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Sikiru AB, Truong MN, Zohdy W. Future prospects for the advancement of treatment of men with NOA: focus on gene editing, artificial sperm, stem cells, and use of imaging. Asian J Androl 2025; 27:433-439. [PMID: 39422616 DOI: 10.4103/aja202486] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects about 60% of men with azoospermia, representing a severe form of male infertility. The current approach to manage NOA primarily involves testicular sperm retrieval methods such as conventional testicular sperm extraction (c-TESE) and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). While combining testicular sperm retrieval with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) offers hope for patients, the overall sperm retrieval rate (SRR) stands at around 50%. In cases where micro-TESE fails to retrieve sperm, limited options, like donor sperm or adoption, can be problematic in certain cultural contexts. This paper delves into prospective treatments for NOA management. Gene editing technologies, particularly clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), hold potential for correcting genetic mutations underlying testicular dysfunction. However, these technologies face challenges due to their complexity, potential off-target effects, ethical concerns, and affordability. This calls for research to address key challenges associated with NOA management within the clinical settings. This also necessitate ongoing research essential for developing more sensitive diagnostic tests, validating novel treatments, and customizing current treatment strategies for individual patients. This review concluded that the future of NOA management may entail a combination of these treatment options, tailored to each patient's unique circumstances, providing a comprehensive approach to address NOA challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akeem Babatunde Sikiru
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (FUAZ), Kebbi 872101, Nigeria
| | - Manh Nguyen Truong
- Fertility Centre, Hanh Phuc International Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Andrology and STIs, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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Ramadan AR, Ben Khalaf N, Trabelsi K, Bakheit H, Ben-Mustapha I, Barbouche MR, Fathallah MD. Lymphoblastoid and Jurkat cell lines are useful surrogate in developing a CRISPR-Cas9 method to correct leukocyte adhesion deficiency genomic defect. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2025; 13:1548227. [PMID: 40190710 PMCID: PMC11968696 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1548227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD1) is a severe inborn error of immunity caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene, which encodes the beta-2 integrin subunit (CD18). These mutations lead to the absence or deficiency of CD18/CD11a, b, and c heterodimers, crucial for leukocyte adhesion and immune function. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene editing technology represents a promising approach for correcting these genomic defects restore the stable expression of CD18 and reverse the disease. Methods: We developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene correction strategy using Jurkat cells and patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines as surrogates for hematopoietic progenitor cells. Three candidate gRNAs were first predicted in silico using CRISPOR and experimentally tested in wild-type ITGB2-expressing Jurkat cells to identify the gRNA with the highest genomic DNA cleavage efficiency. The most efficient gRNA was then paired with espCas9 and used alongside five homology-directed repair templates (HDRs) (single-stranded donor oligonucleotides, ssODNs) to repair ITGB2 defects in patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines. CD18 expression levels in edited cells were quantified via flow cytometry, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted to assess off-target effects and insertion accuracy. Results: Among the three candidate gRNAs, 2-rev gRNA exhibited the highest genomic cleavage rate in Jurkat cells. Using this gRNA with espCas9 and HDR-2, we achieved a 23% restoration of CD18 expression in LAD1 patient-derived cells, a level sufficient to change the disease course from severe to moderate. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the absence of off-target mutations or undesired DNA insertions, demonstrating high specificity and precision in gene correction. Discussion: This CRISPR-Cas9-based method provides a precise and effective approach for correcting ITGB2 mutations in LAD1 patients. The high-fidelity gene editing process, validated through WGS, supports its potential for future applications in CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell therapies. The approach can be further optimized for clinical translation, offering a path toward a stable and long-term cure for LAD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Ramadan
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR16IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Life Sciences, King Fahd Chair of Medical Biotechnology, College of Graduate studies Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Noureddine Ben Khalaf
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- Biotechnology Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Halla Bakheit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Imen Ben-Mustapha
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR16IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed-Ridha Barbouche
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - M-Dahmani Fathallah
- Department of Life Sciences, King Fahd Chair of Medical Biotechnology, College of Graduate studies Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
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Ahmad F, Karan A, Sharma R, Sharma NS, Sundar V, Jayaraj R, Mukherjee S, DeCoster MA. Evolving therapeutic interventions for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102229. [PMID: 38364913 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102229] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients experience diverse symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and mental issues. The fundamental objective of this review is to discuss novel therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on recently approved marketed formulations for the treatment of AD, especially Aducanumab, the first FDA approved moiety that surpasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduces amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby reducing associated cognitive decline. However, it is still in the phase IV trial and is to be completed by 2030. Other drugs such as lecanemab are also under clinical trial and has recently been approved by the FDA and is also discussed here. In this review, we also focus on active and passive immunotherapy for AD as well as several vaccines, such as amyloid-beta epitope-based vaccines, amyloid-beta DNA vaccines, and stem cell therapy for AD, which are in clinical trials. Furthermore, ongoing pre-clinical trials associated with AD and other novel strategies such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, Crispr/ cas9, precision medicine, as well as some emerging therapies like anti-sense therapy are also highlighted. Additionally, we discuss some off-labeled drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-diabetic drugs, and lithium, which can manage symptoms of AD and different non-pharmacological approaches are also covered which can help to manage AD. In summary, we have tried to cover all the therapeutic interventions which are available for the treatment and management of AD under sections approved, clinical phase, pre-clinical phase or futuristic interventions, off-labelled drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions for AD, offering positive findings and well as challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, India
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Mechanical and Bioengineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Rashi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana, Delhi, India
| | - Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Jayaraj
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mark A DeCoster
- Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Micromanufacturing, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA.
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Qasim NH, Zhumagaliuly A, Khozhamkul R, Rahim F. The role of zygotic genome activation in genetic-related reproductive medicine: Technological perspective, religious and bioethical concerns, challenges and benefits. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2024; 22:100340. [PMID: 38494256 PMCID: PMC10980863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2023.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA) is a crucial developmental milestone in early embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to embryonic control of development. This process, which varies in timing across species, involves the activation of the embryonic genome, paving the way for subsequent cell differentiation and organismal development. Recent advances in genomics and reproductive medicine have highlighted the potential of ZGA in the realm of genetic screening, providing a window into the genetic integrity of the developing embryo at its earliest stages. The intersection of ZGA and genetic screening primarily emerges in the context of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). These techniques, often employed during assisted reproductive technologies, aim to detect potential genetic abnormalities or chromosomal imbalances before embryo implantation. Given that ZGA represents the onset of embryonic gene expression, understanding its intricacies can significantly enhance the accuracy and predictive power of these screening processes. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput genomic techniques, detailed mapping of the transcriptomic changes during ZGA has become feasible. Such advancements have deepened our insights into the dynamics of early embryonic development and the onset of genetic disorders. As our knowledge in this realm expands, it promises to revolutionize our capabilities in detecting, understanding, and potentially rectifying genetic anomalies at the earliest stages of human life, thereby optimizing reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nameer Hashim Qasim
- Cihan University Sulaimaniya Research Center (CUSRC), Cihan University - Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region 46001, Iraq
| | - Abzal Zhumagaliuly
- Department of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan.
| | - Rabiga Khozhamkul
- Department of Biostatistics and Basics of Research, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan; Department of Health Policy and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Cihan University Sulaimaniya Research Center (CUSRC), Cihan University - Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region 46001, Iraq; College of Health Sciences, Cihan University-Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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Bora J, Dey A, Lyngdoh AR, Dhasmana A, Ranjan A, Kishore S, Rustagi S, Tuli HS, Chauhan A, Rath P, Malik S. A critical review on therapeutic approaches of CRISPR-Cas9 in diabetes mellitus. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3459-3481. [PMID: 37522916 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02631-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is a common metabolic disorder caused mainly by combining two primary factors, which are (1) defects in insulin production by the pancreatic β-cells and (2) responsiveness of insulin-sensitive tissues towards insulin. Despite the rapid advancement in medicine to suppress elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and insulin resistance associated with this hazard, a demand has undoubtedly emerged to find more effective and curative dimensions in therapeutic approaches against D.M. The administration of diabetes treatment that emphasizes insulin production and sensitivity may result in unfavorable side effects, reduced adherence, and potential treatment ineffectiveness. Recent progressions in genome editing technologies, for instance, in zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR-Cas)-associated nucleases, have greatly influenced the gene editing technology from concepts to clinical practices. Improvements in genome editing technologies have also opened up the possibility to target and modify specific genome sequences in a cell directly. CRISPR/Cas9 has proven effective in utilizing ex vivo gene editing in embryonic stem cells and stem cells derived from patients. This application has facilitated the exploration of pancreatic beta-cell development and function. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 enables the creation of innovative animal models for diabetes and assesses the effectiveness of different therapeutic strategies in treating the condition. We, therefore, present a critical review of the therapeutic approaches of the genome editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 in treating D.M., discussing the challenges and limitations of implementing this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India
| | - Ankita Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India
| | - Antonia R Lyngdoh
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India
| | - Archna Dhasmana
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Stachki 194/1, Rostov-On-Don, 344090, Russia
| | - Shristi Kishore
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, 22 Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834001, India.
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, 22 Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
- Guru Nanak College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
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Tian Z, Yu T, Liu J, Wang T, Higuchi A. Introduction to stem cells. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:3-32. [PMID: 37678976 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capability and can proliferate and differentiate into a variety of functionally active cells that can serve in various tissues and organs. This review discusses the history, definition, and classification of stem cells. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) mainly include embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the embryo. Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from reprogramming somatic cells. Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into cells derived from all three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). Adult stem cells can be multipotent or unipotent and can produce tissue-specific terminally differentiated cells. Stem cells can be used in cell therapy to replace and regenerate damaged tissues or organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Ayanoğlu FB, Elçin AE, Elçin YM. Bioethical issues in genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 44:110-120. [PMID: 32256147 PMCID: PMC7129066 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1912-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies have led to fundamental changes in genetic science. Among them, CRISPR-Cas9 technology particularly stands out due to its advantages such as easy handling, high accuracy, and low cost. It has made a quick introduction in fields related to humans, animals, and the environment, while raising difficult questions, applications, concerns, and bioethical issues to be discussed. Most concerns stem from the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically alter human germline cells and embryos (called germline genome editing). Germline genome editing leads to serial bioethical issues, such as the occurrence of undesirable changes in the genome, from whom and how informed consent is obtained, and the breeding of the human species (eugenics). However, the bioethical issues that CRISPR-Cas9 technology could cause in the environment, agriculture and livestock should also not be forgotten. In order for CRISPR-Cas9 to be used safely in all areas and to solve potential issues, worldwide legislation should be prepared, taking into account the opinions of both life and social scientists, policy makers, and all other stakeholders of the sectors, and CRISPR-Cas9 applications should be implemented according to such legislations. However, these controls should not restrict scientific freedom. Here, various applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, especially in medicine and agriculture, are described and ethical issues related to genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology are discussed. The social and bioethical concerns in relation to human beings, other organisms, and the environment are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Betül Ayanoğlu
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science,Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara Turkey
| | - Ayşe Eser Elçin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science,Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara Turkey
| | - Yaşar Murat Elçin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science,Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Ankara Turkey.,Biovalda Health Technologies, Inc., Ankara Turkey
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