1
|
Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saad FA, Saad JF, Siciliano G, Merlini L, Angelini C. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:17-28. [PMID: 36411557 DOI: 10.2174/1566523223666221118160932] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are allelic X-linked recessive neuromuscular diseases affecting both skeletal and cardiac muscles. Therefore, owing to their single X chromosome, the affected boys receive pathogenic gene mutations from their unknowing carrier mothers. Current pharmacological drugs are palliative that address the symptoms of the disease rather than the genetic cause imbedded in the Dystrophin gene DNA sequence. Therefore, alternative therapies like gene drugs that could address the genetic cause of the disease at its root are crucial, which include gene transfer/implantation, exon skipping, and gene editing. Presently, it is possible through genetic reprogramming to engineer AAV vectors to deliver certain therapeutic cargos specifically to muscle or other organs regardless of their serotype. Similarly, it is possible to direct the biogenesis of exosomes to carry gene editing constituents or certain therapeutic cargos to specific tissue or cell type like brain and muscle. While autologous exosomes are immunologically inert, it is possible to camouflage AAV capsids, and lipid nanoparticles to evade the immune system recognition. In this review, we highlight current opportunities for Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, which has been known thus far as an incurable genetic disease. This article is a part of Gene Therapy of Rare Genetic Diseases thematic issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzy A Saad
- Department of Biology, Padua University School of Medicine, Via Trieste 75, Padova 35121, Italy
- Department of Gene Therapy, Saad Pharmaceuticals, Tornimäe 7-26, Tallinn, 10145, Estonia
| | - Jasen F Saad
- Department of Gene Therapy, Saad Pharmaceuticals, Tornimäe 7-26, Tallinn, 10145, Estonia
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luciano Merlini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna University School of Medicine, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Corrado Angelini
- Department Neurosciences, Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Find and cut-and-transfer (FiCAT) mammalian genome engineering. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7071. [PMID: 34862378 PMCID: PMC8642419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While multiple technologies for small allele genome editing exist, robust technologies for targeted integration of large DNA fragments in mammalian genomes are still missing. Here we develop a gene delivery tool (FiCAT) combining the precision of a CRISPR-Cas9 (find module), and the payload transfer efficiency of an engineered piggyBac transposase (cut-and-transfer module). FiCAT combines the functionality of Cas9 DNA scanning and targeting DNA, with piggyBac donor DNA processing and transfer capacity. PiggyBac functional domains are engineered providing increased on-target integration while reducing off-target events. We demonstrate efficient delivery and programmable insertion of small and large payloads in cellulo (human (Hek293T, K-562) and mouse (C2C12)) and in vivo in mouse liver. Finally, we evolve more efficient versions of FiCAT by generating a targeted diversity of 394,000 variants and undergoing 4 rounds of evolution. In this work, we develop a precise and efficient targeted insertion of multi kilobase DNA fragments in mammalian genomes. Mammalian genome engineering has advanced tremendously over the last decade, however there is still a need for robust gene writing with size scaling capacity. Here the authors present Find Cut-and-Transfer (FiCAT) technology to delivery large targeted payload insertion in cell lines and in vivo in mouse models.
Collapse
|
4
|
Applications of piggyBac Transposons for Genome Manipulation in Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:3829286. [PMID: 34567130 PMCID: PMC8460389 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3829286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements in the genome. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system is increasingly being used for stem cell research due to its high transposition efficiency and seamless excision capacity. Over the past few decades, forward genetic screens based on PB transposons have been successfully established to identify genes associated with drug resistance and stem cell-related characteristics. Moreover, PB transposon is regarded as a promising gene therapy vector and has been used in some clinically relevant stem cells. Here, we review the recent progress on the basic biology of PB, highlight its applications in current stem cell research, and discuss its advantages and challenges.
Collapse
|
5
|
CARAMBA: a first-in-human clinical trial with SLAMF7 CAR-T cells prepared by virus-free Sleeping Beauty gene transfer to treat multiple myeloma. Gene Ther 2021; 28:560-571. [PMID: 33846552 PMCID: PMC8455317 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has been enabled by advances in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, clinical-grade manufacturing, and complex logistics to distribute the drug product to treatment sites. A key ambition of the CARAMBA project is to provide clinical proof-of-concept for virus-free CAR gene transfer using advanced Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon technology. SB transposition in CAR-T engineering is attractive due to the high rate of stable CAR gene transfer enabled by optimized hyperactive SB100X transposase and transposon combinations, encoded by mRNA and minicircle DNA, respectively, as preferred vector embodiments. This approach bears the potential to facilitate and expedite vector procurement, CAR-T manufacturing and distribution, and the promise to provide a safe, effective, and economically sustainable treatment. As an exemplary and novel target for SB-based CAR-T cells, the CARAMBA consortium has selected the SLAMF7 antigen in multiple myeloma. SLAMF7 CAR-T cells confer potent and consistent anti-myeloma activity in preclinical assays in vitro and in vivo. The CARAMBA clinical trial (Phase-I/IIA; EudraCT: 2019-001264-30) investigates the feasibility, safety, and anti-myeloma efficacy of autologous SLAMF7 CAR-T cells. CARAMBA is the first clinical trial with virus-free CAR-T cells in Europe, and the first clinical trial that uses advanced SB technology worldwide.
Collapse
|
6
|
piggyBac-Based Non-Viral In Vivo Gene Delivery Useful for Production of Genetically Modified Animals and Organs. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030277. [PMID: 32204422 PMCID: PMC7151002 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo gene delivery involves direct injection of nucleic acids (NAs) into tissues, organs, or tail-veins. It has been recognized as a useful tool for evaluating the function of a gene of interest (GOI), creating models for human disease and basic research targeting gene therapy. Cargo frequently used for gene delivery are largely divided into viral and non-viral vectors. Viral vectors have strong infectious activity and do not require the use of instruments or reagents helpful for gene delivery but bear immunological and tumorigenic problems. In contrast, non-viral vectors strictly require instruments (i.e., electroporator) or reagents (i.e., liposomes) for enhanced uptake of NAs by cells and are often accompanied by weak transfection activity, with less immunological and tumorigenic problems. Chromosomal integration of GOI-bearing transgenes would be ideal for achieving long-term expression of GOI. piggyBac (PB), one of three transposons (PB, Sleeping Beauty (SB), and Tol2) found thus far, has been used for efficient transfection of GOI in various mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we outline recent achievements of PB-based production of genetically modified animals and organs and will provide some experimental concepts using this system.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Since Barbara McClintock’s groundbreaking discovery of mobile DNA sequences some 70 years ago, transposable elements have come to be recognized as important mutagenic agents impacting genome composition, genome evolution, and human health. Transposable elements are a major constituent of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, and the transposition mechanisms enabling transposon proliferation over evolutionary time remain engaging topics for study, suggesting complex interactions with the host, both antagonistic and mutualistic. The impact of transposition is profound, as over 100 human heritable diseases have been attributed to transposon insertions. Transposition can be highly mutagenic, perturbing genome integrity and gene expression in a wide range of organisms. This mutagenic potential has been exploited in the laboratory, where transposons have long been utilized for phenotypic screening and the generation of defined mutant libraries. More recently, barcoding applications and methods for RNA-directed transposition are being used towards new phenotypic screens and studies relevant for gene therapy. Thus, transposable elements are significant in affecting biology both
in vivo and in the laboratory, and this review will survey advances in understanding the biological role of transposons and relevant laboratory applications of these powerful molecular tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Teng S, Huang P. The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity on muscle progenitor cell function. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:103. [PMID: 30898146 PMCID: PMC6427880 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its primary function to provide movement and maintain posture, the skeletal muscle plays important roles in energy and glucose metabolism. In healthy humans, skeletal muscle is the major site for postprandial glucose uptake and impairment of this process contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A key component to the maintenance of skeletal muscle integrity and plasticity is the presence of muscle progenitor cells, including satellite cells, fibroadipogenic progenitors, and some interstitial progenitor cells associated with vessels (myo-endothelial cells, pericytes, and mesoangioblasts). In this review, we aim to discuss the emerging concepts related to these progenitor cells, focusing on the identification and characterization of distinct progenitor cell populations, and the impact of obesity and T2DM on these cells. The recent advances in stem cell therapies by targeting diabetic and obese muscle are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schumann GG, Fuchs NV, Tristán-Ramos P, Sebe A, Ivics Z, Heras SR. The impact of transposable element activity on therapeutically relevant human stem cells. Mob DNA 2019; 10:9. [PMID: 30899334 PMCID: PMC6408843 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-019-0151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human stem cells harbor significant potential for basic and clinical translational research as well as regenerative medicine. Currently ~ 3000 adult and ~ 30 pluripotent stem cell-based, interventional clinical trials are ongoing worldwide, and numbers are increasing continuously. Although stem cells are promising cell sources to treat a wide range of human diseases, there are also concerns regarding potential risks associated with their clinical use, including genomic instability and tumorigenesis concerns. Thus, a deeper understanding of the factors and molecular mechanisms contributing to stem cell genome stability are a prerequisite to harnessing their therapeutic potential for degenerative diseases. Chemical and physical factors are known to influence the stability of stem cell genomes, together with random mutations and Copy Number Variants (CNVs) that accumulated in cultured human stem cells. Here we review the activity of endogenous transposable elements (TEs) in human multipotent and pluripotent stem cells, and the consequences of their mobility for genomic integrity and host gene expression. We describe transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms antagonizing the spread of TEs in the human genome, and highlight those that are more prevalent in multipotent and pluripotent stem cells. Notably, TEs do not only represent a source of mutations/CNVs in genomes, but are also often harnessed as tools to engineer the stem cell genome; thus, we also describe and discuss the most widely applied transposon-based tools and highlight the most relevant areas of their biomedical applications in stem cells. Taken together, this review will contribute to the assessment of the risk that endogenous TE activity and the application of genetically engineered TEs constitute for the biosafety of stem cells to be used for substitutive and regenerative cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald G Schumann
- 1Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str.51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Nina V Fuchs
- 2Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Pablo Tristán-Ramos
- 3GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada-Avenida de la Ilustración, 114, 18016 Granada, Spain.,4Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Attila Sebe
- 1Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str.51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 1Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str.51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Sara R Heras
- 3GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada-Avenida de la Ilustración, 114, 18016 Granada, Spain.,4Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Slukvin II, Kumar A. The mesenchymoangioblast, mesodermal precursor for mesenchymal and endothelial cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3507-3520. [PMID: 29992471 PMCID: PMC6328351 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2871-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymoangioblast (MB) is the earliest precursor for endothelial and mesenchymal cells originating from APLNR+PDGFRα+KDR+ mesoderm in human pluripotent stem cell cultures. MBs are identified based on their capacity to form FGF2-dependent compact spheroid colonies in a serum-free semisolid medium. MBs colonies are composed of PDGFRβ+CD271+EMCN+DLK1+CD73- primitive mesenchymal cells which are generated through endothelial/angioblastic intermediates (cores) formed during first 3-4 days of clonogenic cultures. MB-derived primitive mesenchymal cells have potential to differentiate into mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. In this review, we summarize the specification and developmental potential of MBs, emphasize features that distinguish MBs from other mesenchymal progenitors described in the literature and discuss the value of these findings for identifying molecular pathways leading to MSC and vasculogenic cell specification, and developing cellular therapies using MB-derived progeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor I Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1220 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53707, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1220 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dastidar S, Ardui S, Singh K, Majumdar D, Nair N, Fu Y, Reyon D, Samara E, Gerli MF, Klein AF, De Schrijver W, Tipanee J, Seneca S, Tulalamba W, Wang H, Chai Y, In’t Veld P, Furling D, Tedesco F, Vermeesch JR, Joung JK, Chuah MK, VandenDriessche T. Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of trinucleotide repeat expansion in myotonic dystrophy patient-derived iPS and myogenic cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:8275-8298. [PMID: 29947794 PMCID: PMC6144820 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is an attractive platform to potentially correct dominant genetic diseases by gene editing with unprecedented precision. In the current proof-of-principle study, we explored the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene-editing in myotonic dystrophy type-1 (DM1), an autosomal-dominant muscle disorder, by excising the CTG-repeat expansion in the 3'-untranslated-region (UTR) of the human myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene in DM1 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (DM1-iPSC), DM1-iPSC-derived myogenic cells and DM1 patient-specific myoblasts. To eliminate the pathogenic gain-of-function mutant DMPK transcript, we designed a dual guide RNA based strategy that excises the CTG-repeat expansion with high efficiency, as confirmed by Southern blot and single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. Correction efficiencies up to 90% could be attained in DM1-iPSC as confirmed at the clonal level, following ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transfection of CRISPR/Cas9 components without the need for selective enrichment. Expanded CTG repeat excision resulted in the disappearance of ribonuclear foci, a quintessential cellular phenotype of DM1, in the corrected DM1-iPSC, DM1-iPSC-derived myogenic cells and DM1 myoblasts. Consequently, the normal intracellular localization of the muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1 (MBNL1) was restored, resulting in the normalization of splicing pattern of SERCA1. This study validates the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing of repeat expansions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumitava Dastidar
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Simon Ardui
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Kshitiz Singh
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Debanjana Majumdar
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Nisha Nair
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Yanfang Fu
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Deepak Reyon
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ermira Samara
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Mattia F M Gerli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E6DE, UK
| | - Arnaud F Klein
- Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, Association Institute de Myologie, Center de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 , France
| | - Wito De Schrijver
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jaitip Tipanee
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Sara Seneca
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Center for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Yoke Chin Chai
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Peter In’t Veld
- Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, Association Institute de Myologie, Center de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 , France
| | | | - Joris R Vermeesch
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - J Keith Joung
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
- Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
- Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hodge R, Narayanavari SA, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. Wide Awake and Ready to Move: 20 Years of Non-Viral Therapeutic Genome Engineering with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:842-855. [PMID: 28870121 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies will only become a widespread tool in the clinical treatment of human diseases with the advent of gene transfer vectors that integrate genetic information stably, safely, effectively, and economically. Two decades after the discovery of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, it has been transformed into a vector system that is fulfilling these requirements. SB may well overcome some of the limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are being used in the majority of ongoing clinical trials. The SB system has achieved a high level of stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, representing crucial steps that may permit its clinical use in the near future. This article reviews the most important aspects of SB as a tool for gene therapy, including aspects of its vectorization and genomic integration. As an illustration, the clinical development of the SB system toward gene therapy of age-related macular degeneration and cancer immunotherapy is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russ Hodge
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 2 Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cordova G, Negroni E, Cabello-Verrugio C, Mouly V, Trollet C. Combined Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to Optimize Treatment Efficacy. Front Genet 2018; 9:114. [PMID: 29692797 PMCID: PMC5902687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent muscular dystrophy and one of the most severe due to the absence of the dystrophin protein. Typical pathological features include muscle weakness, muscle wasting, degeneration, and inflammation. At advanced stages DMD muscles present exacerbated extracellular matrix and fat accumulation. Recent progress in therapeutic approaches has allowed new strategies to be investigated, including pharmacological, gene-based and cell-based therapies. Gene and cell-based therapies are still limited by poor targeting and low efficiency in fibrotic dystrophic muscle, therefore it is increasingly evident that future treatments will have to include “combined therapies” to reach maximal efficiency. The scope of this mini-review is to provide an overview of the current literature on such combined therapies for DMD. By “combined therapies” we mean those that include both a therapy to correct the genetic defect and an additional one to address one of the secondary pathological features of the disease. In this mini-review, we will not provide a comprehensive view of the literature on therapies for DMD, since many such reviews already exist, but we will focus on the characteristics, efficiency, and potential of such combined therapeutic strategies that have been described so far for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Cordova
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, UMRS974, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, UMRS974, Paris, France
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Laboratorio de Patologías Musculares, Fragilidad y Envejecimiento, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, UMRS974, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, UMRS974, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Iyer PS, Mavoungou LO, Ronzoni F, Zemla J, Schmid-Siegert E, Antonini S, Neff LA, Dorchies OM, Jaconi M, Lekka M, Messina G, Mermod N. Autologous Cell Therapy Approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using PiggyBac Transposons and Mesoangioblasts. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1093-1108. [PMID: 29503200 PMCID: PMC6079556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle-wasting disease currently without cure. We investigated the use of the PiggyBac transposon for full-length dystrophin expression in murine mesoangioblast (MABs) progenitor cells. DMD murine MABs were transfected with transposable expression vectors for full-length dystrophin and transplanted intramuscularly or intra-arterially into mdx/SCID mice. Intra-arterial delivery indicated that the MABs could migrate to regenerating muscles to mediate dystrophin expression. Intramuscular transplantation yielded dystrophin expression in 11%-44% of myofibers in murine muscles, which remained stable for the assessed period of 5 months. The satellite cells isolated from transplanted muscles comprised a fraction of MAB-derived cells, indicating that the transfected MABs may colonize the satellite stem cell niche. Transposon integration site mapping by whole-genome sequencing indicated that 70% of the integrations were intergenic, while none was observed in an exon. Muscle resistance assessment by atomic force microscopy indicated that 80% of fibers showed elasticity properties restored to those of wild-type muscles. As measured in vivo, transplanted muscles became more resistant to fatigue. This study thus provides a proof-of-principle that PiggyBac transposon vectors may mediate full-length dystrophin expression as well as functional amelioration of the dystrophic muscles within a potential autologous cell-based therapeutic approach of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavithra S Iyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lionel O Mavoungou
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Ronzoni
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Zemla
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31342 Krakow, Poland
| | | | | | - Laurence A Neff
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier M Dorchies
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marisa Jaconi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Malgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31342 Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Nicolas Mermod
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Salmaninejad A, Valilou SF, Bayat H, Ebadi N, Daraei A, Yousefi M, Nesaei A, Mojarrad M. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an updated review of common available therapies. Int J Neurosci 2018; 128:854-864. [PMID: 29351004 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1430694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal progressive pediatric muscle disorder and genetically inherited as an X-linked disease that caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. DMD leads to progressive muscle weakness, degeneration, and wasting; finally, follows with the premature demise in affected individuals due to respiratory and/or cardiac failure typically by age of 30. For decades, scientists tried massively to find an effective therapy method, but there is no absolute cure currently for patients with DMD, nevertheless, recent advanced progressions on the treatment of DMD will be hopeful in the future. Several promising gene therapies are currently under investigation. These include gene replacement, exon skipping, suppression of stop codons. More recently, a promising gene editing tool referred to as CRISPR/Cas9 offers exciting perspectives for restoring dystrophin expression in patients with DMD. This review intents to briefly describe these methods and comment on their advances. Since DMD is a genetic disorder, it should be treated by replacing the deficient DMD copy with a functional one. However, there are different types of mutations in this gene, so such therapeutic approaches are highly mutation specific and thus are personalized. Therefore, DMD has arisen as a model of genetic disorder for understanding and overcoming of the challenges of developing personalized genetic medicines, consequently, the lessons learned from these approaches will be applicable to many other disorders. CONCLUSIONS This review provides an update on the recent gene therapies for DMD that aim to compensate for dystrophin deficiency and the related clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Salmaninejad
- a Drug Applied Research Center , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Saeed Farajzadeh Valilou
- d Medical Genetics Network (MeGeNe) , Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Tehran , Iran
| | - Hadi Bayat
- e Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine , Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Nader Ebadi
- f Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine , Tehran University of Medical Science , Tehran , Iran
| | - Abdolreza Daraei
- g Genetic Department, Faculty of Medicine , Babol University of Medical Sciences , Babol , Iran
| | - Meysam Yousefi
- b Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Abolfazl Nesaei
- h Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Majid Mojarrad
- b Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Preclinical and clinical advances in transposon-based gene therapy. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160614. [PMID: 29089466 PMCID: PMC5715130 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons derived from Sleeping Beauty (SB), piggyBac (PB), or Tol2 typically require cotransfection of transposon DNA with a transposase either as an expression plasmid or mRNA. Consequently, this results in genomic integration of the potentially therapeutic gene into chromosomes of the desired target cells, and thus conferring stable expression. Non-viral transfection methods are typically preferred to deliver the transposon components into the target cells. However, these methods do not match the efficacy typically attained with viral vectors and are sometimes associated with cellular toxicity evoked by the DNA itself. In recent years, the overall transposition efficacy has gradually increased by codon optimization of the transposase, generation of hyperactive transposases, and/or introduction of specific mutations in the transposon terminal repeats. Their versatility enabled the stable genetic engineering in many different primary cell types, including stem/progenitor cells and differentiated cell types. This prompted numerous preclinical proof-of-concept studies in disease models that demonstrated the potential of DNA transposons for ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. One of the merits of transposon systems relates to their ability to deliver relatively large therapeutic transgenes that cannot readily be accommodated in viral vectors such as full-length dystrophin cDNA. These emerging insights paved the way toward the first transposon-based phase I/II clinical trials to treat hematologic cancer and other diseases. Though encouraging results were obtained, controlled pivotal clinical trials are needed to corroborate the efficacy and safety of transposon-based therapies.
Collapse
|
17
|
Endogenous Transposase Source in Human Cells Mobilizes piggyBac Transposons. Mol Ther 2017; 24:851-4. [PMID: 27198853 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
18
|
Tipanee J, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. Transposons: Moving Forward from Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1087-1104. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jaitip Tipanee
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K. Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin. The absence of dystrophin leads to myofiber membrane fragility and necrosis, with eventual muscle atrophy and contractures. Affected boys typically die in their second or third decade due to either respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains prednisone, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models, mainly the mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog, have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. Because the GRMD clinical syndrome is more severe than in mice, better aligning with the progressive course of DMD, canine studies may translate better to humans. The original founder dog for all GRMD colonies worldwide was identified in the early 1980s before the discovery of the DMD gene and dystrophin. Accordingly, analogies to DMD were initially drawn based on similar clinical features, ranging from the X-linked pattern of inheritance to overlapping histopathologic lesions. Confirmation of genetic homology between DMD and GRMD came with identification of the underlying GRMD mutation, a single nucleotide change that leads to exon skipping and an out-of-frame DMD transcript. GRMD colonies have subsequently been established to conduct pathogenetic and preclinical treatment studies. Simultaneous with the onset of GRMD treatment trials, phenotypic biomarkers were developed, allowing definitive characterization of treatment effect. Importantly, GRMD studies have not always substantiated findings from mdx mice and have sometimes identified serious treatment side effects. While the GRMD model may be more clinically relevant than the mdx mouse, usage has been limited by practical considerations related to expense and the number of dogs available. This further complicates ongoing broader concerns about the poor rate of translation of animal model preclinical studies to humans with analogous diseases. Accordingly, in performing GRMD trials, special attention must be paid to experimental design to align with the approach used in DMD clinical trials. This review provides context for the GRMD model, beginning with its original description and extending to its use in preclinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Mail Stop 4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Farruggio AP, Bhakta MS, du Bois H, Ma J, Calos MP. Genomic integration of the full-length dystrophin coding sequence in Duchenne muscular dystrophy induced pluripotent stem cells. Biotechnol J 2017; 12. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201600477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mital S. Bhakta
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA USA
| | - Haley du Bois
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA USA
| | - Julia Ma
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA USA
| | - Michele P. Calos
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Calos MP. Genome Editing Techniques and Their Therapeutic Applications. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2016; 101:42-51. [PMID: 27783398 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fueled by advances in the field of genetics, the methods available to edit DNA sequences in living cells have continued to develop steadily. These technologies directly impact the fields of gene and cell therapy, where changes in the DNA sequence of target cells offer a route to correct genetic diseases and manipulate disorders like cancer. We review here the expanding menu of genome editing techniques and how they are being applied to therapeutic targets. The methods encompass a myriad of approaches to modify the covalent structure of DNA, including the targeted creation of double-strand breaks that can catalyze genomic changes, as well as the use of retroviruses and transposons to mediate gene addition, recombinases for sequence-specific gene addition and deletion, and base repair for direct sequence changes. The continued growth of the exciting field of genome editing is opening new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M P Calos
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. CRISPR/Cas9 Flexes Its Muscles: In Vivo Somatic Gene Editing for Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2016; 24:414-6. [PMID: 26952918 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|