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Experimental study of recombinant eukaryotic expression vector of human eNOS in ECV304.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gene transfer with recombinant non-viral vectors encoding vasodilator proteins, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), maybe a preferential choice in gene therapy of artery restenosis following angioplasty, stent or anastomosis. However, the transfection rate of a non-viral vector, the harmful effects of eNOS transfection on endothelial cells (EC) and the control release of nitric oxide (NO) have been controversial. We designed the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-eNOS to study the regulated expression of eNOS (in the presence of various chemical agents) and to evaluate the exogenous NO effect on EC proliferation in vitro. METHODS: The full-length human eNOS cDNA was inserted into the EcoRI cloning site of the pcDNA3.1 expression plasmid and the eNOS direction was tested by restriction enzyme digestion with XhoI to construct recombinant pcDNA3.1-eNOS. After co-transfection of pcDNA3.1-eNOS with pcDNA3.0-EGFP mediated by cationic liposomes into Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304), the transfection rate and the effect on ECV304 proliferation were calculated by fluorescence microscopy and flowcytometry. eNOS mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence, respectively. The eNOS activity, NO release and changes of the relevant cells growth curve were assessed after treating the transfected cells with four independent factors including ie Ca2+, L-arginine (L-Arg), Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) and N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME). In addition, we examined the non-transfected cells status by isolated sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment. RESULT: eNOS cDNA was inserted into pcDNA3.1 in the proper direction. RT-PCR analysis showed that pcDNA3.1-eNOS transfected cells could express eNOS mRNA. The rate of eNOS transfection was 39.6 +/- 3.4%. Immunofluorescence staining displayed that subcellular localisation of eNOS was most prominent in plasma membrane and perinuclear regions of the cell. The eNOS activity of eNOS transfected cells had not increased significantly, whereas, in the presence of Ca2+, L-Arg, EDTA, and L-NAME, the eNOS activity was 96.98 +/- 13.47, 32.57 +/- 6.39, 11.63 +/- 3.02, 15.56 L 7.34 U/ml respectively and the NO level was 55.34 +/- 11.19, 9.43 +/- 4.51, 2.63 +/- 1.41, 3.73 +/- 1.65 mmol/L, respectively. Meanwhile, the growth curves of EC shifted. SNP also had obvious growth-inhibiting effects on the cells. Together, the ECV304 growth curve went downward in a NO concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-eNOS was constructed successfully with the ability to express human eNOS mRNA and protein in EC effectively. The activity of eNOS in EC could be regulated by certain exogenous factors. Ca2+ was an important factor promoting NO release and excess NO had a cytotoxic effect on EC in vitro. Controlled release of NO in vivo and polygenic measurements might be considered in more clinical gene therapy studies.

Cell Line↗

[Development of non-viral gene delivery system and its applications].

Non-viral gene transfer methods have been developed as well as viral vectors toward gene therapy and in vivo analysis of diseases. Among non-viral vectors, cationic liposome-mediated gene transfer is well-established and widely used, but still inefficient for in vivo gene delivery. We developed a nobel liposome using fusion proteins of HVJ (Sendai virus) and nuclear protein, HMG 1. Using this delivery system, we succeeded in inducing glomerulosclerosis and lung fibrosis in rat, developed several strategies for gene therapy of restenosis of artery. Besides liposome, receptor-mediated gene transfer has been developed and improved for targeted gene delivery. Recently, devices for particle bombardment have been developed as gene-gun. Naked DNA without vector system was also available for gene expression in muscles.

Animals↗

Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer of brain-derived neurotrophic factor reverses atrophy of rubrospinal neurons following both acute and chronic spinal cord injury.

Rubrospinal neurons (RSNs) undergo marked atrophy after cervical axotomy. This progressive atrophy may impair the regenerative capacity of RSNs in response to repair strategies that are targeted to promote rubrospinal tract regeneration. Here, we investigated whether we could achieve long-term rescue of RSNs from lesion-induced atrophy by adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We show for the first time that AAV vectors can be used for the persistent transduction of highly atrophic neurons in the red nucleus (RN) for up to 18 months after injury. Furthermore, BDNF gene transfer into the RN following spinal axotomy resulted in counteraction of atrophy in both the acute and chronic stage after injury. These novel findings demonstrate that a gene therapeutic approach can be used to reverse atrophy of lesioned CNS neurons for an extended period of time.

Acute Disease↗

Clinical gene therapy in hematology: past and future.

Gene transfer into hematopoietic cells using viral vectors has focused mostly on lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs have been considered particularly important as target cells because of their pluripotency and ability to reconstitute hematopoiesis after myeloablation and transplantation. HSCs are believed to have the ability to live a long time, perhaps a lifetime, in the recipient following bone marrow transplantation. Genetic correction of HSCs can therefore potentially last a lifetime and permanently cure hematologic disorders in which genetic deficiencies cause the pathology. Oncoretroviral vectors have been the main vectors used for HSCs because of their ability to integrate into the chromosomes of their target cells. Gene-transfer efficiency of murine HSCs is high using oncoretroviral vectors. In contrast, gene-transfer efficiency using the same viral vectors to transduce human HSCs or HSCs from large animals has been much lower. Although these difficulties may have several causes, the main reason for the low efficiency of human HSC transduction with oncoretroviral vectors is probably because of the nondividing nature of HSCs. Murine HSCs can be easily stimulated to divide in culture, whereas it is more problematic to stimulate human HSCs to divide rapidly in vitro. Because oncoretroviral vectors require dividing target cells for successful nuclear import of the preintegration complex and subsequent integration of the provirus, only the dividing fraction of the target cells can be transduced. This review focuses on gene transfer into human hematopoietic cells, particularly human HSCs. We review the clinical studies that have been reported, including the recent successful gene therapy for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. We discuss how the gene-transfer efficiency of human HSCs can be improved using oncoretroviral and lentiviral vectors.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Gene therapy of muscular dystrophy.

Development of gene therapy for the muscular dystrophies represents a daunting challenge requiring significant advances in our knowledge of the defective genes, muscle promoters, viral vectors, immune system surveillance and methods for systemic delivery of vectors. However, tremendous progress has been made in developing improved viral vectors and avoiding immune reactions against gene transfer. This review summarizes recent progress and highlights problems that must be solved before an effective treatment is available.

Dystrophin↗

Gene therapy for kidney disease.

Gene therapy has distinct potential to treat disease at the most fundamental level. However, the ability to pursue gene therapy for renal disease has been limited by the availability of an adequate system for gene delivery to the kidney and for regulation of transgene expression. Presently, there are several limitations to overcome before clinical use of viral vector systems for targeting kidney can be considered. Non-viral vectors such as haemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposome mediated gene transfer and cationic liposome are promising but need to be improved. Given that the systemic delivery of the functional protein can serve as therapy for the renal diseases, skeletal muscle targeting gene therapy might be an alternative strategy for the treatment of renal disease. Gene therapy to the transplant kidney may potentially improve the graft outcome by reducing acute and chronic rejection. We review emerging strategies of gene transfer with reference to the kidney and discuss the potential application of gene therapy to renal diseases.

Animals↗

Folate-linked lipid-based nanoparticle for targeted gene delivery.

Cancer gene therapy has been intensively developed using non-viral vectors, among which cationic liposomes and nanoparticles are the most thoroughly investigated. For targeted delivery to tumors, vitamin folic acid has been utilized for folate receptor (FR)-mediated drug delivery, since FR is frequently overexpressed on many types of human tumors. Liposomes conjugated to folate ligand have been used as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents and DNA to receptor-bearing tumor cells in vitro. As an alternative treatment for prostate cancer, suicide gene therapy by local injection using an adenoviral vector has been reported, but not that using non-viral vectors. The folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles which we developed could deliver genes extensively to FR-negative LNCaP and PC-3 cells, as well as FR-positive KB and Hela cells. In this review, we outline folate-linked liposomes and nanoparticles, and show the effectiveness of folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles as a vector for DNA transfection and for suicide gene therapy, to treat human nasopharyngeal and prostate tumors.

Carrier Proteins↗

A single administration of lentiviral vectors expressing either full-length human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)(HXB2) Rev/Env or codon-optimized HIV-1(JR-FL) gp120 generates durable immune responses in mice.

Genetic immunization using viral vectors provides an effective means to elicit antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Several viral vectors have proven efficacious in inducing immune responses after direct injection in vivo. Among them, recombinant, self-inactivating lentiviral vectors are very attractive delivery systems, as they are able to efficiently transduce into and express foreign genes in a wide variety of mammalian cells. A self-inactivating lentiviral vector was evaluated for the delivery of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) envelope sequences in mice in order to elicit specific immune responses. With this aim, BALB/c mice were immunized with a single injection of self-inactivating lentiviral vectors carrying either the full-length HIV-1(HXB2) Rev/Env (TY2-IIIBEnv) or the codon-optimized HIV-1(JR-FL) gp120 (TY2-JREnv) coding sequence. Both vectors were able to elicit specific cellular responses efficiently, as measured by gamma interferon ELISPOT and chromium-release assays, upon in vitro stimulation of splenocytes from BALB/c immunized mice. However, only the TY2-JREnv-immunized mice were able to elicit specific humoral responses, measured as anti-gp120 antibody production. These data provide the first evidence that a single, direct, in vivo administration of a lentiviral vector encoding a viral gene might represent a useful strategy for vaccine development.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Mutations of a residue within the polyproline-rich region of Env alter the replication rate and level of cytopathic effects in chimeric avian retroviral vectors.

Previous attempts to extend the host range of the avian sarcoma/leukosis virus (ASLV)-based RCASBP vectors produced two viral vectors, RCASBP M2C (4070A) and RCASBP M2C (797-8), which replicate using the amphotropic murine leukemia virus 4070A Env protein (2). Both viruses were adapted to replicate efficiently in the avian cell line DF-1, but RCASBP M2C (4070A) caused extensive cytopathic effects (CPE) in DF-1 cells whereas RCASBP M2C (797-8) induced low levels of CPE. The two viruses differed only at amino acid 242 of the polyproline-rich region in the surface (SU) subunit of the Env protein. In RCASBP M2C (4070A), an isoleucine replaced the wild-type proline residue, whereas a threonine residue was found in RCASBP M2C (797-8). In the present study, we show that other amino acid substitutions at position 242 strongly influence the CPE and replication rate of the chimeric viruses. There was a correlation between the amount of unintegrated linear retroviral DNA present in infected DF-1 cells and the level of CPE. This suggests that there may be a role for superinfection in the CPE. The treatment of RCASBP M2C (4070A)-infected cells with dantrolene, which inhibits the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), reduced the amount of CPE seen during infection with the highly cytotoxic virus. Dantrolene treatment did not appear to affect virus production, suggesting that Ca2+ release from the ER had a role in the CPE caused by these viruses.

Animals↗

Long-circulating polymeric nanovectors for tumor-selective gene delivery.

Significant advances in the understanding of the genetic abnormalities that lead to the development, progression, and metastasis of neoplastic diseases has raised the promise of gene therapy as an approach to medical intervention. Most of the clinical protocols that have been approved in the United States for gene therapy have used the viral vectors because of the high efficiency of gene transfer. Conventional means of gene delivery using viral vectors, however, has undesirable side effects such as insertion of mutational viral gene into the host genome and development of replication competent viruses. Among non-viral gene delivery methods, polymeric nanoparticles are increasingly becoming popular as vectors of choice. The major limitation of these nanoparticles is poor transfection efficiency at the target site after systemic administration due to uptake by the cells of reticuloendothelial system (RES). In order to reduce the uptake by the cells of the RES and improve blood circulation time, these nanoparticles are coated with hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This article reviews the use of such hydrophilic polymers employed for improving the circulation time of the nanocarriers. The mechanism of polymer coating and factors affecting the circulation time of these nanocarriers will be discussed. In addition to the long circulating property, modifications to improve the target specificity of the particles and the limitations of steric protection will be analyzed.

Animals↗

Purification and serological analyses of tospoviral nucleocapsid proteins expressed by Zucchini yellow mosaic virus vector in squash.

A plant viral vector engineered from an in vivo infectious clone of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was used to express the nucleocapsid proteins (NPs) of tospoviruses in planta. The open reading frames (ORFs) of NPs of different serogroups of tospoviruses, including Tomato spotted wilt virus, Impatiens necrotic spot virus, Watermelon silver mottle virus, Peanut bud necrosis virus, and Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV), were in frame inserted in between the P1 and HC-Pro genes of the ZYMV vector. Six histidine residues and an NIa protease cleavage site were added at the C-terminal region of the inserts to facilitate purification and process of free form of the expressed NPs, respectively. Approximately 1.2-2.5 mg/NPs 100 g tissues were purified from leaf extracts of zucchini squash. The expressed WBNV NP was used as an immunogen for the production of highly specific polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies. The procedure provides a convenient and fast way for production of large quantities of pure NPs of tospoviruses in planta. The system also has a potential for production of any proteins of interest in cucurbits.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 via adenoviral vector in C2C12 myoblasts induces differentiation into the osteoblast lineage.

To examine the effectiveness of a gene transfer of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 into C2C12 myoblasts, we constructed a human BMP-2-expressing replication-deficient adenoviral vector, AxCAOBMP-2. C2C12 cells were infected in vitro with either this viral vector or an Escherichia coli LacZ gene-expressing control adenovirus vector. An efficient gene transfer to the C2C12 cells was confirmed with the LacZ gene-expressing vector by X-gal staining. Abundant BMP-2 expression in C2C12 cells infected with this viral vector was confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. C2C12 cells transferred with the BMP-2 gene by this vector produced alkaline phosphatase in the cells and also produced and secreted osteocalcin in the culture medium, demonstrating that a gene transfer of BMP-2 into C2C12 cells in vitro could convert these cells from myoblast to osteoblast lineage.

Adenoviridae↗

Biophysical targeting of adenovirus vectors for gene therapy.

Advances in understanding the interaction of animal viruses with their cognate receptors has led to improvements in the development of cell-specific, targeted viral vectors. Research strategies to generate safe, non-inflammatory viral vectors that are capable of delivering a therapeutic gene to a specific population of cells are currently underway in many laboratories. One approach in the utilization of this cell targeting activity is to ablate the natural interaction of the virus with its native receptor, although this is not an absolute requirement. The initial development of 'viral targeting strategies' was based on the view that by modifying the viral protein/receptor interaction, it would be possible to redirect virus vectors to new host cells. As the understanding of virus/cell interactions increased it was observed, however, that many viruses can use different entry mechanisms for cell attachment and penetration. Adenovirus vectors have been used extensively for the delivery of genes to cells. The entry mechanism for adenoviruses into cells has recently been studied and is relatively well understood, however, there are many aspects of cell receptor/virus interactions, which have still to be elucidated. The single high-affinity receptor on mammalian cells for adenovirus type 5 is recognized as the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor. However, in the absence of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor other receptors are used. A thorough understanding of the biology of adenoviruses is essential in the further development of their use as vectors for cell targeting. One strategy is to modify the viral capsid, either through coating the surface using bispecific antibodies, or by chemically crosslinking the targeting ligand onto the virion surface. Another approach is to genetically modify the virus by incorporating the targeting ligand into the viral 'spike' (fiber) protein. This involves manipulating the adenovirus genome and generating a new targeting ligand on the surface of the fiber protein using recombinant DNA technology. The penton base protein has also received attention as a means of directing adenoviruses via insertion of novel targeting ligands.

Adenoviridae↗

Gene therapy and CVD: how near are we?

Critical for success of any gene therapy approach is the efficient packaging, effective cell specific delivery and nuclear translocation of the nucleic acid with minimal toxicity. Delivery systems utilizing a wide variety of viral vectors have traditionally been used to modify genomic DNA. However, drawbacks to the viral vectors include difficulties in large-scale production, potential contamination by wild-type viral particles and immunogenicity. Thus, efficient non-viral delivery of both plasmids for transgene expression and short oligonucleotides for modulating cellular functions has been developed. Gene therapy is now a consideration in the treatment of certain inherited and acquired genetic disorders associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, many other cardiovascular conditions are potential targets for gene therapy, and advances in knowledge will increase the ability to link specific genes to a disease, resulting in the identification of further targets. With improvements in delivery and targeting, gene therapy is likely to substantially augment established and emerging therapies in reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Gene therapy in acute critical illness.

The development of techniques for manipulating nucleic acids and strategies for delivering DNA to humans has made gene therapy a reality. Although mostly focused on genetically based diseases so far, there is every reason to expand the concept to include acquired diseases. Critical illness may be a good target for gene therapy because of the high mortality and need for only transient treatment. Genes can be delivered in vivo using viral vectors (replication-deficient adenovirus and adeno-associated virus most often). Viral vectors have some negatives, mainly the triggering of an inflammatory and an immune response. Nonviral DNA delivery systems include liposomes (cationic or anionic), direct DNA injection, and polycation-DNA-glycoconjugates. Combining liposomes with viral components to deliver plasmids with a transgene may improve efficiency of delivery without causing toxicity. In a model of acute lung injury, in vivo delivery of a vector hyperexpressing the prostaglandin synthase gene using cationic liposomes resulted in increased production of prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin in the lungs, and protected the lungs from the effects of endotoxin. This end-result demonstrates the feasibility of this approach. A similar rationale for the treatment of sepsis could be used. Other promising therapeutic genes would include those encoding antioxidant enzymes or antiproteases. The logistics for moving to initial studies of gene therapy in critically ill humans have been worked out for other diseases; such steps should expedite the exploration of this new category of therapies.

Acute Disease↗

Emerging vectors and targeting methods for nonviral gene therapy.

Until recently, nonviral vectors were outside the mainstream of gene transfer technology. Recent problems in clinical trials using viral vectors renewed interest in these methods. The clinical usefulness of nonviral methods is still hindered by their relatively low gene delivery/transgene expression efficiencies. Vectors must navigate a series of obstacles before the therapeutic gene can be expressed. This review considers these barriers and the properties of components of nonviral vectors that are essential for nucleic acid transfer. Although developments of new physical methods (hydrodynamic delivery, ultrasound, electroporation) have made a significant impact on gene transfer efficiency, various chemical carriers (lipids and polymers) have been shown to achieve high-level gene delivery and functional expression. Success of nonviral gene targeting will depend not only on the efficacy, but also safety of this methodology, and this aspect is also discussed. Understanding problems associated with nonviral targeting can also help in designing better viral vectors. In fact, interplay between viral and nonviral technologies should lead to a continued refinement of both methodologies.

Animals↗

Non-viral gene delivery in skeletal muscle: a protein factory.

Ever since the publication of the first reports in 1990 using skeletal muscle as a direct target for expressing foreign transgenes, an avalanche of papers has identified a variety of proteins that can be synthesized and correctly processed by skeletal muscle. The impetus to the development of such applications is not only amelioration of muscle diseases, but also a range of therapeutic applications, from immunization to delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as clotting factors and hormones. Although the most efficient way of introducing transgenes into muscle fibres has been by a variety of recombinant viral vectors, there are potential benefits in the use of non-viral vectors. In this review we assess the recent advances in construction and delivery of naked plasmid DNA to skeletal muscle and highlight the options available for further improvements to raise efficiency to therapeutic levels.

Animals↗

A highly efficient and consistent method for harvesting large volumes of high-titre lentiviral vectors.

Lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) are emerging as the vectors of choice for in vitro and in vivo gene therapy studies. However, the current method for harvesting lentivectors relies upon ultracentrifugation at 50,000 g for 2 h. At this ultra-high speed, rotors currently in use generally have small volume capacity. Therefore, preparations of large volumes of high-titre vectors are time-consuming and laborious to perform. In the present study, viral vector supernatant harvests from vector-producing cells (VPCs) were pre-treated with various amounts of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and concentrated by low speed centrifugation. Optimal conditions were established when 0.005% of PLL (w/v) was added to vector supernatant harvests, followed by incubation for 30 min and centrifugation at 10,000 g for 2 h at 4 degrees C. Direct comparison with ultracentrifugation demonstrated that the new method consistently produced larger volumes (6 ml) of high-titre viral vector at 1 x 10(8) transduction unit (TU)/ml (from about 3,000 ml of supernatant) in one round of concentration. Electron microscopic analysis showed that PLL/viral vector formed complexes, which probably facilitated easy precipitation at low-speed concentration (10,000 g), a speed which does not usually precipitate viral particles efficiently. Transfection of several cell lines in vitro and transduction in vivo in the liver with the lentivector/PLL complexes demonstrated efficient gene transfer without any significant signs of toxicity. These results suggest that the new method provides a convenient means for harvesting large volumes of high-titre lentivectors, facilitate gene therapy experiments in large animal or human gene therapy trials, in which large amounts of lentiviral vectors are a prerequisite.

Animals↗