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Gertsch J, Chicca A. CNS Drug Discovery in Academia: Where Basic Research Meets Innovation. Chembiochem 2024:e202400397. [PMID: 38958639 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The involvement of academic research in drug discovery is consistently growing. However, academic projects seldom advance to clinical trials. Here, we assess the landscape of drug discovery within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation to foster basic research and early-stage drug discovery on membrane transporters. This included transporters in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which represent a huge unmet medical need. While idea championship, sustainable funding, collaborations between disciplines at the interface of academia and industry are important for translational research, Popperian falsifiability, strong intellectual property and a motivated startup team are key elements for innovation. This is exemplified by the NCCR TransCure spin-off company Synendos Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing the first selective endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors (SERIs) as novel treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. We provide a perspective on the challenges related to entering an uncharted druggable space and bridging the often mentioned "valley of death". The high attrition rate of drug discovery projects in the CNS field within academia is often due to the lack of meaningful animal models that can provide pharmacological proof-of-concept for potentially disruptive technologies at the earliest stages, and the absence of solid intellectual property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Synendos Therapeutics, Barfüsserplatz, 3, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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Bates JN, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Baby SM, MacFarlane PM, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Bubier JA, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. Lipophilic analogues of D-cysteine prevent and reverse physical dependence to fentanyl in male rats. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1336440. [PMID: 38645835 PMCID: PMC11026688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1336440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined whether co-injections of the cell-permeant D-cysteine analogues, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee) and D-cysteine ethyl amide (D-CYSea), prevent acquisition of physical dependence induced by twice-daily injections of fentanyl, and reverse acquired dependence to these injections in freely-moving male Sprague Dawley rats. Injection of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX, 1.5 mg/kg, IV), elicited a series of withdrawal phenomena that included cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses, and falls in body weight and body temperature, in rats that received 5 or 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV), and the same number of vehicle co-injections. Regarding the development of physical dependence, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena were markedly reduced in fentanyl-injected rats that had received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV). Regarding reversal of established dependence to fentanyl, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena in rats that had received 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV) was markedly reduced in rats that received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV), starting with injection 6 of fentanyl. This study provides evidence that co-injections of D-CYSee and D-CYSea prevent the acquisition of physical dependence, and reverse acquired dependence to fentanyl in male rats. The lack of effect of D-cysteine suggests that the enhanced cell-penetrability of D-CYSee and D-CYSea into cells, particularly within the brain, is key to their ability to interact with intracellular signaling events involved in acquisition to physical dependence to fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gregory A. Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Peter M. MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zackery T. Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | | | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Bates JN, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Baby SM, MacFarlane PM, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Bubier JA, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. L-cysteine ethyl ester prevents and reverses acquired physical dependence on morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1303207. [PMID: 38111383 PMCID: PMC10726967 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of addiction/dependence on morphine may result from the ability of the opioid to diminish the transport of L-cysteine into neurons via inhibition of excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAA3). The objective of this study was to determine whether the co-administration of the cell-penetrant L-thiol ester, L-cysteine ethyl ester (L-CYSee), would reduce physical dependence on morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Injection of the opioid-receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX; 1.5 mg/kg, IP), elicited pronounced withdrawal phenomena in rats which received a subcutaneous depot of morphine (150 mg/kg) for 36 h and were receiving a continuous infusion of saline (20 μL/h, IV) via osmotic minipumps for the same 36 h period. The withdrawal phenomena included wet-dog shakes, jumping, rearing, fore-paw licking, 360° circling, writhing, apneas, cardiovascular (pressor and tachycardia) responses, hypothermia, and body weight loss. NLX elicited substantially reduced withdrawal syndrome in rats that received an infusion of L-CYSee (20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) for 36 h. NLX precipitated a marked withdrawal syndrome in rats that had received subcutaneous depots of morphine (150 mg/kg) for 48 h) and a co-infusion of vehicle. However, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were markedly reduced in morphine (150 mg/kg for 48 h)-treated rats that began receiving an infusion of L-CYSee (20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) at 36 h. In similar studies to those described previously, neither L-cysteine nor L-serine ethyl ester (both at 20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) mimicked the effects of L-CYSee. This study demonstrates that 1) L-CYSee attenuates the development of physical dependence on morphine in male rats and 2) prior administration of L-CYSee reverses morphine dependence, most likely by intracellular actions within the brain. The lack of the effect of L-serine ethyl ester (oxygen atom instead of sulfur atom) strongly implicates thiol biochemistry in the efficacy of L-CYSee. Accordingly, L-CYSee and analogs may be a novel class of therapeutics that ameliorate the development of physical dependence on opioids in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gregory A. Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Peter M. MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zackery T. Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | | | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Twomey R, Graham S, Spina JS, Wu X, Dubé PE, Ferrebee C, Housley W. Utilizing a human TLR selective ligand in a humanized immune system mouse model to investigate human TLR4 signaling. J Biol Methods 2023; 10:jbm-10-e99010008. [PMID: 38046987 PMCID: PMC10691501 DOI: 10.14440/jbm.2023.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models with humanized immune systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in pharmaceutical research as a platform for preclinical testing with potential for greater translatability to clinical applications. However, the presence of both mouse and human cells that respond to TLR ligands poses a challenge for investigating therapeutic modalities targeting TLR signaling. AZ617 is a human TLR4 agonist, which has been shown in vitro to preferentially induce human cytokines via the TLR4 signaling pathway. We sought to examine the ability of AZ617 to preferentially induce human cytokines in CD34+ stem cell-engrafted NOG-EXL mice (huNOG-EXL), to determine its suitability as an in vivo human functional readout. AZ617 elicited a strong human TNFα and IL-6 response in vivo that demonstrated a 10- and 5-fold preference, respectively, over the mouse TNFα and IL-6. To assess efficacy of inhibiting a key protein in the TLR4 signaling pathway, PF-06650833, a small molecule inhibitor of IRAK4, was used as a tool molecule. PF-0660833 was found to effectively inhibit AZ617-induced human TNFα release in vitro. Likewise, PF-06650833 reduced AZ617-induced human TNFα in the huNOG-EXL mouse model, with a weaker effect on human IL-6. A longitudinal study tracking functionality of monocytes revealed that the ability of monocytes to respond to ex vivo stimuli was increased by 21 weeks after engraftment. Taken together, our data suggests that human selective TLR ligands could preferentially drive cytokine production from human cells in huNOG-EXL mice. This model will allow for investigation of pharmacological inhibition of human TLR signaling pathways in an in vivo model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Twomey
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Sean Graham
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Joseph S. Spina
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Philip E. Dubé
- Taconic Biosciences, Inc., 5 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | | | - William Housley
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Drive, Worcester, MA 01605
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Wulfridge P, Davidovich A, Salvador AC, Manno GC, Tryggvadottir R, Idrizi A, Huda MN, Bennett BJ, Adams LG, Hansen KD, Threadgill DW, Feinberg AP. Precision pharmacological reversal of strain-specific diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice informed by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010997. [PMID: 37871105 PMCID: PMC10621921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet-related metabolic syndrome is the largest contributor to adverse health in the United States. However, the study of gene-environment interactions and their epigenomic and transcriptomic integration is complicated by the lack of environmental and genetic control in humans that is possible in mouse models. Here we exposed three mouse strains, C57BL/6J (BL6), A/J, and NOD/ShiLtJ (NOD), to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, leading to varying degrees of metabolic syndrome. We then performed transcriptomic and genome-wide DNA methylation analyses for each strain and found overlapping but also highly divergent changes in gene expression and methylation upstream of the discordant metabolic phenotypes. Strain-specific pathway analysis of dietary effects revealed a dysregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis common to all three strains but distinct regulatory networks driving this dysregulation. This suggests a strategy for strain-specific targeted pharmacologic intervention of these upstream regulators informed by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation. As a pilot study, we administered the drug GW4064 to target one of these genotype-dependent networks, the farnesoid X receptor pathway, and found that GW4064 exerts strain-specific protection against dietary effects in BL6, as predicted by our transcriptomic analysis. Furthermore, GW4064 treatment induced inflammatory-related gene expression changes in NOD, indicating a strain-specific effect in its associated toxicities as well as its therapeutic efficacy. This pilot study demonstrates the potential efficacy of precision therapeutics for genotype-informed dietary metabolic intervention and a mouse platform for guiding this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Wulfridge
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adam Davidovich
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anna C. Salvador
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle C. Manno
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rakel Tryggvadottir
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adrian Idrizi
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - M. Nazmul Huda
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Brian J. Bennett
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - L. Garry Adams
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kasper D. Hansen
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David W. Threadgill
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Feinberg
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Terry S, Gommet C, Kerangueven AC, Leguet M, Thévenin V, Berthelot M, Begoud L, Windenberger F, Lainee P. Activity in Group-Housed Home Cages of Mice as a Novel Preclinical Biomarker in Oncology Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4798. [PMID: 37835492 PMCID: PMC10571829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving experimental conditions in preclinical animal research is a major challenge, both scientifically and ethically. Automated digital ventilated cages (DVC®) offer the advantage of continuous monitoring of animal activity in their home-cage. The potential utility of this technology remains understudied and deserves investigation in the field of oncology. METHODS Using the DVC® platform, we sought to determine if the continuous assessment of locomotor activity of mice in their home cages can serve as useful digital readout in the monitoring of animals treated with the reference oncology compounds cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. SCID mice of 14 weeks of age were housed in DVC® cages in groups of four and followed with standard and digital examination before and after treatment over a 17-day total period. RESULTS DVC® detected statistically significant effects of cisplatin on the activity of mice in the short and long term, as well as trends for cyclophosphamide. The activity differences between the vehicle- and chemotherapy-treated groups were especially marked during the nighttime, a period when animals are most active and staff are generally not available for regular checks. Standard clinical parameters, such as body weight change and clinical assessment during the day, provided additional and complementary information. CONCLUSION The DVC® technology enabled the home cage monitoring of mice and non-invasive detection of animal activity disturbances. It can easily be integrated into a multimodal monitoring approach to better capture the different effects of oncology drugs on anti-tumor efficacy, toxicity, and safety and improve translation to clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Céline Gommet
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Anne-Cécile Kerangueven
- Biostatistics & Programming, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (A.-C.K.); (F.W.)
| | - Mickaël Leguet
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Vincent Thévenin
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Mickaël Berthelot
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Laurent Begoud
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Fanny Windenberger
- Biostatistics & Programming, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (A.-C.K.); (F.W.)
| | - Pierre Lainee
- Translational In Vivo Models—In Vivo Research Center Vitry, Sanofi Research and Development, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France; (C.G.); (M.L.); (V.T.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
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Park M, Kim D, Kim I, Im SH, Kim S. Drug approval prediction based on the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. EBioMedicine 2023; 94:104705. [PMID: 37453362 PMCID: PMC10366401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104705] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor translation between in vitro and clinical studies due to the cells/humans discrepancy in drug target perturbation effects leads to safety failures in clinical trials, thus increasing drug development costs and reducing patients' life quality. Therefore, developing a predictive model for drug approval considering the cells/humans discrepancy is needed to reduce drug attrition rates in clinical trials. METHODS Our machine learning framework predicts drug approval in clinical trials based on the cells/humans discrepancy in drug target perturbation effects. To evaluate the discrepancy to predict drug approval (1404 approved and 1070 unapproved drugs), we analysed CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and loss-of-function mutation rate-based gene perturbation effects on cells and humans, respectively. To validate the risk of drug targets with the cells/humans discrepancy, we examined the targets of failed and withdrawn drugs due to safety problems. FINDINGS Drug approvals in clinical trials were correlated with the cells/humans discrepancy in gene perturbation effects. Genes tolerant to perturbation effects on cells but intolerant to those on humans were associated with failed drug targets. Furthermore, genes with the cells/humans discrepancy were related to drugs withdrawn due to severe side effects. Motivated by previous studies assessing drug safety through chemical properties, we improved drug approval prediction by integrating chemical information with the cells/humans discrepancy. INTERPRETATION The cells/humans discrepancy in gene perturbation effects facilitates drug approval prediction and explains drug safety failures in clinical trials. FUNDING S.K. received grants from the Korean National Research Foundation (2021R1A2B5B01001903 and 2020R1A6A1A03047902) and IITP (2019-0-01906, Artificial Intelligence Graduate School Program, POSTECH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhyuk Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Donghyo Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Inhae Kim
- ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang, South Korea
| | - Sin-Hyeog Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea; ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang, South Korea
| | - Sanguk Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.
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Wulfridge P, Davidovich A, Salvador AC, Manno GC, Tryggvadottir R, Idrizi A, Huda MN, Bennett BJ, Adams LG, Hansen KD, Threadgill DW, Feinberg AP. Precision pharmacological reversal of genotype-specific diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice informed by transcriptional regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.25.538156. [PMID: 37163127 PMCID: PMC10168252 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.25.538156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Diet-related metabolic syndrome is the largest contributor to adverse health in the United States. However, the study of gene-environment interactions and their epigenomic and transcriptomic integration is complicated by the lack of environmental and genetic control in humans that is possible in mouse models. Here we exposed three mouse strains, C57BL/6J (BL6), A/J, and NOD/ShiLtJ (NOD), to a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet, leading to varying degrees of metabolic syndrome. We then performed transcriptomic and genomic DNA methylation analyses and found overlapping but also highly divergent changes in gene expression and methylation upstream of the discordant metabolic phenotypes. Strain-specific pathway analysis of dietary effects reveals a dysregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis common to all three strains but distinct regulatory networks driving this dysregulation. This suggests a strategy for strain-specific targeted pharmacologic intervention of these upstream regulators informed by transcriptional regulation. As a pilot study, we administered the drug GW4064 to target one of these genotype-dependent networks, the Farnesoid X receptor pathway, and found that GW4064 exerts genotype-specific protection against dietary effects in BL6, as predicted by our transcriptomic analysis, as well as increased inflammatory-related gene expression changes in NOD. This pilot study demonstrates the potential efficacy of precision therapeutics for genotype-informed dietary metabolic intervention, and a mouse platform for guiding this approach.
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10
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Mohammed Y, Goodlett D, Borchers CH. Bioinformatics Tools and Knowledgebases to Assist Generating Targeted Assays for Plasma Proteomics. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2628:557-577. [PMID: 36781806 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2978-9_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
In targeted proteomics experiments, selecting the appropriate proteotypic peptides as surrogate for the target protein is a crucial pre-acquisition step. This step is largely a bioinformatics exercise that involves integrating information on the peptides and proteins and using various software tools and knowledgebases. We present here a few resources that automate and simplify the selection process to a great degree. These tools and knowledgebases were developed primarily to streamline targeted proteomics assay development and include PeptidePicker, PeptidePickerDB, MRMAssayDB, MouseQuaPro, and PeptideTracker. We have used these tools to develop and document thousands of targeted proteomics assays, many of them for plasma proteins with focus on human and mouse. An important aspect in all these resources is the integrative approach on which they are based. Using these tools in the first steps of designing a singleplexed or multiplexed targeted proteomic experiment can reduce the necessary experimental steps tremendously. All the tools and knowledgebases we describe here are Web-based and freely accessible so scientists can query the information conveniently from the browser. This chapter provides an overview of these software tools and knowledgebases, their content, and how to use them for targeted plasma proteomics. We further demonstrate how to use them with the results of the HUPO Human Plasma Proteome Project to produce a new database of 3.8 k targeted assays for known human plasma proteins. Upon experimental validation, these assays should help in the further quantitative characterizing of the plasma proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassene Mohammed
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA, Netherlands. .,University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - David Goodlett
- University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,University of Gdansk, International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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11
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Rende U, Ahn SB, Adhikari S, Moh ESX, Pollock CA, Saad S, Guller A. Deciphering the Kidney Matrisome: Identification and Quantification of Renal Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Healthy Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032827. [PMID: 36769148 PMCID: PMC9917693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise characterization of a tissue's extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition (matrisome) is essential for biomedicine. However, ECM protein extraction that requires organ-specific optimization is still a major limiting factor in matrisome studies. In particular, the matrisome of mouse kidneys is still understudied, despite mouse models being crucial for renal research. Here, we comprehensively characterized the matrisome of kidneys in healthy C57BL/6 mice using two ECM extraction methods in combination with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), protein identification, and label-free quantification (LFQ) using MaxQuant. We identified 113 matrisome proteins, including 22 proteins that have not been previously listed in the Matrisome Database. Depending on the extraction approach, the core matrisome (structural proteins) comprised 45% or 73% of kidney ECM proteins, and was dominated by glycoproteins, followed by collagens and proteoglycans. Among matrisome-associated proteins, ECM regulators had the highest LFQ intensities, followed by ECM-affiliated proteins and secreted factors. The identified kidney ECM proteins were primarily involved in cellular, developmental and metabolic processes, as well as in molecular binding and regulation of catalytic and structural molecules' activity. We also performed in silico comparative analysis of the kidney matrisome composition in humans and mice based on publicly available data. These results contribute to the first reference database for the mouse renal matrisome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Rende
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Seong Beom Ahn
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Subash Adhikari
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Edward S. X. Moh
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carol A. Pollock
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Sonia Saad
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anna Guller
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Sriram D, Wahi R, Maggioncalda EC, Panthi CM, Lamichhane G. Clofazimine as a comparator for preclinical efficacy evaluations of experimental therapeutics against pulmonary M. abscessus infection in mice. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2022; 137:102268. [PMID: 36228452 PMCID: PMC10739713 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102268] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacteroides abscessus (Mab, also known as Mycobacterium abscessus) can cause chronic pulmonary disease in the setting of structural lung conditions. Current treatment recommendations require at least one year of daily therapy with repurposed antibiotics. Yet these therapies are often ineffective and associated with significant adverse events. To address this challenge, research efforts are underway to develop new antibiotics and regimens. During the preclinical phase of treatment development, experimental agents require testing and comparison alongside positive controls that are known agents with clinical history. As there are no FDA approved treatments for this indication, here, we have considered repurposed antibiotics currently included in the recommendation for treating Mab disease as candidates for selection of an ideal standard comparator that can serve as a positive control in preclinical studies. Clofazimine meets the criteria for an ideal positive control as it can be administered via the least invasive route, requires only once-daily dosing, is well tolerated, and is widely available in high purity from independent sources. Using a mouse model of pulmonary Mab disease, we assessed for ideal dosages of clofazimine in C3HeB/FeJ and BALB/c mice in a six-week treatment window. Clofazimine, 25 mg/kg, once daily, produced desired reduction in Mab burden in the lungs of C3HeB/FeJ and BALB/c mice. Based on these findings, we conclude that clofazimine meets the criteria for a positive control comparator in mice for use in preclinical efficacy assessments of agents for treatment of Mab pulmonary disease. Although not included in the current standard-of-care for treating Mab disease, rifabutin, 20 mg/kg, also produced desired reduction in Mab lung burden in C3HeB/FeJ mice but not in BALB/c mice. IMPORTANCE: Mycobacteroides abscessus can cause life-threatening infections in patients with chronic lung conditions. New treatments are needed as cure rate using existing drugs is low. During pre-clinical phase of treatment development, it is important to compare the efficacy of the experimental drug against existing ones with known history. Here, we demonstrate that clofazimine, one of the antibiotics repurposed for treating Mab disease, can serve as a positive control comparator for efficacy assessments of experimental drugs and regimens to treat M. abscessus disease in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Sriram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rishi Wahi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Emily C Maggioncalda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chandra M Panthi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Gyanu Lamichhane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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13
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Pakalniškytė D, Schönberger T, Strobel B, Stierstorfer B, Lamla T, Schuler M, Lenter M. Rosa26-LSL-dCas9-VPR: a versatile mouse model for tissue specific and simultaneous activation of multiple genes for drug discovery. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19268. [PMID: 36357523 PMCID: PMC9649745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic animals with increased or abrogated target gene expression are powerful tools for drug discovery research. Here, we developed a CRISPR-based Rosa26-LSL-dCas9-VPR mouse model for targeted induction of endogenous gene expression using different Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid variants for tissue-specific gRNAs delivery. To show applicability of the model, we targeted low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), either individually or together. We induced up to ninefold higher expression of hepatocellular proteins. In consequence of LDLR upregulation, plasma LDL levels almost abolished, whereas upregulation of PCSK9 led to increased plasma LDL and cholesterol levels. Strikingly, simultaneous upregulation of both LDLR and PCSK9 resulted in almost unaltered LDL levels. Additionally, we used our model to achieve expression of all α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) gene paralogues simultaneously. These results show the potential of our model as a versatile tool for optimized targeted gene expression, alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Pakalniškytė
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Tanja Schönberger
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Benjamin Strobel
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Birgit Stierstorfer
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Nonclinical Drug Safety Germany, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lamla
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Discovery Research Coordination, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Michael Schuler
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Martin Lenter
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, 88400 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
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14
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Yang Y, Guan B, Wei Q, Wang W, Meng A. Morphine analgesia in male inbred genetic diversity mice recapitulates the among-individual variance in response to morphine in humans. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:288-296. [PMID: 35656737 PMCID: PMC9240740 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine is a widely used analgesic, but its use in clinical precision medicine is limited by the variance in response among individuals. Although previous studies have shown that individual differences in morphine can be explained in terms of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, genetic polymorphisms also play an important role. However, the genetic basis of different sensitivity and tolerance susceptibility to morphine remains ambiguous. Using 15 strains of inbred Genetic Diversity (GD) mice, a new resource with wide genetic and phenotypic variation, we demonstrated great variance in sensitivity to morphine analgesia and susceptibility to morphine tolerance between different GD strains. Among-individual variance in response to morphine analgesia in the population can be modeled in GD mice. Two loci respectively may be associated with the among-individual variance in morphine sensitivity and tolerance, confirming the role of genetic factors in among-individual different responses to morphine. These results indicate that GD mice may be a potential tool for the identification of new biomarkers to improve the clinical administration of morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Laboratory Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Bowen Guan
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Laboratory Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Laboratory Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Laboratory Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Aimin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Laboratory Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
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15
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Powell G, Long H, Zolkiewski L, Dumbell R, Mallon AM, Lindgren CM, Simon MM. Modelling the genetic aetiology of complex disease: human-mouse conservation of noncoding features and disease-associated loci. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20210630. [PMID: 35317627 PMCID: PMC8941414 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic aetiology of loci associated with a disease is crucial for developing preventative measures and effective treatments. Mouse models are used extensively to understand human pathobiology and mechanistic functions of disease-associated loci. However, the utility of mouse models is limited in part by evolutionary divergence in transcription regulation for pathways of interest. Here, we summarize the alignment of genomic (exonic and multi-cell regulatory) annotations alongside Mendelian and complex disease-associated variant sites between humans and mice. Our results highlight the importance of understanding evolutionary divergence in transcription regulation when interpreting functional studies using mice as models for human disease variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Powell
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.,MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Helen Long
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.,MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Louisa Zolkiewski
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Rebecca Dumbell
- Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Ann-Marie Mallon
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Cecilia M Lindgren
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.,Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.,Medical and Population Genetics Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michelle M Simon
- MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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16
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Yaqub N, Wayne G, Birchall M, Song W. Recent advances in human respiratory epithelium models for drug discovery. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107832. [PMID: 34481894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The respiratory epithelium is intimately associated with the pathophysiologies of highly infectious viral contagions and chronic illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, presently the third leading cause of death worldwide with a projected economic burden of £1.7 trillion by 2030. Preclinical studies of respiratory physiology have almost exclusively utilised non-humanised animal models, alongside reductionistic cell line-based models, and primary epithelial cell models cultured at an air-liquid interface (ALI). Despite their utility, these model systems have been limited by their poor correlation to the human condition. This has undermined the ability to identify novel therapeutics, evidenced by a 15% chance of success for medicinal respiratory compounds entering clinical trials in 2018. Consequently, preclinical studies require new translational efficacy models to address the problem of respiratory drug attrition. This review describes the utility of the current in vivo (rodent), ex vivo (isolated perfused lungs and precision cut lung slices), two-dimensional in vitro cell-line (A549, BEAS-2B, Calu-3) and three-dimensional in vitro ALI (gold-standard and co-culture) and organoid respiratory epithelium models. The limitations to the application of these model systems in drug discovery research are discussed, in addition to perspectives of the future innovations required to facilitate the next generation of human-relevant respiratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheem Yaqub
- UCL Centre for Biomaterials in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Gareth Wayne
- Novel Human Genetics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Martin Birchall
- The Ear Institute, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK.
| | - Wenhui Song
- UCL Centre for Biomaterials in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK.
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17
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Formosa MM, Bergen DJM, Gregson CL, Maurizi A, Kämpe A, Garcia-Giralt N, Zhou W, Grinberg D, Ovejero Crespo D, Zillikens MC, Williams GR, Bassett JHD, Brandi ML, Sangiorgi L, Balcells S, Högler W, Van Hul W, Mäkitie O. A Roadmap to Gene Discoveries and Novel Therapies in Monogenic Low and High Bone Mass Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:709711. [PMID: 34539568 PMCID: PMC8444146 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.709711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic disorders of the skeleton encompass a diverse group of bone diseases differing in clinical characteristics, severity, incidence and molecular etiology. Of particular interest are the monogenic rare bone mass disorders, with the underlying genetic defect contributing to either low or high bone mass phenotype. Extensive, deep phenotyping coupled with high-throughput, cost-effective genotyping is crucial in the characterization and diagnosis of affected individuals. Massive parallel sequencing efforts have been instrumental in the discovery of novel causal genes that merit functional validation using in vitro and ex vivo cell-based techniques, and in vivo models, mainly mice and zebrafish. These translational models also serve as an excellent platform for therapeutic discovery, bridging the gap between basic science research and the clinic. Altogether, genetic studies of monogenic rare bone mass disorders have broadened our knowledge on molecular signaling pathways coordinating bone development and metabolism, disease inheritance patterns, development of new and improved bone biomarkers, and identification of novel drug targets. In this comprehensive review we describe approaches to further enhance the innovative processes taking discoveries from clinic to bench, and then back to clinic in rare bone mass disorders. We highlight the importance of cross laboratory collaboration to perform functional validation in multiple model systems after identification of a novel disease gene. We describe the monogenic forms of rare low and high rare bone mass disorders known to date, provide a roadmap to unravel the genetic determinants of monogenic rare bone mass disorders using proper phenotyping and genotyping methods, and describe different genetic validation approaches paving the way for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Formosa
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Dylan J. M. Bergen
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- The Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Celia L. Gregson
- The Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Maurizi
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnological, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Anders Kämpe
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalia Garcia-Giralt
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Ovejero Crespo
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Carola Zillikens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Graham R. Williams
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J. H. Duncan Bassett
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Luisa Brandi
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine (M.L.B.), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Sangiorgi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Skeletal Rare Diseases, IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Balcells
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Högler
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Wim Van Hul
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Outi Mäkitie
- Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Mthembu N, Ikwegbue P, Brombacher F, Hadebe S. Respiratory Viral and Bacterial Factors That Influence Early Childhood Asthma. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:692841. [PMID: 35387053 PMCID: PMC8974778 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.692841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by episodes of shortness of breath due to reduced airway flow. The disease is triggered by a hyperreactive immune response to innocuous allergens, leading to hyper inflammation, mucus production, changes in structural cells lining the airways, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Asthma, although present in adults, is considered as a childhood condition, with a total of about 6.2 million children aged 18 and below affected globally. There has been progress in understanding asthma heterogeneity in adults, which has led to better patient stratification and characterisation of multiple asthma endotypes with distinct, but overlapping inflammatory features. The asthma inflammatory profile in children is not well-defined and heterogeneity of the disease is less described. Although many factors such as genetics, food allergies, antibiotic usage, type of birth, and cigarette smoke exposure can influence asthma development particularly in children, respiratory infections are thought to be the major contributing factor in poor lung function and onset of the disease. In this review, we focus on viral and bacterial respiratory infections in the first 10 years of life that could influence development of asthma in children. We also review literature on inflammatory immune heterogeneity in asthmatic children and how this overlaps with early lung development, poor lung function and respiratory infections. Finally, we review animal studies that model early development of asthma and how these studies could inform future therapies and better understanding of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nontobeko Mthembu
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul Ikwegbue
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sabelo Hadebe
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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19
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Hargrove-Grimes P, Low LA, Tagle DA. Microphysiological systems: What it takes for community adoption. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1435-1446. [PMID: 33899539 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211008872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are promising in vitro tools which could substantially improve the drug development process, particularly for underserved patient populations such as those with rare diseases, neural disorders, and diseases impacting pediatric populations. Currently, one of the major goals of the National Institutes of Health MPS program, led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), is to demonstrate the utility of this emerging technology and help support the path to community adoption. However, community adoption of MPS technology has been hindered by a variety of factors including biological and technological challenges in device creation, issues with validation and standardization of MPS technology, and potential complications related to commercialization. In this brief Minireview, we offer an NCATS perspective on what current barriers exist to MPS adoption and provide an outlook on the future path to adoption of these in vitro tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Passley Hargrove-Grimes
- 390834National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lucie A Low
- 390834National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Danilo A Tagle
- 390834National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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20
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Song Y, Fazleabas AT. Endometrial Organoids: A Rising Star for Research on Endometrial Development and Associated Diseases. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1626-1636. [PMID: 33533008 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium is one of the most dynamic organs in the human body. Until now, cell lines have furthered the understanding of endometrial biology and associated diseases, but they failed to recapitulate the key physiological aspects of the endometrium, especially as it relates to its complex architecture and functions. Organoid culture systems have become an alternative approach to reproduce biological functions of tissues in vitro. Endometrial organoids have now been established from stem/progenitor cells and/or differentiated cells by several methods, which represents a promising tool to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic organ. In this review, we will discuss the establishment, characteristics, applications, and potential challenges and directions of endometrial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA.
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21
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Mohammed Y, Bhowmick P, Michaud SA, Sickmann A, Borchers CH. Mouse Quantitative Proteomics Knowledgebase: reference protein concentration ranges in 20 mouse tissues using 5000 quantitative proteomics assays. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:1900-1908. [PMID: 33483739 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mouse is the most used animal model in biological research, largely due to its high conserved synteny with human. Researchers use mice to answer various questions ranging from determining a pathological effect of knocked out/in gene to understanding drug metabolism. Our group developed >5000 quantitative targeted proteomics assays for 20 mouse tissues and determined the concentration ranges of a total of more than 1600 proteins using heavy labelled internal standards. We describe here MouseQuaPro; a knowledgebase that hosts this collection of carefully curated experimental data. The Web-based application includes protein concentrations from >700 mouse tissue samples from three common research strains, corresponding to more than 200k experimentally determined concentrations. The knowledgebase integrates the assay and protein concentration information with their human orthologs, functional and molecular annotations, biological pathways, related human diseases, and known gene expressions. At its core are the protein concentration ranges, which provide insights into (dis)similarities between tissues, strains, and sexes. MouseQuaPro implements advanced search as well as filtering functionalities with a simple interface and interactive visualization. This information-rich resource provides an initial map of protein absolute concentration in mouse tissues and allows guided design of proteomics phenotyping experiments. The knowledgebase is available at mousequapro.proteincentre.com. (Reviewer access username and password: mousequapro_reviewer1234567).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassene Mohammed
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Pallab Bhowmick
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah A Michaud
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e. V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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22
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Aly RG, El-Enbaawy MI, Abd El-Rahman SS, Ata NS. Antineoplastic activity of Salmonella Typhimurium outer membrane nanovesicles. Exp Cell Res 2020; 399:112423. [PMID: 33338480 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Nano-sized Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane vesicles possess unique structural and immunostimulatory effects that could be exploited to regress tumors by alerting the host immune system and reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The current study was conducted to investigate the antitumor activity of the outer membrane vesicles (ST-OMVs) of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, in vitro in human colorectal carcinoma (HTC116), breast cancer (MCF-7), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines and in vivo in Ehrlich solid carcinoma-bearing mice model either as a mono-immunotherapy or as an adjuvant to a commonly used conventional chemotherapy. In addition, we investigated the safety of ST-OMVs. Adult Swiss albino female mice with transplanted Ehrlich solid carcinoma were treated with either ST-OMVs, paclitaxel or a combination of both. Tumor volume, growth inhibition rate, quantitative RT-PCR of Bax and VEGF genes expression, histopathology and immune-expression of caspase-3, Beclin-1, CD49b and Ki-67 were all analyzed. Our results showed that ST-OMVs significantly decreased tumor volume, significantly increased tumor growth inhibition rate, up-regulated the immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3, Beclin-1, and CD49b (enhanced recruitment of NK cells). Furthermore, ST-OMVs down-regulated the expression of Ki-67, increased Bax gene expression and decreased VEGF gene expression as detected by qRT-PCR analysis. Histologically, ST-OMVs promoted apoptosis, decreased tumor invasion and mitotic activities. Moreover, ST-OMVs showed a remarkable cytotoxic activity in various investigated in vitro cancer cell lines. Our findings demonstrate potential antitumor activity of ST-OMVs that might be used as a promising safe antitumor immunotherapy or an adjuvant to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, resolving some of their problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Go Aly
- Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Luxor, Egypt
| | - Mona Ih El-Enbaawy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Nagwa S Ata
- Department of Microbiology, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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23
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What Is the Impact of Depletion of Immunoregulatory Genes on Wound Healing? A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:8862953. [PMID: 33488938 PMCID: PMC7787779 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8862953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines and growth factors are known to play an important role in the skin wound closure process; however, in knockout organisms, the levels of these molecules can undergo changes that result in the delay or acceleration of this process. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from preclinical studies about the main immunoregulatory molecules involved in skin repair through the analysis of the main mechanisms involved in the depletion of immunoregulatory genes, and we carried out a critical analysis of the methodological quality of these studies. We searched biomedical databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to those which used knockout animals and excision or incision wound models without intervention. A total of 27 studies were selected; data for animal models, gene depletion, wound characteristics, and immunoregulatory molecules were evaluated and compared whenever possible. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the ARRIVE and SYRCLE's bias of risk tool. In our review, the extracellular molecules act more negatively in the wound healing process when silenced and the metabolic pathway most affected involved in these processes was TGF-β/Smad, and emphasis was given to the importance of the participation of macrophages in TGF-β signaling. Besides that, proinflammatory molecules were more evaluated than anti-inflammatory ones, and the main molecules evaluated were, respectively, TGF-β1, followed by VEGF, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Overall, most gene depletions delayed wound healing, negatively influenced the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, and consequently promoted a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition, compromising the formation of granulation tissue. The studies presented heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence.
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24
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Sécher T, Bodier-Montagutelli E, Guillon A, Heuzé-Vourc'h N. Correlation and clinical relevance of animal models for inhaled pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 167:148-169. [PMID: 32645479 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nonclinical studies are fundamental for the development of inhaled drugs, as for any drug product, and for successful translation to clinical practice. They include in silico, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies and are intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the inhaled drug beneficial and detrimental effects. To date, animal models cannot be circumvented during drug development programs, acting as surrogates of humans to predict inhaled drug response, fate and toxicity. Herein, we review the animal models used during the different development stages of inhaled pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, highlighting their strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sécher
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, U1100, Tours, France; University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - E Bodier-Montagutelli
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, U1100, Tours, France; University of Tours, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Pharmacy Department, Tours, France
| | - A Guillon
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, U1100, Tours, France; University of Tours, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Critical Care Department, Tours, France
| | - N Heuzé-Vourc'h
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, U1100, Tours, France; University of Tours, Tours, France.
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25
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Treu A, Kokesch-Himmelreich J, Walter K, Hölscher C, Römpp A. Integrating High-Resolution MALDI Imaging into the Development Pipeline of Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:2277-2286. [PMID: 32965115 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Successful treatment of tuberculosis (TB) requires antibiotics to reach their intended point of action, i.e., necrotizing granulomas in the lung. MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is able to visualize the distribution of antibiotics in tissue, but resolving the small histological structures in mice, which are most commonly used in preclinical trials, requires high spatial resolution. We developed a MALDI MSI method to image antibiotics in the mouse lung with high mass resolution (240k @ m/z 200 fwhm) and high spatial resolution (10 μm pixel size). A crucial step was to develop a cryosectioning protocol that retains the distribution of water-soluble drugs in small and fragile murine lung lobes without inflation or embedding. Choice and application of matrices were optimized to detect human-equivalent drug concentrations in tissue, and measurement parameters were optimized to detect multiple drugs in a single tissue section. We succeeded in visualizing the distribution of all current first-line anti-TB drugs (pyrazinamide, rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid) and the second-line drugs moxifloxacin and clofazimine. Four of these compounds were imaged for the first time in the mouse lung. Accurate mass identification was confirmed by on-tissue MS/MS. Evaluation of fragmentation pathways revealed the structure of the double-protonated molecular ion of pyrazinamide. Clofazimine was imaged for the first time with 10 μm pixel size revealing clofazimine accumulation in lipid deposits around airways. In summary, we developed a platform to resolve the detailed histology in the murine lung and to reliably detect a range of anti-TB drugs at human-equivalent doses. Our workflow is currently being employed in preclinical mouse studies to evaluate the efficacy of novel anti-TB drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Treu
- Chair of Bioanalytical Sciences and Food Analysis, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Julia Kokesch-Himmelreich
- Chair of Bioanalytical Sciences and Food Analysis, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kerstin Walter
- Infection Immunology, Leibniz Lung Center, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph Hölscher
- Infection Immunology, Leibniz Lung Center, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Römpp
- Chair of Bioanalytical Sciences and Food Analysis, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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26
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Galvão I, Kim RY, Shen S, Budden KF, Vieira AT, Hansbro PM. Emerging therapeutic targets and preclinical models for severe asthma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:845-857. [PMID: 32569487 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1786535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with complex multifactorial causes. It is possible to subclassify asthma into different phenotypes that have distinct immunological features. Eosinophilic asthma is a well-known phenotype of severe asthma; however, a large body of clinical and experimental evidence strongly associates persistent airway inflammation, including the accumulation of neutrophils in the bronchial mucosa, and resistance to corticosteroid therapy and non-Type-2 immune responses with severe asthma. Importantly, mainstay therapies are often ineffective in severe asthma and effective alternatives are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED Here, we discussed recently developed mouse models of severe asthma that recapitulates key features of the disease in humans. We also provide findings from clinically relevant experimental models that have identified potential therapeutic targets for severe asthma. The most relevant publications on the topic of interest were selected from PubMed. EXPERT COMMENTARY Increasing the understanding of disease-causing mechanisms in severe asthma may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of more effective therapies. Intense research interest into investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of severe asthma has driven the development and interrogation of a myriad of mouse models that aim to replicate hallmark features of severe asthma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Galvão
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Y Kim
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle , Newcastle, Australia
| | - Sijie Shen
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, Australia
| | - Kurtis F Budden
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle , Newcastle, Australia
| | - Angélica T Vieira
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto De Ciências Biológicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle , Newcastle, Australia
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27
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Heidari-Khoei H, Esfandiari F, Hajari MA, Ghorbaninejad Z, Piryaei A, Baharvand H. Organoid technology in female reproductive biomedicine. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:64. [PMID: 32552764 PMCID: PMC7301968 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in organoid technology are revolutionizing our knowledge about the biology, physiology, and function of various organs. Female reproductive biology and medicine also benefit from this technology. Organoids recapitulate features of different reproductive organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as trophoblasts. The genetic stability of organoids and long-lasting commitment to their tissue of origin during long-term culture makes them attractive substitutes for animal and in vitro models. Despite current limitations, organoids offer a promising platform to address fundamental questions regarding the reproductive system's physiology and pathology. They provide a human source to harness stem cells for regenerative medicine, heal damaged epithelia in specific diseases, and study biological processes in healthy and pathological conditions. The combination of male and female reproductive organoids with other technologies, such as microfluidics technology, would enable scientists to create a multi-organoid-on-a-chip platform for the next step to human-on-a-chip platforms for clinical applications, drug discovery, and toxicology studies. The present review discusses recent advances in producing organoid models of reproductive organs and highlights their applications, as well as technical challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Heidari-Khoei
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Hajari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Zeynab Ghorbaninejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 19395-4719, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran.
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Eroli F, Johnell K, Latorre Leal M, Adamo C, Hilmer S, Wastesson JW, Cedazo-Minguez A, Maioli S. Chronic polypharmacy impairs explorative behavior and reduces synaptic functions in young adult mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:10147-10161. [PMID: 32445552 PMCID: PMC7346056 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in the health care system is the lack of knowledge about the possible harmful effects of multiple drug treatments in old age. The present study aims to characterize a mouse model of polypharmacy, in order to investigate whether long-term exposure to multiple drugs could lead to adverse outcomes. To this purpose we selected five drugs from the ten most commonly used by older adults in Sweden (metoprolol, paracetamol, aspirin, simvastatin and citalopram). Five-month-old wild type male mice were fed for eight weeks with control or polypharmacy diet. We report for the first time that young adult polypharmacy-treated mice showed a significant decrease in exploration and spatial working memory compared to the control group. This memory impairment was further supported by a significant reduction of synaptic proteins in the hippocampus of treated mice. These novel results suggest that already at young adult age, use of polypharmacy affects explorative behavior and synaptic functions. This study underlines the importance of investigating the potentially negative outcomes from concomitant administration of different drugs, which have been poorly explored until now. The mouse model proposed here has translatable findings and can be applied as a useful tool for future studies on polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Eroli
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Solna, Sweden
| | - Kristina Johnell
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - María Latorre Leal
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Solna, Sweden
| | - Chiara Adamo
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sarah Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hosptial and University of Sydney, Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Sidney, Australia
| | - Jonas W Wastesson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Solna, Sweden
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Solna, Sweden
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29
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Richards JR, Yoo JH, Shin D, Odelberg SJ. Mouse models of uveal melanoma: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:264-278. [PMID: 31880399 PMCID: PMC7065156 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye, and a number of discoveries in the last decade have led to a more thorough molecular characterization of this cancer. However, the prognosis remains dismal for patients with metastases, and there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are effective for this stage of disease. Animal models are important tools for preclinical studies of uveal melanoma. A variety of models exist, and they have specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this review article, these differences are explored in detail, and ideas for new models that might overcome current challenges are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R. Richards
- Department of Oncological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Donghan Shin
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Shannon J. Odelberg
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
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30
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Mosedale M, Watkins PB. Understanding Idiosyncratic Toxicity: Lessons Learned from Drug-Induced Liver Injury. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6436-6461. [PMID: 32037821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions (IADRs) encompass a diverse group of toxicities that can vary by drug and patient. The complex and unpredictable nature of IADRs combined with the fact that they are rare makes them particularly difficult to predict, diagnose, and treat. Common clinical characteristics, the identification of human leukocyte antigen risk alleles, and drug-induced proliferation of lymphocytes isolated from patients support a role for the adaptive immune system in the pathogenesis of IADRs. Significant evidence also suggests a requirement for direct, drug-induced stress, neoantigen formation, and stimulation of an innate response, which can be influenced by properties intrinsic to both the drug and the patient. This Perspective will provide an overview of the clinical profile, mechanisms, and risk factors underlying IADRs as well as new approaches to study these reactions, focusing on idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrie Mosedale
- Institute for Drug Safety Sciences and Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Paul B Watkins
- Institute for Drug Safety Sciences and Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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31
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Mouse Systems Genetics as a Prelude to Precision Medicine. Trends Genet 2020; 36:259-272. [PMID: 32037011 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models have been instrumental in understanding human disease biology and proposing possible new treatments. The precise control of the environment and genetic composition of mice allows more rigorous observations, but limits the generalizability and translatability of the results into human applications. In the era of precision medicine, strategies using mouse models have to be revisited to effectively emulate human populations. Systems genetics is one promising paradigm that may promote the transition to novel precision medicine strategies. Here, we review the state-of-the-art resources and discuss how mouse systems genetics helps to understand human diseases and to advance the development of precision medicine, with an emphasis on the existing resources and strategies.
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32
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Hadwen J, Schock S, Mears A, Yang R, Charron P, Zhang L, Xi HS, MacKenzie A. Transcriptomic RNAseq drug screen in cerebrocortical cultures: toward novel neurogenetic disease therapies. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3206-3217. [PMID: 29901742 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare monogenic diseases affect millions worldwide; although over 4500 rare disease genotypes are known, disease-modifying drugs are available for only 5% of them. The sheer number of these conditions combined with their rarity precludes traditional costly drug discovery programs. An economically viable alternative is to repurpose established drugs for rare diseases. Many genetic diseases result from increased or decreased protein activity and identification of clinically approved drugs which moderate this pathogenic dosage holds therapeutic potential. To identify such agents for neurogenetic diseases, we have generated genome-wide transcriptome profiles of mouse primary cerebrocortical cultures grown in the presence of 218 blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrant clinic-tested drugs. RNAseq and differential expression analyses were used to generate transcriptomic profiles; therapeutically relevant drug-gene interactions related to rare neurogenetic diseases identified in this fashion were further analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunofluorescence. We have created a transcriptome-wide searchable database for easy access to the gene expression data resulting from the cerebrocortical drug screen (Neuron Screen) and have mined this data to identify a novel link between thyroid hormone and expression of the peripheral neuropathy associated gene Pmp22. Our results demonstrate the utility of cerebrocortical cultures for transcriptomic drug screening, and the database we have created will foster further discovery of novel links between over 200 clinic-tested BBB penetrant drugs and genes related to diverse neurologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Hadwen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Schock
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alan Mears
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Yang
- Computational Sciences Centre of Emphasis, Pfizer, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philippe Charron
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Liying Zhang
- Computational Sciences Centre of Emphasis, Pfizer, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hualin S Xi
- Computational Sciences Centre of Emphasis, Pfizer, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex MacKenzie
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hmeljak J, Justice MJ. From gene to treatment: supporting rare disease translational research through model systems. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/2/dmm039271. [PMID: 30819728 PMCID: PMC6398488 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual rare diseases may affect only a few people, making them difficult to recognize, diagnose or treat by studying humans alone. Instead, model organisms help to validate genetic associations, understand functional pathways and develop therapeutic interventions for rare diseases. In this Editorial, we point to the key parameters in face, construct, predictive and target validity for accurate disease modelling, with special emphasis on rare disease models. Raising the experimental standards for disease models will enhance successful clinical translation and benefit rare disease research. Summary: This Editorial discusses the importance of model systems with accurate face, construct, target and predictive validity for rare disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julija Hmeljak
- Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Monica J Justice
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4 Canada
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Lavan M, Byrn SR, Knipp G. Pediatric Formulations: Knowledge Gaps Limiting the Expedited Preclinical to Clinical Translation in Children. AAPS PharmSciTech 2019; 20:73. [PMID: 30631973 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-018-1253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, drug discovery and development research have been primarily focused on the mitigation of disease treatment for the general adult population, often overlooking the medical needs of pediatric patients. While remarkable progress toward the discovery of better medicines has been made, the pharmacological differences between children and adults are often neglected as part of the translation process. In fact, until recently, children have been considered therapeutic orphans due to the lack of significant drug discovery, formulation development, and dosage form design specifically tailored for pediatric patients. Perhaps the least understood is the significant physiological changes that occur during the maturation process from birth to adulthood. It requires careful considerations to achieve age-specific-desired therapeutic outcomes with minimal toxicity. This introduces considerable risk into the preclinical and clinical testing of new medicaments, which until recently, was avoided based on the conventional approach where a demonstration of safe and efficacious use in adults over several years potentially would minimize the chance of adverse juvenile responses. However, the lack of appropriate drug products for children has led to off-label use of adult medicines with potential life-threatening adverse reactions and health complications. Recent developments and future considerations regarding pediatric drug discovery and development using a patient-centric approach in the context of ontogenic biopharmaceutical considerations are discussed below.
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Hamm JT, Ceger P, Allen D, Stout M, Maull EA, Baker G, Zmarowski A, Padilla S, Perkins E, Planchart A, Stedman D, Tal T, Tanguay RL, Volz DC, Wilbanks MS, Walker NJ. Characterizing sources of variability in zebrafish embryo screening protocols. ALTEX 2018; 36:103-120. [PMID: 30415271 PMCID: PMC10424490 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1804162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for fast, efficient, and cost-effective hazard identification and characterization of chemical hazards. This need is generating increased interest in the use of zebrafish embryos as both a screening tool and an alternative to mammalian test methods. A Collaborative Workshop on Aquatic Models and 21st Century Toxicology identified the lack of appropriate and consistent testing protocols as a challenge to the broader application of the zebrafish embryo model. The National Toxicology Program established the Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) initiative to address the lack of consistent testing guidelines and identify sources of variability for zebrafish-based assays. This report summarizes initial SEAZIT information-gathering efforts. Investigators in academic, government, and industry laboratories that routinely use zebrafish embryos for chemical toxicity testing were asked about their husbandry practices and standard protocols. Information was collected about protocol components including zebrafish strains, feed, system water, disease surveillance, embryo exposure conditions, and endpoints. Literature was reviewed to assess issues raised by the investigators. Interviews revealed substantial variability across design parameters, data collected, and analysis procedures. The presence of the chorion and renewal of exposure media (static versus static-renewal) were identified as design parameters that could potentially influence study outcomes and should be investigated further with studies to determine chemical uptake from treatment solution into embryos. The information gathered in this effort provides a basis for future SEAZIT activities to promote more consistent practices among researchers using zebrafish embryos for toxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon T Hamm
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Patricia Ceger
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Matt Stout
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Maull
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Greg Baker
- Battelle, Life Sciences Research, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Padilla
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Perkins
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Tamara Tal
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mitch S Wilbanks
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Nigel J Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Epistasis between Pax6 Sey and genetic background reinforces the value of defined hybrid mouse models for therapeutic trials. Gene Ther 2018; 25:524-537. [PMID: 30258099 PMCID: PMC6335240 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The small eye (Sey) mouse is a model of PAX6-aniridia syndrome (aniridia). Aniridia, a congenital ocular disorder caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in PAX6, needs new vision saving therapies. However, high phenotypic variability in Sey mice makes development of such therapies challenging. We hypothesize that genetic background is a major source of undesirable variability in Sey mice. Here we performed a systematic quantitative examination of anatomical, histological, and molecular phenotypes on the inbred C57BL/6J, hybrid B6129F1, and inbred 129S1/SvImJ backgrounds. The Sey allele significantly reduced eye weight, corneal thickness, PAX6 mRNA and protein levels, and elevated blood glucose levels. Surprisingly, Pax6Sey/Sey brains had significantly elevated Pax6 transcripts compared to Pax6+/+ embryos. Genetic background significantly influenced 12/24 measurements, with inbred strains introducing severe ocular and blood sugar phenotypes not observed in hybrid mice. Additionally, significant interactions (epistasis) between Pax6 genotype and genetic background were detected in measurements of eye weight, cornea epithelial thickness and cell count, retinal mRNA levels, and blood glucose levels. The number of epistatic interactions was reduced in hybrid mice. In conclusion, severe phenotypes in the unnatural inbred strains reinforce the value of more naturalistic F1 hybrid mice for the development of therapies for aniridia and other disorders.
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Harding JD. Nonhuman Primates and Translational Research: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. ILAR J 2017; 58:141-150. [PMID: 29253273 PMCID: PMC5886318 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are the closest animal models to humans regarding genetics, physiology and behavior. Therefore, NHPs are usually a critical component in translational research projects aimed at developing therapeutics, vaccines, devices or other interventions aimed at preventing, curing or ameliorating human disease. NHPs are often used in conjunction with other animal models, such as rodents, and results obtained using NHPs must often be used as the final criterion for establishing the potential efficacy of a pharmaceutical or vaccine before transition to human clinical trails. In some cases, NHPs may be the only relevant animal models for a particlular translational study. This issue of the ILAR journal brings together, in one place, articles that discuss the use of NHP models for studying human diseases that are highly prevalent and that cause extraordinary human suffering and financial and social burdens. Topics covered in detail include: tuberculosis; viral hepatitis; HIV/AIDS; neurodegenerative disorders; Substance abuse disorders; vision and prevention of blindness; disorder associated with psychosocial processes, such as anxiety, depression and loneliness; cardiovascular disease; metabolic disease, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome; respiratory disease; and female reproduction, prenatal development and women's health. Proper husbandry of NHPs that reduces stress and maintains animal health is critical for the development of NHP models. This issue of the journal includes a review of procedures for environmental enrichment, which helps assure animal health and wellbeing. Taken together, these articles provide detailed reviews of the use of NHP models for translational investigations and discuss successes, limitations, challenges and opportunities associated with this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Harding
- John D. Harding, PhD, recently retired after several years of service at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was program officer for grants funding the US National Primate Research Centers.
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Teilmann AC, Thomsen MB, Ihms EA, Pate N, Hau J, Abelson K. Ultrasonographic and histological evaluation of the effects of long-term carotid catheterization on cardiac function in NMRI mice. Lab Anim 2017; 52:17-28. [PMID: 28530480 DOI: 10.1177/0023677217706724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Catheterization of laboratory mice is commonly performed in biomedical research to infuse substances and for blood sampling. One approach is to catheterize the right common carotid artery and advance the catheter until the tip is positioned in the aorta or the proximal brachiocephalic trunk. Owing to the small body size of the mouse, a catheter tends to occupy a great part of even the larger vessel lumens, and this may increase vascular resistance with potential pathophysiological impacts on the heart. The present study compared cardiac function of catheterized mice, with catheter tip placement in the brachiocephalic trunk, with sham-operated mice and non-operated control mice. During four weeks post-catheterization, M-mode echocardiography measurements of the thickness of the left ventricular anterior wall, left ventricular inner diameter and the thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall were performed. The left ventricular volume, ejection fraction and fractional shortening were calculated. Moreover, aortic recordings of the thickness of the medial and lateral walls as well as the inner diameter were measured. Terminally, histological analysis of the hearts was conducted, and body weights and heart weights were compared between groups. No effects on echocardiography parameters, histology, body weights or cardiac weights could be found between groups. In the present study, implantation of a carotid catheter with catheter tip placement in the proximal brachiocephalic trunk had minimal influence on cardiac and aortic physiology and did not induce significant cardiac changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Teilmann
- 1 Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten B Thomsen
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth A Ihms
- 3 Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan Pate
- 3 Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jann Hau
- 1 Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klas Abelson
- 1 Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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