1
|
Hussen BM, Najmadden ZB, Abdullah SR, Rasul MF, Mustafa SA, Ghafouri-Fard S, Taheri M. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a novel strategy for fighting drug resistance in respiratory disorders. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:329. [PMID: 38877530 PMCID: PMC11179281 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01713-8] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disorders are among the conditions that affect the respiratory system. The healthcare sector faces challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance to prescribed medications for these illnesses. However, there is a technology called CRISPR/Cas9, which uses RNA to guide DNA targeting. This technology has revolutionized our ability to manipulate and visualize the genome, leading to advancements in research and treatment development. It can effectively reverse epigenetic alterations that contribute to drug resistance. Some studies focused on health have shown that targeting genes using CRISPR/Cas9 can be challenging when it comes to reducing drug resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this technology, such as off-target effects, immune system reactions to Cas9, and challenges associated with delivery methods. Despite these limitations, this review aims to provide knowledge about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools and explore how they can help overcome resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Additionally, this study discusses concerns related to applications of CRISPR and provides an overview of successful clinical trial studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Zana Baqi Najmadden
- Research Center, University of Halabja, Halabja, 46018, Kurdistan region, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Tishk International University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Suhad A Mustafa
- General Directorate of Scientific Research Center, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moradi V, Khodabandehloo E, Alidadi M, Omidkhoda A, Ahmadbeigi N. Progress and pitfalls of gene editing technology in CAR-T cell therapy: a state-of-the-art review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1388475. [PMID: 38912057 PMCID: PMC11190338 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1388475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable promise in treating B-cell malignancies, which has sparked optimism about its potential to treat other types of cancer as well. Nevertheless, the Expectations of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors and non-B cell hematologic malignancies have not been met. Furthermore, safety concerns regarding the use of viral vectors and the current personalized production process are other bottlenecks that limit its widespread use. In recent years the use of gene editing technology in CAR-T cell therapy has opened a new way to unleash the latent potentials of CAR-T cell therapy and lessen its associated challenges. Moreover, gene editing tools have paved the way to manufacturing CAR-T cells in a fully non-viral approach as well as providing a universal, off-the-shelf product. Despite all the advantages of gene editing strategies, the off-target activity of classical gene editing tools (ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9) remains a major concern. Accordingly, several efforts have been made in recent years to reduce their off-target activity and genotoxicity, leading to the introduction of advanced gene editing tools with an improved safety profile. In this review, we begin by examining advanced gene editing tools, providing an overview of how these technologies are currently being applied in clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapies. Following this, we explore various gene editing strategies aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Moradi
- Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Khodabandehloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Alidadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Omidkhoda
- Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Terlizzi V, Farrell PM. Update on advances in cystic fibrosis towards a cure and implications for primary care clinicians. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101637. [PMID: 38811287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2024.101637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
During the past quarter century, the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) have been transformed by molecular sciences that initiated a new era with discovery of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The knowledge gained from that breakthrough has had dramatic clinical impact. Although once a diagnostic dilemma with long delays, preventable deaths, and irreversible pathology, CF can now be routinely diagnosed shortly after birth through newborn screening programs. This strategy of pre-symptomatic identification has eliminated the common diagnostic "odyssey" that was a failure of the healthcare delivery system causing psychologically traumatic experiences for parents. Therapeutic advances of many kinds have culminated in CFTR modulator treatment that can reduce the effects of or even correct the molecular defect in the chloride channel -the basic cause of CF. This astonishing advance has transformed CF care as described fully herein. Despite this impressive progress, there are challenges and controversies in the delivery of care. Issues include how best to achieve high sensitivity newborn screening with acceptable specificity; what course of action is appropriate for children who are identified through the unavoidable incidental findings of screening tests (CFSPID/CRMS cases and heterozygote carriers); how best to ensure genetic counseling; when to initiate the very expensive but life-saving CFTR modulator drugs; how to identify new CFTR modulator drugs for patients with non-responsive CFTR variants; how to adjust other therapeutic modalities; and how to best partner with primary care clinicians. Progress always brings new challenges, and this has been evident worldwide for CF. Consequently, this article summarizes the major advances of recent years along with controversies and describes their implications with an international perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Terlizzi
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 24, Florence, Italy
| | - Philip M Farrell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Clinical Sciences Center (K4/948), 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Johnson GA, Gould SI, Sánchez-Rivera FJ. Deconstructing cancer with precision genome editing. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:803-819. [PMID: 38629716 PMCID: PMC11088927 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230984] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in genome editing technologies are allowing investigators to engineer and study cancer-associated mutations in their endogenous genetic contexts with high precision and efficiency. Of these, base editing and prime editing are quickly becoming gold-standards in the field due to their versatility and scalability. Here, we review the merits and limitations of these precision genome editing technologies, their application to modern cancer research, and speculate how these could be integrated to address future directions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Johnson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Samuel I. Gould
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| | - Francisco J. Sánchez-Rivera
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02142, MA, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Whittaker TE, Moula SE, Bahal S, Bakri FG, Hayajneh WA, Daoud AK, Naseem A, Cavazza A, Thrasher AJ, Santilli G. Multidimensional Response Surface Methodology for the Development of a Gene Editing Protocol for p67 phox-Deficient Chronic Granulomatous Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:298-312. [PMID: 38062734 PMCID: PMC7615834 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.114] [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: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Replacing a faulty gene with a correct copy has become a viable therapeutic option as a result of recent progress in gene editing protocols. Targeted integration of therapeutic genes in hematopoietic stem cells has been achieved for multiple genes using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system and Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) to carry a donor template. Although this is a promising strategy to correct genetic blood disorders, it is associated with toxicity and loss of function in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which has hampered clinical application. Balancing the maximum achievable correction against deleterious effects on the cells is critical. However, multiple factors are known to contribute, and the optimization process is laborious and not always clearly defined. We have developed a flexible multidimensional Response Surface Methodology approach for optimization of gene correction. Using this approach, we could rapidly investigate and select editing conditions for CD34+ cells with the best possible balance between correction and cell/colony-forming unit (CFU) loss in a parsimonious one-shot experiment. This method revealed that using relatively low doses of AAV2/6 and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex, we can preserve the fitness of CD34+ cells and, at the same time, achieve high levels of targeted gene insertion. We then used these optimized editing conditions for the correction of p67phox-deficient chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an autosomal recessive disorder of blood phagocytic cells resulting in severe recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and achieved rescue of p67phox expression and functional correction of CD34+-derived neutrophils from a CGD patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Whittaker
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Shefta E Moula
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Sameer Bahal
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Faris Ghalib Bakri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Center, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Wail Ahmad Hayajneh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ammar Khaled Daoud
- Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Asma Naseem
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Cavazza
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rai R, Steinberg Z, Romito M, Zinghirino F, Hu YT, White N, Naseem A, Thrasher AJ, Turchiano G, Cavazza A. CRISPR/Cas9-Based Disease Modeling and Functional Correction of Interleukin 7 Receptor Alpha Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in T-Lymphocytes and Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:269-283. [PMID: 38251667 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.100] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 7 Receptor alpha Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (IL7R-SCID) is a life-threatening disorder caused by homozygous mutations in the IL7RA gene. Defective IL7R expression in humans hampers T cell precursors' proliferation and differentiation during lymphopoiesis resulting in the absence of T cells in newborns, who succumb to severe infections and death early after birth. Previous attempts to tackle IL7R-SCID by viral gene therapy have shown that unregulated IL7R expression predisposes to leukemia, suggesting the application of targeted gene editing to insert a correct copy of the IL7RA gene in its genomic locus and mediate its physiological expression as a more feasible therapeutic approach. To this aim, we have first developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based IL7R-SCID disease modeling system that recapitulates the disease phenotype in primary human T cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Then, we have designed a knockin strategy that targets IL7RA exon 1 and introduces through homology-directed repair a corrective, promoterless IL7RA cDNA followed by a reporter cassette through AAV6 transduction. Targeted integration of the corrective cassette in primary T cells restored IL7R expression and rescued functional downstream IL7R signaling. When applied to HSPCs further induced to differentiate into T cells in an Artificial Thymic Organoid system, our gene editing strategy overcame the T cell developmental block observed in IL7R-SCID patients, while promoting full maturation of T cells with physiological and developmentally regulated IL7R expression. Finally, genotoxicity assessment of the CRISPR/Cas9 platform in HSPCs using biased and unbiased technologies confirmed the safety of the strategy, paving the way for a new, efficient, and safe therapeutic option for IL7R-SCID patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Rai
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zohar Steinberg
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna Romito
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Zinghirino
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Ting Hu
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan White
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Naseem
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giandomenico Turchiano
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Cavazza
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mansouri M, Fussenegger M. Small-Molecule Regulators for Gene Switches to Program Mammalian Cell Behaviour. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300717. [PMID: 38081780 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300717] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic or natural small molecules have been extensively employed as trigger signals or inducers to regulate engineered gene circuits introduced into living cells in order to obtain desired outputs in a controlled and predictable manner. Here, we provide an overview of small molecules used to drive synthetic-biology-based gene circuits in mammalian cells, together with examples of applications at different levels of control, including regulation of DNA manipulation, RNA synthesis and editing, and protein synthesis, maturation, and trafficking. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of these small-molecule-responsive gene circuits, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using small molecules as triggers, the mechanisms involved, and the requirements for selecting suitable molecules, including efficiency, specificity, orthogonality, and safety. Finally, we explore potential future directions for translation of these devices to clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maysam Mansouri
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Faculty of Science, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bestas B, Wimberger S, Degtev D, Madsen A, Rottner AK, Karlsson F, Naumenko S, Callahan M, Touza JL, Francescatto M, Möller CI, Badertscher L, Li S, Cerboni S, Selfjord N, Ericson E, Gordon E, Firth M, Chylinski K, Taheri-Ghahfarokhi A, Bohlooly-Y M, Snowden M, Pangalos M, Nuttall B, Akcakaya P, Sienski G, Maresca M. A Type II-B Cas9 nuclease with minimized off-targets and reduced chromosomal translocations in vivo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5474. [PMID: 37673883 PMCID: PMC10482872 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41240-7] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and derived enzymes are widely used as genome editors, but their promiscuous nuclease activity often induces undesired mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Several strategies for mapping off-target effects have emerged, but they suffer from limited sensitivity. To increase the detection sensitivity, we develop an off-target assessment workflow that uses Duplex Sequencing. The strategy increases sensitivity by one order of magnitude, identifying previously unknown SpCas9's off-target mutations in the humanized PCSK9 mouse model. To reduce off-target risks, we perform a bioinformatic search and identify a high-fidelity Cas9 variant of the II-B subfamily from Parasutterella secunda (PsCas9). PsCas9 shows improved specificity as compared to SpCas9 across multiple tested sites, both in vitro and in vivo, including the PCSK9 site. In the future, while PsCas9 will offer an alternative to SpCas9 for research and clinical use, the Duplex Sequencing workflow will enable a more sensitive assessment of Cas9 editing outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Bestas
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sandra Wimberger
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dmitrii Degtev
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Madsen
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antje K Rottner
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Karlsson
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sergey Naumenko
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Callahan
- Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Julia Liz Touza
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margherita Francescatto
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carl Ivar Möller
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lukas Badertscher
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Songyuan Li
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silvia Cerboni
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Selfjord
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elke Ericson
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Firth
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Amir Taheri-Ghahfarokhi
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Bohlooly-Y
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Snowden
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Barrett Nuttall
- Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Pinar Akcakaya
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Grzegorz Sienski
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Marcello Maresca
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Finotti A, Gambari R. Combined approaches for increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and de novo production of adult hemoglobin (HbA) in erythroid cells from β-thalassemia patients: treatment with HbF inducers and CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1204536. [PMID: 37529398 PMCID: PMC10387548 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1204536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing (GE) is one of the most efficient and useful molecular approaches to correct the effects of gene mutations in hereditary monogenetic diseases, including β-thalassemia. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has been proposed for effective correction of the β-thalassemia mutation, obtaining high-level "de novo" production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). In addition to the correction of the primary gene mutations causing β-thalassemia, several reports demonstrate that gene editing can be employed to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF), obtaining important clinical benefits in treated β-thalassemia patients. This important objective can be achieved through CRISPR-Cas9 disruption of genes encoding transcriptional repressors of γ-globin gene expression (such as BCL11A, SOX6, KLF-1) or their binding sites in the HBG promoter, mimicking non-deletional and deletional HPFH mutations. These two approaches (β-globin gene correction and genome editing of the genes encoding repressors of γ-globin gene transcription) can be, at least in theory, combined. However, since multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is associated with documented evidence concerning possible genotoxicity, this review is focused on the possibility to combine pharmacologically-mediated HbF induction protocols with the "de novo" production of HbA using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mipeshwaree Devi A, Khedashwori Devi K, Premi Devi P, Lakshmipriyari Devi M, Das S. Metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolites: prospects and its technological challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1171154. [PMID: 37251773 PMCID: PMC10214965 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1171154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce a wide range of secondary metabolites that play vital roles for their primary functions such as growth, defence, adaptations or reproduction. Some of the plant secondary metabolites are beneficial to mankind as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Metabolic pathways and their regulatory mechanism are crucial for targeting metabolite engineering. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated system has been widely applied in genome editing with high accuracy, efficiency, and multiplex targeting ability. Besides its vast application in genetic improvement, the technique also facilitates a comprehensive profiling approach to functional genomics related to gene discovery involved in various plant secondary metabolic pathways. Despite these wide applications, several challenges limit CRISPR/Cas system applicability in genome editing in plants. This review highlights updated applications of CRISPR/Cas system-mediated metabolic engineering of plants and its challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sudripta Das
- Plant Bioresources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal, Manipur, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Balasooriya GI, Spector DL. Allele pairing at Sun1-enriched domains at the nuclear periphery via T1A3 tandem DNA repeats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536031. [PMID: 37066204 PMCID: PMC10104147 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal gene regulation is fundamental to the biology of diploid cells. Therefore, effective communication between two alleles and their geometry in the nucleus is important. However, the mechanism that fine-tunes the expression from each of the two alleles of an autosome is enigmatic. Establishing an allele-specific gene expression visualization system in living cells, we show that alleles of biallelically expressed Cth and Ttc4 genes are paired prior to acquiring monoallelic expression. We found that active alleles of monoallelic genes are preferentially localized at Sun1-enriched domains at the nuclear periphery. These peripherally localized active DNA loci are enriched with adenine-thymidine-rich tandem repeats that interact with Hnrnpd and reside in a Hi-C-defined A compartment within the B compartment. Our results demonstrate the biological significance of T 1 A 3 tandem repeat sequences in genome organization and how the regulation of gene expression, at the level of individual alleles, relates to their spatial arrangement.
Collapse
|
12
|
Christakopoulos GE, Telange R, Yen J, Weiss MJ. Gene Therapy and Gene Editing for β-Thalassemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:433-447. [PMID: 36907613 PMCID: PMC10355137 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
After many years of intensive research, emerging data from clinical trials indicate that gene therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia is now possible. Strategies for therapeutic manipulation of patient hematopoietic stem cells include lentiviral transduction of a functional erythroid-expressed β-globin gene and genome editing to activate fetal hemoglobin production in patient red blood cells. Gene therapy for β-thalassemia and other blood disorders will invariably improve as experience accumulates over time. The best overall approaches are not known and perhaps not yet established. Gene therapy comes at a high cost, and collaboration between multiple stakeholders is required to ensure that these new medicines are administered equitably.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios E Christakopoulos
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS #355, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Raul Telange
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS #355, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jonathan Yen
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS #355, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS #355, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Buffa V, Alvarez Vargas JR, Galy A, Spinozzi S, Rocca CJ. Hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells gene editing: Beyond blood disorders. Front Genome Ed 2023; 4:997142. [PMID: 36698790 PMCID: PMC9868335 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.997142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lessons learned from decades-long practice in the transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to treat severe inherited disorders or cancer, have set the stage for the current ex vivo gene therapies using autologous gene-modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that have treated so far, hundreds of patients with monogenic disorders. With increased knowledge of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, improved modalities for patient conditioning and with the emergence of new gene editing technologies, a new era of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based gene therapies is poised to emerge. Gene editing has the potential to restore physiological expression of a mutated gene, or to insert a functional gene in a precise locus with reduced off-target activity and toxicity. Advances in patient conditioning has reduced treatment toxicities and may improve the engraftment of gene-modified cells and specific progeny. Thanks to these improvements, new potential treatments of various blood- or immune disorders as well as other inherited diseases will continue to emerge. In the present review, the most recent advances in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell gene editing will be reported, with a focus on how this approach could be a promising solution to treat non-blood-related inherited disorders and the mechanisms behind the therapeutic actions discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Buffa
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - José Roberto Alvarez Vargas
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Anne Galy
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Simone Spinozzi
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Céline J. Rocca
- Genethon, Evry, France,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France,*Correspondence: Céline J. Rocca,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dashnau JL, Xue Q, Nelson M, Law E, Cao L, Hei D. A risk-based approach for cell line development, manufacturing and characterization of genetically engineered, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived allogeneic cell therapies. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:1-13. [PMID: 36109321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Advances in cellular reprogramming and gene-editing approaches have opened up the potential for a new class of ex vivo cell therapies based on genetically engineered, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived allogeneic cells. While these new therapies share some similarities with their primary cell-derived autologous and allogeneic cell therapy predecessors, key differences exist in the processes used for generating genetically engineered, iPSC-derived allogeneic therapies. Specifically, in iPSC-derived allogeneic therapies, donor selection and gene-editing are performed once over the lifetime of the product as opposed to as part of the manufacturing of each product batch. The introduction of a well-characterized, fully modified, clonally derived master cell bank reduces risks that have been inherent to primary-cell derived autologous and allogeneic therapies. Current regulatory guidance, which was largely developed based on the learnings gained from earlier generation therapies, leaves open questions around considerations for donor eligibility, starting materials and critical components, cell banking and genetic stability. Here, a risk-based approach is proposed to address these considerations, while regulatory guidance continues to evolve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiong Xue
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica Nelson
- Century Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric Law
- Century Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lan Cao
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek Hei
- Clade Therapeutics, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
García M, Bonafont J, Martínez-Palacios J, Xu R, Turchiano G, Svensson S, Thrasher AJ, Larcher F, Del Rio M, Hernández-Alcoceba R, Garín MI, Mencía Á, Murillas R. Preclinical model for phenotypic correction of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa by in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 delivery using adenoviral vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:96-108. [PMID: 36212909 PMCID: PMC9531050 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a devastating skin fragility disease characterized by recurrent skin blistering, scarring, and a high risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma is caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene encoding type VII collagen, which is the major component of the anchoring fibrils that bind the dermis and epidermis. Ex vivo correction of COL7A1 by gene editing in patients' cells has been achieved before. However, in vivo editing approaches are necessary to address the direct treatment of the blistering lesions characteristic of this disease. We have now generated adenoviral vectors for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery to remove exon 80 of COL7A1, which contains a highly prevalent frameshift mutation in Spanish patients. For in vivo testing, a humanized skin mouse model was used. Efficient viral transduction of skin was observed after excisional wounds generated with a surgical punch on regenerated patient skin grafts were filled with the adenoviral vectors embedded in a fibrin gel. Type VII collagen deposition in the basement membrane zone of the wounded areas treated with the vectors correlated with restoration of dermal-epidermal adhesion, demonstrating that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patient skin lesions can be directly treated by CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta García
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Bonafont
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jesús Martínez-Palacios
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rudan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
| | - Giandomenico Turchiano
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stina Svensson
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela Del Rio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carlos III University (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Hernández-Alcoceba
- Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Terapia Génica y Regulación de la Expresión Génica, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marina I. Garín
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Mencía
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Murillas
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tsai HC, Pietrobon V, Peng M, Wang S, Zhao L, Marincola FM, Cai Q. Current strategies employed in the manipulation of gene expression for clinical purposes. J Transl Med 2022; 20:535. [PMID: 36401279 PMCID: PMC9673226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03747-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression level or expression of genes containing deleterious mutations are two of the main determinants which lead to genetic disease. To obtain a therapeutic effect and thus to cure genetic diseases, it is crucial to regulate the host's gene expression and restore it to physiological conditions. With this purpose, several molecular tools have been developed and are currently tested in clinical trials. Genome editing nucleases are a class of molecular tools routinely used in laboratories to rewire host's gene expression. Genome editing nucleases include different categories of enzymes: meganucleses (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- CRISPR associated protein (Cas) and transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALENs). Transposable elements are also a category of molecular tools which includes different members, for example Sleeping Beauty (SB), PiggyBac (PB), Tol2 and TcBuster. Transposons have been used for genetic studies and can serve as gene delivery tools. Molecular tools to rewire host's gene expression also include episomes, which are divided into different categories depending on their molecular structure. Finally, RNA interference is commonly used to regulate gene expression through the administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and bi-functional shRNA molecules. In this review, we will describe the different molecular tools that can be used to regulate gene expression and discuss their potential for clinical applications. These molecular tools are delivered into the host's cells in the form of DNA, RNA or protein using vectors that can be grouped into physical or biochemical categories. In this review we will also illustrate the different types of payloads that can be used, and we will discuss recent developments in viral and non-viral vector technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maoyu Peng
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Suning Wang
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | | | - Qi Cai
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wienert B, Cromer MK. CRISPR nuclease off-target activity and mitigation strategies. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:1050507. [PMID: 36439866 PMCID: PMC9685173 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of CRISPR has allowed site-specific genomic modification to become a reality and this technology is now being applied in a number of human clinical trials. While this technology has demonstrated impressive efficacy in the clinic to date, there remains the potential for unintended on- and off-target effects of CRISPR nuclease activity. A variety of in silico-based prediction tools and empirically derived experimental methods have been developed to identify the most common unintended effect-small insertions and deletions at genomic sites with homology to the guide RNA. However, large-scale aberrations have recently been reported such as translocations, inversions, deletions, and even chromothripsis. These are more difficult to detect using current workflows indicating a major unmet need in the field. In this review we summarize potential sequencing-based solutions that may be able to detect these large-scale effects even at low frequencies of occurrence. In addition, many of the current clinical trials using CRISPR involve ex vivo isolation of a patient's own stem cells, modification, and re-transplantation. However, there is growing interest in direct, in vivo delivery of genome editing tools. While this strategy has the potential to address disease in cell types that are not amenable to ex vivo manipulation, in vivo editing has only one desired outcome-on-target editing in the cell type of interest. CRISPR activity in unintended cell types (both on- and off-target) is therefore a major safety as well as ethical concern in tissues that could enable germline transmission. In this review, we have summarized the strengths and weaknesses of current editing and delivery tools and potential improvements to off-target and off-tissue CRISPR activity detection. We have also outlined potential mitigation strategies that will ensure that the safety of CRISPR keeps pace with efficacy, a necessary requirement if this technology is to realize its full translational potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beeke Wienert
- Graphite Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Kyle Cromer
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zabaleta N, Torella L, Weber ND, Gonzalez‐Aseguinolaza G. mRNA and gene editing: Late breaking therapies in liver diseases. Hepatology 2022; 76:869-887. [PMID: 35243655 PMCID: PMC9546265 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of RNA molecules to restore the expression of a missing or inadequately functioning protein in a target cell and the intentional specific modification of the host genome using engineered nucleases represent therapeutic concepts that are revolutionizing modern medicine. The initiation of several clinical trials using these approaches to treat metabolic liver disorders as well as the recently reported remarkable results obtained by patients with transthyretin amyloidosis highlight the advances in this field and show the potential of these therapies to treat these diseases safely and efficaciously. These advances have been possible due, firstly, to significant improvements made in RNA chemistry that increase its stability and prevent activation of the innate immune response and, secondly, to the development of very efficient liver-targeted RNA delivery systems. In parallel, the breakout of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated 9-based technology in the gene editing field has marked a turning point in in vivo modification of the cellular genome with therapeutic purposes, which can be based on gene supplementation, correction, or silencing. In the coming years we are likely to witness the therapeutic potential of these two strategies both separately and in combination. In this review we summarize the preclinical data obtained in animal models treated with mRNA as a therapeutic agent and discuss the different gene editing strategies applied to the treatment of liver diseases, highlighting both their therapeutic efficacy as well as safety concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy CenterSchepens Eye Research InstituteMass Eye and EarBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Laura Torella
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene expression Program, Foundation for Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of NavarraIdisNAPamplonaSpain
| | | | - Gloria Gonzalez‐Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene expression Program, Foundation for Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of NavarraIdisNAPamplonaSpain,Vivet TherapeuticsPamplonaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Naseem A, Steinberg Z, Cavazza A. Genome editing for primary immunodeficiencies: A therapeutic perspective on Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966084. [PMID: 36059471 PMCID: PMC9433875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a group of rare inherited disorders affecting the immune system that can be conventionally treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and with experimental autologous gene therapy. With both approaches still facing important challenges, gene editing has recently emerged as a potential valuable alternative for the treatment of genetic disorders and within a relatively short period from its initial development, has already entered some landmark clinical trials aimed at tackling several life-threatening diseases. In this review, we discuss the progress made towards the development of gene editing-based therapeutic strategies for PIDs with a special focus on Wiskott - Aldrich syndrome and outline their main challenges as well as future directions with respect to already established treatments.
Collapse
|
20
|
Li M, Morse B, Kassim S. Development and clinical translation considerations for the next wave of gene modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells therapies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1177-1191. [PMID: 35833356 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2101361] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Consistent and reliable manufacture of gene modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HPSC) therapies will be of the utmost importance as they become more mainstream and address larger populations. Robust development campaigns will be needed to ensure that these products will be delivered to patients with the highest quality standards. AREAS COVERED Through publicly available manuscripts, press releases, and news articles - this review touches on aspects related to HSPC therapy, development, and manufacturing. EXPERT OPINION Recent advances in genome modification technology coupled with the longstanding clinical success of HSPCs warrants great optimism for the next generation of engineered HSPC-based therapies. Treatments for some diseases that have thus far been intractable now appear within reach. Reproducible manufacturing will be of critical importance in delivering these therapies but will be challenging due to the need for bespoke materials and methods in combination with the lack of off-the-shelf solutions. Continued progress in the field will manifest in the form of industrialization which currently requires attention and resources directed toward the custom reagents, a focus on closed and automated processes, and safer and more precise genome modification technologies that will enable broader, faster, and safer access to these life-changing therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brent Morse
- Dark Horse Consulting Group, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Marino ND, Pinilla-Redondo R, Bondy-Denomy J. CRISPR-Cas12a targeting of ssDNA plays no detectable role in immunity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6414-6422. [PMID: 35670674 PMCID: PMC9226536 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1) is a bacterial RNA-guided nuclease that cuts double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at sites specified by a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) guide. Additional activities have been ascribed to this enzyme in vitro: site-specific (cis) single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) cleavage and indiscriminate (trans) degradation of ssDNA, RNA, and dsDNA after activation by a complementary target. The ability of Cas12a to cleave nucleic acids indiscriminately has been harnessed for many applications, including diagnostics, but it remains unknown if it contributes to bacterial immunity. Here, we provide evidence that cleavage of ssDNA in cis or in trans by Cas12a is insufficient to impact immunity. Using LbCas12a expressed in either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli, we observed that cleavage of dsDNA targets did not elicit cell death or dormancy, suggesting insignificant levels of collateral damage against host RNA or DNA. Canonical immunity against invasive dsDNA also had no impact on the replicative fitness of co-infecting dsDNA phage, ssDNA phage or plasmid in trans. Lastly, crRNAs complementary to invasive ssDNA did not provide protection, suggesting that ssDNA cleavage does not occur in vivo or is insignificant. Overall, these results suggest that CRISPR-Cas12a immunity predominantly occurs via canonical targeting of dsDNA, and that the other activities do not significantly impact infection outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Marino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph Bondy-Denomy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vaidyanathan S, Ryan AL. Editorial: Genome Editing to Treat Cystic Fibrosis and Other Pulmonary Diseases. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:917916. [PMID: 35755452 PMCID: PMC9218674 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.917916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Vaidyanathan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: S. Vaidyanathan, ; A. L. Ryan,
| | - A. L. Ryan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: S. Vaidyanathan, ; A. L. Ryan,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yamashiro K, Ikegaya Y, Matsumoto N. In Utero Electroporation for Manipulation of Specific Neuronal Populations. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050513. [PMID: 35629839 PMCID: PMC9147339 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of brain functions is supported by the heterogeneity of brain tissue and millisecond-scale information processing. Understanding how complex neural circuits control animal behavior requires the precise manipulation of specific neuronal subtypes at high spatiotemporal resolution. In utero electroporation, when combined with optogenetics, is a powerful method for precisely controlling the activity of specific neurons. Optogenetics allows for the control of cellular membrane potentials through light-sensitive ion channels artificially expressed in the plasma membrane of neurons. Here, we first review the basic mechanisms and characteristics of in utero electroporation. Then, we discuss recent applications of in utero electroporation combined with optogenetics to investigate the functions and characteristics of specific regions, layers, and cell types. These techniques will pave the way for further advances in understanding the complex neuronal and circuit mechanisms that underlie behavioral outputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Yamashiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
A Saccharomyces eubayanus haploid resource for research studies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5976. [PMID: 35396494 PMCID: PMC8993842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its identification, Saccharomyces eubayanus has been recognized as the missing parent of the lager hybrid, S. pastorianus. This wild yeast has never been isolated from fermentation environments, thus representing an interesting candidate for evolutionary, ecological and genetic studies. However, it is imperative to develop additional molecular genetics tools to ease manipulation and thus facilitate future studies. With this in mind, we generated a collection of stable haploid strains representative of three main lineages described in S. eubayanus (PB-1, PB-2 and PB-3), by deleting the HO gene using CRISPR-Cas9 and tetrad micromanipulation. Phenotypic characterization under different conditions demonstrated that the haploid derivates were extremely similar to their parental strains. Genomic analysis in three strains highlighted a likely low frequency of off-targets, and sequencing of a single tetrad evidenced no structural variants in any of the haploid spores. Finally, we demonstrate the utilization of the haploid set by challenging the strains under mass-mating conditions. In this way, we found that S. eubayanus under liquid conditions has a preference to remain in a haploid state, unlike S. cerevisiae that mates rapidly. This haploid resource is a novel set of strains for future yeast molecular genetics studies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lederer CW, Koniali L, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Papasavva PL, La Grutta S, Licari A, Staud F, Bonifazi D, Kleanthous M. Catching Them Early: Framework Parameters and Progress for Prenatal and Childhood Application of Advanced Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040793. [PMID: 35456627 PMCID: PMC9031205 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are medicines for human use based on genes, cells or tissue engineering. After clear successes in adults, the nascent technology now sees increasing pediatric application. For many still untreatable disorders with pre- or perinatal onset, timely intervention is simply indispensable; thus, prenatal and pediatric applications of ATMPs hold great promise for curative treatments. Moreover, for most inherited disorders, early ATMP application may substantially improve efficiency, economy and accessibility compared with application in adults. Vindicating this notion, initial data for cell-based ATMPs show better cell yields, success rates and corrections of disease parameters for younger patients, in addition to reduced overall cell and vector requirements, illustrating that early application may resolve key obstacles to the widespread application of ATMPs for inherited disorders. Here, we provide a selective review of the latest ATMP developments for prenatal, perinatal and pediatric use, with special emphasis on its comparison with ATMPs for adults. Taken together, we provide a perspective on the enormous potential and key framework parameters of clinical prenatal and pediatric ATMP application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carsten W. Lederer
- The Molecular Genetics Thalassemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (P.L.P.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22-392764
| | - Lola Koniali
- The Molecular Genetics Thalassemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (P.L.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Panayiota L. Papasavva
- The Molecular Genetics Thalassemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (P.L.P.); (M.K.)
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, IFT National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Amelia Licari
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic;
| | - Donato Bonifazi
- Consorzio per Valutazioni Biologiche e Farmacologiche (CVBF) and European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI), 70122 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- The Molecular Genetics Thalassemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (L.K.); (P.L.P.); (M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lee BC, Lozano RJ, Dunbar CE. Understanding and overcoming adverse consequences of genome editing on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3205-3218. [PMID: 34509667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.001] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapies have recently moved beyond gene-addition approaches to encompass targeted genome modification or correction, based on the development of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas technologies. Advances in ex vivo HSPC manipulation techniques have greatly improved HSPC susceptibility to genetic modification. Targeted gene-editing techniques enable precise modifications at desired genomic sites. Numerous preclinical studies have already demonstrated the therapeutic potential of gene therapies based on targeted editing. However, several significant hurdles related to adverse consequences of gene editing on HSPC function and genomic integrity remain before broad clinical potential can be realized. This review summarizes the status of HSPC gene editing, focusing on efficiency, genomic integrity, and long-term engraftment ability related to available genetic editing platforms and HSPC delivery methods. The response of long-term engrafting HSPCs to nuclease-mediated DNA breaks, with activation of p53, is a significant challenge, as are activation of innate and adaptive immune responses to editing components. Lastly, we propose alternative strategies that can overcome current hurdles to HSPC editing at various stages from cell collection to transplantation to facilitate successful clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Chul Lee
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard J Lozano
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cynthia E Dunbar
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11753. [PMID: 34769204 PMCID: PMC8583973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ahmad
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Zulqurnain Khan
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Alaa T. Qusmani
- Biology Department, Al-Jumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Habibullah Khan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Amer Jamil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Muhammad Zubair Ghouri
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sabin Aslam
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Muhammad Salman Mubarik
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Ahmad Munir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Qaiser Sultan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12619, Egypt;
| | - Sameer H. Qari
- Molecular Biology Central Laboratory (GMCL), Department of Biology/Genetics, Aljumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
Collapse
|
29
|
Carpenter JC, Lignani G. Gene Editing and Modulation: the Holy Grail for the Genetic Epilepsies? Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1515-1523. [PMID: 34235638 PMCID: PMC8608979 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder for which there are a large number of monogenic subtypes. Monogenic epilepsies are often severe and disabling, featuring drug-resistant seizures and significant developmental comorbidities. These disorders are potentially amenable to a precision medicine approach, of which genome editing using CRISPR/Cas represents the holy grail. Here we consider mutations in some of the most 'common' rare epilepsy genes and discuss the different CRISPR/Cas approaches that could be taken to cure these disorders. We consider scenarios where CRISPR-mediated gene modulation could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy and discuss whether a single gene corrective approach could hold therapeutic potential in the context of homeostatic compensation in the developing, highly dynamic brain. Despite an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of the genetic epilepsies and current limitations of gene editing tools, CRISPR-mediated approaches have game-changing potential in the treatment of genetic epilepsy over the next decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Carpenter
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Frati G, Miccio A. Genome Editing for β-Hemoglobinopathies: Advances and Challenges. J Clin Med 2021; 10:482. [PMID: 33525591 PMCID: PMC7865242 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
β-hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disorders worldwide and are caused by mutations affecting the production or the structure of adult hemoglobin. Patients affected by these diseases suffer from anemia, impaired oxygen delivery to tissues, and multi-organ damage. In the absence of a compatible donor for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, the lifelong therapeutic options are symptomatic care, red blood cell transfusions and pharmacological treatments. The last decades of research established lentiviral-mediated gene therapy as an efficacious therapeutic strategy. However, this approach is highly expensive and associated with a variable outcome depending on the effectiveness of the viral vector and the quality of the cell product. In the last years, genome editing emerged as a valuable tool for the development of curative strategies for β-hemoglobinopathies. Moreover, due to the wide range of its applications, genome editing has been extensively used to study regulatory mechanisms underlying globin gene regulation allowing the identification of novel genetic and pharmacological targets. In this work, we review the current advances and challenges of genome editing approaches to β-hemoglobinopathies. Special focus has been directed towards strategies aimed at correcting the defective β-globin gene or at inducing fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which are in an advanced state of clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Frati
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, F-75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Antoniou P, Miccio A, Brusson M. Base and Prime Editing Technologies for Blood Disorders. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:618406. [PMID: 34713251 PMCID: PMC8525391 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.618406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclease-based genome editing strategies hold great promise for the treatment of blood disorders. However, a major drawback of these approaches is the generation of potentially harmful double strand breaks (DSBs). Base editing is a CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing technology that allows the introduction of point mutations in the DNA without generating DSBs. Two major classes of base editors have been developed: cytidine base editors or CBEs allowing C>T conversions and adenine base editors or ABEs allowing A>G conversions. The scope of base editing tools has been extensively broadened, allowing higher efficiency, specificity, accessibility to previously inaccessible genetic loci and multiplexing, while maintaining a low rate of Insertions and Deletions (InDels). Base editing is a promising therapeutic strategy for genetic diseases caused by point mutations, such as many blood disorders and might be more effective than approaches based on homology-directed repair, which is moderately efficient in hematopoietic stem cells, the target cell population of many gene therapy approaches. In this review, we describe the development and evolution of the base editing system and its potential to correct blood disorders. We also discuss challenges of base editing approaches-including the delivery of base editors and the off-target events-and the advantages and disadvantages of base editing compared to classical genome editing strategies. Finally, we summarize the recent technologies that have further expanded the potential to correct genetic mutations, such as the novel base editing system allowing base transversions and the more versatile prime editing strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Mégane Brusson
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation During Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|