Genetic repair
Series edited by Bruce Sullenger
This series examines the inspired techniques utilized in targeted gene repair for the simple correction of genetic defects and the hurdles that must be overcome in order to make clinical use of molecular therapeutics in the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, and ß-thalassemia.
Articles in series
Abstract
Authors
Bruce A. Sullenger
Abstract
Authors
Meredith B. Long, J.P. Jones III, Bruce A. Sullenger, Jonghoe Byun
Abstract
In the human genome, the majority of protein-encoding genes are interrupted by introns, which are removed from primary transcripts by a macromolecular enzyme known as the spliceosome. Spliceosomes can constitutively remove all the introns in a primary transcript to yield a fully spliced mRNA or alternatively splice primary transcripts leading to the production of many different mRNAs from one gene. This review examines how spliceosomes can recombine two primary transcripts in trans to reprogram messenger RNAs.
Authors
Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
Abstract
An estimated 60% of all human genes undergo alternative splicing, a highly regulated process that produces splice variants with different functions. Such variants have been linked to a variety of cancers, and genetic diseases such as thalassemia and cystic fibrosis. This Perspective describes a promising approach to RNA repair based on the use of antisense oligonucleotides to modulate alternative splicing and engender the production of therapeutic gene products.
Authors
Peter Sazani, Ryszard Kole
Abstract
Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can bind to polypurine/polypyrimidine regions in DNA in a sequence-specific manner. The specificity of this binding raises the possibility of using triplex formation for directed genome modification, with the ultimate goal of repairing genetic defects in human cells. Several studies have demonstrated that treatment of mammalian cells with TFOs can provoke DNA repair and recombination, in a manner that can be exploited to introduce desired sequence changes. This review will summarize recent advances in this field while also highlighting major obstacles that remain to be overcome before the application of triplex technology to therapeutic gene repair can be achieved.
Authors
Michael M. Seidman, Peter M. Glazer
Abstract
The development of targeted gene repair is under way and, despite some setbacks, shows promise as an alternative form of gene therapy. This approach uses synthetic DNA molecules to activate and direct the cell’s inherent DNA repair systems to correct inborn errors. The progress of this technique and its therapeutic potential are discussed in relation to the treatment of genetic diseases.
Authors
Eric B. Kmiec
Abstract
Small DNA fragments have been used to modify endogenous genomic DNA in both human and mouse cells. This strategy for sequence-specific modification or genomic editing, known as small-fragment homologous replacement (SFHR), has yet to be characterized in terms of its underlying mechanisms. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses following SFHR have shown specific modification of disease-causing genetic loci associated with cystic fibrosis, β-thalassemia, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, suggesting that SFHR has potential as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of monogenic inherited disease.
Authors
Dieter C. Gruenert, Emanuela Bruscia, Giuseppe Novelli, Alessia Colosimo, Bruno Dallapiccola, Federica Sangiuolo, Kaarin K. Goncz
Copyright © 2021 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)