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Schmitt-Ulms C, Kayabolen A, Manero-Carranza M, Zhou N, Donnelly K, Nuccio SP, Kato K, Nishimasu H, Gootenberg JS, Abudayyeh OO. Programmable RNA writing with trans-splicing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578223. [PMID: 38352602 PMCID: PMC10862893 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
RNA editing offers the opportunity to introduce either stable or transient modifications to nucleic acid sequence without permanent off-target effects, but installation of arbitrary edits into the transcriptome is currently infeasible. Here, we describe Programmable RNA Editing & Cleavage for Insertion, Substitution, and Erasure (PRECISE), a versatile RNA editing method for writing RNA of arbitrary length and sequence into existing pre-mRNAs via 5' or 3' trans-splicing. In trans-splicing, an exogenous template is introduced to compete with the endogenous pre-mRNA, allowing for replacement of upstream or downstream exon sequence. Using Cas7-11 cleavage of pre-mRNAs to bias towards editing outcomes, we boost the efficiency of RNA trans-splicing by 10-100 fold, achieving editing rates between 5-50% and 85% on endogenous and reporter transcripts, respectively, while maintaining high-fidelity. We demonstrate PRECISE editing across 11 distinct endogenous transcripts of widely varying expression levels, showcasing more than 50 types of edits, including all 12 possible transversions and transitions, insertions ranging from 1 to 1,863 nucleotides, and deletions. We show high efficiency replacement of exon 4 of MECP2, addressing most mutations that drive the Rett Syndrome; editing of SHANK3 transcripts, a gene involved in Autism; and replacement of exon 1 of HTT, removing the hallmark repeat expansions of Huntington's disease. Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals the high precision of PRECISE editing and lack of off-target trans-splicing activity. Furthermore, we combine payload engineering and ribozymes for protein-free, high-efficiency trans-splicing, with demonstrated efficiency in editing HTT exon 1 via AAV delivery. We show that the high activity of PRECISE editing enables editing in non-dividing neurons and patient-derived Huntington's disease fibroblasts. PRECISE editing markedly broadens the scope of genetic editing, is straightforward to deliver over existing gene editing tools like prime editing, lacks permanent off-targets, and can enable any type of genetic edit large or small, including edits not otherwise possible with existing RNA base editors, widening the spectrum of addressable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Schmitt-Ulms
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alisan Kayabolen
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Marcos Manero-Carranza
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nathan Zhou
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Keira Donnelly
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sabrina Pia Nuccio
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kazuki Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimasu
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Structural Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Inamori Research Institute for Science, 620 Suiginya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8411, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Jonathan S. Gootenberg
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Omar O. Abudayyeh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Haddad-Mashadrizeh A, Mirahmadi M, Taghavizadeh Yazdi ME, Gholampour-Faroji N, Bahrami A, Zomorodipour A, Moghadam Matin M, Qayoomian M, Saebnia N. Introns and Their Therapeutic Applications in Biomedical Researches. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 21:e3316. [PMID: 38269198 PMCID: PMC10804063 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2023.334488.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Context Although for a long time, it was thought that intervening sequences (introns) were junk DNA without any function, their critical roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms in genome regulation have only recently come to light. Introns not only carry information for splicing, but they also play many supportive roles in gene regulation at different levels. They are supposed to function as useful tools in various biological processes, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Introns can contribute to numerous biological processes, including gene silencing, gene imprinting, transcription, mRNA metabolism, mRNA nuclear export, mRNA localization, mRNA surveillance, RNA editing, NMD, translation, protein stability, ribosome biogenesis, cell growth, embryonic development, apoptosis, molecular evolution, genome expansion, and proteome diversity through various mechanisms. Evidence Acquisition In order to fulfill the objectives of this study, the following databases were searched: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Open Access Journals, and Google Scholar. Only articles published in English were included. Results & Conclusions The intervening sequences of eukaryotic genes have critical functions in genome regulation, as well as in molecular evolution. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of how introns influence genome regulation, as well as their effects on molecular evolution. Moreover, therapeutic strategies based on intron sequences are discussed. According to the obtained results, a thorough understanding of intron functional mechanisms could lead to new opportunities in disease diagnosis and therapies, as well as in biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Haddad-Mashadrizeh
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mirahmadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Nazanin Gholampour-Faroji
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Bahrami
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Moghadam Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Qayoomian
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Neda Saebnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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3
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Mayr E, Ablinger M, Lettner T, Murauer EM, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñón Hofbauer J, Hainzl S, Kaiser M, Klausegger A, Bauer JW, Koller U, Wally V. 5'RNA Trans-Splicing Repair of COL7A1 Mutant Transcripts in Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031732. [PMID: 35163654 PMCID: PMC8835740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations within the COL7A1 gene underlie the inherited recessive subtype of the blistering skin disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Although gene replacement approaches for genodermatoses are clinically advanced, their implementation for RDEB is challenging and requires endogenous regulation of transgene expression. Thus, we are using spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) to repair mutations in COL7A1 at the mRNA level. Here, we demonstrate the capability of a COL7A1-specific RNA trans-splicing molecule (RTM), initially selected using a fluorescence-based screening procedure, to accurately replace COL7A1 exons 1 to 64 in an endogenous setting. Retroviral RTM transduction into patient-derived, immortalized keratinocytes resulted in an increase in wild-type transcript and protein levels, respectively. Furthermore, we revealed accurate deposition of recovered type VII collagen protein within the basement membrane zone of expanded skin equivalents using immunofluorescence staining. In summary, we showed for the first time the potential of endogenous 5′ trans-splicing to correct pathogenic mutations within the COL7A1 gene. Therefore, we consider 5′ RNA trans-splicing a suitable tool to beneficially modulate the RDEB-phenotype, thus targeting an urgent need of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Mayr
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Ablinger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Lettner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva M Murauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Manfred Kaiser
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alfred Klausegger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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4
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Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA trans-splicing joins exons from different pre-mRNA transcripts to generate a chimeric product. Trans-splicing can also occur at the protein level, with split inteins mediating the ligation of separate gene products to generate a mature protein. SOURCES OF DATA Comprehensive literature search of published research papers and reviews using Pubmed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Trans-splicing techniques have been used to target a wide range of diseases in both in vitro and in vivo models, resulting in RNA, protein and functional correction. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Off-target effects can lead to therapeutically undesirable consequences. In vivo efficacy is typically low, and delivery issues remain a challenge. GROWING POINTS Trans-splicing provides a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic approaches. However, much more research needs to be done before developing towards preclinical studies. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Increasing trans-splicing efficacy and specificity by rational design, screening and competitive inhibition of endogenous cis-splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Carin K Ingemarsdotter
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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5
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Berger A, Maire S, Gaillard MC, Sahel JA, Hantraye P, Bemelmans AP. mRNA trans-splicing in gene therapy for genetic diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:487-98. [PMID: 27018401 PMCID: PMC5071737 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing, or SMaRT, is a promising strategy to design innovative gene therapy solutions for currently intractable genetic diseases. SMaRT relies on the correction of mutations at the post-transcriptional level by modifying the mRNA sequence. To achieve this, an exogenous RNA is introduced into the target cell, usually by means of gene transfer, to induce a splice event in trans between the exogenous RNA and the target endogenous pre-mRNA. This produces a chimeric mRNA composed partly of exons of the latter, and partly of exons of the former, encoding a sequence free of mutations. The principal challenge of SMaRT technology is to achieve a reaction as complete as possible, i.e., resulting in 100% repairing of the endogenous mRNA target. The proof of concept of SMaRT feasibility has already been established in several models of genetic diseases caused by recessive mutations. In such cases, in fact, the repair of only a portion of the mutant mRNA pool may be sufficient to obtain a significant therapeutic effect. However in the case of dominant mutations, the target cell must be freed from the majority of mutant mRNA copies, requiring a highly efficient trans-splicing reaction. This likely explains why only a few examples of SMaRT approaches targeting dominant mutations are reported in the literature. In this review, we explain in details the mechanism of trans-splicing, review the different strategies that are under evaluation to lead to efficient trans-splicing, and discuss the advantages and limitations of SMaRT. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:487-498. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1347 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Berger
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Maire
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marie-Claude Gaillard
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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6
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Berger A, Lorain S, Joséphine C, Desrosiers M, Peccate C, Voit T, Garcia L, Sahel JA, Bemelmans AP. Repair of rhodopsin mRNA by spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing: a new approach for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:918-930. [PMID: 25619725 PMCID: PMC4427870 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The promising clinical results obtained for ocular gene therapy in recent years have paved the way for gene supplementation to treat recessively inherited forms of retinal degeneration. The situation is more complex for dominant mutations, as the toxic mutant gene product must be removed. We used spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing as a strategy for repairing the transcript of the rhodopsin gene, the gene most frequently mutated in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We tested 17 different molecules targeting the pre-mRNA intron 1, by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells, with subsequent trans-splicing quantification at the transcript level. We found that the targeting of some parts of the intron promoted trans-splicing more efficiently than the targeting of other areas, and that trans-splicing rate could be increased by modifying the replacement sequence. We then developed cell lines stably expressing the rhodopsin gene, for the assessment of phenotypic criteria relevant to the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa. Using this model, we showed that trans-splicing restored the correct localization of the protein to the plasma membrane. Finally, we tested our best candidate by AAV gene transfer in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa that expresses a mutant allele of the human rhodopsin gene, and demonstrated the feasibility of trans-splicing in vivo. This work paves the way for trans-splicing gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa due to rhodopsin gene mutation and, more generally, for the treatment of genetic diseases with dominant transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Berger
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Lorain
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Charlène Joséphine
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Melissa Desrosiers
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Peccate
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Voit
- Centre de recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UM76, INSERM U974 and CNRS FRE 3617, Paris, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- UFR des sciences de la santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France; Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, France; Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Centre de recherche Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie UM80, INSERM U968, and CNRS UMR 7210, Paris, France; Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département des Sciences du Vivant (DSV), Institut d'Imagerie Biomédicale (I2BM), MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR9199, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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Abstract
Hemophilia is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder consisting of two classifications, hemophilia A and hemophilia B, depending on the underlying mutation. Although the disease is currently treatable with intravenous delivery of replacement recombinant clotting factor, this approach represents a significant cost both monetarily and in terms of quality of life. Gene therapy is an attractive alternative approach to the treatment of hemophilia that would ideally provide life-long correction of clotting activity with a single injection. In this review, we will discuss the multitude of approaches that have been explored for the treatment of both hemophilia A and B, including both in vivo and ex vivo approaches with viral and nonviral delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey L Rogers
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Roland W Herzog
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610
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8
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Cis-splicing and translation of the pre-trans-splicing molecule combine with efficiency in spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1176-1187. [PMID: 24618805 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetically distinct diseases for which no treatment exists. While gene transfer approach is being tested for several of these diseases, such strategies can be hampered when the size of the corresponding complementary DNA (cDNA) exceeds the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus vectors. This issue concerns, in particular, dysferlinopathies and titinopathies that are due to mutations in the dysferlin (DYSF) and titin (TTN) genes. We investigated the efficacy of RNA trans-splicing as a mode of RNA therapy for these two types of diseases. Results obtained with RNA trans-splicing molecules designed to target the 3' end of mouse titin and human dysferlin pre-mRNA transcripts indicated that trans-splicing of pre-mRNA generated from minigene constructs or from the endogenous genes was achieved. Collectively, these results provide the first demonstration of DYSF and TTN trans-splicing reprogramming in vitro and in vivo. However, in addition to these positive results, we uncovered a possible issue of the technique in the form of undesirable translation of RNA pre-trans-splicing molecules, directly from open reading frames present on the molecule or associated with internal alternative cis-splicing. These events may hamper the efficiency of the trans-splicing process and/or lead to toxicity.
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9
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Doering CB, Spencer HT. Advancements in gene transfer-based therapy for hemophilia A. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 2:673-683. [PMID: 20577574 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.09.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has promised clinical benefit to those suffering with hemophilia A, but this benefit has not yet been realized. However, during the past two decades, basic and applied gene therapy research has progressed and the goal of gene therapy for hemophilia A is once again in our sights. The hemophilia A patient population suffers from a disease that requires invasive, lifelong management, is exorbitantly expensive to treat, has geographically limited treatment access and can become untreatable due to immune reactions to the treatment product. Subsequent to the cloning of the factor VIII gene and cDNA in the early 1980s, academic and commercial research laboratories began to pursue gene transfer-based therapies to supplement or supplant the available protein replacement therapy. However, to date, clinical trials for gene therapy of hemophilia A have been unsuccessful. Three trials have been conducted with each having tested a different gene-transfer strategy and each demonstrating that there is a considerable barrier to achieving sustained expression of therapeutic amounts of factor VIII. Recent progress has been made in gene-transfer technology and, relevant to hemophilia A, towards increasing the biosynthetic efficiency of factor VIII. These advances are now being combined to develop novel strategies to treat and possibly cure hemophilia A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Doering
- Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, GA 30322, USA, Tel.: +1 404 727 7988
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10
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Murauer EM, Koller U, Hainzl S, Wally V, Bauer JW. A reporter-based screen to identify potent 3' trans-splicing molecules for endogenous RNA repair. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:19-27. [PMID: 23320616 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of genetic disorders, repairing defective pre-mRNAs by RNA trans-splicing has become an emerging alternative to conventional gene therapy. Previous studies have made clear that the design of the binding domains of the corrective RNA trans-splicing molecules (RTMs) is crucial for their optimal functionality. We established a reporter-based screening method that allows for selection of highly functional RTMs from a large pool of variants. The efficiency and functionality of the screen were validated in the COL7A1 gene, in which mutations are the cause of the skin disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Comparison of RTMs containing different binding domains hybridizing to COL7A1 intron 64/exon 65 revealed highly different trans-splicing efficiencies. Isolated RTMs were then adapted for endogenous trans-splicing in a recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) keratinocyte cell line expressing reduced levels of COL7A1 mRNA. Our results confirm the applicability and relevance of prescreening reporter RTMs, as significant levels of endogenous COL7A1 mRNA repair were seen with RTMs identified as being highly efficient in our screening system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Murauer
- Division of Molecular Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
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11
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Gruber C, Koller U, Murauer EM, Hainzl S, Hüttner C, Kocher T, South AP, Hintner H, Bauer JW. The design and optimization of RNA trans-splicing molecules for skin cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:1056-68. [PMID: 23998959 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor marker genes by RNA trans-splicing is a promising means to induce tumor cell-specific death. Using a screening system we designed RNA trans-splicing molecules (RTM) specifically binding the pre-mRNA of SLCO1B3, a marker gene in epidermolysis bullosa associated squamous cell carcinoma (EB-SCC). Specific trans-splicing, results in the fusion of the endogenous target mRNA of SLCO1B3 and the coding sequence of the suicide gene, provided by the RTM. SLCO1B3-specific RTMs containing HSV-tk were analyzed regarding their trans-splicing potential in a heterologous context using a SLCO1B3 expressing minigene (SLCO1B3-MG). Expression of the chimeric SLCO1B3-tk was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis assays confirmed that the RTMs induced suicide gene-mediated apoptosis in SLCO1B3-MG expressing cells. The lead RTM also showed its potential to facilitate a trans-splicing reaction into the endogenous SLCO1B3 pre-mRNA in EB-SCC cells resulting in tk-mediated apoptosis. We assume that the pre-selection of RTMs by our inducible cell-death system accelerates the design of optimal RTMs capable to induce tumor specific cell death in skin cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gruber
- Division of Experimental Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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Lorain S, Peccate C, Le Hir M, Griffith G, Philippi S, Précigout G, Mamchaoui K, Jollet A, Voit T, Garcia L. Dystrophin rescue by trans-splicing: a strategy for DMD genotypes not eligible for exon skipping approaches. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:8391-402. [PMID: 23861443 PMCID: PMC3783188 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutic approaches using splice-switching oligonucleotides have been successfully applied to rescue dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) preclinical models and are currently being evaluated in DMD patients. Although the modular structure of dystrophin protein tolerates internal deletions, many mutations that affect nondispensable domains of the protein require further strategies. Among these, trans-splicing technology is particularly attractive, as it allows the replacement of any mutated exon by its normal version as well as introducing missing exons or correcting duplication mutations. We have applied such a strategy in vitro by using cotransfection of pre–trans-splicing molecule (PTM) constructs along with a reporter minigene containing part of the dystrophin gene harboring the stop-codon mutation found in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Optimization of the different functional domains of the PTMs allowed achieving accurate and efficient trans-splicing of up to 30% of the transcript encoded by the cotransfected minigene. Optimized parameters included mRNA stabilization, choice of splice site sequence, inclusion of exon splice enhancers and artificial intronic sequence. Intramuscular delivery of adeno-associated virus vectors expressing PTMs allowed detectable levels of dystrophin in mdx and mdx4Cv, illustrating that a given PTM can be suitable for a variety of mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Lorain
- Thérapie des maladies du muscle strié, Um76 UPMC - UMR 7215 CNRS - U974 Inserm - Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France and UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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Abstract
Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) is an RNA-based technology to reprogram genes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For the correction of genetic diseases, SMaRT offers several advantages over traditional gene-replacement strategies. SMaRT protocols have recently been used for in vitro phenotypic correction of a variety of genetic disorders, ranging from epidermolysis bullosa to neurodegenerative diseases. In vivo studies are currently bringing trans-splicing RNA therapy toward clinical application. In this review, we summarize the progress made toward the medical use of SMaRT and provide an outlook on its upcoming applications.
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Gruber C, Gratz IK, Murauer EM, Mayr E, Koller U, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Meneguzzi G, Hintner H, Bauer JW. Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing facilitates targeted delivery of suicide genes to cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:233-41. [PMID: 21209069 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a hereditary blistering disease of epithelia, show susceptibility to develop highly aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tumors metastasize early and are associated with mortality in the 30th-40th years of life in this patient group. So far, no adequate therapy is available for RDEB SCC. An approach is suicide gene therapy, in which a cell death-inducing agent is introduced to cancer cells. However, lack of specificity has constrained clinical application of this modality. Therefore, we used spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing technology, capable of replacing a tumor-specific transcript with one encoding a cell death-inducing peptide/toxin, to provide tumor-restricted expression. We designed 3' pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTM) and evaluated their efficiency to trans-splice an RDEB SCC-associated target gene, the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), in a fluorescence-based test system. A highly efficient PTM was further adapted to insert the toxin streptolysin O (SLO) of Streptococcus pyogenes into the MMP9 gene. Transfection of RDEB SCC cells with the SLO-PTM resulted in cell death and induction of toxin function restricted to RDEB SCC cells. Thus, RNA trans-splicing is a suicide gene therapy approach with increased specificity to treat highly malignant SCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gruber
- Division of Molecular Dermatology and EB House Austria, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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Iwasaki R, Kiuchi H, Ihara M, Mori T, Kawakami M, Ueda H. Trans-splicing as a novel method to rapidly produce antibody fusion proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 384:316-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.04.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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