1
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Kaltak M, de Bruijn P, Piccolo D, Lee SE, Dulla K, Hoogenboezem T, Beumer W, Webster AR, Collin RW, Cheetham ME, Platenburg G, Swildens J. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy corrects splicing in the common Stargardt disease type 1-causing variant ABCA4 c.5461-10T>C. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 31:674-688. [PMID: 36910710 PMCID: PMC9999166 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) is the most common hereditary form of maculopathy and remains untreatable. STGD1 is caused by biallelic variants in the ABCA4 gene, which encodes the ATP-binding cassette (type 4) protein (ABCA4) that clears toxic byproducts of the visual cycle. The c.5461-10T>C p.[Thr1821Aspfs∗6,Thr1821Valfs∗13] variant is the most common severe disease-associated variant, and leads to exon skipping and out-of-frame ABCA4 transcripts that prevent translation of functional ABCA4 protein. Homozygous individuals typically display early onset STGD1 and are legally blind by early adulthood. Here, we applied antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to promote exon inclusion and restore wild-type RNA splicing of ABCA4 c.5461-10T>C. The effect of AONs was first investigated in vitro using an ABCA4 midigene model. Subsequently, the best performing AONs were administered to homozygous c.5461-10T>C 3D human retinal organoids. Isoform-specific digital polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant increase in correctly spliced transcripts after treatment with the lead AON, QR-1011, up to 53% correct transcripts at a 3 μM dose. Furthermore, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses identified restoration of ABCA4 protein after treatment. Collectively, we identified QR-1011 as a potent splice-correcting AON and a possible therapeutic intervention for patients harboring the severe ABCA4 c.5461-10T>C variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melita Kaltak
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, and Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Petra de Bruijn
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Davide Piccolo
- UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL London, UK
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL London, UK
| | - Kalyan Dulla
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Wouter Beumer
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew R. Webster
- UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, EC1V 2PD London, UK
| | - Rob W.J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, and Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jim Swildens
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
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2
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Kim H, Lenoir S, Helfricht A, Jung T, Karneva ZK, Lee Y, Beumer W, van der Horst GB, Anthonijsz H, Buil LC, van der Ham F, Platenburg GJ, Purhonen P, Hebert H, Humbert S, Saudou F, Klein P, Song JJ. A pathogenic proteolysis-resistant huntingtin isoform induced by an antisense oligonucleotide maintains huntingtin function. JCI Insight 2022; 7:154108. [PMID: 35943803 PMCID: PMC9536263 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a late-onset neurological disorder for which therapeutics are not available. Its key pathological mechanism involves the proteolysis of polyglutamine-expanded (polyQ-expanded) mutant huntingtin (mHTT), which generates N-terminal fragments containing polyQ, a key contributor to HD pathogenesis. Interestingly, a naturally occurring spliced form of HTT mRNA with truncated exon 12 encodes an HTT (HTTΔ12) with a deletion near the caspase-6 cleavage site. In this study, we used a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the therapeutic potential of targeting HTT exon 12. We show that HTTΔ12 was resistant to caspase-6 cleavage in both cell-free and tissue lysate assays. However, HTTΔ12 retained overall biochemical and structural properties similar to those of wt-HTT. We generated mice in which HTT exon 12 was truncated and found that the canonical exon 12 was dispensable for the main physiological functions of HTT, including embryonic development and intracellular trafficking. Finally, we pharmacologically induced HTTΔ12 using the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) QRX-704. QRX-704 showed predictable pharmacology and efficient biodistribution. In addition, it was stable for several months and inhibited pathogenic proteolysis. Furthermore, QRX-704 treatments resulted in a reduction of HTT aggregation and an increase in dendritic spine count. Thus, ASO-induced HTT exon 12 splice switching from HTT may provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeongju Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Daejeon, Korea, Republic of
| | - Sophie Lenoir
- Grenoble Institute Neurosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Taeyang Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Daejeon, Korea, Republic of
| | | | - Yejin Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Daejeon, Korea, Republic of
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pasi Purhonen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, The Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hans Hebert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, The Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sandrine Humbert
- Grenoble Institute Neurosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Grenoble Institute Neurosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Daejeon, Korea, Republic of
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3
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Dulla K, Slijkerman R, van Diepen HC, Albert S, Dona M, Beumer W, Turunen JJ, Chan HL, Schulkens IA, Vorthoren L, den Besten C, Buil L, Schmidt I, Miao J, Venselaar H, Zang J, Neuhauss SCF, Peters T, Broekman S, Pennings R, Kremer H, Platenburg G, Adamson P, de Vrieze E, van Wijk E. Antisense oligonucleotide-based treatment of retinitis pigmentosa caused by USH2A exon 13 mutations. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2441-2455. [PMID: 33895329 PMCID: PMC8353187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in USH2A are among the most common causes of syndromic and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The two most recurrent mutations in USH2A, c.2299delG and c.2276G > T, both reside in exon 13. Skipping exon 13 from the USH2A transcript presents a potential treatment modality in which the resulting transcript is predicted to encode a slightly shortened usherin protein. Morpholino-induced skipping of ush2a exon 13 in zebrafish ush2armc1 mutants resulted in the production of usherinΔexon 13 protein and a completely restored retinal function. Antisense oligonucleotides were investigated for their potential to selectively induce human USH2A exon 13 skipping. Lead candidate QR-421a induced a concentration-dependent exon 13 skipping in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived photoreceptor precursors from an Usher syndrome patient homozygous for the c.2299delG mutation. Mouse surrogate mQR-421a reached the retinal outer nuclear layer after a single intravitreal injection and induced a detectable level of exon skipping until at least 6 months post-injection. In conclusion, QR-421a-induced exon skipping proves to be a highly promising treatment option for RP caused by mutations in USH2A exon 13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan Dulla
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ralph Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Silvia Albert
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Margo Dona
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Beumer
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Janne J Turunen
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hee Lam Chan
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris A Schulkens
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Vorthoren
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Levi Buil
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Schmidt
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jiayi Miao
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jingjing Zang
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan C F Neuhauss
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Pennings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Adamson
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands; UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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4
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Leenaars CH, Vries RBD, Reijmer J, Holthaus D, Visser D, Heming A, Elzinga J, Kempkes RW, Beumer W, Punt C, Meijboom FL, Ritskes-Hoitinga M. Animal models for cystic fibrosis: a systematic search and mapping review of the literature. Part 2: nongenetic models. Lab Anim 2021; 55:307-316. [PMID: 33557683 DOI: 10.1177/0023677221990688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Various animal models are available to study cystic fibrosis (CF). These models may help to enhance our understanding of the pathology and contribute to the development of new treatments. We systematically searched all publications on CF animal models. Because of the large number of models retrieved, we split this mapping review into two parts. Previously, we presented the genetic CF animal models. In this paper we present the nongenetic CF animal models. While genetic animal models may, in theory, be preferable for genetic diseases, the phenotype of a genetic model does not automatically resemble human disease. Depending on the research question, other animal models may thus be more informative.We searched Pubmed and Embase and identified 12,303 unique publications (after duplicate removal). All references were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. The genetic animal models for CF (from 636 publications) were previously described. The non-genetic CF models (from 189 publications) are described in this paper, grouped by model type: infection-based, pharmacological, administration of human materials, xenografts and other. As before for the genetic models, an overview of basic model characteristics and outcome measures is provided. This CF animal model overview can be the basis for an objective, evidence-based model choice for specific research questions. Besides, it can help to retrieve relevant background literature on outcome measures of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathalijn Hc Leenaars
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Rob Bm de Vries
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Joey Reijmer
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - David Holthaus
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Damian Visser
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Heming
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Elzinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie Wm Kempkes
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carine Punt
- ProQR Therapeutics NV,Leiden, the Netherlands; Present position: BunyaVax BV, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Franck Lb Meijboom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
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5
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Ritskes-Hoitinga M, Leenaars C, Beumer W, Coenen-de Roo T, Stafleu F, Meijboom FLB. Improving Translation by Identifying Evidence for More Human-Relevant Preclinical Strategies. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1170. [PMID: 32664195 PMCID: PMC7401546 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical animal studies are performed to analyse the safety and efficacy of new treatments, with the aim to protect humans. However, there are questions and concerns about the quality and usefulness of preclinical animal research. Translational success rates vary between 0 and 100%, and no clear relationship has been found with possible predictive factors such as animal species or field of research. Therefore, it is not yet possible to indicate what factors predict successful translation. Translational strategies were therefore discussed at an international conference held in the Netherlands in November 2019, aiming to develop practical guidelines for more robust animal-to-human translation. The conference was organised during the course of a research project funded by the Dutch Research Council (313-99-310), addressing possible solutions for the low translational values that had been published for a multitude of animal studies in human health care. This article provides an overview of the project and the conference discussions. Based on the conference results and the findings from the research project, we define four points of attention that are crucial in the search for improved translational success rates: (a) optimising the methods and design of studies; (b) incorporation of the complexity of the human patient in research; (c) start with the patient rather than existing animal models as the gold standard; and (d) more and better collaboration within the chain from funding to pharmacy. We conclude that this requires improved organization and use of procedures, as well as a change of attitude and culture in research, including a consideration of the translational value of animal-free innovations and human-relevant science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence (section HTA), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cathalijn Leenaars
- Unit Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wouter Beumer
- ProQR Therapeutics NV, 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke Coenen-de Roo
- Central Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Stafleu
- Ethics Institute, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Franck L B Meijboom
- Unit Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ethics Institute, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
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6
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Leenaars CH, De Vries RB, Heming A, Visser D, Holthaus D, Reijmer J, Elzinga J, Kempkes RW, Punt C, Beumer W, Meijboom FL, Ritskes-Hoitinga M. Animal models for cystic fibrosis: A systematic search and mapping review of the literature - Part 1: genetic models. Lab Anim 2019; 54:330-340. [PMID: 31411127 DOI: 10.1177/0023677219868502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal models for cystic fibrosis (CF) have enhanced our understanding of the pathology and contributed to the development of new treatments. In the field of CF, many animal models have been developed and described. To our knowledge, thus far, none of the reviews of CF animal models has used a systematic methodology. A systematic approach to creating model overviews can lead to an objective, evidence-based choice of an animal model for new research questions. We searched Pubmed and Embase for the currently available animal models for CF. Two independent reviewers screened the results. We included all primary studies describing an animal model for CF. After duplicate removal, 12,304 publications were left. Because of the large number of models, in the current paper, only the genetic models are presented. A total of 636 publications were identified describing genetic animal models for CF in mice, pigs, ferrets, rats and zebrafish. Most of these models have an altered Cftr gene. An overview of basic model characteristics and outcome measures for these genetic models is provided, together with advice on using these data. As far as the authors are aware, this is one of the largest systematic mapping reviews on genetic animal models for CF. It can aid in selecting a suitable model and outcome measures. In general, the reporting quality of the included publications was poor. Further systematic reviews are warranted to determine the quality and translational value of these models further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathalijn Hc Leenaars
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rob Bm De Vries
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Heming
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Damian Visser
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David Holthaus
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joey Reijmer
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Elzinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie Wm Kempkes
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carine Punt
- ProQR Therapeutics NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Franck Lb Meijboom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Beumer W, Swildens J, Leal T, Noel S, Anthonijsz H, van der Horst G, Kuiperij-Boersma H, Potman M, van Putten C, Biasutto P, Platenburg G, de Jonge H, Henig N, Ritsema T. Evaluation of eluforsen, a novel RNA oligonucleotide for restoration of CFTR function in in vitro and murine models of p.Phe508del cystic fibrosis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219182. [PMID: 31251792 PMCID: PMC6599119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the epithelial chloride channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common mutation is a deletion of three nucleotides leading to the loss of phenylalanine at position 508 (p.Phe508del) in the protein. This study evaluates eluforsen, a novel, single-stranded, 33-nucleotide antisense oligonucleotide designed to restore CFTR function, in in vitro and in vivo models of p.Phe508del CF. The aims of the study were to demonstrate cellular uptake of eluforsen, and its efficacy in functional restoration of p.Phe508del-CFTR both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the effect of eluforsen was investigated in human CF pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and human bronchial epithelial cells. Two mouse models were used to evaluate eluforsen in vivo. In vitro, eluforsen improved chloride efflux in CF pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell cultures and increased short-circuit current in primary human bronchial epithelial cells, both indicating restoration of CFTR function. In vivo, eluforsen was taken up by airway epithelium following oro-tracheal administration in mice, resulting in systemic exposure of eluforsen. In female F508del-CFTR mice, eluforsen significantly increased CFTR-mediated saliva secretion (used as a measure of CFTR function, equivalent to the sweat test in humans). Similarly, intranasal administration of eluforsen significantly improved nasal potential difference (NPD), and therefore CFTR conductance, in two CF mouse models. These findings indicate that eluforsen improved CFTR function in cell and animal models of p.Phe508del-CFTR-mediated CF and supported further development of eluforsen in human clinical trials, where eluforsen has also been shown to improve CFTR activity as measured by NPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beumer
- ProQR Therapeutics, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Teresinha Leal
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Noel
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hugo de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Brinks V, Lipinska K, de Jager M, Beumer W, Button B, Livraghi-Butrico A, Henig N, Matthee B. The Cystic Fibrosis-Like Airway Surface Layer Is not a Significant Barrier for Delivery of Eluforsen to Airway Epithelial Cells. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2019; 32:303-316. [PMID: 31120356 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2018.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Eluforsen (previously known as QR-010) is a 33-mer antisense oligonucleotide under development for oral inhalation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with the delta F508 mutation. Previous work has shown that eluforsen restores CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function in vitro and in vivo. To be effective, eluforsen has first to reach its primary target, the lung epithelial cells. Therefore, it has to diffuse through the CF airway surface layer (ASL), which in CF is characterized by the presence of thick and viscous mucus, impaired mucociliary clearance, and persistent infections. The goal of this study was to assess delivery of eluforsen through CF-like ASL. Methods and Results: First, air-liquid interface studies with cultured primary airway epithelial cells revealed that eluforsen rapidly diffuses through CF-like mucus at clinically relevant doses when nebulized once or repeatedly, over a range of testing doses. Furthermore, eluforsen concentrations remained stable in CF patient sputum for at least 48 hours, and eluforsen remained intact in the presence of various inhaled CF medications for at least 24 hours. When testing biodistribution of eluforsen after orotracheal administration in vivo, no differences in lung, liver, trachea, and kidney eluforsen concentration were observed between mice with a CF-like lung phenotype (ENaC-overexpressing mice) and control wild-type (WT) littermates. Also, eluforsen was visualized in the airway epithelial cell layer of CF-like muco-obstructed mice and WT littermates. Finally, studies of eluforsen uptake and binding to bacteria prevalent in CF lungs, and diffusion through bacterial biofilms showed that eluforsen was stable and not absorbed by, or bound to bacteria. In addition, eluforsen was found to be able to penetrate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Conclusions: The thickened and concentrated CF ASL does not constitute a significant barrier for delivery of eluforsen, and feasibility of oral inhalation of eluforsen is supported by these data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Brian Button
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Dulla K, Aguila M, Lane A, Jovanovic K, Parfitt DA, Schulkens I, Chan HL, Schmidt I, Beumer W, Vorthoren L, Collin RWJ, Garanto A, Duijkers L, Brugulat-Panes A, Semo M, Vugler AA, Biasutto P, Adamson P, Cheetham ME. Splice-Modulating Oligonucleotide QR-110 Restores CEP290 mRNA and Function in Human c.2991+1655A>G LCA10 Models. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2018; 12:730-740. [PMID: 30114557 PMCID: PMC6092551 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10) is a severe inherited retinal dystrophy associated with mutations in CEP290. The deep intronic c.2991+1655A>G mutation in CEP290 is the most common mutation in LCA10 individuals and represents an ideal target for oligonucleotide therapeutics. Here, a panel of antisense oligonucleotides was designed to correct the splicing defect associated with the mutation and screened for efficacy and safety. This identified QR-110 as the best-performing molecule. QR-110 restored wild-type CEP290 mRNA and protein expression levels in CEP290 c.2991+1655A>G homozygous and compound heterozygous LCA10 primary fibroblasts. Furthermore, in homozygous three-dimensional iPSC-derived retinal organoids, QR-110 showed a dose-dependent restoration of mRNA and protein function, as measured by percentage and length of photoreceptor cilia, without off-target effects. Localization studies in wild-type mice and rabbits showed that QR-110 readily reached all retinal layers, with an estimated half-life of 58 days. It was well tolerated following intravitreal injection in monkeys. In conclusion, the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety properties make QR-110 a promising candidate for treating LCA10, and clinical development is currently ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Duijkers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Adamson
- ProQR Therapeutics, Leiden, the Netherlands; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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10
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Maria NI, Steenwijk EC, IJpma AS, van Helden-Meeuwsen CG, Vogelsang P, Beumer W, Brkic Z, van Daele PLA, van Hagen PM, van der Spek PJ, Drexhage HA, Versnel MA. Contrasting expression pattern of RNA-sensing receptors TLR7, RIG-I and MDA5 in interferon-positive and interferon-negative patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:721-730. [PMID: 27672125 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The interferon (IFN) type I signature is present in over half of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and associated with higher disease-activity and autoantibody presence. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are considered as the main source of enhanced IFN type I expression. The objective of this study was to unravel the molecular pathways underlying IFN type I bioactivity in pDCs of patients with pSS. METHODS Blood samples from 42 healthy controls (HC) and 115 patients with pSS were stratified according to their IFN type I signature. CD123+BDCA4+ pDCs and CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Genome-wide microarray analysis was conducted on sorted pDCs in a small sample set, followed by validation of differentially expressed genes of interest in pDCs and monocytes. RESULTS We found an upregulation of endosomal toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, but not TLR9, in IFN-positive (IFNpos) pDCs (p<0.05) and monocytes (p=0.024). Additionally, the downstream signalling molecules MyD88, RSAD2 and IRF7 were upregulated, as were the cytoplasmic RNA-sensing receptors DDX58/retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) and IFIH1/melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA5). In vitro triggering of the TLR7-pathway in HC PBMCs induced upregulation of DDX58/RIG-I and IFIH1/MDA5, and downregulated TLR9. The upregulation of TLR7, its downstream signalling pathway, DDX58/RIG-I and IFIH1/MDA5 were confined to patients with IFN-positive pSS. IFN-negative patients had a contrasting expression pattern-TLR7 normal, and decreased TLR9, RIG-I and MDA5. CONCLUSIONS Here we conclude a contrasting expression pattern of the RNA-sensing receptors TLR7, RIG-I and MDA5 in pDCs and monocytes of patients with IFNpos pSS. This profile could explain the pathogenic IFN production and might reveal novel therapeutic targets in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi I Maria
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arne S IJpma
- Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Petra Vogelsang
- Department of Clinical Science, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zana Brkic
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L A van Daele
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Martin van Hagen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hemmo A Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan A Versnel
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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McGuiness B, Gibney SM, Beumer W, Versnel MA, Sillaber I, Harkin A, Drexhage HA. Exaggerated Increases in Microglia Proliferation, Brain Inflammatory Response and Sickness Behaviour upon Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice. Neuroimmunomodulation 2016; 23:137-150. [PMID: 27529430 PMCID: PMC5296925 DOI: 10.1159/000446370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, an established model for autoimmune diabetes, shows an exaggerated reaction of pancreas macrophages to inflammatory stimuli. NOD mice also display anxiety when immune-stimulated. Chronic mild brain inflammation and a pro-inflammatory microglial activation is critical in psychiatric behaviour. OBJECTIVE To explore brain/microglial activation and behaviour in NOD mice at steady state and after systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. METHODS Affymetrix analysis on purified microglia of pre-diabetic NOD mice (8-10 weeks) and control mice (C57BL/6 and CD1 mice, the parental non-autoimmune strain) at steady state and after systemic LPS (100 μg/kg) administration. Quantitative PCR was performed on the hypothalamus for immune activation markers (IL-1β, IFNγ and TNFα) and growth factors (BDNF and PDGF). Behavioural profiling of NOD, CD1, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice at steady state was conducted and sickness behaviour/anxiety in NOD and CD1 mice was monitored before and after LPS injection. RESULTS Genome analysis revealed cell cycle/cell death and survival aberrancies of NOD microglia, substantiated as higher proliferation on BrdU staining. Inflammation signs were absent. NOD mice had a hyper-reactive response to novel environments with some signs of anxiety. LPS injection induced a higher expression of microglial activation markers, a higher brain pro-inflammatory set point (IFNγ, IDO) and a reduced expression of BDNF and PDGF after immune stimulation in NOD mice. NOD mice displayed exaggerated and prolonged sickness behaviour after LPS administration. CONCLUSION After stimulation with LPS, NOD mice display an increased microglial proliferation and an exaggerated inflammatory brain response with reduced BDNF and PDGF expression and increased sickness behaviour as compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry McGuiness
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinead M. Gibney
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Andrew Harkin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- *Prof. Hemmo A. Drexhage, Department of Immunology, Na1105, Erasmus MC's Gravendijkwal 230 NL-3015 CE Rotterdam (The Netherlands) E-Mail
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12
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Beumer W, Welzen-Coppens JMC, van Helden-Meeuwsen CG, Gibney SM, Drexhage HA, Versnel MA. The gene expression profile of CD11c+ CD8α- dendritic cells in the pre-diabetic pancreas of the NOD mouse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103404. [PMID: 25166904 PMCID: PMC4148310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two major dendritic cell (DC) subsets have been described in the pancreas of mice: The CD11c+ CD8α- DCs (strong CD4+ T cell proliferation inducers) and the CD8α+ CD103+ DCs (T cell apoptosis inducers). Here we analyzed the larger subset of CD11c+ CD8α- DCs isolated from the pancreas of pre-diabetic NOD mice for genome-wide gene expression (validated by Q-PCR) to elucidate abnormalities in underlying gene expression networks. CD11c+ CD8α- DCs were isolated from 5 week old NOD and control C57BL/6 pancreas. The steady state pancreatic NOD CD11c+ CD8α- DCs showed a reduced expression of several gene networks important for the prime functions of these cells, i.e. for cell renewal, immune tolerance induction, migration and for the provision of growth factors including those for beta cell regeneration. A functional in vivo BrdU incorporation test showed the reduced proliferation of steady state pancreatic DC. The reduced expression of tolerance induction genes (CD200R, CCR5 and CD24) was supported on the protein level by flow cytometry. Also previously published functional tests on maturation, immune stimulation and migration confirm the molecular deficits of NOD steady state DC. Despite these deficiencies NOD pancreas CD11c+ CD8α- DCs showed a hyperreactivity to LPS, which resulted in an enhanced pro-inflammatory state characterized by a gene profile of an enhanced expression of a number of classical inflammatory cytokines. The enhanced up-regulation of inflammatory genes was supported by the in vitro cytokine production profile of the DCs. In conclusion, our data show that NOD pancreatic CD11c+ CD8α- DCs show various deficiencies in steady state, while hyperreactive when encountering a danger signal such as LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sinead M. Gibney
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Marjan A. Versnel
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Pont-Lezica L, Beumer W, Colasse S, Drexhage H, Versnel M, Bessis A. Microglia shape corpus callosum axon tract fasciculation: functional impact of prenatal inflammation. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:1551-7. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pont-Lezica
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure; F-75005 Paris France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; Paris France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Unité Mixte de Recherche; Paris France
| | - Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology; Erasmus MC; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Colasse
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure; F-75005 Paris France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; Paris France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Unité Mixte de Recherche; Paris France
| | - Hemmo Drexhage
- Department of Immunology; Erasmus MC; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Versnel
- Department of Immunology; Erasmus MC; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Alain Bessis
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure; F-75005 Paris France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; Paris France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Unité Mixte de Recherche; Paris France
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Beumer W, Effraimidis G, Drexhage RC, Wiersinga WM, Drexhage HA. Changes in serum adhesion molecules, chemokines, cytokines, and tissue remodeling factors in euthyroid women without thyroid antibodies who are at risk for autoimmune thyroid disease: a hypothesis on the early phases of the endocrine autoimmune reaction. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:2460-8. [PMID: 23559080 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-4122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The target glands in spontaneous animal models of endocrine autoimmune disease show, prior to the autoimmune reaction, growth and connective tissue abnormalities, whereas the autoimmune reaction is initiated by an early accumulation of macrophages and dendritic cells in the target glands. AIM The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that serum factors related to these growth and connective tissue abnormalities and the early accumulation of immune cells, ie, tissue growth/remodeling factors, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, are related to thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO-Abs) seroconversion in subjects at risk to develop autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). DESIGN A controlled study on 64 TPO-Ab-negative euthyroid female relatives with at least 1 first- or second-degree relative with documented autoimmune hyper- or hypothyroidism, 32 of whom did and 32 who did not seroconvert to TPO-Ab positivity in 5-year follow-up. The relatives were compared with 32 healthy controls. In all subjects we measured serum levels of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)-2, CCL3, CCL4, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, thrombospondin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, angiopoietin 1 receptor-2, metalloproteinase-13, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, fibronectin, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and growth differentiation factor-15 by multiplex (cytometric bead array) or a single commercial ELISA. RESULTS Both seroconverting and nonseroconverting family members showed an up-regulation of fibronectin and a down-regulation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB and the adhesion and migration factors CCL2, CCL4, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, angiopoietin 1 receptor-2, and metalloproteinase-13. The seroconverters differed from the nonseroconverters by an up-regulation of the proinflammatory compounds Il-1β, IL-6, and CCL3. CONCLUSION This study shows that euthyroid females within AITD families show a characteristic pattern of abnormalities in serum levels of tissue remodeling factors, growth factors, chemokines, (vascular) adhesion molecules, and cytokines prior to the occurrence of TPO-Abs in serum. The results provide proof of principle that preseroconversion stages and seroconversion to AITD might be predicted using serum analytes related to growth/connective tissue abnormalities and migration/accumulation abnormalities of macrophages and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Beumer W, Drexhage RC, De Wit H, Versnel MA, Drexhage HA, Cohen D. Increased level of serum cytokines, chemokines and adipokines in patients with schizophrenia is associated with disease and metabolic syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1901-11. [PMID: 22541717 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
At present there are strong indications of a shared vulnerability factor for schizophrenia (SZ), diabetes and the metabolic syndrome (metS). In this study we focus on an aberrantly activated monocyte/macrophage system as the shared factor. We measured in SZ patients (n=144), the serum levels of monocyte/macrophage cytokines/chemokines/adipokines CCL2, CCL4, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, PTX3, leptin, adiponectin, PAI-1, OPG and ICAM-1 and compared these levels to healthy controls (HC) (n=138). Using multivariate analysis, we studied the effect of the presence of the disease SZ, the components of the metS including BMI, the levels of lipids (HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG)), diabetes (hyperglycemia) and the use of antipsychotic medication, on the serum levels of these immune compounds. We found all measured immune compounds with the exception of PAI-1 and OPG to be elevated in the SZ patient population. Multivariate analysis showed that elevations were linked to gender (ICAM-1, leptin, TNF-α and adiponectin), an increased BMI (leptin, adiponectin), hyperglycemia/diabetes (CCL4, and OPG), reduced HDL-cholesterol or increased levels of TG (adiponectin and PTX3) or the metS (CCL2, leptin and adiponectin). IL-1β and IL-6 were the only immune compounds raised in the serum of patients not affected by any of the included factors. Although many of the immune compounds were found linked to (components of) the metS, the most dominant linkage was found with the disease schizophrenia, confirming earlier reports on increased monocyte/macrophage activation as a key component for understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Beumer W, Gibney SM, Drexhage RC, Pont-Lezica L, Doorduin J, Klein HC, Steiner J, Connor TJ, Harkin A, Versnel MA, Drexhage HA. The immune theory of psychiatric diseases: a key role for activated microglia and circulating monocytes. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 92:959-75. [PMID: 22875882 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0212100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes a key role for mononuclear phagocytes in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders. There is accumulating evidence for activation of microglia (histopathology and PET scans) and circulating monocytes (enhanced gene expression of immune genes, an overproduction of monocyte/macrophage-related cytokines) in patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. These data are strengthened by observations in animal models, such as the MIA models, the chronic stress models, and the NOD mouse model. In these animal models of depressive-, anxiety-, and schizophrenia-like behavior, similar activations of microglia and circulating monocytes can be found. These animal models also make in-depth pathogenic studies possible and show that microglia activation impacts neuronal development and function in brain areas congruent with the altered depressive and schizophrenia-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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17
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Brkic Z, Maria NI, van Helden-Meeuwsen CG, van de Merwe JP, van Daele PL, Dalm VA, Wildenberg ME, Beumer W, Drexhage HA, Versnel MA. Prevalence of interferon type I signature in CD14 monocytes of patients with Sjogren's syndrome and association with disease activity and BAFF gene expression. Ann Rheum Dis 2012; 72:728-35. [PMID: 22736090 PMCID: PMC3618683 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine the prevalence of upregulation of interferon (IFN) type I inducible genes, the so called ‘IFN type I signature’, in CD14 monocytes in 69 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and 44 healthy controls (HC) and correlate it with disease manifestations and expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF). Methods Expression of IFI44L, IFI44, IFIT3, LY6E and MX1 was measured using real time quantitative PCR in monocytes. Expression values were used to calculate IFN type I scores for each subject. pSS patients positive for the IFN type I signature (IFN score≥10) and patients negative for the signature (IFN score<10) were then compared for clinical disease manifestations and BAFF expression. A bioassay using a monocytic cell line was performed to study whether BAFF mRNA expression was inducible by IFN type I activity in serum of patients with pSS. Results An IFN type I signature was present in 55% of patients with pSS compared with 4.5% of HC. Patients with the IFN type I signature showed: (a) higher EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index scores; higher anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-La autoantibodies; higher rheumatoid factor; higher serum IgG; lower C3, lower absolute lymphocyte and neutrophil counts; (b)higher BAFF gene expression in monocytes. In addition, serum of signature-positive patients induced BAFF gene expression in monocytes. Conclusions The monocyte IFN type I signature identifies a subgroup of patients with pSS with a higher clinical disease activity together with higher BAFF mRNA expression. Such patients might benefit from treatment blocking IFN type I production or activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Brkic
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Dr Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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18
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Drexhage RC, Knijff EM, Padmos RC, Heul-Nieuwenhuijzen LVD, Beumer W, Versnel MA, Drexhage HA. The mononuclear phagocyte system and its cytokine inflammatory networks in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Expert Rev Neurother 2010; 10:59-76. [PMID: 20021321 DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This review describes patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In such patients, a high inflammatory set point of circulating monocytes at the transcriptome level is observed, involving various inflammatory transcripts forming distinct fingerprints (the transcriptomic monocyte fingerprint in schizophrenia overlaps with that in bipolar disorder, but also differs with it at points). There are increased levels of compounds of the IL-1, IL-6 and TNF system in the serum (be it modest and inconsistent). There is also evidence that the IL-2 system is activated in patients with schizophrenia (and perhaps those with mania), although independently of the activation of the IL-1, IL-6 and TNF systems, suggesting separate inducing mechanisms for monocyte and T-cell activation. It is not yet known whether such T cell activation involves the Th1/Th2/Th17 or Treg systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosmarijn C Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Roelofsen T, Akkers R, Beumer W, Apotheker M, Steeghs I, van de Ven J, Gelderblom C, Garritsen A, Dechering K. Sphingosine-1-phosphate acts as a developmental stage specific inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor-induced chemotaxis of osteoblasts. J Cell Biochem 2008; 105:1128-38. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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