1
|
Wilkinson P, Jackson B, Fermor H, Davies R. A new mRNA structure prediction based approach to identifying improved signal peptides for bone morphogenetic protein 2. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38783306 PMCID: PMC11112908 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00858-1] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signal peptide (SP) engineering has proven able to improve production of many proteins yet is a laborious process that still relies on trial and error. mRNA structure around the translational start site is important in translation initiation and has rarely been considered in this context, with recent improvements in in silico mRNA structure potentially rendering it a useful predictive tool for SP selection. Here we attempt to create a method to systematically screen candidate signal peptide sequences in silico based on both their nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Several recently released computational tools were used to predict signal peptide activity (SignalP), localization target (DeepLoc) and predicted mRNA structure (MXFold2). The method was tested with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2), an osteogenic growth factor used clinically for bone regeneration. It was hoped more effective BMP2 SPs could improve BMP2-based gene therapies and reduce the cost of recombinant BMP2 production. RESULTS Amino acid sequence analysis indicated 2,611 SPs from the TGF-β superfamily were predicted to function when attached to BMP2. mRNA structure prediction indicated structures at the translational start site were likely highly variable. The five sequences with the most accessible translational start sites, a codon optimized BMP2 SP variant and the well-established hIL2 SP sequence were taken forward to in vitro testing. The top five candidates showed non-significant improvements in BMP2 secretion in HEK293T cells. All showed reductions in secretion versus the native sequence in C2C12 cells, with several showing large and significant decreases. None of the tested sequences were able to increase alkaline phosphatase activity above background in C2C12s. The codon optimized control sequence and hIL2 SP showed reasonable activity in HEK293T but very poor activity in C2C12. CONCLUSIONS These results support the use of peptide sequence based in silico tools for basic predictions around signal peptide activity in a synthetic biology context. However, mRNA structure prediction requires improvement before it can produce reliable predictions for this application. The poor activity of the codon optimized BMP2 SP variant in C2C12 emphasizes the importance of codon choice, mRNA structure, and cellular context for SP activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piers Wilkinson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Brian Jackson
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Hazel Fermor
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert Davies
- Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ball JR, Shelby T, Hernandez F, Mayfield CK, Lieberman JR. Delivery of Growth Factors to Enhance Bone Repair. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1252. [PMID: 38002376 PMCID: PMC10669014 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of critical-sized bone defects caused by nonunion, trauma, infection, malignancy, pseudoarthrosis, and osteolysis poses complex reconstruction challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Current treatment modalities, including autograft, allograft, and distraction osteogenesis, are insufficient for the diverse range of pathology encountered in clinical practice, with significant complications associated with each. Therefore, there is significant interest in the development of delivery vehicles for growth factors to aid in bone repair in these settings. This article reviews innovative strategies for the management of critical-sized bone loss, including novel scaffolds designed for controlled release of rhBMP, bioengineered extracellular vesicles for delivery of intracellular signaling molecules, and advances in regional gene therapy for sustained signaling strategies. Improvement in the delivery of growth factors to areas of significant bone loss has the potential to revolutionize current treatment for this complex clinical challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R. Ball
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1500 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carballo-Pedrares N, Ponti F, Lopez-Seijas J, Miranda-Balbuena D, Bono N, Candiani G, Rey-Rico A. Non-viral gene delivery to human mesenchymal stem cells: a practical guide towards cell engineering. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:49. [PMID: 37491322 PMCID: PMC10369726 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have gained momentum in the field of cell therapy for treating cartilage and bone injuries. Despite the tri-lineage multipotency, proliferative properties, and potent immunomodulatory effects of hMSCs, their clinical potential is hindered by donor variations, limiting their use in medical settings. To address this challenge, gene delivery technologies have emerged as a promising approach to modulate the phenotype and commitment of hMSCs towards specific cell lineages, thereby enhancing osteochondral repair strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current non-viral gene delivery approaches used to engineer MSCs, highlighting key factors such as the choice of nucleic acid or delivery vector, transfection strategies, and experimental parameters. Additionally, it outlines various protocols and methods for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of their therapeutic potential as a delivery system in osteochondral regenerative applications. In summary, this technical review offers a practical guide for optimizing non-viral systems in osteochondral regenerative approaches. hMSCs constitute a key target population for gene therapy techniques. Nevertheless, there is a long way to go for their translation into clinical treatments. In this review, we remind the most relevant transfection conditions to be optimized, such as the type of nucleic acid or delivery vector, the transfection strategy, and the experimental parameters to accurately evaluate a delivery system. This survey provides a practical guide to optimizing non-viral systems for osteochondral regenerative approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Carballo-Pedrares
- Gene & Cell Therapy Research Group (G-CEL). Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología - CICA, Universidade da Coruña, As Carballeiras, S/N. Campus de Elviña, 15071 A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Federica Ponti
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico Di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair I in Biomaterials and Bioengineering for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering & Research Center of CHU de Quebec, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Junquera Lopez-Seijas
- Gene & Cell Therapy Research Group (G-CEL). Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología - CICA, Universidade da Coruña, As Carballeiras, S/N. Campus de Elviña, 15071 A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Diego Miranda-Balbuena
- Gene & Cell Therapy Research Group (G-CEL). Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología - CICA, Universidade da Coruña, As Carballeiras, S/N. Campus de Elviña, 15071 A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Nina Bono
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico Di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico Di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ana Rey-Rico
- Gene & Cell Therapy Research Group (G-CEL). Centro Interdisciplinar de Química y Biología - CICA, Universidade da Coruña, As Carballeiras, S/N. Campus de Elviña, 15071 A, Coruña, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stella GM, Lettieri S, Piloni D, Ferrarotti I, Perrotta F, Corsico AG, Bortolotto C. Smart Sensors and Microtechnologies in the Precision Medicine Approach against Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1042. [PMID: 37513953 PMCID: PMC10385174 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The therapeutic interventions against lung cancer are currently based on a fully personalized approach to the disease with considerable improvement of patients' outcome. Alongside continuous scientific progresses and research investments, massive technologic efforts, innovative challenges, and consolidated achievements together with research investments are at the bases of the engineering and manufacturing revolution that allows a significant gain in clinical setting. AIM AND METHODS The scope of this review is thus to focus, rather than on the biologic traits, on the analysis of the precision sensors and novel generation materials, as semiconductors, which are below the clinical development of personalized diagnosis and treatment. In this perspective, a careful revision and analysis of the state of the art of the literature and experimental knowledge is presented. RESULTS Novel materials are being used in the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. Among them, semiconductors are used to analyze volatile cancer compounds and allow early disease diagnosis. Moreover, they can be used to generate MEMS which have found an application in advanced imaging techniques as well as in drug delivery devices. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these issues represent critical issues only partially known and generally underestimated by the clinical community. These novel micro-technology-based biosensing devices, based on the use of molecules at atomic concentrations, are crucial for clinical innovation since they have allowed the recent significant advances in cancer biology deciphering as well as in disease detection and therapy. There is an urgent need to create a stronger dialogue between technologists, basic researchers, and clinicians to address all scientific and manufacturing efforts towards a real improvement in patients' outcome. Here, great attention is focused on their application against lung cancer, from their exploitations in translational research to their application in diagnosis and treatment development, to ensure early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Lettieri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Piloni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ferrarotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Perrotta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80131 Napoli, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica Pneumologica "L. Vanvitelli", A.O. dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Guido Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Services and Imaging, Unit of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wallen M, Aqil F, Spencer W, Gupta RC. Exosomes as an Emerging Plasmid Delivery Vehicle for Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1832. [PMID: 37514019 PMCID: PMC10384126 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its introduction more than three decades ago, gene therapy has fallen short of its expected potential for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases and continues to lack widespread clinical use. The fundamental limitation in clinical translatability of this therapeutic modality has always been an effective delivery system that circumvents degradation of the therapeutic nucleic acids, ensuring they reach the intended disease target. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) for the purpose of introducing exogenous genes presents an additional challenge due to its size and potential immunogenicity. Current pDNA methods include naked pDNA accompanied by electroporation or ultrasound, liposomes, other nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides, to name a few. While the topic of numerous reviews, each of these methods has its own unique set of limitations, side effects, and efficacy concerns. In this review, we highlight emerging uses of exosomes for the delivery of pDNA for gene therapy. We specifically focus on bovine milk and colostrum-derived exosomes as a nano-delivery "platform". Milk/colostrum represents an abundant, scalable, and cost-effective natural source of exosomes that can be loaded with nucleic acids for targeted delivery to a variety of tissue types in the body. These nanoparticles can be functionalized and loaded with pDNA for the exogenous expression of genes to target a wide variety of disease phenotypes, overcoming many of the limitations of current gene therapy delivery techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | | | - Ramesh C Gupta
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hofmann AT, Slezak P, Neumann S, Ferguson J, Redl H, Mittermayr R. Ischemia Impaired Wound Healing Model in the Rat—Demonstrating Its Ability to Test Proangiogenic Factors. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041043. [PMID: 37189661 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds remain a serious clinical problem with insufficient therapeutic approaches. In this study we investigated the dose dependency of rhVEGF165 in fibrin sealant in both ischemic and non-ischemic excision wounds using our recently developed impaired-wound healing model. An abdominal flap was harvested from the rat with unilateral ligation of the epigastric bundle and consequent unilateral flap ischemia. Two excisional wounds were set in the ischemic and non-ischemic area. Wounds were treated with three different rhVEGF165 doses (10, 50 and 100 ng) mixed with fibrin or fibrin alone. Control animals received no therapy. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) and immunohistochemistry were performed to verify ischemia and angiogenesis. Wound size was monitored with computed planimetric analysis. LDI revealed insufficient tissue perfusion in all groups. Planimetric analysis showed slower wound healing in the ischemic area in all groups. Wound healing was fastest with fibrin treatment—irrespective of tissue vitality. Lower dose VEGF (10 and 50 ng) led to faster wound healing compared to high-dose VEGF. Immunohistochemistry showed the highest vessel numbers in low-dose VEGF groups. In our previously established model, different rhVEGF165 treatments led to dose-dependent differences in angiogenesis and wound healing, but the fastest wound closure was achieved with fibrin matrix alone.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ranjbarnejad F, Khazaei M, Shahryari A, Khazaei F, Rezakhani L. Recent advances in gene therapy for bone tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:1121-1137. [PMID: 36382408 DOI: 10.1002/term.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Autografting, a major treatment for bone fractures, has potential risks related to the required surgery and disease transmission. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the most common osteogenic factors used for bone-healing applications. However, BMP delivery can have shortcomings such as a short half-life and the high cost of manufacturing the recombinant proteins. Gene delivery methods have demonstrated promising alternative strategies for producing BMPs or other osteogenic factors using engineered cells. These approaches can also enable temporal overexpression and local production of the therapeutic genes in the target tissues. This review addresses recent progress on engineered viral, non-viral, and RNA-mediated gene delivery systems that are being used for bone repair and regeneration. Advances in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 genome engineering for bone tissue regeneration also is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ranjbarnejad
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahryari
- Tools for Bio-Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Khazaei
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Leila Rezakhani
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Applications of Ultrasound-Mediated Gene Delivery in Regenerative Medicine. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050190. [PMID: 35621468 PMCID: PMC9137703 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the capability of non-viral gene delivery systems to induce tissue regeneration is a continued effort as the current use of viral vectors can present with significant limitations. Despite initially showing lower gene transfection and gene expression efficiencies, non-viral delivery methods continue to be optimized to match that of their viral counterparts. Ultrasound-mediated gene transfer, referred to as sonoporation, occurs by the induction of transient membrane permeabilization and has been found to significantly increase the uptake and expression of DNA in cells across many organ systems. In addition, it offers a more favorable safety profile compared to other non-viral delivery methods. Studies have shown that microbubble-enhanced sonoporation can elicit significant tissue regeneration in both ectopic and disease models, including bone and vascular tissue regeneration. Despite this, no clinical trials on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration have been conducted, although current clinical trials using sonoporation for other indications suggest that the method is safe for use in the clinical setting. In this review, we describe the pre-clinical studies conducted thus far on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration. Further, the various techniques used to increase the effectiveness and duration of sonoporation-induced gene transfer, as well as the obstacles that may be currently hindering clinical translation, are explored.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rapid Magneto-Sonoporation of Adipose-Derived Cells. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14174877. [PMID: 34500968 PMCID: PMC8432646 DOI: 10.3390/ma14174877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
By permeabilizing the cell membrane with ultrasound and facilitating the uptake of iron oxide nanoparticles, the magneto-sonoporation (MSP) technique can be used to instantaneously label transplantable cells (like stem cells) to be visualized via magnetic resonance imaging in vivo. However, the effects of MSP on cells are still largely unexplored. Here, we applied MSP to the widely applicable adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for the first time and investigated its effects on the biology of those cells. Upon optimization, MSP allowed us to achieve a consistent nanoparticle uptake (in the range of 10 pg/cell) and a complete membrane resealing in few minutes. Surprisingly, this treatment altered the metabolic activity of cells and induced their differentiation towards an osteoblastic profile, as demonstrated by an increased expression of osteogenic genes and morphological changes. Histological evidence of osteogenic tissue development was collected also in 3D hydrogel constructs. These results point to a novel role of MSP in remote biophysical stimulation of cells with focus application in bone tissue repair.
Collapse
|
10
|
Musculoskeletal tissue engineering: Regional gene therapy for bone repair. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120901. [PMID: 34091300 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone loss associated with fracture nonunion, revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA), and pseudoarthrosis of the spine presents a challenging clinical scenario for the orthopaedic surgeon. Current treatment options including autograft, allograft, bone graft substitutes, and bone transport techniques are associated with significant morbidity, high costs, and prolonged treatment regimens. Unfortunately, these treatment strategies have proven insufficient to safely and consistently heal bone defects in the stringent biological environments often encountered in clinical cases of bone loss. The application of tissue engineering (TE) to musculoskeletal pathology has uncovered exciting potential treatment strategies for challenging bone loss scenarios in orthopaedic surgery. Regional gene therapy involves the local implantation of nucleic acids or genetically modified cells to direct specific protein expression, and has shown promise as a potential TE technique for the regeneration of bone. Preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated the ability of regional gene therapy to safely and effectively heal critical sized bone defects which otherwise do not heal. The purpose of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of gene therapy applications for TE in challenging bone loss scenarios, with an emphasis on gene delivery methods and models, scaffold biomaterials, preclinical results, and future directions.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gantenbein B, Tang S, Guerrero J, Higuita-Castro N, Salazar-Puerta AI, Croft AS, Gazdhar A, Purmessur D. Non-viral Gene Delivery Methods for Bone and Joints. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:598466. [PMID: 33330428 PMCID: PMC7711090 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.598466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral carrier transport efficiency of gene delivery is high, depending on the type of vector. However, viral delivery poses significant safety concerns such as inefficient/unpredictable reprogramming outcomes, genomic integration, as well as unwarranted immune responses and toxicity. Thus, non-viral gene delivery methods are more feasible for translation as these allow safer delivery of genes and can modulate gene expression transiently both in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. Based on current studies, the efficiency of these technologies appears to be more limited, but they are appealing for clinical translation. This review presents a summary of recent advancements in orthopedics, where primarily bone and joints from the musculoskeletal apparatus were targeted. In connective tissues, which are known to have a poor healing capacity, and have a relatively low cell-density, i.e., articular cartilage, bone, and the intervertebral disk (IVD) several approaches have recently been undertaken. We provide a brief overview of the existing technologies, using nano-spheres/engineered vesicles, lipofection, and in vivo electroporation. Here, delivery for microRNA (miRNA), and silencing RNA (siRNA) and DNA plasmids will be discussed. Recent studies will be summarized that aimed to improve regeneration of these tissues, involving the delivery of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), such as BMP2 for improvement of bone healing. For articular cartilage/osteochondral junction, non-viral methods concentrate on targeted delivery to chondrocytes or MSCs for tissue engineering-based approaches. For the IVD, growth factors such as GDF5 or GDF6 or developmental transcription factors such as Brachyury or FOXF1 seem to be of high clinical interest. However, the most efficient method of gene transfer is still elusive, as several preclinical studies have reported many different non-viral methods and clinical translation of these techniques still needs to be validated. Here we discuss the non-viral methods applied for bone and joint and propose methods that can be promising in clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shirley Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Research Institute Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Julien Guerrero
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Surgery, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ana I Salazar-Puerta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Surgery, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Andreas S Croft
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amiq Gazdhar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Research Institute Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Decker RE, Lamantia ZE, Emrick TS, Figueiredo ML. Sonodelivery in Skeletal Muscle: Current Approaches and Future Potential. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E107. [PMID: 32916815 PMCID: PMC7552685 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently multiple approaches to facilitate gene therapy via intramuscular gene delivery, such as electroporation, viral delivery, or direct DNA injection with or without polymeric carriers. Each of these methods has benefits, but each method also has shortcomings preventing it from being established as the ideal technique. A promising method, ultrasound-mediated gene delivery (or sonodelivery) is inexpensive, widely available, reusable, minimally invasive, and safe. Hurdles to utilizing sonodelivery include choosing from a large variety of conditions, which are often dependent on the equipment and/or research group, and moderate transfection efficiencies when compared to some other gene delivery methods. In this review, we provide a comprehensive look at the breadth of sonodelivery techniques for intramuscular gene delivery and suggest future directions for this continuously evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Decker
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.E.D.); (Z.E.L.)
| | - Zachary E. Lamantia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.E.D.); (Z.E.L.)
| | - Todd S. Emrick
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Marxa L. Figueiredo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.E.D.); (Z.E.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bez M, Pelled G, Gazit D. BMP gene delivery for skeletal tissue regeneration. Bone 2020; 137:115449. [PMID: 32447073 PMCID: PMC7354211 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders are common and can be associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. Current treatments for major bone loss or cartilage defects are insufficient. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are key players in the recruitment and regeneration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues, and attempts have been made to introduce the protein to fracture sites with limited success. In the last 20 years we have seen a substantial progress in the development of various BMP gene delivery platforms for several conditions. In this review we cover the progress made using several techniques for BMP gene delivery for bone as well as cartilage regeneration, with focus on recent advances in the field of skeletal tissue engineering. Some methods have shown success in large animal models, and with the global trend of introducing gene therapies into the clinical setting, it seems that the day in which BMP gene therapy will be viable for clinical use is near.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Bez
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Israel; Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Gadi Pelled
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Dan Gazit
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel; Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chowdhury SM, Abou-Elkacem L, Lee T, Dahl J, Lutz AM. Ultrasound and microbubble mediated therapeutic delivery: Underlying mechanisms and future outlook. J Control Release 2020; 326:75-90. [PMID: 32554041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the emerging field of oncological ultrasound molecular imaging, the recent significant advancements in ultrasound and contrast agent technology have paved the way for therapeutic ultrasound mediated microbubble oscillation and has shown that this approach is capable of increasing the permeability of microvessel walls while also initiating enhanced extravasation and drug delivery into target tissues. In addition, a large number of preclinical studies have demonstrated that ultrasound alone or combined with microbubbles can efficiently increase cell membrane permeability resulting in enhanced tissue distribution and intracellular drug delivery of molecules, nanoparticles, and other therapeutic agents. The mechanism behind the enhanced permeability is the temporary creation of pores in cell membranes through a phenomenon called sonoporation by high-intensity ultrasound and microbubbles or cavitation agents. At low ultrasound intensities (0.3-3 W/cm2), sonoporation may be caused by microbubbles oscillating in a stable motion, also known as stable cavitation. In contrast, at higher ultrasound intensities (greater than 3 W/cm2), sonoporation usually occurs through inertial cavitation that accompanies explosive growth and collapse of the microbubbles. Sonoporation has been shown to be a highly effective method to improve drug uptake through microbubble potentiated enhancement of microvascular permeability. In this review, the therapeutic strategy of using ultrasound for improved drug delivery are summarized with the special focus on cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss the progress, challenges, and future of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery towards clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Mullick Chowdhury
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Taehwa Lee
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Dahl
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bozo IY, Deev RV, Smirnov IV, Fedotov AY, Popov VK, Mironov AV, Mironova OA, Gerasimenko AY, Komlev VS. 3D Printed Gene-activated Octacalcium Phosphate Implants for Large Bone Defects Engineering. Int J Bioprint 2020; 6:275. [PMID: 33088987 PMCID: PMC7557339 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v6i3.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was the development of three-dimensional (3D) printed gene-activated implants based on octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and plasmid DNA encoding VEGFA. The first objective of the present work involved design and fabrication of gene-activated bone substitutes based on the OCP and plasmid DNA with VEGFA gene using 3D printing approach of ceramic constructs, providing the control of its architectonics compliance to the initial digital models. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and compressive strength analyses were applied to investigate the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the experimental samples. The biodegradation rate and the efficacy of plasmid DNA delivery in vivo were assessed during standard tests with subcutaneous implantation to rodents in the next stage. The final part of the study involved substitution of segmental tibia and mandibular defects in adult pigs with 3D printed gene-activated implants. Biodegradation, osteointegration, and effectiveness of a reparative osteogenesis were evaluated with computerized tomography, SEM, and a histological examination. The combination of gene therapy and 3D printed implants manifested the significant clinical potential for effective bone regeneration in large/critical size defect cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Y Bozo
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Research and Development Department, Human Stem Cells Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman V Deev
- Research and Development Department, Human Stem Cells Institute, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pathology, I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor V Smirnov
- A.A. Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Yu Fedotov
- A.A. Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir K Popov
- Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton V Mironov
- Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A Mironova
- Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Yu Gerasimenko
- Institute for Bionic Technologies and Engineering, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Biomedical Systems, National Research University of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Komlev
- A.A. Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Photon Technologies of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics," Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Everding J, Stolberg-Stolberg J, Raschke MJ, Stange R. [Stimulation of fracture healing by growth factors and cell-based technologies]. Unfallchirurg 2019; 122:534-543. [PMID: 31201492 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-019-0686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bone has the special capability to completely regenerate after trauma and to re-establish its original geometry and biomechanical stability corresponding to the pretrauma conditions. Nevertheless, in daily clinical practice impaired fracture healing and nonunions are regular complications as a result of inadequate mechanical stability and/or insufficient biological processes around the fracture region. Since the beginning of the millennium, intensive research on the physiological processes in bone healing as well as the production and clinical administration of growth factors have enabled the possibility to improve the local biological processes during fracture healing by osteoinduction. Although the initial clinical results, particularly of bone morphogenetic proteins, in fracture healing were promising, growth factors did not become established for unrestricted use in the clinical application. Currently, additional growth factors are being investigated with respect to the potential supportive and osteoinductive characteristics for enhancement of fracture healing and possible clinical applications. Furthermore, the development of cell-based technologies is another promising approach to positively stimulate fracture healing. In addition to the gold standard of autologous bone grafting, harvesting of mesenchymal stroma cells by aspiration has gained in importance in recent years. Allogeneic bone cell transplantation procedures and in particular gene therapy are promising new strategies for the treatment of disorders of fracture healing. This review gives an overview of present and future possibilities for modulation of fracture healing by growth factors and cell-based technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Everding
- Klinik für Unfall‑, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - J Stolberg-Stolberg
- Klinik für Unfall‑, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - M J Raschke
- Klinik für Unfall‑, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - R Stange
- Abteilung für Regenerative Muskuloskelettale Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland.
- Institut für Muskuloskelettale Medizin (IMM), Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advances in gene therapy as a treatment for bone regeneration. While most fractures heal spontaneously, patients who present with fracture nonunion suffer from prolonged pain, disability, and often require additional operations to regain musculoskeletal function. RECENT FINDINGS In the last few years, BMP gene delivery by means of electroporation and sonoporation resulted in repair of nonunion bone defects in mice, rats, and minipigs. Ex vivo transfection of porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) resulted in bone regeneration following implantation in vertebral defects of minipigs. Sustained release of VEGF gene from a collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold to the mandible of a human patient was shown to be safe and osteoinductive. In conclusion, gene therapy methods for bone regeneration are systematically becoming more efficient and show proof-of-concept in clinically relevant animal models. Yet, on the pathway to clinical use, more investigation is needed to determine the safety aspects of the various techniques in terms of biodistribution, toxicity, and tumorigenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina Shapiro
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ein Kerem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Lieber
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ein Kerem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dan Gazit
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ein Kerem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP-8304, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Gadi Pelled
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ein Kerem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP-8304, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hofmann AT, Neumann S, Ferguson J, Redl H, Mittermayr R. * A Rodent Excision Model for Ischemia-Impaired Wound Healing. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2018; 23:995-1002. [PMID: 28978276 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed wound healing and the potentially resulting chronic wounds are a challenging clinical problem. Available therapeutic strategies are limited in both number and efficacy. For developing and establishing novel treatment approaches appropriate clinically relevant animal models are essential. The aim of the study was to establish a reliable and reproducible delayed wound healing model, which simulates the clinical scenario of compromised vascular tissue perfusion (hypoxia/ischemia). Therefore a standard rodent ischemic flap model was modified by challenging the tissue with ascending degrees of ischemia using different surgical approaches (minimal, mild, moderate, and severe ischemic invasive approach). Then a full-thickness circular wound was excised in both the non-/hypoperfused flap area and in the normally perfused contralateral region serving as an internal control. Wound healing progress was compared. Superficial tissue perfusion was measured by Laser Doppler imaging technique, which showed persistent ischemia in the moderate and severe invasive surgical approaches 7 days after wounding. Wound closure assessed by planimetric analysis occurred significantly slower in the ischemic wounds compared to the contralateral nonischemic wounds in the moderate invasive approach. Histologic evaluations in this approach showed signs of tissue necrosis and impaired angiogenesis in the ischemic wounds. Therefore, it can be concluded that this clinically relevant animal model is suitable to study mechanism in ischemia-impaired wound healing. Furthermore, it allows evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic strategies for impaired wound healing and comparing the results with an internal control wound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Hofmann
- 1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology , AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Neumann
- 1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology , AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - James Ferguson
- 1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology , AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- 1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology , AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Mittermayr
- 1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology , AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria .,2 AUVA Trauma Center Meidling , Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bez M, Sheyn D, Tawackoli W, Avalos P, Shapiro G, Giaconi JC, Da X, David SB, Gavrity J, Awad HA, Bae HW, Ley EJ, Kremen TJ, Gazit Z, Ferrara KW, Pelled G, Gazit D. In situ bone tissue engineering via ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous progenitor cells in mini-pigs. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/390/eaal3128. [PMID: 28515335 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal3128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
More than 2 million bone-grafting procedures are performed each year using autografts or allografts. However, both options carry disadvantages, and there remains a clear medical need for the development of new therapies for massive bone loss and fracture nonunions. We hypothesized that localized ultrasound-mediated, microbubble-enhanced therapeutic gene delivery to endogenous stem cells would induce efficient bone regeneration and fracture repair. To test this hypothesis, we surgically created a critical-sized bone fracture in the tibiae of Yucatán mini-pigs, a clinically relevant large animal model. A collagen scaffold was implanted in the fracture to facilitate recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) into the fracture site. Two weeks later, transcutaneous ultrasound-mediated reporter gene delivery successfully transfected 40% of cells at the fracture site, and flow cytometry showed that 80% of the transfected cells expressed MSC markers. Human bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) plasmid DNA was delivered using ultrasound in the same animal model, leading to transient expression and secretion of BMP-6 localized to the fracture area. Micro-computed tomography and biomechanical analyses showed that ultrasound-mediated BMP-6 gene delivery led to complete radiographic and functional fracture healing in all animals 6 weeks after treatment, whereas nonunion was evident in control animals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous mesenchymal progenitor cells can effectively treat nonhealing bone fractures in large animals, thereby addressing a major orthopedic unmet need and offering new possibilities for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Bez
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dmitriy Sheyn
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Wafa Tawackoli
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Galina Shapiro
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Joseph C Giaconi
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Da
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Shiran Ben David
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jayne Gavrity
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Hani A Awad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Hyun W Bae
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Eric J Ley
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Thomas J Kremen
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Zulma Gazit
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Katherine W Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Gadi Pelled
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dan Gazit
- Skeletal Biotech Laboratory, Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. .,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nomikou N, Feichtinger GA, Saha S, Nuernberger S, Heimel P, Redl H, McHale AP. Ultrasound-responsive gene-activated matrices for osteogenic gene therapy using matrix-assisted sonoporation. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e250-e260. [PMID: 28084018 DOI: 10.1002/term.2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene-activated matrix (GAM)-based therapeutics for tissue regeneration are limited by efficacy, the lack of spatiotemporal control and availability of target cells, all of which impact negatively on their translation to the clinic. Here, an advanced ultrasound-responsive GAM is described containing target cells that facilitates matrix-assisted sonoporation (MAS) to induce osteogenic differentiation. Ultrasound-responsive GAMs consisting of fibrin/collagen hybrid-matrices containing microbubbles, bone morphogenetic protein BMP2/7 coexpression plasmids together with C2C12 cells were treated with ultrasound either in vitro or following parenteral intramuscular implantation in vivo. Using direct measurement for alkaline phosphatase activity, von Kossa staining and immunohistochemical analysis for osteocalcin expression, MAS-stimulated osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in the GAMs in vitro 7 days after treatment with ultrasound. At day 30 post-treatment with ultrasound, ectopic osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in vivo using X-ray microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Osteogenic differentiation was indicated by the presence of ectopic bone structures in all animals treated with MAS. In addition, bone volumes in this group were statistically greater than those in the control groups. This novel approach of incorporating a MAS capability into GAMs could be exploited to facilitate ex vivo gene transfer with subsequent surgical implantation or alternatively provide a minimally invasive means of stimulating in situ transgene delivery for osteoinductive gene-based therapies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Nomikou
- Research Department of General Surgery, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - G A Feichtinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Centre, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research (Expertissues EEIG) Vienna Branch, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - S Saha
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - S Nuernberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Bernhard Gottlieb University Clinic of Dentistry, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Heimel
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Centre, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research (Expertissues EEIG) Vienna Branch, Vienna, Austria
| | - H Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Centre, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research (Expertissues EEIG) Vienna Branch, Vienna, Austria
| | - A P McHale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hausner T, Redl H. [Basic research in traumatology and its contribution to routine operation]. Unfallchirurg 2017; 120:176-178. [PMID: 28083628 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-016-0305-y] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Basic research in traumatology supports the clinical outcome of patients in trauma care and tries to find science-based solutions for clinical problems. Furthermore, institutions for basic research in traumatology usually offer training in different skills, such as how to write a scientific paper, or practice in microsurgery or intubation. Two examples of clinically significant research topics are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Hausner
- AUVA-Unfallkrankenhaus Lorenz Böhler, Donaueschingenstr. 13, 1200, Wien, Österreich. .,Ludwig Bolzmann Institut für experimentelle und klinische Traumatologie, Wien, Österreich. .,Universitätsklinik für Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Paracelsus Medizinische Universität, Salzburg, Österreich.
| | - H Redl
- Ludwig Bolzmann Institut für experimentelle und klinische Traumatologie, Wien, Österreich
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kim YD, Pofali P, Park TE, Singh B, Cho K, Maharjan S, Dandekar P, Jain R, Choi YJ, Arote R, Cho CS. Gene therapy for bone tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2016; 13:111-125. [PMID: 30603391 PMCID: PMC6170855 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-016-9063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds a great promise and has been extensively investigated to improve bone formation and regeneration therapies in bone tissue engineering. A variety of osteogenic genes can be delivered by combining different vectors (viral or non-viral), scaffolds and delivery methodologies. Ex vivo & in vivo gene enhanced tissue engineering approaches have led to successful osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. In this article, we review recent advances of gene therapy-based bone tissue engineering discussing strengths and weaknesses of various strategies as well as general overview of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Dong Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Prasad Pofali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bijay Singh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kihyun Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sushila Maharjan
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Prajakta Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Ratnesh Jain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Yun-Jaie Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Rohidas Arote
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chong-Su Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ordinary and Activated Bone Grafts: Applied Classification and the Main Features. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:365050. [PMID: 26649300 PMCID: PMC4662978 DOI: 10.1155/2015/365050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bone grafts are medical devices that are in high demand in clinical practice for substitution of bone defects and recovery of atrophic bone regions. Based on the analysis of the modern groups of bone grafts, the particularities of their composition, the mechanisms of their biological effects, and their therapeutic indications, applicable classification was proposed that separates the bone substitutes into “ordinary” and “activated.” The main differential criterion is the presence of biologically active components in the material that are standardized by qualitative and quantitative parameters: growth factors, cells, or gene constructions encoding growth factors. The pronounced osteoinductive and (or) osteogenic properties of activated osteoplastic materials allow drawing upon their efficacy in the substitution of large bone defects.
Collapse
|
24
|
Healing of massive segmental femoral bone defects in minipigs by allogenic ASCs engineered with FLPo/Frt-based baculovirus vectors. Biomaterials 2015; 50:98-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
25
|
Balmayor ER, van Griensven M. Gene therapy for bone engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:9. [PMID: 25699253 PMCID: PMC4313589 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone has an intrinsic healing capacity that may be exceeded when the fracture gap is too big or unstable. In that moment, osteogenic measures need to be taken by physicians. It is important to combine cells, scaffolds and growth factors, and the correct mechanical conditions. Growth factors are clinically administered as recombinant proteins. They are, however, expensive and needed in high supraphysiological doses. Moreover, their half-life is short when administered to the fracture. Therefore, gene therapy may be an alternative. Cells can constantly produce the protein of interest in the correct folding, with the physiological glycosylation and in the needed amounts. Genes can be delivered in vivo or ex vivo by viral or non-viral methods. Adenovirus is mostly used. For the non-viral methods, hydrogels and recently sonoporation seem to be promising means. This review will give an overview of recent advancements in gene therapy approaches for bone regeneration strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rosado Balmayor
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich , Munich , Germany ; Institute for Advanced Science, Technical University Munich , Garching , Germany
| | - Martijn van Griensven
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich , Munich , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kaipel M, Schützenberger S, Hofmann AT, Ferguson J, Nau T, Redl H, Feichtinger GA. Evaluation of fibrin-based gene-activated matrices for BMP2/7 plasmid codelivery in a rat nonunion model. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2014; 38:2607-13. [PMID: 25192687 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-014-2499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of large-segmental bone defects still is a challenge in clinical routine. Application of gene-activated matrices (GAMs) based on fibrin, bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 2/7 plasmids and nonviral transfection reagents (cationic polymers) could be an innovative treatment strategy to overcome this problem. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of fibrin GAMs with or without additional transfection reagents for BMP2 and 7 plasmid codelivery in a femur nonunion rat model. METHODS In this experimental study, a critical-sized femoral defect was created in 27 rats. At four weeks after the surgery, animals were separated into four groups and underwent a second operation. Fibrin clots containing BMP2/7 plasmids with and without cationic polymer were implanted into the femoral defect. Fibrin clots containing recombinant human (rh) BMP2 served as positive and clots without supplement as negative controls. RESULTS At eight weeks, animals that received GAMs containing the cationic polymer and BMP2/7 plasmids showed decreased bone volume compared with animals treated with GAMs and BMP2/7 only. Application of BMP2/7 plasmids in fibrin GAMs without cationic polymer led to variable results. Animals that received rhBMP2 protein showed increased bone volume, and osseous unions were achieved in two of six animals. CONCLUSIONS Cationic polymers decrease therapeutic efficiency of fibrin GAM-based BMP2/7 plasmid codelivery in bone regeneration. Nonviral gene transfer of BMP2/7 plasmids needs alternative promoters (e.g. by sonoporation, electroporation) to produce beneficial clinical effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaipel
- Orthopaedic Department, Barmherzige Brüder Hospital, Johannes von Gott-Platz 1/A-7000, Eisenstadt, Austria,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sonoporation: Gene transfer using ultrasound. World J Methodol 2013; 3:39-44. [PMID: 25237622 PMCID: PMC4145571 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v3.i4.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes can be transferred using viral or non-viral vectors. Non-viral methods that use plasmid DNA and short interference RNA (siRNA) have advantages, such as low immunogenicity and low likelihood of genomic integration in the host, when compared to viral methods. Non-viral methods have potential merit, but their gene transfer efficiency is not satisfactory. Therefore, new methods should be developed. Low-frequency ultrasound irradiation causes mechanical perturbation of the cell membrane, allowing the uptake of large molecules in the vicinity of the cavitation bubbles. The collapse of these bubbles generates small transient holes in the cell membrane and induces transient membrane permeabilization. This formation of small pores in the cell membrane using ultrasound allows the transfer of DNA/RNA into the cell. This phenomenon is known as sonoporation and is a gene delivery method that shows great promise as a potential new approach in gene therapy. Microbubbles lower the threshold of cavity formation. Complexes of therapeutic genes and microbubbles improve the transfer efficiency of genes. Diagnostic ultrasound is potentially a suitable sonoporator because it allows the real-time monitoring of irradiated fields.
Collapse
|