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Warsinger-Pepe N, Chang C, Desroberts CR, Akbari OS. Polycomb response elements reduce leaky expression of Cas9 under temperature-inducible Hsp70Bb promoter in Drosophila melanogaster. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad024. [PMID: 36705519 PMCID: PMC10085756 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Heat-shock-inducible expression of genes through the use of heat-inducible promoters is commonly used in research despite leaky expression of downstream genes of interest without targeted induction (i.e. heat shock). The development of non-leaky inducible expression systems is of broad interest for both basic and applied studies, to precisely control gene expression. Here we characterize the use of Polycomb response elements and the inducible Heat-shock protein 70Bb promoter, previously described as a non-leaky inducible system, to regulate Cas9 endonuclease levels and function in Drosophila melanogaster after varying both heat-shock durations and rearing temperatures. We show that Polycomb response elements can significantly reduce expression of Cas9 under Heat-shock protein 70Bb promoter control using a range of conditions, corroborating previously published results. We further demonstrate that this low transcript level of heat-induced Cas9 is sufficient to induce mutant mosaic phenotypes. Incomplete suppression of an inducible Cas9 system by Polycomb response elements with no heat-shock suggests that further regulatory elements are required to precisely control Cas9 expression and abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Warsinger-Pepe
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Carly Chang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Connor R Desroberts
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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2
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Sharrock AV, McManaway SP, Rich MH, Mumm JS, Hermans IF, Tercel M, Pruijn FB, Ackerley DF. Engineering the Escherichia coli Nitroreductase NfsA to Create a Flexible Enzyme-Prodrug Activation System. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:701456. [PMID: 34163368 PMCID: PMC8215503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.701456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial nitroreductase enzymes that can efficiently convert nitroaromatic prodrugs to a cytotoxic form have numerous applications in targeted cellular ablation. For example, the generation of cytotoxic metabolites that have low bystander potential (i.e., are largely confined to the activating cell) has been exploited for precise ablation of specific cell types in animal and cell-culture models; while enzyme-prodrug combinations that generate high levels of bystander cell killing are useful for anti-cancer strategies such as gene-directed enzyme-prodrug therapy (GDEPT). Despite receiving substantial attention for such applications, the canonical nitroreductase NfsB from Escherichia coli has flaws that limit its utility, in particular a low efficiency of conversion of most prodrugs. Here, we sought to engineer a superior broad-range nitroreductase, E. coli NfsA, for improved activity with three therapeutically-relevant prodrugs: the duocarmycin analogue nitro-CBI-DEI, the dinitrobenzamide aziridine CB1954 and the 5-nitroimidazole metronidazole. The former two prodrugs have applications in GDEPT, while the latter has been employed for targeted ablation experiments and as a precise 'off-switch' in GDEPT models to eliminate nitroreductase-expressing cells. Our lead engineered NfsA (variant 11_78, with the residue substitutions S41Y, L103M, K222E and R225A) generated reduced metabolites of CB1954 and nitro-CBI-DEI that exhibited high bystander efficiencies in both bacterial and 2D HEK-293 cell culture models, while no cell-to-cell transfer was evident for the reduced metronidazole metabolite. We showed that the high bystander efficiency for CB1954 could be attributed to near-exclusive generation of the 2-hydroxylamine reduction product, which has been shown in 3D cell culture to cause significantly greater bystander killing than the 4-hydroxylamine species that is also produced by NfsB. We similarly observed a high bystander effect for nitro-CBI-DEI in HCT-116 tumor spheroids in which only a small proportion of cells were expressing variant 11_78. Collectively, our data identify variant 11_78 as a broadly improved prodrug-activating nitroreductase that offers advantages for both targeted cellular ablation and suicide gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V. Sharrock
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah P. McManaway
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle H. Rich
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeff S. Mumm
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ian F. Hermans
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Moana Tercel
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Frederik B. Pruijn
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David F. Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Oliveira ACN, Fernandes J, Gonçalves A, Gomes AC, Oliveira MECDR. Lipid-based Nanocarriers for siRNA Delivery: Challenges, Strategies and the Lessons Learned from the DODAX: MO Liposomal System. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:29-50. [PMID: 29968536 DOI: 10.2174/1389450119666180703145410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of using the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms in gene therapy was one of the scientific breakthroughs of the last century. Despite the extraordinary therapeutic potential of this approach, the need for an efficient gene carrier is hampering the translation of the RNAi technology to the clinical setting. Although a diversity of nanocarriers has been described, liposomes continue to be one of the most attractive siRNA vehicles due to their relatively low toxicity, facilitated siRNA complexation, high transfection efficiency and enhanced pharmacokinetic properties. This review focuses on RNAi as a therapeutic approach, the challenges to its application, namely the nucleic acids' delivery process, and current strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, lipid-based nanocarriers are described, and lessons learned from the relation between biophysical properties and biological performance of the dioctadecyldimethylammonium:monoolein (DODAX: MO) system are explored. Liposomes show great potential as siRNA delivery systems, being safe nanocarriers to protect nucleic acids in circulation, extend their half-life time, target specific cells and reduce off-target effects. Nevertheless, several issues related to delivery must be overcome before RNAi therapies reach their full potential, namely target-cell specificity and endosomal escape. Understanding the relationship between biophysical properties and biological performance is an essential step in the gene therapy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C N Oliveira
- CBMA (Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,CFUM (Center of Physics), Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Fernandes
- CBMA (Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Anabela Gonçalves
- CBMA (Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia C Gomes
- CBMA (Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - M E C D Real Oliveira
- CFUM (Center of Physics), Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Clegg LE, Mac Gabhann F. A computational analysis of pro-angiogenic therapies for peripheral artery disease. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 10:18-33. [PMID: 29327758 PMCID: PMC7017937 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00218a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inducing therapeutic angiogenesis to effectively form hierarchical, non-leaky networks of perfused vessels in tissue engineering applications and ischemic disease remains an unmet challenge, despite extensive research and multiple clinical trials. Here, we use a previously-developed, multi-scale, computational systems pharmacology model of human peripheral artery disease to screen a diverse array of promising pro-angiogenic strategies, including gene therapy, biomaterials, and antibodies. Our previously-validated model explicitly accounts for VEGF immobilization, Neuropilin-1 binding, and weak activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) by the "VEGFxxxb" isoforms. First, we examine biomaterial-based delivery of VEGF engineered for increased affinity to the extracellular matrix. We show that these constructs maintain VEGF close to physiological levels and extend the duration of VEGFR2 activation. We demonstrate the importance of sub-saturating VEGF dosing to prevent angioma formation. Second, we examine the potential of ligand- or receptor-based gene therapy to normalize VEGF receptor signaling. Third, we explore the potential for antibody-based pro-angiogenic therapy. Our model supports recent observations that improvement in perfusion following treatment with anti-VEGF165b in mice is mediated by VEGF-receptor 1, not VEGFR2. Surprisingly, the model predicts that the approved anti-VEGF cancer drug, bevacizumab, may actually improve signaling of both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 via a novel 'antibody swapping' effect that we demonstrate here. Altogether, this model provides insight into the mechanisms of action of several classes of pro-angiogenic strategies within the context of the complex molecular and physiological processes occurring in vivo. We identify molecular signaling similarities between promising approaches and key differences between promising and ineffective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E Clegg
- Institute for Computational Medicine, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Single vector non-leaky gene expression system for Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6899. [PMID: 28761084 PMCID: PMC5537222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An ideal transgenic gene expression system is inducible, non-leaky, and well tolerated by the target organism. While the former has been satisfactorily realized, leakiness and heavy physiological burden imposed by the existing systems are still prominent hurdles in their successful implementation. Here we describe a new system for non-leaky expression of transgenes in Drosophila. PRExpress is based on a single transgenic construct built from endogenous components, the inducible hsp70 promoter and a multimerized copy of a Polycomb response element (PRE) controlled by epigenetic chromatin regulators of the Polycomb group. We show that this system is non-leaky, rapidly and strongly inducible, and reversible. To make the application of PRExpress user-friendly, we deliver the construct via site-specific integration.
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6
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VanderVeen N, Raja N, Yi E, Appelman H, Ng P, Palmer D, Zamler D, Dzaman M, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Profile of Allometrically Scaled Doses of Doxycycline Used to Turn "On" Therapeutic Transgene Expression from High-Capacity Adenoviral Vectors in a Glioma Model. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2016; 27:98-111. [PMID: 27056322 PMCID: PMC4926229 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2015.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most commonly occurring primary brain cancer in adults, in whom its highly infiltrative cells prevent total surgical resection, often leading to tumor recurrence and patient death. Our group has discovered a gene therapy approach for GBM that utilizes high-capacity "gutless" adenoviral vectors encoding regulatable therapeutic transgenes. The herpes simplex type 1-thymidine kinase (TK) actively kills dividing tumor cells in the brain when in the presence of the prodrug, ganciclovir (GCV), whereas the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is an immune-stimulatory molecule under tight regulation by a tetracycline-inducible "Tet-On" activation system that induces anti-GBM immunity. As a prelude to a phase I clinical trial, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved doses of the tetracycline doxycycline (DOX) allometrically scaled for rats. DOX initiates the expression of Flt3L, which has been shown to recruit dendritic cells to the brain tumor microenvironment-an integral first step in the development of antitumor immunity. The data revealed a highly safe profile surrounding these human-equivalent doses of DOX under an identical therapeutic window as proposed in the clinical trial. This was confirmed through a neuropathological analysis, liver and kidney histopathology, detection of neutralizing antibodies, and systemic toxicities in the blood. Interestingly, we observed a significant survival advantage in rats with GBM receiving the 300 mg/day equivalent dosage of DOX versus the 200 mg/day equivalent. Additionally, rats rejected "recurrent" brain tumor threats implanted 90 days after their primary brain tumors. We also show that DOX detection within the plasma can be an indicator of optimal dosing of DOX to attain therapeutic levels. This work has significant clinical relevance for an ongoing phase I clinical trial in humans with primary GBM and for other therapeutic approaches using Tet-On transactivation system in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan VanderVeen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicholas Raja
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Henry Appelman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Philip Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Donna Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel Zamler
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marta Dzaman
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Pedro R. Lowenstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria G. Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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7
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Yeh ES, Vernon-Grey A, Martin H, Chodosh LA. Tetracycline-regulated mouse models of cancer. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2014; 2014:pdb.top069823. [PMID: 25275112 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top069823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have proven essential to the study of mammalian gene function in both development and disease. However, traditional constitutive transgenic mouse model systems are limited by the temporal and spatial characteristics of the experimental promoter used to drive transgene expression. To address this limitation, considerable effort has been dedicated to developing conditional and inducible mouse model systems. Although a number of approaches to generating inducible GEMMs have been pursued, several have been restricted by toxic or undesired physiological side effects of the compounds used to activate gene expression. The development of tetracycline (tet)-dependent regulatory systems has allowed for circumvention of these issues resulting in the widespread adoption of these systems as an invaluable tool for modeling the complex nature of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Yeh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Ann Vernon-Grey
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Heather Martin
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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8
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VanderVeen N, Paran C, Krasinkiewicz J, Zhao L, Palmer D, Hervey-Jumper S, Ng P, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Effectiveness and preclinical safety profile of doxycycline to be used "off-label" to induce therapeutic transgene expression in a phase I clinical trial for glioma. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014; 24:116-26. [PMID: 24007469 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2013.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain cancer in adults; it carries a dismal prognosis despite improvements in standard of care. We developed a combined gene therapy strategy using (1) herpes simplex type 1-thymidine kinase in conjunction with the cytotoxic prodrug ganciclovir to kill actively proliferating tumor cells and (2) doxycycline (DOX)-inducible Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), an immune stimulatory molecule that induces anti-GBM immunity. As a prelude to a phase I clinical trial, we examined the efficacy and safety of this approach (Muhammad et al., 2010, 2012). In the present article, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the "off-label" use of the antibiotic DOX to turn on the high-capacity adenoviral vector (HC-Ad) encoding therapeutic Flt3L expression. DOX-inducible Flt3L expression in male Lewis rats was assessed using DOX doses of 30.8 mg/kg/day (low-DOX) or 46.2 mg/kg/day (high-DOX), which are allometrically equivalent (Voisin et al., 1990) to the human doses that are recommended for the treatment of infections: 200 or 300 mg/day. Naïve rats were intracranially injected with 1×10(9) viral particles of HC-Ad-TetOn-Flt3L, and expression of the therapeutic transgene, that is, Flt3L, was assessed using immunohistochemistry in brain sections after 2 weeks of DOX administration via oral gavage. The results show robust expression of Flt3L in the rat brain parenchyma in areas near the injection site in both the low-DOX and the high-DOX groups, suggesting that Flt3L will be expressed in human glioma patients at a DOX dose of 200 or 300 mg/day. These doses have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat infections in humans and would thus be considered safe for an off-label use to treat GBM patients undergoing HC-Ad-mediated gene therapy in a phase I clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan VanderVeen
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine , Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Castro MG, Candolfi M, Wilson TJ, Calinescu A, Paran C, Kamran N, Koschmann C, Moreno-Ayala MA, Assi H, Lowenstein PR. Adenoviral vector-mediated gene therapy for gliomas: coming of age. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:1241-57. [PMID: 24773178 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.915307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and it carries a dismal prognosis. Adenoviral vector (Ad)-mediated gene transfer is being developed as a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM. Preclinical studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of adenovirus administration into the brain and tumor mass in rodents and into the non-human primates' brain. Importantly, Ads have been safely administered within the tumor resection cavity in humans. AREAS COVERED This review gives background on GBM and Ads; we describe gene therapy strategies for GBM and discuss the value of combination approaches. Finally, we discuss the results of the human clinical trials for GBM that have used Ads. EXPERT OPINION The transduction characteristics of Ads, and their safety profile, added to their capacity to achieve high levels of transgene expression have made them powerful vectors for the treatment of GBM. Recent gene therapy successes in the treatment of retinal diseases and systemic brain metabolic diseases encourage the development of gene therapy for malignant glioma. Exciting clinical trials are currently recruiting patients; although, it is the large randomized Phase III controlled clinical trials that will provide the final decision on the success of gene therapy for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Castro
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery , 4570 MSRB II, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689 , USA +734 764 0850 ; +734 764 7051 ;
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10
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Castro MG, Candolfi M, Wilson TJ, Calinescu A, Paran C, Kamran N, Koschmann C, Moreno-Ayala MA, Assi H, Lowenstein PR. Adenoviral vector-mediated gene therapy for gliomas: coming of age. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014. [PMID: 24773178 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.91530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and it carries a dismal prognosis. Adenoviral vector (Ad)-mediated gene transfer is being developed as a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM. Preclinical studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of adenovirus administration into the brain and tumor mass in rodents and into the non-human primates' brain. Importantly, Ads have been safely administered within the tumor resection cavity in humans. AREAS COVERED This review gives background on GBM and Ads; we describe gene therapy strategies for GBM and discuss the value of combination approaches. Finally, we discuss the results of the human clinical trials for GBM that have used Ads. EXPERT OPINION The transduction characteristics of Ads, and their safety profile, added to their capacity to achieve high levels of transgene expression have made them powerful vectors for the treatment of GBM. Recent gene therapy successes in the treatment of retinal diseases and systemic brain metabolic diseases encourage the development of gene therapy for malignant glioma. Exciting clinical trials are currently recruiting patients; although, it is the large randomized Phase III controlled clinical trials that will provide the final decision on the success of gene therapy for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Castro
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery , 4570 MSRB II, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689 , USA +734 764 0850 ; +734 764 7051 ;
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11
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Li J, Pan J, Zhu X, Su Y, Bao L, Qiu S, Zou C, Cai Y, Wu J, Tham IWK. Recombinant adenovirus-p53 (Gendicine) sensitizes a pancreatic carcinoma cell line to radiation. Chin J Cancer Res 2014; 25:715-21. [PMID: 24385699 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2013.11.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we examine the effects of recombinant adenovirus-p53 (rAd-p53) on the pancreatic carcinoma cell line SW1990. Specifically, we determine if expression of rAd-p53 sensitizes these cells to radiation. METHODS Following transfection of SW1990 cells with rAd-p53, we measured expression of P53, P21 and Bax by immunocytochemistry. Both transfected and control cell lines were irradiated with a range of doses, and the survival fractions (SF) were calculated. Dose survival curves were constructed and modeled for comparison. RESULTS Transfection of SW1990 cells with rAd-p53 resulted in increased expression of P53, P21 and Bax in a time-dependent manner. At 96 h after transfection, 89.92% of cells expressed P53, 56.8% expressed P21, and 76.50% expressed Bax. The SF following radiation was lower in the rAd-p53 transfected cells compared to the control cells, suggesting that rAd-p53 sensitizes SW1990 cells to radiation (D0 for the experimental and control groups was 2.199 and 2.462, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Use of the adenoviral vector is an effective means of transfecting SW1990 cells with wild-type P53, and this sensitizes the cell line to irradiation. This work suggests that combining rAd-p53 with radiation therapy in pancreatic cancer may be therapeutically beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinluan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Jianji Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Xianggao Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Lingling Bao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Sufang Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Changyan Zou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Junxin Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Ivan W K Tham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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12
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Nevozhay D, Zal T, Balázsi G. Transferring a synthetic gene circuit from yeast to mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1451. [PMID: 23385595 PMCID: PMC3573884 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging field of synthetic biology builds gene circuits for scientific, industrial, and therapeutic needs. Adaptability of synthetic gene circuits across different organisms could enable a synthetic biology pipeline, where circuits are designed in silico, characterized in microbes and reimplemented in mammalian settings for practical usage. However, the processes affecting gene circuit adaptability have not been systematically investigated. Here we construct a mammalian version of a negative feedback-based “linearizer” gene circuit previously developed in yeast. The first naïve mammalian prototype was non-functional, but a computational model suggested that we could recover function by improving gene expression and protein localization. After rationally developing and combining new parts as the model suggested, we regained function and could tune target gene expression in human cells linearly and precisely as in yeast. The steps we have taken should be generally relevant for transferring any gene circuit from yeast into mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Nevozhay
- Department of Systems Biology-Unit 950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7435 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
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Puntel M, A K M GM, Farrokhi C, Vanderveen N, Paran C, Appelhans A, Kroeger KM, Salem A, Lacayo L, Pechnick RN, Kelson KR, Kaur S, Kennedy S, Palmer D, Ng P, Liu C, Krasinkiewicz J, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Safety profile, efficacy, and biodistribution of a bicistronic high-capacity adenovirus vector encoding a combined immunostimulation and cytotoxic gene therapy as a prelude to a phase I clinical trial for glioblastoma. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:318-30. [PMID: 23403069 PMCID: PMC3641940 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors (Ads) are promising gene delivery vehicles due to their high transduction efficiency; however, their clinical usefulness has been hampered by their immunogenicity and the presence of anti-Ad immunity in humans. We reported the efficacy of a gene therapy approach for glioma consisting of intratumoral injection of Ads encoding conditionally cytotoxic herpes simplex type 1 thymidine kinase (Ad-TK) and the immunostimulatory cytokine fms-like tyrosine kinase ligand 3 (Ad-Flt3L). Herein, we report the biodistribution, efficacy, and neurological and systemic effects of a bicistronic high-capacity Ad, i.e., HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L. HC-Ads elicit sustained transgene expression, even in the presence of anti-Ad immunity, and can encode large therapeutic cassettes, including regulatory elements to enable turning gene expression "on" or "off" according to clinical need. The inclusion of two therapeutic transgenes within a single vector enables a reduction of the total vector load without adversely impacting efficacy. Because clinically the vectors will be delivered into the surgical cavity, normal regions of the brain parenchyma are likely to be transduced. Thus, we assessed any potential toxicities elicited by escalating doses of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L (1×10(8), 1×10(9), or 1×10(10) viral particles [vp]) delivered into the rat brain parenchyma. We assessed neuropathology, biodistribution, transgene expression, systemic toxicity, and behavioral impact at acute and chronic time points. The results indicate that doses up to 1×10(9) vp of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L can be safely delivered into the normal rat brain and underpin further developments for its implementation in a phase I clinical trial for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Puntel
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
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14
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Zhang H, Dong H, Jiang B, Wang Z, Chen R, Zhang Z, Zhang Z. Hypoxic response elements and Tet-On advanced double-controlled systems regulate hVEGF 165 and angiopoietin-1 gene expression in vitro. J Biomed Res 2013; 25:204-12. [PMID: 23554691 PMCID: PMC3597057 DOI: 10.1016/s1674-8301(11)60027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis in ischemic tissue is a complex and multi-gene event. In the study, we constructed hypoxic response elements (HRE) and the Tet-On advanced double-controlled systems and investigated their effects on the expression of hVEGF165 and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) genes in rat cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia and pharmacologic induction. We infected neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with recombinant rAAV-rtTA-Rs-M2/rAAV-TRE-Tight-Ang-1 and rAAV-9HRE- hVEGF165. Our results indicated that the viral titer was 1×1012 vg /mL and the viral purity exceeded 98%. hVEGF165 expression was induced by hypoxia, but not by normoxia (P < 0.001). Ang-1 expression was evident under doxycycline induction, but undetectable without doxycycline induction (P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence staining showed that positively stained hVEGF165 and Ang-1 protein appeared only under both hypoxia and doxycycline induction. We demonstrate here that HRE and the recombinant Tet-On advanced double gene-controlled systems sensitively regulate the expression of hVEGF165 and Ang-1 genes in an altered oxygen environment and under pharmacological induction in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
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15
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Castro M, Xiong W, Puntel M, Farrokhi C, Kroeger KM, Pechnick RN, Ng P, Lowenstein P, Ghulam Muhammad AKM, Salem A, Lacayo L, Kelson KR, Palmer DJ, Liu C, Appelhans A. Safety Profile of Gutless Adenovirus Vectors Delivered into the Normal Brain Parenchyma: Implications for a Glioma Phase I Clinical Trial. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide and is expected to continue to rise as a result of an aging population. Therefore, new therapies are constantly being developed. Par-4 is a naturally occurring tumor suppressor protein that is capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer, but not normal cells. For this reason, Par-4 offers an attractive target for development of cancer therapy, particularly of difficult to treat cancers. AREAS COVERED The mechanisms by which Par-4 induces cell death are summarized. The ways that Par-4 is controlled in cancer cells are discussed. We discuss how different research groups have developed ways to overexpress and/or activate Par-4 in vitro and in vivo. The studies described demonstrate that when Par-4 levels and/or activity are increased, susceptibility to apoptosis is enhanced and tumor growth is inhibited. EXPERT OPINION Par-4 is a promising therapeutic protein that can be overexpressed and/or activated to induce apoptosis in a cancer-selective manner. This cancer selectivity is important given that the side-effects of chemotherapeutics can be as debilitating as cancer itself. However, there are key issues that need to be addressed to optimize the effects of Par-4 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn B Irby
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Candolfi M, Kroeger KM, Xiong W, Liu C, Puntel M, Yagiz K, Muhammad AG, Mineharu Y, Foulad D, Wibowo M, Assi H, Baker GJ, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Targeted toxins for glioblastoma multiforme: pre-clinical studies and clinical implementation. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2012; 11:729-38. [PMID: 21707497 DOI: 10.2174/187152011797378689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. GBM is very aggressive due to its poor cellular differentiation and invasiveness, which makes complete surgical resection virtually impossible. Therefore, GBM's invasive nature as well as its intrinsic resistance to current treatment modalities makes it a unique therapeutic challenge. Extensive examination of human GBM specimens has uncovered that these tumors overexpress a variety of receptors that are virtually absent in the surrounding non-neoplastic brain. Human GBMs overexpress receptors for cytokines, growth factors, ephrins, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and transferrin, which can be targeted with high specificity by linking their ligands with highly cytotoxic molecules, such as Diptheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin A. We review the preclinical development and clinical translation of targeted toxins for GBM. In view of the clinical experience, we conclude that although these are very promising therapeutic modalities for GBM patients, efforts should be focused on improving the delivery systems utilized in order to achieve better distribution of the immuno-toxins in the tumor/resection cavity. Delivery of targeted toxins using viral vectors would also benefit enormously from improved strategies for local delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Candolfi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0650, USA
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18
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Muhammad AKMG, Xiong W, Puntel M, Farrokhi C, Kroeger KM, Salem A, Lacayo L, Pechnick RN, Kelson KR, Palmer D, Ng P, Liu C, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Safety profile of gutless adenovirus vectors delivered into the normal brain parenchyma: implications for a glioma phase 1 clinical trial. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012; 23:271-84. [PMID: 22950971 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors (Ads) have been evaluated in clinical trials for glioma. However, systemic immunity against the vectors can hamper therapeutic efficacy. We demonstrated that combined immunostimulation and cytotoxic gene therapy provides long-term survival in preclinical glioma models. Because helper-dependent high-capacity Ads (HC-Ads) elicit sustained transgene expression, in the presence of antiadenoviral immunity, we engineered HC-Ads encoding conditional cytotoxic herpes simplex type 1 thymidine kinase and immunostimulatory cytokine Fms-like tyrosine kinase ligand-3 under the control of the TetOn system. Escalating doses of combined HC-Ads (1×10(8), 1×10(9), and 1×10(10) viral particles [VP]) were delivered into the rat brain. We assessed neuropathology, biodistribution, transgene expression, systemic toxicity, and behavioral impact at acute and chronic time points after vector delivery. Histopathological analysis did not reveal any evidence of toxicity or long-term inflammation at the lower doses tested. Vector genomes were restricted to the injection site. Serum chemistry did not uncover adverse systemic side effects at any of the doses tested. Taken together, our data indicate that doses of up to 1×10(9) VP of each HC-Ad can be safely administered into the normal brain. This comprehensive toxicity and biodistribution study will lay the foundations for implementation of a phase 1 clinical trial for GBM using HC-Ads.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K M Ghulam Muhammad
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Ketzer P, Haas SF, Engelhardt S, Hartig JS, Nettelbeck DM. Synthetic riboswitches for external regulation of genes transferred by replication-deficient and oncolytic adenoviruses. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:e167. [PMID: 22885302 PMCID: PMC3505972 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic gene transfer by replication-defective viral vectors or, for cancer treatment, by replication-competent oncolytic viruses shows high promise for treatment of major diseases. To ensure safety, timing or dosing in patients, external control of therapeutic gene expression is desirable or even required. In this study, we explored the potential of artificial aptazymes, ligand-dependent self-cleaving ribozymes, as an innovative tool for regulation of therapeutic gene expression. Importantly, aptazymes act on RNA intrinsically, independent of regulatory protein–nucleic acid interactions and stoichiometry, are non-immunogenic and of small size. These are key advantages compared with the widely used inducible promoters, which were also reported to lose regulation at high copy numbers, e.g. after replication of oncolytic viruses. We characterized aptazymes in therapeutic gene transfer utilizing adenovectors (AdVs), adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) and oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds), which are all in advanced clinical testing. Our results show similar aptazyme-mediated regulation of gene expression by plasmids, AdVs, AAVs and OAds. Insertion into the 5′-, 3′- or both untranslated regions of several transgenes resulted in ligand-responsive gene expression. Notably, aptazyme regulation was retained during OAd replication and spread. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the fidelity of aptazymes in viral vectors and oncolytic viruses and highlights the potency of riboswitches for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ketzer
- Helmholtz-University Group Oncolytic Adenoviruses, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center) and Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Pei DS, Di JH, Chen FF, Zheng JN. Oncolytic-adenovirus-expressed RNA interference for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:1331-41. [PMID: 20684738 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2010.512002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD RNA interference (RNAi) has generated considerable excitement for its potential cancer therapeutic applications. Because of the difficulties in delivering a large amount of siRNA to cancer cells and the short half-life of siRNA, it is important to choose an efficient delivery system for transduction of siRNA into target cells. Oncolytic adenovirus offers a better platform by virtue of its high transfection efficiency and selective replication in cancer cells. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This review focuses on the synergism between oncolytic adenovirus and siRNA antitumor responses, and discusses recent progresses in oncolytic-adenovirus-expressed siRNA. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN siRNA-expressing oncolytic adenovirus can generate a significantly enhanced antitumor effect through gene knockdown and viral oncolysis. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Due to its potency and target specificity, using siRNA delivery by oncolytic adenovirus has generated much excitement and will open new avenues for treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Pei
- Xuzhou Medical College, Laboratory of Biological Cancer Therapy, 84 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
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Candolfi M, Kroeger KM, Muhammad AKMG, Yagiz K, Farrokhi C, Pechnick RN, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Gene therapy for brain cancer: combination therapies provide enhanced efficacy and safety. Curr Gene Ther 2010; 9:409-21. [PMID: 19860655 DOI: 10.2174/156652309789753301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. Despite significant advances in treatment and intensive research, the prognosis for patients with GBM remains poor. Therapeutic challenges for GBM include its invasive nature, the proximity of the tumor to vital brain structures often preventing total resection, and the resistance of recurrent GBM to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Gene therapy has been proposed as a useful adjuvant for GBM, to be used in conjunction with current treatment. Work from our laboratory has shown that combination of conditional cytotoxic with immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of GBM elicits regression of large intracranial tumor masses and anti-tumor immunological memory in syngeneic rodent models of GBM. In this review we examined the currently available animal models for GBM, including rodent transplantable models, endogenous rodent tumor models and spontaneous GBM in dogs. We discuss non-invasive surrogate end points to assess tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy, such as behavioral tests and circulating biomarkers. Growing preclinical and clinical data contradict the old dogma that cytotoxic anti-cancer therapy would lead to an immune-suppression that would impair the ability of the immune system to mount an anti-tumor response. The implications of the findings reviewed indicate that combination of cytotoxic therapy with immunotherapy will lead to synergistic antitumor efficacy with reduced neurotoxicity and supports the clinical implementation of combined cytotoxic-immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Candolfi
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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22
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Candolfi M, Yagiz K, Foulad D, Alzadeh GE, Tesarfreund M, Muhammad AKMG, Puntel M, Kroeger KM, Liu C, Lee S, Curtin JF, King GD, Lerner J, Sato K, Mineharu Y, Xiong W, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Release of HMGB1 in response to proapoptotic glioma killing strategies: efficacy and neurotoxicity. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4401-14. [PMID: 19570774 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In preparation for a phase I clinical trial using a combined cytotoxic/immunotherapeutic strategy with adenoviruses (Ad) expressing Flt3L (Ad-Flt3L) and thymidine kinase (Ad-TK) to treat glioblastoma (GBM), we tested the hypothesis that Ad-TK+GCV would be the optimal tumor-killing agent in relation to efficacy and safety when compared with other proapoptotic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The efficacy and neurotoxicity of Ad-TK+GCV was compared with Ads encoding the proapoptotic cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing factor (TRAIL), and Fas ligand (FasL)], alone or in combination with Ad-Flt3L. In rats bearing small GBMs (day 4), only Ad-TK+GCV or Ad-FasL improved survival. RESULTS In rats bearing large GBMs (day 9), the combination of Ad-Flt3L with Ad-FasL did not improve survival over FasL alone, whereas Ad-Flt3L combined with Ad-TK+GCV led to 70% long-term survival. Expression of FasL and TRAIL caused severe neuropathology, which was not encountered when we used Ad-TK+/-Ad-Flt3L. In vitro, all treatments elicited release of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) from dying tumor cells. In vivo, the highest levels of circulating HMGB1 were observed after treatment with Ad-TK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L; HMGB1 was necessary for the therapeutic efficacy of AdTK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L because its blockade with glycyrrhizin completely blocked tumor regression. We also showed the killing efficacy of Ad-TK+GCV in human GBM cell lines and GBM primary cultures, which also elicited release of HMGB1. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Ad-TK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L exhibit the highest efficacy and safety profile among the several proapoptotic approaches tested. The results reported further support the implementation of this combined approach in a phase I clinical trial for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Candolfi
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Medicine and Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Liu J, Saghizadeh M, Tuli S, Kramerov A, Lewin A, Bloom D, Hauswirth W, Castro M, Schultz G, Ljubimov A. Different tropism of adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses to corneal cells: implications for corneal gene therapy. Mol Vis 2008; 14:2087-96. [PMID: 19023450 PMCID: PMC2584774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diseased corneas are potential targets for viral-based gene therapy to normalize (stimulate or inhibit) the expression of specific proteins. The choice of viral vectors is important to achieve optimal effect. The purpose of this study was to compare the tropism to different corneal cells of recombinant adenovirus (rAV) and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) constructs using live rabbit and organ-cultured human corneas. METHODS rAV constructs harbored the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene under the control of major immediate early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. rAAV constructs from virus serotypes 1, 2 5, 7, and 8 had GFP under the chicken beta-actin promoter and CMV enhancer. For organ culture, 16 healthy and diabetic postmortem human corneas were used. Five or fifteen microl rAV at 10(7) plaque forming units per 1 microl were added for 2 days to culture medium of uninjured corneas that were further cultured for 5-32 days. rAAV were added at 1.2-7.8x10(10) vector genomes per cornea for 3 days to each cornea; the culture then continued for another 14-23 days. Corneal cryostat sections were examined by immunohistochemistry. Live rabbit corneas were used following excimer laser ablation of the corneal epithelium with preservation of the basal cell layer. Equal numbers of rAAV particles (2x10(11) vector genomes) were applied to the cornea for 10 min. After seven days to allow for corneal healing and gene expression the animals were euthanized, the corneas were excised, and sections analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS By direct fluorescence microscopy of live organ-cultured human corneas GFP signal after rAV transduction was strong in the epithelium with dose-dependent intensity. On corneal sections, GFP was seen in all epithelial layers and some endothelial cells but most keratocytes were negative. In rAAV-transduced organ-cultured human corneas GFP signal could only be detected with anti-GFP antibody immunohistochemistry. GFP was observed in the epithelium, keratocytes, and endothelium, with more pronounced basal epithelial cell staining with rAAV1 than with other serotypes. No difference in the GFP expression patterns or levels between normal and diabetic corneas was noted. The rabbit corneas showed very similar patterns of GFP distribution to human corneas. With all rAAV serotype vectors, GFP staining in the epithelium was significantly (p=0.007) higher than the background staining in non-transduced corneas, with a trend for rAAV1 and rAAV8 to produce higher staining intensities than for rAAV2, rAAV5 (p=0.03; rAAV5 versus rAAV1), and rAAV7. rAAV serotype vectors also transduced stromal and endothelial cells in rabbit corneas to a different extent. CONCLUSIONS rAAV appears to reach many more corneal cells than rAV, especially keratocytes, although GFP expression levels were lower compared to rAV. rAV may be more useful than rAAV for gene therapy applications requiring high protein expression levels, but rAAV may be superior for keratocyte targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Liu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - M. Saghizadeh
- Ophthalmology Research Laboratories, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - S.S. Tuli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - A.A. Kramerov
- Ophthalmology Research Laboratories, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - A.S. Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - D.C. Bloom
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - W.W. Hauswirth
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - M.G. Castro
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - G.S. Schultz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - A.V. Ljubimov
- Ophthalmology Research Laboratories, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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