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Großpötzl M, Riedl R, Schließleder G, Hu ZJ, Michaelides M, Sadda S, Birch D, Charbel Issa P, Wedrich A, Seidel G, Scholl HPN, Strauss RW. Progression of PROM1-Associated Retinal Degeneration as Determined by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Over a 24-Month Period. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 259:109-116. [PMID: 37979600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the progression of atrophy as determined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with molecularly confirmed PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (RD) over a 24-month period. DESIGN International, multicenter, prospective case series. METHODS A total of 13 eyes (13 patients) affected with PROM1-associated RD were enrolled at 5 sites and SD-OCT images were obtained at baseline and after 24 months. Loss of mean thickness (MT) and intact area were estimated after semi-automated segmentation for the following individual retinal layers in the central subfield (CS), inner ring, and outer ring of the ETDRS grid: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), outer segments (OS), inner segments (IS), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner retina (IR), and total retina (TR). RESULTS Statistically significant losses of thickness of RPE and TR were detected in the CS and inner ring and of ONL and IS in the outer ring (all P < .05); a statistically significant decrease in the intact area of RPE and IS was observed in the inner ring, and of ONL in the outer ring (all P < .05); the change in MT and the intact area of the other layers showed a trend of decline over an observational period of 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Significant thickness losses could be detected in outer retinal layers by SD-OCT over a 24-month period in patients with PROM1-associated retinal degeneration. Loss of thickness and/or intact area of such layers may serve as potential endpoints for clinical trials that aim to slow down the disease progression of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Großpötzl
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Regina Riedl
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation (R.R.), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Schließleder
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Zhihong Jewel Hu
- Doheny Eye Institute (Z.J.H., S.V.S.), David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.M., R.W.S.), NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (M.M., R.W.S.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute (Z.J.H., S.V.S.), David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest (D.B.), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Department of Ophthalmology (P.C.I.), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Oxford Eye Hospital (P.C.I.), Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology (P.C.I.), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Wedrich
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerald Seidel
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology (R.W.S.), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rupert W Strauss
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.M., R.W.S.), NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (M.M., R.W.S.), University College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Wilmer Eye Institute (R.W.S.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Seem K, Kaur S, Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Epigenome editing for targeted DNA (de)methylation: a new perspective in modulating gene expression. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 59:69-98. [PMID: 38440883 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2320659] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, it has been believed that inheritance is driven as phenotypic variations resulting from changes in DNA sequence. However, this paradigm has been challenged and redefined in the contemporary era of epigenetics. The changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA biogenesis, and chromatin remodeling play crucial roles in genomic functions and regulation of gene expression. More importantly, some of these changes are inherited to the next generations as a part of epigenetic memory and play significant roles in gene expression. The sum total of all changes in DNA bases, histone proteins, and ncRNA biogenesis constitutes the epigenome. Continuous progress in deciphering epigenetic regulations and the existence of heritable epigenetic/epiallelic variations associated with trait of interest enables to deploy epigenome editing tools to modulate gene expression. DNA methylation marks can be utilized in epigenome editing for the manipulation of gene expression. Initially, genome/epigenome editing technologies relied on zinc-finger protein or transcriptional activator-like effector protein. However, the discovery of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR)/deadCRISPR-associated protein 9 (dCas9) enabled epigenome editing to be more specific/efficient for targeted DNA (de)methylation. One of the major concerns has been the off-target effects, wherein epigenome editing may unintentionally modify gene/regulatory element which may cause unintended change/harmful effects. Moreover, epigenome editing of germline cell raises several ethical/safety issues. This review focuses on the recent developments in epigenome editing tools/techniques, technological limitations, and future perspectives of this emerging technology in therapeutics for human diseases as well as plant improvement to achieve sustainable developmental goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Seem
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Simardeep Kaur
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Trilochan Mohapatra
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, New Delhi, India
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Seo JH, Shin JH, Lee J, Kim D, Hwang HY, Nam BG, Lee J, Kim HH, Cho SR. DNA double-strand break-free CRISPR interference delays Huntington's disease progression in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:466. [PMID: 37117485 PMCID: PMC10147674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease causes double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the targeted DNA that induces toxicity, whereas CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) using dead Cas9 (dCas9) suppresses the target gene expression without DSBs. Delivery of dCas9-sgRNA targeting CAG repeat region does not damage the targeted DNA in HEK293T cells containing CAG repeats. When this study investigates whether CRISPRi can suppress mutant HTT (mHTT), CRISPRi results in reduced expression of mHTT with relative preservation of the wild-type HTT in human HD fibroblasts. Although both dCas9 and Cas9 treatments reduce mHTT by sgRNA targeting the CAG repeat region, CRISPRi delays behavioral deterioration and protects striatal neurons against cell death in HD mice. Collectively, CRISPRi can delay disease progression by suppressing mHtt, suggesting DNA DSB-free CRISPRi is a potential therapy for HD that can compensate for the shortcoming of CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwa Seo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hong Shin
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Geun Nam
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Li Y, Wu P, Zhu M, Liang M, Zhang L, Zong Y, Wan M. High-Performance Delivery of a CRISPR Interference System via Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Combined with Ultrasound-Mediated Microbubble Destruction for Tumor-Specific Gene Repression. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203082. [PMID: 36591868 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203082] [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: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The dCas9-based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system efficiently silences genes without causing detectable off-target activity, thus showing great potential for the treatment of cancer at the transcriptional level. However, due to the large size of the commonly used CRISPRi system, effective delivery of the system has been a challenge that hinders its application in the clinic. Herein, a combination of pH-responsive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (PLPNs) and ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) is used for the delivery of the CRISPRi system. The core-shell structure of PLPNs can effectively be loaded with the CRISPRi plasmid, and increases the time spent in the circulating in vivo, and "actively target" cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of PLPNs with UMMD achieves a higher cellular uptake of the CRISPRi plasmid in vitro and retention in vivo. Furthermore, when PLPNs loaded with a CRISPRi plasmid that targets microRNA-10b (miR-10b) are used in combination with UMMD, it results in the effective repression of miR-10b in breast cancer, simultaneous disturbance of multiple cell migration and invasion-related signaling pathways, and a significant inhibition of lung metastasis. Thus, the established system presents a versatile, highly efficient, and safe strategy for delivery of the CRISPRi system both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Pengying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Mingting Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yujin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Mingxi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
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Chien Y, Hsiao YJ, Chou SJ, Lin TY, Yarmishyn AA, Lai WY, Lee MS, Lin YY, Lin TW, Hwang DK, Lin TC, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Yang YP. Nanoparticles-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in inherited retinal diseases: applications, challenges, and emerging opportunities. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:511. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are considered one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the majority of them still lack a safe and effective treatment due to their complexity and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, gene therapy is gaining importance as an efficient strategy to address IRDs which were previously considered incurable. The development of the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has strongly empowered the field of gene therapy. However, successful gene modifications rely on the efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components into the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the human retinal tissue. Intriguing findings in the field of nanoparticles (NPs) meet all the criteria required for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and have made a great contribution toward its therapeutic applications. In addition, exploiting induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and in vitro 3D retinal organoids paved the way for prospective clinical trials of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in treating IRDs. This review highlights important advances in NP-based gene therapy, the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and iPSC-derived retinal organoids with a focus on IRDs. Collectively, these studies establish a multidisciplinary approach by integrating nanomedicine and stem cell technologies and demonstrate the utility of retina organoids in developing effective therapies for IRDs.
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Staurenghi F, McClements ME, Salman A, MacLaren RE. Minicircle Delivery to the Neural Retina as a Gene Therapy Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11673. [PMID: 36232975 PMCID: PMC9569440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viral gene therapy has the potential to overcome several shortcomings in viral vector-based therapeutics. Methods of in vivo plasmid delivery have developed over recent years to increase the efficiency of non-viral gene transfer, yet further improvements still need to be made to improve their translational capacity. Gene therapy advances for inherited retinal disease have been particularly prominent over the recent decade but overcoming physical and physiological barriers present in the eye remains a key obstacle in the field of non-viral ocular drug delivery. Minicircles are circular double-stranded DNA vectors that contain expression cassettes devoid of bacterial DNA, thereby limiting the risks of innate immune responses induced by such elements. To date, they have not been extensively used in pre-clinical studies yet remain a viable vector option for the treatment of inherited retinal disease. Here, we explore the potential of minicircle DNA delivery to the neural retina as a gene therapy approach. We consider the advantages of minicircles as gene therapy vectors as well as review the challenges involved in optimising their delivery to the neural retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Staurenghi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford University Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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7
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Daich Varela M, Bellingham J, Motta F, Jurkute N, Ellingford JM, Quinodoz M, Oprych K, Niblock M, Janeschitz-Kriegl L, Kaminska K, Cancellieri F, Scholl HPN, Lenassi E, Schiff E, Knight H, Black G, Rivolta C, Cheetham ME, Michaelides M, Mahroo OA, Moore AT, Webster AR, Arno G. Multidisciplinary team directed analysis of whole genome sequencing reveals pathogenic non-coding variants in molecularly undiagnosed inherited retinal dystrophies. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:595-607. [PMID: 36084042 PMCID: PMC9896476 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify likely pathogenic non-coding variants in inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) genes, using genome sequencing (GS). Patients with IRD were recruited to the study and underwent comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation and GS. The results of GS were investigated through virtual gene panel analysis, and plausible pathogenic variants and clinical phenotype evaluated by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. For unsolved patients in whom a specific gene was suspected to harbor a missed pathogenic variant, targeted re-analysis of non-coding regions was performed on GS data. Candidate variants were functionally tested by messenger RNA analysis, minigene or luciferase reporter assays. Previously unreported, likely pathogenic, non-coding variants in 7 genes (PRPF31, NDP, IFT140, CRB1, USH2A, BBS10 and GUCY2D), were identified in 11 patients. These were shown to lead to mis-splicing (PRPF31, IFT140, CRB1 and USH2A) or altered transcription levels (BBS10 and GUCY2D). MDT-led, phenotype-driven, non-coding variant re-analysis of GS is effective in identifying the missing causative alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Fabiana Motta
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04021001, Brazil
| | - Neringa Jurkute
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Jamie M Ellingford
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Mathieu Quinodoz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | | | - Lucas Janeschitz-Kriegl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Kaminska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Cancellieri
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Eva Lenassi
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | | | - Graeme Black
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK,University of California, San Francisco, CA 94607, USA
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1 9EL, UK. Tel: +44 2076086971;
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McClements ME, Steward H, Atkin W, Goode EA, Gándara C, Chichagova V, MacLaren RE. Tropism of AAV Vectors in Photoreceptor-Like Cells of Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35377942 PMCID: PMC8994202 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.4.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To expand the use of human retinal organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an in vitro model of the retina for assessing gene therapy treatments, it is essential to establish efficient transduction. To date, targeted transduction of the photoreceptor-like cells of retinal organoids with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has had varied degrees of success, which we have looked to improve in this study. Methods Retinal organoids were differentiated from iPSCs of healthy donors and transduced with reporter AAV containing a CAG.GFP, CAG.RFP, GRK1.GFP, or EFS.GFP transgene. Capsid variants assessed were AAV5, AAV2 7m8, AAV2 quad mutant, AAV2 Y444F, and AAV8 Y733F. At 27 days post-transduction, retinal organoids were assessed for reporter expression and viability. Results The short intron-less elongation factor 1 alpha (EFS) promoter provided minimal reporter expression, whereas vectors containing the CAG promoter enabled transduction in 1% to 37% of cells depending on the AAV serotype; the AAV2 quad mutant (average 19.4%) and AAV2 7m8 (16.4%) outperformed AAV5 (12%) and AAV8 Y733F (2.1%). Reporter expression from rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) promoter transgenes occurred in ∼5% of cells regardless of the serotype. Positive co-localization with recoverin-expressing cells was achieved from all GRK1 vectors and the CAG AAV2 quad mutant variant. Treatment with the AAV vectors did not influence retinal organoid viability. Conclusions Reliable transduction of the photoreceptor-like cells of retinal organoids can be readily achieved. When using a CAG-driven transgene, transduction of a broad range of cell types is observed, and GRK1 transgenes provide a more restricted expression profile locating to the outer layer of photoreceptor-like cells of retinal organoids. Translational Relevance This study expands the AAV capsid and transgene options for preclinical testing of gene therapy in iPSC-derived human retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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Czarnek M, Stalińska K, Sarad K, Bereta J. shRNAs targeting mouse Adam10 diminish cell response to proinflammatory stimuli independently of Adam10 silencing. Biol Open 2022; 11:274200. [PMID: 35107128 PMCID: PMC8905717 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference is one of the common methods of studying protein functions. In recent years critical reports have emerged indicating that off-target effects may have a much greater impact on RNAi-based analysis than previously assumed. We studied the influence of Adam10 and Adam17 silencing on MC38CEA cell response to proinflammatory stimuli. Eight lentiviral vector-encoded shRNAs that reduced ADAM10 expression, including two that are specific towards ADAM17, caused inhibition of cytokine-induced Nos2 expression presumably via off-target effects. ADAM10 silencing was not responsible for this effect because: (i) CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown of ADAM10 did not affect Nos2 levels; (ii) ADAM10 inhibitor increased rather than decreased Nos2 expression; (iii) overexpression of ADAM10 in the cells with shRNA-silenced Adam10 did not reverse the effect induced by shRNA; (iv) shRNA targeting ADAM10 resulted in decrease of Nos2 expression even in ADAM10-deficient cells. The studied shRNAs influenced transcription of Nos2 rather than stability of Nos2 mRNA. They also affected stimulation of Ccl2 and Ccl7 expression. Additionally, we used vectors with doxycycline-inducible expression of chosen shRNAs and observed reduced activation of NF-κB and, to a lesser extent, AP-1 transcription factors. We discuss the requirements of strict controls and verification of results with complementary methods for reliable conclusions of shRNA-based experiments. Summary: Use of several specific shRNAs is not enough to escape a pitfall of their off-target activity: the case of Adam10 and Adam17 silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Czarnek
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Stalińska
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sarad
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Bereta
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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10
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Fenner BJ, Tan TE, Barathi AV, Tun SBB, Yeo SW, Tsai ASH, Lee SY, Cheung CMG, Chan CM, Mehta JS, Teo KYC. Gene-Based Therapeutics for Inherited Retinal Diseases. Front Genet 2022; 12:794805. [PMID: 35069693 PMCID: PMC8782148 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.794805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a heterogenous group of orphan eye diseases that typically result from monogenic mutations and are considered attractive targets for gene-based therapeutics. Following the approval of an IRD gene replacement therapy for Leber's congenital amaurosis due to RPE65 mutations, there has been an intensive international research effort to identify the optimal gene therapy approaches for a range of IRDs and many are now undergoing clinical trials. In this review we explore therapeutic challenges posed by IRDs and review current and future approaches that may be applicable to different subsets of IRD mutations. Emphasis is placed on five distinct approaches to gene-based therapy that have potential to treat the full spectrum of IRDs: 1) gene replacement using adeno-associated virus (AAV) and nonviral delivery vectors, 2) genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system, 3) RNA editing by endogenous and exogenous ADAR, 4) mRNA targeting with antisense oligonucleotides for gene knockdown and splicing modification, and 5) optogenetic approaches that aim to replace the function of native retinal photoreceptors by engineering other retinal cell types to become capable of phototransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau J Fenner
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien-En Tan
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Sai Bo Bo Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sia Wey Yeo
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew S H Tsai
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu Yen Lee
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choi Mun Chan
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Y C Teo
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Chen Z, Ling L, Shi X, Li W, Zhai H, Kang Z, Zheng B, Zhu J, Ye S, Wang H, Tong L, Ni J, Huang C, Li Y, Zheng K. Microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides into living mouse testis enables lncRNA function study. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:213. [PMID: 34920761 PMCID: PMC8684201 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been the focus of ongoing research in a diversity of cellular processes. LncRNAs are abundant in mammalian testis, but their biological function remains poorly known. Results Here, we established an antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-based targeting approach that can efficiently knock down lncRNA in living mouse testis. We cloned the full-length transcript of lncRNA Tsx (testis-specific X-linked) and defined its testicular localization pattern. Microinjection of ASOs through seminiferous tubules in vivo significantly lowered the Tsx levels in both nucleus and cytoplasm. This effect lasted no less than 10 days, conducive to the generation and maintenance of phenotype. Importantly, ASOs performed better in depleting the nuclear Tsx and sustained longer effect than small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In addition to the observation of an elevated number of apoptotic germ cells upon ASOs injection, which recapitulates the documented description of Tsx knockout, we also found a specific loss of meiotic spermatocytes despite overall no impact on meiosis and male fertility. Conclusions Our study detailed the characterization of Tsx and illustrates ASOs as an advantageous tool to functionally interrogate lncRNAs in spermatogenesis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00717-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolian Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Huicong Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenlong Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Suni Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingxiu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Ni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoyang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
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12
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Schneider N, Sundaresan Y, Gopalakrishnan P, Beryozkin A, Hanany M, Levanon EY, Banin E, Ben-Aroya S, Sharon D. Inherited retinal diseases: Linking genes, disease-causing variants, and relevant therapeutic modalities. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101029. [PMID: 34839010 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically complex and heterogenous group of visual impairment phenotypes caused by pathogenic variants in at least 277 nuclear and mitochondrial genes, affecting different retinal regions, and depleting the vision of affected individuals. Genes that cause IRDs when mutated are unique by possessing differing genotype-phenotype correlations, varying inheritance patterns, hypomorphic alleles, and modifier genes thus complicating genetic interpretation. Next-generation sequencing has greatly advanced the identification of novel IRD-related genes and pathogenic variants in the last decade. For this review, we performed an in-depth literature search which allowed for compilation of the Global Retinal Inherited Disease (GRID) dataset containing 4,798 discrete variants and 17,299 alleles published in 31 papers, showing a wide range of frequencies and complexities among the 194 genes reported in GRID, with 65% of pathogenic variants being unique to a single individual. A better understanding of IRD-related gene distribution, gene complexity, and variant types allow for improved genetic testing and therapies. Current genetic therapeutic methods are also quite diverse and rely on variant identification, and range from whole gene replacement to single nucleotide editing at the DNA or RNA levels. IRDs and their suitable therapies thus require a range of effective disease modelling in human cells, granting insight into disease mechanisms and testing of possible treatments. This review summarizes genetic and therapeutic modalities of IRDs, provides new analyses of IRD-related genes (GRID and complexity scores), and provides information to match genetic-based therapies such as gene-specific and variant-specific therapies to the appropriate individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Prakadeeswari Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Mor Hanany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Erez Y Levanon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Shay Ben-Aroya
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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13
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Stevanovic M, Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. CRISPR Systems Suitable for Single AAV Vector Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:1-14. [PMID: 34620062 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666211006120355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas gene editing is a revolutionary technology that can enable the correction of genetic mutations in vivo, providing great promise as a therapeutic intervention for inherited diseases. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a potential vehicle for delivering CRISPR/Cas. However, they are restricted by their limited packaging capacity. Identifying smaller Cas orthologs that can be packaged, along with the required guide RNA elements, into a single AAV would be an important optimization for CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Expanding the options of Cas proteins that can be delivered by a single AAV not only increases translational application but also expands the genetic sites that can be targeted for editing. This review considers the benefits and current scope of small Cas protein orthologs that are suitable for gene editing approaches using single AAV vector delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Stevanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford. United Kingdom
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14
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Shurygina MF, Khoteeva AM. [Diagnostics of inherited retinal degenerations by gene therapy]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:145-151. [PMID: 34410070 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2021137041145] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The article presents recent worldwide achievements in the area of diagnosis and treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) from the standpoint of ophthalmic genetics. Clinical studies conducted in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa caused by biallelic mutations in the RPE65 gene have provided the basis for future genes studies associated with IRDs. The conducted studies highlight the importance of fundamental understanding of function of the gene, timely diagnosis and study of natural history of the disease. Currently, surgical techniques are being improved for the efficient delivery of gene preparations to target cells, as well as the criteria for evaluating treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Shurygina
- S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center «MNTK «Eye Microsurgery», Moscow, Russia.,Center of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine «Genetico», Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Khoteeva
- S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center «MNTK «Eye Microsurgery», Moscow, Russia
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15
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Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Therapy Approaches for Stargardt Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1179. [PMID: 34439845 PMCID: PMC8393614 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the most prevalent cause of inherited blindness in children, Stargardt disease is yet to achieve the same clinical trial success as has been achieved for other inherited retinal diseases. With an early age of onset and continual progression of disease over the life course of an individual, Stargardt disease appears to lend itself to therapeutic intervention. However, the aetiology provides issues not encountered with the likes of choroideremia and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and this has led to a spectrum of treatment strategies that approach the problem from different aspects. These include therapeutics ranging from small molecules and anti-sense oligonucleotides to viral gene supplementation and cell replacement. The advancing development of CRISPR-based molecular tools is also likely to contribute to future therapies by way of genome editing. In this we review, we consider the most recent pre-clinical and clinical trial data relating to the different strategies being applied to the problem of generating a treatment for the large cohort of Stargardt disease patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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16
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Li Y, Zhou LQ. dCas9 techniques for transcriptional repression in mammalian cells: Progress, applications and challenges. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100086. [PMID: 34327721 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Innovative loss-of-function techniques developed in recent years have made it much easier to target specific genomic loci at transcriptional levels. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) has been proven to be the most effective and specific tool to knock down any gene of interest in mammalian cells. The catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) can be fused with transcription repressors to downregulate gene expression specified by sgRNA complementary to target genomic sequence. Although CRISPRi has huge potential for gene knockdown, there is still a lack of systematic guidelines for efficient and widespread use. Here we describe the working mechanism and development of CRISPRi, designing principles of sgRNA, delivery methods and applications in mammalian cells in detail. Finally, we propose possible solutions and future directions with regard to current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Quinn J, Musa A, Kantor A, McClements ME, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, MacLaren RE, Xue K. Genome-Editing Strategies for Treating Human Retinal Degenerations. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:247-259. [PMID: 32993386 PMCID: PMC7987357 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a leading cause of blindness. Although gene-supplementation therapies have been developed, they are only available for a small proportion of recessive IRD mutations. In contrast, genome editing using clustered-regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems could provide alternative therapeutic avenues for treating a wide range of genetic retinal diseases through targeted knockdown or correction of mutant alleles. Progress in this rapidly evolving field has been highlighted by recent Food and Drug Administration clinical trial approval for EDIT-101 (Editas Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA), which has demonstrated efficacious genome editing in a mouse model of CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis and safety in nonhuman primates. Nonetheless, there remains a significant number of challenges to developing clinically viable retinal genome-editing therapies. In particular, IRD-causing mutations occur in more than 200 known genes, with considerable heterogeneity in mutation type and position within each gene. Additionally, there are remaining safety concerns over long-term expression of Cas9 in vivo. This review highlights (i) the technological advances in gene-editing technology, (ii) major safety concerns associated with retinal genome editing, and (iii) potential strategies for overcoming these challenges to develop clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ayesha Musa
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ariel Kantor
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Dr. Kanmin Xue, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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18
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Ghavami S, Pandi A. CRISPR interference and its applications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 180:123-140. [PMID: 33934834 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sequence-specific control of gene expression is a powerful tool for identifying and studying gene functions and cellular processes. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) is an RNA-based method for highly specific silencing of the transcription in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. The typical CRISPRi system is a type II CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats) machinery of Streptococcus pyogenes. CRISPRi requires two main components: A catalytically inactivated Cas9, namely dCas9 and a guide RNA (sgRNA). These two components associate and form a DNA recognition complex. The dCas9/sgRNA complex then specifically binds to the target DNA complementary with the sgRNA and sterically prevents the association of the promoter or transcription factors with their trans-acting sequences or blocks the transcription elongation. This chapter discusses CRISPRi structure, mechanism and its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir Pandi
- Department of Biochemistry and Synthetic Metabolism, Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
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19
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Kantor A, McClements ME, Peddle CF, Fry LE, Salman A, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K, MacLaren RE. CRISPR genome engineering for retinal diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:29-79. [PMID: 34175046 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel gene therapy treatments for inherited retinal diseases have been at the forefront of translational medicine over the past couple of decades. Since the discovery of CRISPR mechanisms and their potential application for the treatment of inherited human conditions, it seemed inevitable that advances would soon be made using retinal models of disease. The development of CRISPR technology for gene therapy and its increasing potential to selectively target disease-causing nucleotide changes has been rapid. In this chapter, we discuss the currently available CRISPR toolkit and how it has been and can be applied in the future for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases. These blinding conditions have until now had limited opportunity for successful therapeutic intervention, but the discovery of CRISPR has created new hope of achieving such, as we discuss within this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Kantor
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline F Peddle
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis E Fry
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Differences in the Response to DNA Double-Strand Breaks between Rod Photoreceptors of Rodents, Pigs, and Humans. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040947. [PMID: 32290532 PMCID: PMC7226979 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing (GE) represents a powerful approach to fight inherited blinding diseases in which the underlying mutations cause the degeneration of the light sensing photoreceptor cells of the retina. Successful GE requires the efficient repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) generated during the treatment. Rod photoreceptors of adult mice have a highly specialized chromatin organization, do not efficiently express a variety of DSB response genes and repair DSBs very inefficiently. The DSB repair efficiency in rods of other species including humans is unknown. Here, we used ionizing radiation to analyze the DSB response in rods of various nocturnal and diurnal species, including genetically modified mice, pigs, and humans. We show that the inefficient repair of DSBs in adult mouse rods does not result from their specialized chromatin organization. Instead, the DSB repair efficiency in rods correlates with the level of Kruppel-associated protein-1 (KAP1) expression and its ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent phosphorylation. Strikingly, we detected robust KAP1 expression and phosphorylation only in human rods but not in rods of other diurnal species including pigs. Hence, our study provides important information about the uniqueness of the DSB response in human rods which needs to be considered when choosing model systems for the development of GE strategies.
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