Applications and developments of gene therapy drug delivery systems for genetic diseases

Genetic diseases seriously threaten human health and have always been one of the refractory conditions facing humanity.Currently,gene therapy drugs such as siRNA,shRNA,antisense oligonucleotide,CRISPR/Cas9 system,plasmid DNA and miRNA have shown great potential in biomedical applications.To avoid the degradation of gene therapy drugs in the body and effectively deliver them to target tissues,cells and organelles,the development of excellent drug delivery vehicles is of utmost importance.Viral vectors are the most widely used delivery vehicles for gene therapy in vivo and in vitro due to their high transfection efficiency and stable transgene expression.With the development of nanotechnology,novel nanocarriers are gradually replacing viral vectors,emerging superior performance.This review mainly illuminates the current widely used gene therapy drugs,summarizes the viral vectors and non-viral vectors that deliver gene therapy drugs,and sums up the application of gene therapy to treat genetic diseases.Additionally,the challenges and opportunities of the field are discussed from the perspective of developing an effective nano-delivery system.

Exploring noncoding variants in genetic diseases:from detection to functional insights

Previous studies on genetic diseases predominantly focused on protein-coding variations, overlooking the vast noncoding regions in the human genome. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and functional genomics tools has enabled the systematic identification of functional noncoding variants. These variants can impact gene expression, regulation, and chromatin conformation, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the impact of noncoding variants on genetic diseases is indispensable for the development of precisely targeted therapies and the implementation of personalized medicine strategies. The intricacies of noncoding regions introduce a multitude of challenges and research opportunities. In this review, we introduce a spectrum of noncoding variants involved in genetic diseases, along with research strategies and advanced technologies for their precise identification and in-depth understanding of the complexity of the noncoding genome. We will delve into the research challenges and propose potential solutions for unraveling the genetic basis of rare and complex diseases.

A multicenter prospective study of next-generation sequencing-based newborn screening for monogenic genetic diseases in China

Background Newborn screening(NBS)is an important and successful public health program that helps improve the long-term clinical outcomes of newborns by providing early diagnosis and treatment of certain inborn diseases.The develop-ment of next-generation sequencing(NGS)technology provides new opportunities to expand current newborn screening methodologies.Methods We designed a a newborn genetic screening(NBGS)panel targeting 135 genes associated with 75 inborn disorders by multiplex PCR combined with NGS.With this panel,a large-scale,multicenter,prospective multidisease analysis was conducted on dried blood spot(DBS)profiles from 21,442 neonates nationwide.Results We presented the positive detection rate and carrier frequency of diseases and related variants in different regions;and 168(0.78%)positive cases were detected.Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency(G6PDD)and phenylketonuria(PKU)had higher prevalence rates,which were significantly different in different regions.The positive detection of G6PD variants was quite common in south China,whereas PAH variants were most commonly identified in north China.In addi-tion,NBGS identified 3 cases with DUOX2 variants and one with SLC25A13 variants,which were normal in conventional NBS,but were confirmed later as abnormal in repeated biochemical testing after recall.Eighty percent of high-frequency gene carriers and 60%of high-frequency variant carriers had obvious regional differences.On the premise that there was no significant difference in birth weight and gestational age,the biochemical indicators of SLC22A5 c.1400C>G and ACADSB c.1165A>G carriers were significantly different from those of non-carriers.Conclusions We demonstrated that NBGS is an effective strategy to identify neonates affected with treatable diseases as a supplement to current NBS methods.Our data also showed that the prevalence of diseases has significant regional charac-teristics,which provides a theoretical basis for screening diseases in different regions.

Genome-edited rabbits:Unleashing the potential of a promising experimental animal model across diverse diseases

Animal models are extensively used in all aspects of biomedical research,with substantial contributions to our understanding of diseases,the development of pharmaceuticals,and the exploration of gene functions.The field of genome modification in rabbits has progressed slowly.However,recent advancements,particularly in CRISPR/Cas9-related technologies,have catalyzed the successful development of various genome-edited rabbit models to mimic diverse diseases,including cardiovascular disorders,immunodeficiencies,agingrelated ailments,neurological diseases,and ophthalmic pathologies.These models hold great promise in advancing biomedical research due to their closer physiological and biochemical resemblance to humans compared to mice.This review aims to summarize the novel gene-editing approaches currently available for rabbits and present the applications and prospects of such models in biomedicine,underscoring their impact and future potential in translational medicine.

Genetic association of Parkinson's disease

Totally three articles regarding associations of Nurrl gene mutations, LRRK2 gene polymorphism sites $1647T and R1398H, and polymorphism of PARK2 gene mutations with Han Chinese patients with Parkinson＇s disease were published in Neural Regeneration Research. We hope that our readers find these papers useful to their research.

Editor's Choice——Application of genetic engineering for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Gene therapy has been shown to be an effective method for protecting neural functions in the substantia nigra,

Progress and challenges in CRISPR-mediated therapeutic genome editing for monogenic diseases

There are an estimated 10000 monogenic diseases affecting tens of millions of individuals worldwide.The application of CRISPR/Cas genome editing tools to treat monogenic diseases is an emerging strategy with the potential to generate personalized treatment approaches for these patients.CRISPR/Cas-based systems are programmable and sequence-specific genome editing tools with the capacity to generate base pair resolution manipulations to DNA or RNA.The complexity of genomic insults resulting in heritable disease requires patientspecific genome editing strategies with consideration of DNA repair pathways,and CRISPR/Cas systems of different types,species,and those with additional enzymatic capacity and/or delivery methods.In this review we aim to discuss broad and multifaceted therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas gene editing systems including in harnessing of homology directed repair,non-homologous end joining,microhomology-mediated end joining,and base editing to permanently correct diverse monogenic diseases.

Genetic regulation of m^(6)A RNA methylation and its contribution in human complex diseases

N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)has been established as the most prevalent chemical modification in message RNA(mRNA),playing an essential role in determining the fate of RNA molecules.Dysregulation of m^(6)A has been revealed to lead to abnormal physiological conditions and cause various types of human diseases.Recent studies have delineated the genetic regulatory maps for m^(6)A methylation by mapping the quantitative trait loci of m^(6)A(m^(6)A-QTLs),thereby building up the regulatory circuits linking genetic variants,m^(6)A,and human complex traits.Here,we review the recent discoveries concerning the genetic regulatory maps of m^(6)A,describing the methodological and technical details of m^(6)A-QTL identification,and introducing the key findings of the cis-and trans-acting drivers of m^(6)A.We further delve into the tissue-and ethnicity-specificity of m^(6)A-QTL,the association with other molecular phenotypes in light of genetic regulation,the regulators underlying m^(6)A genetics,and importantly,the functional roles of m^(6)A in mediating human complex diseases.Lastly,we discuss potential research avenues that can accelerate the translation of m^(6)A genetics studies toward the development of therapies for human genetic diseases.

Atypical infantile-onset Pompe disease with good prognosis from China's Mainland:A case report

BACKGROUND Pompe disease has a broad disease spectrum,including infantile-onset Pompe disease(IOPD)and late-onset Pompe disease(LOPD)forms.It is a type of glycogen storage disorder belonging to autosomal recessive genetic disease,for an estimated incidence of 1/40000 among the neonatal population.In severe cases,the natural course is characterized by death due to cardiopulmonary failure in the first year after birth.However,the clinical outcomes have improved since the emergence of enzyme replacement therapy(ERT)was widely used.CASE SUMMARY The reported female case in China was an atypical IOPD,which demonstrates an unusual presentation of glycogen accumulation syndrome typeⅡwithout obvious skeletal muscle involvement,and reviewed physical examination,biochemical examinations,chest radiograph,and acidα-glucosidase(GAA)mutation analysis.After 4-mo specific ERT,the case received 12-mo follow-up.Moreover,the patient has obtained a very good prognosis under ERT.CONCLUSION For the atypical IOPD patients,early diagnosis and treatment may contribute to good prognosis.

Value of predictive bioinformatics in inherited metabolic diseases

Typically,inherited metabolic diseases arise from point mutations in genes encoding metabolic enzymes. Although some of these mutations directly affect amino acid residues in the active sites of these enzymes,the majority do not. It is now well accepted that the majority of these disease-associated mutations exert their effects through alteration of protein stability,which causes a reduction in enzymatic activity. This finding suggests a way to predict the severity of newly discovered mutations. In silico prediction of the effects of amino acid sequence alterations on protein stability often correlates with disease severity. However,no stability prediction tool is perfect and,in general,better results are obtained if the predictions from a variety of tools are combined and then interpreted. In addition to predicted alterations to stability,the degree of conservation of a particular residue can also be a factor which needs to be taken into account: alterations to highly conserved residues are more likely to be associated with severe forms of the disease. The approach has been successfully applied in a variety of inherited metabolic diseases,but further improvements are necessary to enable robust translation into clinically useful tools.

Genetic counseling in post-genomic era: Don't pretend to know the meaning of a gene mutation if you don't know

In this post-genomic era, more and more susceptibility loci of many possible genetic diseases are published. As our knowledge about these susceptibility loci is limited and partial, we should be very careful and responsible when patients seek genetic counseling about these possible genetic diseases. We should apply Confucius' s principle about knowledge and information to genetic conseling, and tell the truth to our patients about what we know and what we do not know. Like many other cancers, breast cancer is a very complicated, multifactorial disease; genetic factors, lifestyles and eating habits, environmental factors, and viral infections might be involved in breast cancer; hence, it is difficult to figure out the real etiology of breast cancer. It is not crystal clear that a person who carries mutations of the breast cancer 1, early onset and/or breast cancer 2, early onset genes would eventually get breast cancer in her/his lifetime. No person should undergo a preventive double mastectomy, unless we know the etiology of breast cancer someday.

Genetic Analysis of Stripe Rust Resistance of Xikemai 6 at Adult Plant Stage

To confirm resistance and genetic rules of Xikemai 6 against physiological races of wheat stripe rust,physiological races CYR31,CYR32 and CYR33,Su11-4 and V26 were inoculated in Xikemai 6 and Mingxian 169 and their hybrid progenies F_1,F_2 and F_3 at adult plant stage on March 2015. The results showed that the resistance of Xikemai 6 against CYR31 was controlled by 2 pairs of dominant genes and a pair of recessive genes; the resistance against CYR32 was controlled by three pairs of dominant resistant genes（ two pairs of genes performed cumulative effect）; the resistance against CYR33 was controlled by a pair of dominant genes and a pair of recessive genes; the resistance against Su11-4 was controlled by a pair of dominant genes and a pair of recessive genes independently or collaboratively; the resistance against V26 was controlled by a pair of dominant genes independently. Due to good performance of Xikemai 6 in test and production,as well as years of resistance identification and genetic analysis,Xikemai 6 was proved to be an excellent cultivar with good resistance against stripe rust,and the inheritance of its resistance was stable,so Xikemai 6 could be used as a germplasm resource and resistance material with excellent comprehensive character. Molecular marker and localization could be further studied,to provide new resistance parents for disease-resistant breeding of wheat.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D,genetic susceptibility,and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes:A prospective cohort in East China

Background:The serum vitamin D level varies widely by population,and studies have linked vitamin D levels with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the relationship is inconsistent and the impact of vitamin D on T2DM among East Chinese adults is unclear.The study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25[OH]D)levels and the risk of T2DM and evaluated whether the association is modified by genetic predisposition.Methods:In the Survey on Prevalence in East China for Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors(SPECT-China)cohort,1862 participants free of T2DM at baseline were included.A weighted genetic risk score was calculated with 28 variants associated with T2DM.Hierarchical logistic models were used to examine the association of serum 25(OH)D and genetic risk with T2DM.Results:After a 5-year follow-up,132 cases of T2DM were documented.We observed no significant association between quartiles of serum 25(OH)D and T2DM risk after multivariable adjustment(χ^(2)=0.571,P_(for trend)=0.426).Compared to those in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D,the odds ratios(ORs)(95%confidence interval[CI])for participants with increased quartiles were 1.29(0.74-2.25),1.35(0.77-2.36),and 1.27(0.72-2.24),respectively.We observed a positive association of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)with 25(OH)D at baseline(β=1.752,P=0.001)and after follow-up(β=1.385,P=0.003),and a negative association of ln conversion homeostasis model assessment(HOMA)-βwith 25(OH)D at baseline(β=-0.982,P=0.021).There was no significant interaction between 25(OH)D and diabetes genetic predisposition on the risk of T2DM(χ^(2)=2.710,P_(for interaction)=0.100).The lowest OR(95%CI)of T2DM was among participants with low genetic risk and the highest quartile of 25(OH)D(0.17[0.05-0.62]).Conclusion:Serum 25(OH)D may be irrelevant to the risk of incident T2DM among East Chinese adults regardless of genetic predisposition.

Juvenile hemochromatosis:HAMP mutation and severe iron overload treated with phlebotomies and deferasirox

Juvenile hemochromatosis(JH) is a rare condition classified as an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to severe iron absorption. JH usually affects people under the age of 30 and presents symptoms such as chronic liver damage,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,cardiac diseases and endocrine dysfunctions. The present case reports a 29-year-old Brazilian woman with JH condition due to HAMP mutation(g.47G>A),treated with phlebotomies and deferasirox. She presented symptoms such as weakness,skin hyperpigmentation,joint pain in the shoulders and hands and amenorrhea. First laboratory tests showed altered biochemical parameters [serum ferritin(SF): 5696 ng/mL,transferrin saturation(TS): 85%]. After sessions of phlebotomies(450 mL every 15 d),the patient presented partial symptomatic improvements and biochemical parameters(SF: 1000 ng/mL,Hb: 11 g/dL). One year later,deferasirox(15 mg/kg per day) was introduced to the treatment,and the patient showed total symptomatic improvement,with significant clearing of the skin,SF: 169 ng/mL,and TS: 50%. Furthermore,after the combined deferasirox-phlebotomy therapy,magnetic resonance imaging measurements revealed normalized level for liver iron(30 μmol/g; reference value < 36 μmol/g). In conclusion,combined deferasirox-phlebotomy treatment was able to normalize iron levels and improve symptoms.

The emerging role of snoRNAs in human disease

Small nucleolar RNAs(snoRNAs)play critical roles in various biological processes.The aberrant expression or depletion of snoRNAs is related to various diseases.In previous research,most of the snoRNAs were categorized as C/D box snoRNAs and H/ACA box snoRNAs,whose typical functions were thought of as regulation of 2′-O-ribose methylation and pseudouridylation of ribosome RNAs,respectively.However,in the past two decades,studies have revealed an increasing number of snoRNAs without specific targets or determined cell functions.These findings indicated that some potential roles of snoRNAs are still unknown.Numerous studies have indicated the correlation of snoRNAs with human diseases.SnoRNAs play various roles in abundant biological processes,and they have great potential in controlling human diseases.This new and rising field could benefit from investigations of the disease pathogenesis,biomarker identification,and the determination of novel therapeutic targets.This review summarized the reports on snoRNAs and the regulation of different diseases in recent years.

Twists and turns of the genetic story of mevalonate kinase-associated diseases:A review

Mevalonate kinase (MK)-associated diseases encompass a broad spectrum of rare auto-inflammatory conditions, all resulting from pathogenic variants in the mevalonate kinase gene (MVK). Their clinical manifestations are highly variable, ranging from more or less serious systemic disorders, such as hereditary recurrent fevers, to purely localized pathologies such as porokeratosis. The oldest condition identified as linked to this gene is a metabolic disease called mevalonic aciduria, and the most recent is disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, a disease limited to the skin. The modes of inheritance of MK-associated diseases also diverge among the different subtypes: recessive for the systemic subtypes and dominant with a post-zygotic somatic genetic alteration for MVK-associated porokeratosis. This review quickly retraces the historical steps that led to the description of the various MK-associated disease phenotypes and to a better understanding of their pathophysiology, then summarizes and compares the different genetic mechanisms involved in this group of disorders, and finally discusses the diverse causes that could underlie this phenotypic heterogeneity.

Linear porokeratosis of the foot with dermoscopic manifestations: A case report

BACKGROUND Porokeratosis(PK)is a common autosomal dominant chronic progressive dyskeratosis with various clinical manifestations.Based on clinical manifestations,porokeratosis can be classified as porokeratosis of mibelli,disseminated superficial porokeratosis,disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis,linear porokeratosis(LP),porokeratosis palmaris et plantaris disseminata,porokeratosis punctata,popular PK,hyperkeratosis PK,inflammatory PK,verrucous PK,and mixed types.We report a case of LP in a child and describe its dermoscopic findings.CASE SUMMARY Linear porokeratosis is a rare PK.The patient presented with unilateral keratinizing maculopapular rash of the foot in childhood.The patient underwent skin pathology and dermoscopy,and was treated with liquid nitrogen freezing and topical drugs.CONCLUSION From this case we take-away that LP is a rare disease,by the dermoscopic we can identify it.

Unusual presentation of Loeys-Dietz syndrome:A case report of clinical findings and treatment challenges

BACKGROUND Loeys-Dietz syndrome(LDS)is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by heterozygous mutations causing multisystemic alterations.It was recently described in 2005,and today at least six different subtypes have been identified.Classically presenting with aortic root enlargement or aneurysms and craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities,with specific arterial tortuosity at any site.The differential diagnosis of LDS includes atypical Marfan syndrome,vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome,Shprintzen-Goldberg craniosynostosis,and familial aortic aneurysm and dissection syndrome.CASE SUMMARY We present a case study of a 35-year-old female who came to the emergency department due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding and severe abdominal pain.Computed tomography revealed vascular tortuosity in almost every abdominal vein.CONCLUSION This case report will help us analyze the infrequent presentation of LDS type 4 and the numerous complications that it implies,underlying the importance of publishing more cases in order to expand our knowledge and offer better treatment for these patients.Differential diagnosis,clinical presentation and treatment options for this syndrome are discussed in this article.

Pterygium Popliteal Syndrome Concerning a Case in the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital (Conakry CHU)

Introduction: Popliteal pterygium syndrome is a rare birth defect, combining craniofacial, genitourinary and musculoskeletal abnormalities. It is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a mutation in the IRF6 gene. We report in this observation the 1st Guinean case corrected by the surgical method as well as a review of the literature for a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Patient and observation: We present the case of a 7-day old male newborn weighing 2700 g who was received for bilateral cleft lip and palate, lower lip fossa or sinuses, bilateral popliteal pterygium, and triangular skin fold above the hallux. The patient underwent several surgical procedures aimed at correcting these abnormalities. The correction of the pterygium of the lower limbs was ensured by excision of the fibrous band, the tenoplasty in z of the calcaneal tendon on the right side and the skin plasty in z in series then immobilized by plaster splints. The immediate postoperative follow-up was straightforward. Conclusion: Popliteal pterygium syndrome is a rare congenital malformation, the diagnosis is primarily clinical. Early soft tissue lengthening surgery and serial z-skin plasty provide better correction of the knee pterygium. Correct correction of facial abnormalities gives the child a better appearance. The management of this syndrome is multidisciplinary.