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Moaveni AK, Amiri M, Shademan B, Farhadi A, Behroozi J, Nourazarian A. Advances and challenges in gene therapy strategies for pediatric cancer: a comprehensive update. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1382190. [PMID: 38836106 PMCID: PMC11149429 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1382190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers represent a tragic but also promising area for gene therapy. Although conventional treatments have improved survival rates, there is still a need for targeted and less toxic interventions. This article critically analyzes recent advances in gene therapy for pediatric malignancies and discusses the challenges that remain. We explore the innovative vectors and delivery systems that have emerged, such as adeno-associated viruses and non-viral platforms, which show promise in addressing the unique pathophysiology of pediatric tumors. Specifically, we examine the field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and their adaptation for solid tumors, which historically have been more challenging to treat than hematologic malignancies. We also discuss the genetic and epigenetic complexities inherent to pediatric cancers, such as tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which pose significant hurdles for gene therapy. Ethical considerations specific to pediatric populations, including consent and long-term follow-up, are also analyzed. Additionally, we scrutinize the translation of research from preclinical models that often fail to mimic pediatric cancer biology to the regulatory landscapes that can either support or hinder innovation. In summary, this article provides an up-to-date overview of gene therapy in pediatric oncology, highlighting both the rapid scientific progress and the substantial obstacles that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we propose a roadmap for future research that prioritizes the safety, efficacy, and complex ethical considerations involved in treating pediatric patients. Our ultimate goal is to move from incremental advancements to transformative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kian Moaveni
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amiri
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arezoo Farhadi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Javad Behroozi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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Dahiya N, Kaur M, Singh V. Potential roles of circulatory microRNAs in the onset and progression of renal and cardiac diseases: a focussed review for clinicians. Acta Cardiol 2023; 78:863-877. [PMID: 37318070 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2023.2221150] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The signalling mechanisms involving the kidney and heart are a niche of networks causing pathological conditions inducing inflammation, reactive oxidative species, cell apoptosis, and organ dysfunction during the onset of clinical complications. The clinical manifestation of the kidney and heart depends on various biochemical processes that influence organ dysfunction coexistence through circulatory networks, which hold utmost importance. The cells of both organs also influence remote communication, and evidence states that it may be explicitly by circulatory small noncoding RNAs, i.e. microRNAs (miRNAs). Recent developments target miRNAs as marker panels for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Circulatory miRNAs expressed in renal and cardiac disease can reveal relevant information about the niche of networks and gene transcription and regulated networks. In this review, we discuss the pertinent roles of identified circulatory miRNAs regulating signal transduction pathways critical in the onset of renal and cardiac disease, which can hold promising future targets for clinical diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Dahiya
- Centre for Life Sciences, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Centre for Life Sciences, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Centre for Life Sciences, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
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3
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Davies SW, Gamache MH, Howe-Kerr LI, Kriefall NG, Baker AC, Banaszak AT, Bay LK, Bellantuono AJ, Bhattacharya D, Chan CX, Claar DC, Coffroth MA, Cunning R, Davy SK, del Campo J, Díaz-Almeyda EM, Frommlet JC, Fuess LE, González-Pech RA, Goulet TL, Hoadley KD, Howells EJ, Hume BCC, Kemp DW, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, LaJeunesse TC, Lin S, McIlroy SE, McMinds R, Nitschke MR, Oakley CA, Peixoto RS, Prada C, Putnam HM, Quigley K, Reich HG, Reimer JD, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Rosales SM, Saad OS, Sampayo EM, Santos SR, Shoguchi E, Smith EG, Stat M, Stephens TG, Strader ME, Suggett DJ, Swain TD, Tran C, Traylor-Knowles N, Voolstra CR, Warner ME, Weis VM, Wright RM, Xiang T, Yamashita H, Ziegler M, Correa AMS, Parkinson JE. Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15023. [PMID: 37151292 PMCID: PMC10162043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15023] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew H. Gamache
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Andrew C. Baker
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anastazia T. Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Line Kolind Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Cheong Xin Chan
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Nearshore Habitat Program, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Simon K. Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Javier del Campo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jörg C. Frommlet
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lauren E. Fuess
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Raúl A. González-Pech
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Tamar L. Goulet
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Kenneth D. Hoadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama—Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Emily J. Howells
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Dustin W. Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama—Birmingham, Birmingham, Al, United States
| | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Clinton A. Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Raquel S. Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Prada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | | | - Hannah G. Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Stephanie M. Rosales
- The Cooperative Institute For Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Osama S. Saad
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Red Sea University, Port-Sudan, Sudan
| | - Eugenia M. Sampayo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Edward G. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Marie E. Strader
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - David J. Suggett
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy D. Swain
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Cawa Tran
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Mark E. Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, United States
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Rachel M. Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tingting Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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4
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Targeted Nanocarrier Delivery of RNA Therapeutics to Control HIV Infection. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071352. [PMID: 35890248 PMCID: PMC9324444 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071352] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of HIV infection has greatly advanced since the discovery of the virus in 1983. Treatment options have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS, turning it from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable infection. Despite all this progress, a cure remains elusive. A major barrier to attaining an HIV cure is the presence of the latent viral reservoir, which is established early in infection and persists for the lifetime of the host, even during prolonged anti-viral therapy. Different cure strategies are currently being explored to eliminate or suppress this reservoir. Several studies have shown that a functional cure may be achieved by preventing infection and also inhibiting reactivation of the virus from the latent reservoir. Here, we briefly describe the main HIV cure strategies, focussing on the use of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) to maintain HIV permanently in a state of super latency, and CRISPR gRNA to excise the latent reservoir. A challenge with progressing RNA therapeutics to the clinic is achieving effective delivery into the host cell. This review covers recent nanotechnological strategies for siRNA delivery using liposomes, N-acetylgalactosamine conjugation, inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based nanocapsules. We further discuss the opportunities and challenges of those strategies for HIV treatment.
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Ahlenstiel CL, Symonds G, Kent SJ, Kelleher AD. Block and Lock HIV Cure Strategies to Control the Latent Reservoir. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:424. [PMID: 32923412 PMCID: PMC7457024 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV latent reservoir represents the major challenge to cure development. Residing in resting CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells at multiple locations in the body, including sanctuary sites such as the brain, the latent reservoir is not eliminated by ART and has the ability to reactivate virus replication to pre-therapy levels when ART is ceased. There are four broad areas of HIV cure research. The only successful cure strategy, thus far, is stem cell transplantation using naturally HIV resistant CCR5Δ32 stem cells. A second potential cure approach uses gene editing technology, such as zinc-finger nucleases and CRISPR/Cas9. Another two cure strategies aim to control the HIV reservoir, with polar opposite concepts; The "shock and kill" approach, which aims to "shock" or reactivate the latent virus and then "kill" infected cells via targeted immune responses. Lastly, the "block and lock" approach, which aims to enhance the latent virus state by "blocking" HIV transcription and "locking" the HIV promoter in a deep latent state via epigenetic modifications. "Shock and kill" approaches are a major focus of cure studies, however we predict that the increased specificity of "block and lock" approaches will be required for the successful development of a sustained HIV clinical remission in the absence of ART. This review focuses on the current research of novel "block and lock" approaches being explored to generate an HIV cure via induction of epigenetic silencing. We will also discuss potential future therapeutic delivery and the challenges associated with progressing "block and lock" cure approaches as these move toward clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,ARC Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Chung CH, Allen AG, Atkins AJ, Sullivan NT, Homan G, Costello R, Madrid R, Nonnemacher MR, Dampier W, Wigdahl B. Safe CRISPR-Cas9 Inhibition of HIV-1 with High Specificity and Broad-Spectrum Activity by Targeting LTR NF-κB Binding Sites. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:965-982. [PMID: 32818921 PMCID: PMC7452136 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Viral latency of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has become a major hurdle to a cure in the highly effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system has successfully been demonstrated to excise or inactivate integrated HIV-1 provirus from infected cells by targeting the long terminal repeat (LTR) region. However, the guide RNAs (gRNAs) have classically avoided transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) that are readily observed and known to be important in human promoters. Although conventionally thought unfavorable due to potential impact on human promoters, our computational pipeline identified gRNA sequences that were predicted to inactivate HIV-1 transcription by targeting the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) binding sites (gNFKB0, gNFKB1) with a high safety profile (lack of predicted or observed human edits) and broad-spectrum activity (predicted coverage of known viral sequences). Genome-wide, unbiased identification of double strand breaks (DSBs) enabled by sequencing (GUIDE-seq) showed that the gRNAs targeting NF-κB binding sites had no detectable CRISPR-induced off-target edits in HeLa cells. 5′ LTR-driven HIV-1 transcription was significantly reduced in three HIV-1 reporter cell lines. These results demonstrate a working model to specifically target well-known TFBSs in the HIV-1 LTR that are readily observed in human promoters to reduce HIV-1 transcription with a high-level safety profile and broad-spectrum activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Han Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Alexander G Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Andrew J Atkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Neil T Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Greg Homan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Robert Costello
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Rebekah Madrid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Michael R Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Méndez C, Ledger S, Petoumenos K, Ahlenstiel C, Kelleher AD. RNA-induced epigenetic silencing inhibits HIV-1 reactivation from latency. Retrovirology 2018; 15:67. [PMID: 30286764 PMCID: PMC6172763 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current antiretroviral therapy is effective in controlling HIV-1 infection. However, cessation of therapy is associated with rapid return of viremia from the viral reservoir. Eradicating the HIV-1 reservoir has proven difficult with the limited success of latency reactivation strategies and reflects the complexity of HIV-1 latency. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternate strategies. Here we explore a "block and lock" approach for enforcing latency to render the provirus unable to restart transcription despite exposure to reactivation stimuli. Reactivation of transcription from latent HIV-1 proviruses can be epigenetically blocked using promoter-targeted shRNAs to prevent productive infection. We aimed to determine if independent and combined expression of shRNAs, PromA and 143, induce a repressive epigenetic profile that is sufficiently stable to protect latently infected cells from HIV-1 reactivation when treated with a range of latency reversing agents (LRAs). RESULTS J-Lat 9.2 cells, a model of HIV-1 latency, expressing shRNAs PromA, 143, PromA/143 or controls were treated with LRAs to evaluate protection from HIV-1 reactivation as determined by levels of GFP expression. Cells expressing shRNA PromA, 143, or both, showed robust resistance to viral reactivation by: TNF, SAHA, SAHA/TNF, Bryostatin/TNF, DZNep, and Chaetocin. Given the physiological importance of TNF, HIV-1 reactivation was induced by TNF (5 ng/mL) and ChIP assays were performed to detect changes in expression of epigenetic markers within chromatin in both sorted GFP- and GFP+ cell populations, harboring latent or reactivated proviruses, respectively. Ordinary two-way ANOVA analysis used to identify interactions between shRNAs and chromatin marks associated with repressive or active chromatin in the integrated provirus revealed significant changes in the levels of H3K27me3, AGO1 and HDAC1 in the LTR, which correlated with the extent of reduced proviral reactivation. The cell line co-expressing shPromA and sh143 consistently showed the least reactivation and greatest enrichment of chromatin compaction indicators. CONCLUSION The active maintenance of epigenetic silencing by shRNAs acting on the HIV-1 LTR impedes HIV-1 reactivation from latency. Our "block and lock" approach constitutes a novel way of enforcing HIV-1 "super latency" through a closed chromatin architecture that renders the virus resistant to a range of latency reversing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Méndez
- Department of Immunovirology and Pathogenesis, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Scott Ledger
- Department of Immunovirology and Pathogenesis, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kathy Petoumenos
- Department of Immunovirology and Pathogenesis, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chantelle Ahlenstiel
- Department of Immunovirology and Pathogenesis, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Anthony D Kelleher
- Department of Immunovirology and Pathogenesis, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Islam W, Noman A, Qasim M, Wang L. Plant Responses to Pathogen Attack: Small RNAs in Focus. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E515. [PMID: 29419801 PMCID: PMC5855737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNA) are a significant group of gene expression regulators for multiple biological processes in eukaryotes. In plants, many sRNA silencing pathways produce extensive array of sRNAs with specialized roles. The evidence on record advocates for the functions of sRNAs during plant microbe interactions. Host sRNAs are reckoned as mandatory elements of plant defense. sRNAs involved in plant defense processes via different pathways include both short interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) that actively regulate immunity in response to pathogenic attack via tackling pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and other effectors. In response to pathogen attack, plants protect themselves with the help of sRNA-dependent immune systems. That sRNA-mediated plant defense responses play a role during infections is an established fact. However, the regulations of several sRNAs still need extensive research. In this review, we discussed the topical advancements and findings relevant to pathogen attack and plant defense mediated by sRNAs. We attempted to point out diverse sRNAs as key defenders in plant systems. It is hoped that sRNAs would be exploited as a mainstream player to achieve food security by tackling different plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Islam
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
- College of Crop Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Liande Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Wang YL, Shao X, Wang F, Zeng L, Hu L, Cui SQ, Hou G, Huang DN. Intron-specific shRNA-mediated downregulation of survivin and promotion of apoptosis in HeLa cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:5927-5933. [PMID: 29113228 PMCID: PMC5661408 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6996] [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: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the survivin gene contributes to tumorigenesis; it has been recognized as an important target for cancer therapy. In the present study, survivin expression was suppressed using recombinant plasmid mediated short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that were constructed to target exonic or intronic sequences of the survivin gene. In addition, a negative control shRNA was constructed. HeLa cells were transfected with specific shRNA constructs and the blocking efficiency of each shRNA was assessed at the mRNA and protein levels; and the five shRNA constructs with higher blocking efficiency were selected. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM) following Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. Hoechst staining was used to detect the morphological diversity of the nuclei in apoptotic cells. The results demonstrated that survivin expression was effectively reduced by the transfection of shRNAs in HeLa cells. In addition, the apoptotic rates of the shRNA-treated groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group according to the FCM results. The nuclei of HeLa cells exhibited apoptotic characteristics in the shRNA-treated groups as identified by Hoechst staining. Survivin-targeting shRNAs effectively downregulated the expression of the gene and markedly increased the apoptotic rate of HeLa cells. Data from the present study also indicated that the intron-specific shRNA demonstrate a high efficiency of inhibition of survivin expression and were able to induce cell apoptosis of HeLa cells through RNAi, potentially providing novel target sites for tumor therapy. In conclusion, the present study suggests that intron-specific blocking of survivin by RNAi may provide a tool for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Li Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Xin Shao
- People's Hospital of Shiyan, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, P.R. China
| | - Fa Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Liang Hu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Quan Cui
- Department of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Gan Hou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Di-Nan Huang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
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10
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Øvergård AC, Hamre LA, Kongshaug H, Nilsen F. RNAi-mediated treatment of two vertically transmitted rhabdovirus infecting the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Sci Rep 2017; 7:14030. [PMID: 29070796 PMCID: PMC5656668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdoviruses are a family of enveloped negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses infecting a variety of hosts. Recently, two vertically transmitted salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) rhabdoviruses (LsRV) have been identified. The prevalence of these viruses was measured along the Norwegian coast and found to be close to 100%, and with the present lack of suitable cell lines to propagate these viruses, it is challenging to obtain material to study their host impact and infection routes. Thus, virus free lice strains were established from virus infected lice carrying one or both LsRVs by treating them with N protein dsRNA twice during development. The viral replication of the N protein was specifically down-regulated following introduction of virus-specific dsRNA, and virus-free lice strains were maintained for several generations. A preliminary study on infection routes suggested that the LsRV-No9 is maternally transmitted, and that the virus transmits from males to females horizontally. The ability to produce virus free strains allows for further studies on transmission modes and how these viruses influences on the L.salmonis interaction with its salmonid host. Moreover, this study provides a general fundament for future studies on how vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses influence the biology of their arthropod hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina-Cathrine Øvergård
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, Pb. 7803, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Lars Are Hamre
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, Pb. 7803, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Heidi Kongshaug
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, Pb. 7803, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frank Nilsen
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, Pb. 7803, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
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11
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Zhao CP, Xu ZJ, Guo Q, Li YX, Gao XZ, Peng YY. Overexpression of suppressor of IKBKE 1 is associated with vincristine resistance in colon cancer cells. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:585-588. [PMID: 27882221 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, the suppressor of IKBKE 1 expression level was confirmed to be higher in vincristine (VCR)-resistant HCT-8 (HCT-8/V) colon cancer cells than in non-VCR-resistant HCT-8 cells. In the current study, IKBKE 1 expression in VCR-resistant colon cancer cells was investigated further. HCT-8 and HCT-8/V human colon cancer cells were used, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify the IKBKE 1 gene. Fluorescence reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect differences in IKBKE 1 expression between sensitive and drug-resistant colon cancer cell lines. Western blotting was performed to further observe IKBKE 1 expression. Based on the RT-qPCR and western blot results, IKBKE 1 expression was observed to be markedly higher in the HCT-8/V cells, and this difference was significant (P<0.05). Thus, IKBKE 1 expression was identified to be associated with the resistance of colon cancer cells to VCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Peng Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Jie Xu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of College of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Xiao Li
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Zheng Gao
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Yi-You Peng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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12
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Le Douce V, Ait-Amar A, Forouzan Far F, Fahmi F, Quiel J, El Mekdad H, Daouad F, Marban C, Rohr O, Schwartz C. Improving combination antiretroviral therapy by targeting HIV-1 gene transcription. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1311-1324. [PMID: 27266557 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1198777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) has not allowed the cure of HIV. The main obstacle to HIV eradication is the existence of quiescent reservoirs. Several other limitations of cART have been described, such as strict life-long treatment and high costs, restricting it to Western countries, as well as the development of multidrug resistance. Given these limitations and the impetus to find a cure, the development of new treatments is necessary. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the current status of several efficient molecules able to suppress HIV gene transcription, including NF-kB and Tat inhibitors. We also assess the potential of new proteins belonging to the intriguing DING family, which have been reported to have potential anti-HIV-1 activity by inhibiting HIV gene transcription. Expert opinion: Targeting HIV-1 gene transcription is an alternative approach, which could overcome cART-related issues, such as the emergence of multidrug resistance. Improving cART will rely on the identification and characterization of new actors inhibiting HIV-1 transcription. Combining such efforts with the use of new technologies, the development of new models for preclinical studies, and improvement in drug delivery will considerably reduce drug toxicity and thus increase patient adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Le Douce
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,b IUT de Schiltigheim , Schiltigheim , France.,c UCD Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) School of Medicine and Medical Science , University College Dublin , Dublin 4 , Ireland
| | - Amina Ait-Amar
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Faezeh Forouzan Far
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Faiza Fahmi
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jose Quiel
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Hala El Mekdad
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Fadoua Daouad
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Céline Marban
- d Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire , Inserm UMR 1121 , Strasbourg , France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,b IUT de Schiltigheim , Schiltigheim , France.,e Institut Universitaire de France , Paris , France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- a Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA7292 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,b IUT de Schiltigheim , Schiltigheim , France
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13
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Kalantari R, Chiang CM, Corey DR. Regulation of mammalian transcription and splicing by Nuclear RNAi. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:524-37. [PMID: 26612865 PMCID: PMC4737150 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is well known as a mechanism for controlling mammalian mRNA translation in the cytoplasm, but what would be the consequences if it also functions in cell nuclei? Although RNAi has also been found in nuclei of plants, yeast, and other organisms, there has been relatively little progress towards understanding the potential involvement of mammalian RNAi factors in nuclear processes including transcription and splicing. This review summarizes evidence for mammalian RNAi factors in cell nuclei and mechanisms that might contribute to the control of gene expression. When RNAi factors bind small RNAs, they form ribonucleoprotein complexes that can be selective for target sequences within different classes of nuclear RNA substrates. The versatility of nuclear RNAi may supply a previously underappreciated layer of regulation to transcription, splicing, and other nuclear processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kalantari
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-8807, USA
| | - David R Corey
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
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14
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Ahlenstiel CL, Suzuki K, Marks K, Symonds GP, Kelleher AD. Controlling HIV-1: Non-Coding RNA Gene Therapy Approaches to a Functional Cure. Front Immunol 2015; 6:474. [PMID: 26441979 PMCID: PMC4584958 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The current treatment strategy for HIV-1 involves prolonged and intensive combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), which successfully suppresses plasma viremia. It has transformed HIV-1 infection into a chronic disease. However, despite the success of cART, a latent form of HIV-1 infection persists as integrated provirus in resting memory CD4(+) T cells. Virus can reactivate from this reservoir upon cessation of treatment, and hence HIV requires lifelong therapy. The reservoir represents a major barrier to eradication. Understanding molecular mechanisms regulating HIV-1 transcription and latency are crucial to develop alternate treatment strategies, which impact upon the reservoir and provide a path toward a "functional cure" in which there is no detectable viremia in the absence of cART. Numerous reports have suggested ncRNAs are involved in regulating viral transcription and latency. This review will discuss the latest developments in ncRNAs, specifically short interfering (si)RNA and short hairpin (sh)RNA, targeting molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 transcription, which may represent potential future therapeutics. It will also briefly address animal models for testing potential therapeutics and current gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazuo Suzuki
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immunovirology Laboratory, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Marks
- Immunovirology Laboratory, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Anthony D. Kelleher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immunovirology Laboratory, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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