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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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2
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Richard D, Capellini TD, Diekman BO. Epigenetics as a mediator of genetic risk in osteoarthritis: role during development, homeostasis, aging, and disease progression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C1078-C1088. [PMID: 36971423 PMCID: PMC10191130 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00574.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The identification of genomic loci that are associated with osteoarthritis (OA) has provided a starting point for understanding how genetic variation activates catabolic processes in the joint. However, genetic variants can only alter gene expression and cellular function when the epigenetic environment is permissive to these effects. In this review, we provide examples of how epigenetic shifts at distinct life stages can alter the risk for OA, which we posit is critical for the proper interpretation of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). During development, intensive work on the growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) locus has revealed the importance of tissue-specific enhancer activity in controlling both joint development and the subsequent risk for OA. During homeostasis in adults, underlying genetic risk factors may help establish beneficial or catabolic "set points" that dictate tissue function, with a strong cumulative effect on OA risk. During aging, methylation changes and the reorganization of chromatin can "unmask" the effects of genetic variants. The destructive function of variants that alter aging would only mediate effects after reproductive competence and thus avoid any evolutionary selection pressure, as consistent with larger frameworks of biological aging and its relationship to disease. A similar "unmasking" may occur during OA progression, which is supported by the finding of distinct expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in chondrocytes depending on the degree of tissue degradation. Finally, we propose that massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) will be a valuable tool to test the function of putative OA GWAS variants in chondrocytes from different life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Richard
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Terence D Capellini
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Brian O Diekman
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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3
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Bonato A, Fisch P, Ponta S, Fercher D, Manninen M, Weber D, Eklund KK, Barreto G, Zenobi-Wong M. Engineering Inflammation-Resistant Cartilage: Bridging Gene Therapy and Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2202271. [PMID: 36841937 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Articular cartilage defects caused by traumatic injury rarely heal spontaneously and predispose into post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In the current autologous cell-based treatments the regenerative process is often hampered by the poor regenerative capacity of adult cells and the inflammatory state of the injured joint. The lack of ideal treatment options for cartilage injuries motivated the authors to tissue engineer a cartilage tissue which would be more resistant to inflammation. A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 knockout of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) gene in polydactyly chondrocytes provides multivalent protection against the signals that activate the pro-inflammatory and catabolic NF-κB pathway. The TAK1-KO chondrocytes encapsulate into a hyaluronan hydrogel deposit copious cartilage extracellular matrix proteins and facilitate integration onto native cartilage, even under proinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, when implanted in vivo, compared to WT fewer pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages invade the cartilage, likely due to the lower levels of cytokines secreted by the TAK1-KO polydactyly chondrocytes. The engineered cartilage thus represents a new paradigm-shift for the creation of more potent and functional tissues for use in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bonato
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Fisch
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Simone Ponta
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - David Fercher
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mikko Manninen
- Orton Orthopedic Hospital Helsinki, Helsinki, 00280, Finland
| | - Daniel Weber
- Division of Hand Surgery, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, 8032, Switzerland
| | - Kari K Eklund
- Orton Orthopedic Hospital Helsinki, Helsinki, 00280, Finland.,Department of Rheumatology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Goncalo Barreto
- Orton Orthopedic Hospital Helsinki, Helsinki, 00280, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
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4
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Shah SS, Salo PT, Lyons FG, Mitha AP, Krawetz RJ. Prx1 + MPCs Accumulate in the Dura Mater of Wild-Type and p21 -/- Mice Followed by a Specific Reduction in p21 -/- Dural MPCs. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101304. [PMID: 36190137 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidural fat contains a population of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), and this study explores the behavior of these cells on the adjacent dura mater during growth and in response to injury in a p21 knockout mouse model. p21-/- mice are known to have increased cell proliferation and enhanced tissue regeneration post-injury. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the process by which epidural fat MPCs maintain the dura mater can be accelerated in p21-/- mice. Using a Prx1 lineage tracing mouse model, the epidural fat MPCs are found to increase in the dura mater over time in both C57BL/6 (p21+/+ ) and p21-/- mice; however, by 3 weeks post-tamoxifen induction, few MPCs are observed in p21-/- mice. These endogenous MPCs also localize to dural injuries in both mouse strains, with MPCs in p21-/- mice demonstrating increased proliferation. When epidural fat MPCs derived from p21-/- mice are transplanted into dural injuries in C57BL/6 mice, these MPCs are found in the injury site. It is demonstrated that epidural fat MPCs play a role in dural tissue maintenance and are able to directly contribute to dural injury repair. This suggests that these MPCs have the potential to treat injuries and/or pathologies in tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia S Shah
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Paul T Salo
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Frank G Lyons
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alim P Mitha
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Roman J Krawetz
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
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5
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Thulson E, Davis ES, D’Costa S, Coryell PR, Kramer NE, Mohlke KL, Loeser RF, Diekman BO, Phanstiel DH. 3D chromatin structure in chondrocytes identifies putative osteoarthritis risk genes. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac141. [PMID: 36099032 PMCID: PMC9713432 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified over 100 loci associated with osteoarthritis risk, but the majority of osteoarthritis risk variants are noncoding, making it difficult to identify the impacted genes for further study and therapeutic development. To address this need, we used a multiomic approach and genome editing to identify and functionally characterize potential osteoarthritis risk genes. Computational analysis of genome-wide association studies and ChIP-seq data revealed that chondrocyte regulatory loci are enriched for osteoarthritis risk variants. We constructed a chondrocyte-specific regulatory network by mapping 3D chromatin structure and active enhancers in human chondrocytes. We then intersected these data with our previously collected RNA-seq dataset of chondrocytes responding to fibronectin fragment, a known osteoarthritis trigger. Integration of the 3 genomic datasets with recently reported osteoarthritis genome-wide association study variants revealed a refined set of putative causal osteoarthritis variants and their potential target genes. One of the putative target genes identified was SOCS2, which was connected to a putative causal variant by a 170-kb loop and is differentially regulated in response to fibronectin fragment. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of SOCS2 in primary human chondrocytes from 3 independent donors led to heightened expression of inflammatory markers after fibronectin fragment treatment. These data suggest that SOCS2 plays a role in resolving inflammation in response to cartilage matrix damage and provides a possible mechanistic explanation for its influence on osteoarthritis risk. In total, we identified 56 unique putative osteoarthritis risk genes for further research and potential therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Thulson
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Eric S Davis
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Susan D’Costa
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Philip R Coryell
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nicole E Kramer
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Karen L Mohlke
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard F Loeser
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brian O Diekman
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Douglas H Phanstiel
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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6
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Chaudhry N, Muhammad H, Seidl C, Downes D, Young DA, Hao Y, Zhu L, Vincent TL. Highly efficient CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing identifies novel mechanosensitive microRNA-140 targets in primary human articular chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:596-604. [PMID: 35074547 PMCID: PMC8987936 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE MicroRNA 140 (miR-140) is a chondrocyte-specific endogenous gene regulator implicated in osteoarthritis (OA). As mechanical injury is a primary aetiological factor in OA, we investigated miR-140-dependent mechanosensitive gene regulation using a novel CRISPR-Cas9 methodology in primary human chondrocytes. METHOD Primary (passage 1/2) human OA chondrocytes were isolated from arthroplasty samples (six donors) and transfected with ribonuclear protein complexes or plasmids using single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting miR-140, in combination with Cas9 endonuclease. Combinations of sgRNAs and single/double transfections were tested. Gene editing was measured by T7 endonuclease 1 (T7E1) assay. miRNA levels were confirmed by qPCR in chondrocytes and in wild type murine femoral head cartilage after acute injury. Predicted close match off-targets were examined. Mechanosensitive miR-140 target validation was assessed in 42 injury-associated genes using TaqMan Microfluidic cards in targeted and donor-matched control chondrocytes. Identified targets were examined in RNAseq data from costal chondrocytes from miR-140-/- mice. RESULTS High efficiency gene editing of miR-140 (90-98%) was obtained when two sgRNAs were combined with double RNP-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 transfection. miR-140 levels fell rapidly after femoral cartilage injury. Of the top eight miR-140 gene targets identified (P < 0.01), we validated three previously identified ones (septin 2, bone morphogenetic protein 2 and fibroblast growth factor 2). Novel targets included Agrin, a newly recognised pro-regenerative cartilage agent, and proteins associated with retinoic acid signalling and the primary cilium. CONCLUSION We describe a highly efficient CRISPR-Cas9-mediated strategy for gene editing in primary human chondrocytes and identify several novel mechanosensitive miR-140 targets of disease relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Chaudhry
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom
| | - H Muhammad
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom
| | - C Seidl
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom
| | - D Downes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - D A Young
- Skeletal Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Y Hao
- Skeletal Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom
| | - L Zhu
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom
| | - T L Vincent
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom.
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Shimizu R, Asawa Y, Komura M, Hoshi K, Hikita A. Superior stemness of a rapidly growing subgroup of isolated human auricular chondrocytes and the potential for use in cartilage regenerative therapy. Regen Ther 2022; 19:47-57. [PMID: 35059479 PMCID: PMC8739869 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In cartilage regenerative medicine, transplanted chondrocytes contain a mixture of populations, that complicates the regeneration of uniform cartilage tissue. Our group previously reported that chondrocytes with higher chondrogenic ability could be enriched by selection of rapidly growing cells. In this study, the detailed properties of rapidly growing chondrocytes were examined and compared to slowly growing cells. Methods Human auricular chondrocytes were fluorescently labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and analyzed using flow cytometry, focusing on division rates as indicated by fluorescence intensity and cell morphology according to the forward scatter and side scatter. Rapid and slow growing cell groups were harvested on days 2 and 4 after CFSE labeling, and their ability to produce cartilage matrix in vitro was examined. To compare the chondrogenic ability in vivo, the cells were seeded on poly-l-lactic acid scaffolds and transplanted into nude mice. Gene expression differences between the rapid and slow cell groups were investigated by microarray analysis. Results On day 2 after CFSE labeling, the rapidly growing cell group showed the highest proliferation rate. The results of pellet culture showed that the rapid cell group produced more glycosaminoglycans per cell than the slow cell group. The amount of glycosaminoglycan production was highest in the rapid cell group on day 2 after CFSE labeling, indicating high chondrogenic ability. Furthermore, microarray, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed upregulation of genes that promote cell division such as origin recognition complex subunit 1 and downregulation of genes that inhibit cell division such as cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A. Besides cell cycle-related genes, chondrocyte-related genes such as serpin family B member 2, clusterin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 were downregulated, while fibroblast growth factor 5 which is involved in stem cell maintenance, and coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 2A, which is required for cilia formation, were upregulated. Conclusion The results showed that the rapid cell group proliferated well and had more undifferentiated properties, suggesting a higher stemness. The present findings provide a basis for the use of the rapid cell group in cartilage regeneration. Highly-chondrogenic chondrocytes can be enriched based on their high division rate. Rapidly dividing cells are smaller and have less granularity. Cell cycle-related genes are upregulated in rapidly dividing cells. Chondrocyte-related genes are downregulated in rapidly dividing cells.
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8
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Loughlin J. Translating osteoarthritis genetics research: challenging times ahead. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:176-182. [PMID: 35033441 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of molecular genetic studies of human diseases is to translate the discoveries for patient benefit. For diseases that lack licensed disease-modifying therapeutics, such as osteoarthritis (OA), the need is acute. OA is polygenic and affects older individuals, with a recent genome-wide study of over 800 000 individuals adding 52 novel association signals to those already reported on for this common arthritis. Many of the predicted effector genes of these signals encode proteins that are targets of drugs for other indications, highlighting repurposing opportunities. Here, the potential for OA genetic data to translate is discussed, including whether the developmental origin of OA will limit the application of genetic risk data for disease-modification purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Loughlin
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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9
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Dilip Kumar S, Aashabharathi M, KarthigaDevi G, Subbaiya R, Saravanan M. Insights of CRISPR-Cas systems in stem cells: progress in regenerative medicine. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:657-673. [PMID: 34687393 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06832-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine, a therapeutic approach using stem cells, aims to rejuvenate and restore the normalized function of the cells, tissues, and organs that are injured, malfunctioning, and afflicted. This influential technology reaches its zenith when it is integrated with the CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated) technology of genome editing. This tool acts as a programmable restriction enzyme system, which targets DNA as well as RNA and gets redeployed for the customization of DNA/RNA sequences. The dynamic behaviour of nuclear manipulation and transcriptional regulation by CRISPR-Cas technology renders it with numerous employment in the field of biologics and research. Here, the possible impact of the commonly practiced CRISPR-Cas systems in regenerative medicines is being reviewed. Primarily, the discussion of the working mechanism of this system and the fate of stem cells will be scrutinized. A detailed description of the CRISPR based regenerative therapeutic approaches for a horde of diseases like genetic disorders, neural diseases, and blood-related diseases is elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Dilip Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602 117, India
| | - Manimaran Aashabharathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chembarambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 123, India
| | - Guruviah KarthigaDevi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602 117, India
| | - Ramasamy Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P.O Box. 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Muthupandian Saravanan
- AMR and Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
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10
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Reed KSM, Ulici V, Kim C, Chubinskaya S, Loeser RF, Phanstiel DH. Transcriptional response of human articular chondrocytes treated with fibronectin fragments: an in vitro model of the osteoarthritis phenotype. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:235-247. [PMID: 33248223 PMCID: PMC7870543 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibronectin is a matrix protein that is fragmented during cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). Treatment of chondrocytes with fibronectin fragments (FN-f) has been used to model OA in vitro, but the system has not been fully characterized. This study sought to define the transcriptional response of chondrocytes to FN-f, and directly compare it to responses traditionally observed in OA. DESIGN Normal human femoral chondrocytes isolated from tissue donors were treated with either FN-f or PBS (control) for 3, 6, or 18 h. RNA-seq libraries were compared between time-matched FN-f and control samples in order to identify changes in gene expression over time. Differentially expressed genes were compared to a published OA gene set and used for pathway, transcription factor motif, and kinome analysis. RESULTS FN-f treatment resulted in 3,914 differentially expressed genes over the time course. Genes that are up- or downregulated in OA were significantly up- (P < 0.00001) or downregulated (P < 0.0004) in response to FN-f. Early response genes were involved in proinflammatory pathways, whereas many late response genes were involved in ferroptosis. The promoters of upregulated genes were enriched for NF-κB, AP-1, and IRF motifs. Highly upregulated kinases included CAMK1G, IRAK2, and the uncharacterized kinase DYRK3, while growth factor receptors TGFBR2 and FGFR2 were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS FN-f treatment of normal human articular chondrocytes recapitulated many key aspects of the OA chondrocyte phenotype. This in vitro model is promising for future OA studies, especially considering its compatibility with genomics and genome-editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S M Reed
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - V Ulici
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - C Kim
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - S Chubinskaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - R F Loeser
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - D H Phanstiel
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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11
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Yan W, Xu X, Xu Q, Sun Z, Lv Z, Wu R, Yan W, Jiang Q, Shi D. An Injectable Hydrogel Scaffold With Kartogenin-Encapsulated Nanoparticles for Porcine Cartilage Regeneration: A 12-Month Follow-up Study. Am J Sports Med 2020; 48:3233-3244. [PMID: 33026830 DOI: 10.1177/0363546520957346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of cartilage lesions is clinically challenging. A previous study demonstrated that a hyaluronic acid hydrogel (m-HA) with kartogenin (KGN)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (m-HA+KGN treatment) achieved superior cartilage repair in a rabbit model. However, large animals serve as a bridge to translate animal outcomes into the clinic. HYPOTHESES (1) m-HA+KGN treatment could facilitate hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone tissue repair in a porcine model. (2) Defect size and type (full-thickness chondral vs osteochondral) influence the therapeutic efficacy of m-HA+KGN treatment. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS 48 minipigs were randomized into 3 treatment groups: m-HA hydrogel with KGN-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (m-HA+KGN treatment), m-HA hydrogel (m-HA treatment), and untreated (blank treatment). Full-thickness chondral (6.5 mm or 8.5 mm in diameter) or osteochondral (6.5 mm or 8.5 mm in diameter; 5-mm depth) defects were prepared in the medial femoral condyle. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, defect repair was assessed by macroscopic appearance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro-computed tomography (µCT), and histologic and biomechanical tests. RESULTS The m-HA+KGN group exhibited superior gross and histological healing after evaluation at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Improved quality of the repaired cartilage demonstrated by MRI and better subchondral bone reconstruction assessed by µCT were observed in the m-HA+KGN group. The m-HA+KGN group showed more hyaline-like cartilage exhibited by histological staining in terms of extracellular matrix, cartilage lacuna, and type II collagen. The biomechanical properties were improved in the m-HA+KGN group. With m-HA+KGN treatment, defects with a diameter of 6.5 mm or full-thickness chondral-type defects possessed significantly higher ICRS macroscopic and histological scores compared with diameter 8.5 mm or osteochondral-type defects. CONCLUSION (1) m-HA+KGN treatment facilitated hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone tissue repair in a porcine model at the 12-month follow-up. (2) m-HA+KGN treatment demonstrated better therapeutic efficacy in defects with a diameter of 6.5 mm or full-thickness chondral-type defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study verified the efficacy of this innovative KGN release system on cartilage repair. The KGN release system can be injected into defect sites arthroscopically. This convenient and minimally invasive operation holds important prospects for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingquan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongyang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China.,Laboratory for Bone and Joint Disease, Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongquan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
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Feng M, Peng H, Yao R, Zhang Z, Mao G, Yu H, Qiu Y. Inhibition of cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1)-driven senescence slows down cartilage inflammaging and osteoarthritis. Bone 2020; 139:115522. [PMID: 32622876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) in cartilage inflammaging and osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis in the isolated primary human chondrocytes in vitro, cartilage explants ex vivo, and a pre-clinical mice model. METHODS Recombinant human CCN1 stimulation and small interfering RNA inhibition were conducted in human chondrocytes. The RNA was extracted to quantify catabolic targets and pro-inflammatory genes and the proteins were probed with specific antibodies. IL-1β and IL-6 were monitored by ELISA. IHC was performed to evaluate important hypertrophic hallmarks and catabolic markers. The effects of Tanshinone IIA on chondrocytes were investigated in both time-dependent and dose-dependent processes. Cartilage explants were cultured in growth medium and further treated with Tanshinone IIA. The intra-articular injection was performed in 13 months old C57BL/6J mice. Safranin O and fast green staining were performed to evaluate the histological change of cartilage followed by a semi-quantitative analysis using the OARSI scoring system. RESULTS RNA and protein levels of CCN1 increased in an age-dependent manner compared to young donors. Increased CCN1 expression was also found in the damaged area compared to the non-lesion area which correlated with the advanced pathological change in human OA. The overexpression of CCN1 promoted chondrocytes senescence, while the down-regulation of CCN1 by small interfering RNA reduced CCN1 production and limited inflammation secretion suggesting that CCN1 was a possible novel target to intervene OA. Inhibition of CCN1 by using Tanshinone IIA could reduce SASP components in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, our data showed that Tanshinone IIA was able to preserve articular cartilage integrity, suppress CCN1 production, and inhibit SASP factors in human cartilage explants and in aged mice model. CONCLUSION This study showed that CCN1 signaling aggravated cartilage inflammaing and matrix degradation. Collectively, our findings showed new insight into repurposing Tanshinone IIA for slowing down OA advancement in human and mice by inhibiting the CCN1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hang Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Ricky Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Department of Orthopedics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China; Department of Joint Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, 010030 Hohhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Genwen Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiquan Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yusheng Qiu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, People's Republic of China.
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