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Kulsoom, Ali W, Wang F. Advancement in synthetic gene circuits engineering: An alternative strategy for microRNA imaging and disease theranostics. Biotechnol Adv 2025; 79:108518. [PMID: 39798857 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/15/2025]
Abstract
Gene circuits, which are genetically engineered systems designed to regulate gene expression, are emerging as powerful tools in disease theranostics, especially in mammalian cells. This review explores the latest advances in the design and application of gene circuits for detecting and treating various diseases. Synthetic gene circuits, inspired by electronic systems, offer precise control over therapeutic gene activity, allowing for real-time, user-defined responses to pathological signals. Notable applications include synZiFTRs for T-cell-based cancer therapies, immunomagnetic circuits for combating antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA, and caffeine-induced circuits for managing type-2 diabetes. Additionally, advanced designs such as TetR-Elk1 circuits for reversing insulin resistance, RNAi circuits for targeting cancer cells, and synthetic circuits for managing metabolic conditions like urate homeostasis and diet-induced obesity are highlighted. These gene circuits, tailored for mammalian cells, showcase immense potential in gene- and cell-based therapies for complex metabolic and immune-related disorders, paving the way for precise, customizable treatments. The review focuses on the use of these circuits in mammalian systems and emphasizes their therapeutic implications, offering insights into future developments in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulsoom
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China; Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Wajahat Ali
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China; Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China; Institute of Medical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Yao J, Huo Z, Xu J, Shang J, Weng Y, Xu D, Liu T, Huang Y, Zhou X. Enhanced Surface Immunomodification of Engineered Hydrogel Materials through Chondrocyte Modulation for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. COATINGS 2024; 14:308. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings14030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation, with chondrocytes playing a pivotal role in this disease. However, inflammatory mediators, mechanical stress, and oxidative stress can compromise functionality. The occurrence and progression of OA are intrinsically linked to the immune response. Current research on the treatment of OA mainly concentrates on the synergistic application of drugs and tissue engineering. The surface of engineered hydrogel materials can be immunomodified to affect the function of chondrocytes in drug therapy, gene therapy, and cell therapy. Prior studies have concentrated on the drug-loading function of hydrogels but overlooked the immunomodulatory role of chondrocytes. These modifications can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, reduce the inflammatory response, and promote cartilage regeneration. The surface immunomodification of engineered hydrogel materials can significantly enhance their efficacy in the treatment of OA. Thus, immunomodulatory tissue engineering has significant potential for treating osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapei Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Zhennan Huo
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Jingjing Shang
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yiping Weng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Dongmei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Xindie Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Gonghe County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 811800, China
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Makarczyk MJ. Cell Therapy Approaches for Articular Cartilage Regeneration. Organogenesis 2023; 19:2278235. [PMID: 37963189 PMCID: PMC10898818 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2023.2278235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage is a common cartilage type found in a multitude of joints throughout the human body. However, cartilage is limited in its regenerative capacity. A range of methods have been employed to aid adults under the age of 45 with cartilage defects, but other cartilage pathologies such as osteoarthritis are limited to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and total joint arthroplasty. Cell therapies and synthetic biology can be utilized to assist not only cartilage defects but have the potential as a therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis as well. In this review, we will cover current cell therapy approaches for cartilage defect regeneration with a focus on autologous chondrocyte implantation and matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation. We will then discuss the potential of stem cells for cartilage repair in osteoarthritis and the use of synthetic biology to genetically engineer cells to promote cartilage regeneration and potentially reverse osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan J Makarczyk
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Li X, Shen L, Deng Z, Huang Z. New treatment for osteoarthr: pbad014itis: Gene therapy. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2023; 6:pbad014. [PMID: 37333626 PMCID: PMC10273835 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a complex degenerative disease that affects the entire joint tissue. Currently, non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis focus on relieving pain. While end-stage osteoarthritis can be treated with arthroplasty, the health and financial costs associated with surgery have forced the search for alternative non-surgical treatments to delay the progression of osteoarthritis and promote cartilage repair. Unlike traditional treatment, the gene therapy approach allows for long-lasting expression of therapeutic proteins at specific sites. In this review, we summarize the history of gene therapy in osteoarthritis, outlining the common expression vectors (non-viral, viral), the genes delivered (transcription factors, growth factors, inflammation-associated cytokines, non-coding RNAs) and the mode of gene delivery (direct delivery, indirect delivery). We highlight the application and development prospects of the gene editing technology CRISPR/Cas9 in osteoarthritis. Finally, we identify the current problems and possible solutions in the clinical translation of gene therapy for osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leyao Shen
- School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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