1
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Kuczynski CE, Porada CD, Atala A, Cho SS, Almeida-Porada G. Evaluating sheep hemoglobins with MD simulations as an animal model for sickle cell disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:276. [PMID: 38168584 PMCID: PMC10761887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50707-y] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions worldwide, yet there are few therapeutic options. To develop effective treatments, preclinical models that recapitulate human physiology and SCD pathophysiology are needed. SCD arises from a single Glu-to-Val substitution at position 6 in the β subunit of hemoglobin (Hb), promoting Hb polymerization and subsequent disease. Sheep share important physiological and developmental characteristics with humans, including the same developmental pattern of fetal to adult Hb switching. Herein, we investigated whether introducing the SCD mutation into the sheep β-globin locus would recapitulate SCD's complex pathophysiology by generating high quality SWISS-MODEL sheep Hb structures and performing MD simulations of normal/sickle human (huHbA/huHbS) and sheep (shHbB/shHbS) Hb, establishing how accurately shHbS mimics huHbS behavior. shHbS, like huHbS, remained stable with low RMSD, while huHbA and shHbB had higher and fluctuating RMSD. shHbB and shHbS also behaved identically to huHbA and huHbS with respect to β2-Glu6 and β1-Asp73 (β1-Asn72 in sheep) solvent interactions. These data demonstrate that introducing the single SCD-causing Glu-to-Val substitution into sheep β-globin causes alterations consistent with the Hb polymerization that drives RBC sickling, supporting the development of a SCD sheep model to pave the way for alternative cures for this debilitating, globally impactful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Samuel S Cho
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
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2
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Zeng S, Lei S, Qu C, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in therapeutic strategies for beta-thalassemia. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1677-1703. [PMID: 37878144 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by point mutations, insertions, and deletions in the HBB gene cluster, resulting in the underproduction of β-globin chains. The most severe type may demonstrate complications including massive hepatosplenomegaly, bone deformities, and severe growth retardation in children. Treatments for β-thalassemia include blood transfusion, splenectomy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, long-term blood transfusions require regular iron removal therapy. For allogeneic HSCT, human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors are rarely available, and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur after the transplantation. Thus, these conventional treatments are facing significant challenges. In recent years, with the advent and advancement of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) gene editing technology, precise genome editing has achieved encouraging successes in basic and clinical studies for treating various genetic disorders, including β-thalassemia. Target gene-edited autogeneic HSCT helps patients avoid graft rejection and GVHD, making it a promising curative therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In this review, we introduce the development and mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9. Recent advances on feasible strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting three globin genes (HBB, HBG, and HBA) and targeting cell selections for β-thalassemia therapy are highlighted. Current CRISPR-based clinical trials in the treatment of β-thalassemia are summarized, which are focused on γ-globin reactivation and fetal hemoglobin reproduction in hematopoietic stem cells. Lastly, the applications of other promising CRISPR-based technologies, such as base editing and prime editing, in treating β-thalassemia and the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system in therapeutic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyin Lei
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Qu
- The First Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Daniels DE, Ferrer-Vicens I, Hawksworth J, Andrienko TN, Finnie EM, Bretherton NS, Ferguson DCJ, Oliveira ASF, Szeto JYA, Wilson MC, Brewin JN, Frayne J. Human cellular model systems of β-thalassemia enable in-depth analysis of disease phenotype. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6260. [PMID: 37803026 PMCID: PMC10558456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41961-9] [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: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a prevalent genetic disorder causing severe anemia due to defective erythropoiesis, with few treatment options. Studying the underlying molecular defects is impeded by paucity of suitable patient material. In this study we create human disease cellular model systems for β-thalassemia by gene editing the erythroid line BEL-A, which accurately recapitulate the phenotype of patient erythroid cells. We also develop a high throughput compatible fluorometric-based assay for evaluating severity of disease phenotype and utilize the assay to demonstrate that the lines respond appropriately to verified reagents. We next use the lines to perform extensive analysis of the altered molecular mechanisms in β-thalassemia erythroid cells, revealing upregulation of a wide range of biological pathways and processes along with potential novel targets for therapeutic investigation. Overall, the lines provide a sustainable supply of disease cells as research tools for identifying therapeutic targets and as screening platforms for new drugs and reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jenn-Yeu A Szeto
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - John N Brewin
- Haematology Department, King's college Hospital NHS Foundation, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Red Cell Biology Group, Kings College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Jan Frayne
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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4
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Lisk C, Cendali F, Setua S, Thangaraju K, Pak DI, Swindle D, Dzieciatkowska M, Gamboni F, Hassell K, Nuss R, George G, Davizon-Castillo P, Buehler PW, D'Alessandro A, Irwin DC. Metabolic and Proteomic Divergence Is Present in Circulating Monocytes and Tissue-Resident Macrophages from Berkeley Sickle Cell Anemia and β-Thalassemia Mice. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2925-2935. [PMID: 37606205 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00224] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia represent hemoglobinopathies arising from dysfunctional or underproduced β-globin chains, respectively. In both diseases, red blood cell injury and anemia are the impetus for end organ injury. Because persistent erythrophagocytosis is a hallmark of these genetic maladies, it is critical to understand how macrophage phenotype polarizations in tissue compartments can inform on disease progression. Murine models of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia allow for a basic understanding of the mechanisms and provide for translation to human disease. A multi-omics approach to understanding the macrophage metabolism and protein changes in two murine models of β-globinopathy was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as spleen and liver macrophages isolated from Berkley sickle cell disease (Berk-ss) and heterozygous B1/B2 globin gene deletion (Hbbth3/+) mice. The results from these experiments revealed that the metabolome and proteome of macrophages are polarized to a distinct phenotype in Berk-ss and Hbbth3/+ compared with each other and their common-background mice (C57BL6/J). Further, spleen and liver macrophages revealed distinct disease-specific phenotypes, suggesting that macrophages become differentially polarized and reprogrammed within tissue compartments. We conclude that tissue recruitment, polarization, and metabolic and proteomic reprogramming of macrophages in Berk-ss and Hbbth3/+ mice may be relevant to disease progression in other tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lisk
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Francesca Cendali
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Saini Setua
- The Center for Blood Oxygen Transport, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Kiruphararan Thangaraju
- The Center for Blood Oxygen Transport, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - David I Pak
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Delaney Swindle
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Monika Dzieciatkowska
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Fabia Gamboni
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Kathryn Hassell
- Division of Hematology Colorado Sickle Cell Treatment and Research Center, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado-Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Rachelle Nuss
- Division of Hematology Colorado Sickle Cell Treatment and Research Center, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado-Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Gemlyn George
- Division of Hematology Colorado Sickle Cell Treatment and Research Center, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado-Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Pavel Davizon-Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Paul W Buehler
- The Center for Blood Oxygen Transport, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - David C Irwin
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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5
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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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6
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Aprile A, Sighinolfi S, Raggi L, Ferrari G. Targeting the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche in β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050592. [PMID: 35631417 PMCID: PMC9146437 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, research on pathophysiology and therapeutic solutions for β-thalassemia (BThal) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has been mostly focused on the primary erythroid defect, thus neglecting the study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. The quality and engraftment of HSCs depend on the BM microenvironment, influencing the outcome of HSC transplantation (HSCT) both in allogeneic and in autologous gene therapy settings. In BThal and SCD, the consequences of severe anemia alter erythropoiesis and cause chronic stress in different organs, including the BM. Here, we discuss the recent findings that highlighted multiple alterations of the BM niche in BThal and SCD. We point out the importance of improving our understanding of HSC biology, the status of the BM niche, and their functional crosstalk in these disorders towards the novel concept of combined therapies by not only targeting the genetic defect, but also key players of the HSC–niche interaction in order to improve the clinical outcomes of transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Aprile
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.F.)
| | - Silvia Sighinolfi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.R.)
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Raggi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.R.)
- University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.R.)
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (G.F.)
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7
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Jie Q, Lei S, Qu C, Wu H, Liu Y, Huang P, Teng S. 利用CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术治疗β-地中海贫血的最新进展. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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8
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The Non-Linear Path from Gene Dysfunction to Genetic Disease: Lessons from the MICPCH Mouse Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071131. [PMID: 35406695 PMCID: PMC8997851 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071131] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most human disease manifests as a result of tissue pathology, due to an underlying disease process (pathogenesis), rather than the acute loss of specific molecular function(s). Successful therapeutic strategies thus may either target the correction of a specific molecular function or halt the disease process. For the vast majority of brain diseases, clear etiologic and pathogenic mechanisms are still elusive, impeding the discovery or design of effective disease-modifying drugs. The development of valid animal models and their proper characterization is thus critical for uncovering the molecular basis of the underlying pathobiological processes of brain disorders. MICPCH (microcephaly and pontocerebellar hypoplasia) is a monogenic condition that results from variants of an X-linked gene, CASK (calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase). CASK variants are associated with a wide range of clinical presentations, from lethality and epileptic encephalopathies to intellectual disabilities, microcephaly, and autistic traits. We have examined CASK loss-of-function mutations in model organisms to simultaneously understand the pathogenesis of MICPCH and the molecular function/s of CASK. Our studies point to a highly complex relationship between the potential molecular function/s of CASK and the phenotypes observed in model organisms and humans. Here we discuss the implications of our observations from the pathogenesis of MICPCH as a cautionary narrative against oversimplifying molecular interpretations of data obtained from genetically modified animal models of human diseases.
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9
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Grech L, Borg K, Borg J. Novel therapies in β-thalassaemia. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:2509-2524. [PMID: 34004015 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassaemia is one of the most significant haemoglobinopathies worldwide resulting in the synthesis of little or no β-globin chains. Without treatment, β-thalassaemia major is lethal within the first decade of life due to the complex pathophysiology, which leads to wide clinical manifestations. Current clinical management for these patients depends on repeated transfusions followed by iron-chelating therapy. Several novel approaches to correct the resulting α/β-globin chain imbalance, treat ineffective erythropoiesis and improve iron overload are currently being developed. Up to now, the only curative treatment for β-thalassemia is haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, but this is a risky and costly procedure. Gene therapy, gene editing and base editing are emerging as a powerful approach to treat this disease. In β-thalassaemia, gene therapy involves the insertion of a vector containing the normal β-globin or γ-globin gene into haematopoietic stem cells to permanently produce normal red blood cells. Gene editing and base editing involves the use of zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 to either correct the causative mutation or else insert a single nucleotide variant that will increase foetal haemoglobin. In this review, we will examine the current management strategies used to treat β-thalassaemia and focus on the novel therapies targeting ineffective erythropoiesis, improving iron overload and correction of the globin chain imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grech
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Malta
| | - Karen Borg
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Ministry for Health, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Malta.,Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta
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10
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Vadolas J, Ng GZ, Kysenius K, Crouch PJ, Dames S, Eisermann M, Nualkaew T, Vilcassim S, Schaeper U, Grigoriadis G. SLN124, a GalNac-siRNA targeting transmembrane serine protease 6, in combination with deferiprone therapy reduces ineffective erythropoiesis and hepatic iron-overload in a mouse model of β-thalassaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:200-210. [PMID: 33942901 PMCID: PMC8359948 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Beta‐thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder characterised by ineffective erythropoiesis and anaemia. Consequently, hepcidin expression is reduced resulting in increased iron absorption and primary iron overload. Hepcidin is under the negative control of transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6) via cleavage of haemojuvelin (HJV), a co‐receptor for the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (SMAD) signalling pathway. Considering the central role of the TMPRSS6/HJV/hepcidin axis in iron homeostasis, the inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression represents a promising therapeutic strategy to increase hepcidin production and ameliorate anaemia and iron overload in β‐thalassaemia. In the present study, we investigated a small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugate optimised for hepatic targeting of Tmprss6 (SLN124) in β‐thalassaemia mice (Hbbth3/+). Two subcutaneous injections of SLN124 (3 mg/kg) were sufficient to normalise hepcidin expression and reduce anaemia. We also observed a significant improvement in erythroid maturation, which was associated with a significant reduction in splenomegaly. Treatment with the iron chelator, deferiprone (DFP), did not impact any of the erythroid parameters. However, the combination of SLN124 with DFP was more effective in reducing hepatic iron overload than either treatment alone. Collectively, we show that the combination therapy can ameliorate several disease symptoms associated with chronic anaemia and iron overload, and therefore represents a promising pharmacological modality for the treatment of β‐thalassaemia and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Vadolas
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Garrett Z Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Tiwaporn Nualkaew
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shahla Vilcassim
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - George Grigoriadis
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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11
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Yang Y, Kang X, Hu S, Chen B, Xie Y, Song B, Zhang Q, Wu H, Ou Z, Xian Y, Fan Y, Li X, Lai L, Sun X. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated β-globin gene knockout in rabbits recapitulates human β-thalassemia. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100464. [PMID: 33639162 PMCID: PMC8024976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia, an autosomal recessive blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin, is majorly caused by the point mutation of the HBB gene resulting in reduced or absent β-globin chains of the hemoglobin tetramer. Animal models recapitulating both the phenotype and genotype of human disease are valuable in the exploration of pathophysiology and for in vivo evaluation of novel therapeutic treatments. The docile temperament, short vital cycles, and low cost of rabbits make them an attractive animal model. However, β-thalassemia rabbit models are currently unavailable. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, we point mutated the rabbit β-globin gene HBB2 with high efficiency and generated a β-thalassemia rabbit model. Hematological and histological analyses demonstrated that the genotypic mosaic F0 displayed a mild phenotype of anemia, and the heterozygous F1 exhibited typical characteristics of β-thalassemia. Whole-blood transcriptome analysis revealed that the gene expression was altered in HBB2-targeted when compared with WT rabbits. And the highly expressed genes in HBB2-targeted rabbits were enriched in lipid and iron metabolism, innate immunity, and hematopoietic processes. In conclusion, using CRISPR-mediated HBB2 knockout, we have created a β-thalassemia rabbit model that accurately recapitulates the human disease phenotype. We believe this tool will be valuable in advancing the investigation of pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets of β-thalassemia and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bangzhu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingjun Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanjun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhui Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yexing Xian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liangxue Lai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Nrf2 activation in myeloid cells and endothelial cells differentially mitigates sickle cell disease pathology in mice. Blood Adv 2020; 3:1285-1297. [PMID: 31015205 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018017574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a monogenic mutation of the β-globin gene and affects millions of people worldwide. SCD is associated with sustained hemolytic anemia, vasoocclusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative tissue damage, inflammatory cell activation, and systemic endothelial dysfunction. The transcription factor Nrf2 coordinates the expression of a wide variety of genes encoding antioxidant, detoxification, and metabolic enzymes. Nrf2 participates in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and organ protection in SCD. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which Nrf2 ameliorates SCD pathology or how some cells respond to Nrf2 stimuli to alleviate SCD pathology. Here, we asked whether monocytes/granulocytes and/or endothelial cells are particularly critical in alleviating the pathology of SCD. By targeting these cells with a Cre recombinase system, we generated SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre and Tie1-Cre mice with constitutive Nrf2 activation in monocytes/granulocytes and endothelial cells, respectively. Analyses of SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre and SCD::Keap1F/F::Tie1-Cre mice revealed significantly reduced inflammation, along with decreased white blood cell counts and lower Tnfα and Il1β expression in the lungs. Notably, SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre mice exhibited reduced heme distribution in the liver, consistent with a decrease in the damaged areas. Vascular function in SCD::Keap1F/F::Tie1-Cre mice was significantly improved, with a 50% decrease in vascular leakage and low expression of the adhesion molecules Vcam1 and P-selectin. Thus, Nrf2 activation in monocytes/granulocytes and endothelial cells contributes differentially and cooperatively to the improvement of SCD pathology.
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13
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Fibach E. Erythropoiesis In Vitro-A Research and Therapeutic Tool in Thalassemia. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122124. [PMID: 31810354 PMCID: PMC6947291 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia (thal) is a hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia due to a partial or complete deficiency in the production of globin chains, in most cases, α or β, which compose, together with the iron-containing porphyrins (hemes), the hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells (RBC). The major clinical symptom of β-thal is severe chronic anemia—a decrease in RBC number and their hemoglobin content. In spite of the improvement in therapy, thal still severely affects the quality of life of the patients and their families and imposes a substantial financial burden on the community. These considerations position β-thal, among other hemoglobinopathies, as a major health and social problem that deserves increased efforts in research and its clinical application. These efforts are based on clinical studies, experiments in animal models and the use of erythroid cells grown in culture. The latter include immortal cell lines and cultures initiated by erythroid progenitor and stem cells derived from the blood and RBC producing (erythropoietic) sites of normal and thal donors, embryonic stem cells, and recently, "induced pluripotent stem cells" generated by manipulation of differentiated somatic cells. The present review summarizes the use of erythroid cultures, their technological aspects and their contribution to the research and its clinical application in thal. The former includes deciphering of the normal and pathological biology of the erythroid cell development, and the latter—their role in developing innovative therapeutics—drugs and methods of gene therapy, as well as providing an alternative source of RBC that may complement or substitute blood transfusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eitan Fibach
- The Hematology Department, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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14
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Wang X, Garrick MD, Collins JF. Animal Models of Normal and Disturbed Iron and Copper Metabolism. J Nutr 2019; 149:2085-2100. [PMID: 31504675 PMCID: PMC6887953 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the interplay between iron and copper metabolism in humans began to flourish in the mid-20th century, and diseases associated with dysregulated homeostasis of these essential trace minerals are common even today. Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of anemia worldwide, leading to significant morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Iron overload is also quite common, usually being the result of genetic mutations which lead to inappropriate expression of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin. Perturbations of copper homeostasis in humans have also been described, including rare genetic conditions which lead to severe copper deficiency (Menkes disease) or copper overload (Wilson disease). Historically, the common laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) was the most frequently utilized species to model human physiology and pathophysiology. Recently, however, the development of genetic-engineering technology combined with the worldwide availability of numerous genetically homogenous (i.e., inbred) mouse strains shifted most research on iron and copper metabolism to laboratory mice. This created new opportunities to understand the function of individual genes in the context of a living animal, but thoughtful consideration of whether mice are the most appropriate models of human pathophysiology was not necessarily involved. Given this background, this review is intended to provide a guide for future research on iron- and copper-related disorders in humans. Generation of complementary experimental models in rats, swine, and other mammals is now facile given the advent of newer genetic technologies, thus providing the opportunity to accelerate the identification of pathogenic mechanisms and expedite the development of new treatments to mitigate these important human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael D Garrick
- Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo–The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - James F Collins
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Address correspondence to JFC (e-mail: )
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15
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Casu C, Chessa R, Liu A, Gupta R, Drakesmith H, Fleming R, Ginzburg YZ, MacDonald B, Rivella S. Minihepcidins improve ineffective erythropoiesis and splenomegaly in a new mouse model of adult β-thalassemia major. Haematologica 2019; 105:1835-1844. [PMID: 31582543 PMCID: PMC7327634 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.212589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Minihepcidins are hepcidin agonists that have been previously shown to reverse iron overload and improve erythropoiesis in mice affected by non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Given the extreme anemia that occurred with the previous model of transfusion-dependent thalassemia, that model was inadequate for investigating whether minihepcidins can improve red blood cell quality, lifespan and ineffective erythropoiesis. To overcome this limitation, we generated a new murine model of transfusion-dependent thalassemia with severe anemia and splenomegaly, but sufficient red cells and hemoglobin production to test the effect of minihepcidins. Furthermore, this new model demonstrates cardiac iron overload for the first time. In the absence of transfusions, minihepcidins improved red blood cell morphology and lifespan as well as ineffective erythropoiesis. Administration of a minihepcidin in combination with chronic red blood cell transfusion further improved the ineffective erythropoiesis and splenomegaly and reversed cardiac iron overload. These studies indicate that drugs such as minihepcidins have therapeutic potential for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Casu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberta Chessa
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ritama Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Fleming
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yelena Z Ginzburg
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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17
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Wang H, Georgakopoulou A, Psatha N, Li C, Capsali C, Samal HB, Anagnostopoulos A, Ehrhardt A, Izsvák Z, Papayannopoulou T, Yannaki E, Lieber A. In vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy ameliorates murine thalassemia intermedia. J Clin Invest 2018; 129:598-615. [PMID: 30422819 DOI: 10.1172/jci122836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current thalassemia gene therapy protocols require the collection of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), in vitro culture, lentivirus vector transduction, and retransplantation into myeloablated patients. Because of cost and technical complexity, it is unlikely that such protocols will be applicable in developing countries, where the greatest demand for a β-thalassemia therapy lies. We have developed a simple in vivo HSPC gene therapy approach that involves HSPC mobilization and an intravenous injection of integrating HDAd5/35++ vectors. Transduced HSPCs homed back to the bone marrow, where they persisted long-term. HDAd5/35++ vectors for in vivo gene therapy of thalassemia had a unique capsid that targeted primitive HSPCs through human CD46, a relatively safe SB100X transposase-based integration machinery, a micro-LCR-driven γ-globin gene, and an MGMT(P140K) system that allowed for increasing the therapeutic effect by short-term treatment with low-dose O6-benzylguanine plus bis-chloroethylnitrosourea. We showed in "healthy" human CD46-transgenic mice and in a mouse model of thalassemia intermedia that our in vivo approach resulted in stable γ-globin expression in the majority of circulating red blood cells. The high marking frequency was maintained in secondary recipients. In the thalassemia model, a near-complete phenotypic correction was achieved. The treatment was well tolerated. This cost-efficient and "portable" approach could permit a broader clinical application of thalassemia gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Wang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aphrodite Georgakopoulou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Psatha
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chang Li
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chrysi Capsali
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Achilles Anagnostopoulos
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - André Lieber
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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18
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Sagi V, Song-Naba WL, Benson BA, Joshi SS, Gupta K. Mouse Models of Pain in Sickle Cell Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 85:e54. [PMID: 30265442 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that impacts millions of individuals worldwide. SCD is characterized by debilitating pain that can begin during infancy and may continue to increase throughout life. This pain can be both acute and chronic. A characteristic feature specific to acute pain in SCD occurs during vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) due to the blockade of capillaries with sickle red blood cells. The acute pain of VOC is intense, unpredictable, and requires hospitalization. Chronic pain occurs in a significant population with SCD. Treatment options for sickle pain are limited and primarily involve the use of opioids. However, long-term opioid use is associated with numerous side effects. Thus, pain management in SCD remains a major challenge. Humanized transgenic mice expressing exclusively human sickle hemoglobin show features of pain and pathobiology similar to that in patients with SCD. Therefore, these mice offer the potential for investigating the mechanisms of pain in SCD and allow for development of novel targeted analgesic therapies. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sagi
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Waogwende L Song-Naba
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Barbara A Benson
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sonal S Joshi
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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19
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Diepstraten ST, Hart AH. Modelling human haemoglobin switching. Blood Rev 2018; 33:11-23. [PMID: 30616747 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic lesions of the β-globin gene result in haemoglobinopathies such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. To discover and test new molecular medicines for β-haemoglobinopathies, cell-based and animal models are now being widely utilised. However, multiple in vitro and in vivo models are required due to the complex structure and regulatory mechanisms of the human globin gene locus, subtle species-specific differences in blood cell development, and the influence of epigenetic factors. Advances in genome sequencing, gene editing, and precision medicine have enabled the first generation of molecular therapies aimed at reactivating, repairing, or replacing silenced or damaged globin genes. Here we compare and contrast current animal and cell-based models, highlighting their complementary strengths, reflecting on how they have informed the scope and direction of the field, and describing some of the novel molecular and precision medicines currently under development or in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
| | - Adam H Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
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20
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Vinjamur DS, Bauer DE, Orkin SH. Recent progress in understanding and manipulating haemoglobin switching for the haemoglobinopathies. Br J Haematol 2017; 180:630-643. [PMID: 29193029 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The major β-haemoglobinopathies, sickle cell disease and β-thalassaemia, represent the most common monogenic disorders worldwide and a steadily increasing global disease burden. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the only curative therapy, is only applied to a small minority of patients. Common clinical management strategies act mainly downstream of the root causes of disease. The observation that elevated fetal haemoglobin expression ameliorates these disorders has motivated longstanding investigations into the mechanisms of haemoglobin switching. Landmark studies over the last decade have led to the identification of two potent transcriptional repressors of γ-globin, BCL11A and ZBTB7A. These regulators act with additional trans-acting epigenetic repressive complexes, lineage-defining factors and developmental programs to silence fetal haemoglobin by working on cis-acting sequences at the globin gene loci. Rapidly advancing genetic technology is enabling researchers to probe deeply the interplay between the molecular players required for γ-globin (HBG1/HBG2) silencing. Gene therapies may enable permanent cures with autologous modified haematopoietic stem cells that generate persistent fetal haemoglobin expression. Ultimately rational small molecule pharmacotherapies to reactivate HbF could extend benefits widely to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya S Vinjamur
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Lee WS, McColl B, Maksimovic J, Vadolas J. Epigenetic interplay at the β-globin locus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:393-404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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