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Lewis J, Guilcher GMT, Greenway SC. Reviewing the impact of hydroxyurea on DNA methylation and its potential clinical implications in sickle cell disease. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:264-272. [PMID: 38831675 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14247] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most common drug therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). The clinical benefits of HU derive from its upregulation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which reduces aggregation of the mutated sickle hemoglobin protein (HbS) and reduces SCD symptoms and complications. However, some individuals do not respond to HU, or stop responding over time. Unfortunately, current understanding of the mechanism of action of HU is limited, hindering the ability of clinicians to identify those patients who will respond to HU and to optimize treatment for those receiving HU. Given that epigenetic modifications are essential to erythropoiesis and HbF expression, we hypothesize that some effects of HU may be mediated by epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation. However, few studies have investigated this possibility and the effects of HU on DNA methylation remain relatively understudied. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking HU treatment to DNA methylation changes and associated gene expression changes, with an emphasis on studies that were performed in individuals with SCD. Overall, although HU can affect DNA methylation, research on these changes and their clinical effects remains limited. Further study is likely to contribute to our understanding of hematopoiesis and benefit patients suffering from SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences and Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gregory M T Guilcher
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven C Greenway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences and Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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2
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Zhang S, Liu W, Ganz T, Liu S. Exploring the relationship between hyperlactatemia and anemia. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:300-307. [PMID: 38185594 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.006] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Hyperlactatemia and anemia commonly coexist and their crosstalk is a longstanding mystery with elusive mechanisms involved in physical activities, infections, cancers, and genetic disorders. For instance, hyperlactatemia leads to iron restriction by upregulating hepatic hepcidin expression. Increasing evidence also points to lactate as a crucial signaling molecule rather than merely a metabolic byproduct. Here, we discuss the mutual influence between anemia and hyperlactatemia. This opinion calls for a reconsideration of the multifaceted roles of lactate and lactylation in anemia and emphasizes the need to fill knowledge gaps, including the dose dependence of lactate's effects, its sources, and its subcellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Zhang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Center for Iron Disorders, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Sijin Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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3
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most-common monogenic recessive disease in humans, annually affecting almost 300,000 newborns worldwide, 75% of whom live in Africa. Genomics research can accelerate the development of curative therapies for SCD in three ways. First, research should explore the missing heritability of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) - the strongest known modifier of SCD clinical expression - among highly genetically heterogenous and understudied African populations, to provide novel therapeutics targets for HbF induction. Second, SCD research should invest in RNA therapies, either by using microRNA to target the production of HbF proteins by binding to the transcription machinery in a cell, or by directly mediating production of HbF or adult haemoglobin through injection of messenger RNA. Third, investigators should aim to identify currently unknown genetic risk factors for SCD cardiovascular complications, which will address mortality, particularly in adults. Now is the time for global research programs to uncover genomic keys to unlock SCD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Wonkam
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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4
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Role of microRNA in hydroxyurea mediated HbF induction in sickle cell anaemia patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:369. [PMID: 36611033 PMCID: PMC9825386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is found to be beneficial in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients, due to its ability to increase foetal haemoglobin (HbF), however, patients show a variable response. Differences in HbF levels are attributed to many factors; but, the role of miRNA in HbF regulation is sparsely investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of miRNA expression on HbF induction in relation to hydroxyurea therapy in 30 normal controls, 30 SCA patients at baseline, 20 patients after 3 and 6 months of hydroxyurea (HU) therapy. HbF levels were measured by HPLC. Total RNA and miRNA were extracted from CD71+ erythroid cells and the expression was determined using Taqman probes. The mean HbF level increased 7.54 ± 2.44 fold, after 3 months of HU therapy. After the HU therapy 8 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated while 2 were down-regulated. The increase in miR-210, miR16-1, and miR-29a expression and decrease in miR-96 expression were strongly associated with the HU mediated HbF induction. Post HU therapy, decreased miR-96 expression negatively correlate with HbF and γ-globin gene while increased expression of miR-210, miR-16-1 and miR-29a post HU therapy positively corelate with HbF and γ-globin gene. Thus, suggest that miR-210, miR-16-1 and miR-29a are positive regulator of γ-globin gene and miR-96 is negative regulator of γ-globin gene. The study suggests the role of miR-210, miR16-1, miR-29a, and miR-96 in γ-globin gene regulation leading to HbF induction. Identification of the relevant protein targets might be useful for understanding the HU mediated HbF induction.
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5
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Gu Q, Palani CD, Smith A, Li B, Amos-Abanyie EK, Ogu U, Lu L, Pace BS, Starlard-Davenport A. MicroRNA29B induces fetal hemoglobin via inhibition of the HBG repressor protein MYB in vitro and in humanized sickle cell mice. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1043686. [PMID: 36507536 PMCID: PMC9732025 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1043686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic strategies aimed at reactivating HBG gene transcription and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis remain the most effective strategy to ameliorate the clinical symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD). We previously identified microRNA29B (MIR29B) as a novel HbF inducer via targeting enzymes involved in DNA methylation. We provided further evidence that the introduction of MIR29B into KU812 leukemia cells significantly reduced MYB protein expression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent to which MIR29B mediates HbF induction via targeting MYB in KU812 leukemia cells and human primary erythroid progenitors and to investigate the role of MIR29B in HbF induction in vivo in the humanized Townes SCD mouse model. Materials and methods Human KU812 were cultured and normal CD34 cells (n = 3) were differentiated using a two-phase erythropoiesis culturing system and transfected with MIR29B (50 and 100 nM) mimic or Scrambled (Scr) control in vitro. A luciferase reporter plasmid overexpressing MYB was transfected into KU812 cells. Luciferase activity was quantified after 48 h. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. In vivo studies were conducted using Townes SCD mice (6 per group) treated with MIR29B (2, 3, and 4 mg/kg/day) or Scr control by 28-day continuous infusion using subcutaneous mini osmotic pumps. Blood samples were collected and processed for complete blood count (CBC) with differential and reticulocytes at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of HbF-positive cells. Results In silico analysis predicted complementary base-pairing between MIR29B and the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of MYB. Overexpression of MIR29B significantly reduced MYB mRNA and protein expression in KU812 cells and erythroid progenitors. Using a luciferase reporter vector that contained the full-length MYB 3'-UTR, we observed a significant reduction in luciferase activity among KU812 cells that co-expressed MIR29B and the full-length MYB 3'-UTR as compared to cells that only expressed MYB 3'-UTR. We confirmed the inhibitory effect of a plasmid engineered to overexpress MYB on HBG activation and HbF induction in both KU812 cells and human primary erythroid progenitors. Co-expression of MIR29B and MYB in both cell types further demonstrated the inhibitory effect of MIR29B on MYB expression, resulting in HBG reactivation by real-time PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, we confirmed the ability of MIR29B to reduce sickling and induce HbF by decreasing expression of MYB and DNMT3 gene expression in the humanized Townes sickle cell mouse model. Discussion Our findings support the ability of MIR29B to induce HbF in vivo in Townes sickle cell mice. This is the first study to provide evidence of the ability of MIR29B to modulate HBG transcription by MYB gene silencing in vivo. Our research highlights a novel MIR-based epigenetic approach to induce HbF supporting the discovery of new drugs to expand treatment options for SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Gu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Chithra D. Palani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Alana Smith
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Biaori Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Ernestine Kubi Amos-Abanyie
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ugochi Ogu
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Department of Medicine-Hematology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Betty S. Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States,Center for Sickle Cell Disease, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States,*Correspondence: Athena Starlard-Davenport,
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Kumkhaek C, Kim C, Kurban G, Zhu J, Aerbajinai W, Taylor JG, Rodgers GP. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in SAR1A coding regions in sickle cell disease and their potential miRNA binding sites. EJHAEM 2022; 3:1438-1441. [PMID: 36467826 PMCID: PMC9713051 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Kumkhaek
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology BranchNational Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Christine Kim
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology BranchNational Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Gulriz Kurban
- Center for Sickle Cell DiseaseHoward UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Jianqiong Zhu
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology BranchNational Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Wulin Aerbajinai
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology BranchNational Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - James G. Taylor
- Center for Sickle Cell DiseaseHoward UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
- Department of MedicineHoward UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Griffin P. Rodgers
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology BranchNational Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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7
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Walker AL, Crosby D, Miller V, Weidert F, Ofori-Acquah S. Hydroxyurea Decouples Persistent F-Cell Elevation and Induction of γ-Globin. Exp Hematol 2022; 112-113:15-23.e1. [PMID: 35843392 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms that control the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch are attractive therapeutic targets in sickle cell disease. In this study, we investigated developmental γ-globin silencing in the Townes humanized knock-in mouse model, which harbors a construct containing the human γ-, βA-, and βS-globin genes, and examined the utility of this model in evaluation of pharmacologic induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). We studied mouse pups on the day of delivery (P0) to 28 days after birth (P28). Regardless of the hemoglobin genotype (SS, AS, or AA), the proportion of F cells in peripheral blood was 100% at P0, declined sharply to 20% at P2, and was virtually undetectable at P14. Developmental γ-globin silencing in Townes mice was complete at P4 in association with significantly increased BCL11A expression in the primary erythropoietic organs of the mouse. Hydroxyurea given at P2 significantly sustained elevated percentages of F cells in mice at P14. However, the percentage of F cells declined at P14 for treatment begun at P4. A lack of augmentation of γ-globin mRNA in erythroid tissues suggests that the apparent increase in HbF in red cells caused by hydroxyurea was not due to sustained or re-activation of γ-globin transcription, but was instead a function of erythropoiesis suppression. Thus, we provide new details of the hemoglobin switch in the Townes murine model that recapitulates postnatal γ- to β-globin switch in humans and identify the myelosuppressive toxicity of hydroxyurea as a superseding factor in interpreting pharmacologic induction of HbF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha L Walker
- Pittsburgh Heart Blood and Lung Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Danielle Crosby
- Pittsburgh Heart Blood and Lung Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Valerie Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Frances Weidert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Solomon Ofori-Acquah
- Pittsburgh Heart Blood and Lung Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana
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8
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Molecular Determination of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, miRNA-423 Gene Abnormalities by Utilizing ARMS-PCR and Their Association with Fetal Hemoglobin Expression in the Patients with Sickle Cell Disease. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2569-2582. [PMID: 35735616 PMCID: PMC9221959 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44060175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that microRNA and VEGF are considered to be genetic modifiers and are associated with elevated levels of fetal haemoglobin HbF, and thus they reduce the clinical impact of sickle haemoglobin (HbS) patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on clinical confirmed subjects of SCD cases. miR-423-rs6505162 C>T and VEGF-2578 C>A genotyping was conducted by ARMS-PCR in SCD and healthy controls. A strong clinical significance was reported while comparing the association of miR-423 C>T genotypes between SCD patients and controls (p = 0.031). The microRNA-423 AA genotype was associated with an increased severity of SCD in codominant model with odd ratio (OR = 2.36, 95% CI, (1.15–4.84), p = 0.018) and similarly a significant association was observed in recessive inheritance model for microRNA-423 AA vs (CC+CA) genotypes (OR = 2.19, 95% CI, (1.32–3.62), p < 0.002). The A allele was associated with SCD severity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI, (1.13–2.19), p < 0.007). The distribution of VEGF-2578 C>A genotypes between SCD patients and healthy controls was significant (p < 0.013). Our results indicated that in the codominant model, the VEGF-2578-CA genotype was strongly associated with increased SCD severity with OR = 2.56, 95% CI, (1.36–4.82), p < 0.003. The higher expression of HbA1 (65.9%), HbA2 (4.40%), was reported in SCD patients carrying miR-423-AA genotype than miR-423 CA genotype in SCD patients carrying miR-423 CA genotype HbA1 (59.98%), HbA2 (3.74%) whereas SCD patients carrying miR-423 CA genotype has higher expression of HbF (0.98%) and HbS (38.1%) than in the patients carrying AA genotype HbF (0.60%), HbS (36.1%). ARMS-PCR has been proven to be rapid, inexpensive and is highly applicable to gene mutation screening in laboratories and clinical practices. This research highlights the significance of elucidating genetic determinants that play roles in the amelioration of the HbF levels that is used as an indicator of severity of clinical complications of the monogenic disease. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Starlard-Davenport A, Gu Q, Pace BS. Targeting Genetic Modifiers of HBG Gene Expression in Sickle Cell Disease: The miRNA Option. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:497-509. [PMID: 35553407 PMCID: PMC9098152 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy disorders that affects millions of people worldwide. Reactivation of HBG (HBG1, HBG2) gene expression and induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is an important therapeutic strategy for ameliorating the clinical symptoms and severity of SCD. Hydroxyurea is the only US FDA-approved drug with proven efficacy to induce HbF in SCD patients, yet serious complications have been associated with its use. Over the last three decades, numerous additional pharmacological agents that reactivate HBG transcription in vitro have been investigated, but few have proceeded to FDA approval, with the exception of arginine butyrate and decitabine; however, neither drug met the requirements for routine clinical use due to difficulties with oral delivery and inability to achieve therapeutic levels. Thus, novel approaches that produce sufficient efficacy, specificity, and sustainable HbF induction with low adverse effects are desirable. More recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential to treat various diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease via targeting oncogenes and their gene products. Thus, it is plausible that miRNAs that target HBG regulatory genes may be useful for inducing HbF as a treatment for SCD. Our laboratory and others have documented the association of miRNAs with HBG activation or suppression via silencing transcriptional repressors and activators, respectively, of HBG expression. Herein, we review progress made in understanding molecular mechanisms of miRNA-mediated HBG regulation and discuss the extent to which molecular targets of HBG might be suitable prospects for development of SCD clinical therapy. Lastly, we discuss challenges with the application of miRNA delivery in vivo and provide potential strategies for overcoming barriers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Starlard-Davenport
- College of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Qingqing Gu
- College of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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10
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Nath A, Rayabaram J, Ijee S, Bagchi A, Chaudhury AD, Roy D, Chambayil K, Singh J, Nakamura Y, Velayudhan SR. Comprehensive Analysis of microRNAs in Human Adult Erythropoiesis. Cells 2021; 10:3018. [PMID: 34831239 PMCID: PMC8616439 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which play an important role in various cellular and developmental processes. The study of miRNAs in erythropoiesis is crucial to uncover the cellular pathways that are modulated during the different stages of erythroid differentiation. Using erythroid cells derived from human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs)and small RNA sequencing, our study unravels the various miRNAs involved in critical cellular pathways in erythroid maturation. We analyzed the occupancy of erythroid transcription factors and chromatin accessibility in the promoter and enhancer regions of the differentially expressed miRNAs to integrate miRNAs in the transcriptional circuitry of erythropoiesis. Analysis of the targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs revealed novel pathways in erythroid differentiation. Finally, we described the application of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) based editing of miRNAs to study their function in human erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Nath
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of InStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, India; (A.N.); (S.I.); (A.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Janakiram Rayabaram
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India; (J.R.); (A.D.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Smitha Ijee
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of InStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, India; (A.N.); (S.I.); (A.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Abhirup Bagchi
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of InStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, India; (A.N.); (S.I.); (A.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Anurag Dutta Chaudhury
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India; (J.R.); (A.D.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Debanjan Roy
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India; (J.R.); (A.D.C.); (D.R.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576119, India
| | - Karthik Chambayil
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of InStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, India; (A.N.); (S.I.); (A.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Jyoti Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, University of Pune Campus, Pune 411007, India;
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan;
| | - Shaji R. Velayudhan
- Center for Stem Cell Research (A Unit of InStem, Bengaluru, India), Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, India; (A.N.); (S.I.); (A.B.); (K.C.)
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India; (J.R.); (A.D.C.); (D.R.)
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11
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Mussolino C, Strouboulis J. Recent Approaches for Manipulating Globin Gene Expression in Treating Hemoglobinopathies. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:618111. [PMID: 34713248 PMCID: PMC8525358 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.618111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue oxygenation throughout life depends on the activity of hemoglobin (Hb) one of the hemeproteins that binds oxygen in the lungs and secures its delivery throughout the body. Hb is composed of four monomers encoded by eight different genes the expression of which is tightly regulated during development, resulting in the formation of distinct hemoglobin tetramers in each developmental stage. Mutations that alter hemoglobin structure or its regulated expression result in a large group of diseases typically referred to as hemoglobinopathies that are amongst the most common genetic defects worldwide. Unprecedented efforts in the last decades have partially unraveled the complex mechanisms that control globin gene expression throughout development. In addition, genome wide association studies have revealed protective genetic traits capable of ameliorating the clinical manifestations of severe hemoglobinopathies. This knowledge has fueled the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at modifying the genome or the epigenome of the affected cells to either restore hemoglobin function or to mimic the effect of protective traits. Here we describe the key steps that control the switch in gene expression that concerns the different globin genes during development and highlight the latest efforts in altering globin regulation for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Strouboulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Erythropoiesis, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Kapor S, Vukotić M, Subotički T, Đikić D, Mitrović Ajtić O, Radojković M, Čokić VP, Santibanez JF. Hydroxyurea Induces Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Senescence and Modifies Cell Functionality In Vitro. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111048. [PMID: 34834400 PMCID: PMC8619969 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is an antineoplastic agent that functions as an antimetabolite compound by inhibiting the ribonucleotide reductase. HU acts mainly as a cytostatic drug that through DNA replication stress may trigger a premature senescence-like cell phenotype, though its influence on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BMMSC) functions has not elucidated yet. Our results indicate that HU inhibits the growth of human BMMSC alongside senescence-like changes in both morphology and replicative potential, provokes cell cycle arrest at the S phase without affecting cellular viability and induces the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and p16INK4. Moreover, HU-induced senescent BMMSC, although they did not change MSC markers expression, exhibited reduced capacity osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Conversely, HU treatment increased immunoregulatory functions of BMMSC compared with untreated cells and determined by T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, HU did not influence the capacity of BMMSC to induce monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, these results suggest that HU improves the BMMSC functions on the T-cell inhibition and preserves their interaction with myeloid cell compartment. Mechanistically, BMMSC under HU treatment displayed a downregulation of mTOR and p38 MAPK signaling that may explain the reduced cell differentiation and increased immunomodulation activities. Together, the results obtained in this investigation suggest that HU by inducing senescence-like phenotype of BMMSC influences their cellular differentiation and immunoregulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunčica Kapor
- Clinical Hospital Center “Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje”, Department of Hematology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Milica Vukotić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
| | - Tijana Subotički
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
| | - Dragoslava Đikić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
| | - Olivera Mitrović Ajtić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
| | - Milica Radojković
- Clinical Hospital Center “Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje”, Department of Hematology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.K.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladan P. Čokić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
| | - Juan F. Santibanez
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.V.); (T.S.); (D.Đ.); (O.M.A.); (V.P.Č.)
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, General Gana 1780, Santiago 8370854, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-2685-788; Fax: +381-11-2643-691
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13
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Kapor S, Vukotić M, Subotički T, Đikić D, Mitrović Ajtić O, Radojković M, Čokić VP, Santibanez JF. Hydroxyurea Induces Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Senescence and Modifies Cell Functionality In Vitro. J Pers Med 2021. [PMID: 34834400 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111048.pmid:34834400;pmcid:pmc8619969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is an antineoplastic agent that functions as an antimetabolite compound by inhibiting the ribonucleotide reductase. HU acts mainly as a cytostatic drug that through DNA replication stress may trigger a premature senescence-like cell phenotype, though its influence on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BMMSC) functions has not elucidated yet. Our results indicate that HU inhibits the growth of human BMMSC alongside senescence-like changes in both morphology and replicative potential, provokes cell cycle arrest at the S phase without affecting cellular viability and induces the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and p16INK4. Moreover, HU-induced senescent BMMSC, although they did not change MSC markers expression, exhibited reduced capacity osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Conversely, HU treatment increased immunoregulatory functions of BMMSC compared with untreated cells and determined by T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, HU did not influence the capacity of BMMSC to induce monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, these results suggest that HU improves the BMMSC functions on the T-cell inhibition and preserves their interaction with myeloid cell compartment. Mechanistically, BMMSC under HU treatment displayed a downregulation of mTOR and p38 MAPK signaling that may explain the reduced cell differentiation and increased immunomodulation activities. Together, the results obtained in this investigation suggest that HU by inducing senescence-like phenotype of BMMSC influences their cellular differentiation and immunoregulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunčica Kapor
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Department of Hematology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Vukotić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Subotički
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragoslava Đikić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olivera Mitrović Ajtić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Radojković
- Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje", Department of Hematology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladan P Čokić
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan F Santibanez
- Group for Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, General Gana 1780, Santiago 8370854, Chile
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Cyrus C. The Role of miRNAs as Therapeutic Tools in Sickle Cell Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1106. [PMID: 34684143 PMCID: PMC8538468 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a paradigmatic example of a complex monogenic disorder. SCD is characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, primarily in the deoxygenated state, which makes erythrocytes susceptible to intracellular hemoglobin polymerization. Functional studies have affirmed that the dysregulation of miRNAs enhances clinical severity or has an ameliorating effect in SCD. miRNAs can be effectively regulated to reduce the pace of cell cycle progression, to reduce iron levels, to influence hemolysis and oxidative stress, and most importantly, to increase γ-globin gene expression and enhance the effectiveness of hydroxyurea. Results: This review highlights the roles played by some key miRNAs in hemoglobinopathies, especially in hematopoiesis, erythroid differentiation, and severity of anemia, which make miRNAs attractive molecular tools for innovative therapeutic approaches. Conclusions: In this era of targeted medicine, miRNAs mimics and antagomirs may be promising inducers of HbF synthesis which could ameliorate the clinical severity of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Cyrus
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31141, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Collect more data from Africa to improve gene therapy. Nature 2021. [DOI: 10.1038/d41586-021-02139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Starlard-Davenport A, Fitzgerald A, Pace BS. Exploring epigenetic and microRNA approaches for γ-globin gene regulation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2347-2357. [PMID: 34292080 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211028195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions aimed at inducing fetal hemoglobin and reducing the concentration of sickle hemoglobin is an effective approach to ameliorating acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease, exemplified by the long-term use of hydroxyurea. However, there remains an unmet need for the development of additional safe and effective drugs for single agent or combination therapy for individuals with β-hemoglobinopathies. Regulation of the γ-globin to β-globin switch is achieved by chromatin remodeling at the HBB locus on chromosome 11 and interactions of major DNA binding proteins, such as KLF1 and BCL11A in the proximal promoters of the globin genes. Experimental evidence also supports a role of epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone acetylation/methylation, and microRNA expression in γ-globin gene silencing during development. In this review, we will critically evaluate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in γ-globin gene regulation and discuss data generated in tissue culture, pre-clinical animal models, and clinical trials to support drug development to date. The question remains whether modulation of epigenetic pathways will produce sufficient efficacy and specificity for fetal hemoglobin induction and to what extent targeting these pathways form the basis of prospects for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ashley Fitzgerald
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Contreras Castillo S, Montibus B, Rocha A, Duke W, von Meyenn F, McLornan D, Harrison C, Mullally A, Schulz R, Oakey RJ. Hydroxycarbamide effects on DNA methylation and gene expression in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Genome Res 2021; 31:1381-1394. [PMID: 34244229 PMCID: PMC8327916 DOI: 10.1101/gr.270066.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxycarbamide (HC, hydroxyurea) is a cytoreductive drug inducing cell cycle blockade. However, emerging evidence suggests that HC plays a role in the modulation of transcription through the activity of transcription factors and DNA methylation. Examining the global mechanism of action of HC in the context of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), for which HC is the first-line treatment, will provide a better understanding of its molecular effects. To explore the effects of HC genome-wide, transcriptomic analyses were performed on two clinically relevant cell types at different stages of differentiation treated with HC in a murine MPN model. This study was replicated in MPN patients by profiling genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation using patient blood samples collected longitudinally, before and following HC exposure. The effects of HC on the transcriptome were not only associated with cell cycle interruption but also with hematopoietic functions. Moreover, a group of genes were restored to normal expression levels in murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) following drug treatment, including the master regulator of hematopoiesis, RUNX1. In humans, HC significantly modifies DNA methylation levels in HSCs at several distal regulatory regions, which we show to be associated with SPI1 binding sites and at the SPI1 locus itself. We have identified novel targets of HC that include pivotal transcription factors involved in hematopoiesis, and for the first time we report abnormal methylation patterns in MPN patients at the master regulator gene SPI1 and its distal binding sites, which HC is able to restore to normal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephania Contreras Castillo
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Bertille Montibus
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Azucena Rocha
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Will Duke
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Donal McLornan
- Department of Hematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Harrison
- Department of Hematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Mullally
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Reiner Schulz
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J Oakey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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18
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Yasara N, Premawardhena A, Mettananda S. A comprehensive review of hydroxyurea for β-haemoglobinopathies: the role revisited during COVID-19 pandemic. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:114. [PMID: 33648529 PMCID: PMC7919989 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01757-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hydroxyurea is one of the earliest drugs that showed promise in the management of haemoglobinopathies that include β-thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Despite this, many aspects of hydroxyurea are either unknown or understudied; specifically, its usefulness in β-thalassaemia major and haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia is unclear. However, during COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a valuable adjunct to transfusion therapy in patients with β-haemoglobinopathies. In this review, we aim to explore the available in vitro and in vivo mechanistic data and the clinical utility of hydroxyurea in β-haemoglobinopathies with a special emphasis on its usefulness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Main body Hydroxyurea is an S-phase-specific drug that reversibly inhibits ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase enzyme which catalyses an essential step in the DNA biosynthesis. In human erythroid cells, it induces the expression of γ-globin, a fetal globin gene that is suppressed after birth. Through several molecular pathways described in this review, hydroxyurea exerts many favourable effects on the haemoglobin content, red blood cell indices, ineffective erythropoiesis, and blood rheology in patients with β-haemoglobinopathies. Currently, it is recommended for sickle cell disease and non-transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia. A number of clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate its usefulness in transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was widely used as an adjunct to transfusion therapy due to limitations in the availability of blood and logistical disturbances. Thus, it has become clear that hydroxyurea could play a remarkable role in reducing transfusion requirements of patients with haemoglobinopathies, especially when donor blood is a limited resource. Conclusion Hydroxyurea is a well-tolerated oral drug which has been in use for many decades. Through its actions of reversible inhibition of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase enzyme and fetal haemoglobin induction, it exerts many favourable effects on patients with β-haemoglobinopathies. It is currently approved for the treatment of sickle cell disease and non-transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia. Also, there are various observations to suggest that hydroxyurea is an important adjunct in the treatment of transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia which should be confirmed by randomised clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmani Yasara
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - Anuja Premawardhena
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka.,Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Sachith Mettananda
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka. .,Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka.
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19
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Zhang L, Jiang G, Wang B, Jiang L. Extracellular vesicle-derived miR-26b-5p is up-regulated in the serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2021; 25:877-882. [PMID: 33593252 DOI: 10.2174/1386207324666210216092917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes; however, the pathogenesis of DR has not been completely clarified, which is mostly dependent on the molecular pathology. To investigate key serum-derived miRNAs associated with DR. METHODS miRNA expression profile arrays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with glucose were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE74296). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to obtain hub miRNAs, which were verified in HUVECs treated with 40 mM and 5 mM glucose, respectively. Meanwhile, serum samples of patients with DR and healthy controls were collected, and EVs were extracted from the patients' serum by ultracentrifugation. Hub miRNAs associated with endothelial dysfunction were verified in healthy individuals before and after treatment of patients with DR, by qRT-PCR. RESULTS These miRNAs were categorized into six modules, among which miR-26b-5p had a strong association with other modules. This miRNA was also one of the hyperglycemia-induced miRNAs related to endothelial dysfunction. miR-26b-5p was upregulated in HUVECs treated with 40 mM glucose and in the serum of patients with DR before and after treatment Furthermore, miR-26b-5p was slightly up-regulated in serum-derived EVs but not in serum without EVs in DM patients. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that EVs derived from miR-26b-5p are up-regulated in the serum of patients with DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264100. China
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264100. China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shidao People Hospital, Rongcheng, Shandong, 264300. China
| | - Guangwei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264100. China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264100. China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shidao People Hospital, Rongcheng, Shandong, 264300. China
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20
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Pace BS, Starlard-Davenport A, Kutlar A. Sickle cell disease: progress towards combination drug therapy. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:240-251. [PMID: 33471938 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dr. John Herrick described the first clinical case of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in the United States in 1910. Subsequently, four decades later, Ingram and colleagues characterized the A to T substitution in DNA producing the GAG to GTG codon and replacement of glutamic acid with valine in the sixth position of the βS -globin chain. The establishment of Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers in the United States in the 1970s was an important milestone in the development of treatment strategies and describing the natural history of sickle cell disease (SCD) comprised of genotypes including homozygous haemoglobin SS (HbSS), HbSβ0 thalassaemia, HbSC and HbSβ+ thalassaemia, among others. Early drug studies demonstrating effective treatments of HbSS and HbSβ0 thalassaemia, stimulated clinical trials to develop disease-specific therapies to induce fetal haemoglobin due to its ability to block HbS polymerization. Subsequently, hydroxycarbamide proved efficacious in adults with SCA and was Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in 1998. After two decades of hydroxycarbamide use for SCD, there continues to be limited clinical acceptance of this chemotherapy drug, providing the impetus for investigators and pharmaceutical companies to develop non-chemotherapy agents. Investigative efforts to determine the role of events downstream of deoxy-HbS polymerization, such as endothelial cell activation, cellular adhesion, chronic inflammation, intravascular haemolysis and nitric oxide scavenging, have expanded drug targets which reverse the pathophysiology of SCD. After two decades of slow progress in the field, since 2018 three new drugs were FDA-approved for SCA, but research efforts to develop treatments continue. Currently over 30 treatment intervention trials are in progress to investigate a wide range of agents acting by complementary mechanisms, providing the rationale for ushering in the age of effective and safe combination drug therapy for SCD. Parallel efforts to develop curative therapies using haematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy provide individuals with SCD multiple treatment options. We will discuss progress made towards drug development and potential combination drug therapy for SCD with the standard of care hydroxycarbamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Abdullah Kutlar
- Department of Medicine, Center for Blood Disorders, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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21
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Erythrocyte microRNAs: a tiny magic bullet with great potential for sickle cell disease therapy. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:607-614. [PMID: 33398452 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe hereditary blood disorder caused by a mutation of the beta-globin gene, which results in a substantial reduction in life expectancy. Many studies are focused on various novel therapeutic strategies that include re-activation of the γ-globin gene. Among them, expression therapy caused by the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) at a later age is highly successful. The induction of HbF is one of the dominant genetic modulators of the hematological and clinical characteristics of SCD. In fact, HbF compensates for the abnormal beta chain and has an ameliorant effect on clinical complications. Erythropoiesis is a multi-step process that involves the proliferation and differentiation of a small population of hematopoietic stem cells and is affected by several factors, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, and small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs play a regulatory role through complex networks that control several epigenetic mechanisms as well as the post-transcriptional regulation of multiple genes. In this review, we briefly describe the current understanding of interactions between miRNAs, their molecular targets, and their regulatory effects in HbF induction in SCD.
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22
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HbF Levels in Sickle Cell Disease Are Associated with Proportion of Circulating Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells and CC-Chemokines. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102199. [PMID: 33003401 PMCID: PMC7650715 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102199] [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: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentration of circulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells has not been studied longitudinally. Here, we report that the proportions of Lin-CD34+38- hematopoietic multipotent cells (HMCs) and of Lin-CD34+CD38+ hematopoietic progenitors cells (HPCs) are highly variable between individuals but stable over long periods of time, in both healthy individuals and sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. This suggests that these proportions are regulated by genetic polymorphisms or by epigenetic mechanisms. We also report that in SCD patients treated with hydroxyurea, the proportions of circulating HMCs and HPCs show a strong positive and negative correlation with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, respectively. Titration of 65 cytokines revealed that the plasma concentration of chemokines CCL2, CCL11, CCL17, CCL24, CCL27, and PDGF-BB were highly correlated with the proportion of HMCs and HPCs and that a subset of these cytokines were also correlated with HbF levels. A linear model based on four of these chemokines could explain 80% of the variability in the proportion of circulating HMCs between individuals. The proportion of circulating HMCs and HPCs and the concentration of these chemokines might therefore become useful biomarkers for HbF response to HU in SCD patients. Such markers might become increasingly clinically relevant, as alternative treatment modalities for SCD are becoming available.
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23
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhou L, Hao S, Ding Z, Xiao L, Zhou M. Exosomal Small RNA Sequencing Uncovers Dose-Specific MiRNA Markers for Ionizing Radiation Exposure. Dose Response 2020; 18:1559325820926735. [PMID: 32528236 PMCID: PMC7263154 DOI: 10.1177/1559325820926735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acute exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) is hazardous or even lethal. Accurate estimation of the doses of IR exposure is critical to wisely determining the following treatments. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles harboring biomolecules and mediate the communications among cells and tissues to influence biological processes. Screening out the microRNAs (miRNAs) contained in exosomes as biomarkers can be useful for estimating the IR exposure doses and exploring the correlation between these miRNAs and the occurrence of disease. Methods: We treated mice with 2.0, 6.5, and 8.0 Gy doses of IR and collected the mice sera at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure. Then, the serum exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and the small RNA portion was extracted for sequencing and the following bioinformatics analysis. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the potential dose-specific markers. Results: Fifty-six miRNAs (31 upregulated, 25 downregulated) were differentially expressed after exposure of the above 3 IR doses and may act as common IR exposure miRNA markers. Bioinformatic analysis also identified several dosage-specific responsive miRNAs. Importantly, IR-induced miR-151-3p and miR-128-3p were significantly and stably increased at 24 hours in different mouse strains with distinct genetic background after exposed to 8.0 Gy of IR. Conclusion: Our study shows that miR-151-3p and miR-128-3p can be used as dose-specific biomarkers of 8.0 Gy IR exposure, which can be used to determine the exposure dose by detecting the amount of the 2 miRNAs in serum exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China.,Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Hao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhua Ding
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Meijuan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Portela JMD, Heckmann L, Wistuba J, Sansone A, van Pelt AMM, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010224. [PMID: 31947706 PMCID: PMC7019285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy and conditioning treatments of non-malignant diseases affect spermatogonial function and may lead to male infertility. Data on the molecular properties of spermatogonia and the influence of disease and/or treatment on spermatogonial subpopulations remain limited. Here, we assessed if the density and percentage of spermatogonial subpopulation changes during development (n = 13) and due to disease and/or treatment (n = 18) in tissues stored in fertility preservation programs, using markers for spermatogonia (MAGEA4), undifferentiated spermatogonia (UTF1), proliferation (PCNA), and global DNA methylation (5mC). Throughout normal prepubertal testicular development, only the density of 5mC-positive spermatogonia significantly increased with age. In comparison, patients affected by disease and/or treatment showed a reduced density of UTF1-, PCNA- and 5mC-positive spermatogonia, whereas the percentage of spermatogonial subpopulations remained unchanged. As an exception, sickle cell disease patients treated with hydroxyurea displayed a reduction in both density and percentage of 5mC- positive spermatogonia. Our results demonstrate that, in general, a reduction in spermatogonial density does not alter the percentages of undifferentiated and proliferating spermatogonia, nor the establishment of global methylation. However, in sickle cell disease patients’, establishment of spermatogonial DNA methylation is impaired, which may be of importance for the potential use of this tissues in fertility preservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. D. Portela
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Mnika K, Mazandu GK, Jonas M, Pule GD, Chimusa ER, Hanchard NA, Wonkam A. Hydroxyurea-Induced miRNA Expression in Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Africa. Front Genet 2019; 10:509. [PMID: 31231425 PMCID: PMC6568309 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is clinically beneficial in sickle cell disease (SCD) through fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction; however, the mechanism of HU is not yet fully elucidated. Selected miRNAs have been associated with HU-induced HbF production. We have investigated differential HU-induced global miRNA expression in peripheral blood of adult SCD patients in patients from Congo, living in South Africa. We found 22 of 798 miRNAs evaluated that were differentially expressed under HU treatment, with the majority (13/22) being functionally associated with HbF-regulatory genes, including BCL11A (miR-148b-3p, miR-32-5p, miR-340-5p, and miR-29c-3p), MYB (miR-105-5p), and KLF-3 (miR-106b-5), and SP1 (miR-29b-3p, miR-625-5p, miR-324-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-374b-5p, and miR-145-5p). The preliminary study provides potential additional miRNA candidates for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuthala Mnika
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gaston K Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mario Jonas
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gift D Pule
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neil A Hanchard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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26
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Light DR. Can natural variation in erythroid microRNA-29b be translated to sickle cell disease severity? Br J Haematol 2019; 186:11-12. [PMID: 30908602 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David R Light
- Hemoglobinopathies, Bioverativ, A Sanofi Company, Waltham, MA, USA
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27
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Starlard-Davenport A, Smith A, Vu L, Li B, Pace BS. MIR29B mediates epigenetic mechanisms of HBG gene activation. Br J Haematol 2019; 186:91-100. [PMID: 30891745 PMCID: PMC6589104 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects over 2 million people worldwide with high morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries. Therapeutic interventions aimed at reactivating fetal haemoglobin (HbF) is an effective approach for improving survival and ameliorating the clinical severity of SCD. A class of agents that inhibit DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity show promise as HbF inducers because off-target effects are not observed at low concentrations. However, these compounds are rapidly degraded by cytidine deaminase when taken by oral administration, creating a critical barrier to clinical development for SCD. We previously demonstrated that microRNA29B (MIR29B) inhibits de novo DNMT synthesis, therefore, the goal of our study was to determine if MIR29 mediates HbF induction. Overexpression of MIR29B in human KU812 cells and primary erythroid progenitors significantly increased the percentage of HbF positive cells, while decreasing the expression of DNMT3A and the HBG repressor MYB. Furthermore, HBG promoter methylation levels decreased significantly following MIR29B overexpression in human erythroid progenitors. We subsequently, observed higher MIR29B expression in SCD patients with higher HbF levels compared to those with low HbF. Our findings provide evidence for the ability of MIR29B to induce HbF and supports further investigation to expand treatment options for SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alana Smith
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Luan Vu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Biaoru Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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28
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Lessard S, Beaudoin M, Orkin SH, Bauer DE, Lettre G. 14q32 and let-7 microRNAs regulate transcriptional networks in fetal and adult human erythroblasts. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1411-1420. [PMID: 29432581 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, fetal erythropoiesis takes place in the liver whereas adult erythropoiesis occurs in the bone marrow. Fetal and adult erythroid cells are not only produced at different sites, but are also distinguished by their respective transcriptional program. In particular, whereas fetal erythroid cells express γ-globin chains to produce fetal hemoglobin (HbF), adult cells express β-globin chains to generate adult hemoglobin. Understanding the transcriptional regulation of the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch is clinically important as re-activation of HbF production in adult erythroid cells would represent a promising therapy for the hemoglobin disorders sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. We used RNA-sequencing to measure global gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression in human erythroblasts derived ex vivo from fetal liver (n = 12 donors) and bone marrow (n = 12 donors) hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. We identified 7829 transcripts and 402 miRNA that were differentially expressed (false discovery rate <5%). The miRNA expression patterns were replicated in an independent collection of human erythroblasts using a different technology. By combining gene and miRNA expression data, we developed transcriptional networks which show substantial differences between fetal and adult human erythroblasts. Our analyses highlighted the miRNAs at the imprinted 14q32 locus in fetal erythroblasts and the let-7 miRNA family in adult erythroblasts as key regulators of stage-specific erythroid transcriptional programs. Altogether, our results provide a comprehensive resource to prioritize genes that may modify clinical severity in red blood cell (RBC) disorders, or genes that might be implicated in erythropoiesis by genome-wide association studies of RBC traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lessard
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Guillaume Lettre
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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29
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Li B, Zhu X, Ward CM, Starlard-Davenport A, Takezaki M, Berry A, Ward A, Wilder C, Neunert C, Kutlar A, Pace BS. MIR-144-mediated NRF2 gene silencing inhibits fetal hemoglobin expression in sickle cell disease. Exp Hematol 2018; 70:85-96.e5. [PMID: 30412705 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inherited genetic modifiers and pharmacologic agents that enhance fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression reverse the clinical severity of sickle cell disease (SCD). Recent efforts to develop novel strategies of HbF induction include discovery of molecular targets that regulate γ-globin gene transcription and translation. The purpose of this study was to perform genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) analysis to identify genes associated with HbF expression in patients with SCD. We isolated RNA from purified reticulocytes for microarray-based miRNA expression profiling. Using samples from patients with contrasting HbF levels, we observed an eightfold upregulation of miR-144-3p (miR-144) and miR-144-5p in the low-HbF group compared with those with high HbF. Additional analysis by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed individual miR-144 expression levels of subjects in the two groups. Subsequent functional studies in normal and sickle erythroid progenitors showed NRF2 gene silencing by miR-144 and concomitant repression of γ-globin transcription; by contrast, treatment with miR-144 antagomir reversed its silencing effects in a dose-dependent manner. Because NRF2 regulates reactive oxygen species levels, additional studies investigated mechanisms of HbF regulation using a hemin-induced oxidative stress model. Treatment of KU812 cells with hemin produced an increase in NRF2 expression and HbF induction that reversed with miR-144 pretreatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed NRF2 binding to the γ-globin antioxidant response element, which was inhibited by miR-144 mimic treatment. The genome-wide miRNA microarray and primary erythroid progenitor data support a miR-144/NRF2-mediated mechanism of γ-globin gene regulation in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaoru Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xingguo Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Christina M Ward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mayuko Takezaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Amber Berry
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Alexander Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Caroline Wilder
- Department of Otolaryngology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Cindy Neunert
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abdullah Kutlar
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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30
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Chondrou V, Stavrou EF, Markopoulos G, Kouraklis-Symeonidis A, Fotopoulos V, Symeonidis A, Vlachaki E, Chalkia P, Patrinos GP, Papachatzopoulou A, Sgourou A. Impact of ZBTB7A hypomethylation and expression patterns on treatment response to hydroxyurea. Hum Genomics 2018; 12:45. [PMID: 30285874 PMCID: PMC6167880 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-018-0177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to clarify the emerging epigenetic landscape in a group of genes classified as "modifier genes" of the β-type globin genes (HBB cluster), known to operate in trans to accomplish the two natural developmental switches in globin expression, from embryonic to fetal during the first trimester of conception and from fetal to adult around the time of birth. The epigenetic alterations were determined in adult sickle cell anemia (SCA) homozygotes and SCA/β-thalassemia compound heterozygotes of Greek origin, who are under hydroxyurea (HU) treatment. Patients were distinguished in HU responders and HU non-responders (those not benefited from the HU) and both, and in vivo and in vitro approaches were implemented. RESULTS We examined the CpG islands' DNA methylation profile of BCL11A, KLF1, MYB, MAP3K5, SIN3A, ZBTB7A, and GATA2, along with γ-globin and LRF/ZBTB7A expression levels. In vitro treatment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with HU induced a significant DNA hypomethylation pattern in ZBTB7A (p*, 0.04) and GATA2 (p*, 0.03) CpGs exclusively in the HU non-responders. Also, this group of patients exhibited significantly elevated baseline methylation patterns in ZBTB7A, before the HU treatment, compared to HU responders (p*, 0.019) and to control group of healthy individuals (p*, 0.021), which resembles a potential epigenetic barrier for the γ-globin expression. γ-Globin expression in vitro matched with detected HbF levels during patients' monitoring tests (in vivo) under HU treatment, implying a good reproducibility of the in vitro HU epigenetic effect. LRF/ZBTB7A expression was elevated only in the HU non-responders under the influence of HU. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the very first pharmacoepigenomic studies indicating that the hypomethylation of ZBTB7A during HU treatment enhances the LRF expression, which by its turn suppresses the HbF resumption in the HU non-responders. Its role as an epigenetic regulator of hemoglobin switching is also supported by the wide distribution of ZBTB7A-binding sites within the 5' CpG sequences of all studied human HBB cluster "modifier genes." Also, the baseline methylation level of selective CpGs in ZBTB7A and GATA2 could be an indicator of the negative HU response among the β-type hemoglobinopathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Chondrou
- School of Science and Technology, Biology Laboratory, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Eleana F Stavrou
- School of Science and Technology, Biology Laboratory, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Markopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, Biology Laboratory, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandra Kouraklis-Symeonidis
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Unit, Hematology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasilios Fotopoulos
- School of Science and Technology, Digital Systems and Media Computing Laboratory, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Argiris Symeonidis
- Medical School, Hematology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Efthymia Vlachaki
- Thalassemia Unit, "Hippokrateio" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Chalkia
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George P Patrinos
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Argyro Sgourou
- School of Science and Technology, Biology Laboratory, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece.
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31
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Yahouédéhou SCMA, Adorno EV, da Guarda CC, Ndidi US, Carvalho SP, Santiago RP, Aleluia MM, de Oliveira RM, Gonçalves MDS. Hydroxyurea in the management of sickle cell disease: pharmacogenomics and enzymatic metabolism. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2018; 18:730-739. [DOI: 10.1038/s41397-018-0045-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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32
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Lai K, Jia S, Yu S, Luo J, He Y. Genome-wide analysis of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs with associated co-expression and ceRNA networks in β-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Oncotarget 2018. [PMID: 28624809 PMCID: PMC5564818 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The implications of lncRNAs regarding fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction in hemoglobin disorders remain poorly understood. In this study, microarray analysis was performed to profile lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in individuals with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), β-thalassemia carriers with high HbF levels and healthy controls. The results show aberrant expression of 862 lncRNAs, 568 mRNAs and 63 miRNAs in the high-HbF group compared with the control group. Altered NR_001589, NR_120526, T315543, miR-486-3p, miR-19b-1-5p and miR-20a-3p expression was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Spearman correlation coefficients revealed significant positive correlations with HbF. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed the hematopoietic cell lineage and apoptosis to be most significantly dysregulated in HbF induction. We analyzed coding genes near the lncRNAs and constructed a coding-noncoding co-expression network. Based on the results, lncRNAs likely contribute to increased HbF levels by activating expression of HBE1 and hematopoietic cell lineage-inducible molecules and by inhibiting that of apoptosis-inducible molecules. Finally, through construction of a competing endogenous RNA network, we found that 6 lncRNAs could bind competitively with miR-486-3p, resulting in increased HbF levels. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of HbF induction and potentially provide new targets for the treatment of β-thalassemia major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketong Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Research, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Siyuan Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shanjuan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jianming Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Research, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yunyan He
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Research, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
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33
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Zhu X, Hu T, Ho MH, Wang Y, Yu M, Patel N, Pi W, Choi JH, Xu H, Ganapathy V, Kutlar F, Kutlar A, Tuan D. Hydroxyurea differentially modulates activator and repressors of γ-globin gene in erythroblasts of responsive and non-responsive patients with sickle cell disease in correlation with Index of Hydroxyurea Responsiveness. Haematologica 2017; 102:1995-2004. [PMID: 28971909 PMCID: PMC5709098 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2017.175646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU), the first of two drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), produces anti-sickling effect by re-activating fetal γ-globin gene to enhance production of fetal hemoglobin. However, approximately 30% of the patients do not respond to HU therapy. The molecular basis of non-responsiveness to HU is not clearly understood. To address this question, we examined HU-induced changes in the RNA and protein levels of transcription factors NF-Y, GATA-1, -2, BCL11A, TR4, MYB and NF-E4 that assemble the γ-globin promoter complex and regulate transcription of γ-globin gene. In erythroblasts cultured from peripheral blood CD34+ cells of patients with SCD, we found that HU-induced changes in the protein but not the RNA levels of activator GATA-2 and repressors GATA-1, BCL11A and TR4 correlated with HU-induced changes in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in the peripheral blood of HU high and low responders. However, HU did not significantly induce changes in the protein or RNA levels of activators NF-Y and NF-E4. Based on HU-induced changes in the protein levels of GATA-2, -1 and BCL11A, we calculated an Index of Hydroxyurea Responsiveness (IndexHU-3). Compared to the HU-induced fold changes in the individual transcription factor protein levels, the numerical values of IndexHU-3 statistically correlated best with the HU-induced peripheral blood HbF levels of the patients. Thus, IndexHU-3 can serve as an appropriate indicator for inherent HU responsiveness of patients with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Tianxiang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Meng Hsuan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA.,School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yongchao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Miao Yu
- Georgia Cancer Research Center, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Niren Patel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Wenhu Pi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Choi
- Georgia Cancer Research Center, Augusta University, GA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ferdane Kutlar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Abdullah Kutlar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, GA, USA
| | - Dorothy Tuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, GA, USA
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34
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Junqueira Reis LC, Picanço-Castro V, Paes BCMF, Pereira OA, Gerdes Gyuricza I, de Araújo FT, Morato-Marques M, Moreira LF, Costa EDBO, dos Santos TPM, Covas DT, Pereira Carramaschi LDV, Russo EMDS. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell for the Study and Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:7492914. [PMID: 28814957 PMCID: PMC5549510 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7492914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a monogenic disease of high mortality, affecting millions of people worldwide. There is no broad, effective, and safe definitive treatment for SCA, so the palliative treatments are the most used. The establishment of an in vitro model allows better understanding of how the disease occurs, besides allowing the development of more effective tests and treatments. In this context, iPSC technology is a powerful tool for basic research and disease modeling, and a promise for finding and screening more effective and safe drugs, besides the possibility of use in regenerative medicine. This work obtained a model for study and treatment of SCA using iPSC. Then, episomal vectors were used for reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells to obtain integration-free iPSC. Cells were collected from patients treated with hydroxyurea and without treatment. The iPSCP Bscd lines were characterized for pluripotent and differentiation potential. The iPSC lines were differentiated into HSC, so that we obtained a dynamic and efficient protocol of CD34+CD45+ cells production. We offer a valuable tool for a better understanding of how SCA occurs, in addition to making possible the development of more effective drugs and treatments and providing better understanding of widely used treatments, such as hydroxyurea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Cunha Junqueira Reis
- Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Blood Center Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Picanço-Castro
- Blood Center Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Martins Fernandes Paes
- Blood Center Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Olívia Ambrozini Pereira
- Philosophy, Sciences and Languages School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Blood Center Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Elisa Maria de Sousa Russo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Blood Center Foundation of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Yu CH, Cui NX, Wang Y, Wang Y, Liu WJ, Gong M, Zhao X, Rong L, Yi ZC. Changes in DNA methylation of erythroid-specific genes in K562 cells exposed to catechol in long term. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 43:21-28. [PMID: 28552822 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Catechol is one of phenolic metabolites of benzene that is a general occupational hazard and a ubiquitous environmental air pollutant. Catechol also occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and cigarettes. Previous studies have revealed that 72h exposure to catechol improved hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells accompanied with elevated methylation in erythroid specific genes. In present study, K562 cells were treated with 0, 10 or 20μM catechol for 1-4weeks, hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and the enhanced hemoglobin synthesis was relatively stable. The mRNA expression of α-, β- and γ-globin genes, erythroid heme synthesis enzymes PBGD and ALAS2, transcription factor GATA-1 and NF-E2 showed a significant increase in K562 cells exposed to 20μM catechol for 3w, and catechol enhanced hemin-induced mRNA expression of these genes. Quantitative MassARRAY methylation analysis also confirmed that the exposure to catechol changed DNA methylation levels at several CpG sites in several erythroid-specific genes and their far upstream of regulatory elements. These results demonstrated that long-term exposure to low concentration of catechol enhanced the hemin-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, in which DNA methylation played a role by up-regulating erythroid specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Yu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ning-Xuan Cui
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wen-Juan Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Meng Gong
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Long Rong
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zong-Chun Yi
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Hossain MA, Shen Y, Knudson I, Thakur S, Stees JR, Qiu Y, Pace BS, Peterson KR, Bungert J. Activation of Fetal γ-globin Gene Expression via Direct Protein Delivery of Synthetic Zinc-finger DNA-Binding Domains. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e378. [PMID: 27754490 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of γ-globin expression has been shown to ameliorate disease phenotypes associated with mutations in the adult β-globin gene, including sickle cell disease. Specific mutations in the promoter of the γ-globin genes are known to prevent repression of the genes in the adult and thus lead to hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. One such hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin is associated with a sequence located 567 bp upstream of the Gγ-globin gene which assembles a GATA-containing repressor complex. We generated two synthetic zinc-finger DNA-binding domains (ZF-DBDs) targeting this sequence. The -567Gγ ZF-DBDs associated with high affinity and specificity with the target site in the γ-globin gene promoter. We delivered the -567Gγ ZF-DBDs directly to primary erythroid cells. Exposure of these cells to the recombinant -567Gγ ZF-DBDs led to increased expression of the γ-globin gene. Direct protein delivery of ZF-DBDs that compete with transcription regulatory proteins will have broad implications for modulating gene expression in analytical or therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir A Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yong Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Isaac Knudson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shaleen Thakur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jared R Stees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yi Qiu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenneth R Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Jörg Bungert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Pule GD, Mowla S, Novitzky N, Wonkam A. Hydroxyurea down-regulates BCL11A, KLF-1 and MYB through miRNA-mediated actions to induce γ-globin expression: implications for new therapeutic approaches of sickle cell disease. Clin Transl Med 2016; 5:15. [PMID: 27056246 PMCID: PMC4824700 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-016-0092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major therapeutic benefit of hydroxyurea, the only FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), is directly related to fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production that leads to significant reduction of morbidity and mortality. However, potential adverse effects such as infertility, susceptibility to infections, or teratogenic effect have been subject of concerns. Therefore, understanding HU molecular mechanisms of action, could lead to alternative therapeutic agents to increase HbF with less toxicity. This paper investigated whether HU-induced HbF could operate through post-transcriptional miRNAs regulation of BCL11A, KLF-1 and MYB, potent negative regulators of HbF. Both ex vivo differentiated primary erythroid cells from seven unrelated individuals, and K562 cells were treated with hydroxyurea (100 μM) and changes in BCL11A, KLF-1, GATA-1, MYB, β- and γ-globin gene expression were investigated. To explore potential mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation, changes in expression of seven targeted miRNAs, previously associated with basal γ-globin expression were examined using miScript primer assays. In addition, K562 cells were transfected with miScript miRNA inhibitors/anti-miRNAs followed by Western Blot analysis to assess the effect on HbF protein levels. Direct interaction between miRNAs and the MYB 3′-untranslated region (UTR) was also investigated by a dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results Down-regulation of BCL11A and MYB was associated with a sevenfold increase in γ-globin expression in both primary and K562 cells (p < 0.003). Similarly, KLF-1 was down-regulated in both cell models, corresponding to the repressed expression of BCL11A and β-globin gene (p < 0.04). HU induced differential expression of all miRNAs in both cell models, particularly miR-15a, miR-16, miR-26b and miR-151-3p. An HU-induced miRNAs-mediated mechanism of HbF regulation was illustrated with the inhibition of miR-26b and -151-3p resulting in reduced HbF protein levels. There was direct interaction between miR-26b with the MYB 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Conclusions These experiments have shown the association between critical regulators of γ-globin expression (MYB, BCL11A and KLF-1) and specific miRNAs; in response to HU, and demonstrated a mechanism of HbF production through HU-induced miRNAs inhibition of MYB. The role of miRNAs-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of HbF provides potential targets for new treatments of SCD that may minimize alterations to the cellular transcriptome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40169-016-0092-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gift Dineo Pule
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, Republic of South Africa
| | - Shaheen Mowla
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nicolas Novitzky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, Republic of South Africa.
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Ward CM, Li B, Pace BS. Original Research: Stable expression of miR-34a mediates fetal hemoglobin induction in K562 cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:719-29. [PMID: 26940952 PMCID: PMC4950382 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216636725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia is a common genetic disorder caused by a point mutation in the sixth codon of the β-globin gene affecting people of African descent worldwide. A wide variety of clinical phenotypes ranging from mild to severe symptoms and complications occur due to hemoglobin S polymerization, red blood cell sickling, and vaso-occlusion. Research efforts are ongoing to develop strategies of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; α2γ2) induction to inhibit sickle hemoglobin polymerization and improve clinical outcomes. Insights have been gained from investigating mutations in the β-globin locus or transcription factors involved in the mechanisms of hemoglobin switching. Recent efforts to expand molecular targets that modulate γ-globin expression involve microRNAs that work through posttranscriptional gene regulation. Therefore, the goal of our study was to identify novel microRNA genes involved in fetal hemoglobin expression. Using in silico analysis, we identified a miR-34a binding site in the γ-globin mRNA which was tested for functional relevance. Stable expression of the shMIMIC miR-34a lentivirus vector increased fetal hemoglobin levels in single cell K562 clones consistent with silencing of a γ-globin gene repressor. Furthermore, miR-34a promoted cell differentiation supported by increased expression of KLF1, glycophorin A, and the erythropoietin receptor. Western blot analysis of known negative regulators of γ-globin including YY1, histone deacetylase 1, and STAT3, which are regulated by miR-34a showed no change in YY1 and histone deacetylase 1 levels; however, total- and phosphorylated-STAT3 levels were decreased in single cell miR-34a K562 clones. These data support a mechanism of fetal hemoglobin activation by miR-34a involving STAT3 gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Ward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Biaoru Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Goodman SR, Pace BS, Hansen KC, D'alessandro A, Xia Y, Daescu O, Glatt SJ. Minireview: Multiomic candidate biomarkers for clinical manifestations of sickle cell severity: Early steps to precision medicine. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:772-81. [PMID: 27022133 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216640150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide a description of those candidate biomarkers which have been demonstrated by multiple-omics approaches to vary in correlation with specific clinical manifestations of sickle cell severity. We believe that future clinical analyses of severity phenotype will require a multiomic analysis, or an omics stack approach, which includes integrated interactomics. It will also require the analysis of big data sets. These candidate biomarkers, whether they are individual or panels of functionally linked markers, will require future validation in large prospective and retrospective clinical studies. Once validated, the hope is that informative biomarkers will be used for the identification of individuals most likely to experience severe complications, and thereby be applied for the design of patient-specific therapeutic approaches and response to treatment. This would be the beginning of precision medicine for sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Goodman
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kirk C Hansen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80202, USA
| | - Angelo D'alessandro
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80202, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas at Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ovidiu Daescu
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Stephen J Glatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Tayebi B, Abrishami F, Alizadeh S, Minayi N, Mohammadian M, Soleimani M, Dehghanifard A, Atwan H, Ajami M, Ajami M. Modulation of microRNAs expression in hematopoietic stem cells treated with sodium butyrate in inducing fetal hemoglobin expression. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 45:146-156. [PMID: 26837891 DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2016.1138487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Context Inherited hemoglobin diseases are the most common single-gene disorders. Induction of fetal hemoglobin in beta hemoglobin disorders compensate for abnormal chain and ameliorate the clinical complications. Sodium butyrate is used conventionally for fetal hemoglobin induction; it can be replaced by safer therapeutic tools like microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that control number of epigenetic mechanisms. Objective In this study, we compared the changes in the microRNAs of differentiated erythroid cells between control and sodium butyrate treated groups. The objective is to find significant association between these changes and gamma chain up regulation. Materials and methods First, CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from cord blood by magnetic cell sorting (MACS) technique. After proliferation, the cells were differentiated to erythroid lineage in culture medium by EPO, SCF, and IL3. Meanwhile, the test group was treated with sodium butyrate. Then, gamma chain upregulation was verified by qPCR technique. Finally, microRNA profiling was performed through microarray assay and some of them confirmed by qPCR. Result Results demonstrated that gamma chain was 5.9-fold upregulated in the treated group. Significant changes were observed at 76 microRNAs, in which 20 were up-regulated and 56 were down-regulated. Discussion Five of these microRNAs including U101, hsa-miR-4726-5p, hsa-miR7109 5p, hsa-miR3663, and hsa-miR940 had significant changes in expression and volume. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be assumed that sodium butyrate can up-regulate gamma chain gene, and change miRNAs expression. These results can be profitable in future studies to find therapeutic goal suitable for such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnoosh Tayebi
- a Faculty of Medicine , Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Health Care Services , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abrishami
- a Faculty of Medicine , Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Health Care Services , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Shaban Alizadeh
- b Hematology Department, School of Allied Medical , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Neda Minayi
- b Hematology Department, School of Allied Medical , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Mohammadian
- c Amol Faculty of Paramedical Sciences , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Iran.,d Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- e Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Ali Dehghanifard
- f Taleghani Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Hossein Atwan
- g Immunology Department , Iran University of Medical Science , Tehran , Iran
| | - Monireh Ajami
- a Faculty of Medicine , Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Health Care Services , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Mansoureh Ajami
- e Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
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Saki N, Abroun S, Soleimani M, Kavianpour M, Shahjahani M, Mohammadi-Asl J, Hajizamani S. MicroRNA Expression in β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease: A Role in The Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 17:583-92. [PMID: 26862517 PMCID: PMC4746408 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.3808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Today the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRs) is well characterized in many diverse cel-
lular processes. MiR-based regulation is categorized under epigenetic regulatory mecha-
nisms. These small non-coding RNAs participate in producing and maturing erythrocytes,
expressing hematopoietic factors and regulating expression of globin genes by post-tran-
scriptional gene silencing. The changes in expression of miRs (miR-144/-320/-451/-503)
in thalassemic/sickle cells compared with normal erythrocytes may cause clinical severity.
According to the suppressive effects of certain miRs (miR-15a/-16-1/-23a/-26b/-27a/-451)
on a number of transcription factors [myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB), B-cell lymphoma
11A (BCL11A), GATA1, Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) and specificity protein 1 (Sp1)] during
β globin gene expression, It has been possible to increasing γ globin gene expression
and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production. Therefore, this strategy can be used as a novel
therapy in infusing HbF and improving clinical complications of patients with hemoglobi-
nopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmaldin Saki
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeid Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Kavianpour
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shahjahani
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Javad Mohammadi-Asl
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeideh Hajizamani
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Sawant M, S. C, Colah R, Ghosh K, Nadkarni A. Does HbF induction by hydroxycarbamide work throughMIR210in sickle cell anaemia patients? Br J Haematol 2015; 173:801-3. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madhavi Sawant
- National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR); Mumbai India
| | | | - Roshan Colah
- National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR); Mumbai India
| | - Kanjaksha Ghosh
- National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR); Mumbai India
| | - Anita Nadkarni
- National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR); Mumbai India
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Pule GD, Mowla S, Novitzky N, Wiysonge CS, Wonkam A. A systematic review of known mechanisms of hydroxyurea-induced fetal hemoglobin for treatment of sickle cell disease. Expert Rev Hematol 2015; 8:669-79. [PMID: 26327494 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2015.1078235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report on molecular mechanisms of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction by hydroxyurea (HU) for the treatment of sickle cell disease. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. RESULTS Studies have provided consistent associations between genomic variations in HbF-promoting loci and variable HbF level in response to HU. Numerous signal transduction pathways have been implicated, through the identification of key genomic variants in BCL11A, HBS1L-MYB, SAR1 or XmnI polymorphism that predispose the response to the treatment, and signal transduction pathways that modulate γ-globin expression (cAMP/cGMP; Giα/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/Jun; methylation and miRNA). Three main molecular pathways have been reported: i) Epigenetic modifications, transcriptional events and signaling pathways involved in HU-mediated response, ii) Signaling pathways involving HU-mediated response and iii) Post-transcriptional pathways (regulation by miRNAs). CONCLUSIONS The complete picture of HU-mediated mechanisms of HbF production in Sickle Cell Disease remains elusive. Research on post-transcriptional mechanisms could lead to therapeutic targets that may minimize alterations to the cellular transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gift D Pule
- a 1 Department of Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
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Grieco AJ, Billett HH, Green NS, Driscoll MC, Bouhassira EE. Variation in Gamma-Globin Expression before and after Induction with Hydroxyurea Associated with BCL11A, KLF1 and TAL1. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129431. [PMID: 26053062 PMCID: PMC4459969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms governing γ-globin expression in a subset of fetal hemoglobin (α2γ2: HbF) expressing red blood cells (F-cells) and the mechanisms underlying the variability of response to hydroxyurea induced γ-globin expression in the treatment of sickle cell disease are not completely understood. Here we analyzed intra-person clonal populations of basophilic erythroblasts (baso-Es) derived from bone marrow common myeloid progenitors in serum free cultures and report the level of fetal hemoglobin production in F-cells negatively correlates with expression of BCL11A, KLF1 and TAL1. We then examined the effects of hydroxyurea on these three transcription factors and conclude that a successful induction of γ-globin includes a reduction in BCL11A, KLF1 and TAL1 expression. These data suggests that expression changes in this transcription factor network modulate γ-globin expression in F-cells during steady state erythropoiesis and after induction with hydroxyurea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Grieco
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Henny H. Billett
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - M. Catherine Driscoll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, AECOM, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Eric E. Bouhassira
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Eridani S, Avemaria F, Mosca A. Reactivation of Fetal Hemoglobin in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2014.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable attention has been recently devoted to mechanisms involved in the perinatal hemoglobin switch, as it was long ago established that the survival of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production in significant amount can reduce the severity of the clinical course in severe disorders like β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). For instance, when β-thalassemia is associated with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) the disease takes a mild course, labeled as thalassemia intermedia. The same clinical amelioration occurs for the association between HPFH and SCD. As for the mechanism of this effect, some information has been obtained from the study of natural mutations at the human β-globin locus in patients with increased HbF, like the Corfu thalassemia mutations. Important evidence came from the discovery that drugs capable of improving the clinical picture of SCD, like decitabine ad hydroxycarbamide, are acting through the reactivation, to some extent, of HbF synthesis. The study of the mechanism of action of these compounds was followed by the identification of some genetic determinants, which promote this event. In particular, among a few genetic factors involved in this process, the most relevant appears the BCL11A gene, which is now credited to be able to silence γ-globin genes in the perinatal period by interaction with several erythroid-specific transcription factors and is actually considered as a barrier to HbF reactivation by known HbF inducing agents. Epigenetics is also a player in the process, mainly through DNA demethylation. This is certified by the recent demonstration that hypomethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine and decitabine, the first compounds used for HbF induction by pharmacology, act as irreversible inhibitors of demethyltransferase enzymes. Great interest has also been raised by the finding that several micro-RNAs, which act as negative regulators of gene expression, have been implicated in the progression of globin gene expression and, particularly, in the reactivation of γ-globin gene expression associated with increased HbF synthesis. Probably, this reactivation is achieved by post-transcriptional inhibition of BCL11A expression. Finally, attention is presently focused on a recently discovered BCL11A enhancer, essential for erythroid expression of BCL11A, which might become a therapeutic target for genome engineering in the β-hemoglobinopathies as its disruption affects only the erythropoietic lineage, without hurting other cell or tissue compartments.
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Green NS, Barral S. Emerging science of hydroxyurea therapy for pediatric sickle cell disease. Pediatr Res 2014; 75:196-204. [PMID: 24252885 PMCID: PMC3917141 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) is the sole approved pharmacological therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) diminish deoxygenated sickle globin polymerization in vitro and clinically reduce the incidence of disease morbidities. Clinical and laboratory effects of HU largely result from induction of HbF expression, though to a highly variable extent. Baseline and HU-induced HbF expression are both inherited complex traits. In children with SCD, baseline HbF remains the best predictor of drug-induced levels, but this accounts for only a portion of the induction. A limited number of validated genetic loci are strongly associated with higher baseline HbF levels in SCD. For induced HbF levels, genetic approaches using candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have identified some of these same loci as being also associated with induction. However, SNP associations with induced HbF are only partially independent of baseline levels. Additional approaches to understanding the impact of HU on HbF and its other therapeutic effects on SCD include pharmacokinetic, gene expression-based, and epigenetic analyses in patients and through studies in existing murine models for SCD. Understanding the genetic and other factors underlying the variability in therapeutic effects of HU for pediatric SCD is critical for prospectively predicting good responders and for designing other effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S. Green
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sandra Barral
- G.H.Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Alijani S, Alizadeh S, Kazemi A, Khatib ZK, Soleimani M, Rezvani M, Minayi N, Karami F, Tayebi B. Evaluation of the Effect of miR-26b Up-Regulation on HbF Expression in Erythroleukemic K-562 Cell Line. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2014; 6:53-6. [PMID: 24523956 PMCID: PMC3895580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major hemoglobin in the fetus is hemoglobin F (HbF) (α2γ2), whereas in adult humans, hemoglobin A (α2β2) is predominately expressed. Several studies have indicated that expression of the HbF subunit γ-globin might be regulated post-transcriptionally. This could be done by small non-coding RNAs called microRNAs which target mRNAs in a sequence-specific manner and lead to translational repression or mRNA decay. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of miR-26b up-regulation on γ-globin gene expression in K-562 cell line. METHODS These cells were grown in RPMI 1640 and pre miR-26b and were transfected within K-562 cell line using lentiviral vector. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis in selected days, miRNA up-regulation was confirmed by miRNA real time PCR and then γand βchain and GATA-1 expression were investigated by RT and QRT-PCR. RESULTS The viability of cells before transfection was 90%. Three and 7 days after transfection, through the use of relative Q-PCR, the γ chain expression increased 3.7, 6.8 and 3.8 folds and GATA-1 expression increased 2.1, 6.0 and 8.0 in comparison with untransfected cells. CONCLUSION The data suggest that miR-26b can be involved in the increase of γ-globin gene expression in K-562 cell line. We suggest that miR-26b may be a significant therapeutic target for increasing HbF levels in patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Alijani
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaban Alizadeh
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Shaban Alizadeh, Ph.D., Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98 21 86704617, Fax: +98 21 88607963. E-mail:
| | - Ahmad Kazemi
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kashani Khatib
- Students Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Rezvani
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Minayi
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Karami
- Department of Hematology, Allied Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnoosh Tayebi
- Department of Hematology, Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Silva DGH, Belini Junior E, Carrocini GCDS, Torres LDS, Ricci Júnior O, Lobo CLDC, Bonini-Domingos CR, de Almeida EA. Genetic and biochemical markers of hydroxyurea therapeutic response in sickle cell anemia. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 14:108. [PMID: 24106994 PMCID: PMC3851873 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-14-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) presents a complex pathophysiology which can be affected by a number of modifying factors, including genetic and biochemical ones. In Brazil, there have been no studies verifying βS-haplotypes effect on oxidative stress parameters. This study evaluated βS-haplotypes and Hb F levels effects on oxidative stress markers and their relationship with hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in SCA patients. Methods The studied group was composed by 28 SCA patients. Thirteen of these patients were treated with HU and 15 of them were not. We used molecular methodology (PCR-RFLP) for hemoglobin S genotype confirmation and haplotypes identification. Biochemical parameters were measured using spectrophotometric methods (Thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels, catalase and GST activities) and plasma glutathione levels by High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection. Results We found the highest frequency of Bantu haplotype (48.2%) which was followed by Benin (32.1%). We observed also the presence of Cameroon haplotype, rare in Brazilian population and 19.7% of atypical haplotypes. The protective Hb F effect was confirmed in SCA patients because these patients showed an increase in Hb F levels that resulted in a 41.3% decrease on the lipid peroxidation levels (r =−0.74, p=0.01). Other biochemical parameters have not shown differential expression according to patient’s haplotypes. Bantu haplotype presence was related to the highest lipid peroxidation levels in patients (p < 0,01), but it also conferred a differential response to HU treatment, raising Hb F levels in 52.6% (p = 0.03) when compared with the group with the same molecular profile without HU usage. Conclusions SCA patients with Bantu haplotype showed the worst oxidative status. However these patients also demonstrated a better response to the treatment with HU. Such treatment seems to have presented a “haplotype-dependent” pharmacological effect.
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Menaa F. Stroke in sickle cell anemia patients: a need for multidisciplinary approaches. Atherosclerosis 2013; 229:496-503. [PMID: 23746538 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive disorder, with Mendelian inheritance pattern, caused by a missense mutation in the β-polypeptide chain of the hemoglobin B. SCA preferentially affects populations in countries where malaria was/is present (e.g. Africa, USA, Brazil). Thereby, in USA, the incidence of SCA is relatively high, around 1/500, and the prevalence is about 1/1000. In Brazil, SCA represents a major public health problem with an incidence ranging from 1/2000 to 1/600 depending on the regions. Homozygotic patients present more severe medical conditions and reduced life expectancy than heterozygous individuals who generally are asymptomatic. Eventually, this life-threatening disease displays a complex etiology owing to heterogeneous phenotypes and clinical outcomes, subsequently affecting the management of the patients. One of the most critical complications associated with SCA is stroke, a leading neurologic cause of death and disability. About 24% of SCA patients have a stroke by the age of 45 and 11% by the age of 20. From the general population, twin and familial aggregation studies as well as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), mostly in pediatric populations with ischemic stroke, showed that the risk of stroke has a substantial genetic component. Nevertheless, to fully characterize genomic contributors of stroke and permit reliable personalized medicine, multidisciplinary studies incorporating knowledge from clinical medicine, epidemiology, genetics, and molecular biology, are required. In this manuscript, stroke in SCA patients is extensively reviewed with emphasis to the US and Brazilian populations. Recent advances in genomics analysis of stroke in SCA patients are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Menaa
- Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemocentro), School of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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