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Ranjan V, Leighton G, Yan C, Arango M, Lustig J, Corona R, Guo JT, Nesmelov Y, Ivics Z, Nesmelova I. DNA binding and transposition activity of the Sleeping Beauty transposase: role of structural stability of the primary DNA-binding domain. Nucleic Acids Res 2025; 53:gkae1188. [PMID: 39657726 PMCID: PMC11754664 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA transposons have emerged as promising tools in both gene therapy and functional genomics. In particular, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) DNA transposon has advanced into clinical trials due to its ability to stably integrate DNA sequences of choice into eukaryotic genomes. The efficiency of the DNA transposon system depends on the interaction between the transposon DNA and the transposase enzyme that facilitates gene transfer. In this study, we assess the DNA-binding capabilities of variants of the SB transposase and demonstrate that the structural stability of the primary DNA-recognition subdomain, PAI, affects SB DNA-binding affinity and transposition activity. This fundamental understanding of the structure-function relationship of the SB transposase will assist the design of improved transposases for gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh V Ranjan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Gage O Leighton
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chenbo Yan
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Maria Arango
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Janna Lustig
- Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Rosario I Corona
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Jun-Tao Guo
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yuri E Nesmelov
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Irina V Nesmelova
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., NC 28223, USA
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2
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Gehrke L, Gonçalves VDR, Andrae D, Rasko T, Ho P, Einsele H, Hudecek M, Friedel SR. Current Non-Viral-Based Strategies to Manufacture CAR-T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:13685. [PMID: 39769449 PMCID: PMC11728233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252413685] [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: 11/19/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The successful application of CAR-T cells in the treatment of hematologic malignancies has fundamentally changed cancer therapy. With increasing numbers of registered CAR-T cell clinical trials, efforts are being made to streamline and reduce the costs of CAR-T cell manufacturing while improving their safety. To date, all approved CAR-T cell products have relied on viral-based gene delivery and genomic integration methods. While viral vectors offer high transfection efficiencies, concerns regarding potential malignant transformation coupled with costly and time-consuming vector manufacturing are constant drivers in the search for cheaper, easier-to-use, safer, and more efficient alternatives. In this review, we examine different non-viral gene transfer methods as alternatives for CAR-T cell production, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples of their applications. Transposon-based gene transfer methods lead to stable but non-targeted gene integration, are easy to handle, and achieve high gene transfer rates. Programmable endonucleases allow targeted integration, reducing the potential risk of integration-mediated malignant transformation of CAR-T cells. Non-integrating CAR-encoding vectors avoid this risk completely and achieve only transient CAR expression. With these promising alternative techniques for gene transfer, all avenues are open to fully exploiting the potential of next-generation CAR-T cell therapy and applying it in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Gehrke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vasco Dos Reis Gonçalves
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Andrae
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamas Rasko
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Ho
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie, Außenstelle Zelluläre Immuntherapie, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina R. Friedel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II und Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Ochmann MT, Miskey C, Botezatu L, Sandoval-Villegas N, Diem T, Ivics Z. A novel hyperactive variant of the Sleeping Beauty transposase facilitates non-viral genome engineering. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102381. [PMID: 39654540 PMCID: PMC11626015 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a useful tool for genetic applications, including gene therapy. We discovered a hyperactive variant of the SB100X transposase, called SB200X. This mutant, resulting from a specific amino acid replacement (Q124C), showed an ∼2-fold increase in transposition activity in various human and murine cells. Other amino acid replacements in position 124 also led to a hyperactive phenotype. Position 124 is located at the very edge of the linker region that connects the DNA-binding and catalytic domains of the transposase. Consistent with a role of the linker in an autoregulatory mechanism called overproduction inhibition (OPI) in the monophyletic group of mariner transposases, we show that the hyperactivity of Q124C manifests at high concentrations of the transposase, suggesting a partial resistance of SB200X to OPI. We demonstrate that the hyperactive phenotype of Q124C can be combined with features of other useful mutations in the SB transposase. Namely, Q124C improves the transposition efficiency of the previously described K248R variant, while maintaining or even slightly improving its safer genome-wide integration profile. The SB200X transposase could enhance the utility of SB transposon-mediated genome engineering in preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Thomas Ochmann
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Lacramioara Botezatu
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Nicolás Sandoval-Villegas
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Tanja Diem
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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4
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Yan H, Tan X, Zou S, Sun Y, Ke A, Tang W. Assessing and engineering the IscB-ωRNA system for programmed genome editing. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01669-3. [PMID: 38977787 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OMEGA RNA (ωRNA)-guided endonuclease IscB, the evolutionary ancestor of Cas9, is an attractive system for in vivo genome editing because of its compact size and mechanistic resemblance to Cas9. However, wild-type IscB-ωRNA systems show limited activity in human cells. Here we report enhanced OgeuIscB, which, with eight amino acid substitutions, displayed a fourfold increase in in vitro DNA-binding affinity and a 30.4-fold improvement in insertion-deletion (indel) formation efficiency in human cells. Paired with structure-guided ωRNA engineering, the enhanced OgeuIscB-ωRNA systems efficiently edited the human genome across 26 target sites, attaining up to 87.3% indel and 62.2% base-editing frequencies. Both wild-type and engineered OgeuIscB-ωRNA showed moderate fidelity in editing the human genome, with off-target profiles revealing key determinants of target selection including an NARR target-adjacent motif (TAM) and the TAM-proximal 14 nucleotides in the R-loop. Collectively, our engineered OgeuIscB-ωRNA systems are programmable, potent and sufficiently specific for human genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Siyuan Zou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yihong Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ailong Ke
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Weixin Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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5
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Tian J, Tong D, Li Z, Wang E, Yu Y, Lv H, Hu Z, Sun F, Wang G, He M, Xia T. Mage transposon: a novel gene delivery system for mammalian cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2724-2739. [PMID: 38300794 PMCID: PMC10954464 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposons, as non-viral integration vectors, provide a secure and efficient method for stable gene delivery. In this study, we have discovered Mage (MG), a novel member of the piggyBac(PB) family, which exhibits strong transposability in a variety of mammalian cells and primary T cells. The wild-type MG showed a weaker insertion preference for near genes, transcription start sites (TSS), CpG islands, and DNaseI hypersensitive sites in comparison to PB, approaching the random insertion pattern. Utilizing in silico virtual screening and feasible combinatorial mutagenesis in vitro, we effectively produced the hyperactive MG transposase (hyMagease). This variant boasts a transposition rate 60% greater than its native counterpart without significantly altering its insertion pattern. Furthermore, we applied the hyMagease to efficiently deliver chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T cells, leading to stable high-level expression and inducing significant anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in xenograft mice models. These findings provide a compelling tool for gene transfer research, emphasizing its potential and prospects in the domains of genetic engineering and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Tian
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Doudou Tong
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | | | - Erqiang Wang
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yifei Yu
- Elongevity Inc, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Hangya Lv
- Elongevity Inc, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Zhendan Hu
- Elongevity Inc, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Elongevity Inc, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Min He
- Elongevity Inc, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
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6
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Pan Q, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Guo X, Wang J, Liu M, Zhang XL. EGFR core fucosylation, induced by hepatitis C virus, promotes TRIM40-mediated-RIG-I ubiquitination and suppresses interferon-I antiviral defenses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:652. [PMID: 38253527 PMCID: PMC10803816 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant N-glycosylation has been implicated in viral diseases. Alpha-(1,6)-fucosyltransferase (FUT8) is the sole enzyme responsible for core fucosylation of N-glycans during glycoprotein biosynthesis. Here we find that multiple viral envelope proteins, including Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-E2, Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-Spike and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-gp120, enhance FUT8 expression and core fucosylation. HCV-E2 manipulates host transcription factor SNAIL to induce FUT8 expression through EGFR-AKT-SNAIL activation. The aberrant increased-FUT8 expression promotes TRIM40-mediated RIG-I K48-ubiquitination and suppresses the antiviral interferon (IFN)-I response through core fucosylated-EGFR-JAK1-STAT3-RIG-I signaling. FUT8 inhibitor 2FF, N-glycosylation site-specific mutation (Q352AT) of EGFR, and tissue-targeted Fut8 silencing significantly increase antiviral IFN-I responses and suppress RNA viral replication, suggesting that core fucosylation mediated by FUT8 is critical for antiviral innate immunity. These findings reveal an immune evasion mechanism in which virus-induced FUT8 suppresses endogenous RIG-I-mediated antiviral defenses by enhancing core fucosylated EGFR-mediated activation.
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Grants
- This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82230078, 22077097, 91740120, 82272978, 21572173 and 21721005), National Outstanding Youth Foundation of China (81025008), National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1303500, 2018YFA0507603), Medical Science Advancement Program (Basical Medical Sciences) of Wuhan University (TFJC 2018002.), Key R&D Program of Hubei Province (2020BCB020), the Hubei Province’s Outstanding Medical Academic Leader Program (523-276003), the Innovative Group Project of Hubei Health Committee (WJ2021C002), the Foundational Research Funds for the Central University of China (2042022dx0003, 2042023kf1011) and Natural Science Foundation Project of Hubei Province (2021CFB484), Natural Science Foundation Project of Hubei Province (2021CFB484 to M.L).
- This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (2021CFB484), National Natural Science Foundation of China 82272978
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinqi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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7
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Plantureux C, Paillet J, Autret G, Pérez-Lanzón M, Kroemer G, Maiuri MC, Pol J. Oncogene-Driven Induction of Orthotopic Cholangiocarcinoma in Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2769:99-108. [PMID: 38315392 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3694-7_8] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy affecting the epithelial cells that line the bile ducts. This cancer shows a poor prognosis and current treatments remain inefficient. Orthotopic CCA mouse models are useful for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe an orthotopic model of intrahepatic CCA that can be easily induced in mice within 5 weeks at a high incidence. It is achieved by expressing two oncogenes, namely, (i) the intracellular domain of the Notch1 receptor (NICD) and (ii) AKT, in hepatocytes by means of the sleeping beauty transposon system. These plasmid vectors are delivered by hydrodynamic injection into the tail vein. The present chapter also describes how to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the livers to visualize intrahepatic CCA nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céleste Plantureux
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Juliette Paillet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoieisis, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Smart Immune, Paris, France
| | - Gwennhael Autret
- Plateforme Imageries du Vivant, Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Maria Pérez-Lanzón
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Maria Chiara Maiuri
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jonathan Pol
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMMICa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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8
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Tsai HC, Pietrobon V, Peng M, Wang S, Zhao L, Marincola FM, Cai Q. Current strategies employed in the manipulation of gene expression for clinical purposes. J Transl Med 2022; 20:535. [PMID: 36401279 PMCID: PMC9673226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03747-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression level or expression of genes containing deleterious mutations are two of the main determinants which lead to genetic disease. To obtain a therapeutic effect and thus to cure genetic diseases, it is crucial to regulate the host's gene expression and restore it to physiological conditions. With this purpose, several molecular tools have been developed and are currently tested in clinical trials. Genome editing nucleases are a class of molecular tools routinely used in laboratories to rewire host's gene expression. Genome editing nucleases include different categories of enzymes: meganucleses (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- CRISPR associated protein (Cas) and transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALENs). Transposable elements are also a category of molecular tools which includes different members, for example Sleeping Beauty (SB), PiggyBac (PB), Tol2 and TcBuster. Transposons have been used for genetic studies and can serve as gene delivery tools. Molecular tools to rewire host's gene expression also include episomes, which are divided into different categories depending on their molecular structure. Finally, RNA interference is commonly used to regulate gene expression through the administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and bi-functional shRNA molecules. In this review, we will describe the different molecular tools that can be used to regulate gene expression and discuss their potential for clinical applications. These molecular tools are delivered into the host's cells in the form of DNA, RNA or protein using vectors that can be grouped into physical or biochemical categories. In this review we will also illustrate the different types of payloads that can be used, and we will discuss recent developments in viral and non-viral vector technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maoyu Peng
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Suning Wang
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | | | - Qi Cai
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
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9
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Ma WK, Voss DM, Scharner J, Costa ASH, Lin KT, Jeon HY, Wilkinson JE, Jackson M, Rigo F, Bennett CF, Krainer AR. ASO-based PKM splice-switching therapy inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Cancer Res 2021; 82:900-915. [PMID: 34921016 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The M2 pyruvate kinase (PKM2) isoform is upregulated in most cancers and plays a crucial role in regulation of the Warburg effect, which is characterized by the preference for aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation for energy metabolism. PKM2 is an alternative-splice isoform of the PKM gene and is a potential therapeutic target. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) that switch PKM splicing from the cancer-associated PKM2 to the PKM1 isoform have been shown to induce apoptosis in cultured glioblastoma cells when delivered by lipofection. Here, we explore the potential of ASO-based PKM splice switching as a targeted therapy for liver cancer. A more potent lead cEt/DNA ASO induced PKM splice-switching and inhibited the growth of cultured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This PKM isoform switch increased pyruvate-kinase activity and altered glucose metabolism. In an orthotopic HCC xenograft mouse model, the lead ASO and a second ASO targeting a non-overlapping site inhibited tumor growth. Finally, in a genetic HCC mouse model, a surrogate mouse-specific ASO induced Pkm splice switching and inhibited tumorigenesis, without observable toxicity. These results lay the groundwork for a potential ASO-based splicing therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dillon M Voss
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University School of Medicine
| | | | - Ana S H Costa
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | | | - John E Wilkinson
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
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10
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Scheiter A, Evert K, Reibenspies L, Cigliano A, Annweiler K, Müller K, Pöhmerer LMG, Xu H, Cui G, Itzel T, Materna-Reichelt S, Coluccio A, Honarnejad K, Teufel A, Brochhausen C, Dombrowski F, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Utpatel K. RASSF1A independence and early galectin-1 upregulation in PIK3CA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: new therapeutic venues. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1091-1118. [PMID: 34748271 PMCID: PMC8895452 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR and Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways is a hallmark of hepatocarcinogenesis. In a subset of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling dysregulation depends on phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations, while RAS/MAPK activation is partly attributed to promoter methylation of the tumor suppressor Ras association domain‐containing protein 1 (RASSF1A). To evaluate a possible cocarcinogenic effect of PIK3CA activation and RASSF1A knockout, plasmids expressing oncogenic forms of PIK3CA (E545K or H1047R mutants) were delivered to the liver of RASSF1A knockout and wild‐type mice by hydrodynamic tail vein injection combined with sleeping beauty‐mediated somatic integration. Transfection of either PIK3CA E545K or H1047R mutants sufficed to induce HCCs in mice irrespective of RASSF1A mutational background. The related tumors displayed a lipogenic phenotype with upregulation of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1). Galectin‐1, which was commonly upregulated in preneoplastic lesions and tumors, emerged as a regulator of SCD1. Co‐inhibitory treatment with PIK3CA inhibitors and the galectin‐1 inhibitor OTX008 resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity in human HCC cell lines, suggesting novel therapeutic venues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Karolina Müller
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guofei Cui
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timo Itzel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Silvia Materna-Reichelt
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Coluccio
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kamran Honarnejad
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Germany
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11
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Sandoval-Villegas N, Nurieva W, Amberger M, Ivics Z. Contemporary Transposon Tools: A Review and Guide through Mechanisms and Applications of Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac and Tol2 for Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105084. [PMID: 34064900 PMCID: PMC8151067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements evolved to execute highly efficient integration of their genes into the genomes of their host cells. These natural DNA transfer vehicles have been harnessed as experimental tools for stably introducing a wide variety of foreign DNA sequences, including selectable marker genes, reporters, shRNA expression cassettes, mutagenic gene trap cassettes, and therapeutic gene constructs into the genomes of target cells in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Given that transposon components are typically supplied as naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or recombinant protein, their use is simple, safe, and economically competitive. Thus, transposons enable several avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture comprising the generation of pluripotent stem cells, the production of germline-transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. This review describes the molecular mechanisms involved in transposition reactions of the three most widely used transposon systems currently available (Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac, and Tol2), and discusses the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, highlighting the state-of-the-art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6103-77-6000; Fax: +49-6103-77-1280
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12
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Abstract
Transgenic mouse are reliable, convenient models for studying human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The development of a synthetically engineered Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system further enables the viral-free, efficient delivery of desired oncogenes to mouse tissues. Here, we describe an SB transposon-based approach to induce HCC in mice by expressing a hyperactive form of N-RAS, N-RASG12V, while silencing the endogenous Trp53 gene via hydrodynamic tail vein injection, a method to rapidly deliver naked plasmids to mouse liver.
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13
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Ma S, Wang X, Hu Y, Lv J, Liu C, Liao K, Guo X, Wang D, Lin Y, Rong Z. Enhancing site-specific DNA integration by a Cas9 nuclease fused with a DNA donor-binding domain. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10590-10601. [PMID: 32986839 PMCID: PMC7544211 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system is widely used for genome editing. However, robust and targeted insertion of a DNA segment remains a challenge. Here, we present a fusion nuclease (Cas9-N57) to enhance site-specific DNA integration via a fused DNA binding domain of Sleeping Beauty transposase to tether the DNA segment to the Cas9/sgRNA complex. The insertion was unidirectional and specific, and DNA fragments up to 12 kb in length were successfully integrated. As a test of the system, Cas9-N57 mediated the insertion of a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CD19-CAR) cassette into the AAVS1 locus in human T cells, and induced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in mice by simultaneously mediating the insertion of oncogenic KrasG12D into the Rosa26 locus and disrupting Trp53 and Pten. Moreover, the nuclease-N57 fusion proteins based on AsCpf1 (AsCas12a) and CjCas9 exhibited similar activity. These findings demonstrate that CRISPR-associated nuclease-N57 protein fusion is a powerful tool for targeted DNA insertion and holds great potential for gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yongfei Hu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chengfang Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kaitong Liao
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaohua Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhili Rong
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China
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SHANK2 is a frequently amplified oncogene with evolutionarily conserved roles in regulating Hippo signaling. Protein Cell 2020; 12:174-193. [PMID: 32661924 PMCID: PMC7895894 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-020-00742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the Hippo pathway enables cells to evade contact inhibition and provides advantages for cancerous overgrowth. However, for a significant portion of human cancer, how Hippo signaling is perturbed remains unknown. To answer this question, we performed a genome-wide screening for genes that affect the Hippo pathway in Drosophila and cross-referenced the hit genes with human cancer genome. In our screen, Prosap was identified as a novel regulator of the Hippo pathway that potently affects tissue growth. Interestingly, a mammalian homolog of Prosap, SHANK2, is the most frequently amplified gene on 11q13, a major tumor amplicon in human cancer. Gene amplification profile in this 11q13 amplicon clearly indicates selective pressure for SHANK2 amplification. More importantly, across the human cancer genome, SHANK2 is the most frequently amplified gene that is not located within the Myc amplicon. Further studies in multiple human cell lines confirmed that SHANK2 overexpression causes deregulation of Hippo signaling through competitive binding for a LATS1 activator, and as a potential oncogene, SHANK2 promotes cellular transformation and tumor formation in vivo. In cancer cell lines with deregulated Hippo pathway, depletion of SHANK2 restores Hippo signaling and ceases cellular proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that SHANK2 is an evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway regulator, commonly amplified in human cancer and potently promotes cancer. Our study for the first time illustrated oncogenic function of SHANK2, one of the most frequently amplified gene in human cancer. Furthermore, given that in normal adult tissues, SHANK2’s expression is largely restricted to the nervous system, SHANK2 may represent an interesting target for anticancer therapy.
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15
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Ramakrishnan M, Zhou M, Pan C, Hänninen H, Yrjälä K, Vinod KK, Tang D. Affinities of Terminal Inverted Repeats to DNA Binding Domain of Transposase Affect the Transposition Activity of Bamboo Ppmar2 Mariner-Like Element. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153692. [PMID: 31357686 PMCID: PMC6696609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mariner-like elements (MLE) are a super-family of DNA transposons widespread in animal and plant genomes. Based on their transposition characteristics, such as random insertions and high-frequency heterogeneous transpositions, several MLEs have been developed to be used as tools in gene tagging and gene therapy. Two active MLEs, Ppmar1 and Ppmar2, have previously been identified in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). Both of these have a preferential insertion affinity to AT-rich region and their insertion sites are close to random in the host genome. In Ppmar2 element, we studied the affinities of terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) to DNA binding domain (DBD) and their influence on the transposition activity. We could identify two putative boxes in the TIRs which play a significant role in defining the TIR's affinities to the DBD. Seven mutated TIRs were constructed, differing in affinities based on similarities with those of other plant MLEs. Gel mobility shift assays showed that the TIR mutants with mutation sites G669A-C671A had significantly higher affinities than the mutants with mutation sites C657T-A660T. The high-affinity TIRs indicated that their transposition frequency was 1.5-2.0 times higher than that of the wild type TIRs in yeast transposition assays. The MLE mutants with low-affinity TIRs had relatively lower transposition frequency from that of wild types. We conclude that TIR affinity to DBD significantly affects the transposition activity of Ppmar2. The mutant MLEs highly active TIRs constructed in this study can be used as a tool for bamboo genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Ramakrishnan
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingbing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chunfang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heikki Hänninen
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kim Yrjälä
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kunnummal Kurungara Vinod
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Rice Breeding and Genetics Research Centre, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu 612101, India
| | - Dingqin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Prokaryotic expression of goldfish Tgf2 transposase with optimal codons and its enzyme activity. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Matsuda A, Ishiguro K, Yan IK, Patel T. Therapeutic Efficacy of Vitamin D in Experimental c-MET-β-Catenin-Driven Hepatocellular Cancer. Gene Expr 2019; 19:151-159. [PMID: 30157994 PMCID: PMC6466179 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15355518848281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling is frequently observed in hepatocellular cancer. Although Wnt/β-catenin signaling can be targeted by vitamin D, therapeutic use of vitamin D for this purpose is not currently established. We evaluated the therapeutic use of vitamin D or its analogs using a synthetic transgenic mouse of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by mutant β-catenin, and MET overexpression in which 75% of mice develop well-differentiated HCC within 8 weeks in the absence of fibrosis. Vitamin D receptor expression was similar in both tumoral and nontumoral tissue. There was no significant difference in overall survival, or in tumor progression assessed by imaging, biochemical, or tumor cell burden assessments in mice receiving a vitamin D-supplemented diet containing 12.0 IU VD/g (HVD) compared with a standard diet (SD) containing 2.3 IU VD/g. Furthermore, systemic treatment with calcitriol [vitamin D analog 1α,25(OH)₂D₃] or EB1089 (synthetic vitamin D analog) by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks prolonged median survival but did not increase overall survival compared with controls. Although tumor formation was delayed in males compared with that in females, there was no difference in overall survival between males and females. In conclusion, although 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ is reported to inhibit β-catenin signaling, as well as proliferation, migration, and differentiation in cancer cells, neither dietary supplementation with vitamin D nor treatment with vitamin D analogs altered the formation or growth of HCC associated with β-catenin activation. These results conclusively demonstrate the lack of utility of targeting vitamin D for therapy of HCC in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Matsuda
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kaori Ishiguro
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Irene K. Yan
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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18
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Ehrke-Schulz E, Zhang W, Gao J, Ehrhardt A. Recent Advances in Preclinical Developments Using Adenovirus Hybrid Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:833-841. [PMID: 28854818 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors are efficient gene-transfer vehicles to deliver foreign DNA into living organisms, offering large cargo capacity and low immunogenicity and genotoxicity. As Ad shows low integration rates of their genomes into host chromosomes, vector-derived gene expression decreases due to continuous cell cycling in regenerating tissues and dividing cell populations. To overcome this hurdle, adenoviral delivery can be combined with mechanisms leading to maintenance of therapeutic DNA and long-term effects of the desired treatment. Several hybrid Ad vectors (AdV) exploiting various strategies for long-term treatment have been developed and characterized. This review summarizes recent developments of preclinical approaches using hybrid AdVs utilizing either the Sleeping Beauty transposase system for somatic integration into host chromosomes or designer nucleases, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease for permanent gene editing. Further options on how to optimize these vectors further are discussed, which may lead to future clinical applications of these versatile gene-therapy tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ehrke-Schulz
- Chair for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department for Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University , Witten, Germany
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Chair for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department for Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University , Witten, Germany
| | - Jian Gao
- Chair for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department for Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University , Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Chair for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department for Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University , Witten, Germany
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19
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Hodge R, Narayanavari SA, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z. Wide Awake and Ready to Move: 20 Years of Non-Viral Therapeutic Genome Engineering with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:842-855. [PMID: 28870121 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies will only become a widespread tool in the clinical treatment of human diseases with the advent of gene transfer vectors that integrate genetic information stably, safely, effectively, and economically. Two decades after the discovery of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, it has been transformed into a vector system that is fulfilling these requirements. SB may well overcome some of the limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are being used in the majority of ongoing clinical trials. The SB system has achieved a high level of stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, representing crucial steps that may permit its clinical use in the near future. This article reviews the most important aspects of SB as a tool for gene therapy, including aspects of its vectorization and genomic integration. As an illustration, the clinical development of the SB system toward gene therapy of age-related macular degeneration and cancer immunotherapy is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ Hodge
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- 1 Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 2 Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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20
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Choi HJ, Lee HB, Jung S, Park HK, Jo W, Cho SM, Kim WJ, Son WC. Development of a Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon and Electroporation. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061360. [PMID: 29874846 PMCID: PMC6100630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is non-viral and uses insertional mutagenesis, resulting in the permanent expression of transferred genes. Although the SB transposon is a useful method for establishing a mouse tumor model, there has been difficulty in using this method to generate tumors in the prostate. In the present study, electroporation was used to enhance the transfection efficiency of the SB transposon. To generate tumors, three constructs (a c-Myc expression cassette, a HRAS (HRas proto-oncogene, GTPase) expression cassette and a shRNA against p53) contained within the SB transposon plasmids were directly injected into the prostate. Electroporation was conducted on the injection site after the injection of the DNA plasmid. Following the tumorigenesis, the tumors were monitored by animal PET imaging and identified by gross observation. After this, the tumors were characterized by using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. The expression of the targeted genes was analyzed by Real-Time qRT-PCR. All mice subjected to the injection were found to have prostate tumors, which was supported by PSA immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of tumor induction in the mouse prostate using the electroporation-enhanced SB transposon system in combination with c-Myc, HRAS and p53. This model serves as a valuable resource for the future development of SB-induced mouse models of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Choi
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Han-Byul Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sunyoung Jung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hyun-Kyu Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Woori Jo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sung-Min Cho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Woo-Jin Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Woo-Chan Son
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, 05505 Seoul, Korea.
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21
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Kebriaei P, Izsvák Z, Narayanavari SA, Singh H, Ivics Z. Gene Therapy with the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Trends Genet 2017; 33:852-870. [PMID: 28964527 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The widespread clinical implementation of gene therapy requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective, and economical manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient nonviral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing clinical trials. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here, we review the most important aspects of using SB for gene therapy, including vectorization as well as genomic integration features. We also illustrate the path to successful clinical implementation by highlighting the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Mobile DNA, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Suneel A Narayanavari
- Mobile DNA, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Harjeet Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany.
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22
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Lee CS, Bishop ES, Zhang R, Yu X, Farina EM, Yan S, Zhao C, Zeng Z, Shu Y, Wu X, Lei J, Li Y, Zhang W, Yang C, Wu K, Wu Y, Ho S, Athiviraham A, Lee MJ, Wolf JM, Reid RR, He TC. Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Delivery: Potential Applications for Gene and Cell-Based Therapies in the New Era of Personalized Medicine. Genes Dis 2017; 4:43-63. [PMID: 28944281 PMCID: PMC5609467 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With rapid advances in understanding molecular pathogenesis of human diseases in the era of genome sciences and systems biology, it is anticipated that increasing numbers of therapeutic genes or targets will become available for targeted therapies. Despite numerous setbacks, efficacious gene and/or cell-based therapies still hold the great promise to revolutionize the clinical management of human diseases. It is wildly recognized that poor gene delivery is the limiting factor for most in vivo gene therapies. There has been a long-lasting interest in using viral vectors, especially adenoviral vectors, to deliver therapeutic genes for the past two decades. Among all currently available viral vectors, adenovirus is the most efficient gene delivery system in a broad range of cell and tissue types. The applications of adenoviral vectors in gene delivery have greatly increased in number and efficiency since their initial development. In fact, among over 2,000 gene therapy clinical trials approved worldwide since 1989, a significant portion of the trials have utilized adenoviral vectors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the characteristics of adenoviral vectors, including adenoviral biology, approaches to engineering adenoviral vectors, and their applications in clinical and pre-clinical studies with an emphasis in the areas of cancer treatment, vaccination and regenerative medicine. Current challenges and future directions regarding the use of adenoviral vectors are also discussed. It is expected that the continued improvements in adenoviral vectors should provide great opportunities for cell and gene therapies to live up to its enormous potential in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody S. Lee
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Elliot S. Bishop
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xinyi Yu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Evan M. Farina
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shujuan Yan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zongyue Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Shu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xingye Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jiayan Lei
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yasha Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Diagnostics, The Affiliated Yantai Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264100, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Sherwin Ho
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Aravind Athiviraham
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J. Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jennifer Moriatis Wolf
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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23
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Quintavalle C, Burmeister K, Piscuoglio S, Quagliata L, Karamitopoulou E, Sepe R, Fusco A, Terracciano LM, Andersen JB, Pallante P, Matter MS. High mobility group A1 enhances tumorigenicity of human cholangiocarcinoma and confers resistance to therapy. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2146-2157. [PMID: 28467612 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) protein has been described to play an important role in numerous types of human carcinoma. By the modulation of several target genes HMGA1 promotes proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells. However, its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has not been addressed yet. Therefore, we determined HMGA1 mRNA expression in CCA samples in a transcriptome array (n = 104) and a smaller cohort (n = 13) by qRT-PCR. Protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray (n = 67). In addition, we analyzed changes in cell proliferation, colony formation, response to gemcitabine treatment, and target gene expression after modulation of HMGA1 expression in CCA cell lines. mRNA levels of HMGA1 were found to be upregulated in 15-62% depending on the cohort analyzed. Immunohistochemistry showed HMGA1 overexpression in 51% of CCA specimens. Integration with clinico-pathological data revealed that high HMGA1 expression was associated with reduced time to recurrence and a positive lymph node status in extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma. In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of HMGA1 in CCA cell lines promoted cell proliferation, whereas its suppression reduced growth rate. HMGA1 further promoted colony formation in an anchorage independent growth and conferred resistance to gemcitabine treatment. Finally, HMGA1 modulated the expression of two genes involved in CCA carcinogenesis, iNOS and ERBB2. In conclusion, our findings indicate that HMGA1 expression is increased in a substantial number of CCA specimens. HMGA1 further promotes CCA tumorigenicity and confers resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Quintavalle
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Burmeister
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Karamitopoulou
- Translational Research Unit, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Romina Sepe
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi M Terracciano
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Hudecek M, Izsvák Z, Johnen S, Renner M, Thumann G, Ivics Z. Going non-viral: the Sleeping Beauty transposon system breaks on through to the clinical side. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:355-380. [PMID: 28402189 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1304354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular medicine has entered a high-tech age that provides curative treatments of complex genetic diseases through genetically engineered cellular medicinal products. Their clinical implementation requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective and economically viable manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing pre-clinical and translational research. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here we review several recent refinements of the system, including the development of optimized transposons and hyperactive SB variants, the vectorization of transposase and transposon as mRNA and DNA minicircles (MCs) to enhance performance and facilitate vector production, as well as a detailed understanding of SB's genomic integration and biosafety features. This review also provides a perspective on the regulatory framework for clinical trials of gene delivery with SB, and illustrates the path to successful clinical implementation by using, as examples, gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II , Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- b Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- c Department of Ophthalmology , University Hospital RWTH Aachen , Aachen , Germany
| | - Matthias Renner
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- e Département des Neurosciences Cliniques Service d'Ophthalmologie , Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève , Genève , Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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25
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Abstract
DNA transposons are defined segments of DNA that are able to move from one genomic location to another. Movement is facilitated by one or more proteins, called the transposase, typically encoded by the mobile element itself. Here, we first provide an overview of the classification of such mobile elements in a variety of organisms. From a mechanistic perspective, we have focused on one particular group of DNA transposons that encode a transposase with a DD(E/D) catalytic domain that is topologically similar to RNase H. For these, a number of three-dimensional structures of transpososomes (transposase-nucleic acid complexes) are available, and we use these to describe the basics of their mechanisms. The DD(E/D) group, in addition to being the largest and most common among all DNA transposases, is the one whose members have been used for a wide variety of genomic applications. Therefore, a second focus of the article is to provide a nonexhaustive overview of transposon applications. Although several non-transposon-based approaches to site-directed genome modifications have emerged in the past decade, transposon-based applications are highly relevant when integration specificity is not sought. In fact, for many applications, the almost-perfect randomness and high frequency of integration make transposon-based approaches indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B. Hickman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Fred Dyda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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26
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Narayanavari SA, Chilkunda SS, Ivics Z, Izsvák Z. Sleeping Beauty transposition: from biology to applications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 52:18-44. [PMID: 27696897 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1237935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is the first synthetic DNA transposon that was shown to be active in a wide variety of species. Here, we review studies from the last two decades addressing both basic biology and applications of this transposon. We discuss how host-transposon interaction modulates transposition at different steps of the transposition reaction. We also discuss how the transposon was translated for gene delivery and gene discovery purposes. We critically review the system in clinical, pre-clinical and non-clinical settings as a non-viral gene delivery tool in comparison with viral technologies. We also discuss emerging SB-based hybrid vectors aimed at combining the attractive safety features of the transposon with effective viral delivery. The success of the SB-based technology can be fundamentally attributed to being able to insert fairly randomly into genomic regions that allow stable long-term expression of the delivered transgene cassette. SB has emerged as an efficient and economical toolkit for safe and efficient gene delivery for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel A Narayanavari
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Shreevathsa S Chilkunda
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- b Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- a Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
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27
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Wu Y, Zhang TY, Fang LL, Chen ZX, Song LW, Cao JL, Yang L, Yuan Q, Xia NS. Sleeping Beauty transposon-based system for rapid generation of HBV-replicating stable cell lines. J Virol Methods 2016; 234:96-100. [PMID: 27091097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The stable HBV-replicating cell lines, which carry replication-competent HBV genome stably integrated into the genome of host cell, are widely used to evaluate the effects of antiviral agents. However, current methods to generate HBV-replicating cell lines, which are mostly dependent on random integration of foreign DNA via plasmid transfection, are less-efficient and time-consuming. To address this issue, we constructed an all-in-one Sleeping Beauty transposon system (denoted pTSMP-HBV vector) for robust generation of stable cell lines carrying replication-competent HBV genome of different genotype. This vector contains a Sleeping Beauty transposon containing HBV 1.3-copy genome with an expression cassette of the SV40 promoter driving red fluorescent protein (mCherry) and self-cleaving P2A peptide linked puromycin resistance gene (PuroR). In addition, a PGK promoter-driven SB100X hyperactive transposase cassette is placed in the outside of the transposon in the same plasmid.The HBV-replicating stable cells could be obtained from pTSMP-HBV transfected HepG2 cells by red fluorescence-activated cell sorting and puromycin resistant cell selection within 4-week. Using this system, we successfully constructed four cell lines carrying replication-competent HBV genome of genotypes A-D. The replication and viral protein expression profiles of these cells were systematically characterized. In conclusion, our study provides a high-efficiency strategy to generate HBV-replicating stable cell lines, which may facilitate HBV-related virological study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tian-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lin-Lin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Chen
- Affiliated Quanzhou First Hospital by Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Liu-Wei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jia-Li Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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28
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A High-Capacity Adenoviral Hybrid Vector System Utilizing the Hyperactive Sleeping Beauty Transposase SB100X for Enhanced Integration. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e337. [PMID: 27434682 PMCID: PMC5330939 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
For efficient delivery of required genetic elements we utilized high-capacity adenoviral vectors in the past allowing high transgene capacities of up to 36 kb. Previously we explored the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase (HSB5) for somatic integration from the high-capacity adenoviral vectors genome. To further improve this hybrid vector system we hypothesized that the previously described hyperactive SB transposase SB100X will result in significantly improved efficacies after transduction of target cells. Plasmid based delivery of the SB100X system revealed significantly increased integration efficiencies compared with the previously published hyperactive SB transposase HSB5. After optimizing experimental setups for high-capacity adenoviral vectors-based delivery of the SB100X system we observed up to eightfold and 100-fold increased integration efficiencies compared with the previously published hyperactive SB transposase HSB5 and the inactive transposase mSB, respectively. Furthermore, transposon copy numbers per cell were doubled with SB100X compared with HSB5 when using the identical multiplicity of infection. We believe that this improved hybrid vector system represents a valuable tool for achieving stabilized transgene expression in cycling cells and for treatment of numerous genetic disorders. Especially for in vivo approaches this improved adenoviral hybrid vector system will be advantageous because it may potentially allow reduction of the applied viral dose.
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29
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Abrusán G, Yant SR, Szilágyi A, Marsh JA, Mátés L, Izsvák Z, Barabás O, Ivics Z. Structural Determinants of Sleeping Beauty Transposase Activity. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1369-77. [PMID: 27401040 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposases are important tools in genome engineering, and there is considerable interest in engineering more efficient ones. Here, we seek to understand the factors determining their activity using the Sleeping Beauty transposase. Recent work suggests that protein coevolutionary information can be used to classify groups of physically connected, coevolving residues into elements called "sectors", which have proven useful for understanding the folding, allosteric interactions, and enzymatic activity of proteins. Using extensive mutagenesis data, protein modeling and analysis of folding energies, we show that (i) The Sleeping Beauty transposase contains two sectors, which span across conserved domains, and are enriched in DNA-binding residues, indicating that the DNA binding and endonuclease functions of the transposase coevolve; (ii) Sector residues are highly sensitive to mutations, and most mutations of these residues strongly reduce transposition rate; (iii) Mutations with a strong effect on free energy of folding in the DDE domain of the transposase significantly reduce transposition rate. (iv) Mutations that influence DNA and protein-protein interactions generally reduce transposition rate, although most hyperactive mutants are also located on the protein surface, including residues with protein-protein interactions. This suggests that hyperactivity results from the modification of protein interactions, rather than the stabilization of protein fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Abrusán
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Stephen R Yant
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Present address: Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - András Szilágyi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joseph A Marsh
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lajos Mátés
- Instistute of Genetics, Biological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Orsolya Barabás
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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30
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Jiang XY, Hou F, Shen XD, Du XD, Xu HL, Zou SM. The N-terminal zinc finger domain of Tgf2 transposase contributes to DNA binding and to transposition activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27101. [PMID: 27251101 PMCID: PMC4890040 DOI: 10.1038/srep27101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Active Hobo/Activator/Tam3 (hAT) transposable elements are rarely found in vertebrates. Previously, goldfish Tgf2 was found to be an autonomously active vertebrate transposon that is efficient at gene-transfer in teleost fish. However, little is known about Tgf2 functional domains required for transposition. To explore this, we first predicted in silico a zinc finger domain in the N-terminus of full length Tgf2 transposase (L-Tgf2TPase). Two truncated recombinant Tgf2 transposases with deletions in the N-terminal zinc finger domain, S1- and S2-Tgf2TPase, were expressed in bacteria from goldfish cDNAs. Both truncated Tgf2TPases lost their DNA-binding ability in vitro, specifically at the ends of Tgf2 transposon than native L-Tgf2TPase. Consequently, S1- and S2-Tgf2TPases mediated gene transfer in the zebrafish genome in vivo at a significantly (p < 0.01) lower efficiency (21%–25%), in comparison with L-Tgf2TPase (56% efficiency). Compared to L-Tgf2TPase, truncated Tgf2TPases catalyzed imprecise excisions with partial deletion of TE ends and/or plasmid backbone insertion/deletion. The gene integration into the zebrafish genome mediated by truncated Tgf2TPases was imperfect, creating incomplete 8-bp target site duplications at the insertion sites. These results indicate that the zinc finger domain in Tgf2 transposase is involved in binding to Tgf2 terminal sequences, and loss of those domains has effects on TE transposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Yun Jiang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Fei Hou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xue-Di Du
- College of animal science and technology, Yangzhou University, Wenhui Road 48, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hai-Li Xu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shu-Ming Zou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Huchenghuan Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
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31
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Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a synthetic transposon that was constructed based on sequences of transpositionally inactive elements isolated from fish genomes. SB is a Tc1/mariner superfamily transposon following a cut-and-paste transpositional reaction, during which the element-encoded transposase interacts with its binding sites in the terminal inverted repeats of the transposon, promotes the assembly of a synaptic complex, catalyzes excision of the element out of its donor site, and integrates the excised transposon into a new location in target DNA. SB transposition is dependent on cellular host factors. Transcriptional control of transposase expression is regulated by the HMG2L1 transcription factor. Synaptic complex assembly is promoted by the HMGB1 protein and regulated by chromatin structure. SB transposition is highly dependent on the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of double-strand DNA break repair that generates a transposon footprint at the excision site. Through its association with the Miz-1 transcription factor, the SB transposase downregulates cyclin D1 expression that results in a slowdown of the cell-cycle in the G1 phase, where NHEJ is preferentially active. Transposon integration occurs at TA dinucleotides in the target DNA, which are duplicated at the flanks of the integrated transposon. SB shows a random genome-wide insertion profile in mammalian cells when launched from episomal vectors and "local hopping" when launched from chromosomal donor sites. Some of the excised transposons undergo a self-destructive autointegration reaction, which can partially explain why longer elements transpose less efficiently. SB became an important molecular tool for transgenesis, insertional mutagenesis, and gene therapy.
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32
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Biochemical Characterization of Kat1: a Domesticated hAT-Transposase that Induces DNA Hairpin Formation and MAT-Switching. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21671. [PMID: 26902909 PMCID: PMC4763223 DOI: 10.1038/srep21671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Kluyveromyces lactis hAT-transposase 1 (Kat1) generates hairpin-capped DNA double strand breaks leading to MAT-switching (MATa to MATα). Using purified Kat1, we demonstrate the importance of terminal inverted repeats and subterminal repeats for its endonuclease activity. Kat1 promoted joining of the transposon end into a target DNA molecule in vitro, a biochemical feature that ties Kat1 to transposases. Gas-phase Electrophoretic Mobility Macromolecule analysis revealed that Kat1 can form hexamers when complexed with DNA. Kat1 point mutants were generated in conserved positions to explore structure-function relationships. Mutants of predicted catalytic residues abolished both DNA cleavage and strand-transfer. Interestingly, W576A predicted to be impaired for hairpin formation, was active for DNA cleavage and supported wild type levels of mating-type switching. In contrast, the conserved CXXH motif was critical for hairpin formation because Kat1 C402A/H405A completely blocked hairpinning and switching, but still generated nicks in the DNA. Mutations in the BED zinc-finger domain (C130A/C133A) resulted in an unspecific nuclease activity, presumably due to nonspecific DNA interaction. Kat1 mutants that were defective for cleavage in vitro were also defective for mating-type switching. Collectively, this study reveals Kat1 sharing extensive biochemical similarities with cut and paste transposons despite being domesticated and evolutionary diverged from active transposons.
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Hou X, Du Y, Deng Y, Wu J, Cao G. Sleeping Beauty transposon system for genetic etiological research and gene therapy of cancers. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:8-16. [PMID: 25455252 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.986944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is etiologically associated with somatic mutations of critical genes. Recently, a number of somatic mutations and key molecules have been found to be involved in functional networks affecting cancer progression. Suitable animal models are required to validate cancer-promoting or -inhibiting capacities of these mutants and molecules. Sleeping Beauty transposon system consists of a transposon that carries gene(s) of interest and a transposase that recognizes, excises, and reinserts genes in given location of the genome. It can create both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations, thus being frequently chosen to investigate the etiological mechanisms and gene therapy for cancers in animal models. In this review, we summarized current advances of Sleeping Beauty transposon system in revealing molecular mechanism of cancers and improving gene therapy. Understanding molecular mechanisms by which driver mutations contribute to carcinogenesis and metastasis may pave the way for the development of innovative prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against malignant diseases.
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Key Words
- 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate
- Alb-Cre, Albumin promoter-Cre
- CAG promoter, CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin promoter
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CIS, common insertion site
- CMV, chimeric cytomegalovirus
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- Cre, cyclization recombination enzyme
- DDE, Asp, Asp, Glu
- DMBA/TPA
- DR, direct orientation
- Fah, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene
- GWAS, gnome wide analysis study
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HBx, HBV X protein
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- IRs, inverted repeat sequences
- LsL, loxP-stop-loxP
- MPNSTs, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
- MSCV, murine stem cell virus
- PAI, Pro, Ala, Ile
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- RED, Arg, Glu, Asp
- RosaSBaseLsL, Cre-inducible SBase allele
- Rtl1, Retrotransposon-like 1
- SB, Sleeping Beauty
- SBase, Sleeping Beauty transposase
- Sleeping Beauty transposon system
- StatinAE, angiostatin-endostatin fusion gene
- Trp53, transformation related protein 53
- animal model
- driver
- gene function
- gene therapy
- malignant diseases
- sgRNA, single guide RNA
- shp53, short hairpin RNA against the Trp53 gene
- somatic mutation
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Hou
- a Department of Epidemiology ; Second Military Medical University ; Shanghai , China
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Abstract
Alongside advancements in gene therapy for inherited immune disorders, the need for effective alternative therapeutic options for other conditions has resulted in an expansion in the field of research for T cell gene therapy. T cells are easily obtained and can be induced to divide robustly ex vivo, a characteristic that allows them to be highly permissible to viral vector-mediated introduction of transgenes. Pioneering clinical trials targeting cancers and infectious diseases have provided safety and feasibility data and important information about persistence of engineered cells in vivo. Here, we review clinical experiences with γ-retroviral and lentiviral vectors and consider the potential of integrating transposon-based vectors as well as specific genome editing with designer nucleases in engineered T cell therapies.
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Bosch P, Forcato DO, Alustiza FE, Alessio AP, Fili AE, Olmos Nicotra MF, Liaudat AC, Rodríguez N, Talluri TR, Kues WA. Exogenous enzymes upgrade transgenesis and genetic engineering of farm animals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1907-29. [PMID: 25636347 PMCID: PMC11114025 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic farm animals are attractive alternative mammalian models to rodents for the study of developmental, genetic, reproductive and disease-related biological questions, as well for the production of recombinant proteins, or the assessment of xenotransplants for human patients. Until recently, the ability to generate transgenic farm animals relied on methods of passive transgenesis. In recent years, significant improvements have been made to introduce and apply active techniques of transgenesis and genetic engineering in these species. These new approaches dramatically enhance the ease and speed with which livestock species can be genetically modified, and allow to performing precise genetic modifications. This paper provides a synopsis of enzyme-mediated genetic engineering in livestock species covering the early attempts employing naturally occurring DNA-modifying proteins to recent approaches working with tailored enzymatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Bosch
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Diego O. Forcato
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Fabrisio E. Alustiza
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Ana P. Alessio
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Alejandro E. Fili
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - María F. Olmos Nicotra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Ana C. Liaudat
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fco-Qcas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba Republic of Argentina
| | - Thirumala R. Talluri
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Biotechnology, 31535 Neustadt, Germany
| | - Wilfried A. Kues
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Biotechnology, 31535 Neustadt, Germany
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Tao J, Ji J, Li X, Ding N, Wu H, Liu Y, Wang X, Calvisi DF, Song G, Chen X. Distinct anti-oncogenic effect of various microRNAs in different mouse models of liver cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 6:6977-88. [PMID: 25762642 PMCID: PMC4466663 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a typical feature of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the in vivo relevance of miRNAs along hepatocarcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we show that liver tumors induced in mice by c-Myc overexpression or AKT/Ras co-expression exhibit distinct miRNA expression profiles. Among the downregulated miRNAs, eight (miR-101, miR-107, miR-122, miR-29, miR-365, miR-375, miR-378, and miR-802) were selected and their tumor suppressor activity was determined by overexpressing each of them together with c-Myc or AKT/Ras oncogenes in mouse livers via hydrodynamic transfection. The tumor suppressor activity of these microRNAs was extremely heterogeneous in c-Myc and AKT/Ras mice: while miR-378 had no tumor suppressor activity, miR-107, mir-122, miR-29, miR-365 and miR-802 exhibited weak to moderate tumor suppressor potential. Noticeably, miR-375 showed limited antineoplastic activity against c-Myc driven tumorigenesis, whereas it strongly inhibited AKT/Ras induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, miR-101 significantly suppressed both c-Myc and AKT/Ras liver tumor development. Altogether, the present data demonstrate that different oncogenes induce distinct miRNA patterns, whose modulation differently affects hepatocarcinogenesis depending on the driving oncogenes. Finally, our findings support a strong tumor suppressor activity of miR-101 in liver cancer models regardless of the driver oncogenes involved, thus representing a promising therapeutic target in human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Junfang Ji
- Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Heng Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - XinWei Wang
- Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Guisheng Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Kacherovsky N, Liu GW, Jensen MC, Pun SH. Multiplexed gene transfer to a human T-cell line by combining Sleeping Beauty transposon system with methotrexate selection. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 112:1429-36. [PMID: 25808830 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Engineered human T-cells are a promising therapeutic modality for cancer immunotherapy. T-cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors combined with additional genes to enhance T-cell proliferation, survival, or tumor targeting may further improve efficacy but require multiple stable gene transfer events. Methods are therefore needed to increase production efficiency for multiplexed engineered cells. In this work, we demonstrate multiplexed, non-viral gene transfer to a human T-cell line with efficient selection (∼ 50%) of cells expressing up to three recombinant open reading frames. The efficient introduction of multiple genes to T-cells was achieved using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system delivered in minicircles by nucleofection. We demonstrate rapid selection for engineered cells using methotrexate (MTX) and a mutant human dihydrofolate reductase resistant to methotrexate-induced metabolic inhibition. Preferential amplification of cells expressing multiple transgenes was achieved by two successive rounds of increasing MTX concentration. This non-viral gene transfer method with MTX step selection can potentially be used in the generation of clinical-grade T-cells housing multiplexed genetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Kacherovsky
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gary W Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael C Jensen
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. .,Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
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Mikkelsen JG. Nonviral Gene Therapy—The Challenge of Mobilizing DNA. SOMATIC GENOME MANIPULATION 2015:69-104. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2389-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
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Podetz-Pedersen KM, Vezys V, Somia NV, Russell SJ, McIvor RS. Cellular immune response against firefly luciferase after sleeping beauty-mediated gene transfer in vivo. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:955-65. [PMID: 25093708 PMCID: PMC4251089 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been shown to mediate new gene sequence integration resulting in long-term expression. Here the effectiveness of hyperactive SB100X transposase was tested, and we found that hydrodynamic co-delivery of a firefly luciferase transposon (pT2/CaL) along with SB100X transposase (pCMV-SB100X) resulted in remarkably sustained, high levels of luciferase expression. However, after 4 weeks there was a rapid, animal-by-animal loss of luciferase expression that was not observed in immunodeficient mice. We hypothesized that this sustained, high-level luciferase expression achieved using the SB100X transposase elicits an immune response in pT2/CaL co-administered mice, which was supported by the rapid loss of luciferase expression upon challenge of previously treated animals and in naive animals adoptively transferred with splenocytes from previously treated animals. Specificity of the immune response to luciferase was demonstrated by increased cytokine expression in splenocytes after exposure to luciferase peptide in parallel with MHC I-luciferase peptide tetramer binding. This anti-luciferase immune response observed following continuous, high-level luciferase expression in vivo clearly impacts its use as an in vivo reporter. As both an immunogen and an extremely sensitive reporter, luciferase is also a useful model system for the study of immune responses following in vivo gene transfer and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Podetz-Pedersen
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Vaiva Vezys
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Nikunj V. Somia
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Carpentier CE, Schreifels JM, Aronovich EL, Carlson DF, Hackett PB, Nesmelova IV. NMR structural analysis of Sleeping Beauty transposase binding to DNA. Protein Sci 2014; 23:23-33. [PMID: 24243759 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon is the most widely used DNA transposon in genetic applications and is the only DNA transposon thus far in clinical trials for human gene therapy. In the absence of atomic level structural information, the development of SB transposon relied primarily on the biochemical and genetic homology data. While these studies were successful and have yielded hyperactive transposases, structural information is needed to gain a mechanistic understanding of transposase activity and guides to further improvement. We have initiated a structural study of SB transposase using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to investigate the properties of the DNA-binding domain of SB transposase in solution. We show that at physiologic salt concentrations, the SB DNA-binding domain remains mostly unstructured but its N-terminal PAI subdomain forms a compact, three-helical structure with a helix-turn-helix motif at higher concentrations of NaCl. Furthermore, we show that the full-length SB DNA-binding domain associates differently with inner and outer binding sites of the transposon DNA. We also show that the PAI subdomain of SB DNA-binding domain has a dominant role in transposase's attachment to the inverted terminal repeats of the transposon DNA. Overall, our data validate several earlier predictions and provide new insights on how SB transposase recognizes transposon DNA.
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41
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Cai Y, Mikkelsen JG. Driving DNA transposition by lentiviral protein transduction. Mob Genet Elements 2014; 4:e29591. [PMID: 25057443 PMCID: PMC4092313 DOI: 10.4161/mge.29591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene vectors derived from DNA transposable elements have become powerful molecular tools in biomedical research and are slowly moving into the clinic as carriers of therapeutic genes. Conventional uses of DNA transposon-based gene vehicles rely on the intracellular production of the transposase protein from transfected nucleic acids. The transposase mediates mobilization of the DNA transposon, which is typically provided in the context of plasmid DNA. In recent work, we established lentiviral protein transduction from Gag precursors as a new strategy for direct delivery of the transposase protein. Inspired by the natural properties of infecting viruses to carry their own enzymes, we loaded lentivirus-derived particles not only with vector genomes carrying the DNA transposon vector but also with hundreds of transposase subunits. Such particles were found to drive efficient transposition of the piggyBac transposable element in a range of different cell types, including primary cells, and offer a new transposase delivery approach that guarantees short-term activity and limits potential cytotoxicity. DNA transposon vectors, originally developed and launched as a non-viral alternative to viral integrating vectors, have truly become viral. Here, we briefly review our findings and speculate on the perspectives and potential advantages of transposase delivery by lentiviral protein transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Cai
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus C, Denmark
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42
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Skipper KA, Andersen PR, Sharma N, Mikkelsen JG. DNA transposon-based gene vehicles - scenes from an evolutionary drive. J Biomed Sci 2013; 20:92. [PMID: 24320156 PMCID: PMC3878927 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-20-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA transposons are primitive genetic elements which have colonized living organisms from plants to bacteria and mammals. Through evolution such parasitic elements have shaped their host genomes by replicating and relocating between chromosomal loci in processes catalyzed by the transposase proteins encoded by the elements themselves. DNA transposable elements are constantly adapting to life in the genome, and self-suppressive regulation as well as defensive host mechanisms may assist in buffering ‘cut-and-paste’ DNA mobilization until accumulating mutations will eventually restrict events of transposition. With the reconstructed Sleeping Beauty DNA transposon as a powerful engine, a growing list of transposable elements with activity in human cells have moved into biomedical experimentation and preclinical therapy as versatile vehicles for delivery and genomic insertion of transgenes. In this review, we aim to link the mechanisms that drive transposon evolution with the realities and potential challenges we are facing when adapting DNA transposons for gene transfer. We argue that DNA transposon-derived vectors may carry inherent, and potentially limiting, traits of their mother elements. By understanding in detail the evolutionary journey of transposons, from host colonization to element multiplication and inactivation, we may better exploit the potential of distinct transposable elements. Hence, parallel efforts to investigate and develop distinct, but potent, transposon-based vector systems will benefit the broad applications of gene transfer. Insight and clever optimization have shaped new DNA transposon vectors, which recently debuted in the first DNA transposon-based clinical trial. Learning from an evolutionary drive may help us create gene vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and less prone for suppression and inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilh, Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Aronovich EL, Hall BC, Bell JB, McIvor RS, Hackett PB. Quantitative analysis of α-L-iduronidase expression in immunocompetent mice treated with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78161. [PMID: 24205141 PMCID: PMC3804460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty transposon system, a non-viral, integrating vector that can deliver the alpha-L-iduronidase-encoding gene, is efficient in correcting mucopolysaccharidosis type I in NOD/SCID mice. However, in previous studies we failed to attain reliable long-term alpha-L-iduronidase expression in immunocompetent mice. Here, we focused on achieving sustained high-level expression in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. In our standard liver-directed treatment we hydrodynamically infuse mice with plasmids containing a SB transposon-encoding human alpha-L-iduronidase, along with a source of SB transposase. We sought to 1) minimize expression of the therapeutic enzyme in antigen-presenting cells, while avoiding promoter shutdown and gender bias, 2) increase transposition efficiency and 3) improve immunosuppression. By using a liver-specific promoter to drive IDUA expression, the SB100X hyperactive transposase and transient cyclophosphamide immunosuppression we achieved therapeutic-level (>100 wild-type) stabilized expression for 1 year in 50% of C57BL/6 mice. To gain insights into the causes of variability in transgene expression, we quantified the rates of alpha-L-iduronidase activity decay vis-a-vis transposition and transgene maintenance using the data obtained in this and previous studies. Our analyses showed that immune responses are the most important variable to control in order to prevent loss of transgene expression. Cumulatively, our results allow transition to pre-clinical studies of SB-mediated alpha-L-iduronidase expression and correction of mucopolysaccharidosis type I in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena L. Aronovich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Bryan C. Hall
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jason B. Bell
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Perry B. Hackett
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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Zhang W, Muck-Hausl M, Wang J, Sun C, Gebbing M, Miskey C, Ivics Z, Izsvak Z, Ehrhardt A. Integration profile and safety of an adenovirus hybrid-vector utilizing hyperactive sleeping beauty transposase for somatic integration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75344. [PMID: 24124483 PMCID: PMC3790794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently developed adenovirus/transposase hybrid-vectors utilizing the previously described hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase HSB5 for somatic integration and we could show stabilized transgene expression in mice and a canine model for hemophilia B. However, the safety profile of these hybrid-vectors with respect to vector dose and genotoxicity remains to be investigated. Herein, we evaluated this hybrid-vector system in C57Bl/6 mice with escalating vector dose settings. We found that in all mice which received the hyperactive SB transposase, transgene expression levels were stabilized in a dose-dependent manner and that the highest vector dose was accompanied by fatalities in mice. To analyze potential genotoxic side-effects due to somatic integration into host chromosomes, we performed a genome-wide integration site analysis using linker-mediated PCR (LM-PCR) and linear amplification-mediated PCR (LAM-PCR). Analysis of genomic DNA samples obtained from HSB5 treated female and male mice revealed a total of 1327 unique transposition events. Overall the chromosomal distribution pattern was close-to-random and we observed a random integration profile with respect to integration into gene and non-gene areas. Notably, when using the LM-PCR protocol, 27 extra-chromosomal integration events were identified, most likely caused by transposon excision and subsequent transposition into the delivered adenoviral vector genome. In total, this study provides a careful evaluation of the safety profile of adenovirus/Sleeping Beauty transposase hybrid-vectors. The obtained information will be useful when designing future preclinical studies utilizing hybrid-vectors in small and large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zhang
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China
| | - Martin Muck-Hausl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jichang Wang
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Csaba Miskey
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Department of Virology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Al-Mashhadi RH, Sørensen CB, Kragh PM, Christoffersen C, Mortensen MB, Tolbod LP, Thim T, Du Y, Li J, Liu Y, Moldt B, Schmidt M, Vajta G, Larsen T, Purup S, Bolund L, Nielsen LB, Callesen H, Falk E, Mikkelsen JG, Bentzon JF. Familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in cloned minipigs created by DNA transposition of a human PCSK9 gain-of-function mutant. Sci Transl Med 2013; 5:166ra1. [PMID: 23283366 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Lack of animal models with human-like size and pathology hampers translational research in atherosclerosis. Mouse models are missing central features of human atherosclerosis and are too small for intravascular procedures and imaging. Modeling the disease in minipigs may overcome these limitations, but it has proven difficult to induce rapid atherosclerosis in normal pigs by high-fat feeding alone, and genetically modified models similar to those created in mice are not available. D374Y gain-of-function mutations in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene cause severe autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia and accelerates atherosclerosis in humans. Using Sleeping Beauty DNA transposition and cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, we created Yucatan minipigs with liver-specific expression of human D374Y-PCSK9. D374Y-PCSK9 transgenic pigs displayed reduced hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor levels, impaired LDL clearance, severe hypercholesterolemia, and spontaneous development of progressive atherosclerotic lesions that could be visualized by noninvasive imaging. This model should prove useful for several types of translational research in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozh H Al-Mashhadi
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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Hackett PB, Largaespada DA, Switzer KC, Cooper LJN. Evaluating risks of insertional mutagenesis by DNA transposons in gene therapy. Transl Res 2013; 161:265-83. [PMID: 23313630 PMCID: PMC3602164 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Investigational therapy can be successfully undertaken using viral- and nonviral-mediated ex vivo gene transfer. Indeed, recent clinical trials have established the potential for genetically modified T cells to improve and restore health. Recently, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system has been applied in clinical trials to stably insert a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to redirect T-cell specificity. We discuss the context in which the SB system can be harnessed for gene therapy and describe the human application of SB-modified CAR(+) T cells. We have focused on theoretical issues relating to insertional mutagenesis in the context of human genomes that are naturally subjected to remobilization of transposons and the experimental evidence over the last decade of employing SB transposons for defining genes that induce cancer. These findings are put into the context of the use of SB transposons in the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Hackett
- Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Sharma N, Cai Y, Bak RO, Jakobsen MR, Schrøder LD, Mikkelsen JG. Efficient sleeping beauty DNA transposition from DNA minicircles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e74. [PMID: 23443502 PMCID: PMC3586802 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA transposon-based vectors have emerged as new potential delivery tools in therapeutic gene transfer. Such vectors are now showing promise in hematopoietic stem cells and primary human T cells, and clinical trials with transposon-engineered cells are on the way. However, the use of plasmid DNA as a carrier of the vector raises safety concerns due to the undesirable administration of bacterial sequences. To optimize vectors based on the Sleeping Beauty (SB) DNA transposon for clinical use, we examine here SB transposition from DNA minicircles (MCs) devoid of the bacterial plasmid backbone. Potent DNA transposition, directed by the hyperactive SB100X transposase, is demonstrated from MC donors, and the stable transfection rate is significantly enhanced by expressing the SB100X transposase from MCs. The stable transfection rate is inversely related to the size of circular donor, suggesting that a MC-based SB transposition system benefits primarily from an increased cellular uptake and/or enhanced expression which can be observed with DNA MCs. DNA transposon and transposase MCs are easily produced, are favorable in size, do not carry irrelevant DNA, and are robust substrates for DNA transposition. In accordance, DNA MCs should become a standard source of DNA transposons not only in therapeutic settings but also in the daily use of the SB system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nynne Sharma
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Di Matteo M, Belay E, Chuah MK, Vandendriessche T. Recent developments in transposon-mediated gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:841-58. [PMID: 22679910 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.684875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continuous improvement of gene transfer technologies has broad implications for stem cell biology, gene discovery, and gene therapy. Although viral vectors are efficient gene delivery vehicles, their safety, immunogenicity and manufacturing challenges hamper clinical progress. In contrast, non-viral gene delivery systems are less immunogenic and easier to manufacture. AREAS COVERED In this review, we explore the emerging potential of transposons in gene and cell therapy. The safety, efficiency, and biology of novel hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB) transposon systems will be highlighted for ex vivo gene therapy in clinically relevant adult stem/progenitor cells, particularly hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), myoblasts, and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Moreover, efforts toward in vivo transposon-based gene therapy will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The latest generation SB and PB transposons currently represent some of the most attractive systems for stable non-viral genetic modification of primary cells, particularly adult stem cells. This paves the way toward the use of transposons as a non-viral gene therapy approach to correct hereditary disorders including those that affect the hematopoietic system. The development of targeted integration into "safe harbor" genetic loci may further improve their safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Di Matteo
- Free University of Brussels, Division of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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A Hyperactive Transposase Promotes Persistent Gene Transfer of a piggyBac DNA Transposon. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2012; 1:e50. [PMID: 23344650 PMCID: PMC3499692 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2012.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral vector systems are used increasingly in gene targeting and gene transfer applications. The piggyBac transposon represents an alternative integrating vector for in vivo gene transfer. We hypothesized that this system could achieve persistent gene transfer to the liver when administered systemically. We report that a novel hyperactive transposase generated higher transposition efficiency than a codon-optimized transposase in a human liver cell line. Hyperactive transposase-mediated reporter gene expression persisted at levels twice that of codon-optimized transposase in the livers of mice for the 6-month study. Of note, expression persisted in mice following partial hepatectomy, consistent with expression from an integrated transgene. We also used the hyperactive transposase to deliver the human α1-antitrypsin gene and achieved stable expression in serum. To determine the integration pattern of insertions, we performed large-scale mapping in human cells and recovered 60,685 unique hyperactive transposase-mediated insertions. We found that a hyperactive piggyBac transposase conferred an altered pattern of integration from that of insect piggyBac transposase, with a decreased frequency of integration near transcription start sites than previously reported. Our results support that the piggyBac transposon combined with the hyperactive transposase is an efficient integrating vector system for in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Insertional mutagenesis by a hybrid piggyBac and sleeping beauty transposon in the rat. Genetics 2012; 192:1235-48. [PMID: 23023007 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.112.140855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A hybrid piggyBac/Sleeping Beauty transposon-based insertional mutagenesis system that can be mobilized by simple breeding was established in the rat. These transposons were engineered to include gene trap sequences and a tyrosinase (Tyr) pigmentation reporter to rescue the albinism of the genetic background used in the mutagenesis strategy. Single-copy transposon insertions were transposed into the rat genome by co-injection of plasmids carrying the transposon and RNA encoding piggyBac transposase into zygotes. The levels of transgenic Tyr expression were influenced by chromosomal context, leading to transgenic rats with different pigmentation that enabled visual genotyping. Transgenic rats designed to ubiquitously express either piggyBac or Sleeping Beauty transposase were generated by standard zygote injection also on an albino background. Bigenic rats carrying single-copy transposons at known loci and transposase transgenes exhibited coat color mosaicism, indicating somatic transposition. PiggyBac or Sleeping Beauty transposase bigenic rats bred with wild-type albino rats yielded offspring with pigmentation distinct from the initial transposon insertions as a consequence of germline transposition to new loci. The germline transposition frequency for Sleeping Beauty and piggyBac was ∼10% or about one new insertion per litter. Approximately 50% of the insertions occurred in introns. Chimeric transcripts containing endogenous and gene trap sequences were identified in Gabrb1 mutant rats. This mutagenesis system based on simple crosses and visual genotyping can be used to generate a collection of single-gene mutations in the rat.
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