richard J. Antaya
- Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Brandon Levian
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Andrew Kwong
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Jon Cogan
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Claire Hamilton
- Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Agnes Schwieger-Briel
- Pediatric Skin Center, Division of Pediatric Dermatology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Calvin Tan
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - David T. Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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Aznauryan E, Yermanos A, Kinzina E, Devaux A, Kapetanovic E, Milanova D, Church GM, Reddy ST. Discovery and validation of human genomic safe harbor sites for gene and cell therapies. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100154. [PMID: 35474867 PMCID: PMC9017210 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Existing approaches to therapeutic gene transfer are marred by the transient nature of gene expression following non-integrative gene delivery and by safety concerns due to the random mechanism of viral-mediated genomic insertions. The disadvantages of these methods encourage future research in identifying human genomic sites that allow for durable and safe expression of genes of interest. We conducted a bioinformatic search followed by the experimental characterization of human genomic sites, identifying two that demonstrated the stable expression of integrated reporter and therapeutic genes without malignant changes to the cellular transcriptome. The cell-type agnostic criteria used in our bioinformatic search suggest widescale applicability of identified sites for engineering of a diverse range of tissues for clinical and research purposes, including modified T cells for cancer therapy and engineered skin to ameliorate inherited diseases and aging. In addition, the stable and robust levels of gene expression from identified sites allow for the industry-scale biomanufacturing of proteins in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Aznauryan
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
- Systems Biology Program, Life Science Zürich Graduate School, Zürich, Switzerland
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander Yermanos
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elvira Kinzina
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna Devaux
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edo Kapetanovic
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denitsa Milanova
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George M. Church
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sai T. Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
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Titeux M, Bonnet des Claustres M, Izmiryan A, Ragot H, Hovnanian A. Emerging drugs for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2020; 25:467-489. [DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1839049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Titeux
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Araksya Izmiryan
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Helene Ragot
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Départment de Génétique, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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Sarkar T, Sarkar S, Gangopadhyay DN. Gene Therapy and its Application in Dermatology. Indian J Dermatol 2020; 65:341-350. [PMID: 33165431 PMCID: PMC7640808 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_323_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is an experimental technique to treat genetic diseases. It is based on the introduction of nucleic acid with the help of a vector, into a diseased cell or tissue, to correct the gene expression and thus prevent, halt, or reverse a pathological process. It is a promising treatment approach for genetic diseases, inherited diseases, vaccination, cancer, immunomodulation, as well as healing of some refractory ulcers. Both viral and nonviral vectors can be used to deliver the correct gene. An ideal vector should have the ability for sustained gene expression, acceptable coding capacity, high transduction efficiency, and devoid of mutagenicity. There are different techniques of vector delivery, but these techniques are still under research for assessment of their safety and effectiveness. The major challenges of gene therapy are immunogenicity, mutagenicity, and lack of sustainable therapeutic benefit. Despite these constraints, therapeutic success was obtained in a few genetic and inherited skin diseases. Skin being the largest, superficial, easily accessible and assessable organ of the body, may be a promising target for gene therapy research in the recent future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanusree Sarkar
- Department of Dermatology, Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal, India
| | - Somenath Sarkar
- Department of Dermatology, B. S Medical College, West Bengal, India
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Sun H, Pulakat L, Anderson DW. Challenges and New Therapeutic Approaches in the Management of Chronic Wounds. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1264-1275. [PMID: 32576127 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200623131200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic non-healing wounds are estimated to cost the US healthcare $28-$31 billion per year. Diabetic ulcers, arterial and venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers are some of the most common types of chronic wounds. The burden of chronic wounds continues to rise due to the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes and the increase in elderly adults in the population who are more vulnerable to chronic wounds than younger individuals. This patient population is also highly vulnerable to debilitating infections caused by opportunistic and multi-drug resistant pathogens. Reduced microcirculation, decreased availability of cytokines and growth factors that promote wound closure and healing, and infections by multi-drug resistant and biofilm forming microbes are some of the critical factors that contribute to the development of chronic non-healing wounds. This review discusses novel approaches to understand chronic wound pathology and methods to improve chronic wound care, particularly when chronic wounds are infected by multi-drug resistant, biofilm forming microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
| | - Lakshmi Pulakat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
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Keith AR, Twaroski K, Ebens CL, Tolar J. Leading edge: emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:911-923. [PMID: 32178539 PMCID: PMC7392816 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1740678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a rare inherited genetic disorder with limited treatments beyond palliative care. A major hallmark of JEB is skin blistering caused by functional loss or complete absence of major structural proteins of the skin. Impaired wound healing in patients with JEB gives rise to chronic cutaneous ulcers that require daily care. Wound care and infection control are the current standard of care for this patient population. AREAS COVERED This review covers research and clinical implementation of emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for JEB. Current clinical trials use topical drug delivery to manipulate the inflammation and re-epithelialization phases of wound healing or promote premature stop codon readthrough to accelerate chronic wound closure. Allogeneic cell therapies for JEB have been largely unsuccessful, with autologous skin grafting emerging as a reliable method of resolving the cutaneous manifestations of JEB. Genetic correction and transplant of autologous keratinocytes have demonstrated persistent amelioration of chronic wounds in a subset of patients. EXPERT OPINION Emerging therapies address the cutaneous symptoms of JEB but are unable to attend to systemic manifestations of the disease. Investigations into the molecular mechanism(s) underpinning the failure of systemic allogeneic cell therapies are necessary to expand the range of effective JEB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R. Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kirk Twaroski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christen L. Ebens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Kwong A, Cogan J, Hou Y, Antaya R, Hao M, Kim G, Lincoln V, Chen Q, Woodley DT, Chen M. Gentamicin Induces Laminin 332 and Improves Wound Healing in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients with Nonsense Mutations. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1327-1338. [PMID: 32222156 PMCID: PMC7210719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Generalized severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa (GS-JEB) is an incurable and fatal autosomal recessively inherited blistering skin disease caused by mutations in the LAMA3, LAMB3, or LAMC2 genes. Most of these mutations are nonsense mutations that create premature termination codons that lead to impaired production of functional laminin 332, a protein needed for epidermal-dermal adherence. Gentamicin induces readthrough of nonsense mutations and restores the full-length protein in various genetic diseases. Using primary keratinocytes from three GS-JEB patients, we showed that gentamicin induced functional laminin 332 that reversed a JEB-associated, abnormal cell phenotype. In a subsequent open-label trial involving the same patients, we examined whether 0.5% gentamicin ointment applied topically to open skin wounds could promote nonsense mutation readthrough and create new laminin 332 in the patients' skin. Gentamicin-treated wounds exhibited increased expression of laminin 332 at the dermal-epidermal junction for at least 3 months and were associated with improved wound closure. There were no untoward side effects from topical gentamicin. The newly induced laminin 332 did not generate anti-laminin 332 autoantibodies in either the patients' blood or skin. Gentamicin readthrough therapy may be a treatment for GS-JEB patients with nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kwong
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jon Cogan
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yingping Hou
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Richard Antaya
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Michelle Hao
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Gene Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Vadim Lincoln
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Qiuyang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - David T Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Chronic wounds are a tremendous burden on the healthcare system and lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality. Normal cutaneous wound healing occurs through an intricate and delicate interplay between the immune system, keratinocytes, and dermal cells. Each cell type contributes signals that drive the normal phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This paper reviews how various immunological cell types and signaling molecules influence the way wounds develop, persist, and heal. Recent Findings Concurrent with the achievement of hemostasis, neutrophils are the first cells to migrate to the wound bed, brought in by pro-inflammatory signals including IL-8. Their apoptosis and engulfment by macrophages (efferocytosis) provides a key signal to the local immune milieu, including macrophages, to transition to an anti-inflammatory, pro-repair state, where angiogenesis occurs and granulation tissue is laid down. Myofibroblasts, activated through contractile forces and signaling molecules, then drive remodeling, where granulation tissue becomes scar. Unchecked inflammation at this stage can result in abnormal scar formation. Summary Although the derangement of immune signals at any stage can result in impaired wound healing, recent research has shown that the key transition point lies between the inflammatory and the proliferative phases. This review summarizes the events that facilitate this transition and discusses how this process can be disrupted, leading to chronic, non-healing wounds.
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9
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Pianigiani G, Licastro D, Fortugno P, Castiglia D, Petrovic I, Pagani F. Microprocessor-dependent processing of splice site overlapping microRNA exons does not result in changes in alternative splicing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:1158-1171. [PMID: 29895677 PMCID: PMC6097652 DOI: 10.1261/rna.063438.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are found throughout the genome and are processed by the microprocessor complex (MPC) from longer precursors. Some precursor miRNAs overlap intron:exon junctions. These splice site overlapping microRNAs (SO-miRNAs) are mostly located in coding genes. It has been intimated, in the rarer examples of SO-miRNAs in noncoding RNAs, that the competition between the spliceosome and the MPC modulates alternative splicing. However, the effect of this overlap on coding transcripts is unknown. Unexpectedly, we show that neither Drosha silencing nor SF3b1 silencing changed the inclusion ratio of SO-miRNA exons. Two SO-miRNAs, located in genes that code for basal membrane proteins, are known to inhibit proliferation in primary keratinocytes. These SO-miRNAs were up-regulated during differentiation and the host mRNAs were down-regulated, but again there was no change in inclusion ratio of the SO-miRNA exons. Interestingly, Drosha silencing increased nascent RNA density, on chromatin, downstream from SO-miRNA exons. Overall our data suggest a novel mechanism for regulating gene expression in which MPC-dependent cleavage of SO-miRNA exons could cause premature transcriptional termination of coding genes rather than affecting alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pianigiani
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Danilo Licastro
- CBM S.c.r.l., Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Fortugno
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Petrovic
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Franco Pagani
- Human Molecular Genetics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Lincoln V, Cogan J, Hou Y, Hirsch M, Hao M, Alexeev V, De Luca M, De Rosa L, Bauer JW, Woodley DT, Chen M. Gentamicin induces LAMB3 nonsense mutation readthrough and restores functional laminin 332 in junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E6536-E6545. [PMID: 29946029 PMCID: PMC6048497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1803154115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (H-JEB) is an incurable, devastating, and mostly fatal inherited skin disease for which there is only supportive care. H-JEB is caused by loss-of-function mutations in LAMA3, LAMB3, or LAMC2, leading to complete loss of laminin 332, the major component of anchoring filaments, which mediate epidermal-dermal adherence. LAMB3 (laminin β3) mutations account for 80% of patients with H-JEB, and ∼95% of H-JEB-associated LAMB3 mutations are nonsense mutations leading to premature termination codons (PTCs). In this study, we evaluated the ability of gentamicin to induce PTC readthrough in H-JEB laminin β3-null keratinocytes transfected with expression vectors encoding eight different LAMB3 nonsense mutations. We found that gentamicin induced PTC readthrough in all eight nonsense mutations tested. We next used lentiviral vectors to generate stably transduced H-JEB cells with the R635X and C290X nonsense mutations. Incubation of these cell lines with various concentrations of gentamicin resulted in the synthesis and secretion of full-length laminin β3 in a dose-dependent and sustained manner. Importantly, the gentamicin-induced laminin β3 led to the restoration of laminin 332 assembly, secretion, and deposition within the dermal/epidermal junction, as well as proper polarization of α6β4 integrin in basal keratinocytes, as assessed by immunoblot analysis, immunofluorescent microscopy, and an in vitro 3D skin equivalent model. Finally, newly restored laminin 332 corrected the abnormal cellular phenotype of H-JEB cells by reversing abnormal cell morphology, poor growth potential, poor cell-substratum adhesion, and hypermotility. Therefore, gentamicin may offer a therapy for H-JEB and other inherited skin diseases caused by PTC mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lincoln
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Jon Cogan
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Yingping Hou
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Michaela Hirsch
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Michelle Hao
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Vitali Alexeev
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Michele De Luca
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria and Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - David T Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
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Perdoni C, Osborn MJ, Tolar J. Gene editing toward the use of autologous therapies in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Transl Res 2016; 168:50-58. [PMID: 26073463 PMCID: PMC4662628 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a disease caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene that result in absent or dysfunctional type VII collagen protein production. Clinically, RDEB manifests as early and severe chronic cutaneous blistering, damage to internal epithelium, an increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma, and an overall reduced life expectancy. Recent localized and systemic treatments have shown promise for lessening the disease severity in RDEB, but the concept of ex vivo therapy would allow a patient's own cells to be engineered to express functional type VII collagen. Here, we review gene delivery and editing platforms and their application toward the development of next-generation treatments designed to correct the causative genetic defects of RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Perdoni
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn
| | - Mark J Osborn
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
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Patel TR, Nikodemus D, Besong TM, Reuten R, Meier M, Harding SE, Winzor DJ, Koch M, Stetefeld J. Biophysical analysis of a lethal laminin alpha-1 mutation reveals altered self-interaction. Matrix Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ojeh N, Pastar I, Tomic-Canic M, Stojadinovic O. Stem Cells in Skin Regeneration, Wound Healing, and Their Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:25476-501. [PMID: 26512657 PMCID: PMC4632811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161025476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the body and has an array of functions. Skin compartments, epidermis, and hair follicles house stem cells that are indispensable for skin homeostasis and regeneration. These stem cells also contribute to wound repair, resulting in restoration of tissue integrity and function of damaged tissue. Unsuccessful wound healing processes often lead to non-healing wounds. Chronic wounds are caused by depletion of stem cells and a variety of other cellular and molecular mechanisms, many of which are still poorly understood. Current chronic wound therapies are limited, so the search to develop better therapeutic strategies is ongoing. Adult stem cells are gaining recognition as potential candidates for numerous skin pathologies. In this review, we will discuss epidermal and other stem cells present in the skin, and highlight some of the therapeutic applications of epidermal stem cells and other adult stem cells as tools for cell/scaffold-based therapies for non-healing wounds and other skin disorders. We will also discuss emerging concepts and offer some perspectives on how skin tissue-engineered products can be optimized to provide efficacious therapy in cutaneous repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkemcho Ojeh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, P.O. Box 64, Bridgetown BB 11000, St. Michael, Barbados; E-Mail:
| | - Irena Pastar
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller Medical School, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, Miami, FL 33136, USA; E-Mails: (I.P.); (M.T.-C.)
| | - Marjana Tomic-Canic
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller Medical School, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, Miami, FL 33136, USA; E-Mails: (I.P.); (M.T.-C.)
| | - Olivera Stojadinovic
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller Medical School, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, Miami, FL 33136, USA; E-Mails: (I.P.); (M.T.-C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-7295; Fax: +1-305-243-6191
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14
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Abstract
In the past few years, substantial preclinical and experimental advances have been made in the treatment of the severe monogenic skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Promising approaches have been developed in the fields of protein and cell therapies, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation; in addition, the application of gene therapy approaches has become reality. The first ex vivo gene therapy for a junctional EB (JEB) patient was performed in Italy more than 8 years ago and was shown to be effective. We have now continued this approach for an Austrian JEB patient. Further, clinical trials for a gene therapy treatment of recessive dystrophic EB are currently under way in the United States and in Europe. In this review, we aim to point out that sustainable correction of autologous keratinocytes by stable genomic integration of a therapeutic gene represents a realistic option for patients with EB.
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15
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van de Kerkhof PCM. Dermatology: Where are We Coming from and Where are We Going to? Front Med (Lausanne) 2015; 1:40. [PMID: 25593913 PMCID: PMC4292053 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2014.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Somatic correction of junctional epidermolysis bullosa by a highly recombinogenic AAV variant. Mol Ther 2014; 22:725-33. [PMID: 24390279 PMCID: PMC3982486 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Definitive correction of disease causing mutations in somatic cells by homologous recombination (HR) is an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of genetic diseases. However, HR-based somatic gene therapy is limited by the low efficiency of gene targeting in mammalian cells and replicative senescence of primary cells ex vivo, forcing investigators to explore alternative strategies such as retro- and lentiviral gene transfer, or genome editing in induced pluripotent stem cells. Here, we report correction of mutations at the LAMA3 locus in primary keratinocytes derived from a patient affected by recessive inherited Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (H-JEB) disorder using recombinant adenoassociated virus (rAAV)-mediated HR. We identified a highly recombinogenic AAV serotype, AAV-DJ, that mediates efficient gene targeting in keratinocytes at clinically relevant frequencies with a low rate of random integration. Targeted H-JEB patient cells were selected based on restoration of adhesion phenotype, which eliminated the need for foreign sequences in repaired cells, enhancing the clinical use and safety profile of our approach. Corrected pools of primary cells assembled functional laminin-332 heterotrimer and fully reversed the blistering phenotype both in vitro and in skin grafts. The efficient targeting of the LAMA3 locus by AAV-DJ using phenotypic selection, together with the observed low frequency of off-target events, makes AAV-DJ based somatic cell targeting a promising strategy for ex vivo therapy for this severe and often lethal epithelial disorder.
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17
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Hegde S, Raghavan S. A Skin-depth Analysis of Integrins: Role of the Integrin Network in Health and Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:155-69. [DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2013.854334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Tolar J, Xia L, Lees CJ, Riddle M, McElroy A, Keene DR, Lund TC, Osborn MJ, Marinkovich MP, Blazar BR, Wagner JE. Keratinocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells in junctional epidermolysis bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:562-5. [PMID: 22931927 PMCID: PMC3514565 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Tolar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lily Xia
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chris J Lees
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Megan Riddle
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amber McElroy
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Microimaging Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Troy C Lund
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark J Osborn
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - M. Peter Marinkovich
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John E Wagner
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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19
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20
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Gilchrist C, Francisco A, Plopper G, Chen J, Setton L. Nucleus pulposus cell-matrix interactions with laminins. Eur Cell Mater 2011; 21:523-32. [PMID: 21710443 PMCID: PMC3332080 DOI: 10.22203/ecm.v021a39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) region of the intervertebral disc play a critical role in this tissue's generation and maintenance, and alterations in NP cell viability, metabolism, and phenotype with aging may be key contributors to progressive disc degeneration. Relatively little is understood about the phenotype of NP cells, including their cell-matrix interactions which may modulate phenotype and survival. Our previous work has identified strong and region-specific expression of laminins and laminin cell-surface receptors in immature NP tissues, suggesting laminin cell-matrix interactions are uniquely important to the biology of NP cells. Whether these observed tissue-level laminin expression patterns reflect functional adhesion behaviors for these cells is not known. In this study, we examined NP cell-matrix interactions with specific matrix ligands, including various laminin isoforms, using quantitative assays of cell attachment, spreading, and adhesion strength. NP cells were found to attach in higher numbers and exhibited rapid cell spreading and higher resistance to detachment force on two laminin isoforms (LM-511,LM-332) identified to be uniquely expressed in the NP region, as compared to another laminin isoform (LM-111) and several other matrix ligands (collagen, fibronectin). Additionally, NP cells were found to attach in higher numbers to laminins as compared to cells isolated from the disc's annulus fibrosus region. These findings confirm that laminin and laminin receptor expression documented in NP tissues translates into unique functional NP cell adhesion behaviors that may be useful tools for in vitro cell culture and biomaterials that support NP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.L. Gilchrist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A.T. Francisco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - G.E. Plopper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - J. Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - L.A. Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Address for correspondence: Lori A. Setton, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 136 Hudson Hall, Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA,
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21
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Miliani de Marval P, Lutfeali S, Jin JY, Leshin B, Selim MA, Zhang JY. CYLD inhibits tumorigenesis and metastasis by blocking JNK/AP1 signaling at multiple levels. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011; 4:851-9. [PMID: 21478324 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-10-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CYLD has been recognized as a tumor suppressor due to its dominant genetic linkage to multiple types of epidermal tumors and a range of other cancers. The molecular mechanisms governing CYLD control of skin cancer are still unclear. Here, we showed that K14-driven epidermal expression of a patient-relevant and catalytically deficient CYLD truncated mutant (CYLD(m)) sensitized mice to skin tumor development in response to 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA)/(12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) TPA challenge. Tumors developed on transgenic mice were prone to malignant progression and lymph node metastasis and displayed increased activation of c-Jun-NH2-kinase (JNK) and the downstream c-Jun and c-Fos proteins. Most importantly, topical application of a pharmacologic JNK inhibitor significantly reduced tumor development and abolished metastasis in the transgenic mice. Further in line with these animal data, exogenous expression of CYLD(m) in A431, a human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line, markedly enhanced cell growth, migration, and subcutaneous tumor growth in an AP1-depdendent manner. In contrast, expression of the wild-type CYLD inhibited SCC tumorigenesis and AP1 function. Most importantly, CYLD(m) not only increased JNK activation but also induced an upregulation of K63 ubiquitination on both c-Jun and c-Fos, leading to sustained AP1 activation. Our findings uncovered c-Jun and c-Fos as novel CYLD targets and underscore that CYLD controls epidermal tumorigenesis through blocking the JNK/AP1 signaling pathway at multiple levels.
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22
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Siprashvili Z, Nguyen NT, Bezchinsky MY, Marinkovich MP, Lane AT, Khavari PA. Long-term type VII collagen restoration to human epidermolysis bullosa skin tissue. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 21:1299-310. [PMID: 20497034 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of advances in the molecular diagnosis of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), an inherited blistering disease due to a deficiency of type VII collagen at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of stratified epithelium, current therapy is limited to supportive palliation. Gene delivery has shown promise in short-term experiments; however, its long-term sustainability through multiple turnover cycles in human tissue has awaited confirmation. To characterize approaches for long-term genetic correction, retroviral vectors were constructed containing long terminal repeat-driven full-length and epitope-tagged COL7A1 cDNA and evaluated for durability of type VII collagen expression and function in RDEB skin tissue regenerated on immune-deficient mice. Type VII collagen expression was maintained for 1 year in vivo, or over 12 epidermal turnover cycles, with no abnormalities in skin morphology or self-renewal. Type VII collagen restoration led to correction of RDEB disease features, including reestablishment of anchoring fibrils at the BMZ. This approach confirms durably corrective and noninjurious gene delivery to long-lived epidermal progenitors and provides the foundation for a human clinical trial of ex vivo gene delivery in RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurab Siprashvili
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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23
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Abstract
Deregulation of the activator protein 1 (AP1) family gene regulators has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer. In this study we report that c-Jun was activated in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and coexpression of c-Jun with oncogenic Ras was sufficient to transform primary human epidermal cells into malignancy in a regenerated human skin grafting model. In contrast, JunB was not induced in a majority of human SCC cells. Moreover, exogenous expression of JunB inhibited tumorigenesis driven by Ras or spontaneous human SCC cells. Conversely, the dominant-negative JunB mutant (DNJunB) promoted tumorigenesis, which is in contrast to the tumor-suppressor function of the corresponding c-Jun mutant. At the cellular level, JunB induced epidermal cell senescence and slowed cell growth in a cell-autonomous manner. Consistently, coexpression of JunB and Ras induced premature epidermal differentiation concomitant with upregulation of p16 and filaggrin and downregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). These findings indicate that JunB and c-Jun differentially regulate cell growth and differentiation and induce opposite effects on epidermal neoplasia.JID JOURNAL CLUB ARTICLE: For questions, answers, and open discussion about this article, please go to http://www.nature.com/jid/journalclub.
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24
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Fujita Y, Abe R, Inokuma D, Sasaki M, Hoshina D, Natsuga K, Nishie W, McMillan JR, Nakamura H, Shimizu T, Akiyama M, Sawamura D, Shimizu H. Bone marrow transplantation restores epidermal basement membrane protein expression and rescues epidermolysis bullosa model mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:14345-50. [PMID: 20660747 PMCID: PMC2922560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1000044107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Attempts to treat congenital protein deficiencies using bone marrow-derived cells have been reported. These efforts have been based on the concepts of stem cell plasticity. However, it is considered more difficult to restore structural proteins than to restore secretory enzymes. This study aims to clarify whether bone marrow transplantation (BMT) treatment can rescue epidermolysis bullosa (EB) caused by defects in keratinocyte structural proteins. BMT treatment of adult collagen XVII (Col17) knockout mice induced donor-derived keratinocytes and Col17 expression associated with the recovery of hemidesmosomal structure and better skin manifestations, as well improving the survival rate. Both hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to produce Col17 in the BMT treatment model. Furthermore, human cord blood CD34(+) cells also differentiated into keratinocytes and expressed human skin component proteins in transplanted immunocompromised (NOD/SCID/gamma(c)(null)) mice. The current conventional BMT techniques have significant potential as a systemic therapeutic approach for the treatment of human EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Riichiro Abe
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inokuma
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Mikako Sasaki
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Daichi Hoshina
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Ken Natsuga
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Wataru Nishie
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - James R. McMillan
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Tadamichi Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Toyama University Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; and
| | - Masashi Akiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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25
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Abstract
This article describes the clinical services for EB in Australia and New Zealand. The history and epidemiology of EB in Australia is described. Current treatment and research achievements are described.
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26
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Pfützner W. Vectors for gene therapy of skin diseases. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2010; 8:582-91. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Ke H, Harris R, Coloff JL, Jin JY, Leshin B, Miliani de Marval P, Tao S, Rathmell JC, Hall RP, Zhang JY. The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 2 plays a dominant role in human epidermal neoplasia. Cancer Res 2010; 70:3080-8. [PMID: 20354187 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling cascade has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer. It is unclear how different JNK proteins contribute to human cancer. Here, we report that JNK2 is activated in more than 70% of human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples and that inhibition of JNK2 pharmacologically or genetically impairs tumorigenesis of human SCC cells. Most importantly, JNK2, but not JNK1, is sufficient to couple with oncogenic Ras to transform primary human epidermal cells into malignancy with features of SCC. JNK2 prevents Ras-induced cell senescence and growth arrest by reducing the expression levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p16 and the activation of NF-kappaB. On the other hand, JNK, along with phosphoinositide 3-kinase, is essential for Ras-induced glycolysis, an energy-producing process known to benefit cancer growth. These data indicate that JNK2 collaborates with other oncogenes, such as Ras, at multiple molecular levels to promote tumorigenesis and hence represents a promising therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengning Ke
- Department of Dermatology and Pharmacology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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28
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Sen GL, Reuter JA, Webster DE, Zhu L, Khavari PA. DNMT1 maintains progenitor function in self-renewing somatic tissue. Nature 2010; 463:563-7. [PMID: 20081831 PMCID: PMC3050546 DOI: 10.1038/nature08683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Progenitor cells maintain self-renewing tissues throughout life by sustaining their capacity for proliferation while suppressing cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation1,2. DNA methylation3,4,5 provides a potential epigenetic mechanism for the cellular memory needed to preserve the somatic progenitor state through repeated cell divisions. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)6,7 maintains DNA methylation patterns after cellular replication. Although dispensable for embryonic stem cell maintenance,8 a clear role for DNMT1 in maintaining the progenitor state in constantly replenished somatic tissues, such as mammalian epidermis, is unknown. Here we show that DNMT1 is essential for epidermal progenitor cell function. DNMT1 protein was found enriched in undifferentiated cells, where it was required to retain proliferative stamina and suppress differentiation. In tissue, DNMT1 depletion led to exit from the progenitor cell compartment, premature differentiation and eventual tissue loss. Genome-wide analysis revealed that a significant portion of epidermal differentiation gene promoters were methylated in self-renewing conditions but were subsequently demethylated during differentiation. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1,9,10 a component of the DNA methylation machinery that targets DNMT1 to hemi-methylated DNA, is also necessary to suppress premature differentiation and sustain proliferation. In contrast, Gadd45A11,12 and B13, which promote active DNA demethylation, are required for full epidermal differentiation gene induction. These data demonstrate that proteins involved in the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation patterns are required for progenitor maintenance and self-renewal in mammalian somatic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L Sen
- Programs in Epithelial Biology and Cancer Biology and the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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29
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Guess CM, Quaranta V. Defining the role of laminin-332 in carcinoma. Matrix Biol 2009; 28:445-55. [PMID: 19686849 PMCID: PMC2875997 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Revised: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The deadly feature of cancer, metastasis, requires invasion of cells through basement membranes (BM), which normally act as barriers between tissue compartments. In the case of many epithelially-derived cancers (carcinomas), laminin-332 (Ln-332) is a key component of the BM barrier. This review provides a historical examination of Ln-332 from its discovery through identification of its functions in BM and possible role in carcinomas. Current understanding points to distinct roles for the three Ln-332 subunits (alpha3, beta3, gamma2) in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix stability, and cell signaling processes in cancer. Given the large number of studies linking Ln-332 gamma2 subunit with cancer prognosis, particular attention is given to the crucial role of this subunit in cancer invasion and to the unanswered questions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherise M Guess
- Meharry Medical College, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immune Response; Nashville, TN 37232-6840, USA.
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30
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De Luca M, Pellegrini G, Mavilio F. Gene therapy of inherited skin adhesion disorders: a critical overview. Br J Dermatol 2009; 161:19-24. [PMID: 19466960 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M De Luca
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine Stefano Ferrari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41100, Italy.
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31
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Pellegrini G, Rama P, Mavilio F, De Luca M. Epithelial stem cells in corneal regeneration and epidermal gene therapy. J Pathol 2009; 217:217-28. [PMID: 18855878 DOI: 10.1002/path.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine refers to innovative therapies aimed at the permanent restoration of diseased tissues and organs. Regeneration of self-renewing tissues requires specific adult stem cells, which need to be genetically modified to correct inherited genetic diseases. Cultures of epithelial stem cells permanently restore severe skin and mucosal defects, and genetically corrected epidermal stem cells regenerate a normal epidermis in patients carrying junctional epidermolysis bullosa. The keratinocyte stem cell is therefore the only cultured stem cell used both in cell therapy and gene therapy clinical protocols. Epithelial stem cell identification, fate and molecular phenotype have been extensively reviewed, but not in relation to tissue regeneration. In this paper we focus on the localization and molecular characterization of human limbal stem cells in relation to corneal regeneration, and the gene therapy of genetic skin diseases by means of genetically modified epidermal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pellegrini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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32
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Bergoglio V, Warrick E, Chevallier-Lagente O, Magnaldo T. [Cutaneous gene therapy: the graft takes]. Med Sci (Paris) 2008; 24:607-14. [PMID: 18601878 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20082467607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prospects of ex vivo cutaneous gene therapy rely on stable corrective gene transfer in epidermal stem cells followed by engraftment of corrected cells in patients. In the case of cancer prone genodermatoses, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, cells that received the corrective gene must be selected. However, this step is potentially harmful and can increase risks of immune rejection of grafts. These obstacles have recently been overcome thanks to the labeling of genetically modified stem cells using a small epidermal protein naturally absent in stem cells. This approach was shown to be respectful of the fate of epidermal stem cells that retained full growth and differentiation capacities, as well as their potential to regenerate normal human skin when grafted in a mouse model in the long term. These progresses now open realistic avenues towards ex vivo cutaneous gene therapy of cancer prone genodermatoses such as xeroderma pigmentosum. However, major technical improvements are still necessary to preserve skin appendages which would contribute to aesthetic features and comfort of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Bergoglio
- Génomes et Cancers, CNRS FRE 2939, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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33
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Wong DJ, Liu H, Ridky TW, Cassarino D, Segal E, Chang HY. Module map of stem cell genes guides creation of epithelial cancer stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2008; 2:333-44. [PMID: 18397753 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 549] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Self-renewal is a hallmark of stem cells and cancer, but existence of a shared stemness program remains controversial. Here, we construct a gene module map to systematically relate transcriptional programs in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), adult tissue stem cells, and human cancers. This map reveals two predominant gene modules that distinguish ESCs and adult tissue stem cells. The ESC-like transcriptional program is activated in diverse human epithelial cancers and strongly predicts metastasis and death. c-Myc, but not other oncogenes, is sufficient to reactivate the ESC-like program in normal and cancer cells. In primary human keratinocytes transformed by Ras and I kappa B alpha, c-Myc increases the fraction of tumor-initiating cells by 150-fold, enabling tumor formation and serial propagation with as few as 500 cells. c-Myc-enhanced tumor initiation is cell-autonomous and independent of genomic instability. Thus, activation of an ESC-like transcriptional program in differentiated adult cells may induce pathologic self-renewal characteristic of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Wong
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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34
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Igoucheva O, Kelly A, Uitto J, Alexeev V. Protein therapeutics for junctional epidermolysis bullosa: incorporation of recombinant beta3 chain into laminin 332 in beta3-/- keratinocytes in vitro. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 128:1476-86. [PMID: 18079746 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5701197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an inherited mechanobullous disease characterized by reduced adherence of the epidermal keratinocytes to the underlying dermis, and is often caused by the absence of functional laminin 332 due to the lack or dysfunction of its beta3 chain. As there are no specific therapies for JEB, we tested whether a protein replacement strategy could be applicable for the restoration of the laminin 332 assembly and reversion of the JEB phenotype in human keratinocytes that lack beta3 subunit. Here, we developed the protocol for production and purification of the biologically active recombinant beta3 chain. Next, we demonstrated that delivery of recombinant beta3 polypeptide into the endoplasmic reticulum of the immortalized beta3-null keratinocytes led to the restoration of the laminin 332 assembly, secretion, and deposition into the basement membrane zone, as confirmed by Western blot analysis, confocal immunofluorescent microscopy in vitro, and on cultured organotypic human JEB skin reconstructs. Although the amount of laminin 332 produced by protein-treated beta3-null keratinocytes is lower than that in normal human keratinocytes, our results demonstrate the applicability of the recombinant proteins for JEB treatment and open new perspectives for the development of novel therapeutics for this inherited, currently intractable, skin disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Igoucheva
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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Bergoglio V, Larcher F, Chevallier-Lagente O, Bernheim A, Danos O, Sarasin A, Rio MD, Magnaldo T. Safe Selection of Genetically Manipulated Human Primary Keratinocytes with Very High Growth Potential Using CD24. Mol Ther 2007; 15:2186-93. [PMID: 17712330 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable and safe corrective gene transfer in stem keratinocytes is necessary for ensuring success in cutaneous gene therapy. There have been numerous encouraging preclinical approaches to cutaneous gene therapy in the past decade, but it is only recently that a human volunteer suffering from junctional epidermolysis bullosa could be successfully grafted using his own non-selected, genetically corrected epidermal keratinocytes. However, ex vivo correction of cancer-prone genetic disorders necessitates a totally pure population of stably transduced stem keratinocytes for grafting. Antibiotic selection is not compatible with the need for full respect for natural cell fate potential and avoidance of immunogenic response in vivo. In order to surmount these problems, we developed a strategy for selecting genetically modified stem cell keratinocytes. Driving ectopic expression of CD24 (a marker of post-mitotic keratinocytes) at the surface of clonogenic keratinocytes permitted their full selection. Engineered keratinocytes expressing CD24 and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) tracer gene were shown to retain their original growth and differentiation potentials both in vitro and in vivo over 300 generations. Also, they did not exhibit signs of genetic instability. Using ectopic expression of CD24 as a selective marker of genetically modified human epidermal stem cells appears to be the first realistic approach to safe cutaneous gene therapy in cancer-prone disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Bergoglio
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Genomes and Cancers Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Pfendner EG, Bruckner A, Conget P, Mellerio J, Palisson F, Lucky AW. Basic science of epidermolysis bullosa and diagnostic and molecular characterization: Proceedings of the IInd International Symposium on Epidermolysis Bullosa, Santiago, Chile, 2005. Int J Dermatol 2007; 46:781-94. [PMID: 17651158 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03307.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kikuchi Y, Tamai K, Kaneda Y. Cutaneous gene delivery. J Dermatol Sci 2007; 50:87-98. [PMID: 17765482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2007.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, many approaches to transferring genes into the skin have been investigated. However, most such approaches have been specifically aimed against genodermatosis, and have not produced sufficient results. The goal of such research is to develop a method in which genes are transferred easily, efficiently and stably into keratinocytes, especially into keratinocyte stem cells, and in which the transgene expression persists without a reaction from the host immune response. Although accidental development of cancer has occurred in trials of gene therapy for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID), resulting in slowing of the progress of this research, the lessons of these setbacks have been applied to further research. Moreover, combined with the techniques acquired from tissue engineering, recent developments in our knowledge about stem cells will lead to new treatments for genodermatoses. The present review summarizes the methods by which therapeutic genes can be transferred into keratinocytes, with discussion of how gene transfer efficiency can be improved, with particular emphasis on disruption of the skin barrier function. It concludes with discussion of the challenges and prospects of keratinocyte gene therapy, in terms of achieving efficient and long-lasting therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kikuchi
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Featherstone C, Uitto J. Ex vivo gene therapy cures a blistering skin disease. Trends Mol Med 2007; 13:219-22. [PMID: 17416553 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2007.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A recent publication that describes gene therapy treatment of a patient with an inherited blistering skin disease, epidermolysis bullosa, demonstrates for the first time that gene therapy can cure a disease of solid tissue. The treatment relies on ex vivo transduction of autologous epidermal stem cells with a normal copy of the defective gene, followed by reconstitution of the patient's skin with epithelial sheets that are grown from these genetically corrected cells. This approach holds promise for treatment not only of inherited disorders of the skin but also of other solid tissues that are becoming amenable to tissue engineering.
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Zhang JY, Adams AE, Ridky TW, Tao S, Khavari PA. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1/c-Jun-NH2-kinase signaling promotes human neoplasia. Cancer Res 2007; 67:3827-34. [PMID: 17440097 PMCID: PMC2239246 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNFR1) activates downstream effectors that include the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7)/c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase (JNK)/activator protein 1 (AP1) cascade. Here, we report that JNK is activated in a majority of spontaneous human squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). JNK pathway induction bypassed cell cycle restraints induced by oncogenic Ras and cooperated with Ras to convert normal human epidermis into tumors indistinguishable from SCC, confirming its oncogenic potency in human tissue. Inhibiting MKK7, JNK, and AP1 as well as TNFR1 itself using genetic, pharmacologic, or antibody-mediated approaches abolished invasive human epidermal neoplasia in a tumor cell autonomous fashion. The TNFR1/MKK7/JNK/AP1 cascade thus promotes human neoplasia and represents a potential therapeutic target for human epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amy E. Adams
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Todd W. Ridky
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Shiying Tao
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Paul A. Khavari
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Waterman EA, Sakai N, Nguyen NT, Horst BAJ, Veitch DP, Dey CN, Ortiz-Urda S, Khavari PA, Marinkovich MP. A laminin-collagen complex drives human epidermal carcinogenesis through phosphoinositol-3-kinase activation. Cancer Res 2007; 67:4264-70. [PMID: 17483338 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Laminin-332 (formerly laminin-5) and collagen VII are basement membrane proteins expressed at the invasive front of human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumors. These proteins have protumorigenic properties, but whether laminin-332 and collagen VII promote SCC tumors by providing adhesion or other nonadhesive extracellular cues, or whether laminin-332 and collagen VII interact together in this process remains unknown. In this study, we examined the role of these molecules by a structural approach using an in vivo model of human SCC tumorigenesis. Here, we show that individual domains (VI and V-III) on the laminin-332 beta3 chain provide distinct and highly divergent cell adhesion and tumor-promoting functions. We found that laminin beta3 domain VI provided a critical role in the assembly of stable adhesion complexes, but this domain was not required in SCC tumors. Instead, we found that laminin beta3 domain V-III played an essential role in SCC carcinogenesis/invasion through binding to collagen VII, which in turn, led to phosphoinositol-3-kinase activation and protection from apoptosis. Overexpression of constitutively active p110 phosphoinositol-3-kinase subunit was sufficient to restore invasion and tumorigenesis in transformed cells lacking laminin-332/collagen VII interaction in a manner independent of cellular adhesion. These studies show distinctive adhesive and signaling functions in individual domains of laminin-332, one which is required for normal epithelial adhesion and one which is required for SCC tumorigenesis. This uncoupling of stable adhesion from tumor progression in our studies suggests that laminin-332/collagen VII interaction promotes epidermal carcinogenesis through signaling rather than adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Kahn
- Institut Cochin, IFR Alfred Jost, 22, rue Méchain, 7514 Paris, France.
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Abstract
The capacity to induce neoplasia in human tissue in the laboratory has recently provided a new platform for cancer research. Malignant conversion can be achieved in vivo by expressing genes of interest in human tissue that has been regenerated on immune-deficient mice. Induction of cancer in regenerated human skin recapitulates the three-dimensional architecture, tissue polarity, basement membrane structure, extracellular matrix, oncogene signalling and therapeutic target proteins found in intact human skin in vivo. Human-tissue cancer models therefore provide an opportunity to elucidate fundamental cancer mechanisms, to assess the oncogenic potency of mutations associated with specific human cancers and to develop new cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Khavari
- Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
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Ferrari S, Pellegrini G, Matsui T, Mavilio F, De Luca M. Gene therapy in combination with tissue engineering to treat epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 6:367-78. [PMID: 16548763 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.6.4.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the last 20 years epidermal stem cells have been extensively used for tissue regeneration of epidermis and other epithelial surfaces. The tremendous progress achieved has led to the development of protocols aimed at the correction of rare genetic disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a severe, often lethal, blistering disorder of the skin. Approximately 400,000-500,000 people are affected worldwide and no definitive treatments have yet been developed. Gene therapy might represent an alternative therapeutic approach. This paper reviews the different strategies used to genetically modify keratinocytes from EB patients and addresses issues such as the use of in vivo or ex vivo approaches, how to target keratinocytes with stem cell properties in order to have long-term therapeutic gene expression, and which gene transfer agents should be used. The progress made has led the authors' group to submit a request for a Phase I/II ex vivo therapy clinical trial for patients with junctional EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ferrari
- Epithelial Stem Cell Research Centre, Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Ospedale Civile SS Giovanni e Paolo, Sestiere Castello 6777, 30122 Venezia, Italy
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Harada K, Truong AB, Cai T, Khavari PA. The class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase C2beta is not essential for epidermal differentiation. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 25:11122-30. [PMID: 16314532 PMCID: PMC1316983 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.24.11122-11130.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) regulate an array of cellular processes and are comprised of three classes. Class I PI3Ks include the well-studied agonist-sensitive p110 isoforms; however, the functions of class II and III PI3Ks are less well characterized. Of the three class II PI3Ks, C2alpha and C2beta are widely expressed in many tissues, including the epidermis, while C2gamma is confined to the liver. In contrast to the class I PI3K p110alpha, which is expressed throughout the epidermis, C2beta was found to be localized in suprabasal cells, suggesting a potential role for C2beta in epidermal differentiation. Overexpressing C2beta in epidermal cells in vitro induced differentiation markers. To study a role for C2beta in tissue, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing C2beta in both suprabasal and basal epidermal layers. These mice lacked epidermal abnormalities. Mice deficient in C2beta were then generated by targeted gene deletion. C2beta knockout mice were viable and fertile and displayed normal epidermal growth, differentiation, barrier function, and wound healing. To exclude compensation by C2alpha, RNA interference was then used to knock down both C2alpha and C2beta in epidermal cells simultaneously. Induction of differentiation markers was unaffected in the absence of C2alpha and C2beta. These findings indicate that class II PI3Ks are not essential for epidermal differentiation.
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Abstract
Human epidermis consists of a stratified epithelium mainly composed of keratinocytes and relies on a stem cell compartment to undergo constant regeneration. Genetic mutations affecting the capacity of basal keratinocytes to adhere firmly to the epidermal basement membrane lead to severe, and very often lethal, blistering disorders known as epidermolysis bullosa. Gene therapy represents a promising potential treatment for these devastating inherited disorders. Human epidermal stem cells can be cultivated ex vivo and stably transduced with integrating gene transfer vectors, allowing genetic and, more important, phenotypic correction of the adhesion properties of keratinocytes. Here we will review some of the issues that need to be addressed to make gene therapy a realistic treatment for these disorders, such as (1) which cells should be targeted, (2) which approach (in vivo or ex vivo) should be chosen, and (3) which gene transfer vector (retrovirus, lentivirus, or integrating nonviral strategies) should be used for stable gene correction. In the last 10 years, many reports have shown that gene transfer approaches to target epidermal stem cells are feasible and able to restore the adhesion properties of primary keratinocytes from patients with epidermolysis bullosa. In addition, tremendous progress has been achieved in culturing epidermal stem cells and generating sheets of stratified epithelium for permanent coverage of full-thickness burns. Gene modification of stem cells in combination with advanced tissue-engineering techniques could therefore represent a realistic option for patients with epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ferrari
- Epithelial Stem Cell Research Centre, Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, 30122 Venice, Italy
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47
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Abstract
Wound healing can be problematic in several clinical settings because of massive tissue injury (burns), wound healing deficiencies (chronic wounds), or congenital conditions and diseases. Engineered skin substitutes have been developed to address the medical need for wound coverage and tissue repair. Currently, no engineered skin substitute can replace all of the functions of intact human skin. A variety of biologic dressings and skin substitutes have however contributed to improved outcomes for patients suffering from acute and chronic wounds. These include acellular biomaterials and composite cultured skin analogs containing allogeneic or autologous cultured skin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy M Supp
- Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati Burns Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Spirito F, Capt A, Del Rio M, Larcher F, Guaguere E, Danos O, Meneguzzi G. Sustained phenotypic reversion of junctional epidermolysis bullosa dog keratinocytes: Establishment of an immunocompetent animal model for cutaneous gene therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 339:769-78. [PMID: 16316622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.10.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2005] [Accepted: 10/21/2005] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene transfer represents the unique therapeutic issue for a number of inherited skin disorders including junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), an untreatable genodermatose caused by mutations in the adhesion ligand laminin 5 (alpha3beta3gamma2) that is secreted in the extracellular matrix by the epidermal basal keratinocytes. Because gene therapy protocols require validation in animal models, we have phenotypically reverted by oncoretroviral transfer of the curative gene the keratinocytes isolated from dogs with a spontaneous form of JEB associated with a genetic mutation in the alpha3 chain of laminin 5. We show that the transduced dog JEB keratinocytes: (1) display a sustained secretion of laminin 5 in the extracellular matrix; (2) recover the adhesion, proliferation, and clonogenic capacity of wild-type keratinocytes; (3) generate fully differentiated stratified epithelia that after grafting on immunocompromised mice produce phenotypically normal skin and sustain permanent expression of the transgene. We validate an animal model that appears particularly suitable to demonstrate feasibility, efficacy, and safety of genetic therapeutic strategies for cutaneous disorders before undertaking human clinical trials.
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Lu Z, Ghazizadeh S. Host immune responses in ex vivo approaches to cutaneous gene therapy targeted to keratinocytes. Exp Dermatol 2005; 14:727-35. [PMID: 16176280 PMCID: PMC1343507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2005.00351.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal gene therapy may benefit a variety of inherited skin disorders and certain systemic diseases. Both in vivo and ex vivo approaches of gene transfer have been used to target human epidermal stem cells and achieve long-term transgene expression in immunodeficient mouse/human chimera models. Immunological responses however, especially in situations where a neoantigen is expressed, are likely to curtail expression and thereby limit the therapy. In vivo gene transfer to skin has been shown to induce transgene-specific immune responses. Ex vivo gene transfer approaches, where keratinocytes are transduced in culture and transplanted back to patient, however, may avoid signals provided to the immune system by in vivo administration of vectors. In the current study, we have developed a stable epidermal graft platform in immunocompetent mice to analyze host responses in ex vivo epidermal gene therapy. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a neoantigen and an ex vivo retrovirus-mediated gene transfer to mouse primary epidermal cultures depleted of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), we show induction of GFP-specific immune responses leading to the clearance of transduced cells. Similar approach in immunocompetent mice tolerant to GFP resulted in permanent engraftment of transduced cells and continued GFP expression. Activation of transgene-specific immune responses in ex vivo gene transfer targeted to keratinocytes require cross-presentation of transgene product to APCs, a process that is most amenable to immune modulation. This model may be used to explore strategies to divert transgene-specific immune responses to less destructive or tolerogenic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soosan Ghazizadeh
- *Corresponding author: Soosan Ghazizadeh, Ph.D., Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 West 168 Street VC-15-208, New York, NY 10032, Tel: (212) 305-9025, Fax: (212) 305-7391,
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Hata D, Miyazaki M, Seto S, Kadota E, Muso E, Takasu K, Nakano A, Tamai K, Uitto J, Nagata M, Moriyama K, Miyazaki K. Nephrotic syndrome and aberrant expression of laminin isoforms in glomerular basement membranes for an infant with Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Pediatrics 2005; 116:e601-7. [PMID: 16147969 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2005-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (H-JEB) is a hereditary bullous disease caused by absent expression of laminin-5, a component of anchoring filaments within the dermal-epidermal basement membrane zone. Affected individuals usually die during the first 1 year of life. We studied an infant with H-JEB who presented with nephrotic syndrome, a previously unreported complication that may contribute to early death in this disease. DNA analysis revealed a compound heterozygote for mutations 2379delG and Q995X in the LAMB3 gene. The patient had massive albuminuria, attributable to failure of the glomerular filtration barrier, and high urinary N-acetylglucosaminidase levels, indicating renal tubular involvement. Electron-microscopic examination of the renal tissue revealed diffuse fusion of the foot processes, irregular swelling of the lamina rara interna, and disappearance of endothelial cell fenestrations. Immunohistopathologic analysis of the patient's renal tissue revealed compositional changes in laminin isoforms of the glomerular basement membrane and no detectable laminin-5 in the renal tubular basement membrane, which suggests that laminin-5 may play an important role in renal function. Our findings strongly suggest that H-JEB should be considered in the spectrum of congenital nephrotic syndromes. Combination therapy with meticulous skin care and treatment strategies established for congenital nephrotic syndromes may rescue patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hata
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitano Hospital, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Institute, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan.
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