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Röhsig LM, Nardi NB. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cord blood banking and transplantation. Cell Tissue Bank 2024; 25:605-611. [PMID: 38168846 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-023-10122-z] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that has been used for transplantation for over 30 years, especially when there is no compatible hematopoietic stem cell donor available. Its use has decreased more recently, since the development of methods to improve haploidentical transplants has allowed the use of mobilized peripheral blood as a source of hematopoietic stem cells. Public cord blood banks collect, process and store cord blood samples from voluntary donations. In addition, many public banks are involved in research to enhance hematopoietic stem cell therapies and develop new treatments for haematological and genetic diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2019, has had a profound and wide-ranging impact on human health and treatment. The area of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was deeply affected by reductions in bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood donations; logistical challenges; exposure of healthcare workers and other challenges. The present study reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cord blood banking and transportation around the world with a special focus on Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane Marise Röhsig
- Institute of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul/University Foundation of Cardiology (IC/FUC), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Unit of Cellular Processing Center, Hemotherapy Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nance Beyer Nardi
- Institute of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul/University Foundation of Cardiology (IC/FUC), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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2
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Moaveni AK, Amiri M, Shademan B, Farhadi A, Behroozi J, Nourazarian A. Advances and challenges in gene therapy strategies for pediatric cancer: a comprehensive update. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1382190. [PMID: 38836106 PMCID: PMC11149429 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1382190] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers represent a tragic but also promising area for gene therapy. Although conventional treatments have improved survival rates, there is still a need for targeted and less toxic interventions. This article critically analyzes recent advances in gene therapy for pediatric malignancies and discusses the challenges that remain. We explore the innovative vectors and delivery systems that have emerged, such as adeno-associated viruses and non-viral platforms, which show promise in addressing the unique pathophysiology of pediatric tumors. Specifically, we examine the field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and their adaptation for solid tumors, which historically have been more challenging to treat than hematologic malignancies. We also discuss the genetic and epigenetic complexities inherent to pediatric cancers, such as tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which pose significant hurdles for gene therapy. Ethical considerations specific to pediatric populations, including consent and long-term follow-up, are also analyzed. Additionally, we scrutinize the translation of research from preclinical models that often fail to mimic pediatric cancer biology to the regulatory landscapes that can either support or hinder innovation. In summary, this article provides an up-to-date overview of gene therapy in pediatric oncology, highlighting both the rapid scientific progress and the substantial obstacles that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we propose a roadmap for future research that prioritizes the safety, efficacy, and complex ethical considerations involved in treating pediatric patients. Our ultimate goal is to move from incremental advancements to transformative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kian Moaveni
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amiri
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arezoo Farhadi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Javad Behroozi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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3
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Condé M, Lespessailles E, Wanneveich M, Allemandou D, Boulain T, Dimitrov G. Effect of nutritional supplementation on bone mineral density in children with sickle cell disease: protocol for an open-label, randomised controlled clinical trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080235. [PMID: 38580373 PMCID: PMC11002356 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with sickle cell disease show a significant decrease in bone mineral density, an increase in resting energy expenditure of more than 15%, a decrease in fat and lean mass as well as a significant increase in protein turnover, particularly in bone tissue. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an increase in food intake on bone mineral density and the clinical and biological complications of paediatric sickle cell disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is designed as an open-label randomised controlled clinical trial conducted in the Paediatrics Unit of the Orléans University Hospital Centre. Participants aged 3-16 years will be randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group will receive oral nutritional supplements (pharmacological nutritional hypercaloric products) while the control group will receive age-appropriate and gender-appropriate nutritional intake during 12 months. Total body less head bone mineral density will be measured at the beginning and the end of the trial. A rigorous nutritional follow-up by weekly 24 hours recall dietary assessment and planned contacts every 6 weeks will be carried out throughout the study. A school absenteeism questionnaire, intended to reflect the patient's school productivity, will be completed by participants and parents every 3 months. Blood samples of each patient of both groups will be stocked at the beginning and at the end of the trial, for future biological trial. Clinical and biological complications will be regularly monitored. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer 2, Toulouse; approval no: 2-20-092 id9534). Children and their parents will give informed consent to participate in the study before taking part. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals or international academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04754711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Condé
- Paediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Mathilde Wanneveich
- Statistics Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Delphine Allemandou
- Nutrition Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Thierry Boulain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Georges Dimitrov
- Paediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orleans, France
- Paediatric Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
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4
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Mahara G, Tian C, Xu X, Wang W. Revolutionising health care: Exploring the latest advances in medical sciences. J Glob Health 2023; 13:03042. [DOI: • doi: 10.7189/jogh.13.03042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gehendra Mahara
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuihong Tian
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojia Xu
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Infection Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Mahara G, Tian C, Xu X, Wang W. Revolutionising health care: Exploring the latest advances in medical sciences. J Glob Health 2023; 13:03042. [PMID: 37539846 PMCID: PMC10401902 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.03042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gehendra Mahara
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuihong Tian
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojia Xu
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Infection Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Inam Z, Tisdale JF, Leonard A. Outcomes and long-term effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplant in sickle cell disease. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:879-903. [PMID: 37800996 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2268271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only readily available curative option for sickle cell disease (SCD). Cure rates following human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related donor HSCT with myeloablative or non-myeloablative conditioning are >90%. Alternative donor sources, including haploidentical donor and autologous with gene therapy, expand donor options but are limited by inferior outcomes, limited data, and/or shorter follow-up and therefore remain experimental. AREAS COVERED Outcomes are improving with time, with donor type and conditioning regimens having the greatest impact on long-term complications. Patients with stable donor engraftment do not experience SCD-related symptoms and have stabilization or improvement of end-organ pathology; however, the long-term effects of curative strategies remain to be fully established and have significant implications in a patient's decision to seek therapy. This review covers currently published literature on HSCT outcomes, including organ-specific outcomes implicated in SCD, as well as long-term effects. EXPERT OPINION HSCT, both allogeneic and autologous gene therapy, in the SCD population reverses the sickle phenotype, prevents further organ damage, can resolve prior organ dysfunction in both pediatric and adult patients. Data support greater success with HSCT at a younger age, thus, curative therapies should be discussed early in the patient's life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaina Inam
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
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Martínez-Balsalobre E, Guervilly JH, van Asbeck-van der Wijst J, Pérez-Oliva AB, Lachaud C. Beyond current treatment of Fanconi Anemia: What do advances in cell and gene-based approaches offer? Blood Rev 2023; 60:101094. [PMID: 37142543 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited disorder that mainly affects the bone marrow. This condition causes decreased production of all types of blood cells. FA is caused by a defective repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks and to date, mutations in over 20 genes have been linked to the disease. Advances in science and molecular biology have provided new insight between FA gene mutations and the severity of clinical manifestations. Here, we will highlight the current and promising therapeutic options for this rare disease. The current standard treatment for FA patients is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a treatment associated to exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, immunological complications, plus opportunistic infections from prolonged immune incompetence or increased risk of morbidity. New arising treatments include gene addition therapy, genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease, and hematopoietic stem cell generation from induced pluripotent stem cells. Finally, we will also discuss the revolutionary developments in mRNA therapeutics as an opportunity for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Balsalobre
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille Univ., Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France.
| | - Jean-Hugues Guervilly
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille Univ., Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Ana Belén Pérez-Oliva
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Christophe Lachaud
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Aix-Marseille Univ., Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France.
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Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Where Do We Stand in 2023? Viruses 2023; 15:v15030698. [PMID: 36992407 PMCID: PMC10059137 DOI: 10.3390/v15030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been used for a broad spectrum of gene therapy for both acute and chronic diseases. In the context of cancer gene therapy, viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, suicide and immunostimulatory genes, such as cytokines and chemokines, have been applied. Oncolytic viruses, which specifically replicate in and kill tumor cells, have provided tumor eradication, and even cure of cancers in animal models. In a broader meaning, vaccine development against infectious diseases and various cancers has been considered as a type of gene therapy. Especially in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines such as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S have demonstrated excellent safety and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials, leading to Emergency Use Authorization in many countries. Viral vectors have shown great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, β-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Proof-of-concept has been established in preclinical studies in various animal models. Clinical gene therapy trials have confirmed good safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy. Viral-based drugs have been approved for cancer, hematological, metabolic, neurological, and ophthalmological diseases as well as for vaccines. For example, the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, the oncolytic HSV T-VEC for melanoma, lentivirus-based treatment of ADA-SCID disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease have been approved for human use.
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Stem Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Promising Nano Delivery Platform to the Brain? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:285-308. [PMID: 36173500 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A very important cause of the frustration with drug therapy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases is the failure of drug delivery. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most therapeutic molecules from entering the brain while maintaining CNS homeostasis. Scientists are keen to develop new brain drug delivery systems to solve this dilemma. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a class of naturally derived nanoscale vesicles, have been extensively studied in drug delivery due to their superior properties. This review will briefly present current brain drug delivery strategies, including invasive and non-invasive techniques that target the brain, and the application of nanocarriers developed for brain drug delivery in recent years, especially EVs. The cellular origin of EVs affects the surface protein, size, yield, luminal composition, and other properties of EVs, which are also crucial in determining whether EVs are useful as drug carriers. Stem cell-derived EVs, which inherit the properties of parental cells and avoid the drawbacks of cell therapy, have always been favored by researchers. Thus, in this review, we will focus on the application of stem cell-derived EVs for drug delivery in the CNS. Various nucleic acids, proteins, and small-molecule drugs are loaded into EVs with or without modification and undergo targeted delivery to the brain to achieve their therapeutic effects. In addition, the challenges facing the clinical application of EVs as drug carriers will also be discussed. The directions of future efforts may be to improve drug loading efficiency and precise targeting.
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11
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Zarghamian P, Klermund J, Cathomen T. Clinical genome editing to treat sickle cell disease-A brief update. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1065377. [PMID: 36698803 PMCID: PMC9868311 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1065377] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies. Due to its high prevalence, with about 20 million affected individuals worldwide, the development of novel effective treatments is highly warranted. While transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is the standard curative treatment approach, a variety of gene transfer and genome editing strategies have demonstrated their potential to provide a prospective cure for SCD patients. Several stratagems employing CRISPR-Cas nucleases or base editors aim at reactivation of γ-globin expression to replace the faulty β-globin chain. The fetal hemoglobin (HbF), consisting of two α-globin and two γ-globin chains, can compensate for defective adult hemoglobin (HbA) and reverse the sickling of hemoglobin-S (HbS). Both disruption of cis-regulatory elements that are involved in inhibiting γ-globin expression, such as BCL11A or LRF binding sites in the γ-globin gene promoters (HBG1/2), or the lineage-specific disruption of BCL11A to reduce its expression in human erythroblasts, have been demonstrated to reestablish HbF expression. Alternatively, the point mutation in the HBB gene has been corrected using homology-directed repair (HDR)-based methodologies. In general, genome editing has shown promising results not only in preclinical animal models but also in clinical trials, both in terms of efficacy and safety. This review provides a brief update on the recent clinical advances in the genome editing space to offer cure for SCD patients, discusses open questions with regard to off-target effects induced by the employed genome editors, and gives an outlook of forthcoming developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Zarghamian
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center — University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Klermund
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center — University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center — University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Toni Cathomen,
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Davies DM, van den Handel K, Bharadwaj S, Lengefeld J. Cellular enlargement - A new hallmark of aging? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1036602. [PMID: 36438561 PMCID: PMC9688412 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1036602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Years of important research has revealed that cells heavily invest in regulating their size. Nevertheless, it has remained unclear why accurate size control is so important. Our recent study using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo indicates that cellular enlargement is causally associated with aging. Here, we present an overview of these findings and their implications. Furthermore, we performed a broad literature analysis to evaluate the potential of cellular enlargement as a new aging hallmark and to examine its connection to previously described aging hallmarks. Finally, we highlight interesting work presenting a correlation between cell size and age-related diseases. Taken together, we found mounting evidence linking cellular enlargement to aging and age-related diseases. Therefore, we encourage researchers from seemingly unrelated areas to take a fresh look at their data from the perspective of cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Davies
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kim van den Handel
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Soham Bharadwaj
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jette Lengefeld
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Alakbaree M, Amran S, Shamsir M, Ahmed HH, Hamza M, Alonazi M, Warsy A, Latif NA. Human G6PD variant structural studies: Elucidating the molecular basis of human G6PD deficiency. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Yannaki E, Psatha N, Papadopoulou A, Athanasopoulos T, Gravanis A, Roubelakis MG, Tsirigotis P, Anagnostopoulos A, Anagnou NP, Vassilopoulos G. Success Stories and Challenges Ahead in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy: Hemoglobinopathies as Disease Models. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1120-1137. [PMID: 34662232 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.196] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a relatively novel field that amounts to around four decades of continuous growth with its good and bad moments. Currently, the field has entered the clinical arena with the ambition to fulfil its promises for a permanent fix of incurable genetic disorders. Hemoglobinopathies as target diseases and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as target cells of genetic interventions had a major share in the research effort toward efficiently implementing gene therapy. Dissection of HSC biology and improvements in gene transfer and gene expression technologies evolved in an almost synchronous manner to a point where the two fields seem to be functionally intercalated. In this review, we focus specifically on the development of gene therapy for hemoglobin disorders and look at both gene addition and gene correction strategies that may dominate the field of HSC-directed gene therapy in the near future and transform the therapeutic landscape for genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Yannaki
- Hematology Department-HCT Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Psatha
- Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anastasia Papadopoulou
- Hematology Department-HCT Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Takis Athanasopoulos
- Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), Medicinal Science and Technology (MST), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Achilleas Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria G Roubelakis
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece and Centre of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsirigotis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, ATTIKO General University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Achilles Anagnostopoulos
- Hematology Department-HCT Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - George Vassilopoulos
- BRFAA, Cell and Gene Therapy Lab, Athens, Greece.,Department of Hematology, UHL, University of Thessaly Medical School, Athens, Greece
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