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Pancreatic Transdifferentiation Using β-Cell Transcription Factors for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142145. [PMID: 35883588 PMCID: PMC9315695 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness in which the native beta (β)-cell population responsible for insulin release has been the subject of autoimmune destruction. This condition requires patients to frequently measure their blood glucose concentration and administer multiple daily exogenous insulin injections accordingly. Current treatments fail to effectively treat the disease without significant side effects, and this has led to the exploration of different approaches for its treatment. Gene therapy and the use of viral vectors has been explored extensively and has been successful in treating a range of diseases. The use of viral vectors to deliver β-cell transcription factors has been researched in the context of type 1 diabetes to induce the pancreatic transdifferentiation of cells to replace the β-cell population destroyed in patients. Studies have used various combinations of pancreatic and β-cell transcription factors in order to induce pancreatic transdifferentiation and have achieved varying levels of success. This review will outline why pancreatic transcription factors have been utilised and how their application can allow the development of insulin-producing cells from non β-cells and potentially act as a cure for type 1 diabetes.
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Moretti A, Ponzo M, Nicolette CA, Tcherepanova IY, Biondi A, Magnani CF. The Past, Present, and Future of Non-Viral CAR T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867013. [PMID: 35757746 PMCID: PMC9218214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes is a powerful technology that has revolutionized the way we conceive immunotherapy. The impressive clinical results of complete and prolonged response in refractory and relapsed diseases have shifted the landscape of treatment for hematological malignancies, particularly those of lymphoid origin, and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of solid neoplasms. However, the widening use of cell therapy is hampered by the accessibility to viral vectors that are commonly used for T cell transfection. In the era of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR-associated) precise genome editing, novel and virus-free methods for T cell engineering are emerging as a more versatile, flexible, and sustainable alternative for next-generation CAR T cell manufacturing. Here, we discuss how the use of non-viral vectors can address some of the limitations of the viral methods of gene transfer and allow us to deliver genetic information in a stable, effective and straightforward manner. In particular, we address the main transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), the utilization of mRNA, and innovative approaches of nanotechnology like Lipid-based and Polymer-based DNA nanocarriers and nanovectors. We also describe the most relevant preclinical data that have recently led to the use of non-viral gene therapy in emerging clinical trials, and the related safety and efficacy aspects. We will also provide practical considerations for future trials to enable successful and safe cell therapy with non-viral methods for CAR T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Moretti
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | - Marianna Ponzo
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Biondi
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Clinica Pediatrica, University of Milano - Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara F. Magnani
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ejlersen M, Ilieva M, Michel TM. Superoxide dismutase isozymes in cerebral organoids from autism spectrum disorder patients. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:617-626. [PMID: 35266053 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02472-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with a substantial contribution to the global disease burden. Despite intensive research efforts, the aetiopathogenesis remains unclear. The Janus-faced antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1-3 have been implicated in initiating oxidative stress and as such may constitute a potential therapeutic target. However, no measurement has been taken in human autistic brain samples. The aim of this study is to measure superoxide dismutase 1-3 in autistic cerebral organoids as an in vitro model of human foetal neurodevelopment. Whole brain organoids were created from induced pluripotent stem cells from healthy individuals (n = 5) and individuals suffering from autism (n = 4). Using Pierce bicinchoninic acid and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, the protein and superoxide dismutase 1, 2, and 3 concentrations were quantified in the cerebral organoids at days 22, 32, and 42. Measurements were normalized to the protein concentration. Results represented using medians and interquartile ranges. Using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, an abrupt rise in the superoxide dismutase concentration was observed at day 32 and onwards. Using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, no differences were observed between healthy (SOD1: 35.56 ng/mL ± 3.46; SOD2: 2435.80 ng/mL ± 1327.00; SOD3: 1854.88 ng/mL ± 867.94) and autistic (SOD1: 32.85 ng/mL ± 5.26; SOD2: 2717.80 ng/mL ± 1889.10; SOD3: 1690.18 ng/mL ± 615.49) organoids. Cerebral organoids recapitulate many aspects of human neurodevelopment, but the diffusion restriction may render efforts in modelling differences in oxidative stress futile due to the intrinsic hypoxia and central necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Ejlersen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19.3, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Research Unit of the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19.3, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
- Research Unit of the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
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Lau HH, Gan SU, Lickert H, Shapiro AMJ, Lee KO, Teo AKK. Charting the next century of insulin replacement with cell and gene therapies. MED 2021; 2:1138-1162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Maestro S, Weber ND, Zabaleta N, Aldabe R, Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza G. Novel vectors and approaches for gene therapy in liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100300. [PMID: 34159305 PMCID: PMC8203845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is becoming an increasingly valuable tool to treat many genetic diseases with no or limited treatment options. This is the case for hundreds of monogenic metabolic disorders of hepatic origin, for which liver transplantation remains the only cure. Furthermore, the liver contains 10-15% of the body's total blood volume, making it ideal for use as a factory to secrete proteins into the circulation. In recent decades, an expanding toolbox has become available for liver-directed gene delivery. Although viral vectors have long been the preferred approach to target hepatocytes, an increasing number of non-viral vectors are emerging as highly efficient vehicles for the delivery of genetic material. Herein, we review advances in gene delivery vectors targeting the liver and more specifically hepatocytes, covering strategies based on gene addition and gene editing, as well as the exciting results obtained with the use of RNA as a therapeutic molecule. Moreover, we will briefly summarise some of the limitations of current liver-directed gene therapy approaches and potential ways of overcoming them.
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Key Words
- AAT, α1-antitrypsin
- AAV, adeno-associated virus
- AHP, acute hepatic porphyrias
- AIP, acute intermittent porphyria
- ALAS1, aminolevulic synthase 1
- APCs, antigen-presenting cells
- ASGCT, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
- ASGPR, asialoglycoprotein receptor
- ASOs, antisense oligonucleotides
- Ad, adenovirus
- CBS, cystathionine β-synthase
- CN, Crigel-Najjar
- CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
- CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR associated protein 9
- DSBs, double-strand breaks
- ERT, enzyme replacement therapy
- FH, familial hypercholesterolemia
- FSP27, fat-specific protein 27
- GO, glycolate oxidase
- GSD1a, glycogen storage disorder 1a
- GT, gene therapy
- GUSB, β-glucuronidase
- GalNAc, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine
- HDAd, helper-dependent adenovirus
- HDR, homology-directed repair
- HT, hereditary tyrosinemia
- HemA/B, haemophilia A/B
- IDS, iduronate 2-sulfatase
- IDUA, α-L-iduronidase
- IMLD, inherited metabolic liver diseases
- ITR, inverted terminal repetition
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- LDLR, low-density lipoprotein receptor
- LNP, Lipid nanoparticles
- LTR, long terminal repeat
- LV, lentivirus
- MMA, methylmalonic acidemia
- MPR, metabolic pathway reprograming
- MPS type I, MPSI
- MPS type VII, MPSVII
- MPS, mucopolysaccharidosis
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NHEJ, non-homologous end joining
- NHPs, non-human primates
- Non-viral vectors
- OLT, orthotopic liver transplantation
- OTC, ornithine transcarbamylase
- PA, propionic acidemia
- PB, piggyBac
- PCSK9, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PEI, polyethyleneimine
- PFIC3, progressive familial cholestasis type 3
- PH1, Primary hyperoxaluria type 1
- PKU, phenylketonuria
- RV, retrovirus
- S/MAR, scaffold matrix attachment regions
- SB, Sleeping Beauty
- SRT, substrate reduction therapy
- STK25, serine/threonine protein kinase 25
- TALEN, transcription activator-like effector nucleases
- TTR, transthyretin
- UCD, urea cycle disorders
- VLDLR, very-low-density lipoprotein receptor
- WD, Wilson’s disease
- ZFN, zinc finger nucleases
- apoB/E, apolipoprotein B/E
- dCas9, dead Cas9
- efficacy
- gene addition
- gene editing
- gene silencing
- hepatocytes
- immune response
- lncRNA, long non-coding RNA
- miRNAs, microRNAs
- siRNA, small-interfering RNA
- toxicity
- viral vectors
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Maestro
- Gene Therapy Area, Foundation for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rafael Aldabe
- Gene Therapy Area, Foundation for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: CIMA, Universidad de Navarra. Av. Pio XII 55 31008 Pamplona. Spain
| | - Gloria Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy Area, Foundation for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Vivet Therapeutics, Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: CIMA, Universidad de Navarra. Av. Pio XII 55 31008 Pamplona. Spain
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Sandoval-Villegas N, Nurieva W, Amberger M, Ivics Z. Contemporary Transposon Tools: A Review and Guide through Mechanisms and Applications of Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac and Tol2 for Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105084. [PMID: 34064900 PMCID: PMC8151067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements evolved to execute highly efficient integration of their genes into the genomes of their host cells. These natural DNA transfer vehicles have been harnessed as experimental tools for stably introducing a wide variety of foreign DNA sequences, including selectable marker genes, reporters, shRNA expression cassettes, mutagenic gene trap cassettes, and therapeutic gene constructs into the genomes of target cells in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Given that transposon components are typically supplied as naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or recombinant protein, their use is simple, safe, and economically competitive. Thus, transposons enable several avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture comprising the generation of pluripotent stem cells, the production of germline-transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. This review describes the molecular mechanisms involved in transposition reactions of the three most widely used transposon systems currently available (Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac, and Tol2), and discusses the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, highlighting the state-of-the-art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6103-77-6000; Fax: +49-6103-77-1280
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