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Haldrup J, Andersen S, Labial AR, Wolff JH, Frandsen F, Skov T, Rovsing A, Nielsen I, Jakobsen TS, Askou A, Thomsen M, Corydon T, Thomsen E, Mikkelsen J. Engineered lentivirus-derived nanoparticles (LVNPs) for delivery of CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complexes supporting base editing, prime editing and in vivo gene modification. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10059-10074. [PMID: 37678882 PMCID: PMC10570023 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementation of therapeutic in vivo gene editing using CRISPR/Cas relies on potent delivery of gene editing tools. Administration of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes consisting of Cas protein and single guide RNA (sgRNA) offers short-lived editing activity and safety advantages over conventional viral and non-viral gene and RNA delivery approaches. By engineering lentivirus-derived nanoparticles (LVNPs) to facilitate RNP delivery, we demonstrate effective administration of SpCas9 as well as SpCas9-derived base and prime editors (BE/PE) leading to gene editing in recipient cells. Unique Gag/GagPol protein fusion strategies facilitate RNP packaging in LVNPs, and refinement of LVNP stoichiometry supports optimized LVNP yield and incorporation of therapeutic payload. We demonstrate near instantaneous target DNA cleavage and complete RNP turnover within 4 days. As a result, LVNPs provide high on-target DNA cleavage and lower levels of off-target cleavage activity compared to standard RNP nucleofection in cultured cells. LVNPs accommodate BE/sgRNA and PE/epegRNA RNPs leading to base editing with reduced bystander editing and prime editing without detectable indel formation. Notably, in the mouse eye, we provide the first proof-of-concept for LVNP-directed in vivo gene disruption. Our findings establish LVNPs as promising vehicles for delivery of RNPs facilitating donor-free base and prime editing without formation of double-stranded DNA breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Haldrup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sofie Andersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas Stax Jakobsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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2
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Mirtron-mediated RNA knockdown/replacement therapy for the treatment of dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4934. [PMID: 34400638 PMCID: PMC8368061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin (RHO) gene mutations are a common cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). The need to suppress toxic protein expression together with mutational heterogeneity pose challenges for treatment development. Mirtrons are atypical RNA interference effectors that are spliced from transcripts as short introns. Here, we develop a novel mirtron-based knockdown/replacement gene therapy for the mutation-independent treatment of RHO-related ADRP, and demonstrate efficacy in a relevant mammalian model. Splicing and potency of rhodopsin-targeting candidate mirtrons are initially determined, and a mirtron-resistant codon-modified version of the rhodopsin coding sequence is validated in vitro. These elements are then combined within a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) and delivered subretinally in a RhoP23H knock-in mouse model of ADRP. This results in significant mouse-to-human rhodopsin RNA replacement and is associated with a slowing of retinal degeneration. This provides proof of principle that synthetic mirtrons delivered by AAV are capable of reducing disease severity in vivo.
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3
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Sahana J, Corydon TJ, Wehland M, Krüger M, Kopp S, Melnik D, Kahlert S, Relja B, Infanger M, Grimm D. Alterations of Growth and Focal Adhesion Molecules in Human Breast Cancer Cells Exposed to the Random Positioning Machine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:672098. [PMID: 34277614 PMCID: PMC8278480 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.672098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated changes in focal adhesions (FAs) in two types of breast cancer cell (BCC) lines (differentiated MCF-7 and the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cell line) exposed to simulated microgravity (s-μg) created by a random positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h. After exposure, the BCC changed their growth behavior and exhibited two phenotypes in RPM samples: one portion of the cells grew as a normal two-dimensional monolayer [adherent (AD) BCC], while the other portion formed three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids (MCS). After 1 h and 30 min (MDA-MB-231) and 1 h 40 min (MCF-7), the MCS adhered completely to the slide flask bottom. After 2 h, MDA-MB-231 MCS cells started to migrate, and after 6 h, a large number of the cells had left the MCS and continued to grow in a scattered pattern, whereas MCF-7 cells were growing as a confluent monolayer after 6 h and 24 h. We investigated the genes associated with the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and FAs. ACTB, TUBB, FN1, FAK1, and PXN gene expression patterns were not significantly changed in MDA-MB-231 cells, but we observed a down-regulation of LAMA3, ITGB1 mRNAs in AD cells and of ITGB1, TLN1 and VCL mRNAs in MDA-MB-231 MCS. RPM-exposed MCF-7 cells revealed a down-regulation in the gene expression of FAK1, PXN, TLN1, VCL and CDH1 in AD cells and PXN, TLN and CDH1 in MCS. An interaction analysis of the examined genes involved in 3D growth and adhesion indicated a central role of fibronectin, vinculin, and E-cadherin. Live cell imaging of eGFP-vinculin in MCF-7 cells confirmed these findings. β-catenin-transfected MCF-7 cells revealed a nuclear expression in 1g and RPM-AD cells. The target genes BCL9, MYC and JUN of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were differentially expressed in RPM-exposed MCF-7 cells. These findings suggest that vinculin and β-catenin are key mediators of BCC to form MCS during 24 h of RPM-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Melnik
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kahlert
- Institute of Anatomy, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Borna Relja
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Experimental Radiology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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4
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Grixti JM, Ayers D, Day PJR. An Analysis of Mechanisms for Cellular Uptake of miRNAs to Enhance Drug Delivery and Efficacy in Cancer Chemoresistance. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:27. [PMID: 33923485 PMCID: PMC8167612 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Up until recently, it was believed that pharmaceutical drugs and their metabolites enter into the cell to gain access to their targets via simple diffusion across the hydrophobic lipid cellular membrane, at a rate which is based on their lipophilicity. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that the phospholipid bilayer-mediated drug diffusion is in fact negligible, and that drugs pass through cell membranes via proteinaceous membrane transporters or carriers which are normally used for the transportation of nutrients and intermediate metabolites. Drugs can be targeted to specific cells and tissues which express the relevant transporters, leading to the design of safe and efficacious treatments. Furthermore, transporter expression levels can be manipulated, systematically and in a high-throughput manner, allowing for considerable progress in determining which transporters are used by specific drugs. The ever-expanding field of miRNA therapeutics is not without its challenges, with the most notable one being the safe and effective delivery of the miRNA mimic/antagonist safely to the target cell cytoplasm for attaining the desired clinical outcome, particularly in miRNA-based cancer therapeutics, due to the poor efficiency of neo-vascular systems revolting around the tumour site, brought about by tumour-induced angiogenesis. This acquisition of resistance to several types of anticancer drugs can be as a result of an upregulation of efflux transporters expression, which eject drugs from cells, hence lowering drug efficacy, resulting in multidrug resistance. In this article, the latest available data on human microRNAs has been reviewed, together with the most recently described mechanisms for miRNA uptake in cells, for future therapeutic enhancements against cancer chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M. Grixti
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK;
| | - Duncan Ayers
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK;
| | - Philip J. R. Day
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK;
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5
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNAs in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice and rats: their expression and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:621-627. [PMID: 33063711 PMCID: PMC8067925 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization characterizes wet age-related macular degeneration. Choroidal neovascularization formation involves a primarily angiogenic process that is combined with both inflammation and proteolysis. A primary cause of choroidal neovascularization pathogenesis is alterations in pro- and anti-angiogenic factors derived from the retinal pigment epithelium, with vascular endothelium growth factor being mainly responsible for both clinical and experimental choroidal neovascularization. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) which are short, non-coding, endogenous RNA molecules have a major role in regulating various pathological processes, including inflammation and angiogenesis. A review of recent studies with the mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model has shown alterations in miRNA expression in choroidal neovascularization tissues and could be potential therapeutic targets for wet age-related macular degeneration. Upregulation of miR-505 (days 1 and 3 post-laser), miR-155 (day 14) occurred in retina; miR-342-5p (days 3 and 7), miR-126-3p (day 14) in choroid; miR-23a, miR-24, miR-27a (day 7) in retina/choroid; miR-505 (days 1 and 3) in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid; downregulation of miR-155 (days 1 and 3), miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-29c (day 5), miR-93 (day 14), miR-126 (day 14) occurred in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid. Therapies using miRNA mimics or inhibitors were found to decrease choroidal neovascularization lesions. Choroidal neovascularization development was reduced by overexpression of miR-155, miR-188-5p, miR-(5,B,7), miR-126-3p, miR-342-5p, miR-93, miR-126, miR-195a-3p, miR-24, miR-21, miR-31, miR-150, and miR-184, or suppression of miR-505, miR-126-3p, miR-155, and miR-23/27. Further studies are warranted to determine miRNA expression in mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models in order to validate and extend the reported findings. Important experimental variables need to be standardized; these include the strain and age of animals, gender, number and position of laser burns to the eye, laser parameters to induce choroidal neovascularization lesions including wavelength, power, spot size, and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA; Department of Medicine, St. Georges University School of Medicine, Grenada
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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6
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Ameri H, Murat C, Arbabi A, Jiang W, Janga SR, Qin PZ, Hamm-Alvarez SF. Reduced Expression of VEGF-A in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Human Muller Cells Following CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein-Mediated Gene Disruption. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:23. [PMID: 32855870 PMCID: PMC7422915 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.8.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene editing in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and human Muller cells, which are the main VEGF-A producing cells in the eye. Methods CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein was used to target exon 1 in VEGF-A gene. Lipofectamine CRISPRMAX was used as a vehicle. In vitro gene editing efficiency was assessed on oligonucleotides and genomic DNAs. Sanger sequencing was performed to detect indels. VEGF-A messenger RNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In vitro cleavage assay on a 60-nucleotide DNA duplex showed 88% cleavage of the precursor. The cleavage efficiency was 40% in RPE cells and 32% in Muller cells. Sanger sequencing in the CRISPR-Cas9 treated RPE and Muller cells showed indels at the predicted cut site in both cells. After the VEGF-A gene disruption, VEGF-A protein levels decreased 43% in RPE cells (P < 0.0001) and 38% in Muller cells (P < 0.0001). Conclusions CRISPR-Cas9–mediated gene disruption resulted in a significant decrease in the VEGF-A gene protein expression in human RPE and Muller cells. CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein may allow simultaneous targeting of multiple VEGF-A producing cells. Translational Relevance VEGF-A gene disruption using CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein has a potential in treating retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ameri
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Murat
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amirmohsen Arbabi
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Srikanth R Janga
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Zhifeng Qin
- USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah F Hamm-Alvarez
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Guimaraes TACD, Georgiou M, Bainbridge JWB, Michaelides M. Gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: rationale, clinical trials and future directions. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:151-157. [PMID: 32269060 PMCID: PMC7848059 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the developed world. Antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy has transformed the management and outcome of neovascular AMD (nAMD), although the need for repeated intravitreal injections—even lifelong—and the related complications, high drug costs, frequent clinic visits and repeated imaging have resulted in an enormous burden both to healthcare systems and patients. The application of gene therapy approaches for sustained delivery of a range of antiangiogenic proteins has the promise of helping to address these aforementioned challenges. A number of early phase clinical trials of gene therapy in nAMD have provided encouraging results, with many more ongoing or anticipated. There remain significant areas of controversy, including regarding the optimal treatment targets, routes of administration and potential safety concerns. In this review we aim to provide an update of the current status of gene therapy for nAMD and briefly discuss future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK .,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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8
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Real Microgravity Influences the Cytoskeleton and Focal Adhesions in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133156. [PMID: 31261642 PMCID: PMC6651518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing number of spaceflights, it is crucial to understand the changes occurring in human cells exposed to real microgravity (r-µg) conditions. We tested the effect of r-µg on MCF-7 breast cancer cells with the objective to investigate cytoskeletal alterations and early changes in the gene expression of factors belonging to the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, focal adhesion, and cytokines. In the Technische Experimente unter Schwerelosigkeit (TEXUS) 54 rocket mission, we had the opportunity to conduct our experiment during 6 min of r-µg and focused on cytoskeletal alterations of MCF-7 breast cancer cells expressing the Lifeact-GFP marker protein for the visualization of F-actin as well as the mCherry-tubulin fusion protein using the Fluorescence Microscopy Analysis System (FLUMIAS) for fast live-cell imaging under r-µg. Moreover, in a second mission we investigated changes in RNA transcription and morphology in breast cancer cells exposed to parabolic flight (PF) maneuvers (31st Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) PF campaign). The MCF-7 cells showed a rearrangement of the F-actin and tubulin with holes, accumulations in the tubulin network, and the appearance of filopodia- and lamellipodia-like structures in the F-actin cytoskeleton shortly after the beginning of the r-µg period. PF maneuvers induced an early up-regulation of KRT8, RDX, TIMP1, CXCL8 mRNAs, and a down-regulation of VCL after the first parabola. E-cadherin protein was significantly reduced and is involved in cell adhesion processes, and plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. Changes in the E-cadherin protein synthesis can lead to tumor progression. Pathway analyses indicate that VCL protein has an activating effect on CDH1. In conclusion, live-cell imaging visualized similar changes as those occurring in thyroid cancer cells in r-µg. This result indicates the presence of a common mechanism of gravity perception and sensation.
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9
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Holmgaard A, Alsing S, Askou AL, Corydon TJ. CRISPR Gene Therapy of the Eye: Targeted Knockout of Vegfa in Mouse Retina by Lentiviral Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1961:307-328. [PMID: 30912054 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9170-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing and knockout by virus-based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 may provide a new option to cure inherited and acquired ocular diseases. Here we describe development and application of lentivirus-based delivery vectors enabling knockout of the Vegfa gene. We show that Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9 and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) delivered by such vectors selectively can ablate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) gene in mouse retina following a single administration. These findings may contribute to the development of a new therapeutic path in the treatment of ocular diseases including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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10
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Kaadt E, Alsing S, Cecchi CR, Damgaard CK, Corydon TJ, Aagaard L. Efficient Knockdown and Lack of Passenger Strand Activity by Dicer-Independent shRNAs Expressed from Pol II-Driven MicroRNA Scaffolds. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:318-328. [PMID: 30654192 PMCID: PMC6348697 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) may result in unwanted activity from the co-processed passenger strand. Recent studies have shown that shortening the stem of conventional shRNAs abolishes passenger strand release. These Dicer-independent shRNAs, expressed from RNA polymerase III (Pol III) promoters, rely on Ago2 processing in resemblance to miR-451. Using strand-specific reporters, we tested two designs, and our results support the loss of passenger strand activity. We demonstrate that artificial primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts, expressed from Pol II promoters, can potently silence a gene of choice. Among six different scaffolds tested, miR-324 and miR-451 were readily re-targeted to direct efficient knockdown from either a CMV or a U1 snRNA promoter. Importantly, the miR-shRNAs have no passenger strand activity and remain active in Dicer-knockout cells. Our vectors are straightforward to design, as we replace the pre-miR-324 or -451 sequences with a Dicer-independent shRNA mimicking miR-451 with unpaired A-C nucleotides at the base. The use of Pol II promoters allows for controlled expression, while the inclusion of pri-miRNA sequences likely requires Drosha processing and, as such, mimics microRNA biogenesis. Since this improved and tunable system bypasses the requirement for Dicer activity and abolishes passenger strand activity completely, it will likely prove favorable in both research and therapeutic applications in terms of versatility and enhanced safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Kaadt
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Claudia R Cecchi
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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11
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Kabekkodu SP, Shukla V, Varghese VK, D' Souza J, Chakrabarty S, Satyamoorthy K. Clustered miRNAs and their role in biological functions and diseases. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1955-1986. [PMID: 29797774 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small non-coding RNAs known to regulate expression of protein-coding genes. A large proportion of miRNAs are highly conserved, localized as clusters in the genome, transcribed together from physically adjacent miRNAs and show similar expression profiles. Since a single miRNA can target multiple genes and miRNA clusters contain multiple miRNAs, it is important to understand their regulation, effects and various biological functions. Like protein-coding genes, miRNA clusters are also regulated by genetic and epigenetic events. These clusters can potentially regulate every aspect of cellular function including growth, proliferation, differentiation, development, metabolism, infection, immunity, cell death, organellar biogenesis, messenger signalling, DNA repair and self-renewal, among others. Dysregulation of miRNA clusters leading to altered biological functions is key to the pathogenesis of many diseases including carcinogenesis. Here, we review recent advances in miRNA cluster research and discuss their regulation and biological functions in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama P Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Vaibhav Shukla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Vinay K Varghese
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Jeevitha D' Souza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
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12
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Askou AL, Alsing S, Holmgaard A, Bek T, Corydon TJ. Dissecting microRNA dysregulation in age-related macular degeneration: new targets for eye gene therapy. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:9-23. [PMID: 28271607 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in humans. Overexpression or depletion of individual miRNAs is associated with human disease. Current knowledge suggests that the retina is influenced by miRNAs and that dysregulation of miRNAs as well as alterations in components of the miRNA biogenesis machinery are involved in retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that the vitreous has a specific panel of circulating miRNAs and that this panel varies according to the specific pathological stress experienced by the retinal cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling indicates subtype-specific miRNA profiles for late-stage AMD highlighting the importance of proper miRNA regulation in AMD. This review will describe the function of important miRNAs involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and pathological neovascularization, the key molecular mechanisms leading to AMD, and focus on dysregulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
| | | | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
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13
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Askou AL, Benckendorff JNE, Holmgaard A, Storm T, Aagaard L, Bek T, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. Suppression of Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice by Subretinal Delivery of Multigenic Lentiviral Vectors Encoding Anti-Angiogenic MicroRNAs. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 28:222-233. [PMID: 28817343 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2017.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentivirus-based vectors have been used for the development of potent gene therapies. Here, application of a multigenic lentiviral vector (LV) producing multiple anti-angiogenic microRNAs following subretinal delivery in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model is presented. This versatile LV, carrying back-to-back RNApolII-driven expression cassettes, enables combined expression of microRNAs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) mRNA and fluorescent reporters. In addition, by including a vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 (VMD2) promoter, expression of microRNAs is restricted to the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Six days post injection (PI), robust and widespread fluorescent signals of eGFP are already observed in the retina by funduscopy. The eGFP expression peaks at day 21 PI and persists with stable expression for at least 9 months. In parallel, prominent AsRED co-expression, encoded from the VMD2-driven microRNA expression cassette, is evident in retinal sections and flat-mounts, revealing RPE-specific expression of microRNAs. Furthermore, LV-delivered microRNAs targeting the Vegfa gene in RPE cells reduced the size of laser-induced CNV in mice 28 days PI, as a consequence of diminished VEGF levels, suggesting that LVs delivered locally are powerful tools in the development of gene therapy-based strategies for treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tina Storm
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Aagaard
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Juhl Corydon
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark .,2 Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Herrera-Carrillo E, Liu YP, Berkhout B. Improving miRNA Delivery by Optimizing miRNA Expression Cassettes in Diverse Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 28:177-190. [PMID: 28712309 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2017.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA interference pathway is an evolutionary conserved post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism that is exclusively triggered by double-stranded RNA inducers. RNAi-based methods and technologies have facilitated the discovery of many basic science findings and spurred the development of novel RNA therapeutics. Transient induction of RNAi via transfection of synthetic small interfering RNAs can trigger the selective knockdown of a target mRNA. For durable silencing of gene expression, either artificial short hairpin RNA or microRNA encoding transgene constructs were developed. These miRNAs are based on the molecules that induce the natural RNAi pathway in mammals and humans: the endogenously expressed miRNAs. Significant efforts focused on the construction and delivery of miRNA cassettes in order to solve basic biology questions or to design new therapy strategies. Several viral vectors have been developed, which are particularly useful for the delivery of miRNA expression cassettes to specific target cells. Each vector system has its own unique set of distinct properties. Thus, depending on the specific application, a particular vector may be most suitable. This field was previously reviewed for different viral vector systems, and now the recent progress in the field of miRNA-based gene-silencing approaches using lentiviral vectors is reported. The focus is on the unique properties and respective limitations of the available vector systems for miRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Poi Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Development of Multigenic Lentiviral Vectors for Cell-Specific Expression of Antiangiogenic miRNAs and Protein Factors. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1715:47-60. [PMID: 29188505 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7522-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Generation of lentivirus (LV)-based vectors holding multiple gene cassettes for coexpression of several therapeutic factors provides potent tools in both gene delivery studies as well as in gene therapy. Here we describe the development of such multigenic LV gene delivery vectors enabling cell-specific coexpression of antiangiogenic microRNA (miRNA) and protein factors and, if preferred, a fluorescent reporter, from RNApol(II)-driven expression cassettes orientated in a back-to-back fashion. This configuration may contribute to the development of new combination therapies for amelioration of diseases involving intraocular neovascularization including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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16
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Burke JM, Kincaid RP, Aloisio F, Welch N, Sullivan CS. Expression of short hairpin RNAs using the compact architecture of retroviral microRNA genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e154. [PMID: 28973449 PMCID: PMC5622367 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx653] [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: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are effective in generating stable repression of gene expression. RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) type III promoters (U6 or H1) are typically used to drive shRNA expression. While useful for some knockdown applications, the robust expression of U6/H1-driven shRNAs can induce toxicity and generate heterogeneous small RNAs with undesirable off-target effects. Additionally, typical U6/H1 promoters encompass the majority of the ∼270 base pairs (bp) of vector space required for shRNA expression. This can limit the efficacy and/or number of delivery vector options, particularly when delivery of multiple gene/shRNA combinations is required. Here, we develop a compact shRNA (cshRNA) expression system based on retroviral microRNA (miRNA) gene architecture that uses RNAP III type II promoters. We demonstrate that cshRNAs coded from as little as 100 bps of total coding space can precisely generate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are active in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We provide an algorithm with a user-friendly interface to design cshRNAs for desired target genes. This cshRNA expression system reduces the coding space required for shRNA expression by >2-fold as compared to the typical U6/H1 promoters, which may facilitate therapeutic RNAi applications where delivery vector space is limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Burke
- The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for Infectious Disease and Department Molecular Biosciences, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
| | - Rodney P Kincaid
- The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for Infectious Disease and Department Molecular Biosciences, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
| | - Francesca Aloisio
- The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for Infectious Disease and Department Molecular Biosciences, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
| | - Nicole Welch
- The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for Infectious Disease and Department Molecular Biosciences, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
| | - Christopher S Sullivan
- The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for Infectious Disease and Department Molecular Biosciences, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
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17
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Curtis HJ, Seow Y, Wood MJA, Varela MA. Knockdown and replacement therapy mediated by artificial mirtrons in spinocerebellar ataxia 7. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:7870-7885. [PMID: 28575281 PMCID: PMC5569705 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluate a knockdown-replacement strategy mediated by mirtrons as an alternative to allele-specific silencing using spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) as a model. Mirtrons are introns that form pre-microRNA hairpins after splicing, producing RNAi effectors not processed by Drosha. Mirtron mimics may therefore avoid saturation of the canonical processing pathway. This method combines gene silencing mediated by an artificial mirtron with delivery of a functional copy of the gene such that both elements of the therapy are always expressed concurrently, minimizing the potential for undesirable effects and preserving wild-type function. This mutation- and single nucleotide polymorphism-independent method could be crucial in dominant diseases that feature both gain- and loss-of-function pathologies or have a heterogeneous genetic background. Here we develop mirtrons against ataxin 7 with silencing efficacy comparable to shRNAs, and introduce silent mutations into an ataxin 7 transgene such that it is resistant to their effect. We successfully express the transgene and one mirtron together from a single construct. Hence, we show that this method can be used to silence the endogenous allele of ataxin 7 and replace it with an exogenous copy of the gene, highlighting the efficacy and transferability across patient genotypes of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Curtis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Yiqi Seow
- Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institutes, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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18
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Holmgaard A, Askou AL, Benckendorff JNE, Thomsen EA, Cai Y, Bek T, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. In Vivo Knockout of the Vegfa Gene by Lentiviral Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 in Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:89-99. [PMID: 29246327 PMCID: PMC5626917 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Virus-based gene therapy by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and knockout may provide a new option for treatment of inherited and acquired ocular diseases of the retina. In support of this notion, we show that Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9, delivered by lentiviral vectors (LVs), can be used in vivo to selectively ablate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) gene in mice. By generating LVs encoding SpCas9 targeted to Vegfa, and in parallel the fluorescent eGFP marker protein, we demonstrate robust knockout of Vegfa that leads to a significant reduction of VEGFA protein in transduced cells. Three of the designed single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) induce in vitro indel formation at high frequencies (44%-93%). A single unilateral subretinal injection facilitates RPE-specific localization of the vector and disruption of Vegfa in isolated eGFP+ RPE cells obtained from mice five weeks after LV administration. Notably, sgRNA delivery results in the disruption of Vegfa with an in vivo indel formation efficacy of up to 84%. Sequencing of Vegfa-specific amplicons reveals formation of indels, including 4-bp deletions and 2-bp insertions. Taken together, our data demonstrate the capacity of lentivirus-delivered SpCas9 and sgRNAs as a developing therapeutic path in the treatment of ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Holmgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | | | - Yujia Cai
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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19
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Askou AL, Benckendorff JNE, Holmgaard A, Storm T, Aagaard L, Bek T, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. Suppression of choroidal neovascularization in mice by subretinal delivery of multigenic lentiviral vectors encoding anti-angiogenic microRNAs. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tina Storm
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Juhl Corydon
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Wilhelm Meyers Alle, Aarhus C, Denmark, 8000
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20
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van Beijnum JR, Giovannetti E, Poel D, Nowak-Sliwinska P, Griffioen AW. miRNAs: micro-managers of anticancer combination therapies. Angiogenesis 2017; 20:269-285. [PMID: 28474282 PMCID: PMC5519663 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-017-9545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer progression and as such has been considered a target of therapeutic interest. However, single targeted agents have not fully lived up to the initial promise of anti-angiogenic therapy. Therefore, it has been suggested that combining therapies and agents will be the way forward in the oncology field. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have received considerable attention as drivers of tumor development and progression, either acting as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes (so-called oncomiRs), as well as in the process of tumor angiogenesis (angiomiRs). Not only from a functional, but also from a therapeutic view, miRNAs are attractive tools. Thus far, several mimics and antagonists of miRNAs have entered clinical development. Here, we review the provenance and promise of miRNAs as targets as well as therapeutics to contribute to anti-angiogenesis-based (combination) treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy R van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VUMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, VUMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Poel
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VUMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VUMC - Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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21
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Yiu G, Tieu E, Nguyen AT, Wong B, Smit-McBride Z. Genomic Disruption of VEGF-A Expression in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Using CRISPR-Cas9 Endonuclease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:5490-5497. [PMID: 27768202 PMCID: PMC5072539 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To employ type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 endonuclease to suppress ocular angiogenesis by genomic disruption of VEGF-A in human RPE cells. METHODS CRISPR sequences targeting exon 1 of human VEGF-A were computationally identified based on predicted Cas9 on- and off-target probabilities. Single guide RNA (gRNA) cassettes with these target sequences were cloned into lentiviral vectors encoding the Streptococcuspyogenes Cas9 endonuclease (SpCas9) gene. The lentiviral vectors were used to infect ARPE-19 cells, a human RPE cell line. Frequency of insertion or deletion (indel) mutations was assessed by T7 endonuclease 1 mismatch detection assay; mRNA levels were assessed with quantitative real-time PCR; and VEGF-A protein levels were determined by ELISA. In vitro angiogenesis was measured using an endothelial cell tube formation assay. RESULTS Five gRNAs targeting VEGF-A were selected based on the highest predicted on-target probabilities, lowest off-target probabilities, or combined average of both scores. Lentiviral delivery of the top-scoring gRNAs with SpCas9 resulted in indel formation in the VEGF-A gene at frequencies up to 37.0% ± 4.0% with corresponding decreases in secreted VEGF-A protein up to 41.2% ± 7.4% (P < 0.001), and reduction of endothelial tube formation up to 39.4% ± 9.8% (P = 0.02). No significant indel formation in the top three putative off-target sites tested was detected. CONCLUSIONS The CRISPR-Cas9 endonuclease system may reduce VEGF-A secretion from human RPE cells and suppress angiogenesis, supporting the possibility of employing gene editing for antiangiogenesis therapy in ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
| | - Eric Tieu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
| | - Anthony T. Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
| | - Brittany Wong
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Zeljka Smit-McBride
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
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22
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Abstract
The idea of treating disease in humans with genetic material was conceived over two decades ago and with that a promising journey involving development and efficacy studies in cells and animals of a large number of novel therapeutic reagents unfolded. In the footsteps of this process, successful gene therapy treatment of genetic conditions in humans has shown clear signs of efficacy. Notably, significant advancements using gene supplementation and silencing strategies have been made in the field of ocular gene therapy, thereby pinpointing ocular gene therapy as one of the compelling "actors" bringing gene therapy to the clinic. Most of all, this success has been facilitated because of (1) the fact that the eye is an effortlessly accessible, exceedingly compartmentalized, and immune-privileged organ offering a unique advantage as a gene therapy target, and (2) significant progress toward efficient, sustained transduction of cells within the retina having been achieved using nonintegrating vectors based on recombinant adeno-associated virus and nonintegrating lentivirus vectors. The results from in vivo experiments and trials suggest that treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies, ocular angiogenesis, and inflammation with gene therapy can be both safe and effective. Here, the progress of ocular gene therapy is examined with special emphasis on the potential use of RNAi- and protein-based antiangiogenic gene therapy to treat exudative age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus C, Denmark
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23
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Nyegaard M, Rendtorff ND, Nielsen MS, Corydon TJ, Demontis D, Starnawska A, Hedemand A, Buniello A, Niola F, Overgaard MT, Leal SM, Ahmad W, Wikman FP, Petersen KB, Crüger DG, Oostrik J, Kremer H, Tommerup N, Frödin M, Steel KP, Tranebjærg L, Børglum AD. A Novel Locus Harbouring a Functional CD164 Nonsense Mutation Identified in a Large Danish Family with Nonsyndromic Hearing Impairment. PLoS Genet 2015. [PMID: 26197441 PMCID: PMC4510537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsyndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) is a highly heterogeneous condition with more than eighty known causative genes. However, in the clinical setting, a large number of NSHI families have unexplained etiology, suggesting that there are many more genes to be identified. In this study we used SNP-based linkage analysis and follow up microsatellite markers to identify a novel locus (DFNA66) on chromosome 6q15-21 (LOD 5.1) in a large Danish family with dominantly inherited NSHI. By locus specific capture and next-generation sequencing, we identified a c.574C>T heterozygous nonsense mutation (p.R192*) in CD164. This gene encodes a 197 amino acid transmembrane sialomucin (known as endolyn, MUC-24 or CD164), which is widely expressed and involved in cell adhesion and migration. The mutation segregated with the phenotype and was absent in 1200 Danish control individuals and in databases with whole-genome and exome sequence data. The predicted effect of the mutation was a truncation of the last six C-terminal residues of the cytoplasmic tail of CD164, including a highly conserved canonical sorting motif (YXXФ). In whole blood from an affected individual, we found by RT-PCR both the wild-type and the mutated transcript suggesting that the mutant transcript escapes nonsense mediated decay. Functional studies in HEK cells demonstrated that the truncated protein was almost completely retained on the plasma cell membrane in contrast to the wild-type protein, which targeted primarily to the endo-lysosomal compartments, implicating failed endocytosis as a possible disease mechanism. In the mouse ear, we found CD164 expressed in the inner and outer hair cells of the organ of Corti, as well as in other locations in the cochlear duct. In conclusion, we have identified a new DFNA locus located on chromosome 6q15-21 and implicated CD164 as a novel gene for hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Nyegaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Nanna D. Rendtorff
- Wilhelm Johannsen Centre for Functional Genome Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Bispebjerg Hospital/Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Genetic Clinic, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ditte Demontis
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Starnawska
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Hedemand
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annalisa Buniello
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Niola
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Suzanne M. Leal
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Friedrik P. Wikman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jaap Oostrik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Niels Tommerup
- Wilhelm Johannsen Centre for Functional Genome Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Frödin
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen P. Steel
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisbeth Tranebjærg
- Wilhelm Johannsen Centre for Functional Genome Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Bispebjerg Hospital/Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Genetic Clinic, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Anders D. Børglum
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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24
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miRNA therapy targeting cancer stem cells: a new paradigm for cancer treatment and prevention of tumor recurrence. Ther Deliv 2015; 6:323-37. [PMID: 25853308 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors that retain the properties of self-renewal and tumorigenicity in vivo. Although CSCs have been reported in multiple cancers, the regulation of CSCs has not been described at the molecular level. miRNAs are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of their target genes via RNA interference and are involved in almost all cellular processes. Since aberrant miRNA expression occurs in CSCs, such dysregulated miRNAs may be promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding miRNAs that regulate CSC properties and discuss an in vivo delivery system for synthetic miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibitors for the development of innovative miRNA therapy against CSCs.
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25
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Askou AL, Aagaard L, Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y, Hollensen AK, Bek T, Jensen TG, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. Multigenic lentiviral vectors for combined and tissue-specific expression of miRNA- and protein-based antiangiogenic factors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2015; 2:14064. [PMID: 26052532 PMCID: PMC4449022 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lentivirus-based gene delivery vectors carrying multiple gene cassettes are powerful tools in gene transfer studies and gene therapy, allowing coexpression of multiple therapeutic factors and, if desired, fluorescent reporters. Current strategies to express transgenes and microRNA (miRNA) clusters from a single vector have certain limitations that affect transgene expression levels and/or vector titers. In this study, we describe a novel vector design that facilitates combined expression of therapeutic RNA- and protein-based antiangiogenic factors as well as a fluorescent reporter from back-to-back RNApolII-driven expression cassettes. This configuration allows effective production of intron-embedded miRNAs that are released upon transduction of target cells. Exploiting such multigenic lentiviral vectors, we demonstrate robust miRNA-directed downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, leading to reduced angiogenesis, and parallel impairment of angiogenic pathways by codelivering the gene encoding pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Notably, subretinal injections of lentiviral vectors reveal efficient retinal pigment epithelium-specific gene expression driven by the VMD2 promoter, verifying that multigenic lentiviral vectors can be produced with high titers sufficient for in vivo applications. Altogether, our results suggest the potential applicability of combined miRNA- and protein-encoding lentiviral vectors in antiangiogenic gene therapy, including new combination therapies for amelioration of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Askou AL. Development of gene therapy for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/aos.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Cardiac stress leads to remodelling of cardiac tissue, which often progresses to heart failure and death. Part of the remodelling process is the formation of fibrotic tissue, which is caused by exaggerated activity of cardiac fibroblasts leading to excessive extracellular matrix production within the myocardium. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of endogenous RNA-based molecules, which include short (∼22 nucleotides) microRNAs and long ncRNAs (of >200 nucleotides). These ncRNAs can regulate important functions in many cardiovascular cells types. This Review focuses on the role of ncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis; specifically, ncRNAs as therapeutic targets, factors for direct fibroblast transdifferentation, their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and their potential to function as paracrine modulators of cardiac fibrosis and remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Conley SM, Naash MI. Gene therapy for PRPH2-associated ocular disease: challenges and prospects. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a017376. [PMID: 25167981 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The peripherin-2 (PRPH2) gene encodes a photoreceptor-specific tetraspanin protein called peripherin-2/retinal degeneration slow (RDS), which is critical for the formation and maintenance of rod and cone outer segments. Over 90 different disease-causing mutations in PRPH2 have been identified, which cause a variety of forms of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Given the disease burden associated with PRPH2 mutations, the gene has long been a focus for preclinical gene therapy studies. Adeno-associated viruses and compacted DNA nanoparticles carrying PRPH2 have been successfully used to mediate improvement in the rds(-/-) and rds(+/-) mouse models. However, complexities in the pathogenic mechanism for PRPH2-associated macular disease coupled with the need for a precise dose of peripherin-2 to combat a severe haploinsufficiency phenotype have delayed the development of clinically viable genetic treatments. Here we discuss the progress and prospects for PRPH2-associated gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
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Conte I, Banfi S, Bovolenta P. Non-coding RNAs in the development of sensory organs and related diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4141-55. [PMID: 23588489 PMCID: PMC11113508 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genomes are transcribed well beyond the conventionally annotated protein-encoding genes and produce many thousands of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In the last few years, ncRNAs, especially microRNAs and long non-coding RNA, have received increasing attention because of their implication in the function of chromatin-modifying complexes and in the regulation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. The morphological events and the genetic networks responsible for the development of sensory organs have been well delineated and therefore sensory organs have provided a useful scenario to address the role of ncRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current information on the importance of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during the development of the eye, inner ear, and olfactory system in vertebrates. We will also discuss those cases in which alteration of ncRNA expression has been linked to pathological conditions affecting these organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Conte
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular ‘Severo Ochoa’, CSIC–UAM, c/Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Askou AL, Pournaras JAC, Pihlmann M, Svalgaard JD, Arsenijevic Y, Kostic C, Bek T, Dagnaes-Hansen F, Mikkelsen JG, Jensen TG, Corydon TJ. Reduction of choroidal neovascularization in mice by adeno-associated virus-delivered anti-vascular endothelial growth factor short hairpin RNA. J Gene Med 2013; 14:632-41. [PMID: 23080553 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies leading to the long-term suppression of inappropriate ocular angiogenesis are required to avoid the need for repetitive monthly injections for treatment of diseases of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study aimed to develop a strategy for the sustained repression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is identified as the key player in exudative AMD. METHODS We have employed short hairpin (sh)RNAs combined with adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery to obtain the targeted expression of potent gene-regulatory molecules. Anti-VEGF shRNAs were analyzed in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using Renilla luciferase screening. For in vivo delivery of the most potent shRNA, self-complementary AAV vectors were packaged in serotype 8 capsids (scAAV2/8-hU6-sh9). In vivo efficacy was evaluated either by injection of scAAV2/8-hU6-sh9 into murine hind limb muscles or in a laser-induced murine model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) following scAAV2/8-hU6-sh9 subretinal delivery. RESULTS Plasmids encoding anti-VEGF shRNAs showed efficient knockdown of human VEGF in RPEs. Intramuscular administration led to localized expression and 91% knockdown of endogenous murine (m)VEGF. Subsequently, the ability of AAV2/8-encoded shRNAs to impair vessel formation was evaluated in the murine model of CNV. In this model, the sizes of the CNV were significantly reduced (up to 48%) following scAAV2/8-hU6-sh9 subretinal delivery. CONCLUSIONS Using anti-VEGF vectors, we have demonstrated efficient silencing of endogenous mVEGF and showed that subretinal administration of scAAV2/8-hU6-sh9 has the ability to impair vessel formation in an AMD animal model. Thus, AAV-encoded shRNA can be used for the inhibition of neovascularization, leading to the development of sustained anti-VEGF therapy.
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Uchino K, Ochiya T, Takeshita F. RNAi therapeutics and applications of microRNAs in cancer treatment. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2013; 43:596-607. [PMID: 23592885 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyt052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference-based therapies are proving to be powerful tools for combating various diseases, including cancer. Scientists are researching the development of safe and efficient systems for the delivery of small RNA molecules, which are extremely fragile in serum, to target organs and cells in the human body. A dozen pre-clinical and clinical trials have been under way over the past few years involving biodegradable nanoparticles, lipids, chemical modification and conjugation. On the other hand, microRNAs, which control the balance of cellular biological processes, have been studied as attractive therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA interference-based therapeutics in clinical trials and discuss the latest technology for the systemic delivery of nucleic acid drugs. Furthermore, we focus on dysregulated microRNAs in human cancer, which have progressed in pre-clinical trials as therapeutic targets, and describe a wide range of strategies to control the expression levels of endogenous microRNAs. Further development of RNA interference technologies and progression of clinical trials will contribute to the achievement of practical applications of nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Uchino
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 1-1, Tsukiji 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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Huang X, Schwind S, Yu B, Santhanam R, Wang H, Hoellerbauer P, Mims A, Klisovic R, Walker AR, Chan KK, Blum W, Perrotti D, Byrd JC, Bloomfield CD, Caligiuri MA, Lee RJ, Garzon R, Muthusamy N, Lee LJ, Marcucci G. Targeted delivery of microRNA-29b by transferrin-conjugated anionic lipopolyplex nanoparticles: a novel therapeutic strategy in acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:2355-67. [PMID: 23493348 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-3191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE miR-29b directly or indirectly targets genes involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), namely, DNMTs, CDK6, SP1, KIT, and FLT3. Higher miR-29b pretreatment expression is associated with improved response to decitabine and better outcome in AML. Thus, designing a strategy to increase miR-29b levels in AML blasts may be of therapeutic value. However, free synthetic miRs are easily degraded in bio-fluids and have limited cellular uptake. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel transferrin-conjugated nanoparticle delivery system for synthetic miR-29b (Tf-NP-miR-29b). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Delivery efficiency was investigated by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and quantitative PCR. The expression of miR-29b targets was measured by immunoblotting. The antileukemic activity of Tf-NP-miR-29b was evaluated by measuring cell proliferation and colony formation ability and in a leukemia mouse model. RESULTS Tf-NP-miR-29b treatment resulted in more than 200-fold increase of mature miR-29b compared with free miR-29b and was approximately twice as efficient as treatment with non-transferrin-conjugated NP-miR-29b. Tf-NP-miR-29b treatment significantly downregulated DNMTs, CDK6, SP1, KIT, and FLT3 and decreased AML cell growth by 30% to 50% and impaired colony formation by approximately 50%. Mice engrafted with AML cells and then treated with Tf-NP-miR-29b had significantly longer survival compared with Tf-NP-scramble (P = 0.015) or free miR-29b (P = 0.003). Furthermore, priming AML cell with Tf-NP-miR-29b before treatment with decitabine resulted in marked decrease in cell viability in vitro and showed improved antileukemic activity compared with decitabine alone (P = 0.001) in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Tf-NP effectively delivered functional miR-29b, resulting in target downregulation and antileukemic activity and warrants further investigation as a novel therapeutic approach in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Huang
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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