scholarly journals Direct genome editing of patient-derived xenografts using CRISPR-Cas9 enables rapid in vivo functional genomics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher H. Hulton ◽  
Emily A. Costa ◽  
Nisargbhai S. Shah ◽  
Alvaro Quintanal-Villalonga ◽  
Glenn Heller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Editing ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Acquired Drug Resistance ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽  
Flexible System ◽  
Homology Directed Repair

Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) constitute a powerful set of preclinical models for in vivo cancer research, reflecting the spectrum of genomic alterations and therapeutic liabilities of human cancers1-4. In contrast to either cancer cell lines or genetically engineered mouse models, the utility of PDXs has been limited by the inability to perform targeted genome editing of these tumors. To address this limitation, we have generated a lentiviral platform for CRISPR-Cas9 editing of PDXs using a tightly regulated, inducible Cas9 vector that does not require in vitro culture for selection of transduced cells. We demonstrate the utility of this platform in PDXs (1) to analyze genetic dependencies by targeted gene disruption and (2) to analyze mechanisms of acquired drug resistance by site-specific gene editing using templated homology-directed repair. This flexible system has broad application to other explant models and substantially augments the utility of PDXs as genetically programmable models of human cancer.

scholarly journals Mouse models for BRAF-induced cancers

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1329-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Pritchard ◽  
L. Carragher ◽  
V. Aldridge ◽  
S. Giblett ◽  
H. Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Cre Recombinase ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Braf Mutations ◽  
Single Nucleotide Change

Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF gene are detected in ∼7% of human cancer samples with a particularly high frequency of mutation in malignant melanomas. Over 40 different missense BRAF mutations have been found, but the vast majority (>90%) represent a single nucleotide change resulting in a valine→glutamate mutation at residue 600 (V600EBRAF). In cells cultured in vitro, V600EBRAF is able to stimulate endogenous MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] and ERK phosphorylation leading to an increase in cell proliferation, cell survival, transformation, tumorigenicity, invasion and vascular development. Many of these hallmarks of cancer can be reversed by treatment of cells with siRNA (small interfering RNA) to BRAF or by inhibiting MEK, indicating that BRAF and MEK are attractive therapeutic targets in cancer samples with BRAF mutations. In order to fully understand the role of oncogenic BRAF in cancer development in vivo as well as to test the in vivo efficacy of anti-BRAF or anti-MEK therapies, GEMMs (genetically engineered mouse models) have been generated in which expression of oncogenic BRaf is conditionally dependent on the Cre recombinase. The delivery/activation of the Cre recombinase can be regulated in both a temporal and spatial manner and therefore these mouse models can be used to recapitulate the somatic mutation of BRAF that occurs in different tissues in the development of human cancer. The data so far obtained following Cre-mediated activation in haemopoietic tissue and the lung indicate that V600EBRAF mutation can drive tumour initiation and that its primary effect is to induce high levels of cyclin D1-mediated cell proliferation. However, hallmarks of OIS (oncogene-induced senescence) are evident that restrain further development of the tumour.

scholarly journals How Genetically Engineered Mouse Tumor Models Provide Insights Into Human Cancers

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (16) ◽  
pp. 2273-2281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina Politi ◽  
William Pao
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mouse Tumor ◽  
Tumor Models ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Chemically Induced

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of human cancer were first created nearly 30 years ago. These early transgenic models demonstrated that mouse cells could be transformed in vivo by expression of an oncogene. A new field emerged, dedicated to generating and using mouse models of human cancer to address a wide variety of questions in cancer biology. The aim of this review is to highlight the contributions of mouse models to the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers. Because of the breadth of the topic, we have selected representative examples of how GEMMs are clinically relevant rather than provided an exhaustive list of experiments. Today, as detailed here, sophisticated mouse models are being created to study many aspects of cancer biology, including but not limited to mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to drug treatment, oncogene cooperation, early detection, and metastasis. Alternatives to GEMMs, such as chemically induced or spontaneous tumor models, are not discussed in this review.

scholarly journals Programmable in vivo CRISPR activation elucidates the oncogenic and immunosuppressive role of MYC in lung adenocarcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik I Thege ◽  
Dhwani N Rupani ◽  
Bhargavi B Bharati ◽  
Sara L Manning ◽  
Anirban Maitra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽  
Lung Cancer Model ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Crispr Activation

Conventional genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are time consuming, laborious and offer limited spatio-temporal control. Here, we describe the development of a streamlined platform for in vivo gene activation using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) technology. Unlike conventional GEMMs, our model system allows for flexible, sustained and timed activation of one or more target genes using single or pooled lentiviral guides. Using Myc and Yap1 as model oncogenes, we demonstrate gene activation in primary pancreatic organoid cultures in vitro and enhanced tumorigenic potential in Myc-activated organoids when transplanted orthotopically. By implementing our model as an autochthonous lung cancer model, we show that transduction-mediated Myc activation leads to accelerated tumor progression and significantly reduced overall survival relative to non-targeted tumor controls. Furthermore, we found that Myc-activation led to the acquisition of an immune suppressive cold tumor microenvironment. Through cross-species validation of our results using publicly available RNA/DNA-seq data sets, we were able to link MYC to a previously described, immunosuppressive transcriptomic subtype in patient tumors, thus identifying a patient cohort that may benefit from combined MYC/immune-targeted therapies. Overall, our work demonstrates how CRISPRa can be used for rapid functional validation of putative oncogenes and may allow for the identification and evaluation of potential metastatic and oncogenic drivers through competitive screening.

scholarly journals A total synthetic approach to CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and homology directed repair

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara E. DiNapoli ◽  
Raul Martinez-McFaline ◽  
Caitlin K. Gribbin ◽  
Paul Wrighton ◽  
Courtney A. Balgobin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Editing ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Synthetic Approach ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Dna Templates ◽  
Homology Directed Repair

ABSTRACTCRISPR/Cas9 has become a powerful tool for genome editing in zebrafish that permits the rapid generation of loss of function mutations and the knock-in of specific alleles using DNA templates and homology directed repair (HDR). We compared synthetic, chemically modified sgRNAs to in vitro transcribed sgRNAs and demonstrate the increased activity of synthetic sgRNAs in combination with recombinant Cas9 protein. We developed an in vivo genetic assay to measure HDR efficiency and we utilized this assay to optimize the design of synthetic DNA templates to promote HDR. Utilizing these principles, we successfully performed knock-in of fluorophores at multiple genomic loci and demonstrate transmission through the germline at high efficiency. We demonstrate that synthetic HDR templates can be used to knock-in bacterial nitroreductase (ntr) to facilitate lineage ablation of specific cell types. Collectively, our data demonstrate the utility of combining synthetic sgRNAs and dsDNA templates to perform homology directed repair and genome editing in vivo.

scholarly journals Enhanced Baculovirus-Mediated Transduction of Human Cancer Cells by Tumor-Homing Peptides

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (13) ◽  
pp. 6603-6611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna R. Mäkelä ◽  
Heli Matilainen ◽  
Daniel J. White ◽  
Erkki Ruoslahti ◽  
Christian Oker-Blom
Keyword(s):  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Human Cancer Cells ◽  
Viral Binding ◽  
Tumor Homing

ABSTRACT Tumor cells and vasculature offer specific targets for the selective delivery of therapeutic genes. To achieve tumor-specific gene transfer, baculovirus tropism was manipulated by viral envelope modification using baculovirus display technology. LyP-1, F3, and CGKRK tumor-homing peptides, originally identified by in vivo screening of phage display libraries, were fused to the transmembrane anchor of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein and displayed on the baculoviral surface. The fusion proteins were successfully incorporated into budded virions, which showed two- to fivefold-improved binding to human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-435) and hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. The LyP-1 peptide inhibited viral binding to MDA-MB-435 cells with a greater magnitude and specificity than the CGKRK and F3 peptides. Maximal 7- and 24-fold increases in transduction, determined by transgene expression level, were achieved for the MDA-MB-435 and HepG2 cells, respectively. The internalization of each virus was inhibited by ammonium chloride treatment, suggesting the use of a similar endocytic entry route. The LyP-1 and F3 peptides showed an apparent inhibitory effect in transduction of HepG2 cells with the corresponding display viruses. Together, these results imply that the efficiency of baculovirus-mediated gene delivery can be significantly enhanced in vitro when tumor-targeting ligands are used and therefore highlight the potential of baculovirus vectors in cancer gene therapy.

Epithelial Organotypic Cultures: A Viable Model to Address Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis by Epitheliotropic Viruses

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Termini ◽  
Enrique Boccardo
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Organotypic Cultures ◽  
Skin Physiology

In vitro culture of primary or established cell lines is one of the leading techniques in many areas of basic biological research. The use of pure or highly enriched cultures of specific cell types obtained from different tissues and genetics backgrounds has greatly contributed to our current understanding of normal and pathological cellular processes. Cells in culture are easily propagated generating an almost endless source of material for experimentation. Besides, they can be manipulated to achieve gene silencing, gene overexpression and genome editing turning possible the dissection of specific gene functions and signaling pathways. However, monolayer and suspension cultures of cells do not reproduce the cell type diversity, cell-cell contacts, cell-matrix interactions and differentiation pathways typical of the three-dimensional environment of tissues and organs from where they were originated. Therefore, different experimental animal models have been developed and applied to address these and other complex issues in vivo. However, these systems are costly and time consuming. Most importantly the use of animals in scientific research poses moral and ethical concerns facing a steadily increasing opposition from different sectors of the society. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative in vitro experimental models that accurately reproduce the events observed in vivo to reduce the use of animals. Organotypic cultures combine the flexibility of traditional culture systems with the possibility of culturing different cell types in a 3D environment that reproduces both the structure and the physiology of the parental organ. Here we present a summarized description of the use of epithelial organotypic for the study of skin physiology, human papillomavirus biology and associated tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals A novel BRD4 inhibitor suppresses osteoclastogenesis and ovariectomized osteoporosis by blocking RANKL-mediated MAPK and NF-κB pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Wenjie Liu ◽  
Ziqiang Yu ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Yinghua Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Osteoporosis Treatment ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Actin Ring ◽  
Treatment Target ◽  
Significant Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Promising Treatment

AbstractBromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has emerged as a promising treatment target for bone-related disorders. (+)-JQ1, a thienotriazolodiazepine compound, has been shown to inhibit pro-osteoclastic activity in a BRD4-dependent approach and impede bone loss caused by ovariectomy (OVX) in vivo. However, clinical trials of (+)-JQ1 are limited because of its poor druggability. In this study, we synthesized a new (+)-JQ1 derivative differing in structure and chirality. One such derivative, (+)-ND, exhibited higher solubility and excellent inhibitory activity against BRD4 compared with its analogue (+)-JQ1. Interestingly, (-)-JQ1 and (-)-ND exhibited low anti-proliferative activity and had no significant inhibitory effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis as compared with (+)-JQ1 and (+)-ND, suggesting the importance of chirality in the biological activity of compounds. Among these compounds, (+)-ND displayed the most prominent inhibitory effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, (+)-ND could inhibit osteoclast-specific gene expression, F‐actin ring generation, and bone resorption in vitro and prevent bone loss in OVX mice. Collectively, these findings indicated that (+)-ND represses RANKL‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis and averts OVX-triggered osteoporosis by suppressing MAPK and NF-κB signalling cascades, suggesting that it may be a prospective candidate for osteoporosis treatment.

scholarly journals Ultra-strong bio-glue from genetically engineered polypeptides

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Ma ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Yang Feng ◽  
Yao Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Covalent Bond ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Supramolecular Interactions ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
High Adhesion ◽  
Strong Adhesion ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

AbstractThe development of biomedical glues is an important, yet challenging task as seemingly mutually exclusive properties need to be combined in one material, i.e. strong adhesion and adaption to remodeling processes in healing tissue. Here, we report a biocompatible and biodegradable protein-based adhesive with high adhesion strengths. The maximum strength reaches 16.5 ± 2.2 MPa on hard substrates, which is comparable to that of commercial cyanoacrylate superglue and higher than other protein-based adhesives by at least one order of magnitude. Moreover, the strong adhesion on soft tissues qualifies the adhesive as biomedical glue outperforming some commercial products. Robust mechanical properties are realized without covalent bond formation during the adhesion process. A complex consisting of cationic supercharged polypeptides and anionic aromatic surfactants with lysine to surfactant molar ratio of 1:0.9 is driven by multiple supramolecular interactions enabling such strong adhesion. We demonstrate the glue’s robust performance in vitro and in vivo for cosmetic and hemostasis applications and accelerated wound healing by comparison to surgical wound closures.

scholarly journals A New Smoothened Antagonist Bearing the Purine Scaffold Shows Antitumour Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8372
Author(s):  
Ana María Zárate ◽  
Christian Espinosa-Bustos ◽  
Simón Guerrero ◽  
Angélica Fierro ◽  
Felipe Oyarzún-Ampuero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Antitumour Activity ◽  
Anticancer Compounds ◽  
Human Cancer Cells ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Apoptosis Inducer ◽  
Purine Ring

The Smoothened (SMO) receptor is the most druggable target in the Hedgehog (HH) pathway for anticancer compounds. However, SMO antagonists such as vismodegib rapidly develop drug resistance. In this study, new SMO antagonists having the versatile purine ring as a scaffold were designed, synthesised, and biologically tested to provide an insight to their mechanism of action. Compound 4s was the most active and the best inhibitor of cell growth and selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells. 4s induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, a reduction in colony formation and downregulation of PTCH and GLI1 expression. BODIPY-cyclopamine displacement assays confirmed 4s is a SMO antagonist. In vivo, 4s strongly inhibited tumour relapse and metastasis of melanoma cells in mice. In vitro, 4s was more efficient than vismodegib to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells and that might be attributed to its dual ability to function as a SMO antagonist and apoptosis inducer.

scholarly journals Targeting NSD2-mediated SRC-3 liquid–liquid phase separation sensitizes bortezomib treatment in multiple myeloma

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Ying Xie ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Phase Separation ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Liquid Phase Separation ◽  
Acquired Drug Resistance ◽  
Bortezomib Treatment ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

AbstractDevelopment of chemoresistance is the main reason for failure of clinical management of multiple myeloma (MM), but the genetic and epigenetic aberrations that interact to confer such chemoresistance remains unknown. In the present study, we find that high steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) expression is correlated with relapse/refractory and poor outcomes in MM patients treated with bortezomib (BTZ)-based regimens. Furthermore, in immortalized cell lines, high SRC-3 enhances resistance to proteasome inhibitor (PI)-induced apoptosis. Overexpressed histone methyltransferase NSD2 in patients bearing a t(4;14) translocation or in BTZ-resistant MM cells coordinates elevated SRC-3 by enhancing its liquid–liquid phase separation to supranormally modify histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2) modifications on promoters of anti-apoptotic genes. Targeting SRC-3 or interference of its interactions with NSD2 using a newly developed inhibitor, SI-2, sensitizes BTZ treatment and overcomes drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings elucidate a previously unrecognized orchestration of SRC-3 and NSD2 in acquired drug resistance of MM and suggest that SI-2 may be efficacious for overcoming drug resistance in MM patients.

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