Molecular Evidence of Genome Editing in a Mouse Model of Immunodeficiency

Sci Rep. 2018 May 29;8(1):8214. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26439-9.

Abstract

Genome editing is the introduction of directed modifications in the genome, a process boosted to therapeutic levels by designer nucleases. Building on the experience of ex vivo gene therapy for severe combined immunodeficiencies, it is likely that genome editing of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) for correction of inherited blood diseases will be an early clinical application. We show molecular evidence of gene correction in a mouse model of primary immunodeficiency. In vitro experiments in DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit severe combined immunodeficiency (Prkdc scid) fibroblasts using designed zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) and a repair template demonstrated molecular and functional correction of the defect. Following transplantation of ex vivo gene-edited Prkdc scid HSPC, some of the recipient animals carried the expected genomic signature of ZFN-driven gene correction. In some primary and secondary transplant recipients we detected double-positive CD4/CD8 T-cells in thymus and single-positive T-cells in blood, but no other evidence of immune reconstitution. However, the leakiness of this model is a confounding factor for the interpretation of the possible T-cell reconstitution. Our results provide support for the feasibility of rescuing inherited blood disease by ex vivo genome editing followed by transplantation, and highlight some of the challenges.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Activated Protein Kinase / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Editing*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / genetics*

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • DNA-Activated Protein Kinase
  • PRKDC protein, human