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Starlard-Davenport A, Fitzgerald A, Pace BS. Exploring epigenetic and microRNA approaches for γ-globin gene regulation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2347-2357. [PMID: 34292080 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211028195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions aimed at inducing fetal hemoglobin and reducing the concentration of sickle hemoglobin is an effective approach to ameliorating acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease, exemplified by the long-term use of hydroxyurea. However, there remains an unmet need for the development of additional safe and effective drugs for single agent or combination therapy for individuals with β-hemoglobinopathies. Regulation of the γ-globin to β-globin switch is achieved by chromatin remodeling at the HBB locus on chromosome 11 and interactions of major DNA binding proteins, such as KLF1 and BCL11A in the proximal promoters of the globin genes. Experimental evidence also supports a role of epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone acetylation/methylation, and microRNA expression in γ-globin gene silencing during development. In this review, we will critically evaluate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in γ-globin gene regulation and discuss data generated in tissue culture, pre-clinical animal models, and clinical trials to support drug development to date. The question remains whether modulation of epigenetic pathways will produce sufficient efficacy and specificity for fetal hemoglobin induction and to what extent targeting these pathways form the basis of prospects for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ashley Fitzgerald
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Khan F, Ali H, Musharraf SG. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate induces fetal hemoglobin production in K562 cells and β-YAC transgenic mice: A therapeutic approach for γ-globin induction. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112168. [PMID: 32653411 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacologic induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is an effective strategy for treating β-hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia by ameliorating disease severity. Hydroxyurea is the only FDA-approved agent that induces HbF, but significant nonresponders and toxicity limit its clinical usefulness. This study relates preclinical investigation of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) as a potential HbF inducing agent, using human erythroleukemia cell line and a β-YAC mouse model. Erythroid induction of K562 cells was studied by the benzidine/H2O2 reaction, total hemoglobin production was estimated by plasma hemoglobin assay kit, and γ-globin gene expression by RT-qPCR, whereas, fetal hemoglobin production was estimated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We observed significantly increased γ- globin gene transcription and HbF expression mediated by TDF in K562 cells. Subsequent treatment of β-YAC transgenic mice with TDF confirmed HbF induction in vivo through an increase in γ-globin gene expression and in the percentage of HbF positive red blood cells. Moreover, TDF showed no cytotoxic effect at HbF inducing concentrations. These data support the potential development of TDF for the treatment of hematological disorders, including β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Khan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hamad Ali
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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Qamar H, Waqas M, Li A, Iqbal M, Mehmood K, Li J. Plastrum Testudinis Extract Mitigates Thiram Toxicity in Broilers via Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120784. [PMID: 31779199 PMCID: PMC6995622 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) negatively affects broilers all over the world, in which the accretion of the growth plate (GP) develops into tibial proximal metaphysis. Plastrum testudinis extract (PTE) is renowned as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bone healing agent. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PTE for the treatment of thiram-induced TD chickens. Broilers (day old; n = 300) were raised for 3 days with normal feed. On the 4th day, three groups (n = 100 each) were sorted, namely, the control (normal diet), TD, and PTE groups (normal diet+ thiram 50 mg/kg). On the 7th day, thiram was stopped in the TD and PTE group, and the PTE group received a normal diet and PTE (30 mg/kg/day). Plastrum testudinis extract significantly restored (p < 0.05) the liver antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, serum biochemicals, GP width, and tibia weight as compared to the TD group. The PTE administration significantly increased (p < 0.05) growth performance, vascularization, AKT (serine/threonine-protein kinase), and PI3K expressions and the number of hepatocytes and chondrocytes with intact nuclei were enhanced. In conclusion, PTE has the potential to heal TD lesions and act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug in chickens exposed to thiram via the upregulation of AKT and PI3K expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
- Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of the Poonch, Rawalakot, District Poonch 12350, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Aoyun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
| | - Mudassar Iqbal
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
- University College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
- University College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Jiakui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (H.Q.); (M.W.); (M.I.); (K.M.)
- College of Animals Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, Tibet 860000, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-027-87286251
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Ali H, Iftikhar F, Shafi S, Siddiqui H, Khan IA, Choudhary MI, Musharraf SG. Thiourea derivatives induce fetal hemoglobin production in-vitro: A new class of potential therapeutic agents for β-thalassemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 855:285-293. [PMID: 31100414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction is a cost-effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of β-hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. The present study discusses the potential of thiourea derivatives as new class of compounds that induce the fetal hemoglobin production. HbF inducing effect of thiourea derivatives was studied using experimental cell system, the human erythroleukemic K562 cell line. Erythroid induction of K562 cells was studied by the benzidine/H2O2 reaction, total hemoglobin production was estimated by plasma hemoglobin assay kit, and γ-globin gene expression by RT-qPCR, whereas fetal hemoglobin production was estimated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results indicated that newly synthesized thiourea derivative are potent inducers of erythroid differentiation of K562 cells with an increased γ-globin gene expression and fetal hemoglobin production. Moreover, these compounds showed no cytotoxic effect and inhibition on K562 cells at HbF inducing concentrations. It is important to note that hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent and have deleterious side effects, reflecting the need to identify new safe and effective HbF induces. These results signify thiourea derivatives as promising HbF inducers, with the potential to be studied against hematological disorders, including β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Ali
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Fizza Iftikhar
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Sarah Shafi
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hina Siddiqui
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - M Iqbal Choudhary
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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Radix Astragali Stimulates p38 MARK Phosphorylation in Pediatric Patients with β-Thalassemia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:7468979. [PMID: 27882072 PMCID: PMC5110864 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7468979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A previous study conducted by our group demonstrated that Radix Astragali compounded with Codonopsis pilosula and Plastrum testudinis was effective in treating pediatric β-thalassemia in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. However, the mechanism of action that underpins this treatment remains to be elucidated. Blood was collected from patients participating in this clinical trial and nucleated red blood cell-enriched mononuclear cells were isolated to facilitate the extraction of RNA and protein. RT-PCR was used to monitor the expression of globin genes and p38 MAPK, and total and phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression was assessed using Western blot analysis. Expression of α-, β-, and Aγ-globin mRNAs was not significantly affected following treatment with R. Astragali or the compounded formulation. However, Gγ-globin mRNA levels increased significantly in both treatment groups (when compared with pretreatment levels) following 12 weeks of treatment. Moreover, posttreatment Gγ-globin expression was significantly higher in both treatment groups compared with the control group. Although neither p38 MAPK mRNA nor protein levels were affected by the treatments, posttreatment phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was significantly increased in the R. Astragali and compounded formulation groups compared with the control group. These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms that underpin the efficacious use of R. Astragali (and its compounded formulation) in pediatric β-thalassemia treatment facilitate the induction of Gγ-globin expression following activation of p38 MAPK.
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Gronkiewicz KM, Giuliano EA, Sharma A, Mohan RR. Molecular mechanisms of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid in the inhibition of TGF-β1-mediated canine corneal fibrosis. Vet Ophthalmol 2015; 19:480-487. [PMID: 26559782 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate molecular mechanisms mediating anti-fibrotic effect of SAHA in the canine cornea using an in vitro model. We hypothesized that SAHA attenuates corneal fibrosis by modulating Smad-dependent and, to a lesser extent, Smad-independent signaling pathways activated by TGF-β1, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. METHODS Cultured canine corneal fibroblasts (CCF) were incubated in the presence/absence of TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) and SAHA (2.5 μm) for 24 h. Western blot analysis was used to quantify non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated isoforms of Smad2/3, p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), ERK1/2, and JNK1. Real-time PCR and zymography were utilized to quantify MMP1, MMP2, MMP8, and MMP9 mRNA expressions and MMP2 and MMP9 protein activities, respectively. RESULTS TGF-β1 treatment caused a significant increase in phospho-Smad2/3 and phospho-p38 MAPK. SAHA treatment reduced TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 but not of p38 MAPK. TGF-β1 did not modulate the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or JNK1. SAHA caused a significant reduction in phospho-ERK1/2 expression regardless of concurrent TGF-β1 treatment. Neither SAHA alone nor in combination with TGF-β1 altered phospho-JNK1 expression. TGF-β1 significantly increased MMP1 and MMP9 mRNA expressions but did not alter MMP2 mRNA. SAHA treatment attenuated TGF-β1-induced MMP9 mRNA expression while significantly enhancing TGF-β1-induced MMP1 mRNA expression. Zymography detected reduced expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins in untreated control CCF. TGF-β1 treatment did not alter their expression, but SAHA treatment +/-TGF-β1 significantly increased MMP2 and MMP9 protein expressions. CONCLUSIONS The corneal anti-fibrotic effects of SAHA involve multiple mechanisms including modulation of canonical and non-canonical components of TGF-β1 intracellular signaling and MMP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Gronkiewicz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Finotti A, Breda L, Lederer CW, Bianchi N, Zuccato C, Kleanthous M, Rivella S, Gambari R. Recent trends in the gene therapy of β-thalassemia. J Blood Med 2015; 6:69-85. [PMID: 25737641 PMCID: PMC4342371 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s46256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of hereditary hematological diseases caused by over 300 mutations of the adult β-globin gene. Together with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia syndromes are among the most impactful diseases in developing countries, in which the lack of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to the maintenance of a very high frequency of these genetic diseases in the population. Gene therapy for β-thalassemia has recently seen steadily accelerating progress and has reached a crossroads in its development. Presently, data from past and ongoing clinical trials guide the design of further clinical and preclinical studies based on gene augmentation, while fundamental insights into globin switching and new technology developments have inspired the investigation of novel gene-therapy approaches. Moreover, human erythropoietic stem cells from β-thalassemia patients have been the cellular targets of choice to date whereas future gene-therapy studies might increasingly draw on induced pluripotent stem cells. Herein, we summarize the most significant developments in β-thalassemia gene therapy over the last decade, with a strong emphasis on the most recent findings, for β-thalassemia model systems; for β-, γ-, and anti-sickling β-globin gene addition and combinatorial approaches including the latest results of clinical trials; and for novel approaches, such as transgene-mediated activation of γ-globin and genome editing using designer nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Cell and Development Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
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Finotti A, Gambari R. Recent trends for novel options in experimental biological therapy of β-thalassemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:1443-54. [PMID: 24934764 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.927434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION β-thalassemias are caused by nearly 300 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin. Achievements have been recently obtained on innovative therapeutic strategies for β-thalassemias, based on studies focusing on the transcriptional regulation of the γ-globin genes, epigenetic mechanisms governing erythroid differentiation, gene therapy and genetic correction of the mutations. AREAS COVERED The objective of this review is to describe recently published approaches (the review covers the years 2011 - 2014) useful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Modification of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells was achieved by gene therapy (eventually in combination with induction of fetal hemoglobin [HbF]) and correction of the mutated β-globin gene. Based on recent areas of progress in understanding the control of γ-globin gene expression, novel strategies for inducing HbF have been proposed. Furthermore, the identification of microRNAs involved in erythroid differentiation and HbF production opens novel options for developing therapeutic approaches for β-thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia , Ferrara , Italy
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