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Hao S, Zhang X, Ning K, Feng Z, Park SY, Aksu Kuz C, McFarlin S, Richart D, Cheng F, Zhang EY, Zhang-Chen A, Yan Z, Qiu J. Identification of host essential factors for recombinant AAV transduction of the polarized human airway epithelium. J Virol 2023; 97:e0133023. [PMID: 37966249 PMCID: PMC10734497 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01330-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The essential steps of successful gene delivery by recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) include vector internalization, intracellular trafficking, nuclear import, uncoating, double-stranded (ds)DNA conversion, and transgene expression. rAAV2.5T has a chimeric capsid of AAV2 VP1u and AAV5 VP2 and VP3 with the mutation A581T. Our investigation revealed that KIAA0319L, the multiple AAV serotype receptor, is not essential for vector internalization but remains critical for efficient vector transduction to human airway epithelia. Additionally, we identified that a novel gene WDR63, whose cellular function is not well understood, plays an important role in vector transduction of human airway epithelia but not vector internalization and nuclear entry. Our study also discovered the substantial transduction potential of rAAV2.5T in basal stem cells of human airway epithelia, underscoring its utility in gene editing of human airways. Thus, the knowledge derived from this study holds promise for the advancement of gene therapy in the treatment of pulmonary genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Hao
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Zehua Feng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Soo Yeun Park
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Cagla Aksu Kuz
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Shane McFarlin
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Donovan Richart
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | | | | | - Ziying Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jianming Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Tyumentseva MA, Tyumentsev AI, Akimkin VG. Protocol for assessment of the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery to different types of target cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259812. [PMID: 34752487 PMCID: PMC8577758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delivery of CRISPR/Cas RNPs to target cells still remains the biggest bottleneck to genome editing. Many efforts are made to develop efficient CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery methods that will not affect viability of target cell dramatically. Popular current methods and protocols of CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery include lipofection and electroporation, transduction by osmocytosis and reversible permeabilization and erythrocyte-based methods. METHODS In this study we will assess the efficiency and optimize current CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery protocols to target cells. We will conduct our work using molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, cell culture, flow cytometry (immunocytochemistry) and cellular imaging techniques. DISCUSSION This will be the first extensive comparative study of popular current methods and protocols of CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery to human cell lines and primary cells. All protocols will be optimized and characterized using the following criteria i) protein delivery and genome editing efficacy; ii) viability of target cells after delivery (post-transduction recovery); iii) scalability of delivery process; iv) cost-effectiveness of the delivery process and v) intellectual property rights. Some methods will be considered 'research-use only', others will be recommended for scaling and application in the development of cell-based therapies.
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Gupta A, Andresen JL, Manan RS, Langer R. Nucleic acid delivery for therapeutic applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113834. [PMID: 34492233 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent medical advances have exploited the ability to address a given disease at the underlying level of transcription and translation. These treatment paradigms utilize nucleic acids - including short interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), and messenger RNA (mRNA) - to achieve a desired outcome ranging from gene knockdown to induced expression of a selected target protein. Towards this end, numerous strategies for encapsulation or stabilization of various nucleic acid structures have been developed in order to achieve intracellular delivery. In this review, we discuss several therapeutic applications of nucleic acids directed towards specific diseases and tissues of interest, in particular highlighting recent technologies which have reached late-stage clinical trials and received FDA approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jason L Andresen
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rajith S Manan
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- David H Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved from being a mere curiosity to emerging as COVID-19 vaccine front-runners. Recent advancements in the field of RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology have generated interest in delivering safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. In this review, we discuss design and self-assembly of mRNA vaccines. Self-assembly, a spontaneous organization of individual molecules, allows for design of nanoparticles with customizable properties. We highlight the materials commonly utilized to deliver mRNA, their physicochemical characteristics, and other relevant considerations, such as mRNA optimization, routes of administration, cellular fate, and immune activation, that are important for successful mRNA vaccination. We also examine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines currently in clinical trials. mRNA vaccines are ready for the clinic, showing tremendous promise in the COVID-19 vaccine race, and have pushed the boundaries of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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5
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Lindner M, Gilhooley MJ, Peirson SN, Hughes S, Hankins MW. The functional characteristics of optogenetic gene therapy for vision restoration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:1597-1613. [PMID: 32728765 PMCID: PMC7904736 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic strategies to restore vision in patients blind from end-stage retinal degenerations aim to render remaining retinal neurons light-sensitive. We present an innovative combination of multi-electrode array recordings together with a complex pattern-generating light source as a toolset to determine the extent to which neural retinal responses to complex light stimuli can be restored following viral delivery of red-shifted channelrhodopsin in the retinally degenerated mouse. Our data indicate that retinal output level spatiotemporal response characteristics achieved by optogenetic gene therapy closely parallel those observed for normal mice but equally reveal important limitations, some of which could be mitigated using bipolar-cell targeted gene-delivery approaches. As clinical trials are commencing, these data provide important new information on the capacity and limitations of channelrhodopsin-based gene therapies. The toolset we established enables comparing optogenetic constructs and stem-cell-based techniques, thereby providing an efficient and sensitive starting point to identify future approaches for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Lindner
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Michael J Gilhooley
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neuroophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Stuart N Peirson
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Hughes
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark W Hankins
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal-recessive degenerative neuromuscular disease that has historically been categorized into 5 types based on the individual's best functional ability. Two rather remarkable treatments have recently been approved for commercial use, and both have markedly changed the natural history of this disease. Here the authors report several cases of individuals, ranging from infants to adults, to highlight diagnostic considerations, along with initial and long-term treatment considerations in these individuals who now have the potential for stabilization to significant improvement in functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Waldrop
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| | - Bakri H Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus OH 43210, USA.
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7
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Fajrial AK, He QQ, Wirusanti NI, Slansky JE, Ding X. A review of emerging physical transfection methods for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Theranostics 2020; 10:5532-5549. [PMID: 32373229 PMCID: PMC7196308 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing is a versatile technique in biomedicine that promotes fundamental research as well as clinical therapy. The development of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) as a genome editing machinery has accelerated the application of gene editing. However, the delivery of CRISPR components often suffers when using conventional transfection methods, such as viral transduction and chemical vectors, due to limited packaging size and inefficiency toward certain cell types. In this review, we discuss physical transfection methods for CRISPR gene editing which can overcome these limitations. We outline different types of physical transfection methods, highlight novel techniques to deliver CRISPR components, and emphasize the role of micro and nanotechnology to improve transfection performance. We present our perspectives on the limitations of current technology and provide insights on the future developments of physical transfection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apresio K. Fajrial
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Qing Qing He
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Nurul I. Wirusanti
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherland
| | - Jill E. Slansky
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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8
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Wu XR, Zhang J, Zhang JH, Xiao YP, He X, Liu YH, Yu XQ. Amino Acid-Linked Low Molecular Weight Polyethylenimine for Improved Gene Delivery and Biocompatibility. Molecules 2020; 25:E975. [PMID: 32098282 PMCID: PMC7070781 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The construction of efficient and low toxic non-viral gene delivery vectors is of great significance for gene therapy. Herein, two novel polycations were constructed via Michael addition from low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) 600 Da and amino acid-containing linkages. Lysine and histidine were introduced for the purpose of improved DNA binding and pH buffering capacity, respectively. The ester bonds afforded the polymer biodegradability, which was confirmed by the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurement. The polymers could well condense DNA into nanoparticles and protect DNA from degradation by nuclease. Compared with PEI 25 kDa, these polymers showed higher transfection efficiency, lower toxicity, and better serum tolerance. Study of this mechanism revealed that the polyplexes enter the cells mainly through caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway; this, together with their biodegradability, facilitates the internalization of polyplexes and the release of DNA. The results reveal that the amino acid-linked low molecular weight PEI polymers could serve as promising candidates for non-viral gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (X.-R.W.); (J.-H.Z.); (Y.-P.X.); (X.H.); (Y.-H.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Qi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (X.-R.W.); (J.-H.Z.); (Y.-P.X.); (X.H.); (Y.-H.L.)
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9
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Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common inherited ataxia, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the nuclear FXN gene, encoding the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. Currently, there is no approved therapy for this fatal disorder. Gene silencing in FRDA is due to hyperexpansion of the triplet repeat sequence GAA·TTC in the first intron of the FXN gene, which results in chromatin histone modifications consistent with heterochromatin formation. Frataxin is involved in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and the assembly and transfer of iron-sulfur clusters to various mitochondrial enzymes and components of the electron transport chain. Frataxin insufficiency leads to progressive spinocerebellar neurodegeneration, causing symptoms of gait and limb ataxia, slurred speech, muscle weakness, sensory loss, and cardiomyopathy in many patients, resulting in death in early adulthood. Numerous approaches are being taken to find a treatment for FRDA, including excision or correction of the repeats by genome engineering methods, gene activation with small molecules or artificial transcription factors, delivery of frataxin to affected cells by protein replacement therapy, gene therapy, or small molecules to increase frataxin protein levels, and therapies aimed at countering the cellular consequences of reduced frataxin. This review will summarize the mechanisms involved in repeat-mediated gene silencing and recent efforts aimed at development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Gottesfeld
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA.
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10
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Xu X, Wan T, Xin H, Li D, Pan H, Wu J, Ping Y. Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for therapeutic genome editing. J Gene Med 2019; 21:e3107. [PMID: 31237055 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered, regularly-interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is emerging as a promising genome-editing tool for treating diseases in a precise way, and has been applied to a wide range of research in the areas of biology, genetics, and medicine. Delivery of therapeutic genome-editing agents provides a promising platform for the treatment of genetic disorders. Although viral vectors are widely used to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 elements with high efficiency, they suffer from several drawbacks, such as mutagenesis, immunogenicity, and off-target effects. Recently, non-viral vectors have emerged as another class of delivery carriers in terms of their safety, simplicity, and flexibility. In this review, we discuss the modes of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, the barriers to the delivery process and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of genetic disorders. We also highlight several representative types of non-viral vectors, including polymers, liposomes, cell-penetrating peptides, and other synthetic vectors, for the therapeutic delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system. The applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in treating genetic disorders mediated by the non-viral vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tao Wan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huhu Xin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jun Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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11
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Campbell LA, Richie CT, Maggirwar NS, Harvey BK. Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complex Delivery: Methods and Applications for Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019; 14:565-577. [PMID: 31172397 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09856-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a revolutionary gene editing technology that combines simplicity of use and efficiency of mutagenesis. As this technology progresses toward human therapies, valid concerns including off-target mutations and immunogenicity must be addressed. One approach to address these issues is to minimize the presence of the CRISPR/Cas9 components by maintaining a tighter temporal control of Cas9 endonuclease and reducing the time period of activity. This has been achieved to some degree by delivering the CRISPR/Cas9 system via pre-formed Cas9 + gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. In this review, we first discuss the molecular modifications that can be made using CRISPR/Cas9 and provide an overview of current methods for delivering Cas9 RNP complexes both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude with examples of how Cas9 RNP delivery may be used to target neuroinflammatory processes, namely in regard to viral infections of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that Cas9 RNP delivery is a viable approach when considering the CRISPR/Cas9 system for both experimentation and the treatment of disease. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A Campbell
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Christopher T Richie
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Nishad S Maggirwar
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Intramural Research Program, Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suite 200, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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12
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Sun W, Shi Q, Zhang H, Yang K, Ke Y, Wang Y, Qiao L. Advances in the techniques and methodologies of cancer gene therapy. Discov Med 2019; 27:45-55. [PMID: 30721651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide after cardiovascular diseases, predominantly due to the lack of early symptoms and early diagnosis, and high relapse rate after radical surgery and conventional therapies. Therefore, novel approaches such as gene therapy have raised hope to significantly improve the survival rate of patients with cancers. This review aims to provide up-to-date information concerning gene therapy including improved vectors, suicide genes, cancer suppressor genes, anti-tumor angiogenesis, gene silencing, oncolytic virotherapy, and gene-editing technology. Although specific issues still exist before gene therapy can completely cure cancers, here we highlight the potential of gene therapy in cancer treatment and expect to see continuous breakthroughs in techniques and methodologies of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Qianling Shi
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Huiyun Zhang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Kexin Yang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Yuxia Ke
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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van Haasteren J, Hyde SC, Gill DR. Lessons learned from lung and liver in-vivo gene therapy: implications for the future. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:959-972. [PMID: 30067117 PMCID: PMC6134476 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1506761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ex-vivo gene therapy has had significant clinical impact over the last couple of years and in-vivo gene therapy products are being approved for clinical use. Gene therapy and gene editing approaches have huge potential to treat genetic disease and chronic illness. AREAS COVERED This article provides a review of in-vivo approaches for gene therapy in the lung and liver, exploiting non-viral and viral vectors with varying serotypes and pseudotypes to target-specific cells. Antibody responses inhibiting viral vectors continue to constrain effective repeat administration. Lessons learned from ex-vivo gene therapy and genome editing are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The fields of lung and liver in-vivo gene therapy are thriving and a comparison highlights obstacles and opportunities for both. Overcoming immunological issues associated with repeated administration of viral vectors remains a key challenge. The addition of targeted small molecules in combination with viral vectors may offer one solution. A substantial bottleneck to the widespread adoption of in-vivo gene therapy is how to ensure sufficient capacity for clinical-grade vector production. In the future, the exploitation of gene editing approaches for in-vivo disease treatment may facilitate the resurgence of non-viral gene transfer approaches, which tend to be eclipsed by more efficient viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost van Haasteren
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen C. Hyde
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah R. Gill
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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14
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Abstract
Access to the CNS and delivery of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier remains a challenge for most treatments of major neurological diseases such as AD or PD. Focused ultrasound represents a potential approach for overcoming these barriers to treating AD and PD and perhaps other neurological diseases. Ultrasound (US) is best known for its imaging capabilities of organs in the periphery, but various arrangements of the transducers producing the acoustic signal allow the energy to be precisely focused (F) within the skull. Using FUS in combination with MRI and contrast agents further enhances accuracy by providing clear information on location. Varying the acoustic power allows FUS to be used in applications ranging from imaging, stimulation of brain circuits, to ablation of tissue. In several transgenic mouse models of AD, the use of FUS with microbubbles reduces plaque load and improves cognition and suggests the need to investigate this technology for plaque removal in AD. In PD, FUS is being explored as a way to non-invasively ablate the brain areas responsible for the tremor and dyskinesia associated with the disease, but has yet to be utilized for non-invasive delivery of putative therapeutics. The FUS approach also greatly increases the range of possible CNS therapeutics as it overcomes the issues of BBB penetration. In this review we discuss how the characteristics and various applications of FUS may advance the therapeutics available for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders with an emphasis on treating AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane B Miller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505.
| | - James P O'Callaghan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505.
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15
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Cucchiarini M. Human gene therapy: novel approaches to improve the current gene delivery systems. Discov Med 2016; 21:495-506. [PMID: 27448786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Even though gene therapy made its way through the clinics to treat a number of human pathologies since the early years of experimental research and despite the recent approval of the first gene-based product (Glybera) in Europe, the safe and effective use of gene transfer vectors remains a challenge in human gene therapy due to the existence of barriers in the host organism. While work is under active investigation to improve the gene transfer systems themselves, the use of controlled release approaches may offer alternative, convenient tools of vector delivery to achieve a performant gene transfer in vivo while overcoming the various physiological barriers that preclude its wide use in patients. This article provides an overview of the most significant contributions showing how the principles of controlled release strategies may be adapted for human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr, Bldg 37, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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16
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Ylä-Herttuala S. CardioPulse: Progress in gene therapy for cardiovascular disease. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:1093. [PMID: 27512736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
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17
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Bertolini LR, Meade H, Lazzarotto CR, Martins LT, Tavares KC, Bertolini M, Murray JD. The transgenic animal platform for biopharmaceutical production. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:329-43. [PMID: 26820414 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant production of therapeutic proteins for human diseases is currently the largest source of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. The market growth has been the driving force on efforts for the development of new therapeutic proteins, in which transgenesis emerges as key component. The use of the transgenic animal platform offers attractive possibilities, residing on the low production costs allied to high productivity and quality of the recombinant proteins. Although many strategies have evolved over the past decades for the generation of transgenic founders, transgenesis in livestock animals generally faces some challenges, mainly due to random transgene integration and control over transgene copy number. But new developments in gene editing with CRISPR/Cas system promises to revolutionize the field for its simplicity and high efficiency. In addition, for the final approval of any given recombinant protein for animal or human use, the production and characterization of bioreactor founders and expression patterns and functionality of the proteins are technical part of the process, which also requires regulatory and administrative decisions, with a large emphasis on biosafety. The approval of two mammary gland-derived recombinant proteins for commercial and clinical use has boosted the interest for more efficient, safer and economic ways to generate transgenic founders to meet the increasing demand for biomedical proteins worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Bertolini
- Department of Pharmacology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC/RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Lab, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - H Meade
- LFB, USA, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - C R Lazzarotto
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Lab, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - L T Martins
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Lab, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - K C Tavares
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Lab, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M Bertolini
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Lab, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnology Lab, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - J D Murray
- Transgenics Lab, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis (UC Davis), Davis, CA, USA
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18
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Gros F. [Promises and limits of genomics and its applications]. C R Biol 2015; 338:543-6. [PMID: 26238766 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This text traces the extraordinary advances made in genomics for 40 years: recombinant DNA, transgenesis or genetic sequencing. In recent years, the model "all genetics" was questioned and post-genomics emerged in the molecular landscape. The promises of medical advances are many and the ethical issues that accompany them are challenges. Advances in synthetic biology are a relevant illustration of these promises and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Gros
- Académie des sciences, 23, quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France.
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19
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Szebik I. [Ethics of organ and tissue transplantation. Part 2. Crossing the interspecies boundary. Transgenesis and its significance]. Lege Artis Med 2015; 25:307-311. [PMID: 26697707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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20
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Berkout B, Ertl HCJ, Weinberg MS. Gene therapy and gene transfer approaches to prevent or treat chronic virus infections. Adv Exp Med Biol 2015; 848:v-vii. [PMID: 26034787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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21
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Kesharwani P, Iyer AK. Recent advances in dendrimer-based nanovectors for tumor-targeted drug and gene delivery. Drug Discov Today 2014; 20:536-47. [PMID: 25555748 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the application of nanotechnology in medicine have given rise to multifunctional smart nanocarriers that can be engineered with tunable physicochemical characteristics to deliver one or more therapeutic agent(s) safely and selectively to cancer cells, including intracellular organelle-specific targeting. Dendrimers having properties resembling biomolecules, with well-defined 3D nanopolymeric architectures, are emerging as a highly attractive class of drug and gene delivery vector. The presence of numerous peripheral functional groups on hyperbranched dendrimers affords efficient conjugation of targeting ligands and biomarkers that can recognize and bind to receptors overexpressed on cancer cells for tumor-cell-specific delivery. The present review compiles the recent advances in dendrimer-mediated drug and gene delivery to tumors by passive and active targeting principles with illustrative examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kesharwani
- Use-inspired Biomaterials and Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Arun K Iyer
- Use-inspired Biomaterials and Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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22
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Feng G, Liu L, Gong Q, Li T, Liu H, Song Y. [Research progress of in vivo nucleic acid delivery with poly (ethylenimine)]. Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi 2014; 28:1544-1550. [PMID: 25826904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the current status and advances of in vivo nucleic acid delivery mediated by poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). METHODS The related home and abroad literature about nucleic acid delivery with applications in cancer treatments and tissue engineering was extensively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS A variety of in vivo study on the potential of PEI-mediated nucleic acid delivery has been carried out and made certain effects in the animal model, ranging from cancer treatments to rectification of physiological defects (eg. cranial defect and corneal epithelium defect). Tail vein injection is the most commonly adopted route of administration in vivo, followed by pulmonary administration and intralesional injection. However, transfection and expression in vivo have some shortcomings, such as low transfection efficiency and short expression time, so there are some limitation in the clinical application. CONCLUSION PEI mediated nucleic acid delivery provides a good method for cancer treatments and rectification of physiological defects. For future research, not only should more in vivo animal testing be done, but the procedures of experimentation also need to be standardized.
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Jones CH, Ravikrishnan A, Chen M, Reddinger R, Kamal Ahmadi M, Rane S, Hakansson AP, Pfeifer BA. Hybrid biosynthetic gene therapy vector development and dual engineering capacity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:12360-5. [PMID: 25114239 PMCID: PMC4151754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1411355111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic vaccines offer a treatment opportunity based upon successful gene delivery to specific immune cell modulators. Driving the process is the vector chosen for gene cargo packaging and subsequent delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) capable of triggering an immune cascade. As such, the delivery process must successfully navigate a series of requirements and obstacles associated with the chosen vector and target cell. In this work, we present the development and assessment of a hybrid gene delivery vector containing biological and biomaterial components. Each component was chosen to design and engineer gene delivery separately in a complimentary and fundamentally distinct fashion. A bacterial (Escherichia coli) inner core and a biomaterial [poly(beta-amino ester)]-coated outer surface allowed the simultaneous application of molecular biology and polymer chemistry to address barriers associated with APC gene delivery, which include cellular uptake and internalization, phagosomal escape, and intracellular cargo concentration. The approach combined and synergized normally disparate vector properties and tools, resulting in increased in vitro gene delivery beyond individual vector components or commercially available transfection agents. Furthermore, the hybrid device demonstrated a strong, efficient, and safe in vivo humoral immune response compared with traditional forms of antigen delivery. In summary, the flexibility, diversity, and potential of the hybrid design were developed and featured in this work as a platform for multivariate engineering at the vector and cellular scales for new applications in gene delivery immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mingfu Chen
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering and
| | | | | | - Snehal Rane
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering and
| | - Anders P Hakansson
- Microbiology and Immunology, and The Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4200
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Abstract
Polycations that are degradable by reduction of disulfide bonds are developed for applications in delivery of nucleic acids. This Feature Article surveys methods of synthesis of bioreducible polycations and discusses current understanding of the mechanism of action of bioreducible polyplexes. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the biological redox environment and toxicity, trafficking, transfection activity, and in vivo behavior of bioreducible polycations and polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oupický
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Durham Research Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5830, USA.
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25
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Abstract
Live, attenuated bacterial vaccines (LBV) are promising candidates for the induction of a broad-based immune response directed at recombinant heterologous antigens and the corresponding pathogen. LBVs allow vaccination through the mucosal surfaces and specific targeting of professional antigen-presenting cells located at the inductive sites of the immune system. A novel approach exploits attenuated intracellular bacteria as delivery vectors for eukaryotic antigen-expression plasmids (so-called DNA vaccines). Candidate carrier bacteria include attenuated strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria have been shown to deliver DNA vaccines to human cells in vitro and have also proven their in vivo efficacy in several experimental animal models of infectious diseases and different cancers. The clinical assessment of the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of these candidate strains will be the next challenging step towards live bacterial DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damini Daudel
- Berna Biotech AG, Rehhagstrasse 79, CH-3018 Berne, Switzerland.
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26
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Abstract
The first gene therapy clinical trials were initiated more than two decades ago. In the early days, gene therapy shared the fate of many experimental medicine approaches and was impeded by the occurrence of severe side effects in a few treated patients. The understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to treatment- and/or vector-associated setbacks has resulted in the development of highly sophisticated gene transfer tools with improved safety and therapeutic efficacy. Employing these advanced tools, a series of Phase I/II trials were started in the past few years with excellent clinical results and no side effects reported so far. Moreover, highly efficient gene targeting strategies and site-directed gene editing technologies have been developed and applied clinically. With more than 1900 clinical trials to date, gene therapy has moved from a vision to clinical reality. This review focuses on the application of gene therapy for the correction of inherited diseases, the limitations and drawbacks encountered in some of the early clinical trials and the revival of gene therapy as a powerful treatment option for the correction of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | | | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical SchoolHannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Biomedical ResearchGeorg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
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27
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Yu N, Christiaens O, Liu J, Niu J, Cappelle K, Caccia S, Huvenne H, Smagghe G. Delivery of dsRNA for RNAi in insects: an overview and future directions. Insect Sci 2013; 20:4-14. [PMID: 23955821 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2012.01534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) silencing the complementary endogenous messenger RNA. RNAi has been widely used in entomological research for functional genomics in a variety of insects and its potential for RNAi-based pest control has been increasingly emphasized mainly because of its high specificity. This review focuses on the approaches of introducing dsRNA into insect cells or insect bodies to induce effective RNAi. The three most common delivery methods, namely, microinjection, ingestion, and soaking, are illustrated in details and their advantages and limitations are summarized for purpose of feasible RNAi research. In this review, we also briefly introduce the two possible dsRNA uptake machineries, other dsRNA delivery methods and the history of RNAi in entomology. Factors that influence the specificity and efficiency of RNAi such as transfection reagents, selection of dsRNA region, length, and stability of dsRNA in RNAi research are discussed for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yu
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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28
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Parks L. 500-fold efficacy increase in siRNA delivery. Future Med Chem 2013; 5:122. [PMID: 23476967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
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29
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Pereira TC, Lopes-Cendes I. Emerging RNA-based drugs: siRNAs, microRNAs and derivates. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2012; 12:217-232. [PMID: 22697266 DOI: 10.2174/187152412802430138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An emerging new category of therapeutic agents based on ribonucleic acid has emerged and shown very promising in vitro, animal and pre-clinical results, known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs mimics (miRNA mimics) and their derivates. siRNAs are small RNA molecules that promote potent and specific silencing of mutant, exogenous or aberrant genes through a mechanism known as RNA interference. These agents have called special attention to medicine since they have been used to experimentally treat a series of neurological conditions with distinct etiologies such as prion, viral, bacterial, fungal, genetic disorders and others. siRNAs have also been tested in other scenarios such as: control of anxiety, alcohol consumption, drug-receptor blockage and inhibition of pain signaling. Although in a much earlier stage, miRNAs mimics, anti-miRs and small activating RNAs (saRNAs) also promise novel therapeutic approaches to control gene expression. In this review we intend to introduce clinicians and medical researchers to the most recent advances in the world of siRNA- and miRNA-mediated gene control, its history, applications in cells, animals and humans, delivery methods (an yet unsolved hurdle), current status and possible applications in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Campos Pereira
- Department of Biology, Sciences and Languages of Ribeirao Preto - FFCLRP, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
Transgenesis is an essential tool for assessing gene function in any organism, and it is especially crucial for parasitic nematodes given the dwindling armamentarium of effective anthelmintics and the consequent need to validate essential molecular targets for new drugs and vaccines. Two of the major routes of gene delivery evaluated to date in parasitic nematodes, bombardment with DNA-coated microparticles and intragonadal microinjection of DNA constructs, draw upon experience with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Bombardment has been used to transiently transfect Ascaris suum, Brugia malayi and Litomosoides sigmodontis with both RNA and DNA. Microinjection has been used to achieve heritable transgenesis in Strongyloides stercoralis, S. ratti and Parastrongyloides trichosuri and for additional transient expression studies in B. malayi. A third route of gene delivery revisits a classic method involving DNA transfer facilitated by calcium-mediated permeabilization of recipient cells in developing B. malayi larvae and results in transgene inheritance through host and vector passage. Assembly of microinjected transgenes into multi-copy episomal arrays likely results in their transcriptional silencing in some parasitic nematodes. Methods such as transposon-mediated transgenesis that favour low-copy number chromosomal integration may remedy this impediment to establishing stable transgenic lines. In the future, stable transgenesis in parasitic nematodes could enable loss-of-function approaches by insertional mutagenesis, in situ expression of inhibitory double-stranded RNA or boosting RNAi susceptibility through heterologous expression of dsRNA processing and transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Tuteja N, Verma S, Sahoo RK, Raveendar S, Reddy INBL. Recent advances in development of marker-free transgenic plants: Regulation and biosafety concern. J Biosci 2012; 37:167-97. [PMID: 22357214 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-012-9187-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Tuteja
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India.
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Abstract
The ability to manipulate the genomes of many insects has become a practical reality over the past 15 years. This has been led by the identification of several useful transposon vector systems that have allowed the identification and development of generalized, species-specific, and tissue-specific promoter systems for controlled expression of gene products upon introduction into insect genomes. Armed with these capabilities, researchers have made significant strides in both fundamental and applied transgenics in key model systems such as Bombyx mori, Tribolium casteneum, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles stephensi. Limitations of transposon systems were identified, and alternative tools were developed, thus significantly increasing the potential for applied transgenics for control of both agricultural and medical insect pests. The next 10 years promise to be an exciting time of transitioning from the laboratory to the field, from basic research to applied control, during which the full potential of gene manipulation in insect systems will ultimately be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J Fraser
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-0369, USA.
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33
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Ye Z, Mahato RI. Combining stem cells and genes for effective therapeutics. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:1443-5. [PMID: 21962294 PMCID: PMC3207237 DOI: 10.1021/mp200437m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Bioengineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ram I. Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
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Alrashdan MS, Sung MA, Kwon YK, Chung HJ, Kim SJ, Lee JH. Effects of combining electrical stimulation with BDNF gene transfer on the regeneration of crushed rat sciatic nerve. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2011; 153:2021-9. [PMID: 21656118 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-011-1054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Various techniques have been investigated to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration including the application of low-intensity electrical stimulation (ES) and the administration of growth factors, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combining short-term (ES) and recombinant adenoviral vector-mediated BDNF (BDNF-Ad) transfer, in comparison to each sole modality, on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat model with crush-injured sciatic nerve. METHODS Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were equally distributed into four groups; the control group, the ES group, the BDNF-Ad group, and the combination group (n = 15 each). A standard crush injury was introduced to the sciatic nerve. The control group received no treatment after injury, the ES group received 30 minutes of low-intensity ES, the BDNF-Ad group received an injection of recombinant BDNF-Ad (concentration = 10(11) pfu/μl, 3 μl/rat) after injury, and the combination group received both ES and BDNF-Ad. The rats were followed-up for 3 weeks. RESULTS At the end of the follow-up period, the sciatic function index (ES =-39, BDNF-Ad =-38) and number of the retrogradely labeled sensory neurons were significantly increased in the ES group and the BDNF-Ad group (ES = 326, BDNF-Ad = 264), but not in the combined treatment group, compared to the control group (SFI = -53, retrogradely labeled neurons = 229). Axonal counts were highest in the ES group (7,208 axons), axonal densities in the BDNF group (10,598 axons/mm(2)), and the myelin thickness was greater in both groups as compared to the control group. The combined treatment group showed no signs of superior recovery compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS Both the ES and the BDNF-Ad treatments were effective techniques enhancing the sciatic nerve regeneration following a crush injury in rats. Nevertheless, the combined treatment with ES and BDNF-Ad produces neither a synergistic effect nor an improvement in this injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Alrashdan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been implicated as potentially efficacious therapies. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Proof-of-concept for vector-based gene therapies has also been established in several experimental models of human ocular diseases. After nearly two decades of ocular gene therapy research, preliminary successes are now being reported in phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. This review describes current developments and future prospects for ocular gene therapy. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the performance and regulation of recombinant adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated ocular gene transfer. Gene therapy prospects have advanced for a variety of retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. Advances have also been made using experimental models for non-retinal diseases, such as uveitis and glaucoma. These methodological advancements are critical for the implementation of additional gene-based therapies for human ocular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Liu
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, NIH/NEI, Bethesda, MD 20895-1857, USA
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37
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Pleger N, Vitzthum K, Schöffel N, Quarcoo D, Uibel S, Groneberg DA. [Gene doping--current possibilities, risks and means of prevention]. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2011; 25:23-29. [PMID: 21400389 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1245902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
With the advances in gene therapy fears of an abuse in sports arise. The WADA's definition of the term strictly differentiates between gene doping and gene therapy. There are in vivo and ex vivo practices to manipulate the different phases of gene expression in the organism, with viral vectors being looked upon as the most efficient ones. IGF-1, PPARδ, MSTN and EPO play the most important roles in today's scientific research. Their potential was proven in various animal studies, showing a significant improvement of performances. Potential risks for human users include severe immune reactions, mutagenesis, and raised risk for cancer. Big efforts are being put into the development of ways of detection, however until now there are neither practicable methods of control nor any reported cases of manipulated humans. Still, a usage of gene doping that has already taken place cannot be ruled out and is highly likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pleger
- Institut für Arbeitsmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Zentrum für Human- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Freie Universität & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Deev RV, Grigorian AS, Potapov IV, Kiselev SL, Isaev AA. [Worldwide experience and recent trends in gene therapy of ischaemic diseases]. Angiol Sosud Khir 2011; 17:145-54. [PMID: 21998874 DOI: pmid/21998874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fifteen odd years have passed since the first application of a gene-therapeutic modality in clinical practice for treatment of lower-limb chronic ischaemia. Over this time, vast experience has been gained worldwide, with not less than one thousand patients treated by gene-based therapies, thus making it possible to generalise the published findings of these clinical trials. Resulting from such an analysis, it should be recognized that the least dangerous gene therapeutic modalities available so far are plasmid ones, with the most efficient being those containing the gene of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF(165). The most convincing results were obtained while treating chronic ischemia of the lower extremities, whereas gene-based therapy used for treatment of coronary artery disease failed to have yielded, as of yet, clear cut positive results.
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Hefferon KL. Innovations in siRNA research: a technology comes of age. Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov 2010; 5:226-239. [PMID: 20812899 DOI: 10.2174/157489110793348794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Short interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, belong to a class of RNA species which play a role in both cellular defence and gene regulation. siRNAs comprise a larger portion of the RNA interference pathway that includes the degradation of RNAs which possess complementarily to specific target sequences. This property has given siRNA technology the potential to become a powerful new tool for a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from the design of novel anti-cancer agents to applications in agriculture. The following review outlines patents that have been issued over the past 6 months concerning siRNA technology. Patents are discussed which encompass improved delivery systems for cellular uptake of siRNAs, new therapeutics to combat human diseases, and unique uses of siRNAs to advance plant science. The review also provides detailed lists of the most recent patents that have been issued which cover these areas of siRNA technology, and paves the way for future innovations based on RNA interference in the life sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L Hefferon
- Cornell Research Foundation 395 Pine Tree Rd, Suite 310, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
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40
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Manjunath N, Dykxhoorn DM. Advances in synthetic siRNA delivery. Discov Med 2010; 9:418-430. [PMID: 20515610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The application of RNA interference-based gene silencing technologies has the potential to treat a variety of illness. Preclinical studies and some early clinical trials have already demonstrated the utility of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a potential novel therapy for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, as well as a wide range of additional diseases. To be effective, an siRNA must be taken up by specific cells, enter the cytoplasm, and be loaded onto the Argonaute protein, the catalytic core of the RNA induced silencing complex (RISC) to direct the cleavage of the homologous transcripts. To meet this need, a variety of novel siRNA delivery strategies have been developed. As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the RNAi pathway has increased so has the ability to rationally design effective silencing and delivery strategies. This review will examine the latest advances in non-viral delivery of siRNA, with special reference to targeted siRNA delivery to specific target tissues and cell types in vivo in preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Manjunath
- Center of Excellence in Infectious Diseases, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA.
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41
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Update on humanized mouse models and their use in biomedical research. RECENT FINDINGS The recent description of immunodeficient mice bearing a mutated IL-2 receptor gamma chain (IL2rgamma) facilitated greatly the engraftment and function of human hematolymphoid cells and other cells and tissues. These mice permit the development of human immune systems, including functional T and B cells, following engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The engrafted functional human immune systems are capable of T and B cell-dependent immune responses, antibody production, antiviral responses, and allograft rejection. Immunodeficient IL2rgamma(null) mice also support heightened engraftment of primary human cancers and malignant progenitor cells, permitting in-vivo investigation of pathogenesis and function. In addition, human-specific infectious agents for which animal models were previously unavailable can now be studied in vivo using these new-generation humanized mice. SUMMARY Immunodeficient mice bearing an IL2rgamma(null) mutated gene can be engrafted with functional human cells and tissues, including human immune systems, following engraftment with human hematolymphoid cells. These mice are now used as in-vivo models to study human hematopoiesis, immunity, regeneration, stem cell function, cancer, and human-specific infectious agents without putting patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Brehm
- Diabetes Division, 373 Plantation Street, Biotech 2, Suite 218, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | | | - Dale L. Greiner
- Diabetes Division, 373 Plantation Street, Biotech 2, Suite 218, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
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42
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Abstract
Nanoparticles made from synthetic polymers have been developed to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA). For successful siRNA delivery, these nanoparticles need to efficiently encapsulate siRNA, actively target sites of interest, and release siRNA intracellularly. This chapter reviews recent progress using a multifunctional approach to design and engineer polymeric nanoparticles for siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Gao
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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43
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Qi X, Xu H. [Current progress in researches on the gene delivery systems based on nanoparticles technology]. Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 2009; 26:1376-1379. [PMID: 20095507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy, as a therapeutic treatment for genetic or acquired diseases, is attracting much interest in the research community, leading to noteworthy developments over the past two decades. Although this field is still dominated by viral vectors, novel nonviral gene delivery systems based on nanoparticle technology have recently received an ever increasing attention in order to overcome the safety problems of viral vectors as well as the cytotoxicity of conventional nonviral vectors. This review presented the aspects of bionanotechnology involved in the gene delivery process and explored the recent developments and achievements of inorganic nanodelivery systems for gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojin Qi
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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44
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Ritter T, Nosov M, Griffin MD. Gene therapy in transplantation: Toward clinical trials. Curr Opin Mol Ther 2009; 11:504-512. [PMID: 19806498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The genetic modification of organs or cells is an attractive approach to protect allogeneic transplants from acute rejection and other complications. The transplant setting offers a unique opportunity to utilize ex vivo gene therapy for the modification of allogeneic organs and tissues prior to implantation. However, significant challenges exist in the application of this concept to human organ transplantation, including the large number of potential molecular targets, the diversity and safety profile of available vector delivery systems and the merging of gene-based therapies with existing immunosuppressive regimens. Accordingly, many different therapeutic concepts and vector systems have been investigated in preclinical studies with the aim of prolonging allograft survival. However, the translation of promising gene therapy strategies to transplant clinical trials has lagged behind the progress made in other medical fields. This review describes the recent preclinical applications of gene transfer to transplantation, and critically evaluates the degree to which gene therapy has been tested clinically in organ transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ritter
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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45
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Ponnappa BC. siRNA for inflammatory diseases. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2009; 10:418-424. [PMID: 19431074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Infection is generally followed by inflammation; uncontrolled inflammation often precedes multiple organ failure and cancer. In this review, recent developments on the potential use of siRNAs in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the liver, lung, joints and colon are summarized. Although target identification and a high degree of efficacy of siRNA have been achieved in cell culture studies in vitro, the major challenge has been the identification of acceptable delivery systems for in vivo application. In addition to delivery challenges, off-target effects and interferon response are major hurdles to overcome before a suitable siRNA formulation can be developed as a therapeutic. Nevertheless, recent preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promise in the treatment of diseases related to inflammation of the joints, lungs and colon, where delivery of siRNAs can be achieved without systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biddanda C Ponnappa
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, 264 Jefferson Alumni Hall, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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46
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Tang GP, Lu X. [Progress in research on non-viral gene delivery vectors]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2009; 38:1-6. [PMID: 19253422 DOI: 10.3785/j.issn.1008-9292.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ping Tang
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
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47
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New paradigm for cell-specific gene delivery. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008; 233:vi. [PMID: 18573940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
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Wang X, Jia S. [Comparison of commercialization of transgenic crops in China and world-wide]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2008; 24:541-546. [PMID: 18616159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, transgenic crops create huge economic, social and ecological benefits with the development of its commercial production. For China, the speed of development and commercialization of transgenic crops is a strategic issue for the sustainable agriculture development and the international competitiveness of our agricultural products. In this paper, we compared and analyzed the status of commercialization of transgenic crops in China and world-wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujing Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Cemazar M, Sersa G. Electrotransfer of therapeutic molecules into tissues. Curr Opin Mol Ther 2007; 9:554-562. [PMID: 18041666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is a physical method for the delivery of various molecules into cells by application of controlled external electrical fields that transiently increase permeability of the cell membrane. This technique is now widely used as an alternative to viral gene delivery for transfection of therapeutic genes into different tissues. Gene electrotransfer holds great potential for clinical application due to the ease of preparation of large quantities of endotoxin-free plasmid DNA, the control and reproducibility of this method, and the development of electric pulse generators approved for clinical use. Electroporation has been utilized mainly for DNA vaccination against infectious diseases and cancer. It has also been used for the delivery of other therapeutic genes, mainly cytokines, used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammation, following organ transplantation. Electroporation as a delivery system for chemotherapeutic drugs, termed antitumor electrochemotherapy, is already at the clinical stage and is being used routinely in several oncology centers in Europe. In addition, the first clinical trials for electrogene therapy of cancer are ongoing. Therefore, it can be presumed that electrotransfer of therapeutic genes into tissues will soon form a validated alternative to viral delivery systems in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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50
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Abstract
It is three decades since the first transgenic pulse crop has been developed. Todate, genetic transformation has been reported in all the major pulse crops like Vigna species, Cicer arietinum, Cajanus cajan, Phaseolus spp, Lupinus spp, Vicia spp and Pisum sativum, but transgenic pulse crops have not yet been commercially released. Despite the crucial role played by pulse crops in tropical agriculture, transgenic pulse crops have not moved out from laboratories to large farm lands compared to their counterparts - 'cereals' and the closely related leguminous oil crop - 'soybean'. The reason for lack of commercialization of transgenic pulse crops can be attributed to the difficulty in developing transgenics with reproducibility, which in turn is due to lack of competent totipotent cells for transformation, long periods required for developing transgenics and lack of coordinated research efforts by the scientific community and long term funding. With optimization of various factors which influence genetic transformation of pulse crops, it will be possible to develop transgenic plants in this important group of crop species with more precision and reproducibility. A translation of knowledge from information available in genomics and functional genomics in model legumes like Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus relating to factors which contribute to enhancing crop yield and ameliorate the negative consequences of biotic and abiotic stress factors may provide novel insights for genetic manipulation to improve the productivity of pulse crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Eapen
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, India.
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