1
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Rallabandi R, Sharp B, Majerus S, Royster A, Hoffer S, Ikeda M, Devaux P. Engineering single-cycle MeV vector for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101290. [PMID: 39070290 PMCID: PMC11283025 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101290] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing has vast applications in basic and clinical research and is a promising tool for several disorders. Our lab previously developed a non-integrating RNA virus, measles virus (MeV), as a single-cycle reprogramming vector by replacing the viral attachment protein with the reprogramming factors for induced pluripotent stem cell generation. Encouraged by the MeV reprogramming vector efficiency, in this study, we develop a single-cycle MeV vector to deliver the gRNA(s) and Cas9 nuclease to human cells for efficient gene editing. We show that the MeV vector achieved on-target gene editing of the reporter (mCherry) and endogenous genes (HBB and FANCD1) in human cells. Additionally, the MeV vector achieved precise knock-in via homology-directed repair using a single-stranded oligonucleotide donor. The MeV vector is a new and flexible platform for gene knock-out and knock-in modifications in human cells, capable of incorporating new technologies as they are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Rallabandi
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brenna Sharp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Spencer Majerus
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Austin Royster
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sarrianna Hoffer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mia Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Patricia Devaux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Virology and Gene Therapy Graduate Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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2
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Hosseini SY, Mallick R, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Insights into Prime Editing Technology: A Deep Dive into Fundamentals, Potentials, and Challenges. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:649-668. [PMID: 38832869 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most versatile and precise gene editing technology, prime editing (PE) can establish a durable cure for most human genetic disorders. Several generations of PE have been developed based on an editor machine or prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) to achieve any kind of genetic correction. However, due to the early stage of development, PE complex elements need to be optimized for more efficient editing. Smart optimization of editor proteins as well as pegRNA has been contemplated by many researchers, but the universal PE machine's current shortcomings remain to be solved. The modification of PE elements, fine-tuning of the host genes, manipulation of epigenetics, and blockage of immune responses could be used to reach more efficient PE. Moreover, the host factors involved in the PE process, such as repair and innate immune system genes, have not been determined, and PE cell context dependency is still poorly understood. Regarding the large size of the PE elements, delivery is a significant challenge and the development of a universal viral or nonviral platform is still far from complete. PE versions with shortened variants of reverse transcriptase are still too large to fit in common viral vectors. Overall, PE faces challenges in optimization for efficiency, high context dependency during the cell cycling, and delivery due to the large size of elements. In addition, immune responses, unpredictability of outcomes, and off-target effects further limit its application, making it essential to address these issues for broader use in nonpersonalized gene editing. Besides, due to the limited number of suitable animal models and computational modeling, the prediction of the PE process remains challenging. In this review, the fundamentals of PE, including generations, potential, optimization, delivery, in vivo barriers, and the future landscape of the technology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Younes Hosseini
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Kantor B, O'Donovan B, Rittiner J, Hodgson D, Lindner N, Guerrero S, Dong W, Zhang A, Chiba-Falek O. The therapeutic implications of all-in-one AAV-delivered epigenome-editing platform in neurodegenerative disorders. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7259. [PMID: 39179542 PMCID: PMC11344155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Safely and efficiently controlling gene expression is a long-standing goal of biomedical research, and CRISPR/Cas system can be harnessed to create powerful tools for epigenetic editing. Adeno-associated-viruses (AAVs) represent the delivery vehicle of choice for therapeutic platform. However, their small packaging capacity isn't suitable for large constructs including most CRISPR/dCas9-effector vectors. Thus, AAV-based CRISPR/Cas systems have been delivered via two separate viral vectors. Here we develop a compact CRISPR/dCas9-based repressor system packaged in AAV as a single optimized vector. The system comprises the small Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)dCas9 and an engineered repressor molecule, a fusion of MeCP2's transcription repression domain (TRD) and KRAB. The dSaCas9-KRAB-MeCP2(TRD) vector platform repressed robustly and sustainably the expression of multiple genes-of-interest, in vitro and in vivo, including ApoE, the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Our platform broadens the CRISPR/dCas9 toolset available for transcriptional manipulation of gene expression in research and therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Bernadette O'Donovan
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Rittiner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dellila Hodgson
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Lindner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sophia Guerrero
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wendy Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Austin Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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4
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Roth GV, Gengaro IR, Qi LS. Precision epigenetic editing: Technological advances, enduring challenges, and therapeutic applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00309-X. [PMID: 39137782 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.07.007] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome is a complex framework through which gene expression is precisely and flexibly modulated to incorporate heritable memory and responses to environmental stimuli. It governs diverse cellular processes, including cell fate, disease, and aging. The need to understand this system and precisely control gene expression outputs for therapeutic purposes has precipitated the development of a diverse set of epigenetic editing tools. Here, we review the existing toolbox for targeted epigenetic editing, technical considerations of the current technologies, and opportunities for future development. We describe applications of therapeutic epigenetic editing and their potential for treating disease, with a discussion of ongoing delivery challenges that impede certain clinical interventions, particularly in the brain. With simultaneous advancements in available engineering tools and appropriate delivery technologies, we predict that epigenetic editing will increasingly cement itself as a powerful approach for safely treating a wide range of disorders in all tissues of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie V Roth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Isabella R Gengaro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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5
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Taghdiri M, Mussolino C. Viral and Non-Viral Systems to Deliver Gene Therapeutics to Clinical Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7333. [PMID: 39000440 PMCID: PMC11242246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology has revolutionized the field of gene therapy as it has enabled precise genome editing with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency, paving the way for clinical applications to treat otherwise incurable genetic disorders. Typically, precise genome editing requires the delivery of multiple components to the target cells that, depending on the editing platform used, may include messenger RNA (mRNA), protein complexes, and DNA fragments. For clinical purposes, these have to be efficiently delivered into transplantable cells, such as primary T lymphocytes or hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that are typically sensitive to exogenous substances. This challenge has limited the broad applicability of precise gene therapy applications to those strategies for which efficient delivery methods are available. Electroporation-based methodologies have been generally applied for gene editing applications, but procedure-associated toxicity has represented a major burden. With the advent of novel and less disruptive methodologies to deliver genetic cargo to transplantable cells, it is now possible to safely and efficiently deliver multiple components for precise genome editing, thus expanding the applicability of these strategies. In this review, we describe the different delivery systems available for genome editing components, including viral and non-viral systems, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and recent clinical applications. Recent improvements to these delivery methods to achieve cell specificity represent a critical development that may enable in vivo targeting in the future and will certainly play a pivotal role in the gene therapy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Taghdiri
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Tian JS, Tay A. Progress on Electro-Enhancement of Cell Manufacturing. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301281. [PMID: 38059759 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
With the long persistence of complex, chronic diseases in society, there is increasing motivation to develop cells as living medicine to treat diseases ranging from cancer to wounds. While cell therapies can significantly impact healthcare, the shortage of starter cells meant that considerable raw materials must be channeled solely for cell expansion, leading to expensive products with long manufacturing time which can prevent accessibility by patients who either cannot afford the treatment or have highly aggressive diseases and cannot wait that long. Over the last three decades, there has been increasing knowledge on the effects of electrical modulation on proliferation, but to the best of the knowledge, none of these studies went beyond how electro-control of cell proliferation may be extended to enhance industrial scale cell manufacturing. Here, this review is started by discussing the importance of maximizing cell yield during manufacturing before comparing strategies spanning biomolecular/chemical/physical to modulate cell proliferation. Next, the authors describe how factors governing invasive and non-invasive electrical stimulation (ES) including capacitive coupling electric field may be modified to boost cell manufacturing. This review concludes by describing what needs to be urgently performed to bridge the gap between academic investigation of ES to industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Shane Tian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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7
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Schlegel LS, Werbrouck C, Boettcher M, Schlegel P. Universal CAR 2.0 to overcome current limitations in CAR therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383894. [PMID: 38962014 PMCID: PMC11219820 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has effectively complemented the treatment of advanced relapsed and refractory hematological cancers. The remarkable achievements of CD19- and BCMA-CAR T therapies have raised high expectations within the fields of hematology and oncology. These groundbreaking successes are propelling a collective aspiration to extend the reach of CAR therapies beyond B-lineage malignancies. Advanced CAR technologies have created a momentum to surmount the limitations of conventional CAR concepts. Most importantly, innovations that enable combinatorial targeting to address target antigen heterogeneity, using versatile adapter CAR concepts in conjunction with recent transformative next-generation CAR design, offer the promise to overcome both the bottleneck associated with CAR manufacturing and patient-individualized treatment regimens. In this comprehensive review, we delineate the fundamental prerequisites, navigate through pivotal challenges, and elucidate strategic approaches, all aimed at paving the way for the future establishment of multitargeted immunotherapies using universal CAR technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Sophie Schlegel
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Coralie Werbrouck
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Fischer J, Fedotova A, Jaki L, Sallard E, Erhardt A, Fuchs J, Ruzsics Z. Combining CRISPR-Cas-mediated terminal resolution with a novel genetic workflow to achieve high-diversity adenoviral libraries. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101241. [PMID: 38585687 PMCID: PMC10995876 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101241] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
While recombinant adenoviruses (rAds) are widely used in both laboratory and medical gene transfer, library-based applications using this vector platform are not readily available. Recently, we developed a new method, the CRISPR-Cas9 mediated in vivo terminal resolution aiding high-efficiency rescue of rAds from recombinant DNA. Here we report on a genetic workflow that allows construction of bacterial artificial chromosome-based rAd libraries reconstituted using highly efficient terminal resolution. We utilized frequent, pre-existing genomic sequences to allow the insertion of a selection marker, complementing two selected target sites into novel endonuclease recognition sites. In the second step, this selection marker is replaced with a transgene or mutation of interest via Gibson assembly. Our approach does not cause unwanted genomic off-target mutations while providing substantial flexibility for the site and nature of the genetic modification. This new genetic workflow, which we termed half site-directed fragment replacement (HFR) allows the introduction of more than 106 unique modifications into rAd encoding BACs using laboratory scale methodology. To demonstrate the power of HFR, we rescued barcoded viral vector libraries yielding a diversity of approximately 2.5 × 104 unique rAds per cm2 of transfected cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Fischer
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ariana Fedotova
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lena Jaki
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Erhardt
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Jonas Fuchs
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Mier NC, Roper DK. Effects of an indole derivative on cell proliferation, transfection, and alternative splicing in production of lentiviral vectors by transient co-transfection. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297817. [PMID: 38833479 PMCID: PMC11149887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I are widely used to deliver functional gene copies to mammalian cells for research and gene therapies. Post-transcriptional splicing of lentiviral vector transgene in transduced host and transfected producer cells presents barriers to widespread application of lentiviral vector-based therapies. The present study examined effects of indole derivative compound IDC16 on splicing of lentiviral vector transcripts in producer cells and corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors. Indole IDC16 was shown previously to modify alternative splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type I. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transiently transfected by 3rd generation backbone and packaging plasmids using polyethyleneimine. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the fraction of unspliced genomes in human embryonic kidney 293T cells increased up to 31% upon the indole's treatment at 2.5 uM. Corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors decreased up to 4.5-fold in a cell transduction assay. Adjusting timing and duration of IDC16 treatment indicated that the indole's disruption of early stages of transfection and cell cycle had a greater effect on exponential time course of lentiviral vector production than its reduction of post-transcriptional splicing. Decrease in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T proliferation by IDC16 became significant at 10 uM. These findings indicated contributions by early-stage transfection, cell proliferation, and post-transcriptional splicing in transient transfection of human embryonic kidney 293T cells for lentiviral vector production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Carolina Mier
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Donald Keith Roper
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
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10
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Bisht D, Salave S, Desai N, Gogoi P, Rana D, Biswal P, Sarma G, Benival D, Kommineni N, Desai D. Genome editing and its role in vaccine, diagnosis, and therapeutic advancement. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131802. [PMID: 38670178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131802] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing involves precise modification of specific nucleotides in the genome using nucleases like CRISPR/Cas, ZFN, or TALEN, leading to increased efficiency of homologous recombination (HR) for gene editing, and it can result in gene disruption events via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-driven repair (HDR). Genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, revolutionizes vaccine development by enabling precise modifications of pathogen genomes, leading to enhanced vaccine efficacy and safety. It allows for tailored antigen optimization, improved vector design, and deeper insights into host genes' impact on vaccine responses, ultimately enhancing vaccine development and manufacturing processes. This review highlights different types of genome editing methods, their associated risks, approaches to overcome the shortcomings, and the diverse roles of genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanker Bisht
- ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, Bareilly, India
| | - Sagar Salave
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Nimeet Desai
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Purnima Gogoi
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin and Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Dhwani Rana
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Prachurya Biswal
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Kishanganj 855115, Bihar, India
| | - Gautami Sarma
- College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Derajram Benival
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | | | - Dhruv Desai
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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11
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Kantor B, Odonovan B, Rittiner J, Hodgson D, Lindner N, Guerrero S, Dong W, Zhang A, Chiba-Falek O. All-in-one AAV-delivered epigenome-editing platform: proof-of-concept and therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.14.536951. [PMID: 38798630 PMCID: PMC11118458 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.14.536951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Safely and efficiently controlling gene expression is a long-standing goal of biomedical research, and the recently discovered bacterial CRISPR/Cas system can be harnessed to create powerful tools for epigenetic editing. Current state-of-the-art systems consist of a deactivated-Cas9 nuclease (dCas9) fused to one of several epigenetic effector motifs/domains, along with a guide RNA (gRNA) which defines the genomic target. Such systems have been used to safely and effectively silence or activate a specific gene target under a variety of circumstances. Adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) are the therapeutic platform of choice for the delivery of genetic cargo; however, their small packaging capacity is not suitable for delivery of large constructs, which includes most CRISPR/dCas9-effector systems. To circumvent this, many AAV-based CRISPR/Cas tools are delivered in two pieces, from two separate viral cassettes. However, this approach requires higher viral payloads and usually is less efficient. Here we develop a compact dCas9-based repressor system packaged within a single, optimized AAV vector. The system uses a smaller dCas9 variant derived from Staphylococcus aureus ( Sa ). A novel repressor was engineered by fusing the small transcription repression domain (TRD) from MeCP2 with the KRAB repression domain. The final d Sa Cas9-KRAB-MeCP2(TRD) construct can be efficiently packaged, along with its associated gRNA, into AAV particles. Using reporter assays, we demonstrate that the platform is capable of robustly and sustainably repressing the expression of multiple genes-of-interest, both in vitro and in vivo . Moreover, we successfully reduced the expression of ApoE, the stronger genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). This new platform will broaden the CRISPR/dCas9 toolset available for transcriptional manipulation of gene expression in research and therapeutic settings.
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12
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Gurrola TE, Effah SN, Sariyer IK, Dampier W, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Delivering CRISPR to the HIV-1 reservoirs. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1393974. [PMID: 38812680 PMCID: PMC11133543 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1393974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is well known as one of the most complex and difficult viral infections to cure. The difficulty in developing curative strategies arises in large part from the development of latent viral reservoirs (LVRs) within anatomical and cellular compartments of a host. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system shows remarkable potential for the inactivation and/or elimination of integrated proviral DNA within host cells, however, delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to infected cells is still a challenge. In this review, the main factors impacting delivery, the challenges for delivery to each of the LVRs, and the current successes for delivery to each reservoir will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore E. Gurrola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samuel N. Effah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ilker K. Sariyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation and Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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13
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Lemmens M, Dorsheimer L, Zeller A, Dietz-Baum Y. Non-clinical safety assessment of novel drug modalities: Genome safety perspectives on viral-, nuclease- and nucleotide-based gene therapies. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503767. [PMID: 38821669 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapies have emerged as promising treatments for various conditions including inherited diseases as well as cancer. Ensuring their safe clinical application requires the development of appropriate safety testing strategies. Several guidelines have been provided by health authorities to address these concerns. These guidelines state that non-clinical testing should be carried out on a case-by-case basis depending on the modality. This review focuses on the genome safety assessment of frequently used gene therapy modalities, namely Adeno Associated Viruses (AAVs), Lentiviruses, designer nucleases and mRNAs. Important safety considerations for these modalities, amongst others, are vector integrations into the patient genome (insertional mutagenesis) and off-target editing. Taking into account the constraints of in vivo studies, health authorities endorse the development of novel approach methodologies (NAMs), which are innovative in vitro strategies for genotoxicity testing. This review provides an overview of NAMs applied to viral and CRISPR/Cas9 safety, including next generation sequencing-based methods for integration site analysis and off-target editing. Additionally, NAMs to evaluate the oncogenicity risk arising from unwanted genomic modifications are discussed. Thus, a range of promising techniques are available to support the safe development of gene therapies. Thorough validation, comparisons and correlations with clinical outcomes are essential to identify the most reliable safety testing strategies. By providing a comprehensive overview of these NAMs, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the genome safety perspectives of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena Dorsheimer
- Research and Development, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main 65926, Germany.
| | - Andreas Zeller
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, pRED Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Dietz-Baum
- Research and Development, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main 65926, Germany
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14
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Romanishin A, Vasilev A, Khasanshin E, Evtekhov A, Pusynin E, Rubina K, Kakotkin V, Agapov M, Semina E. Oncolytic viral therapy for gliomas: Advances in the mechanisms and approaches to delivery. Virology 2024; 593:110033. [PMID: 38442508 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110033] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Glioma is a diverse category of tumors originating from glial cells encompasses various subtypes, based on the specific type of glial cells involved. The most aggressive is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which stands as the predominant primary malignant tumor within the central nervous system in adults. Despite the application of treatment strategy, the median survival rate for GBM patients still hovers around 15 months. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are artificially engineered viruses designed to selectively target and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. While clinical trials have demonstrated encouraging results with intratumoral OV injections for some cancers, applying this approach to GBM presents unique challenges. Here we elaborate on current trends in oncolytic viral therapy and their delivery methods. We delve into the various methods of delivering OVs for therapy, exploring their respective advantages and disadvantages and discussing how selecting the optimal delivery method can enhance the efficacy of this innovative treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Romanishin
- Institute of Medicine and Life Science, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia.
| | - A Vasilev
- Institute of Medicine and Life Science, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia
| | - E Khasanshin
- Kaliningrad Regional Hospital, Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia
| | - A Evtekhov
- Kaliningrad Regional Hospital, Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia
| | - E Pusynin
- Kaliningrad Regional Hospital, Kaliningrad, 236016, Russia
| | - K Rubina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - V Kakotkin
- Institute of Medicine and Life Science, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia
| | - M Agapov
- Institute of Medicine and Life Science, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - E Semina
- Institute of Medicine and Life Science, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
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15
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Tavakolidakhrabadi N, Aulicino F, May CJ, Saleem MA, Berger I, Welsh GI. Genome editing and kidney health. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfae119. [PMID: 38766272 PMCID: PMC11099665 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfae119] [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: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas in particular, have revolutionized the field of genetic engineering, providing promising avenues for treating various genetic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a significant health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide, can arise from either monogenic or polygenic mutations. With recent advancements in genomic sequencing, valuable insights into disease-causing mutations can be obtained, allowing for the development of new treatments for these genetic disorders. CRISPR-based treatments have emerged as potential therapies, especially for monogenic diseases, offering the ability to correct mutations and eliminate disease phenotypes. Innovations in genome editing have led to enhanced efficiency, specificity and ease of use, surpassing earlier editing tools such as zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Two prominent advancements in CRISPR-based gene editing are prime editing and base editing. Prime editing allows precise and efficient genome modifications without inducing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), while base editing enables targeted changes to individual nucleotides in both RNA and DNA, promising disease correction in the absence of DSBs. These technologies have the potential to treat genetic kidney diseases through specific correction of disease-causing mutations, such as somatic mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 for polycystic kidney disease; NPHS1, NPHS2 and TRPC6 for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5 for Alport syndrome; SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 for cystinuria and even VHL for renal cell carcinoma. Apart from editing the DNA sequence, CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing offers a cost-effective method for targeted treatment providing new avenues for therapeutic development, given that epigenetic modifications are associated with the development of various kidney disorders. However, there are challenges to overcome, including developing efficient delivery methods, improving safety and reducing off-target effects. Efforts to improve CRISPR-Cas technologies involve optimizing delivery vectors, employing viral and non-viral approaches and minimizing immunogenicity. With research in animal models providing promising results in rescuing the expression of wild-type podocin in mouse models of nephrotic syndrome and successful clinical trials in the early stages of various disorders, including cancer immunotherapy, there is hope for successful translation of genome editing to kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- BrisSynBio Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre, Biomedical Sciences, School of Biochemistry, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
| | - Carl J May
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
| | - Moin A Saleem
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gavin I Welsh
- Bristol Renal, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, UK
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16
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Chen X, Zhong S, Zhan Y, Zhang X. CRISPR-Cas9 applications in T cells and adoptive T cell therapies. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:52. [PMID: 38609863 PMCID: PMC11010303 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell immunity is central to contemporary cancer and autoimmune therapies, encompassing immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapies. Their diverse characteristics can be reprogrammed by different immune challenges dependent on antigen stimulation levels, metabolic conditions, and the degree of inflammation. T cell-based therapeutic strategies are gaining widespread adoption in oncology and treating inflammatory conditions. Emerging researches reveal that clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) genome editing has enabled T cells to be more adaptable to specific microenvironments, opening the door to advanced T cell therapies in preclinical and clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 can edit both primary T cells and engineered T cells, including CAR-T and TCR-T, in vivo and in vitro to regulate T cell differentiation and activation states. This review first provides a comprehensive summary of the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in T cells and its applications in preclinical and clinical studies for T cell-based therapies. We also explore the application of CRISPR screen high-throughput technology in editing T cells and anticipate the current limitations of CRISPR-Cas9, including off-target effects and delivery challenges, and envisioned improvements in related technologies for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Institute of Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Shuhan Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yonghao Zhan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Xuepei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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17
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Capin J, Harrison A, Raele RA, Yadav SKN, Baiwir D, Mazzucchelli G, Quinton L, Satchwell T, Toye A, Schaffitzel C, Berger I, Aulicino F. An engineered baculoviral protein and DNA co-delivery system for CRISPR-based mammalian genome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3450-3468. [PMID: 38412306 PMCID: PMC11014373 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae142] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based DNA editing technologies enable rapid and accessible genome engineering of eukaryotic cells. However, the delivery of genetically encoded CRISPR components remains challenging and sustained Cas9 expression correlates with higher off-target activities, which can be reduced via Cas9-protein delivery. Here we demonstrate that baculovirus, alongside its DNA cargo, can be used to package and deliver proteins to human cells. Using protein-loaded baculovirus (pBV), we demonstrate delivery of Cas9 or base editors proteins, leading to efficient genome and base editing in human cells. By implementing a reversible, chemically inducible heterodimerization system, we show that protein cargoes can selectively and more efficiently be loaded into pBVs (spBVs). Using spBVs we achieved high levels of multiplexed genome editing in a panel of human cell lines. Importantly, spBVs maintain high editing efficiencies in absence of detectable off-targets events. Finally, by exploiting Cas9 protein and template DNA co-delivery, we demonstrate up to 5% site-specific targeted integration of a 1.8 kb heterologous DNA payload using a single spBV in a panel of human cell lines. In summary, we demonstrate that spBVs represent a versatile, efficient and potentially safer alternative for CRISPR applications requiring co-delivery of DNA and protein cargoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Capin
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alexandra Harrison
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Renata A Raele
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sathish K N Yadav
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- GIGA Proteomics Facility, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Gabriel Mazzucchelli
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Loic Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Timothy J Satchwell
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ashley M Toye
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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18
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Zhou F, Chen M, Qian Y, Yuan K, Han X, Wang W, Guo JJ, Chen Q, Li B. Enhancing Endogenous Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritic Joints with an Anti-Inflammatory Supramolecular Nanofiber Hydrogel Delivering HAS2 Lentivirus. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400542. [PMID: 38593309 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) management remains challenging because of its intricate pathogenesis. Intra-articular injections of drugs, such as glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid (HA), have certain limitations, including the risk of joint infection, pain, and swelling. Hydrogel-based therapeutic strategies have attracted considerable attention because of their enormous therapeutic potential. Herein, a supramolecular nanofiber hydrogel is developed using dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DexP) as a vector to deliver lentivirus-encoding hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) (HAS2@DexP-Gel). During hydrogel degradation, HAS2 lentivirus and DexP molecules are slowly released. Intra-articular injection of HAS2@DexP-Gel promotes endogenous HA production and suppresses synovial inflammation. Additionally, HAS2@DexP-Gel reduces subchondral bone resorption in the anterior cruciate ligament transection-induced OA mice, attenuates cartilage degeneration, and delays OA progression. HAS2@DexP-Gel exhibited good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic mechanisms of the HAS2@DexP-Gel are investigated using single-cell RNA sequencing. HAS2@DexP-Gel optimizes the microenvironment of the synovial tissue by modulating the proportion of synovial cell subpopulations and regulating the interactions between synovial fibroblasts and macrophages. The innovative nanofiber hydrogel, HAS2@DexP-Gel, effectively enhances endogenous HA production while reducing synovial inflammation. This comprehensive approach holds promise for improving joint function, alleviating pain, and slowing OA progression, thereby providing significant benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, P. R. China
| | - Muchao Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yufan Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, P. R. China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Xuequan Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Center for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Weishan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832099, P. R. China
| | - Jiong Jiong Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, P. R. China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical 3D Printing Center, Orthopedic Institute, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, P. R. China
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19
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Chen K, Stahl EC, Kang MH, Xu B, Allen R, Trinidad M, Doudna JA. Engineering self-deliverable ribonucleoproteins for genome editing in the brain. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1727. [PMID: 38409124 PMCID: PMC10897210 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The delivery of CRISPR ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) for genome editing in vitro and in vivo has important advantages over other delivery methods, including reduced off-target and immunogenic effects. However, effective delivery of RNPs remains challenging in certain cell types due to low efficiency and cell toxicity. To address these issues, we engineer self-deliverable RNPs that can promote efficient cellular uptake and carry out robust genome editing without the need for helper materials or biomolecules. Screening of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) fused to CRISPR-Cas9 protein identifies potent constructs capable of efficient genome editing of neural progenitor cells. Further engineering of these fusion proteins establishes a C-terminal Cas9 fusion with three copies of A22p, a peptide derived from human semaphorin-3a, that exhibits substantially improved editing efficacy compared to other constructs. We find that self-deliverable Cas9 RNPs generate robust genome edits in clinically relevant genes when injected directly into the mouse striatum. Overall, self-deliverable Cas9 proteins provide a facile and effective platform for genome editing in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Stahl
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Min Hyung Kang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bryant Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Allen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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20
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Formanski JP, Ngo HD, Grunwald V, Pöhlking C, Jonas JS, Wohlers D, Schwalbe B, Schreiber M. Transduction Efficiency of Zika Virus E Protein Pseudotyped HIV-1 gfp and Its Oncolytic Activity Tested in Primary Glioblastoma Cell Cultures. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:814. [PMID: 38398205 PMCID: PMC10887055 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of new tools against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and common cancer originating in the brain, remains of utmost importance. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are among the tools of future concepts, and pseudotyping offers the possibility of tailoring LVs to efficiently transduce and inactivate GBM tumor cells. Zika virus (ZIKV) has a specificity for GBM cells, leaving healthy brain cells unharmed, which makes it a prime candidate for the development of LVs with a ZIKV coat. Here, primary GBM cell cultures were transduced with different LVs encased with ZIKV envelope variants. LVs were generated by using the pNLgfpAM plasmid, which produces the lentiviral, HIV-1-based, core particle with GFP (green fluorescent protein) as a reporter (HIVgfp). Using five different GBM primary cell cultures and three laboratory-adapted GBM cell lines, we showed that ZIKV/HIVgfp achieved a 4-6 times higher transduction efficiency compared to the commonly used VSV/HIVgfp. Transduced GBM cell cultures were monitored over a period of 9 days to identify GFP+ cells to study the oncolytic effect due to ZIKV/HIVgfp entry. Tests of GBM tumor specificity by transduction of GBM tumor and normal brain cells showed a high specificity for GBM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Patrick Formanski
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Hai Dang Ngo
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Vivien Grunwald
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Celine Pöhlking
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Jana Sue Jonas
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Dominik Wohlers
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
| | - Birco Schwalbe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Asklepios Klinik Nord, Standort Heidberg, 22417 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Michael Schreiber
- Department of Virology, LG Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany (H.D.N.); (V.G.); (C.P.); (J.S.J.); (D.W.)
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21
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Volodina O, Smirnikhina S. The Future of Gene Therapy: A Review of In Vivo and Ex Vivo Delivery Methods for Genome Editing-Based Therapies. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01070-4. [PMID: 38363528 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The development of gene therapy based on genome editing has opened up new possibilities for the treatment of human genetic disorders. This field has developed rapidly over the past few decades, some genome editing-based therapies are already in phase 3 clinical trials. However, there are several challenges to be addressed before widespread adoption of gene editing therapy becomes possible. The main obstacles in the development of such therapy are safety and efficiency, so one of the biggest issues is the delivery of genetic constructs to patient cells. Approaches in genetic cargo delivery divide into ex vivo and in vivo, which are suitable for different cases. The ex vivo approach is mainly used to edit blood cells, improve cancer therapy, and treat infectious diseases. To edit cells in organs researches choose in vivo approach. For each approach, there is a fairly large set of methods, but, unfortunately, these methods are not universal in their effectiveness and safety. The focus of this article is to discuss the current status of in vivo and ex vivo delivery methods used in genome editing-based therapy. We will discuss the main methods employed in these approaches and their applications in current gene editing treatments under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Volodina
- Laboratory of Genome Editing, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, 115522, Russia.
| | - Svetlana Smirnikhina
- Laboratory of Genome Editing, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, 115522, Russia
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22
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Leclerc D, Siroky MD, Miller SM. Next-generation biological vector platforms for in vivo delivery of genome editing agents. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103040. [PMID: 38103518 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based genome editing holds promise for addressing genetic disease, infectious disease, and cancer and has rapidly advanced from primary research to clinical trials in recent years. However, the lack of safe and potent in vivo delivery methods for CRISPR components has limited most ongoing clinical trials to ex vivo gene therapy. Effective CRISPR in vivo genome editing necessitates an effective vehicle ensuring target cell transduction while minimizing off-target effects, toxicity, and immune reactions. In this review, we examine promising biological-derived platforms to deliver DNA editing agents in vivo and the engineering thereof, encompassing potent viral-based vehicles, flexible protein nanocages, and mammalian-derived particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Leclerc
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael D Siroky
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shannon M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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23
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Omotesho QA, Escamilla A, Pérez-Ruiz E, Frecha CA, Rueda-Domínguez A, Barragán I. Epigenetic targets to enhance antitumor immune response through the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348156. [PMID: 38333212 PMCID: PMC10851080 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates found in sites of chronic inflammation such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. The discovery that TLS formation at tumor sites correlated with good patient prognosis has triggered extensive research into various techniques to induce their formation at the tumor microenvironment (TME). One strategy is the exogenous induction of specific cytokines and chemokine expression in murine models. However, applying such systemic chemokine expression can result in significant toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Also, the TLS formed from exogenous chemokine induction is heterogeneous and different from the ones associated with favorable prognosis. Therefore, there is a need to optimize additional approaches like immune cell engineering with lentiviral transduction to improve the TLS formation in vivo. Similarly, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the different phases of TLS neogenesis are still unknown. Understanding these molecular regulations could help identify novel targets to induce tissue-specific TLS in the TME. This review offers a unique insight into the molecular checkpoints of the different stages and mechanisms involved in TLS formation. This review also highlights potential epigenetic targets to induce TLS neogenesis. The review further explores epigenetic therapies (epi-therapy) and ongoing clinical trials using epi-therapy in cancers. In addition, it builds upon the current knowledge of tools to generate TLS and TLS phenotyping biomarkers with predictive and prognostic clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quadri Ajibola Omotesho
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Escamilla
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Physical Sport Education, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Cecilia A. Frecha
- Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Civil Hospital, Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Rueda-Domínguez
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Isabel Barragán
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Group of Pharmacoepigenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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An M, Raguram A, Du SW, Banskota S, Davis JR, Newby GA, Chen PZ, Palczewski K, Liu DR. Engineered virus-like particles for transient delivery of prime editor ribonucleoprotein complexes in vivo. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02078-y. [PMID: 38191664 PMCID: PMC11228131 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing enables precise installation of genomic substitutions, insertions and deletions in living systems. Efficient in vitro and in vivo delivery of prime editing components, however, remains a challenge. Here we report prime editor engineered virus-like particles (PE-eVLPs) that deliver prime editor proteins, prime editing guide RNAs and nicking single guide RNAs as transient ribonucleoprotein complexes. We systematically engineered v3 and v3b PE-eVLPs with 65- to 170-fold higher editing efficiency in human cells compared to a PE-eVLP construct based on our previously reported base editor eVLP architecture. In two mouse models of genetic blindness, single injections of v3 PE-eVLPs resulted in therapeutically relevant levels of prime editing in the retina, protein expression restoration and partial visual function rescue. Optimized PE-eVLPs support transient in vivo delivery of prime editor ribonucleoproteins, enhancing the potential safety of prime editing by reducing off-target editing and obviating the possibility of oncogenic transgene integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirui An
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuel W Du
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paul Z Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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25
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Gödecke N, Hauser H, Wirth D. Stable Expression by Lentiviral Transduction of Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2810:147-159. [PMID: 38926278 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3878-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Lentiviral gene transfer represents a versatile and powerful method for genetic transduction of many cell lines and primary cells including "hard-to-transfect" cells. As a consequence of the integration of the recombinant lentiviral vector into the cellular genome, the transgene is stably maintained, and long-term producing cells are established. Here, we describe the current state of the art and give details for lab-scale production of lentiviral vectors as well as for infection and titration of the viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Gödecke
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Model Systems for Infection and Immunity (MSYS), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Scientific Strategy, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Model Systems for Infection and Immunity (MSYS), Braunschweig, Germany.
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26
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Heller EA, Hamilton PJ. Stereotaxic Surgery as a Method to Deliver Epigenetic Editing Constructs in Rodent Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:309-321. [PMID: 39012603 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Modern neuroscience research is increasingly discovering that alterations in epigenetic states within key brain cells is correlated with brain diseases. These epigenetic alterations may include changes in histone post-translational modifications and/or DNA modifications, all of which affect transcription and other gene expression programs within the brain cells that comprise central brain regions. However, the exact causal contribution of these epigenome changes to brain disease cannot be elucidated in the absence of direct in vivo manipulations in the implicated brain areas. Combining the design and creation of epigenetic editing constructs, gene delivery strategies, and stereotaxic surgery enables neuroscience researchers to target and manipulate the epigenetic state of the brain cells of laboratory rodents in a locus-specific manner and test its causal contribution to disease-related pathology and behaviors. Here, we describe the surgical protocol utilized by our group and others, which is optimized for herpes simplex virus delivery into the mouse brain, although the protocol outlined herein could be applied for delivery of adeno-associated viruses, lentiviruses, or nonviral gene-delivery methods in both mice and rats. The method allows for the overexpression of engineered DNA-binding proteins for direct and targeted epigenome editing in rodent brain with excellent spatiotemporal control. Nearly any brain region of interest can be targeted in rodents at every stage of postnatal life. Owing to the versatility, reproducibility, and utility of this technique, it is an important method for any laboratory interested in studying the cellular, circuit, and behavioral consequences of manipulating the brain epigenome in laboratory rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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27
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Hosseini SY, Mallick R, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Navigating the prime editing strategy to treat cardiovascular genetic disorders in transforming heart health. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 22:75-89. [PMID: 38494784 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2328642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular disorders, the discovery of prime editing (PE), has opened new horizons for finding their cures. PE strategy is the most versatile editing tool to change cardiac genetic background for therapeutic interventions. The optimization of elements, prediction of efficiency, and discovery of the involved genes regulating the process have not been completed. The large size of the cargo and multi-elementary structure makes the in vivo heart delivery challenging. AREAS COVERED Updated from recent published studies, the fundamentals of the PEs, their application in cardiology, potentials, shortcomings, and the future perspectives for the treatment of cardiac-related genetic disorders will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The ideal PE for the heart should be tissue-specific, regulatable, less immunogenic, high transducing, and safe. However, low efficiency, sup-optimal PE architecture, the large size of required elements, the unclear role of transcriptomics on the process, unpredictable off-target effects, and its context-dependency are subjects that need to be considered. It is also of great importance to see how beneficial or detrimental cell cycle or epigenomic modifier is to bring changes into cardiac cells. The PE delivery is challenging due to the size, multi-component properties of the editors and liver sink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Younes Hosseini
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Petrova IO, Smirnikhina SA. The Development, Optimization and Future of Prime Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17045. [PMID: 38069367 PMCID: PMC10707272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is a rapidly developing method of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. The increasing number of novel PE applications and improved versions demands constant analysis and evaluation. The present review covers the mechanism of prime editing, the optimization of the method and the possible next step in the evolution of CRISPR/Cas9-associated genome editing. The basic components of a prime editing system are a prime editor fusion protein, consisting of nickase and reverse transcriptase, and prime editing guide RNA, consisting of a protospacer, scaffold, primer binding site and reverse transcription template. Some prime editing systems include other parts, such as additional RNA molecules. All of these components were optimized to achieve better efficiency for different target organisms and/or compactization for viral delivery. Insights into prime editing mechanisms allowed us to increase the efficiency by recruiting mismatch repair inhibitors. However, the next step in prime editing evolution requires the incorporation of new mechanisms. Prime editors combined with integrases allow us to combine the precision of prime editing with the target insertion of large, several-kilobase-long DNA fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina O. Petrova
- Laboratory of Genome Editing, Research Center for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye 1, 115478 Moscow, Russia
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29
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Hosseininia M, Rostami F, Delphi L, Ghasemzadeh Z, Kouhkan F, Rezayof A. Memory impairment was ameliorated by corticolimbic microinjections of arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA) and miRNA-regulated lentiviral particles in a streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's rat model. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114560. [PMID: 37783412 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114560] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of corticolimbic cannabinoid CB1 receptors activity on memory impairment in the intracerebroventricular (ICV)-streptozotocin (STZ) animal model of Alzheimer's like-disease. This study also assessed whether the corticolimbic overexpression of miRNA-137 or -let-7a could increase the endocannabinoids by inhibiting the monoglyceride lipase (MAGL) to ameliorate STZ response. The results showed that ICV microinjection of STZ (3 mg/kg/10 μl) impaired passive avoidance memory retrieval. The chronic microinjection of arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA; 10 ng/0.5 μl), a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, into the hippocampal CA1 region, the central amygdala (CeA) or the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) ameliorated the amnesic effect of ICV-STZ. Intra-CA1 or -CeA microinjection of ACPA alone did not affect memory retrieval, while its microinjection into the mPFC impaired memory formation. Based on bioinformatics analysis and verification of the MAGL gene, miRNA-137 and -let-7a were chosen to target the expression levels of MAGL in the corticolimbic regions. The chronic corticolimbic microinjection of lentiviral particles containing miRNA-137 or -let-7a ameliorated ICV-STZ-induced memory impairment. The high transfection efficiency was determined for each virus using comparing fluorescent and conventional vision. Corticolimbic overexpression of miRNA-137 or -let-7a decreased the MAGL gene expression that encodes the MAGL enzyme to increase the endocannabinoids. Thus, among the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is worth mentioning the role of endocannabinoids in the corticolimbic regions. CB1 receptor agonists, miRNA-137 or -let-7a, may be potential therapeutic targets against cognitive decline in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hosseininia
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rostami
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, P.O. Box: 15856-36473, 15856-36473 Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Delphi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kouhkan
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, P.O. Box: 15856-36473, 15856-36473 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Chen K, Stahl EC, Kang MH, Xu B, Allen R, Trinidad M, Doudna JA. Engineering self-deliverable ribonucleoproteins for genome editing in the brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567251. [PMID: 38014180 PMCID: PMC10680703 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of CRISPR ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) for genome editing in vitro and in vivo has important advantages over other delivery methods, including reduced off-target and immunogenic effects 1 . However, effective delivery of RNPs remains challenging in certain cell types due to low efficiency and cell toxicity. To address these issues, we engineered self-deliverable RNPs that can promote efficient cellular uptake and carry out robust genome editing without the need for helper materials or biomolecules. Screening of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) fused to CRISPR-Cas9 protein identified potent constructs capable of efficient genome editing of neural progenitor cells. Further engineering of these fusion proteins identified a C-terminal Cas9 fusion with three copies of A22p, a peptide derived from human semaphorin-3a, that exhibited substantially improved editing efficacy compared to other constructs. We found that self-deliverable Cas9 RNPs generated robust genome edits in clinically relevant genes when injected directly into the mouse striatum. Overall, self-deliverable Cas9 proteins provide a facile and effective platform for genome editing in vitro and in vivo .
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31
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Madigan V, Zhang F, Dahlman JE. Drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:875-894. [PMID: 37723222 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based drugs can theoretically manipulate any genetic target. In practice, however, these drugs must enter the desired cell without eliciting an unwanted immune response, so a delivery system is often required. Here, we review drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors, focusing on adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles. After describing how these systems are engineered and their subsequent characterization in preclinical animal models, we highlight data from recent clinical trials. Preclinical targeting mediated by polymers, proteins, including virus-like particles, and other vehicles that may deliver CRISPR systems in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Madigan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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32
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Tijaro-Bulla S, Osman EA, St Laurent CD, McCord KA, Macauley MS, Gibbs JM. Disrupting Protein Expression with Double-Clicked sgRNA-Cas9 Complexes: A Modular Approach to CRISPR Gene Editing. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2156-2162. [PMID: 37556411 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is currently the most versatile technique to perform gene editing in living organisms. In this approach, the Cas9 endonuclease is guided toward its DNA target sequence by the guide RNA (gRNA). Chemical synthesis of a functional single gRNA (sgRNA) is nontrivial because of the length of the RNA strand. Recently we demonstrated that a sgRNA can be stitched together from three smaller fragments through a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, making the process highly modular. Here we further advance this approach by leveraging this modulator platform by incorporating chemically modified nucleotides at both ends of the modular sgRNA to increase resistance against ribonucleases. Modified nucleotides consisted of a 2'-O-Me group and a phosphorothioate backbone in varying number at both the 5'- and 3'-ends of the sgRNA. It was observed that three modified nucleotides at both ends of the sgRNA significantly increased the success of Cas9 in knocking out a gene of interest. Using these chemically stabilized sgRNAs facilitates multigene editing at the protein level, as demonstrated by successful knockout of both Siglec-3 and Siglec-7 using two fluorophores in conjunction with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. These results demonstrate the versatility of this modular platform for assembling sgRNAs from small, chemically modified strands to simultaneously disrupt the gene expression of two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eiman A Osman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Chris D St Laurent
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Kelli A McCord
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Matthew S Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Julianne M Gibbs
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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33
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Lu X, Zhang M, Li G, Zhang S, Zhang J, Fu X, Sun F. Applications and Research Advances in the Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Systems for the Treatment of Inherited Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13202. [PMID: 37686009 PMCID: PMC10487642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713202] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancements in gene therapy have opened up new possibilities for treating genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and familial hypercholesterolemia. The utilization of the clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has revolutionized the field of gene therapy by enabling precise targeting of genes. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating cancer and genetic diseases. However, the susceptibility of nucleic acid drugs to degradation by nucleic acid endonucleases necessitates the development of functional vectors capable of protecting the nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This review explores the biomedical potential of non-viral vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 systems for treating genetic diseases. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in viral and non-viral vector-based gene therapy for genetic disorders, including preclinical and clinical study insights. Additionally, the review analyzes the current limitations of these delivery systems and proposes avenues for developing novel nano-delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fengying Sun
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (X.L.); (M.Z.); (G.L.); (S.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.F.)
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34
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González-Romero E, Martínez-Valiente C, García-García G, Rosal-Vela A, Millán JM, Sanz MÁ, Sanz G, Liquori A, Cervera JV, Vázquez-Manrique RP. PCR-Based Strategy for Introducing CRISPR/Cas9 Machinery into Hematopoietic Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4263. [PMID: 37686539 PMCID: PMC10487029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is a complex heterogeneous disease characterized by the clonal expansion of undifferentiated myeloid precursors. Due to the difficulty in the transfection of blood cells, several hematological models have recently been developed with CRISPR/Cas9, using viral vectors. In this study, we developed an alternative strategy in order to generate CRISPR constructs by fusion PCR, which any lab equipped with basic equipment can implement. Our PCR-generated constructs were easily introduced into hard-to-transfect leukemic cells, and their function was dually validated with the addition of MYBL2 and IDH2 genes into HEK293 cells. We then successfully modified the MYBL2 gene and introduced the R172 mutation into the IDH2 gene within NB4 and HL60 cells that constitutively expressed the Cas9 nuclease. The efficiency of mutation introduction with our methodology was similar to that of ribonucleoprotein strategies, and no off-target events were detected. Overall, our strategy represents a valid and intuitive alternative for introducing desired mutations into hard-to-transfect leukemic cells without viral transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa González-Romero
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Cristina Martínez-Valiente
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
- CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema García-García
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (J.M.M.)
- CIBERER, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Rosal-Vela
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
- Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health Department, Cádiz University, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - José María Millán
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (J.M.M.)
- CIBERER, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Sanz
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Guillermo Sanz
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
- CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandro Liquori
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
- CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Vicente Cervera
- Hematology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (C.M.-V.); (A.R.-V.); (M.Á.S.); (G.S.); (A.L.)
- CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Genetics Unit, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael P. Vázquez-Manrique
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (J.M.M.)
- CIBERER, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
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Aderinto N, Abdulbasit MO, Olatunji D. Stem cell-based combinatorial therapies for spinal cord injury: a narrative review of current research and future directions. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:3943-3954. [PMID: 37554849 PMCID: PMC10406006 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that can result in lifelong disability. Despite significant progress in SCI research, current treatments only offer limited functional recovery. Stem cell-based combinatorial therapies have emerged promising to enhance neural repair and regeneration after SCI. Combining stem cells with growth factors, biomaterials, and other therapeutic agents can improve outcomes by providing a multifaceted approach to neural repair. However, several challenges must be addressed before these therapies can be widely adopted in clinical practice. Standardisation of stem cell isolation, characterisation, and production protocols ensures consistency and safety in clinical trials. Developing appropriate animal models that accurately mimic human SCI is crucial for successfully translating these therapies. Additionally, optimal delivery methods and biomaterials that support the survival and integration of stem cells into injured tissue must be identified. Despite these challenges, stem cell-based combinatorial therapies for SCI hold great promise. Innovative approaches such as gene editing and the use of neural tissue engineering may further enhance the efficacy of these therapies. Further research and development in this area are critical to advancing the field and providing effective therapies for SCI patients. This paper discusses the current evidence and challenges from the literature on the potential of stem cell-based combinatorial therapies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Aderinto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
| | | | - Deji Olatunji
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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36
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Allen D, Kalter N, Rosenberg M, Hendel A. Homology-Directed-Repair-Based Genome Editing in HSPCs for the Treatment of Inborn Errors of Immunity and Blood Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1329. [PMID: 37242571 PMCID: PMC10220672 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome engineering via targeted nucleases, specifically CRISPR-Cas9, has revolutionized the field of gene therapy research, providing a potential treatment for diseases of the blood and immune system. While numerous genome editing techniques have been used, CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair (HDR)-mediated editing represents a promising method for the site-specific insertion of large transgenes for gene knock-in or gene correction. Alternative methods, such as lentiviral/gammaretroviral gene addition, gene knock-out via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated editing, and base or prime editing, have shown great promise for clinical applications, yet all possess significant drawbacks when applied in the treatment of patients suffering from inborn errors of immunity or blood system disorders. This review aims to highlight the transformational benefits of HDR-mediated gene therapy and possible solutions for the existing problems holding the methodology back. Together, we aim to help bring HDR-based gene therapy in CD34+ hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) from the lab bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel; (D.A.); (N.K.); (M.R.)
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Ahmadi SE, Soleymani M, Shahriyary F, Amirzargar MR, Ofoghi M, Fattahi MD, Safa M. Viral vectors and extracellular vesicles: innate delivery systems utilized in CRISPR/Cas-mediated cancer therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41417-023-00597-z. [PMID: 36854897 PMCID: PMC9971689 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing-based therapeutic strategies grant the power to override cell machinery and alter faulty genes contributing to disease development like cancer. Nowadays, the principal tool for gene editing is the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system. In order to bring this gene-editing system from the bench to the bedside, a significant hurdle remains, and that is the delivery of CRISPR/Cas to various target cells in vivo and in vitro. The CRISPR-Cas system can be delivered into mammalian cells using various strategies; among all, we have reviewed recent research around two natural gene delivery systems that have been proven to be compatible with human cells. Herein, we have discussed the advantages and limitations of viral vectors, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in delivering the CRISPR/Cas system for cancer therapy purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maral Soleymani
- grid.411230.50000 0000 9296 6873School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Shahriyary
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Amirzargar
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Ofoghi
- Division of Clinical Laboratory, Tehran Hospital of Petroleum Industry, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411600.2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Davood Fattahi
- grid.411600.2Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ewaisha R, Anderson KS. Immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics-Critical considerations for clinical translation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1138596. [PMID: 36873375 PMCID: PMC9978118 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1138596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR offers new hope for many patients and promises to transform the way we think of future therapies. Ensuring safety of CRISPR therapeutics is a top priority for clinical translation and specific recommendations have been recently released by the FDA. Rapid progress in the preclinical and clinical development of CRISPR therapeutics leverages years of experience with gene therapy successes and failures. Adverse events due to immunogenicity have been a major setback that has impacted the field of gene therapy. As several in vivo CRISPR clinical trials make progress, the challenge of immunogenicity remains a significant roadblock to the clinical availability and utility of CRISPR therapeutics. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics and discuss several considerations to mitigate immunogenicity for the design of safe and clinically translatable CRISPR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ewaisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Newgiza, Egypt
| | - Karen S. Anderson
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Zhu Y, Saribas AS, Liu J, Lin Y, Bodnar B, Zhao R, Guo Q, Ting J, Wei Z, Ellis A, Li F, Wang X, Yang X, Wang H, Ho WZ, Yang L, Hu W. Protein expression/secretion boost by a novel unique 21-mer cis-regulatory motif (Exin21) via mRNA stabilization. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1136-1158. [PMID: 36793212 PMCID: PMC9927791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.012] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Boosting protein production is invaluable in both industrial and academic applications. We discovered a novel expression-increasing 21-mer cis-regulatory motif (Exin21) that inserts between SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein-encoding sequence and luciferase reporter gene. This unique Exin21 (CAACCGCGGTTCGCGGCCGCT), encoding a heptapeptide (QPRFAAA, designated as Qα), significantly (34-fold on average) boosted E production. Both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations within Exin21 diminished its boosting capability, indicating the exclusive composition and order of 21 nucleotides. Further investigations demonstrated that Exin21/Qα addition could boost the production of multiple SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins (S, M, and N) and accessory proteins (NSP2, NSP16, and ORF3), and host cellular gene products such as IL-2, IFN-γ, ACE2, and NIBP. Exin21/Qα enhanced the packaging yield of S-containing pseudoviruses and standard lentivirus. Exin21/Qα addition on the heavy and light chains of human anti-SARS-CoV monoclonal antibody robustly increased antibody production. The extent of such boosting varied with protein types, cellular density/function, transfection efficiency, reporter dosage, secretion signaling, and 2A-mediated auto-cleaving efficiency. Mechanistically, Exin21/Qα increased mRNA synthesis/stability, and facilitated protein expression and secretion. These findings indicate that Exin21/Qα has the potential to be used as a universal booster for protein production, which is of importance for biomedicine research and development of bioproducts, drugs, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Zhu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - A. Sami Saribas
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jinbiao Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yuan Lin
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Brittany Bodnar
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ruotong Zhao
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Julia Ting
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Zhengyu Wei
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Aidan Ellis
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Wen-Zhe Ho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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Hussein M, Molina MA, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. A CRISPR-Cas Cure for HIV/AIDS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1563. [PMID: 36675077 PMCID: PMC9863116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and HIV-induced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to represent a global health burden. There is currently no effective vaccine, nor any cure, for HIV infections; existing antiretroviral therapy can suppress viral replication, but only as long as antiviral drugs are taken. HIV infects cells of the host immune system, and it can establish a long-lived viral reservoir, which can be targeted and edited through gene therapy. Gene editing platforms based on the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat-Cas system (CRISPR-Cas) have been recognized as promising tools in the development of gene therapies for HIV infections. In this review, we evaluate the current landscape of CRISPR-Cas-based therapies against HIV, with an emphasis on the infection biology of the virus as well as the activity of host restriction factors. We discuss the potential of a combined CRISPR-Cas approach that targets host and viral genes to activate antiviral host factors and inhibit viral replication simultaneously. Lastly, we focus on the challenges and potential solutions of CRISPR-Cas gene editing approaches in achieving an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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41
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Mohammadian Gol T, Ureña-Bailén G, Hou Y, Sinn R, Antony JS, Handgretinger R, Mezger M. CRISPR medicine for blood disorders: Progress and challenges in delivery. Front Genome Ed 2023; 4:1037290. [PMID: 36687779 PMCID: PMC9853164 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1037290] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood disorders are a group of diseases including hematological neoplasms, clotting disorders and orphan immune deficiency diseases that affects human health. Current improvements in genome editing based therapeutics demonstrated preclinical and clinical proof to treat different blood disorders. Genome editing components such as Cas nucleases, guide RNAs and base editors are supplied in the form of either a plasmid, an mRNA, or a ribonucleoprotein complex. The most common delivery vehicles for such components include viral vectors (e.g., AAVs and RV), non-viral vectors (e.g., LNPs and polymers) and physical delivery methods (e.g., electroporation and microinjection). Each of the delivery vehicles specified above has its own advantages and disadvantages and the development of a safe transferring method for ex vivo and in vivo application of genome editing components is still a big challenge. Moreover, the delivery of genome editing payload to the target blood cells possess key challenges to provide a possible cure for patients with inherited monogenic blood diseases and hematological neoplastic tumors. Here, we critically review and summarize the progress and challenges related to the delivery of genome editing elements to relevant blood cells in an ex vivo or in vivo setting. In addition, we have attempted to provide a future clinical perspective of genome editing to treat blood disorders with possible clinical grade improvements in delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mohammadian Gol
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guillermo Ureña-Bailén
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yujuan Hou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Sinn
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justin S. Antony
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Markus Mezger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,*Correspondence: Markus Mezger,
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42
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Malla RR, Middela K. CRISPR-Based Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:1-14. [PMID: 38050977 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023048723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology is a powerful gene editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. It allows for precise and efficient editing of specific genes that drive cancer growth and progression. CRISPR-based approaches gene knock-out, which deletes specific genes or sequences of DNA within a cancer cell, and gene knock-in, which inserts new sequences of DNA into a cancer cell to identify potential targets for cancer therapy. Further, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-based screens identify specific markers for diagnosis of cancers. Recently, immunotherapy has become a highly efficient strategy for the treatment of cancer. The use of CRISPR in cancer immunotherapy is focused on enhancing the function of T cells, making them more effective at attacking cancer cells and inactivating the immune evasion mechanisms of cancer cells. It has the potential to generate CAR-T cells, which are T cells that have been genetically engineered to target and attack cancer cells specifically. This review uncovers the latest developments in CRISPR-based gene editing strategies and delivery of their components in cancer cells. In addition, the applications of CRISPR in cancer immune therapy are discussed. Overall, this review helps to explore the potential of CRISPR-based strategies in cancer immune therapy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Keerthana Middela
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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43
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Shakirova A, Karpov T, Komarova Y, Lepik K. In search of an ideal template for therapeutic genome editing: A review of current developments for structure optimization. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1068637. [PMID: 36911237 PMCID: PMC9992834 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1068637] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a fast developing field of medicine with hundreds of ongoing early-stage clinical trials and numerous preclinical studies. Genome editing (GE) now is an increasingly important technology for achieving stable therapeutic effect in gene correction, with hematopoietic cells representing a key target cell population for developing novel treatments for a number of hereditary diseases, infections and cancer. By introducing a double strand break (DSB) in the defined locus of genomic DNA, GE tools allow to knockout the desired gene or to knock-in the therapeutic gene if provided with an appropriate repair template. Currently, the efficiency of methods for GE-mediated knock-in is limited. Significant efforts were focused on improving the parameters and interaction of GE nuclease proteins. However, emerging data suggests that optimal characteristics of repair templates may play an important role in the knock-in mechanisms. While viral vectors with notable example of AAVs as a donor template carrier remain the mainstay in many preclinical trials, non-viral templates, including plasmid and linear dsDNA, long ssDNA templates, single and double-stranded ODNs, represent a promising alternative. Furthermore, tuning of editing conditions for the chosen template as well as its structure, length, sequence optimization, homology arm (HA) modifications may have paramount importance for achieving highly efficient knock-in with favorable safety profile. This review outlines the current developments in optimization of templates for the GE mediated therapeutic gene correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Shakirova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Timofey Karpov
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yaroslava Komarova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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44
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Martinez MG, Smekalova E, Combe E, Gregoire F, Zoulim F, Testoni B. Gene Editing Technologies to Target HBV cccDNA. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122654. [PMID: 36560658 PMCID: PMC9787400 DOI: 10.3390/v14122654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, since chronic HBV infection is associated with elevated risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current licensed therapies against HBV efficiently suppress viral replication; however, they do not have significant effects on the intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of the viral minichromosome responsible for viral persistence. Thus, life-long treatment is required to avoid viral rebound. There is a significant need for novel therapies that can reduce, silence or eradicate cccDNA, thus preventing HBV reemergence after treatment withdrawal. In this review, we discuss the latest developments and applications of gene editing and related approaches for directly targeting HBV DNA and, more specifically, cccDNA in infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Combe
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69002 Lyon, France
- Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
- Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69008 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
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Holcomb EA, Pearson AN, Jungles KM, Tate A, James J, Jiang L, Huber AK, Green MD. High-content CRISPR screening in tumor immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1041451. [PMID: 36479127 PMCID: PMC9721350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1041451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR screening is a powerful tool that links specific genetic alterations to corresponding phenotypes, thus allowing for high-throughput identification of novel gene functions. Pooled CRISPR screens have enabled discovery of innate and adaptive immune response regulators in the setting of viral infection and cancer. Emerging methods couple pooled CRISPR screens with parallel high-content readouts at the transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, and optical levels. These approaches are illuminating cancer immune evasion mechanisms as well as nominating novel targets that augment T cell activation, increase T cell infiltration into tumors, and promote enhanced T cell cytotoxicity. This review details recent methodological advances in high-content CRISPR screens and highlights the impact this technology is having on tumor immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Holcomb
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley N. Pearson
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kassidy M. Jungles
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Akshay Tate
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jadyn James
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Amanda K. Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael D. Green
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Rittiner J, Cumaran M, Malhotra S, Kantor B. Therapeutic modulation of gene expression in the disease state: Treatment strategies and approaches for the development of next-generation of the epigenetic drugs. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1035543. [PMID: 36324900 PMCID: PMC9620476 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1035543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is an important determinant of many pathological conditions and diseases. Designer molecules that can specifically target endogenous DNA sequences provide a means to therapeutically modulate gene function. The prokaryote-derived CRISPR/Cas editing systems have transformed our ability to manipulate the expression program of genes through specific DNA and RNA targeting in living cells and tissues. The simplicity, utility, and robustness of this technology have revolutionized epigenome editing for research and translational medicine. Initial success has inspired efforts to discover new systems for targeting and manipulating nucleic acids on the epigenetic level. The evolution of nuclease-inactive and RNA-targeting Cas proteins fused to a plethora of effector proteins to regulate gene expression, epigenetic modifications and chromatin interactions opened up an unprecedented level of possibilities for the development of "next-generation" gene therapy therapeutics. The rational design and construction of different types of designer molecules paired with viral-mediated gene-to-cell transfers, specifically using lentiviral vectors (LVs) and adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) are reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the potential of these molecules as therapeutic modulators of endogenous gene function, focusing on modulation by stable gene modification and by regulation of gene transcription. Notwithstanding the speedy progress of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy products, multiple challenges outlined by undesirable off-target effects, oncogenicity and other virus-induced toxicities could derail the successful translation of these new modalities. Here, we review how CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy is translated from research-grade technological system to therapeutic modality, paying particular attention to the therapeutic flow from engineering sophisticated genome and epigenome-editing transgenes to delivery vehicles throughout efficient and safe manufacturing and administration of the gene therapy regimens. In addition, the potential solutions to some of the obstacles facing successful CRISPR/Cas utility in the clinical research are discussed in this review. We believe, that circumventing these challenges will be essential for advancing CRISPR/Cas-based tools towards clinical use in gene and cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Rittiner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mohanapriya Cumaran
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sahil Malhotra
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Boris Kantor
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Durham, NC, United States
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Yew CHT, Gurumoorthy N, Nordin F, Tye GJ, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Tan JJ, Ng MH. Integrase deficient lentiviral vector: prospects for safe clinical applications. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13704. [PMID: 35979475 PMCID: PMC9377332 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 derived lentiviral vector is an efficient transporter for delivering desired genetic materials into the targeted cells among many viral vectors. Genetic material transduced by lentiviral vector is integrated into the cell genome to introduce new functions, repair defective cell metabolism, and stimulate certain cell functions. Various measures have been administered in different generations of lentiviral vector systems to reduce the vector's replicating capabilities. Despite numerous demonstrations of an excellent safety profile of integrative lentiviral vectors, the precautionary approach has prompted the development of integrase-deficient versions of these vectors. The generation of integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors by abrogating integrase activity in lentiviral vector systems reduces the rate of transgenes integration into host genomes. With this feature, the integrase-deficient lentiviral vector is advantageous for therapeutic implementation and widens its clinical applications. This short review delineates the biology of HIV-1-erived lentiviral vector, generation of integrase-deficient lentiviral vector, recent studies involving integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors, limitations, and prospects for neoteric clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Hong Takahiro Yew
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Narmatha Gurumoorthy
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Jun Jie Tan
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Bertam, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Klinnert S, Chemnitzer A, Rusert P, Metzner KJ. Systematic HIV-1 promoter targeting with CRISPR/dCas9-VPR reveals optimal region for activation of the latent provirus. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 35671066 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/dCas9-based activation systems (CRISPRa) enable sequence-specific gene activation and are therefore of particular interest for the 'shock and kill' cure approach against HIV-1 infections. This approach aims to activate the latent HIV-1 proviruses in infected cells and subsequently kill these cells. Several CRISPRa systems have been shown to specifically and effectively activate latent HIV-1 when targeted to the HIV-1 5'LTR promoter, making them a promising 'shock' strategy. Here, we aimed to evaluate the dCas9-VPR system for its applicability in reversing HIV-1 latency and identify the optimal gRNA target site in the HIV-1 5'LTR promoter leading to the strongest activation of the provirus with this system. We systematically screened the HIV-1 promoter by selecting 14 specific gRNAs that cover almost half of the HIV-1 promoter from the 3' half of the U3 until the beginning of the R region. Screening in several latently HIV-1 infected cell lines showed that dCas9-VPR leads to a high activation of HIV-1 and that gRNA-V and -VII induce the strongest activation of replication competent latent provirus. This data indicates that the optimal activation region in the HIV-1 promoter for the dCas9-VPR system is located -165 to -106 bp from the transcription start site and that it is consistent with the optimal activation region reported for other CRISPRa systems. Our data demonstrates that the dCas9-VPR system is a powerful tool for HIV-1 activation and could be harnessed for the 'shock and kill' cure approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Klinnert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Sciences Graduate School, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Chemnitzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Rusert
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin J Metzner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Asmamaw Mengstie M. Viral Vectors for the in Vivo Delivery of CRISPR Components: Advances and Challenges. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:895713. [PMID: 35646852 PMCID: PMC9133430 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.895713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) and its accompanying protein (Cas9) are now the most effective, efficient, and precise genome editing techniques. Two essential components of the CRISPR/Cas9 system are guide RNA (gRNA) and CRISPR-associated (Cas9) proteins. Choosing and implementing safe and effective delivery systems in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 has proven to be a significant problem. For in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, viral vectors are the natural specialists. Due to their higher delivery effectiveness than other delivery methods, vectors such as adenoviral vectors (AdVs), adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), and lentivirus vectors (LVs) are now commonly employed as delivery methods. This review thoroughly examined recent achievements in using a variety of viral vectors as a means of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, as well as the benefits and limitations of each viral vector. Future thoughts for overcoming the current restrictions and adapting the technology are also discussed.
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Das S, Bano S, Kapse P, Kundu GC. CRISPR based therapeutics: a new paradigm in cancer precision medicine. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:85. [PMID: 35337340 PMCID: PMC8953071 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems are the latest addition to the plethora of gene-editing tools. These systems have been repurposed from their natural counterparts by means of both guide RNA and Cas nuclease engineering. These RNA-guided systems offer greater programmability and multiplexing capacity than previous generation gene editing tools based on zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator like effector nucleases. CRISPR-Cas systems show great promise for individualization of cancer precision medicine. Main body The biology of Cas nucleases and dead Cas based systems relevant for in vivo gene therapy applications has been discussed. The CRISPR knockout, CRISPR activation and CRISPR interference based genetic screens which offer opportunity to assess functions of thousands of genes in massively parallel assays have been also highlighted. Single and combinatorial gene knockout screens lead to identification of drug targets and synthetic lethal genetic interactions across different cancer phenotypes. There are different viral and non-viral (nanoformulation based) modalities that can carry CRISPR-Cas components to different target organs in vivo. Conclusion The latest developments in the field in terms of optimization of performance of the CRISPR-Cas elements should fuel greater application of the latter in the realm of precision medicine. Lastly, how the already available knowledge can help in furtherance of use of CRISPR based tools in personalized medicine has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Das
- National Centre for Cell Science, S P Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Shehnaz Bano
- National Centre for Cell Science, S P Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Prachi Kapse
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, S P Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed To Be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India. .,School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed To Be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
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