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MRNA expression on shape-engineered endothelial cells: adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

This study was designed to assess the effect of cell shape on mRNA expression of two adhesion molecules, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1, on endothelial cells. Photo-microprocessing using photoreactive poly(ethylene glycol) produced two different patterned-cell adhesive regions on tissue culture dishes: one is a striped region on which adhered cells are highly elongated and aligned along the long axis of the striped pattern, and the other is a circular region on which cells are less spread out and rounded. mRNA expressions, measured by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique, revealed higher mRNA expression for intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and lower mRNA expression for vascular adhesion molecule-1 on elongated cells than those on round cells. This indicates that surface-induced cell shape induces changes in the mRNA expression of these molecules. The significance of cell-shape-induced mRNA expression is discussed in conjunction with the experimental results of flow-induced expression at molecular and mRNA levels.

Cell Adhesion↗

Contribution of O6-alkylguanine and N-alkylpurines to the formation of sister chromatid exchanges, chromosomal aberrations, and gene mutations: new insights gained from studies of genetically engineered mammalian cell lines.

O6-methyl- and O6-ethylguanine are the major premutagenic and precarcinogenic lesions induced in DNA by monofunctional alkylating agents, albeit formed in minor amounts. The involvement of these lesions in SCE and aberration formation is less clear. We have analyzed the contribution of O6-alkylguanine to SCE and aberration formation, as well as its toxic and point mutation inducing effect in transgenic Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that express variable amounts of human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Cells that overexpress MGMT (or the bacterial Ada protein) gained resistance to the formation of alkylation-induced SCEs and aberrations, as compared to MGMT deficient cells. A correlation was apparent between the level of protection for SCEs and cell killing, indicating that both phenomena are interrelated. The protective effects were dependent on the level of MGMT expression, the agent used for alkylation, and cell cycle progression. Our data suggest that at least 2 kinds of lesions are responsible for SCE and aberration formation, namely, O6-alkylguanine and one or various N-alkylation products. The probability that O6-methylguanine is converted into cytogenetic effects has been estimated to be about 1:30 for SCEs, and 1:147,000 and 1:22,000 for chromosomal aberrations in the first and second post-treatment mitosis, respectively. The induction of SCEs and likely also of aberrations by O6-methylguanine requires two replication cycles and is supposed to involve the formation of secondary DNA lesions. Increased repair of 3-methyladenine and 7-methylguanine in CHO cells that overexpress the N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) after transfection with the human MPG-cDNA did not give rise to protection against methylation-induced SCEs and aberrations, probably because of incomplete excision repair. MPG overexpressing cells reacted even more sensitively to methylating agents, suggesting apurinic sites formed as a result of MPG action to be SCE and aberration-inducing lesions.

Alkylation↗

Implantation of encapsulated catecholamine and GDNF-producing cells in rats with unilateral dopamine depletions and parkinsonian symptoms.

Studies in rodents suggest that PC12 cells, encapsulated in semipermeable ultrafiltration membranes and implanted in the striatum, have some potential efficacy for the treatment of age- and 6-OHD-induced sensorimotor impairments (22, 70, 71, 74). The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine if baby hamster kidney cells engineered to secrete glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (BHK-GDNF) would survive encapsulation and implantation in a dopamine-depleted rodent striatum, (2) compare polymer-encapsulated PC12 and PC12A cells in terms of their ability to survive and produce catecholamines in vivo in a dopamine-depleted striatum, and (3) determine if BHK-GDNF, PC12, or PC12A cells reduce parkinsonian symptoms in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. Capsules with BHK-GDNF or PC12 cells contained viable cells after 90 days in vivo, with little evidence of host tissue damage/gliosis. In rats with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive fibers remaining in the lesioned striatum, there was TH-positive fiber ingrowth into the membranes of the BHK-GDNF capsules. PC12-containing capsules had higher basal release of both dopamine and L-DOPA after 90 days in vivo than before implantation, while basal release of both dopamine and L-DOPA decreased in the PC12A-containing capsules. Both encapsulated PC12 and PC12A cells, but not encapsulated BHK-GDNF cells, decreased apomorphine-induced rotations. Parkinsonian symptoms (akinesia, freezing/bracing, sensorimotor neglect) related to the extent of dopamine depletion were evident even in rats with dopamine depletions of only 25%. Evidence that encapsulated cells may attenuate these parkinsonian symptoms was not detected but most of the rats were more severely depleted of dopamine than Parkinson's patients (less than 2% dopamine remaining in the entire striatum), and these tests were not sensitive to differences between rats with less than 10% dopamine remaining. These results suggest that cell encapsulation technology can safely provide site-specific delivery of dopaminergic agonists or growth factors within the CNS, without requiring suppression of the immune system, and without using fetal tissue. Of the three types of encapsulated cells examined in the present study, PC12 cells seem to offer the most therapeutic potential in rats with severe dopamine depletions.

Animals↗

Genetically engineered bacterial cells and applications.

Heterologous expression systems have proven to be very important in P450 research, permitting investigation of many P450s identified only by recombinant (cloning) technologies. They also make it possible to study human P450s since tissue sources for naturally occurring enzymes are difficult to obtain. A variety of different heterologous systems have been applied to the study of P450s and each one has its own unique advantages. For the study of biophysical properties and structure/function relationships, E. coli has proven to be a particularly good system. Both microsomal and mitochondrial P450s can be expressed to high levels in E. coli and subsequently purified to homogeneity for detailed analysis. Techniques of both site directed mutagenesis and random chimeragenesis are very facile in bacteria providing excellent opportunity to analyze specific aspects of structure/function relationships of P450s. Furthermore microsomal P450s are active in intact E. coli, activities being supported by flavodoxin and flavodoxin reductase, providing the opportunity to develop bioreactors expressing designer P450s. The salient features of P450 expression in bacteria are summarized herein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Overproduction of glutathione and its derivatives by genetically engineered microbial cells.

In order to improve the biotechnological potentials of Escherichia coli cells to produce glutathione, S-D-lactoylglutathione and other gamma-glutamyl compounds, the genes for enzymes [gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine synthetase (GSH A) in E. coli B, glutathione synthetase (GSH B) in E. coli B, glyoxalase I (GLO I) in Pseudomonas putida] were cloned and amplified in E. coli. E. coli B cells transformed with both GSH A and GSH B genes exhibited a high activity in the synthesis of glutathione and other gamma-glutamyl compounds in bioreactor systems containing immobilized cells. E. coli C600 cells transformed with GLO I gene of P. putida showed a high GLO I activity and were used for the preparation of S-D-lactoylglutathione and other glutathione thiol esters.

Journal Article↗

Beyond ion channel dysfunction: Integration of the transcriptome and proteome from patient-specific re-engineered cardiac cells, and population-level QT genome-wide association study reveals broad cellular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac channelopathy with increased risk of cardiac-triggered syncope/seizures, sudden cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles in patient-derived inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) models of the 3 canonical genotypes of congenital LQTS: LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3 and integrate these omics-level findings with each other and with population/clinical level QT-genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. METHODS: LQT1, LQT2, LQT3 and respective isogenic control iPSC-CMs were cultured, and RNA and protein samples were collected. RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-enabled proteomic analysis was performed. PrediXcan analysis was performed using QT GWAS summary statistics and transcriptome expression data. Differential gene and protein expression and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed comparing each LQT genotype with its respective isogenic control. RESULTS: 1645 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; 13 were altered in all 3 LQTS genotypes. IPA analysis of DEGs revealed 301 altered pathways; 47 were altered in all LQTS genotypes. Proteomic analysis identified 2561 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs); 30 were altered in all 3 genotypes. IPA analysis of DEPs identified 646 altered pathways. 306 genes/proteins were identified as significantly altered in both the transcriptome and proteome; pathway analysis of these 301 genes identified 201 altered pathways. 7 pathways were altered in all 3 LQTS genotypes in both the transcriptome and proteome. Integration of the population-level PrediXcan results and the cardiomyocyte-derived omics results identified multiple shared pathways. CONCLUSION: Multi-omics analysis of LQTS and integration of omics results with QT GWAS data reveals that primary LQTS-causative ion channel defects precipitate secondary alterations in a wide range of cellular pathways. Our findings suggest more broad molecular level changes throughout the cell. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of broad cellular changes resulting from ion channel disturbances and how they contribute to disease mechanism.

Humans↗

Beta-(1 --> 4)-galactosyltransferase activity in native and engineered insect cells measured with time-resolved europium fluorescence.

To evaluate the ability of insect cells to produce complex-type N-glycans, beta-(1 --> 4)-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT) activity in several insect cell lines was analyzed. For this purpose, we developed a simple and highly sensitive assay for beta-(1 --> 4)-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT) activity, which is based on time-resolved fluorometry of europium. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified with GlcNAc (GlcNAc(44)-BSA) was used as the acceptor. GlcNAc(44)-BSA was coated on a 96-well microplate, and after incubation with the enzyme sample in the presence of UDP-Gal, Eu-labeled RCA(120) (Ricinus communis aggutin I), was added. RCA(120) binds to the Galbeta(1 --> 4)GlcNAc structure in the product, and the bound Eu-RCA(120) was measured by the fluorescence of europium. When bovine beta4Gal-T-I was used as a standard reference enzyme, a linear relationship between enzyme activity and fluorescent signal was obtained over the range of 0-1000 microUnits (IU). Using this system, we were able to measure a low but significant level of beta4GalT activity in Trichoplusia ni cells ('High Five'). In contrast, no endogenous beta4GalT activity was detected in a Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) cell line. However, Sf-9 cells stably transfected with the bovine beta4GalT-I gene and 'High Five' cells infected with a baculovirus containing the same gene produced activity levels that were comparable to or greater than those found in Chinese hamster ovary cells. We also showed that the beta4GalT activity level observed in the baculovirus-infected T. ni cells under the control of immediate early promoter was highly dependent on the post-infection time, suggesting that galactosylation level may also be variable during the infection period.

Animals↗

Tissue-engineered ligament: cells, matrix, and growth factors.

Current treatment modalities for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears rely on the use of grafts for reconstruction. Treatment can be divided into three categories: autografts, allografts, and synthetic graft replacements. The varied success rates and associated advantages and disadvantages of each method have resulted in controversy as to the best treatment for ACL injuries.

Animals↗

Segmental bone repair by tissue-engineered periosteal cell transplants with bioresorbable fleece and fibrin scaffolds in rabbits.

The biological bone healing depends on the presence of osteochondral progenitors and their ability for proliferation. Isolated periosteal cells were seeded into biodegradable PGLA polymer fleece or fibrin beads and cultivated for 14 days after prior monolayer culture. On 12 New Zealand white rabbits 8 mm metadiaphyseal ulna defects were created bilaterally and subsequently filled with cell-fibrin beads, with polymers seeded with cells compared to controls with fibrin beads and polymers alone and untreated defects. A semiquantitative grading score was applied for histomorphological and radiological analysis after 28 days. Histologically intense bone formation was observed in both experimental groups with cell transplants only. The histological and radiological scoring was superior for both experimental groups. Control groups revealed only poor healing indices and untreated defects did not heal. The highest histological score was noted in the group with polymer fleeces containing periosteal cells. Applying the radiographic score system we determined a significant difference between experimental groups and controls without cells. The radiographic and histological scores for both experimental groups containing periosteal cells differed not significantly. The results strongly encourage the approach of the transplantation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells within a suitable carrier structure for the reconstruction of critical size bone defects.

Animals↗

Protection of nigral neurons by GDNF-engineered marrow cell transplantation.

Marrow stromal cells, which have many characteristics of stem cells, populate various non-hematopoietic tissues including the brain. In the present study, the cDNA for the dopaminergic neurotrophic factor Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) was delivered using marrow cells in the mouse 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson's disease. Following cross-sex intravenous bone marrow transplantation with male donor cells that had been transduced with GDNF (GDNF-BMT) or with non-manipulated marrow (Control-BMT), female recipient mice were subjected to systemic MPTP injections. Eight weeks after neurotoxin exposure, more tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive nigral neurons and striatal terminal density were observed in the GDNF-BMT mice compared with the Control-BMT group. In addition, following the expected initial behavioral hyperactivity in both groups, a significant difference in motor activity was detected between the two groups. GDNF immunoreactive male donor marrow derived cells were detected in the brains of GDNF-BMT mice but not in controls. These data indicate that marrow derived cells that seed the brain can express biologically active gene products and, therefore, can function as effective vehicles for therapeutic gene transfer to the brain.

Animals↗

Differentiation-dependent expression of transgenes in engineered astrocyte cell lines.

The utility of transgenes for both basic and applied studies has been augmented by the recent advent of versions that can be regulated by the addition of suitable activators. However, still more convenient would be transgenes whose expression responded appropriately to endogenous signals. The promoter of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene is a candidate for this role in the central nervous system (CNS) since the GFAP gene is specifically expressed in astrocytes in the CNS and its activity is upregulated in response to almost any CNS injury. As a feasibility study, we isolated a C6 rat glioma cell line stably transfected with a lacZ reporter gene driven by the gfa2 human GFAP promoter fragment. We find that the activity of the transgene indeed responds to an environmental signal, forskolin, that induces astrocyte-like differentiation of C6 cells. We also isolated a C6 line carrying a transgene in which the gfa2 promoter directs expression of a cDNA for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis. This transgene should be of considerable interest for gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. We show that in this cell line both TH mRNA and protein are upregulated by forskolin. Finally, we note that the growth rate of C6 cells is severely depressed by forskolin, suggesting that predifferentiation of these cells prior to implant may retard their tumor forming capacity, prolonging the time that they can be used in animal models in vivo.

Animals↗

Efficient and precise programmable DNA knock-in without double-strand breaks.

Programmable gene knock-in holds substantial promise for treating genetic diseases and advancing cell therapies. However, achieving precise and efficient kilobase-scale DNA fragment integration remains challenging1,2. Here we report CRISPR kilobase-scale nickase-targeting (KNIT) editing for efficient, precise and programmable kilobase-scale DNA insertion without double-strand DNA cleavage, which is enabled through the coupling of a Cas9 nickase with a DNA donor recruiting system. KNIT editing facilitates programmable integration of DNA fragments from 0.7 kb to more than 10 kb and is effective across genomic loci and cell types. It achieves up to 89% efficiency and markedly reduces unintended insertion-deletion mutation (indels) rates, translocations and off-target editing. The system supports repeated insertion editing and multiloci gene knock-in with minimal translocations. Its enhanced version, KNIT editor 2, further improves efficiency via a single transfection. Moreover, in mutant cells with a pathological mutation, KNIT editing restores normal gene expression by inserting a therapeutic gene into a safe harbour locus or its native locus. Notably, KNIT editing enables non-viral and programmable chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) engineering without double-strand breaks and with clinically relevant efficiencies. Moreover, the engineered CAR-T cells exhibit effective antitumour activity in vitro and in mouse models. Therefore, by achieving programmable and site-specific kilobase-scale DNA insertions without double-strand breaks while reducing unintended outcomes, KNIT editing provides a versatile platform for advancing personalized medicine.

Animals↗

Engineering T cells for cancer therapy.

It is generally accepted that the immune system plays an important role in controlling tumour development. However, the interplay between tumour and immune system is complex, as demonstrated by the fact that tumours can successfully establish and develop despite the presence of T cells in tumour. An improved understanding of how tumours evade T-cell surveillance, coupled with technical developments allowing the culture and manipulation of T cells, has driven the exploration of therapeutic strategies based on the adoptive transfer of tumour-specific T cells. The isolation, expansion and re-infusion of large numbers of tumour-specific T cells generated from tumour biopsies has been shown to be feasible. Indeed, impressive clinical responses have been documented in melanoma patients treated with these T cells. These studies and others demonstrate the potential of T cells for the adoptive therapy of cancer. However, the significant technical issues relating to the production of natural tumour-specific T cells suggest that the application of this approach is likely to be limited at the moment. With the advent of retroviral gene transfer technology, it has become possible to efficiently endow T cells with antigen-specific receptors. Using this strategy, it is potentially possible to generate large numbers of tumour reactive T cells rapidly. This review summarises the current gene therapy approaches in relation to the development of adoptive T-cell-based cancer treatments, as these methods now head towards testing in the clinical trial setting.

Antibodies↗

Potential of allospecific gene-engineered T cells in transplantation gene therapy: specific T cell activation determines transgene expression in vitro and in vivo.

T lymphocytes, regardless of their specificity, are considered key targets for genetic modification in the treatment of inherited or acquired human diseases. In this study, we generated Lewis T cell lines specific for Dark Agouti rat alloantigens and tested the potential of allospecific T lymphocytes as carriers of genes encoding therapeutic proteins in transplantation gene therapy. These allospecific T lymphocytes were successfully, stably transduced with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) by an Mo-MuLV-based retrovirus vector. A novel gene delivery protocol was utilized, resulting in nearly 100% EGFP-expressing T cells. This approach enabled tracking of allospecific transduced T cells in vivo and illustrates their transgene production by fluorometric determination after ex vivo isolation. Quantitation of EGFP transgene expression was used to determine the influence of T cell receptor-specific activation on transgene regulation. A strict positive correlation between activation state and expression level was detected in vitro and in vivo. The activation-induced increase in transgene expression could be blocked by interference with T cell activation signaling pathways by cyclosporin A, anti-CD4 MAb, or CTLA4-Ig. These data provide strong evidence that direct or indirect effects caused by activation-induced transcription factors are crucial in transgene upregulation. Allospecific activation in spleens, lymph nodes, and transplanted grafts can be considered as antigen-specific targeting strategy. This activation might be useful in expressing therapeutic proteins such as TGF-beta or IL-10 specific to these sites. T lymphocyte priming and activation might be prevented or altered by modification of the local microenvironments, thereby exerting a therapeutic influence on acute and chronic graft rejection processes.

Abatacept↗