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Ruhl AP, Shalhoub R, Jeffries N, Limerick EM, Leonard A, Barochia AV, Tisdale JF, Fitzhugh CD, Hsieh MM. Pulmonary Function after Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2024; 21:1398-1406. [PMID: 39189784 PMCID: PMC11451896 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202309-771oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenetic condition with recurring vasoocclusive events causing lifelong pulmonary morbidity and mortality. There is increasing access to curative therapies, such as hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), for people living with SCD. However, more information on pulmonary function in adults with SCD after HCT is needed to best guide decisions for HCT and post-HCT care. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and other pulmonary function testing (PFT) parameters remain stable 3 years after HCT. Methods: People living with SCD undergoing nonmyeloablative HCT in a prospective cohort at the NIH Clinical Center from 2004 to 2019 were evaluated for enrollment. Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations and descriptive statistics were calculated before HCT and annually for 3 years. Six-minute-walk distance (6MWD) testing was performed. Generalized estimating equations were employed to evaluate interindividual changes in PFT parameters and 6MWD. Results: Of 97 patients with SCD undergoing HCT, 41 (42%) were female with median (25th, 75th percentile) age 31.8 (24.8, 38.0) years. Each year of measurement included the following numbers of subjects available for analysis with PFTs: baseline (n = 97), Year 1 (n = 91), Year 2 (n = 72), and Year 3 (n = 55); and the following numbers of subjects available for analysis with 6MWD: baseline (n = 79), Year 1 (n = 73), Year 2 (n = 57), and Year 3 (n = 41). Pre-HCT FEV1 was median (25th, 75th percentile) 68.3% (61.3%, 80.3%) and 69.2% (60.8%, 77.7%) 3 years after HCT, and pre-HCT diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO) was 60.5% (53.0%, 66.3%) and 64.6% (55.1%, 73.4%) 3 years after HCT. Generalized estimating equations estimated that DlCO percent predicted increased significantly by 3.7% (95% confidence interval, 1.0%, 6.3%), and the 6MWD significantly increased by 25.9 (6.6, 45.2) meters 3 years after HCT, whereas there was no significant change in percent predicted FEV1 or FVC compared with before HCT. Conclusions: Overall, PFT results remained stable and there was an improvement in DlCO and 6MWD in this predominantly adult cohort undergoing nonmyeloablative HCT for SCD. Allogeneic HCT for SCD may cease the cycle of vasoocclusive pulmonary injury and prevent continued damage. Multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the long-term lung health effects of HCT for SCD in adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Parker Ruhl
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Branch
| | | | | | - Emily M. Limerick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - John F. Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Courtney D. Fitzhugh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Matthew M. Hsieh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
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Lang T, Geaghan S, Loh TP, Mak C, Papassotiriou I, Kyriakopoulou LG. Considerations for applying emerging technologies in paediatric laboratory medicine. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1938-1949. [PMID: 39044644 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Emerging technology in laboratory medicine can be defined as an analytical method (including biomarkers) or device (software, applications, and algorithms) that by its stage of development, translation into broad routine clinical practice, or geographical adoption and implementation has the potential to add value to clinical diagnostics. Paediatric laboratory medicine itself may be considered an emerging area of specialisation that is established relatively recently following increased appreciation and understanding of the unique physiology and healthcare needs of the children. Through four clinical (neonatal hypoglycaemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, sickle cell disorder, congenital adrenal hyperplasia) and six technological (microassays, noninvasive testing, alternative matrices, next generation sequencing, exosome analysis, machine learning) illustrations, key takeaways of application of emerging technology for each area are summarised. Additionally, nine key considerations when applying emerging technology in paediatric laboratory medicine setting are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lang
- Department of Blood Sciences, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sharon Geaghan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tze Ping Loh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chloe Mak
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ioannis Papassotiriou
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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3
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Munung NS, Nnodu OE, Moru PO, Kalu AA, Impouma B, Treadwell MJ, Wonkam A. Looking ahead: ethical and social challenges of somatic gene therapy for sickle cell disease in Africa. Gene Ther 2024; 31:202-208. [PMID: 38012299 PMCID: PMC11090833 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Somatic gene therapy will be one of the most exciting practices of genetic medicine in Africa and is primed to offer a "new life" for persons living with sickle cell disease (SCD). Recently, successful gene therapy trials for SCD in the USA have sparked a ray of hope within the SCD community in Africa. However, the high cost, estimated to exceed 1.5 million USD, continues to be a major concern for many stakeholders. While affordability is a key global health equity consideration, it is equally important to reflect on other ethical, legal and social issues (ELSIs) that may impact the responsible implementation of gene therapy for SCD in Africa. These include informed consent comprehension, risk of therapeutic misestimation and optimistic bias; priorities for SCD therapy trials; dearth of ethical and regulatory oversight for gene therapy in many African countries; identifying a favourable risk-benefit ratio; criteria for the selection of trial participants; decisional conflict in consent; standards of care; bounded justice; and genetic tourism. Given these ELSIs, we suggest that researchers, pharma, funders, global health agencies, ethics committees, science councils and SCD patient support/advocacy groups should work together to co-develop: (1) patient-centric governance for gene therapy in Africa, (2) public engagement and education materials, and (3) decision making toolkits for trial participants. It is also critical to establish harmonised ethical and regulatory frameworks for gene therapy in Africa, and for global health agencies to accelerate access to basic care for SCD in Africa, while simultaneously strengthening capacity for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Obiageli E Nnodu
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Ohiani Moru
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Akpaka A Kalu
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Benido Impouma
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Marsha J Treadwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- McKusick-Nathans Institute & Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Gambari R, Waziri AD, Goonasekera H, Peprah E. Pharmacogenomics of Drugs Used in β-Thalassemia and Sickle-Cell Disease: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4263. [PMID: 38673849 PMCID: PMC11050010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this short review we have presented and discussed studies on pharmacogenomics (also termed pharmacogenetics) of the drugs employed in the treatment of β-thalassemia or Sickle-cell disease (SCD). This field of investigation is relevant, since it is expected to help clinicians select the appropriate drug and the correct dosage for each patient. We first discussed the search for DNA polymorphisms associated with a high expression of γ-globin genes and identified this using GWAS studies and CRISPR-based gene editing approaches. We then presented validated DNA polymorphisms associated with a high HbF production (including, but not limited to the HBG2 XmnI polymorphism and those related to the BCL11A, MYB, KLF-1, and LYAR genes). The expression of microRNAs involved in the regulation of γ-globin genes was also presented in the context of pharmacomiRNomics. Then, the pharmacogenomics of validated fetal hemoglobin inducers (hydroxyurea, butyrate and butyrate analogues, thalidomide, and sirolimus), of iron chelators, and of analgesics in the pain management of SCD patients were considered. Finally, we discuss current clinical trials, as well as international research networks focusing on clinical issues related to pharmacogenomics in hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 40124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Aliyu Dahiru Waziri
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Kaduna 810001, Nigeria;
| | - Hemali Goonasekera
- Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo P.O. Box 271, Sri Lanka;
| | - Emmanuel Peprah
- Implementing Sustainable Evidence-Based Interventions through Engagement (ISEE) Lab, Department of Global and Environmental Health, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
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Gupta P, Goswami SG, Kumari G, Saravanakumar V, Bhargava N, Rai AB, Singh P, Bhoyar RC, Arvinden VR, Gunda P, Jain S, Narayana VK, Deolankar SC, Prasad TSK, Natarajan VT, Scaria V, Singh S, Ramalingam S. Development of pathophysiologically relevant models of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia for therapeutic studies. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1794. [PMID: 38413594 PMCID: PMC10899644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46036-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo cellular system that accurately replicates sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia characteristics is a highly sought-after goal in the field of erythroid biology. In this study, we present the generation of erythroid progenitor lines with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia mutation using CRISPR/Cas9. The disease cellular models exhibit similar differentiation profiles, globin expression and proteome dynamics as patient-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Additionally, these cellular models recapitulate pathological conditions associated with both the diseases. Hydroxyurea and pomalidomide treatment enhanced fetal hemoglobin levels. Notably, we introduce a therapeutic strategy for the above diseases by recapitulating the HPFH3 genotype, which reactivates fetal hemoglobin levels and rescues the disease phenotypes, thus making these lines a valuable platform for studying and developing new therapeutic strategies. Altogether, we demonstrate our disease cellular systems are physiologically relevant and could prove to be indispensable tools for disease modeling, drug screenings and cell and gene therapy-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Gupta
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sangam Giri Goswami
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Geeta Kumari
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinodh Saravanakumar
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - Nupur Bhargava
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - Akhila Balakrishna Rai
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Praveen Singh
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Rahul C Bhoyar
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - V R Arvinden
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Padma Gunda
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society- Kamala Hospital and Research Centre, Shivarampally, Hyderabad, India
| | - Suman Jain
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society- Kamala Hospital and Research Centre, Shivarampally, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vanya Kadla Narayana
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Sayali C Deolankar
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - T S Keshava Prasad
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Vivek T Natarajan
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Sivaprakash Ramalingam
- CSIR- Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Sukhdev Vihar, New Delhi, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Ngo AD, Nguyen HL, Caglayan S, Chu DT. RNA therapeutics for the treatment of blood disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:273-286. [PMID: 38360003 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Blood disorders are defined as diseases related to the structure, function, and formation of blood cells. These diseases lead to increased years of life loss, reduced quality of life, and increased financial burden for social security systems around the world. Common blood disorder treatments such as using chemical drugs, organ transplants, or stem cell therapy have not yet approached the best goals, and treatment costs are also very high. RNA with a research history dating back several decades has emerged as a potential method to treat hematological diseases. A number of clinical trials have been conducted to pave the way for the use of RNA molecules to cure blood disorders. This novel approach takes advantage of regulatory mechanisms and the versatility of RNA-based oligonucleotides to target genes and cellular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of specific diseases. Despite positive results, currently, there is no RNA drug to treat blood-related diseases approved or marketed. Before the clinical adoption of RNA-based therapies, challenges such as safe delivery of RNA molecules to the target site and off-target effects of injected RNA in the body need to be addressed. In brief, RNA-based therapies open novel avenues for the treatment of hematological diseases, and clinical trials for approval and practical use of RNA-targeted are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Dao Ngo
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Lam Nguyen
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Ojiambo MT. The transatlantic fight against sickle cell disease: an interview with Marie Ojiambo. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050629. [PMID: 38108235 PMCID: PMC10751938 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie T. Ojiambo
- Charles River Laboratories, Safety Assessment, 905 Sheehy Drive, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
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8
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Ally M, Balandya E. Current challenges and new approaches to implementing optimal management of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:192-199. [PMID: 37730472 PMCID: PMC10909340 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common life-threatening monogenic disorder in the world. The disease is highly prevalent in malaria endemic areas with over 75% of patients residing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is estimated that, without proper care, up to 90% of children with SCD will not celebrate their fifth birthday. Early identification and enrolment into comprehensive care has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality related with SCD complications. However, due to resource constraints, the SSA is yet to implement universal newborn screening programs for SCD. Furthermore, care for patients with SCD in the region is hampered by the shortage of qualified healthcare workers, lack of guidelines for the clinical management of SCD, limited infrastructure for inpatient and outpatient care, and limited access to blood and disease modifying drugs such as Hydroxyurea which contribute to poor clinical outcomes. Curative options such as bone marrow transplant and gene therapy are expensive and not available in many SSA countries. In addressing these challenges, various initiatives are ongoing in SSA which aim to enhance awareness on SCD, improve patient identification and retention to care, harmonize the standards of care for SCD, improve the skills of healthcare workers and conduct research on pertinent areas in SCD in the SSA context. Fortifying these measures is paramount to improving the outcomes of SCD in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwashungi Ally
- Sickle Pan African Research Consortium, Tanzania site Sickle Cell Program Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar es Salaam Tanzania.
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Sickle Pan African Research Consortium, Tanzania site Sickle Cell Program Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar es Salaam Tanzania
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Hooper KM, Hmeljak J. Supporting the translation of multiscale research in rare disease. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050495. [PMID: 37737037 PMCID: PMC10538288 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Summary: In anticipation of our upcoming Special Issue, ‘Translating Multiscale Research in Rare Disease’, we celebrate the strides taken in rare disease research that are improving patient diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. Hooper
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
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Schuh A. Special edition of the Seminars in Hematology series on Global Hematology Care. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:179-181. [PMID: 37838581 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schuh
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Nembaware V, Nnodu OE, Sangeda RZ, Paintsil V, Mazandu GK, Munung NS, Wonkam A, Martí-Carvajal AJ. Editorial: Building capacity for sickle cell disease research and healthcare. Front Genet 2023; 14:1226589. [PMID: 37501718 PMCID: PMC10369345 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1226589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Obiageli Eunice Nnodu
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Raphael Zozimus Sangeda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Directorate of Child Health-Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Child Health- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Gaston Kuzamunu Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nchangwi S. Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns-Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Arturo J. Martí-Carvajal
- Cochrane Centre, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
- Cátedra Rectoral de Medicina Basada en Evidencia, Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
- Faculty of Medicine, Francisco de Vitoria University, Madrid, Spain
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Ssebunnya GM. Towards an appropriate African framework for public engagement with human genome editing: a call to synergistic action. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 7:302. [PMID: 37485292 PMCID: PMC10359742 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18579.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionised the biotechnology of human genome editing. Human germline gene editing promises exponential benefits to many in Africa and elsewhere, especially those affected by the highly prevalent monogenic disorders - for which, thanks to CRISPR, a relatively safe heritable radical therapy is a real possibility. Africa evidently presents a unique opportunity for empirical research in human germline gene editing because of its high prevalence of monogenic disorders. Critically, however, germline gene editing has raised serious ethical concerns especially because of the significant risks of inadvertent and intentional misuse of its transgenerational heritability. Calls for due prudence have become even more pronounced in the wake of the 2018 case of He Jiankui's 'CRISPR'd babies'. Meanwhile, Africa is seriously lagging in articulating its position on human genome editing. Conspicuously, there has been little to no attempt at comprehensively engaging the African public in discussions on the promises and concerns about human genome editing. Thus, the echoing key question remains as to how Africa should prudently embrace and govern this revolutionary biotechnology. In this article, therefore, I lay the groundwork for the possible development of an appropriate African framework for public engagement with human genome editing and call upon all stakeholders to urgent synergistic action. I particularly highlight the World Health Organisation's possible leadership role in promptly establishing the requisite expert working group for this urgent need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Michael Ssebunnya
- Padre Pio Medical Centre, Gaborone, Botswana
- Africa Institute for Human Dignity, Gaborone, Botswana
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