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Moaveni AK, Amiri M, Shademan B, Farhadi A, Behroozi J, Nourazarian A. Advances and challenges in gene therapy strategies for pediatric cancer: a comprehensive update. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1382190. [PMID: 38836106 PMCID: PMC11149429 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1382190] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers represent a tragic but also promising area for gene therapy. Although conventional treatments have improved survival rates, there is still a need for targeted and less toxic interventions. This article critically analyzes recent advances in gene therapy for pediatric malignancies and discusses the challenges that remain. We explore the innovative vectors and delivery systems that have emerged, such as adeno-associated viruses and non-viral platforms, which show promise in addressing the unique pathophysiology of pediatric tumors. Specifically, we examine the field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and their adaptation for solid tumors, which historically have been more challenging to treat than hematologic malignancies. We also discuss the genetic and epigenetic complexities inherent to pediatric cancers, such as tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which pose significant hurdles for gene therapy. Ethical considerations specific to pediatric populations, including consent and long-term follow-up, are also analyzed. Additionally, we scrutinize the translation of research from preclinical models that often fail to mimic pediatric cancer biology to the regulatory landscapes that can either support or hinder innovation. In summary, this article provides an up-to-date overview of gene therapy in pediatric oncology, highlighting both the rapid scientific progress and the substantial obstacles that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we propose a roadmap for future research that prioritizes the safety, efficacy, and complex ethical considerations involved in treating pediatric patients. Our ultimate goal is to move from incremental advancements to transformative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kian Moaveni
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amiri
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arezoo Farhadi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Javad Behroozi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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Saleh AH, Rothe M, Barber DL, McKillop WM, Fraser G, Morel CF, Schambach A, Auray-Blais C, West ML, Khan A, Fowler DH, Rupar CA, Foley R, Medin JA, Keating A. Persistent hematopoietic polyclonality after lentivirus-mediated gene therapy for Fabry disease. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 28:262-271. [PMID: 36816757 PMCID: PMC9932294 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The safety and efficacy of lentivirus-mediated gene therapy was recently demonstrated in five male patients with Fabry disease-a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by GLA gene mutations that result in multiple end-organ complications. To evaluate the risks of clonal dominance and leukemogenesis, which have been reported in multiple gene therapy trials, we conducted a comprehensive DNA insertion site analysis of peripheral blood samples from the five patients in our gene therapy trial. We found that patients had a polyclonal integration site spectrum and did not find evidence of a dominant clone in any patient. Although we identified vector integrations near proto-oncogenes, these had low percentages of contributions to the overall pool of integrations and did not persist over time. Overall, we show that our trial of lentivirus-mediated gene therapy for Fabry disease did not lead to hematopoietic clonal dominance and likely did not elevate the risk of leukemogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr H. Saleh
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dwayne L. Barber
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Graeme Fraser
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University and Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chantal F. Morel
- Fred A. Litwin Family Centre in Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University, Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christiane Auray-Blais
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Hospital Fleurimont, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Michael L. West
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Aneal Khan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Metabolics and Pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - C. Anthony Rupar
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada,Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ronan Foley
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University and Juravinski, Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Armand Keating
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, 700U 6-325 Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada,Corresponding author Armand Keating, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, 700U 6-325 Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
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Maetzig T, Lieske A, Dörpmund N, Rothe M, Kleppa MJ, Dziadek V, Hassan JJ, Dahlke J, Borchert D, Schambach A. Real-Time Characterization of Clonal Fate Decisions in Complex Leukemia Samples by Fluorescent Genetic Barcoding. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244045. [PMID: 36552809 PMCID: PMC9776743 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonal heterogeneity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) forms the basis for treatment failure and relapse. Attempts to decipher clonal evolution and clonal competition primarily depend on deep sequencing approaches. However, this prevents the experimental confirmation of the identified disease-relevant traits on the same cell material. Here, we describe the development and application of a complex fluorescent genetic barcoding (cFGB) lentiviral vector system for the labeling and subsequent multiplex tracking of up to 48 viable AML clones by flow cytometry. This approach allowed the visualization of longitudinal changes in the in vitro growth behavior of multiplexed color-coded AML clones for up to 137 days. Functional studies of flow cytometry-enriched clones documented their stably inherited increase in competitiveness, despite the absence of growth-promoting mutations in exome sequencing data. Transplantation of aliquots of a color-coded AML cell mix into mice revealed the initial engraftment of similar clones and their subsequent differential distribution in the animals over time. Targeted RNA-sequencing of paired pre-malignant and de novo expanded clones linked gene sets associated with Myc-targets, embryonic stem cells, and RAS signaling to the foundation of clonal expansion. These results demonstrate the potency of cFGB-mediated clonal tracking for the deconvolution of verifiable driver-mechanisms underlying clonal selection in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Maetzig
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-532-7808
| | - Anna Lieske
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Dörpmund
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc-Jens Kleppa
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Violetta Dziadek
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jacob Jalil Hassan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Dahlke
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dorit Borchert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Stahlhut M, Ha TC, Takmakova E, Morgan MA, Schwarzer A, Schaudien D, Eder M, Schambach A, Kustikova OS. Conditionally immortalised leukaemia initiating cells co-expressing Hoxa9/Meis1 demonstrate microenvironmental adaptation properties ex vivo while maintaining myelomonocytic memory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5294. [PMID: 33674652 PMCID: PMC7935976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of haematopoietic stem cell fate through conditional gene expression could improve understanding of healthy haematopoietic and leukaemia initiating cell (LIC) biology. We established conditionally immortalised myeloid progenitor cell lines co-expressing constitutive Hoxa9.EGFP and inducible Meis1.dTomato (H9M-ciMP) to study growth behaviour, immunophenotype and morphology under different cytokine/microenvironmental conditions ex vivo upon doxycycline (DOX) induction or removal. The vector design and drug-dependent selection approach identified new retroviral insertion (RVI) sites that potentially collaborate with Meis1/Hoxa9 and define H9M-ciMP fate. For most cell lines, myelomonocytic conditions supported reversible H9M-ciMP differentiation into neutrophils and macrophages with DOX-dependent modulation of Hoxa9/Meis1 and CD11b/Gr-1 expression. Here, up-regulation of Meis1/Hoxa9 promoted reconstitution of exponential expansion of immature H9M-ciMPs after DOX reapplication. Stem cell maintaining conditions supported selective H9M-ciMP exponential growth. H9M-ciMPs that had Ninj2 RVI and were cultured under myelomonocytic or stem cell maintaining conditions revealed the development of DOX-dependent acute myeloid leukaemia in a murine transplantation model. Transcriptional dysregulation of Ninj2 and distal genes surrounding RVI (Rad52, Kdm5a) was detected. All studied H9M-ciMPs demonstrated adaptation to T-lymphoid microenvironmental conditions while maintaining immature myelomonocytic features. Thus, the established system is relevant to leukaemia and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Stahlhut
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Teng Cheong Ha
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Takmakova
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael A Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Schwarzer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Eder
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Olga S Kustikova
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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