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Bi L, Wacker BK, Komandur K, Sanford N, Dichek DA. Apolipoprotein A-I vascular gene therapy reduces vein-graft atherosclerosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:558-572. [PMID: 37693942 PMCID: PMC10482902 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery venous bypass grafts typically fail because of atherosclerosis driven by lipid and macrophage accumulation. Therapy for vein-graft atherosclerosis is limited to statin drugs, which are only modestly effective. We hypothesized that transduction of vein-graft endothelium of fat-fed rabbits with a helper-dependent adenovirus expressing apolipoprotein AI (HDAdApoAI) would reduce lipid and macrophage accumulation. Fat-fed rabbits received bilateral external jugular vein-to-carotid artery interposition grafts. Four weeks later, one graft per rabbit (n = 23 rabbits) was infused with HDAdApoAI and the contralateral graft with HDAdNull. Grafts were harvested 12 weeks later. Paired analyses of grafts were performed, with vein graft cholesterol, intimal lipid, and macrophage content as the primary endpoints. HDAd genomes were detected in all grafts. APOAI mRNA was median 63-fold higher in HDAdApoAI grafts versus HDAdNull grafts (p < 0.001). HDAdApoAI grafts had a mean 15% lower total cholesterol (by mass spectrometry; p = 0.003); mean 19% lower intimal lipid (by oil red O staining; p = 0.02); and mean 13% lower expression of the macrophage marker CD68 (by reverse transcriptase-mediated quantitative PCR; p = 0.008). In vivo transduction of vein-graft endothelium achieves persistent APOAI expression and reduces vein-graft cholesterol, intimal lipid, and CD68 expression. Vascular gene therapy with APOAI has promise for preventing vein-graft failure caused by atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianxiang Bi
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bradley K. Wacker
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kaushik Komandur
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nicole Sanford
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David A. Dichek
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Sethuraman M, Dronadula N, Bi L, Wacker BK, Knight E, De Bleser P, Dichek DA. Novel expression cassettes for increasing apolipoprotein AI transgene expression in vascular endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21079. [PMID: 36473901 PMCID: PMC9726828 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transduction of endothelial cells (EC) with a vector that expresses apolipoprotein A-I (APOAI) reduces atherosclerosis in arteries of fat-fed rabbits. However, the effects on atherosclerosis are partial and might be enhanced if APOAI expression could be increased. With a goal of developing an expression cassette that generates higher levels of APOAI mRNA in EC, we tested 4 strategies, largely in vitro: addition of 2 types of enhancers, addition of computationally identified EC-specific cis-regulatory modules (CRM), and insertion of the rabbit APOAI gene at the transcription start site (TSS) of sequences cloned from genes that are highly expressed in cultured EC. Addition of a shear stress-responsive enhancer did not increase APOAI expression. Addition of 2 copies of a Mef2c enhancer increased APOAI expression from a moderately active promoter/enhancer but decreased APOAI expression from a highly active promoter/enhancer. Of the 11 CRMs, 3 increased APOAI expression from a moderately active promoter (2-7-fold; P < 0.05); none increased expression from a highly active promoter/enhancer. Insertion of the APOAI gene into the TSS of highly expressed EC genes did not increase expression above levels obtained with a moderately active promoter/enhancer. New strategies are needed to further increase APOAI transgene expression in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Sethuraman
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lianxiang Bi
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bradley K Wacker
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ethan Knight
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pieter De Bleser
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David A Dichek
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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3
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Yu H, Qiu H, Ma W, Maitz MF, Tu Q, Xiong K, Chen J, Huang N, Yang Z. Endothelium-Mimicking Surface Combats Thrombosis and Biofouling via Synergistic Long- and Short-Distance Defense Strategy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2100729. [PMID: 33991047 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thrombosis and infections are the main causes of implant failures (e.g., extracorporeal circuits and indwelling medical devices), which induce significant morbidity and mortality. In this work, an endothelium-mimicking surface is engineered, which combines the nitric oxide (NO)-generating property and anti-fouling function of a healthy endothelium. The released gas signal molecules NO and the glycocalyx matrix macromolecules hyaluronic acid (HA) jointly combine long- and short-distance defense actions against thrombogenicity and biofouling. The biomimetic surface is efficiently fabricated by cografting a NO-generating species (i.e., Tri-tert-butyl 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate-chelated Cu2+ , DTris@Cu) and the macromolecular HA on an aminated tube surface through one-pot amide condensation chemistry. The active attack (i.e., NO release) and zone defense (i.e., HA tethering) system endow the tubing surface with significant inhibition of platelets, fibrinogen, and bacteria adhesion, finally leading to long-term anti-thrombogenic and anti-fouling properties over 1 month. It is envisioned that this endothelium-mimicking surface engineering strategy will provide a promising solution to address the clinical issues of long-term blood-contacting devices associated with thrombosis and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Hua Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Wenmei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Manfred F Maitz
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Qiufen Tu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Kaiqin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhilu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yibin Institute of Southwest Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
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Vaisar T, Hu JH, Airhart N, Fox K, Heinecke J, Nicosia RF, Kohler T, Potter ZE, Simon GM, Dix MM, Cravatt BF, Gharib SA, Dichek DA. Parallel Murine and Human Plaque Proteomics Reveals Pathways of Plaque Rupture. Circ Res 2020; 127:997-1022. [PMID: 32762496 PMCID: PMC7508285 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.317295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Plaque rupture is the proximate cause of most myocardial infarctions and many strokes. However, the molecular mechanisms that precipitate plaque rupture are unknown. OBJECTIVE By applying proteomic and bioinformatic approaches in mouse models of protease-induced plaque rupture and in ruptured human plaques, we aimed to illuminate biochemical pathways through which proteolysis causes plaque rupture and identify substrates that are cleaved in ruptured plaques. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed shotgun proteomics analyses of aortas of transgenic mice with macrophage-specific overexpression of urokinase (SR-uPA+/0 mice) and of SR-uPA+/0 bone marrow transplant recipients, and we used bioinformatic tools to evaluate protein abundance and functional category enrichment in these aortas. In parallel, we performed shotgun proteomics and bioinformatics studies on extracts of ruptured and stable areas of freshly harvested human carotid plaques. We also applied a separate protein-analysis method (protein topography and migration analysis platform) to attempt to identify substrates and proteolytic fragments in mouse and human plaque extracts. Approximately 10% of extracted aortic proteins were reproducibly altered in SR-uPA+/0 aortas. Proteases, inflammatory signaling molecules, as well as proteins involved with cell adhesion, the cytoskeleton, and apoptosis, were increased. ECM (Extracellular matrix) proteins, including basement-membrane proteins, were decreased. Approximately 40% of proteins were altered in ruptured versus stable areas of human carotid plaques, including many of the same functional categories that were altered in SR-uPA+/0 aortas. Collagens were minimally altered in SR-uPA+/0 aortas and ruptured human plaques; however, several basement-membrane proteins were reduced in both SR-uPA+/0 aortas and ruptured human plaques. Protein topography and migration analysis platform did not detect robust increases in proteolytic fragments of ECM proteins in either setting. CONCLUSIONS Parallel studies of SR-uPA+/0 mouse aortas and human plaques identify mechanisms that connect proteolysis with plaque rupture, including inflammation, basement-membrane protein loss, and apoptosis. Basement-membrane protein loss is a prominent feature of ruptured human plaques, suggesting a major role for basement-membrane proteins in maintaining plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Vaisar
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jie H Hu
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Nathan Airhart
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kate Fox
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jay Heinecke
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Roberto F Nicosia
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (D.A.D., R.F.N.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (R.F.N.), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Ted Kohler
- Departments of Surgery (T.K.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Departments of Surgery (T.K.), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Zachary E Potter
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (Z.E.P., M.M.D., B.F.C.)
| | | | - Melissa M Dix
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (Z.E.P., M.M.D., B.F.C.)
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (Z.E.P., M.M.D., B.F.C.)
| | - Sina A Gharib
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - David A Dichek
- Departments of Medicine (T.V., J.H.H., N.A., K.F., J.H., S.A.G., D.A.D.), University of Washington, Seattle.,Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (D.A.D., R.F.N.), University of Washington, Seattle
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5
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Dual usage of a stage-specific fluorescent reporter system based on a helper-dependent adenoviral vector to visualize osteogenic differentiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9705. [PMID: 31273280 PMCID: PMC6609771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a reporter system that can be used in a dual manner in visualizing mature osteoblast formation. The system is based on a helper-dependent adenoviral vector (HDAdV), in which a fluorescent protein, Venus, is expressed under the control of the 19-kb human osteocalcin (OC) genomic locus. By infecting human and murine primary osteoblast (POB) cultures with this reporter vector, the cells forming bone-like nodules were specifically visualized by the reporter. In addition, the same vector was utilized to efficiently knock-in the reporter into the endogenous OC gene of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), by homologous recombination. Neural crest-like cells (NCLCs) derived from the knock-in reporter iPSCs were differentiated into osteoblasts forming bone-like nodules and could be visualized by the expression of the fluorescent reporter. Living mature osteoblasts were then isolated from the murine mixed POB culture by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and their mRNA expression profile was analyzed. Our study presents unique utility of reporter HDAdVs in stem cell biology and related applications.
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Stephens CJ, Lauron EJ, Kashentseva E, Lu ZH, Yokoyama WM, Curiel DT. Long-term correction of hemophilia B using adenoviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. J Control Release 2019; 298:128-141. [PMID: 30771412 PMCID: PMC6636336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hemophilia B (HB) is a life-threatening inherited disease caused by mutations in the FIX gene, leading to reduced protein function and abnormal blood clotting. Due to its monogenic nature, HB is one of the primary targets for gene therapy. Indeed, successful correction of HB has been shown in clinical trials using gene therapy approaches. However, application of these strategies to non-adult patients is limited due to high cell turnover as young patients develop, resulting in vector dilution and subsequent loss of therapeutic expression. Gene editing can potentially overcome this issue by permanently inserting the corrective gene. Integration allows replication of the therapeutic transgene at every cell division and can avoid issues associated with vector dilution. In this study, we explored adenovirus as a platform for corrective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knock-in. We determined as a proof-of-principle that adenoviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 is capable of corrective gene addition, leading to long-term augmentation of FIX activity and phenotypic correction in a murine model of juvenile HB. While we found on-target error-free integration in all examined samples, some mice also contained mutations at the integration target site. Additionally, we detected adaptive immune responses against the vector and Cas9 nuclease. Overall, our findings show that the adenovirus platform is suitable for gene insertion in juveniles with inherited disease, suggesting this approach may be applicable to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Stephens
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8226, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elvin J Lauron
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8045, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elena Kashentseva
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhi Hong Lu
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wayne M Yokoyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8045, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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7
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Stamatikos A, Dronadula N, Ng P, Palmer D, Knight E, Wacker BK, Tang C, Kim F, Dichek DA. ABCA1 Overexpression in Endothelial Cells In Vitro Enhances ApoAI-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux and Decreases Inflammation. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 30:236-248. [PMID: 30079772 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a disease of blood vessels, is driven by cholesterol accumulation and inflammation. Gene therapy that removes cholesterol from blood vessels and decreases inflammation is a promising approach for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In previous work, we reported that helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) overexpression of apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI) in endothelial cells (ECs) increases cholesterol efflux in vitro and reduces atherosclerosis in vivo. However, the effect of HDAdApoAI on atherosclerosis is partial. To improve this therapy, we considered concurrent overexpression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1), a protein that is required for apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. Before attempting combined apoAI/ABCA1 gene therapy, we tested whether an HDAd that expresses ABCA1 (HDAdABCA1) increases EC cholesterol efflux, whether increased cholesterol efflux alters normal EC physiology, and whether ABCA1 overexpression in ECs has anti-inflammatory effects. HDAdABCA1 increased EC ABCA1 protein (∼3-fold; p < 0.001) and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux (2.3-fold; p = 0.007). Under basal culture conditions, ABCA1 overexpression did not alter EC proliferation, metabolism, migration, apoptosis, nitric oxide production, or inflammatory gene expression. However, in serum-starved, apoAI-treated EC, ABCA1 overexpression had anti-inflammatory effects: decreased inflammatory gene expression (∼50%; p ≤ 0.02 for interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and vascular cell adhesion protein-1); reduced lipid-raft Toll-like receptor 4 (80%; p = 0.001); and a trend towards increased nitric oxide production (∼55%; p = 0.1). In ECs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, ABCA1 overexpression markedly decreased inflammatory gene expression (∼90% for IL-6 and TNF-α; p < 0.001). Therefore, EC ABCA1 overexpression has no toxic effects and counteracts the two key drivers of atherosclerosis: cholesterol accumulation and inflammation. In vivo testing of HDAdABCA1 is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Stamatikos
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nagadhara Dronadula
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Philip Ng
- 2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Donna Palmer
- 2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ethan Knight
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bradley K Wacker
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chongren Tang
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Francis Kim
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David A Dichek
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and therefore, assessing the genetic versus environmental background of CAS traits is of key importance. Carotid intima-media-thickness and plaque characteristics seem to be moderately heritable, with remarkable differences in both heritability and presence or severity of these traits among ethnicities. Although the considerable role of additive genetic effects is obvious, based on the results so far, there is an important emphasis on non-shared environmental factors as well. We aimed to collect and summarize the papers that investigate twin and family studies assessing the phenotypic variance attributable to genetic associations with CAS. Genes in relation to CAS markers were overviewed with a focus on genetic association studies and genome-wide association studies. Although the role of certain genes is confirmed by studies conducted on large populations and meta-analyses, many of them show conflicting results. A great focus should be on future studies elucidating the exact pathomechanism of these genes in CAS in order to imply them as novel therapeutic targets.
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9
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Wacker BK, Bi L, Dichek DA. In Vivo Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29782016 DOI: 10.3791/56982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this method is to introduce a transgene into the endothelium of isolated segments of both rabbit common carotid arteries. The method achieves focal endothelial-selective transgenesis, thereby allowing an investigator to determine the biological roles of endothelial-expressed transgenes and to quantify the in vivo transcriptional activity of DNA sequences in large artery endothelial cells. The method uses surgical isolation of rabbit common carotid arteries and an arteriotomy to deliver a transgene-expressing viral vector into the arterial lumen. A short incubation period of the vector in the lumen, with subsequent aspiration of the lumen contents, is sufficient to achieve efficient and durable expression of the transgene in the endothelium, with no detectable transduction or expression outside of the isolated arterial segment. The method allows assessment of the biological activities of transgene products both in normal arteries and in models of human vascular disease, while avoiding systemic effects that could be caused either by targeting gene delivery to other sites (e.g. the liver) or by the alternative approach of delivering genetic constructs to the endothelium by germ line transgenesis. Application of the method is limited by the need for a skilled surgeon and anesthetist, a well-equipped operating room, the costs of purchasing and housing rabbits, and the need for expertise in gene-transfer vector construction and use. Results obtained with this method include: transgene-related alterations in arterial structure, cellularity, extracellular matrix, or vasomotor function; increases or reductions in arterial inflammation; alterations in vascular cell apoptosis; and progression, retardation, or regression of diseases such as intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis. The method also allows measurement of the ability of native and synthetic DNA regulatory sequences to alter transgene expression in endothelial cells, providing results that include: levels of transgene mRNA, levels of transgene protein, and levels of transgene enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lianxiang Bi
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington
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10
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Stephens CJ, Kashentseva E, Everett W, Kaliberova L, Curiel DT. Targeted in vivo knock-in of human alpha-1-antitrypsin cDNA using adenoviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Gene Ther 2018; 25:139-156. [PMID: 29588497 PMCID: PMC5919923 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Serum deficiency diseases such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency are characterized by reduced function of serum proteins, caused by deleterious genetic mutations. These diseases are promising targets for genetic interventions. Gene therapies using viral vectors have been used to introduce correct copies of the disease-causing gene in preclinical and clinical studies. However, these studies highlighted that disease-alleviating gene expression is lost over time. Integration into a specific chromosomal site could provide lasting therapeutic expression to overcome this major limitation. Additionally, targeted integration could avoid detrimental mutagenesis associated with integrative vectors, such as tumorigenesis or functional gene perturbation. To test if adenoviral vectors can facilitate long-term gene expression through targeted integration, we somatically incorporated the human alpha-1-antitrypsin gene into the ROSA26 "safe harbor" locus in murine livers, using CRISPR/Cas9. We found adenoviral-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 achieved gene editing outcomes persisting over 200 days. Furthermore, gene knock-in maintained greater levels of the serum protein than provided by episomal expression. Importantly, our "knock-in" approach is generalizable to other serum proteins and supports in vivo cDNA replacement therapy to achieve stable gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Stephens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8226, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Elena Kashentseva
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - William Everett
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lyudmila Kaliberova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8224, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Antiphospholipid antibodies induce thrombosis by PP2A activation via apoER2-Dab2-SHC1 complex formation in endothelium. Blood 2018; 131:2097-2110. [PMID: 29500169 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-11-814681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) recognition of β2 glycoprotein I promotes thrombosis, and preclinical studies indicate that this is due to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antagonism via apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2)-dependent processes. How apoER2 molecularly links these events is unknown. Here, we show that, in endothelial cells, the apoER2 cytoplasmic tail serves as a scaffold for aPL-induced assembly and activation of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Disabled-2 (Dab2) recruitment to the apoER2 NPXY motif promotes the activating L309 methylation of the PP2A catalytic subunit by leucine methyl transferase-1. Concurrently, Src homology domain-containing transforming protein 1 (SHC1) recruits the PP2A scaffolding subunit to the proline-rich apoER2 C terminus along with 2 distinct regulatory PP2A subunits that mediate inhibitory dephosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. In mice, the coupling of these processes in endothelium is demonstrated to underlie aPL-invoked thrombosis. By elucidating these intricacies in the pathogenesis of APS-related thrombosis, numerous potential new therapeutic targets have been identified.
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Wacker BK, Dronadula N, Bi L, Stamatikos A, Dichek DA. Apo A-I (Apolipoprotein A-I) Vascular Gene Therapy Provides Durable Protection Against Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Rabbits. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 38:206-217. [PMID: 29122817 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gene therapy that expresses apo A-I (apolipoprotein A-I) from vascular wall cells has promise for preventing and reversing atherosclerosis. Previously, we reported that transduction of carotid artery endothelial cells with a helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) vector expressing apo A-I reduced early (4 weeks) fatty streak development in fat-fed rabbits. Here, we tested whether the same HDAd could provide long-term protection against development of more complex lesions. APPROACH AND RESULTS Fat-fed rabbits (n=25) underwent bilateral carotid artery gene transfer, with their left and right common carotids randomized to receive either a control vector (HDAdNull) or an apo A-I-expressing vector (HDAdApoAI). Twenty-four additional weeks of high-fat diet yielded complex intimal lesions containing lipid-rich macrophages as well as smooth muscle cells, often in a lesion cap. Twenty-four weeks after gene transfer, high levels of apo A-I mRNA (median ≥250-fold above background) were present in all HDAdApoAI-treated arteries. Compared with paired control HDAdNull-treated arteries in the same rabbit, HDAdApoAI-treated arteries had 30% less median intimal lesion volume (P=0.03), with concomitant reductions (23%-32%) in intimal lipid, macrophage, and smooth muscle cell content (P≤0.05 for all). HDAdApoAI-treated arteries also had decreased intimal inflammatory markers. VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1)-stained area was reduced by 36% (P=0.03), with trends toward lower expression of ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α; 13%-39% less; P=0.06-0.1). CONCLUSIONS In rabbits with severe hyperlipidemia, transduction of vascular endothelial cells with an apo A-I-expressing HDAd yields at least 24 weeks of local apo A-I expression that durably reduces atherosclerotic lesion growth and intimal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley K Wacker
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Nagadhara Dronadula
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Lianxiang Bi
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Alexis Stamatikos
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - David A Dichek
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
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A Rabbit Model for Testing Helper-Dependent Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Therapy for Vein Graft Atherosclerosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 7:96-111. [PMID: 29296626 PMCID: PMC5744068 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass vein grafts are a mainstay of therapy for human atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, the long-term patency of vein grafts is limited by accelerated atherosclerosis. Gene therapy, directed at the vein graft wall, is a promising approach for preventing vein graft atherosclerosis. Because helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd) efficiently transduces grafted veins and confers long-term transgene expression, HDAd is an excellent candidate for delivery of vein graft-targeted gene therapy. We developed a model of vein graft atherosclerosis in fat-fed rabbits and demonstrated long-term (≥20 weeks) persistence of HDAd genomes after graft transduction. This model enables quantitation of vein graft hemodynamics, wall structure, lipid accumulation, cellularity, vector persistence, and inflammatory markers on a single graft. Time-course experiments identified 12 weeks after transduction as an optimal time to measure efficacy of gene therapy on the critical variables of lipid and macrophage accumulation. We also used chow-fed rabbits to test whether HDAd infusion in vein grafts promotes intimal growth and inflammation. HDAd did not increase intimal growth, but had moderate-yet significant-pro-inflammatory effects. The vein graft atherosclerosis model will be useful for testing HDAd-mediated gene therapy; however, pro-inflammatory effects of HdAd remain a concern in developing HDAd as a therapy for vein graft disease.
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