First time genome editing made possible on cells lining blood vessel
walls
Vast application potential to treat diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome from severe COVID-19

Date:
January 4, 2022
Source:
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Summary:
Researchers have developed a unique nanoparticle to deliver genome
editing technology, including CRISPR/Cas9, to endothelial cells,
which are cells that line blood vessel walls. This is the first
time that vascular endothelial cells could be reached for genome
editing, since the usual way to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 -- through a
virus -- does not work for this cell type.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The lab of Youyang Zhao, PhD, from Stanley Manne Children's Research
Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
developed a unique nanoparticle to deliver genome editing technology,
including CRISPR/Cas9, to endothelial cells, which are cells that line
blood vessel walls. This is the first time that vascular endothelial
cells could be reached for genome editing, since the usual way to
deliver CRISPR/Cas9 -- through a virus -- does not work for this cell
type. Findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.


==========================================================================
"The nanoparticle we developed is a powerful new delivery system for
genome editing in vascular endothelial cells, and could be used to treat
many diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome from severe COVID-19," said senior author Dr. Zhao from Lurie Children's. "With this nanoparticle we can introduce genes to inhibit vascular injury and/or
promote vascular repair, correct gene mutations and turn genes on or
off to restore normal function. It also allows us to edit multiple
genes at the same time. This is an important advance for treating any
disease caused by endothelial dysfunction." Endothelial dysfunction is
at the root of many diseases, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary artery hypertension. Dr. Zhao explained that genome editing in endothelial cells could even treat
cancers by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor or blocking cancer metastasis.

At this stage, Dr. Zhao and colleagues achieved excellent results in
a mouse model. The nanoparticle carrying CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid DNA was
introduced via a one-time IV injection and required a few days to be
effective. Preclinical testing will be necessary before clinical trials
can begin.

"Our nanoparticle delivery system for genome editing and transgene
expression also is a huge advance for cardiovascular research," added
Dr. Zhao.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Ann_&_Robert_H._Lurie_Children's_Hospital_of_Chicago.

Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Xianming Zhang, Hua Jin, Xiaojia Huang, Birendra Chaurasiya,
Daoyin Dong,
Thomas P. Shanley, You-Yang Zhao. Robust genome editing
in adult vascular endothelium by nanoparticle delivery of
CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid DNA. Cell Reports, 2022; 38 (1): 110196 DOI:
10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110196 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220104112228.htm
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