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Hu Y, Han L, Mo Q, Du Z, Jiang W, Wu X, Zheng J, Xiao X, Sun Y, Ma H. Engineering miniature CRISPR-Cas Un1Cas12f1 for efficient base editing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102201. [PMID: 38766526 PMCID: PMC11101732 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a relatively safe and efficient vector for gene therapy. However, due to its 4.7-kb limit of cargo, SpCas9-mediated base editors cannot be packaged into a single AAV vector, which hinders their clinical application. The development of efficient miniature base editors becomes an urgent need. Un1Cas12f1 is a class II V-F-type CRISPR-Cas protein with only 529 amino acids. Although Un1Cas12f1 has been engineered to be a base editor in mammalian cells, the base-editing efficiency is less than 10%, which limits its therapeutic applications. Here, we developed hypercompact and high-efficiency base editors by engineering Un1Cas12f1, fusing non-specific DNA binding protein Sso7d, and truncating single guide RNA (sgRNA), termed STUminiBEs. We demonstrated robust A-to-G conversion (54% on average) by STUminiABEs or C-to-T conversion (45% on average) by STUminiCBEs. We packaged STUminiCBEs into AAVs and successfully introduced a premature stop codon on the PCSK9 gene in mammalian cells. In sum, STUminiBEs are efficient miniature base editors and could readily be packaged into AAVs for biological research or biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueer Hu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linxiao Han
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqin Mo
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengming Du
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhui Ma
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Jin M, Lin J, Li H, Li Z, Yang D, Wang Y, Yu Y, Shao Z, Chen L, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Wang N, Xu C, Yang H, Chen WJ, Li G. Correction of human nonsense mutation via adenine base editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment in mouse. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102165. [PMID: 38571746 PMCID: PMC10988125 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent herediatry disease in men, characterized by dystrophin deficiency, progressive muscle wasting, cardiac insufficiency, and premature mortality, with no effective therapeutic options. Here, we investigated whether adenine base editing can correct pathological nonsense point mutations leading to premature stop codons in the dystrophin gene. We identified 27 causative nonsense mutations in our DMD patient cohort. Treatment with adenine base editor (ABE) could restore dystrophin expression by direct A-to-G editing of pathological nonsense mutations in cardiomyocytes generated from DMD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. We also generated two humanized mouse models of DMD expressing mutation-bearing exons 23 or 30 of human dystrophin gene. Intramuscular administration of ABE, driven by ubiquitous or muscle-specific promoters could correct these nonsense mutations in vivo, albeit with higher efficiency in exon 30, restoring dystrophin expression in skeletal fibers of humanized DMD mice. Moreover, a single systemic delivery of ABE with human single guide RNA (sgRNA) could induce body-wide dystrophin expression and improve muscle function in rotarod tests of humanized DMD mice. These findings demonstrate that ABE with human sgRNAs can confer therapeutic alleviation of DMD in mice, providing a basis for development of adenine base editing therapies in monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Haisen Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zhifang Li
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dong Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yin Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhurui Shao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
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Masarwy R, Stotsky-Oterin L, Elisha A, Hazan-Halevy I, Peer D. Delivery of nucleic acid based genome editing platforms via lipid nanoparticles: Clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115359. [PMID: 38857763 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115359] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technology presents a promising approach for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. Despite its potential, the translation of CRISPR/Cas into effective in-vivo gene therapy encounters challenges, primarily due to the need for safe and efficient delivery mechanisms. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), FDA-approved for RNA delivery, show potential for delivering also CRISPR/Cas, offering the capability to efficiently encapsulate large mRNA molecules with single guide RNAs. However, achieving precise targeting in-vivo remains a significant obstacle, necessitating further research into optimizing LNP formulations. Strategies to enhance specificity, such as modifying LNP structures and incorporating targeting ligands, are explored to improve organ and cell type targeting. Furthermore, the development of base and prime editing technology presents a potential breakthrough, offering precise modifications without generating double-strand breaks (DSBs). Prime editing, particularly when delivered via targeted LNPs, holds promise for treating diverse diseases safely and precisely. This review assesses both the progress made and the persistent challenges faced in using LNP-encapsulated CRISPR-based technologies for therapeutic purposes, with a particular focus on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Masarwy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Stotsky-Oterin
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviad Elisha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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4
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Chen Q, Wang X, Zhang Y, Tian M, Duan J, Zhang Y, Yin H. Minimizing the ratio of ionizable lipid in lipid nanoparticles for in vivo base editing. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae135. [PMID: 38770531 PMCID: PMC11104531 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae135] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained clinical approval as carriers for both siRNA and mRNA. Among the crucial components of LNPs, ionizable lipids play a pivotal role in determining the efficiency of RNA delivery. In this study, we synthesized a series of ionizable lipids, denoted as HTO, with a higher count of hydroxyl groups compared to SM-102. Remarkably, LNPs based on HTO12 lipid demonstrated comparable mRNA delivery efficiency and biosafety to those based on SM-102. However, the former reduced the ratio of ionizable lipid/total lipids to mRNA in LNPs by 2.5 times compared to SM-102. The HTO12 LNP efficiently encapsulated adenine base editor mRNA and sgRNA targeting Pcsk9, leading to substantial gene editing within the liver of mice and effective reduction of the target protein. Our study underscores that ionizable lipids with multiple hydroxyl groups may facilitate an improved lipid-to-mRNA ratio to minimize the dosage of ionizable lipids for in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiubing Chen
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xuebin Wang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junyi Duan
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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5
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Park JC, Kim YJ, Hwang GH, Kang CY, Bae S, Cha HJ. Enhancing genome editing in hPSCs through dual inhibition of DNA damage response and repair pathways. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4002. [PMID: 38734692 PMCID: PMC11088699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48111-9] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome editing is crucial for establishing isogenic human disease models and ex vivo stem cell therapy from the patient-derived hPSCs. Unlike Cas9-mediated knock-in, cytosine base editor and prime editor achieve the desirable gene correction without inducing DNA double strand breaks. However, hPSCs possess highly active DNA repair pathways and are particularly susceptible to p53-dependent cell death. These unique characteristics impede the efficiency of gene editing in hPSCs. Here, we demonstrate that dual inhibition of p53-mediated cell death and distinct activation of the DNA damage repair system upon DNA damage by cytosine base editor or prime editor additively enhanced editing efficiency in hPSCs. The BE4stem system comprised of p53DD, a dominant negative p53, and three UNG inhibitor, engineered to specifically diminish base excision repair, improves cytosine base editor efficiency in hPSCs. Addition of dominant negative MLH1 to inhibit mismatch repair activity and p53DD in the conventional prime editor system also significantly enhances prime editor efficiency in hPSCs. Thus, combined inhibition of the distinct cellular cascades engaged in hPSCs upon gene editing could significantly enhance precise genome editing in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chan Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gue-Ho Hwang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Kang
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Liu Y, Kong J, Liu G, Li Z, Xiao Y. Precise Gene Knock-In Tools with Minimized Risk of DSBs: A Trend for Gene Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401797. [PMID: 38728624 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene knock-in refers to the insertion of exogenous functional genes into a target genome to achieve continuous expression. Currently, most knock-in tools are based on site-directed nucleases, which can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target, following which the designed donors carrying functional genes can be inserted via the endogenous gene repair pathway. The size of donor genes is limited by the characteristics of gene repair, and the DSBs induce risks like genotoxicity. New generation tools, such as prime editing, transposase, and integrase, can insert larger gene fragments while minimizing or eliminating the risk of DSBs, opening new avenues in the development of animal models and gene therapy. However, the elimination of off-target events and the production of delivery carriers with precise requirements remain challenging, restricting the application of the current knock-in treatments to mainly in vitro settings. Here, a comprehensive review of the knock-in tools that do not/minimally rely on DSBs and use other mechanisms is provided. Moreover, the challenges and recent advances of in vivo knock-in treatments in terms of the therapeutic process is discussed. Collectively, the new generation of DSBs-minimizing and large-fragment knock-in tools has revolutionized the field of gene editing, from basic research to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Mudi Meng Honors College, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianping Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Gongyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing, 401135, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing, 401135, China
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7
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321438121. [PMID: 38687782 PMCID: PMC11087771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321438121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader," a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
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Xin Y, Feng H, He C, Lu H, Zuo E, Yan N. Development of a universal antibiotic resistance screening system for efficient enrichment of C-to-G and A-to-G base editing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131785. [PMID: 38679258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131785] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
To expand the scope of genomic editing, a C-to-G transversion-based editor called CGBE has been developed for precise single-nucleotide genomic editing. However, limited editing efficiency and product purity have hindered the development and application of CGBE. In this study, we introduced the Puromycin-Resistance Screening System, referred to as CGBE/ABE-PRSS, to select genetically modified cells via the CGBE or ABE editors. The CGBE/ABE-PRSS system significantly improves the enrichment efficiency of CGBE- or ABE-modified cells, showing enhancements of up to 59.6 % compared with the controls. Our findings indicate that the CGBE/ABE-PRSS, when driven by the CMV promoter, results in a higher enrichment of edited cells compared to the CAG and EF1α promoters. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this system is compatible with different versions of both CGBE and ABE, enabling various cell species and simultaneous multiplexed genome editing without any detectable random off-targets. In conclusion, our developed CGBE/ABE-PRSS system facilitates the selection of edited cells and holds promise in both basic engineering and gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hu Feng
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenfei He
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongjiang Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Erwei Zuo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nana Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China..
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10
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Deneault E. Recent Therapeutic Gene Editing Applications to Genetic Disorders. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4147-4185. [PMID: 38785523 PMCID: PMC11119904 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed unprecedented progress in therapeutic gene editing, revolutionizing the approach to treating genetic disorders. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the progression of milestones leading to the emergence of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based technology as a powerful tool for precise and targeted modifications of the human genome. CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease, base editing, and prime editing have taken center stage, demonstrating remarkable precision and efficacy in targeted ex vivo and in vivo genomic modifications. Enhanced delivery systems, including viral vectors and nanoparticles, have further improved the efficiency and safety of therapeutic gene editing, advancing their clinical translatability. The exploration of CRISPR-Cas systems beyond the commonly used Cas9, such as the development of Cas12 and Cas13 variants, has expanded the repertoire of gene editing tools, enabling more intricate modifications and therapeutic interventions. Outstandingly, prime editing represents a significant leap forward, given its unparalleled versatility and minimization of off-target effects. These innovations have paved the way for therapeutic gene editing in a multitude of previously incurable genetic disorders, ranging from monogenic diseases to complex polygenic conditions. This review highlights the latest innovative studies in the field, emphasizing breakthrough technologies in preclinical and clinical trials, and their applications in the realm of precision medicine. However, challenges such as off-target effects and ethical considerations remain, necessitating continued research to refine safety profiles and ethical frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Deneault
- Regulatory Research Division, Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
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11
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Miskalis A, Shirguppe S, Winter J, Elias G, Swami D, Nambiar A, Stilger M, Woods WS, Gosstola N, Gapinske M, Zeballos A, Moore H, Maslov S, Gaj T, Perez-Pinera P. SPLICER: A Highly Efficient Base Editing Toolbox That Enables In Vivo Therapeutic Exon Skipping. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587650. [PMID: 38883727 PMCID: PMC11178003 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Exon skipping technologies enable exclusion of targeted exons from mature mRNA transcripts, which has broad applications in molecular biology, medicine, and biotechnology. Existing exon skipping techniques include antisense oligonucleotides, targetable nucleases, and base editors, which, while effective for specific applications at some target exons, remain hindered by shortcomings, including transient effects for oligonucleotides, genotoxicity for nucleases and inconsistent exon skipping for base editors. To overcome these limitations, we created SPLICER, a toolbox of next-generation base editors consisting of near-PAMless Cas9 nickase variants fused to adenosine or cytosine deaminases for the simultaneous editing of splice acceptor (SA) and splice donor (SD) sequences. Synchronized SA and SD editing with SPLICER improves exon skipping, reduces aberrant outcomes, including cryptic splicing and intron retention, and enables skipping of exons refractory to single splice-site editing. To demonstrate the therapeutic potential of SPLICER, we targeted APP exon 17, which encodes the amino acid residues that are cleaved to form the Aβ plaques in Alzheimer's disease. SPLICER reduced the formation of Aβ42 peptides in vitro and enabled efficient exon skipping in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Overall, SPLICER is a widely applicable and efficient toolbox for exon skipping with broad therapeutic applications.
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12
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Wang Q, Capelletti S, Liu J, Janssen JM, Gonçalves MAFV. Selection-free precise gene repair using high-capacity adenovector delivery of advanced prime editing systems rescues dystrophin synthesis in DMD muscle cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2740-2757. [PMID: 38321963 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae057] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editors have high potential for disease modelling and regenerative medicine efforts including those directed at the muscle-wasting disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the large size and multicomponent nature of prime editing systems pose substantial production and delivery issues. Here, we report that packaging optimized full-length prime editing constructs in adenovector particles (AdVPs) permits installing precise DMD edits in human myogenic cells, namely, myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (up to 80% and 64%, respectively). AdVP transductions identified optimized prime-editing reagents capable of correcting DMD reading frames of ∼14% of patient genotypes and restoring dystrophin synthesis and dystrophin-β-dystroglycan linkages in unselected DMD muscle cell populations. AdVPs were equally suitable for correcting DMD iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and delivering dual prime editors tailored for DMD repair through targeted exon 51 deletion. Moreover, by exploiting the cell cycle-independent AdVP transduction process, we report that 2- and 3-component prime-editing modalities are both most active in cycling than in post-mitotic cells. Finally, we establish that combining AdVP transduction with seamless prime editing allows for stacking chromosomal edits through successive delivery rounds. In conclusion, AdVPs permit versatile investigation of advanced prime editing systems independently of their size and component numbers, which should facilitate their screening and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Capelletti
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jin Liu
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine M Janssen
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Xu F, Zheng C, Xu W, Zhang S, Liu S, Chen X, Yao K. Breaking genetic shackles: The advance of base editing in genetic disorder treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364135. [PMID: 38510648 PMCID: PMC10953296 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364135] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of gene editing technology has markedly improved the outlook for treating genetic diseases. Base editing, recognized as an exceptionally precise genetic modification tool, is emerging as a focus in the realm of genetic disease therapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and delivery methods of cytosine base editors (CBE), adenine base editors (ABE), and RNA base editors, with a particular focus on their applications and recent research advances in the treatment of genetic diseases. We have also explored the potential challenges faced by base editing technology in treatment, including aspects such as targeting specificity, safety, and efficacy, and have enumerated a series of possible solutions to propel the clinical translation of base editing technology. In conclusion, this article not only underscores the present state of base editing technology but also envisions its tremendous potential in the future, providing a novel perspective on the treatment of genetic diseases. It underscores the vast potential of base editing technology in the realm of genetic medicine, providing support for the progression of gene medicine and the development of innovative approaches to genetic disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyan Zheng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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14
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Yoon DE, Lee H, Kim K. Recent Research Trends in Stem Cells Using CRISPR/Cas-Based Genome Editing Methods. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:1-14. [PMID: 37904281 PMCID: PMC10899885 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23030] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, a rapidly advancing genome editing technology, allows DNA alterations into the genome of organisms. Gene editing using the CRISPR system enables more precise and diverse editing, such as single nucleotide conversion, precise knock-in of target sequences or genes, chromosomal rearrangement, or gene disruption by simple cutting. Moreover, CRISPR systems comprising transcriptional activators/repressors can be used for epigenetic regulation without DNA damage. Stem cell DNA engineering based on gene editing tools has enormous potential to provide clues regarding the pathogenesis of diseases and to study the mechanisms and treatments of incurable diseases. Here, we review the latest trends in stem cell research using various CRISPR/Cas technologies and discuss their future prospects in treating various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Eun Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. RNA Therapeutics for the Cardiovascular System. Circulation 2024; 149:707-716. [PMID: 38408142 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics hold significant promise in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. RNAs are biologically diverse and functionally specific and can be used for gain- or loss-of-function purposes. The effectiveness of mRNA-based vaccines in the recent COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly proven the benefits of an RNA-based approach. RNA-based therapies are becoming more common as a treatment modality for cardiovascular disease. This is most evident in hypertension where several small interfering RNA-based drugs have proven to be effective in managing high blood pressure in several clinical trials. As befits a rapidly burgeoning field, there is significant interest in other classes of RNA. Revascularization of the infarcted heart through an mRNA drug is under clinical investigation. mRNA technology may provide the platform for the expression of paracrine factors for myocardial protection and regeneration. Emergent technologies on the basis of microRNAs and gene editing are tackling complex diseases in a novel fashion. RNA-based gene editing offers hope of permanent cures for monogenic cardiovascular diseases, and long-term control of complex diseases such as essential hypertension, as well. Likewise, microRNAs are proving effective in regenerating cardiac muscle. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current landscape of RNA-based therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The review describes the large number of RNA molecules that exist with a discussion of the clinical development of each RNA type. In addition, the review also presents a number of avenues for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
- National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC (V.J.D.)
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
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16
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Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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17
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Bamidele N, Zhang H, Dong X, Cheng H, Gaston N, Feinzig H, Cao H, Kelly K, Watts JK, Xie J, Gao G, Sontheimer EJ. Domain-inlaid Nme2Cas9 adenine base editors with improved activity and targeting scope. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1458. [PMID: 38368418 PMCID: PMC10874451 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Nme2Cas9 has been established as a genome editing platform with compact size, high accuracy, and broad targeting range, including single-AAV-deliverable adenine base editors. Here, we engineer Nme2Cas9 to further increase the activity and targeting scope of compact Nme2Cas9 base editors. We first use domain insertion to position the deaminase domain nearer the displaced DNA strand in the target-bound complex. These domain-inlaid Nme2Cas9 variants exhibit shifted editing windows and increased activity in comparison to the N-terminally fused Nme2-ABE. We next expand the editing scope by swapping the Nme2Cas9 PAM-interacting domain with that of SmuCas9, which we had previously defined as recognizing a single-cytidine PAM. We then use these enhancements to introduce therapeutically relevant edits in a variety of cell types. Finally, we validate domain-inlaid Nme2-ABEs for single-AAV delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Bamidele
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Haoyang Cheng
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Hailey Feinzig
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Hanbing Cao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Massachusetts, MA, 01605, USA.
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18
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Caudal A, Snyder MP, Wu JC. Harnessing human genetics and stem cells for precision cardiovascular medicine. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100445. [PMID: 38359791 PMCID: PMC10879032 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) platforms are valuable for biomedical and pharmaceutical research by providing tissue-specific human cells that retain patients' genetic integrity and display disease phenotypes in a dish. Looking forward, combining iPSC phenotyping platforms with genomic and screening technologies will continue to pave new directions for precision medicine, including genetic prediction, visualization, and treatment of heart disease. This review summarizes the recent use of iPSC technology to unpack the influence of genetic variants in cardiovascular pathology. We focus on various state-of-the-art genomic tools for cardiovascular therapies-including the expansion of genetic toolkits for molecular interrogation, in vitro population studies, and function-based drug screening-and their current applications in patient- and genome-edited iPSC platforms that are heralding new avenues for cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Caudal
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Greenstone Biosciences, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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19
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Zhang Y, Wu ZY. Gene therapy for monogenic disorders: challenges, strategies, and perspectives. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:133-143. [PMID: 37586590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Monogenic disorders refer to a group of human diseases caused by mutations in single genes. While disease-modifying therapies have offered some relief from symptoms and delayed progression for some monogenic diseases, most of these diseases still lack effective treatments. In recent decades, gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for genetic disorders. Researchers have developed various gene manipulation tools and gene delivery systems to treat monogenic diseases. Despite this progress, concerns about inefficient delivery, persistent expression, immunogenicity, toxicity, capacity limitation, genomic integration, and limited tissue specificity still need to be addressed. This review gives an overview of commonly used gene therapy and delivery tools, along with the challenges they face and potential strategies to counter them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Center for Rare Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Center for Rare Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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20
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Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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21
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Jin M, Lin J, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Kong X, Zhang X, Shao Z, Wang Y, Yu Y, Li J, Chen WJ, Li G, Yang H, Wang N. enOsCas12f1-mediated exon skipping for Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy in humanized mouse model. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:256-259. [PMID: 38103683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qingquan Xiao
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiangfeng Kong
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhurui Shao
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yin Wang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- HUIDAGENE Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China.
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22
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Morshedzadeh F, Ghanei M, Lotfi M, Ghasemi M, Ahmadi M, Najari-Hanjani P, Sharif S, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Peymani M, Abbaszadegan MR. An Update on the Application of CRISPR Technology in Clinical Practice. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:179-197. [PMID: 37269466 PMCID: PMC10239226 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00724-z] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system, an innovative gene-editing tool, is emerging as a promising technique for genome modifications. This straightforward technique was created based on the prokaryotic adaptive immune defense mechanism and employed in the studies on human diseases that proved enormous therapeutic potential. A genetically unique patient mutation in the process of gene therapy can be corrected by the CRISPR method to treat diseases that traditional methods were unable to cure. However, introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 into the clinic will be challenging because we still need to improve the technology's effectiveness, precision, and applications. In this review, we first describe the function and applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. We next delineate how this technology could be utilized for gene therapy of various human disorders, including cancer and infectious diseases and highlight the promising examples in the field. Finally, we document current challenges and the potential solutions to overcome these obstacles for the effective use of CRISPR-Cas9 in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firouzeh Morshedzadeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghanei
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Parisa Najari-Hanjani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Sharif
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Wu Y, Zhong A, Sidharta M, Kim TW, Ramirez B, Persily B, Studer L, Zhou T. A robust and inducible precise genome editing via an all-in-one prime editor in human pluripotent stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576233. [PMID: 38293122 PMCID: PMC10827208 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing (PE) allows for precise genome editing in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), such as introducing single nucleotide modifications, small deletions, or insertions at a specific genomic locus, a strategy that shows great promise for creating "Disease in a dish" models. To improve the effectiveness of prime editing in hPSCs, we systematically compared and combined the "inhibition of mismatch repair pathway and p53" on top of the "PEmax" to generate an all-in-one "PE-Plus" prime editor. We show that PE-Plus conducts the most efficient editing among the current PE tools in hPSCs. We further established an inducible prime editing platform in hPSCs by incorporating the all-in-one PE vector into a safe-harbor locus and demonstrated temporal control of precise editing in both hPSCs and differentiated cells. By evaluating disease-associated mutations, we show that this platform allows efficient creation of both monoallelic and biallelic disease-relevant mutations in hPSCs. In addition, this platform enables the efficient introduction of single or multiple edits in one step, demonstrating potential for multiplex editing. Therefore, our method presents an efficient and controllable multiplex prime editing tool in hPSCs and their differentiated progeny.
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24
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Bruter AV, Varlamova EA, Okulova YD, Tatarskiy VV, Silaeva YY, Filatov MA. Genetically modified mice as a tool for the study of human diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:135. [PMID: 38236499 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Modeling a human disease is an essential part of biomedical research. The recent advances in the field of molecular genetics made it possible to obtain genetically modified animals for the study of various diseases. Not only monogenic disorders but also chromosomal and multifactorial disorders can be mimicked in lab animals due to genetic modification. Even human infectious diseases can be studied in genetically modified animals. An animal model of a disease enables the tracking of its pathogenesis and, more importantly, to test new therapies. In the first part of this paper, we review the most common DNA modification technologies and provide key ideas on specific technology choices according to the task at hand. In the second part, we focus on the application of genetically modified mice in studying human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Bruter
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Oncology Named After N.N. Blokhin" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Research Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia, 115478
| | - Ekaterina A Varlamova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Oncology Named After N.N. Blokhin" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Research Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia, 115478
| | - Yulia D Okulova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Victor V Tatarskiy
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Yulia Y Silaeva
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Maxim A Filatov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334.
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25
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Lebek S, Caravia XM, Straub LG, Alzhanov D, Tan W, Li H, McAnally JR, Chen K, Xu L, Scherer PE, Liu N, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. CRISPR-Cas9 base editing of pathogenic CaMKIIδ improves cardiac function in a humanized mouse model. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175164. [PMID: 37856214 PMCID: PMC10760954 DOI: 10.1172/jci175164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, highlighting the necessity for advanced therapeutic strategies. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ) is a prominent inducer of various cardiac disorders, which is mediated by 2 oxidation-sensitive methionine residues within the regulatory domain. We have previously shown that ablation of CaMKIIδ oxidation by CRISPR-Cas9 base editing enables the heart to recover function from otherwise severe damage following ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Here, we extended this therapeutic concept toward potential clinical translation. We generated a humanized CAMK2D knockin mouse model in which the genomic sequence encoding the entire regulatory domain was replaced with the human sequence. This enabled comparison and optimization of two different editing strategies for the human genome in mice. To edit CAMK2D in vivo, we packaged the optimized editing components into an engineered myotropic adeno-associated virus (MyoAAV 2A), which enabled efficient delivery at a very low AAV dose into the humanized mice at the time of IR injury. CAMK2D-edited mice recovered cardiac function, showed improved exercise performance, and were protected from myocardial fibrosis, which was otherwise observed in injured control mice after IR. Our findings identify a potentially effective strategy for cardioprotection in response to oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lebek
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xurde M. Caravia
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Damir Alzhanov
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - John R. McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology and
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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26
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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.
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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
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27
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Hosseini SY, Mallick R, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Navigating the prime editing strategy to treat cardiovascular genetic disorders in transforming heart health. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 22:75-89. [PMID: 38494784 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2328642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular disorders, the discovery of prime editing (PE), has opened new horizons for finding their cures. PE strategy is the most versatile editing tool to change cardiac genetic background for therapeutic interventions. The optimization of elements, prediction of efficiency, and discovery of the involved genes regulating the process have not been completed. The large size of the cargo and multi-elementary structure makes the in vivo heart delivery challenging. AREAS COVERED Updated from recent published studies, the fundamentals of the PEs, their application in cardiology, potentials, shortcomings, and the future perspectives for the treatment of cardiac-related genetic disorders will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The ideal PE for the heart should be tissue-specific, regulatable, less immunogenic, high transducing, and safe. However, low efficiency, sup-optimal PE architecture, the large size of required elements, the unclear role of transcriptomics on the process, unpredictable off-target effects, and its context-dependency are subjects that need to be considered. It is also of great importance to see how beneficial or detrimental cell cycle or epigenomic modifier is to bring changes into cardiac cells. The PE delivery is challenging due to the size, multi-component properties of the editors and liver sink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Younes Hosseini
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Szwec S, Kapłucha Z, Chamberlain JS, Konieczny P. Dystrophin- and Utrophin-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Review. BioDrugs 2024; 38:95-119. [PMID: 37917377 PMCID: PMC10789850 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00632-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that leads to progressive muscle loss and premature death. While medical management focuses mostly on symptomatic treatment, decades of research have resulted in first therapeutics able to restore the affected reading frame of dystrophin transcripts or induce synthesis of a truncated dystrophin protein from a vector, with other strategies based on gene therapy and cell signaling in preclinical or clinical development. Nevertheless, recent reports show that potentially therapeutic dystrophins can be immunogenic in patients. This raises the question of whether a dystrophin paralog, utrophin, could be a more suitable therapeutic protein. Here, we compare dystrophin and utrophin amino acid sequences and structures, combining published data with our extended in silico analyses. We then discuss these results in the context of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we focus on strategies based on delivery of micro-dystrophin and micro-utrophin genes with recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, exon skipping of the mutated dystrophin pre-mRNAs, reading through termination codons with small molecules that mask premature stop codons, dystrophin gene repair by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genetic engineering, and increasing utrophin levels. Our analyses highlight the importance of various dystrophin and utrophin domains in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, providing insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and decreased immunoreactivity. While the necessary actin and β-dystroglycan binding sites are present in both proteins, important functional distinctions can be identified in these domains and some other parts of truncated dystrophins might need redesigning due to their potentially immunogenic qualities. Alternatively, therapies based on utrophins might provide a safer and more effective approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Szwec
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kapłucha
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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Yu X, Huo G, Yu J, Li H, Li J. Prime editing: Its systematic optimization and current applications in disease treatment and agricultural breeding. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127025. [PMID: 37769783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127025] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome-editing technology has accelerated the development of the life sciences. Prime editing has raised genome editing to a new level because it allows for all 12 types of base substitutions, targeted insertions and deletions, large DNA fragment integration, and even combinations of these edits without generating DNA double-strand breaks. This versatile and game-changing technology has successfully been applied to human cells and plants, and it currently plays important roles in basic research, gene therapy, and crop breeding. Although prime editing has substantially expanded the range of possibilities for genome editing, its efficiency requires improvement. In this review, we briefly introduce prime editing and highlight recent optimizations that have improved the efficiency of prime editors. We also describe how the dual-pegRNA strategy has expanded current editing capabilities, and we summarize the potential of prime editing in treating mammalian diseases and improving crop breeding. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current prime editors and future prospects for optimizing these editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Guanzhong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jintai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; College of Modern Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China.
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30
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Karpov DS, Sosnovtseva AO, Pylina SV, Bastrich AN, Petrova DA, Kovalev MA, Shuvalova AI, Eremkina AK, Mokrysheva NG. Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a "Trojan Horse". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17320. [PMID: 38139149 PMCID: PMC10743607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas by cytotoxic T-cells. To date, there are no drugs that can prevent the development of T1D. Insulin replacement therapy is the standard care for patients with T1D. This treatment is life-saving, but is expensive, can lead to acute and long-term complications, and results in reduced overall life expectancy. This has stimulated the research and development of alternative treatments for T1D. In this review, we consider potential therapies for T1D using cellular regenerative medicine approaches with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cellular products. However, CRISPR/Cas as a genome editing tool has several drawbacks that should be considered for safe and efficient cell engineering. In addition, cellular engineering approaches themselves pose a hidden threat. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss novel strategies for the treatment of T1D using genome editing technology. A well-designed approach to β-cell derivation using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology will significantly reduce the risk of incorrectly engineered cell products that could behave as a "Trojan horse".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pylina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Asya N. Bastrich
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Darya A. Petrova
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasija I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anna K. Eremkina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Natalia G. Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
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31
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Song Y, Xu K, Xu HY, Guo YK, Xu R, Fu H, Yuan WF, Zhou ZQ, Xu T, Chen XJ, Wang YL, Fu C, Zhou H, Cai XT, Li XS. Longitudinal changes in magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of the gluteal muscle groups and functional ability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a 12-month cohort study. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:2672-2682. [PMID: 37889296 PMCID: PMC10697878 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered an objective biomarker of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but the longitudinal progression of MRI biomarkers in gluteal muscle groups and their predictive value for future motor function have not been described. OBJECTIVE To explore MRI biomarkers of the gluteal muscle groups as predictors of motor function decline in DMD by characterizing the progression over 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 112 participants with DMD were enrolled and underwent MRI examination of the gluteal muscles to determine fat fraction and longitudinal relaxation time (T1). Investigations were based on gluteal muscle groups including flexors, extensors, adductors, and abductors. The North Star Ambulatory Assessment and timed functional tests were performed. All participants returned for follow-up at an average of 12 months and were divided into two subgroups (functional stability/decline groups) based on changes in timed functional tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to explore the risk factors associated with future motor function decline. RESULTS For the functional decline group, all T1 values decreased, while fat fraction values increased significantly over 12 months (P<0.05). For the functional stability group, only the fat fraction of the flexors and abductors increased significantly over 12 months (P<0.05). The baseline T1 value was positively correlated with North Star Ambulatory Assessment and negatively correlated with timed functional tests at the 12-month follow-up (P<0.001), while the baseline fat fraction value was negatively correlated with North Star Ambulatory Assessment and positively correlated with timed functional tests at the 12-month follow-up (P<0.001). Multivariate regression showed that increased fat fraction of the abductors was associated with future motor function decline (model 1: odds ratio [OR]=1.104, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.026~1.187, P=0.008; model 2: OR=1.085, 95% CI: 1.013~1.161, P=0.019), with an area under the curve of 0.874. CONCLUSION Fat fraction of the abductors is a powerful predictor of future motor functional decline in DMD patients at 12 months, underscoring the importance of focusing early on this parameter in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hua-Yan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ying-Kun Guo
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei-Feng Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zi-Qi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xi-Jian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi-Lei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Fu
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao-Tang Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xue-Sheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Khalifah BA, Alghamdi SA, Alhasan AH. Unleashing the potential of catalytic RNAs to combat mis-spliced transcripts. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1244377. [PMID: 38047291 PMCID: PMC10690607 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1244377] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human transcriptome can undergo RNA mis-splicing due to spliceopathies contributing to the increasing number of genetic diseases including muscular dystrophy (MD), Alzheimer disease (AD), Huntington disease (HD), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Intron retention (IR) is a major inducer of spliceopathies where two or more introns remain in the final mature mRNA and account for many intronic expansion diseases. Potential removal of such introns for therapeutic purposes can be feasible when utilizing bioinformatics, catalytic RNAs, and nano-drug delivery systems. Overcoming delivery challenges of catalytic RNAs was discussed in this review as a future perspective highlighting the significance of utilizing synthetic biology in addition to high throughput deep sequencing and computational approaches for the treatment of mis-spliced transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashayer A. Khalifah
- Institute for Bioengineering, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali H. Alhasan
- Institute for Bioengineering, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Lebek S, Caravia XM, Chemello F, Tan W, McAnally JR, Chen K, Xu L, Liu N, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Elimination of CaMKIIδ Autophosphorylation by CRISPR-Cas9 Base Editing Improves Survival and Cardiac Function in Heart Failure in Mice. Circulation 2023; 148:1490-1504. [PMID: 37712250 PMCID: PMC10842988 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies. Autophosphorylation and subsequent overactivation of the cardiac stress-responsive enzyme CaMKIIδ (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ) serves as a central driver of multiple cardiac disorders. METHODS To develop a comprehensive therapy for heart failure, we used CRISPR-Cas9 adenine base editing to ablate the autophosphorylation site of CaMKIIδ. We generated mice harboring a phospho-resistant CaMKIIδ mutation in the germline and subjected these mice to severe transverse aortic constriction, a model for heart failure. Cardiac function, transcriptional changes, apoptosis, and fibrosis were assessed by echocardiography, RNA sequencing, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, and standard histology, respectively. Specificity toward CaMKIIδ gene editing was assessed using deep amplicon sequencing. Cellular Ca2+ homeostasis was analyzed using epifluorescence microscopy in Fura-2-loaded cardiomyocytes. RESULTS Within 2 weeks after severe transverse aortic constriction surgery, 65% of all wild-type mice died, and the surviving mice showed dramatically impaired cardiac function. In contrast to wild-type mice, CaMKIIδ phospho-resistant gene-edited mice showed a mortality rate of only 11% and exhibited substantially improved cardiac function after severe transverse aortic constriction. Moreover, CaMKIIδ phospho-resistant mice were protected from heart failure-related aberrant changes in cardiac gene expression, myocardial apoptosis, and subsequent fibrosis, which were observed in wild-type mice after severe transverse aortic constriction. On the basis of identical mouse and human genome sequences encoding the autophosphorylation site of CaMKIIδ, we deployed the same editing strategy to modify this pathogenic site in human induced pluripotent stem cells. It is notable that we detected a >2000-fold increased specificity for editing of CaMKIIδ compared with other CaMKII isoforms, which is an important safety feature. While wild-type cardiomyocytes showed impaired Ca2+ transients and an increased frequency of arrhythmias after chronic β-adrenergic stress, CaMKIIδ-edited cardiomyocytes were protected from these adverse responses. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of CaMKIIδ autophosphorylation by adenine base editing may offer a potential broad-based therapeutic concept for human cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lebek
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Regensburg; Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xurde M. Caravia
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Francesco Chemello
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - John R. McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565807. [PMID: 37986992 PMCID: PMC10659306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader", a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
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Madigan V, Zhang F, Dahlman JE. Drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:875-894. [PMID: 37723222 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based drugs can theoretically manipulate any genetic target. In practice, however, these drugs must enter the desired cell without eliciting an unwanted immune response, so a delivery system is often required. Here, we review drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors, focusing on adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles. After describing how these systems are engineered and their subsequent characterization in preclinical animal models, we highlight data from recent clinical trials. Preclinical targeting mediated by polymers, proteins, including virus-like particles, and other vehicles that may deliver CRISPR systems in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Madigan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Roberts TC, Wood MJA, Davies KE. Therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:917-934. [PMID: 37652974 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disorder and a priority candidate for molecular and cellular therapeutics. Although rare, it is the most common inherited myopathy affecting children and so has been the focus of intense research activity. It is caused by mutations that disrupt production of the dystrophin protein, and a plethora of drug development approaches are under way that aim to restore dystrophin function, including exon skipping, stop codon readthrough, gene replacement, cell therapy and gene editing. These efforts have led to the clinical approval of four exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides, one stop codon readthrough drug and one gene therapy product, with other approvals likely soon. Here, we discuss the latest therapeutic strategies that are under development and being deployed to treat DMD. Lessons from these drug development programmes are likely to have a major impact on the DMD field, but also on molecular and cellular medicine more generally. Thus, DMD is a pioneer disease at the forefront of future drug discovery efforts, with these experimental treatments paving the way for therapies using similar mechanisms of action being developed for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Ninfali C, Siles L, Esteve-Codina A, Postigo A. The mesodermal and myogenic specification of hESCs depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113222. [PMID: 37819755 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113222] [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: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into any cell lineage. Here, we report that ZEB1 and ZEB2 promote and inhibit mesodermal-to-myogenic specification of hESCs, respectively. Knockdown and/or overexpression experiments of ZEB1, ZEB2, or PAX7 in hESCs indicate that ZEB1 is required for hESC Nodal/Activin-mediated mesodermal specification and PAX7+ human myogenic progenitor (hMuP) generation, while ZEB2 inhibits these processes. ZEB1 downregulation induces neural markers, while ZEB2 downregulation induces mesodermal/myogenic markers. Mechanistically, ZEB1 binds to and transcriptionally activates the PAX7 promoter, while ZEB2 binds to and activates the promoter of the neural OTX2 marker. Transplanting ZEB1 or ZEB2 knocked down hMuPs into the muscles of a muscular dystrophy mouse model, showing that hMuP engraftment and generation of dystrophin-positive myofibers depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2. The mouse model results suggest that ZEB1 expression and/or downregulating ZEB2 in hESCs may also enhance hESC regenerative capacity for human muscular dystrophy therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ninfali
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Siles
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Molecular Targets Program, J.G. Brown Center, Louisville University Healthcare Campus, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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38
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Lek A, Wong B, Keeler A, Blackwood M, Ma K, Huang S, Sylvia K, Batista AR, Artinian R, Kokoski D, Parajuli S, Putra J, Carreon CK, Lidov H, Woodman K, Pajusalu S, Spinazzola JM, Gallagher T, LaRovere J, Balderson D, Black L, Sutton K, Horgan R, Lek M, Flotte T. Death after High-Dose rAAV9 Gene Therapy in a Patient with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1203-1210. [PMID: 37754285 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2307798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
We treated a 27-year-old patient with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) serotype 9 containing dSaCas9 (i.e., "dead" Staphylococcus aureus Cas9, in which the Cas9 nuclease activity has been inactivated) fused to VP64; this transgene was designed to up-regulate cortical dystrophin as a custom CRISPR-transactivator therapy. The dose of rAAV used was 1×1014 vector genomes per kilogram of body weight. Mild cardiac dysfunction and pericardial effusion developed, followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cardiac arrest 6 days after transgene treatment; the patient died 2 days later. A postmortem examination showed severe diffuse alveolar damage. Expression of transgene in the liver was minimal, and there was no evidence of AAV serotype 9 antibodies or effector T-cell reactivity in the organs. These findings indicate that an innate immune reaction caused ARDS in a patient with advanced DMD treated with high-dose rAAV gene therapy. (Funded by Cure Rare Disease.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lek
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Brenda Wong
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Allison Keeler
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Meghan Blackwood
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Kaiyue Ma
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Shushu Huang
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Katelyn Sylvia
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - A Rita Batista
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Rebecca Artinian
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Danielle Kokoski
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Shestruma Parajuli
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Juan Putra
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - C Katte Carreon
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Hart Lidov
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Keryn Woodman
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Sander Pajusalu
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Janelle M Spinazzola
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Thomas Gallagher
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Joan LaRovere
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Diane Balderson
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Lauren Black
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Keith Sutton
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Richard Horgan
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Monkol Lek
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
| | - Terence Flotte
- From the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven (A.L., K.M., S.H., K.W., S. Pajusalu, M.L.), and Cure Rare Disease, Woodbridge (R.H.) - both in Connecticut; the Departments of Pediatrics (B.W., A.K., R.A., D.K., T.F.) and Neurology (A.R.B.) and Horae Gene Therapy Center and the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (A.K., M.B., K. Sylvia, A.R.B., R.A., D.K., S. Parajuli, T.G., T.F.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, the Department of Pathology (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), the Division of Genetics (J.M.S.), and Department of Cardiology (J.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School (J.P., C.K.C., H.L.), Boston, and Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington (L.B., K. Sutton) - all in Massachusetts; the Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu (S. Pajusalu), and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital (S. Pajusalu) - both in Tartu, Estonia; and Regulatory Innovation, Raleigh, NC (D.B.)
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39
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Egorova TV, Polikarpova AV, Vassilieva SG, Dzhenkova MA, Savchenko IM, Velyaev OA, Shmidt AA, Soldatov VO, Pokrovskii MV, Deykin AV, Bardina MV. CRISPR-Cas9 correction in the DMD mouse model is accompanied by upregulation of Dp71f protein. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:161-180. [PMID: 37457303 PMCID: PMC10339130 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.006] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe hereditary disease caused by a deficiency in the dystrophin protein. The most frequent types of disease-causing mutations in the DMD gene are frameshift deletions of one or more exons. Precision genome editing systems such as CRISPR-Cas9 have shown potential to restore open reading frames in numerous animal studies. Here, we applied an AAV-CRISPR double-cut strategy to correct a mutation in the DMD mouse model with exon 8-34 deletion, encompassing the N-terminal actin-binding domain. We report successful excision of the 100-kb genomic sequence, which includes exons 6 and 7, and partial improvement in cardiorespiratory function. While corrected mRNA was abundant in muscle tissues, only a low level of truncated dystrophin was produced, possibly because of protein instability. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing upregulated the Dp71f dystrophin isoform on the sarcolemma. Given the previously reported Dp71-associated muscle pathology, our results question the applicability of genome editing strategies for some DMD patients with N-terminal mutations. The safety and efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 constructs require rigorous investigation in patient-specific animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi 354340, Russia
| | - Anna V. Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi 354340, Russia
| | - Svetlana G. Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Marina A. Dzhenkova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Irina M. Savchenko
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Oleg A. Velyaev
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Anna A. Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Vladislav O. Soldatov
- Research Institute of Living Systems Pharmacology, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod 308007, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Pokrovskii
- Research Institute of Living Systems Pharmacology, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod 308007, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Deykin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Joint Center for Genetic Technologies, Laboratory of Genetic Technologies and Gene Editing for Biomedicine and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod 308015, Russia
| | - Maryana V. Bardina
- Laboratory of Modeling and Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
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40
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Stephenson AA, Nicolau S, Vetter TA, Dufresne GP, Frair EC, Sarff JE, Wheeler GL, Kelly BJ, White P, Flanigan KM. CRISPR-Cas9 homology-independent targeted integration of exons 1-19 restores full-length dystrophin in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:486-499. [PMID: 37706184 PMCID: PMC10495553 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.009] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disorder typically caused by out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene. Most of these are deletions of one or more exons, which can theoretically be corrected through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockin. Homology-independent targeted integration is a mechanism for achieving such a knockin without reliance on homology-directed repair pathways, which are inactive in muscle. We designed a system based on insertion into intron 19 of a DNA fragment containing a pre-spliced mega-exon encoding DMD exons 1-19, along with the MHCK7 promoter, and delivered it via a pair of AAV9 vectors in mice carrying a Dmd exon 2 duplication. Maximal efficiency was achieved using a Cas9:donor adeno-associated virus (AAV) ratio of 1:5, with Cas9 under the control of the SPc5-12 promoter. This approach achieved editing of 1.4% of genomes in the heart, leading to 30% correction at the transcript level and restoration of 11% of normal dystrophin levels. Treatment efficacy was lower in skeletal muscles. Sequencing additionally revealed integration of fragmentary and recombined AAV genomes at the target site. These data provide proof of concept for a gene editing system that could restore full-length dystrophin in individuals carrying mutations upstream of intron 19, accounting for approximately 25% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A. Stephenson
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Stefan Nicolau
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tatyana A. Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gabrielle P. Dufresne
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Emma C. Frair
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jessica E. Sarff
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Gregory L. Wheeler
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Kelly
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Peter White
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kevin M. Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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41
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Gapinske M, Winter J, Swami D, Gapinske L, Woods WS, Shirguppe S, Miskalis A, Busza A, Joulani D, Kao CJ, Kostan K, Bigot A, Bashir R, Perez-Pinera P. Targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy by skipping DMD exon 45 with base editors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:572-586. [PMID: 37637209 PMCID: PMC10448430 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked monogenic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle weakness, leading to loss of ambulation and decreased life expectancy. Since the current standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to merely treat symptoms, there is a dire need for treatment modalities that can correct the underlying genetic mutations. While several gene replacement therapies are being explored in clinical trials, one emerging approach that can directly correct mutations in genomic DNA is base editing. We have recently developed CRISPR-SKIP, a base editing strategy to induce permanent exon skipping by introducing C > T or A > G mutations at splice acceptors in genomic DNA, which can be used therapeutically to recover dystrophin expression when a genomic deletion leads to an out-of-frame DMD transcript. We now demonstrate that CRISPR-SKIP can be adapted to correct some forms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by disrupting the splice acceptor in human DMD exon 45 with high efficiency, which enables open reading frame recovery and restoration of dystrophin expression. We also demonstrate that AAV-delivered split-intein base editors edit the splice acceptor of DMD exon 45 in cultured human cells and in vivo, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson Winter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Devyani Swami
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lauren Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wendy S. Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Shraddha Shirguppe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Angelo Miskalis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anna Busza
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Dana Joulani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Collin J. Kao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kurt Kostan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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42
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Saad FA, Siciliano G, Angelini C. Advances in Dystrophinopathy Diagnosis and Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1319. [PMID: 37759719 PMCID: PMC10526396 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopathies are x-linked muscular disorders which emerge from mutations in the Dystrophin gene, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, Duchenne muscular dystrophy interconnects with bone loss and osteoporosis, which are exacerbated by glucocorticoids therapy. Procedures for diagnosing dystrophinopathies include creatine kinase assay, haplotype analysis, Southern blot analysis, immunological analysis, multiplex PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, Sanger DNA sequencing, and next generation DNA sequencing. Pharmacological therapy for dystrophinopathies comprises glucocorticoids (prednisone, prednisolone, and deflazacort), vamorolone, and ataluren. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and β-blockers are the first-line to prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in dystrophinopathy patients. Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy strategies involve gene transfer, exon skipping, exon reframing, and CRISPR gene editing. Eteplirsen, an antisense-oligonucleotide drug for skipping exon 51 from the Dystrophin gene, is available on the market, which may help up to 14% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. There are various FDA-approved exon skipping drugs including ExonDys-51 for exon 51, VyonDys-53 and Viltolarsen for exon 53 and AmonDys-45 for exon 45 skipping. Other antisense oligonucleotide drugs in the pipeline include casimersen for exon 45, suvodirsen for exon 51, and golodirsen for exon 53 skipping. Advances in the diagnosis and therapy of dystrophinopathies offer new perspectives for their early discovery and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzy A. Saad
- Department of Gene Therapy, Saad Pharmaceuticals, Juhkentali 8, 10132 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University School of Medicine, Via Paradisa 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Corrado Angelini
- Department of Neurosciences, Padova University School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 5, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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43
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Zhao Z, Shang P, Mohanraju P, Geijsen N. Prime editing: advances and therapeutic applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1000-1012. [PMID: 37002157 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas)-mediated genome editing has revolutionized biomedical research and will likely change the therapeutic and diagnostic landscape. However, CRISPR-Cas9, which edits DNA by activating DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, is not always sufficient for gene therapy applications where precise mutation repair is required. Prime editing, the latest revolution in genome-editing technologies, can achieve any possible base substitution, insertion, or deletion without the requirement for DSBs. However, prime editing is still in its infancy, and further development is needed to improve editing efficiency and delivery strategies for therapeutic applications. We summarize latest developments in the optimization of prime editor (PE) variants with improved editing efficiency and precision. Moreover, we highlight some potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Zhao
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands
| | - Peng Shang
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands
| | - Prarthana Mohanraju
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands.
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Muniyandi P, O’Hern C, Popa MA, Aguirre A. Biotechnological advances and applications of human pluripotent stem cell-derived heart models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1214431. [PMID: 37560538 PMCID: PMC10407810 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1214431] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant biotechnological advancements have been made in engineering human cardiac tissues and organ-like models. This field of research is crucial for both basic and translational research due to cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in the developed world. Additionally, drug-associated cardiotoxicity poses a major challenge for drug development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Progress in three-dimensional cell culture and microfluidic devices has enabled the generation of human cardiac models that faithfully recapitulate key aspects of human physiology. In this review, we will discuss 3D pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-models of the human heart, such as engineered heart tissues and organoids, and their applications in disease modeling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadharshni Muniyandi
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Colin O’Hern
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Mirel Adrian Popa
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology Nicolae Simionescu, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aitor Aguirre
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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45
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Stampone E, Bencivenga D, Capellupo MC, Roberti D, Tartaglione I, Perrotta S, Della Ragione F, Borriello A. Genome editing and cancer therapy: handling the hypoxia-responsive pathway as a promising strategy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:220. [PMID: 37477829 PMCID: PMC10361942 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The precise characterization of oxygen-sensing pathways and the identification of pO2-regulated gene expression are both issues of critical importance. The O2-sensing system plays crucial roles in almost all the pivotal human processes, including the stem cell specification, the growth and development of tissues (such as embryogenesis), the modulation of intermediate metabolism (including the shift of the glucose metabolism from oxidative to anaerobic ATP production and vice versa), and the control of blood pressure. The solid cancer microenvironment is characterized by low oxygen levels and by the consequent activation of the hypoxia response that, in turn, allows a complex adaptive response characterized mainly by neoangiogenesis and metabolic reprogramming. Recently, incredible advances in molecular genetic methodologies allowed the genome editing with high efficiency and, above all, the precise identification of target cells/tissues. These new possibilities and the knowledge of the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia suggest the effective development of new therapeutic approaches based on the manipulation, targeting, and exploitation of the oxygen-sensor system molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Stampone
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Bencivenga
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Capellupo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Roberti
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Tartaglione
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Department of the Woman, the Child and of the General and Specialty Surgery, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Fulvio Della Ragione
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Adriana Borriello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio, 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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46
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Dirkx N, Weuring WJ, De Vriendt E, Smal N, van de Vondervoort J, van 't Slot R, Koetsier M, Zonnekein N, De Pooter T, Weckhuysen S, Koeleman BPC. Increased prime edit rates in KCNQ2 and SCN1A via single nicking all-in-one plasmids. BMC Biol 2023; 21:156. [PMID: 37443005 PMCID: PMC10347817 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prime editing (PE) is the most recent gene editing technology able to introduce targeted alterations to the genome, including single base pair changes, small insertions, and deletions. Several improvements to the PE machinery have been made in the past few years, and these have been tested in a range of model systems including immortalized cell lines, stem cells, and animal models. While double nicking RNA (dncRNA) PE systems PE3 and PE5 currently show the highest editing rates, they come with reduced accuracy as undesired indels or SNVs arise at edited loci. Here, we aimed to improve single ncRNA (sncRNA) systems PE2 and PE4max by generating novel all-in-one (pAIO) plasmids driven by an EF-1α promoter, which is especially suitable for human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models. RESULTS pAIO-EF1α-PE2 and pAIO-EF1α-PE4max were used to edit the voltage gated potassium channel gene KCNQ2 and voltage gated sodium channel gene SCN1A. Two clinically relevant mutations were corrected using pAIO-EF1α-PE2 including the homozygous truncating SCN1A R612* variant in HEK293T cells and the heterozygous gain-of-function KCNQ2 R201C variant in patient-derived hiPSC. We show that sncRNA PE yielded detectable editing rates in hiPSC ranging between 6.4% and 9.8%, which was further increased to 41% after a GFP-based fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) cell sorting step. Furthermore, we show that selecting the high GFP expressing population improved editing efficiencies up to 3.2-fold compared to the low GFP expressing population, demonstrating that not only delivery but also the number of copies of the PE enzyme and/or pegRNA per cell are important for efficient editing. Edit rates were not improved when an additional silent protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM)-removing alteration was introduced in hiPSC at the target locus. Finally, there were no genome-wide off-target effects using pAIO-EF1α-PE2 and no off-target editing activity near the edit locus highlighting the accuracy of snc prime editors. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study shows an improved efficacy of EF-1α driven sncRNA pAIO-PE plasmids in hiPSC reaching high editing rates, especially after FACS sorting. Optimizing these sncRNA PE systems is of high value when considering future therapeutic in vivo use, where accuracy will be extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dirkx
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Wout J Weuring
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
| | - E De Vriendt
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - N Smal
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J van de Vondervoort
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben van 't Slot
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - M Koetsier
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - N Zonnekein
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tim De Pooter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Neuromics Support Facility, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Weckhuysen
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B P C Koeleman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
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Shah MNA, Yokota T. Cardiac therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231182934. [PMID: 37425427 PMCID: PMC10328182 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231182934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease that results in life-limiting complications such as loss of skeletal muscle function as well as respiratory and cardiac complications. Advanced therapeutics in pulmonary care have significantly reduced respiratory complication-related mortality, making cardiomyopathy the main determinant factor of survival. While there are multiple therapies such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and ventilatory assistance targeted toward delaying the disease progression in DMD, a cure remains elusive. In the last decade, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to improve patient survival. These include small molecule-based therapy, micro-dystrophin gene delivery, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, nonsense readthrough, exon skipping, and cardiosphere-derived cell therapy. Associated with the specific benefits of each of these approaches are their individual risks and limitations. The variability in the genetic aberrations leading to DMD also limits the widespread use of these therapies. While numerous approaches have been explored to treat DMD pathophysiology, only a handful have successfully advanced through the preclinical stages. In this review, we summarize the currently approved as well as the most promising therapeutics undergoing clinical trials aimed toward treating DMD with a focus on its cardiac manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nur Ahad Shah
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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48
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Bez Batti Angulski A, Hosny N, Cohen H, Martin AA, Hahn D, Bauer J, Metzger JM. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183101. [PMID: 37435300 PMCID: PMC10330733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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49
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Park JC, Park MJ, Lee SY, Kim D, Kim KT, Jang HK, Cha HJ. Gene editing with 'pencil' rather than 'scissors' in human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:164. [PMID: 37340491 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03394-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the advances in genome editing technologies, research on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have recently undergone breakthroughs that enable precise alteration of desired nucleotide bases in hPSCs for the creation of isogenic disease models or for autologous ex vivo cell therapy. As pathogenic variants largely consist of point mutations, precise substitution of mutated bases in hPSCs allows researchers study disease mechanisms with "disease-in-a-dish" and provide functionally repaired cells to patients for cell therapy. To this end, in addition to utilizing the conventional homologous directed repair system in the knock-in strategy based on endonuclease activity of Cas9 (i.e., 'scissors' like gene editing), diverse toolkits for editing the desirable bases (i.e., 'pencils' like gene editing) that avoid the accidental insertion and deletion (indel) mutations as well as large harmful deletions have been developed. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in genome editing methodologies and employment of hPSCs for future translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Chan Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihn Jeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Tae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ki Jang
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, College of Art Culture and Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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50
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Li Z, Gonçalves MA. AAV-vectored base editor trans-splicing delivers dystrophin repair. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:900-902. [PMID: 37346982 PMCID: PMC10280080 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
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