Daily Archives: May 4, 2017

Worldwide, tens of millions of people are living with HIV. While scientists and medical professionals do not yet have a permanent cure for the virus, researchers have just made a breakthrough: they managed to eliminate the HIV-1 infection in mice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 36 million people across the world are HIV positive, and approximately 1.2 million people in the United States live with the virus.

While there is currently no cure for the infection, scientists have just moved closer to finding one. Using a gene editing technology called "CRISPR/Cas9," the researchers successfully excised the HIV-1 provirus in three animal models.

A provirus is an inactive form of virus. It occurs when the virus has integrated into the genes of a cell. In the case of HIV, these host cells are the so-called CD4 cells - once the virus has been incorporated into the DNA of the CD4 cells, it replicates itself with each generation of CD4 cells.

The three mouse models used in the current research included a "humanized" model, in which the mice were genetically modified to have human immune cells, which were then infected with HIV-1.

The team was co-led by Dr. Wenhui Hu, Ph.D., associate professor in the Center for Metabolic Disease Research and the Department of Pathology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM) at Temple University in Philadelphia, together with Kamel Khalili, Ph.D., Laura H. Carnell Professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience at LKSOM, and Won-Bin Young, Ph.D, who just recently joined LKSOM.

The new study - published in the journal Molecular Therapy - builds on previous research by the same team, during which they used genetically modified rodents to demonstrate that their gene editing technology could eliminate the HIV-1-infected segments of DNA.

"Our new study is more comprehensive," Dr. Hu explains. "We confirmed the data from our previous work and have improved the efficiency of our gene editing strategy. We also show that the strategy is effective in two additional mouse models, one representing acute infection in mouse cells and the other representing chronic, or latent, infection in human cells."

Dr. Hu and team inactivated HIV-1, significantly reducing the RNA expression of viral genes in the organs and tissues of genetically modified mice.

Specifically, the RNA expression was reduced by approximately 60 to 95 percent.

The researchers then tested their findings by acutely infecting mice with EcoHIV - the equivalent of the HIV-1 in humans. Dr. Khalili explains the procedure:

"During acute infection, HIV actively replicates. With EcoHIV mice, we were able to investigate the ability of the CRISPR/Cas9 strategy to block viral replication and potentially prevent systemic infection."

The CRISPR/Cas9 method was up to 96 percent efficacious in eradicating EcoHIV in mice.

Finally, in the third model, mice received a transplant of human immune cells, including T cells, which were then infected with HIV-1.

One of the main reasons that a cure for HIV has yet to be discovered is the virus's ability to "hide" in the genomes of T cells, where it lives latently. This is why researchers applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to these mice with infected T cells.

After a single round of gene editing, the viral segments were excised from the human cells that had been integrated into the mouse tissues and organs. They removed the provirus from the mice's spleen, lungs, heart, colon, and brain after only one therapy injection.

The injection was with "quadruplex sgRNAs/saCas9 AAV-DJ/8" - an improved adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector.

AAV vectors are commonly used in gene therapy, but "the AAV-DJ/8 subtype combines multiple serotypes, giving us a broader range of cell targets for the delivery of our CRISPR/Cas9 system," Dr. Hu explains.

To assess the success of the genetic interventions, the team measured HIV-1 RNA levels using live bioluminescence imaging.

This is the first time that a team of researchers has managed to halt the replication of the HIV-1 virus and eliminate it completely from the infected cells in animals.

The team also provided the first evidence that HIV-1 can be successfully eradicated and full infection with the virus can be prevented using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing strategy.

The study was deemed "a significant step towards human clinical trials" by the authors, and the findings represent a breakthrough in the search for an HIV cure.

"The next stage would be to repeat the study in primates, a more suitable animal model where HIV infection induces disease, in order to further demonstrate elimination of HIV-1 DNA in latently infected T cells and other sanctuary sites for HIV-1, including brain cells. Our eventual goal is a clinical trial in human patients."

Kamel Khalili, Ph.D.

Learn how an HIV 'fingerprint' tool could greatly assist vaccine development.

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HIV breakthrough: Scientists remove virus in animals using gene editing - Medical News Today

May 3, 2017 Diagram of the brain of a person with Alzheimer's Disease. Credit: Wikipedia/public domain.

A gene mutation may accelerate the loss of memory and thinking skills in people who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the May 3, 2017, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The gene mutation is called the BDNF Val66Met allele, or just the Met allele.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein produced by the gene of the same name. It is one of a group of proteins called neurotrophins that help nerve cells grow, specialize and survive. Alleles are parts of genes that work in pairs on the chromosomes to determine a person's traits.

"We found that people with Alzheimer's risk who have this BDNF gene mutation called the Met allele may have a more rapid decline of memory and thinking skills," said study author Ozioma Okonkwo, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in Madison, Wisc. "Because this gene can be detected before the symptoms of Alzheimer's start, and because this presymptomatic phase is thought to be a critical period for treatments that could delay or prevent the disease, it could be a great target for early treatments."

For the study, researchers followed 1,023 people with an average age of 55 for up to 13 years who were at risk for Alzheimer's disease but at the start were still healthy. Participants gave blood samples which were tested for the Met allele gene mutation. Their memory and thinking skills were evaluated at the start of the study and at each study visit, up to five visits. Of that group, 140 were also tested with neuroimaging for beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that can build up into plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

A total of 32 percent of the participants had the Met allele. Researchers found that when compared to people without the gene mutation, those with the mutation lost memory and thinking skills more rapidly. On tests of verbal learning and memory, those with no gene mutation improved by 0.002 units per year, while the scores of people with the mutation declined by 0.021 units per year.

The researchers also found that people with the gene mutation who also had more beta-amyloid had an even steeper rate of decline.

"When there is no mutation, it is possible the BDNF gene and the protein it produces are better able to be protective, thereby preserving memory and thinking skills," Okonkwo said. "This is especially interesting because previous studies have shown that exercise can increase levels of BDNF. It is critical for future studies to further investigate the role that the BDNF gene and protein have in beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain."

A major strength of the study is that it was one of the largest studies investigating this mutation. A limitation is that the study participants were predominantly white. Also, the number of people with beta-amyloid data was limited.

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Gene mutation may speed up memory loss in Alzheimer's disease - Medical Xpress

Sangamo's fourth lead clinical program, SB-318 in vivo genome editing treatment for MPS I, has already received Orphan Drug and RPD designations. FDA has cleared an IND for this program, and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating SB-318 in adults with MPS I is open and screening subjects for enrollment.

Sangamo's In Vivo Genome Editing Approach Sangamo's ZFN-mediated in vivo genome editing approach makes use of the endogenous albumin gene locus, a highly expressing and liver-specific site that can be edited with ZFNs to accept and express therapeutic genes. The approach is designed to enable the patient's liver to permanently produce circulating therapeutic levels of a corrective protein. The ability to permanently integrate the therapeutic gene in a highly specific, targeted fashion significantly differentiates Sangamo's in vivo genome editing approach from conventional AAV cDNA gene therapy. Ultimately, the target population for these programs will include pediatric patients, and it will be important in this population to be able to produce stable levels of therapeutic protein for the lifetime of the patient.

About Sangamo Therapeutics Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on translating ground-breaking science into genomic therapies that transform patients' lives using the company's industry leading platform technologies in genome editing, gene therapy, gene regulation and cell therapy. The Company is advancing Phase 1/2 clinical programs in hemophilia A and hemophilia B, and lysosomal storage disorders MPS I and MPS II. Sangamo has a strategic collaboration with Bioverativ Inc. for hemoglobinopathies, including beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease, and with Shire International GmbH to develop therapeutics for Huntington's disease. In addition, it has established strategic partnerships with companies in non-therapeutic applications of its technology, including Sigma-Aldrich Corporation and Dow AgroSciences. For more information about Sangamo, visit the Company's website at http://www.sangamo.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sangamo's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references relating to research and development of therapeutic applications of Sangamo's gene therapy and ZFP technology platforms, the potential of Sangamo's technology to treat hemophilia and lysosomal storage disorders, the expected timing of these clinical trials and the release of data from these trials, the impact of Sangamo's clinical trials on the field of genetic medicine and the benefit of orphan drug status, rare pediatric disease status and fast track status. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including uncertainties relating to substantial dependence on the clinical success of lead therapeutic programs, the initiation and completion of stages of our clinical trials, whether the clinical trials will validate and support the tolerability and efficacy of ZFNs, technological challenges, Sangamo's ability to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. For a more detailed discussion of these and other risks, please see Sangamo's SEC filings, including the risk factors described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sangamo-therapeutics-announces-special-regulatory-designations-from-the-fda-for-three-clinical-programs-300451381.html

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Sangamo Therapeutics Announces Special Regulatory ... - PR Newswire (press release)

In recent years was proved that the best technique in the investigation of malignant lymphocytes is the. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the literature it was registered, in previous years, on an international study, conducted on 109 cases of CLL, 79 cases (72.5%) who had more genetic abnormalities: the remaining 30 cases (27.5%) had normal results, using FISH. The presence of del(11q), del(17p), mutated TP53, and unmutated IGHV typically predict for poor survival. Genetic Events in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

In the normal cells, suppressor P-53 gene, coding proteins that bind to DNA and regulate the expression of genes, prevents the genome mutations. A mutation of the gene P-53 will inevitably lead to a process of carcinogenesis in which the cell divides endlessly. In recent years was proved that the best technique in the investigation of malignant lymphocytes, in the processes of deletions and rearrangements of chromosome genes, is the Florescence in situ Hybridization, (FISH) technique and this method is used as an alternative to chromosomal banding, a conventional application in molecular medicine, (Nelson BP et al, 2007).

In the literature of field in molecular medicine, it was registered, in previous years, on an international study, conducted on 109 cases of CLL, 79 cases (72.5%) who had more genetic abnormalities of p53 gene; the remaining 30 cases (27.5%) had normal results, using the same technique, FISH. The majority of patients, 67% (53.79) had a single anomaly and the remaining 33% had two or three genetic abnormalities. The chromosomes 14q32-17p translocation in LLC genome, which appeared similar to some common, had demonstrated abnormalities involving IGH gene, located on chromosome14q32, (Zerdoumi A et al, 2015).

Identification of P53 gene mutations in regions of 17 chromosome of hematological neoplasm is important because these mutations have an impact on the clinical course of patients and requires an attitude adjustment therapeutic adequate. Restoring function to p53 can induce lymphoma, apoptosis. Recent, endogenous somatic gene therapy research is a basic of trial clinical and therapeutic trial.

The DNA, (either integrated into the genome or episome external plasmid) is used to treat a disease arising as a result of mutations in chromosomal regions. In the past few years, this method has been included in the treatment of CLL, acute lymphocytic leukemia, [ALL], or multiple myeloma [MM], (Jump up^ "Gene Therapy". ama-assn.org. 4 April 2014. Retrieved22 March 2015).

The frequencies of P53 gene mutations in CLL can be categorized as individual biomarkers in proteomic and genomic profile for this type of leukemia that can be implemented in targeted patient treatment, within personalized medicine. Keywords: Gene P53, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Apoptosis, Fluorescence in situ Hybridization, Cancer. Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: Clinical Neuroscience for Optimization of Human Function, Orlando, USA, 7 Oct - 9 Oct, 2016. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Abstracts ISCN 2016 Citation: UDRISTIOIU A (2016). Role of P53 gene in oncogenenesis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: Clinical Neuroscience for Optimization of Human Function. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2016.59.00101 Received: 01 May 2016; Published Online: 07 Sep 2016. * Correspondence: AURELIAN UDRISTIOIU, Emergency County Hospital Targu Jiu, Clinical Laboratory, Targu Jiu, Romania, aurelianu2007@yahoo.com

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Genetic Events in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - Cordis News

WEST HAVEN >> Our genes define our individuality, including what diseases to which we may be susceptible.

In just a few days, gene-sequencing machines can map all of a persons genes, revealing the cause of a genetic illness and even suggesting the best possible treatment.

On Monday, the Yale School of Medicine, partnering with Yale New Haven Hospital, took the next step toward personalized medicine, cutting the ribbon on its Center for Genome Analysis on Yales West Campus.

Dr. Murat Gunel, professor of genetics and neuroscience in the medical school, gave a vivid example of how gene sequencing can save lives:

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About three months ago a baby was born in New Haven with a really, really significant skin disease that we had to transfer him to the intensive care unit. And he was dying, and we didnt know what was wrong with him, Gunel said. In six days we were able to sequence his genome, understand his disease and he is at home playing with his mother now.

The baby suffered from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which makes the skin extremely fragile, and its caused by a mutation in just one gene: COL7A1. Gunel said Dr. Keith Choate first saw the baby on a Saturday and by Friday had the diagnosis. This is a daily occurrence, Gunel said.

Choate said the genetic analysis showed the infant had a mild case of the disease, which was limited to the hands and feet. He is receiving advanced wound care, Choate said.

The pair of NovaSeq 6000 gene-sequencing machines that are churning out this information with three more on the way will help researchers find treatments and cures for cancers, prenatal diseases and others at a faster and faster pace.

Of 20,000 genes in the human genome, 57 have been identified for which preventive measures can be taken or treatment can be prescribed if an abnormality or mutation is found. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes increase a womans risk of developing breast or uterine cancer.

We are sequencing every cancer at Smilow now, understanding what is specific for that cancer and giving treatment specific to that individual, Gunel said. We want to take from these specific diseases not only for prenatal, not only for newborn, not only for cancer, but [to] understand the health of an individual. We want to make Connecticut the healthiest state in the nation by sequencing and understanding the differences between all of us.

Dr. Robert Alpern, dean of the Yale School of Medicine, said, The idea is that you can know the total sequence of a patient and then follow their history, their health, what happens to them and then correlate them together so that someday we will be able to predict everything about ones health just from their DNA sequence.

Yale has done so much for New Haven, so much for New Haven County and now so much for this country, said Senate Republican President Pro Tem Len Fasano of North Haven.

Referring to the ability to map a persons genome within days, Fasano said, You can take that and figure out how the environment affects different lives by looking at different gene structure, comparing to different parts of the country or whether its an urban area versus a suburban area. The research that can stem from this is pretty amazing when you think of it.

The growing field also is a boon to the states economy. Senate Democratic President Pro Tem Martin Looney of New Haven said, This commitment to the advancement of health and medicine will have far-reaching and positive impacts on our economy and overall well-being for years to come. We know were going to need data scientists, health information specialists, clinical analysts, genomic counselors, to name just a few of the specialties that are going to create huge opportunities for new employment in our state.

Marna Borgstrom, CEO of Yale New Haven Health, which includes the hospital, said, Theres great work being done here and our interest has been, who does this apply to and how can we make this available to patients? And with our partners at the medical school were committed to providing unparalleled value to people we serve, and part of value is giving people outcomes that are meaningful to them.

And so you start to think about areas like prenatal diagnoses, like certain newborn diseases, difficult cancers and the ability to take all of the drugs and the treatments and the information thats out there but actually create a specialized plan for each patient as each patients going to respond differently, she said.

Call Ed Stannard at 203-680-9382.

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Gene sequencing at Yale finding personalized root of disease; new center opens in West Haven - New Haven Register