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Terlizzi V, Farrell PM. Update on advances in cystic fibrosis towards a cure and implications for primary care clinicians. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101637. [PMID: 38811287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2024.101637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
During the past quarter century, the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) have been transformed by molecular sciences that initiated a new era with discovery of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The knowledge gained from that breakthrough has had dramatic clinical impact. Although once a diagnostic dilemma with long delays, preventable deaths, and irreversible pathology, CF can now be routinely diagnosed shortly after birth through newborn screening programs. This strategy of pre-symptomatic identification has eliminated the common diagnostic "odyssey" that was a failure of the healthcare delivery system causing psychologically traumatic experiences for parents. Therapeutic advances of many kinds have culminated in CFTR modulator treatment that can reduce the effects of or even correct the molecular defect in the chloride channel -the basic cause of CF. This astonishing advance has transformed CF care as described fully herein. Despite this impressive progress, there are challenges and controversies in the delivery of care. Issues include how best to achieve high sensitivity newborn screening with acceptable specificity; what course of action is appropriate for children who are identified through the unavoidable incidental findings of screening tests (CFSPID/CRMS cases and heterozygote carriers); how best to ensure genetic counseling; when to initiate the very expensive but life-saving CFTR modulator drugs; how to identify new CFTR modulator drugs for patients with non-responsive CFTR variants; how to adjust other therapeutic modalities; and how to best partner with primary care clinicians. Progress always brings new challenges, and this has been evident worldwide for CF. Consequently, this article summarizes the major advances of recent years along with controversies and describes their implications with an international perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Terlizzi
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 24, Florence, Italy
| | - Philip M Farrell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Clinical Sciences Center (K4/948), 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Anton-Păduraru DT, Azoicăi AN, Trofin F, Mîndru DE, Murgu AM, Bocec AS, Iliescu Halițchi CO, Ciongradi CI, Sȃrbu I, Iliescu ML. Diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis in the 21st Century-A Complex and Challenging Task. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:763. [PMID: 38611676 PMCID: PMC11012009 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070763] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition, wherein timely diagnosis assumes paramount significance for the prompt initiation of therapeutic interventions, thereby ameliorating pulmonary function, addressing nutritional deficits, averting complications, mitigating morbidity, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life and extending longevity. This review aims to amalgamate existing knowledge to provide a comprehensive appraisal of contemporary diagnostic modalities pertinent to CF in the 21st century. Deliberations encompass discrete delineations of each diagnostic modality and the elucidation of potential diagnostic quandaries encountered in select instances, as well as the delineation of genotype-phenotype correlations germane to genetic counseling endeavors. The synthesis underscores that, notwithstanding the availability and strides in diagnostic methodologies, including genetic assays, the sweat test (ST) retains its position as the preeminent diagnostic standard for CF, serving as a robust surrogate for CFTR functionality. Prospective clinical investigations in the realm of CF should be orchestrated with the objective of discerning novel diagnostic modalities endowed with heightened specificity and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana-Teodora Anton-Păduraru
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Alice Nicoleta Azoicăi
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Felicia Trofin
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity—Microbiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania
| | - Dana Elena Mîndru
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Alina Mariela Murgu
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Ana Simona Bocec
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
| | - Codruța Olimpiada Iliescu Halițchi
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania; (D.-T.A.-P.); (A.N.A.); (D.E.M.); (A.M.M.); (A.S.B.); (C.O.I.H.)
| | - Carmen Iulia Ciongradi
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania
| | - Ioan Sȃrbu
- “Sf.Maria” Children Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iaṣi, Romania; (C.I.C.); (I.S.)
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania
| | - Maria Liliana Iliescu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity—Public Health and Health Management, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iaṣi, Romania;
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Shchaslyvyi AY, Antonenko SV, Tesliuk MG, Telegeev GD. Current State of Human Gene Therapy: Approved Products and Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1416. [PMID: 37895887 PMCID: PMC10609992 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of gene therapy, a pivotal moment arrived with Paul Berg's groundbreaking identification of the first recombinant DNA in 1972. This achievement set the stage for future breakthroughs. Conditions once considered undefeatable, like melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and a host of other ailments, are now being addressed at their root cause-the genetic level. Presently, the gene therapy landscape stands adorned with 22 approved in vivo and ex vivo products, including IMLYGIC, LUXTURNA, Zolgensma, Spinraza, Patisiran, and many more. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into a rich assortment of 16 drugs, from siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 to DNA aptamers and TRAIL/APO2L, as well as 46 carriers, from AAV, AdV, LNPs, and exosomes to naked mRNA, sonoporation, and magnetofection. The article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each product and vector type, as well as the current challenges faced in the practical use of gene therapy and its future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Y. Shchaslyvyi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.V.A.); (M.G.T.); (G.D.T.)
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Bruno SM, Blaconà G, Lo Cicero S, Castelli G, Virgulti M, Testino G, Pierandrei S, Fuso A, Cimino G, Ferraguti G, Eramo A, Lucarelli M. Quantitative Evaluation of CFTR Gene Expression: A Comparison between Relative Quantification by Real-Time PCR and Absolute Quantification by Droplet Digital PCR. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1781. [PMID: 37761921 PMCID: PMC10531455 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091781] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the precision medicine era of cystic fibrosis (CF), therapeutic interventions, by the so-called modulators, target the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The levels of targetable CFTR proteins are a main variable in the success of patient-specific therapy. In turn, the CFTR protein level depends, at least in part, on the level of CFTR mRNA. Many mechanisms can modulate the CFTR mRNA level, for example, transcriptional rate, stability of the mRNA, epigenetics, and pathogenic variants that can affect mRNA production and degradation. Independently from the causes of variable CFTR mRNA levels, their exact quantitative assessment is of great importance in CF. Methods with high analytical sensitivity, precision, and accuracy are mandatory for the quantitative evaluation aimed at the amelioration of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects. This paper compares, for the first time, two CFTR gene expression quantification methods: a well-established method for the relative quantification of CFTR mRNA using a real-time PCR and an innovative method for its absolute quantification using a droplet digital PCR. No comprehensive methods for absolute CFTR quantification via droplet digital PCR have been published so far. The accurate quantification of CFTR expression at the mRNA level is a critical step for the personalized therapeutic approaches of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Stefania Lo Cicero
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.L.C.); (G.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.L.C.); (G.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Mariarita Virgulti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giancarlo Testino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Silvia Pierandrei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Cimino
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center of Lazio Region, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.L.C.); (G.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.B.); (G.B.); (M.V.); (G.T.); (S.P.); (A.F.); (G.F.)
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Sermet-Gaudelus I, Girodon E, Vermeulen F, Solomon G, Melotti P, Graeber S, Bronsveld I, Rowe S, Wilschanski M, Tümmler B, Cutting G, Gonska T. ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Diagnostic criteria of CFTR dysfunction. J Cyst Fibros 2022; 21:922-936. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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