• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.339-345
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• 2017

Retroviral and lentiviral vectors are mostly pseudotyped and often purified and concentrated via ultracentrifugation. In this study, we quantified and compared the stabilities of retroviral [murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based] and lentiviral [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-based] vectors pseudotyped with relatively mechanically stable envelope proteins, vesicular stomatitis virus glycoproteins (VSVGs), and the influenza virus WSN strain envelope proteins against ultracentrifugation. Lentiviral genomic and functional particles were more stable than the corresponding retroviral particles against ultracentrifugation when pseudotyped with VSVGs. However, both retroviral and lentiviral particles were unstable when pseudotyped with the influenza virus WSN strain envelope proteins. Therefore, the stabilities of pseudotyped retroviral and lentiviral vectors against ultracentrifugation process are a function of not only the type of envelope proteins, but also the type of viral internal core (MLV or HIV-1 core). In addition, the fraction of functional viral particles among genomic viral particles greatly varied at times during packaging, depending on the type of envelope proteins used for pseudotyping and the viral internal core.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.479-494
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• 2022

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that have been intensively studied as therapeutic tools for a variety of disorders. To enhance the efficacy of MSCs, therapeutic genes are introduced using retroviral and lentiviral vectors. However, serious adverse events (SAEs) such as tumorigenesis can be induced by insertional mutagenesis. We generated lentiviral vectors encoding the wild-type herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene and a gene containing a point mutation that results in an alanine to histidine substitution at residue 168 (TK(A168H)) and transduced expression in MSCs (MSC-TK and MSC-TK(A168H)). Transduction of lentiviral vectors encoding the TK(A168H) mutant did not alter the proliferation capacity, mesodermal differentiation potential, or surface antigenicity of MSCs. The MSC-TK(A168H) cells were genetically stable, as shown by karyotyping. MSC-TK(A168H) responded to ganciclovir (GCV) with an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value 10-fold less than that of MSC-TK. Because MSC-TK(A168H) cells were found to be non-tumorigenic, a U87-TK(A168H) subcutaneous tumor was used as a SAE-like condition and we evaluated the effect of valganciclovir (vGCV), an oral prodrug for GCV. U87-TK(A168H) tumors were more efficiently ablated by 200 mg/kg vGCV than U87-TK tumors. These results indicate that MSC-TK(A168H) cells appear to be pre-clinically safe for therapeutic use. We propose that genetic modification with HSV-TK(A168H) makes allogeneic MSC-based ex vivo therapy safer by eliminating transplanted cells during SAEs such as uncontrolled cell proliferation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.404-409
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• 2013

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is a metallo-protein and functions as an antioxidant enzyme. In this study, we used lentiviral vectors to generate transgenic chickens that express the human EC-SOD gene. The recombinant lentiviruses were injected into the subgerminal cavity of freshly laid eggs. Subsequently, the embryos were incubated to hatch using phases II and III of the surrogate shell ex vivo culture system. Of 158 injected embryos, 16 chicks (G0) hatched and were screened for the hEC-SOD by PCR. Only 1 chick was identified as a transgenic bird containing the transgene in its germline. This founder (G0) bird was mated with wild-type hens to produce transgenic progeny, and 2 transgenic chicks (G1) were produced. In the generated transgenic hens (G2), the hEC-SOD protein was expressed in the egg white and showed antioxidant activity. These results highlight the potential of the chicken for production of biologically active proteins in egg white.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.16
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• pp.6495-6497
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• 2014

Rapidly increasing number of outstanding developments in the field of TRAIL mediated signaling have revolutionized our current information about inducing and maximizing TRAIL mediated apoptosis in resistant cancer cells. Data obtained with high-throughput technologies have provided finer resolution of tumor biology and now it is known that a complex structure containing malignant cells strictly coupled with a large variety of surrounding cells constitutes the tumor stroma. Utility of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cellular vehicles has added new layers of information. There is sufficient experimental evidence substantiating efficient gene deliveries into MSCs by retroviral, lentiviral and adenoviral vectors. Moreover, there is a paradigm shift in molecular oncology and recent high impact research has shown controlled expression of TRAIL in cancer cells on insertion of complementary sequences for frequently downregulated miRNAs. In this review we have attempted to provide an overview of utility of TRAIL engineered MSCs for effective killing of tumor and potential of using miRNA response elements as rheostat like switch to control expression of TRAIL in cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.241-245
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• 2008

Lentiviral vector system is efficient vehicles for the delivery of exogenous genes, and it is generally used in the generation of transgenic chickens. In this study, we used recombinant lentiviral vectors to generate transgenic chicks that express the human superoxide dismutase-3 gene driven by the chicken ovalbumin promoter. It is well known that superoxide dismutases(SODs) are believed to play a crucial role in protecting cells against oxygen toxicity. There are three forms of SOD proteins: cytosolic Cu-Zn SOD, mitochondrial Mn SOD, and extracellular SOD(SOD-3). The recombinant lentivirus containing the human SOD-3 gene was injected into the subgerminal cavity of freshly laid eggs. Subsequently, the embryos were incubated to hatch using phases II and III of the surrogate shell ex vivo culture system. From 341 injected embryos, the 78 chicks hatched after 21 days incubation. The hatched chicks were screened for the human SOD-3 gene by using PCR. Two of 47 male chickens that survived to sexual maturity contained the human SOD-3 gene in their semen. These results showed that our transgenic chicken generation system was completely established.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2045-2049
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of down-regulation of Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression on the apoptosis of human Burkitt lymphoma cells (Daudi cells) and potential mechanisms. Methods: Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting SENP1 was designed and synthesized and then cloned into a lentiviral vector. A lentiviral packaging plasmid was used to transfect Daudi cells (sh-SENP1-Daudi group). Daudi cells without transfection (Daudi group) and Daudi cells transfected with blank plasmid (sh-NC-Daudi group) served as control groups. Flow cytometry was performed to screen GFP positive cells and semiquantitative PCR and Western blot assays were employed to detect the inference efficiency. The morphology of cells was observed under a microscope before and after transfection. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis related molecules (caspase-3, 8 and 9). After treatment with $COCl_2$ for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor -$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) was determined. Results: Sequencing showed the expression vectors of shRNA targeting SENP1 to be successfully constructed. Following screening of GFP positive cells by FCM, semiqualitative PCR showed the interference efficiency was $79.2{\pm}0.026%$. At 48 h after transfection, the Daudi cells became shrunken, had irregular edges and presented apoptotic bodies. Western blot assay revealed increase in expression of caspase-3, 8 and 9 with prolongation of transfection (P<0.05). Following hypoxia treatment, mRNA expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged in three groups (P>0.05) but the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ markedly increased (P<0.05). However, in the sh-SENP1-Daudi group, the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged Conclusion: SENP1-shRNA can efficiently inhibit SENP1 expression in Daudi cells. SENP1 inhibition may promote cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that SENP1 may serve as an important target in the gene therapy of Burkitts lymphoma.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1098-1105
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• 2017

Vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G) has been widely used for pseudotyping retroviral, lentiviral, and artificial viral vectors. The objective of this study was to establish a potential approach for large-scale production of VSV-G. To this end, VSV-G was cloned with an N-terminal His-tag into Pichia pastoris expression vector pPIC3.5K. Three clones ($Mut^s$) containing the VSV-G expression cassette were identified by PCR. All clones proliferated normally in expansion medium, whereas the proliferation was reduced significantly under induction conditions. VSV-G protein was detected in cell lysates by western blot analysis, and the highest expression level was observed at 96 h post induction. VSV-G could also be obtained from the condition medium of yeast protoplasts. Furthermore, VSV-G could be incorporated into Ad293 cells and was able to induce cell fusion, leading to the transfer of cytoplasmic protein. Finally, VSV-G-mediated DNA transfection was assayed by flow cytometry and luciferase measurement. Incubation of VSV-G lysate with the pGL3-control DNA complex increased the luciferase activity in Ad293 and HeLa cells by about 3-fold. Likewise, incubation of VSV-G lysate with the pCMV-DsRed DNA complex improved the transfection efficiency into Ad293 by 10% and into HeLa cells by about 1-fold. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that VSV-G could be produced from P. pastoris with biofunctionalities, demonstrating that large-scale production of the viral glycoprotein is feasible.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3789-3795
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• 2014

This study aimed to analyze the expression, clinical significance of filamin A (FLNA) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and biological effects in a cell line by regulating FLNA expression. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to analyze FLNA protein expression in 70 cases of RCC and normal tissues to study the relationship with clinical factors. FLNA lentiviral and empty vectors were transfected into RCC to study the influence of up-regulated expression of FLNA. FLNA siRNA was transiently transfected into ACHN kidney carcinoma cells by a liposome-mediated method and protein was detected by Western blotting. The level of expression was found to be significantly lower in RCC than normal tissues (p<0.05). No correlation was noted with gender, age, tumor size or pathological types (p>0.05), but links with lymph node metastasis, clinic stage and histological grade were noted (p<0.05). Loss of FLNA expression correlated significantly with poor overall survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis (p<0.05). Results for biological function showed that ACHN cells transfected with FLNA had a lower survival fraction, significant decrease in migration and invasion, higher cell apoptosis, higher percentage of the G0/G1 phases, and lower MMP-9 protein expression compared with ACHN cells untransfected with FLNA (p<0.05). However, renal 786-0 cells transfected with FLNA siRNA had a higher survival fraction, significant increase in migration and invasion, and higher MMP-9 protein expression compared (p<0.05). In conclusion, FLNA expression was decreased in RCC and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis, clinic stage, histological grade and poor overall survival, suggesting that FLNA may play important roles as a a tumor suppressor in RCC by promoting degradation of MMP-9.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.394-400
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• 2008

Purpose: Quantitative comparison of transgene expression within stem cells between lentivirus and adenovirus-mediated delivery systems has not been reported. Here, we evaluated the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene expression in rat mesenchymal stem cell (rMSC) transduced by lentivirus or adenovirus, and compared the hNIS expression quantitatively between the two delivery systems. Materials and Methods: Lentiviral-mediated hNIS expressing rMSC (lenti-hNIS-rMSC) was constructed by cloning hNIS gene into pLenti6/UbC/V5-DEST (Invitrogen) to obtain pLenti-hNIS, transducing rMSC with the pLenti-hNIS, and selecting with blasticidin for 3 weeks. Recombinant adenovirus expressing hNIS gene (Rad-hNIS) was produced by homologous recombination and transduction efficiency of Rad-hNIS into rMSC evaluated by Rad-GFP was $19.1{\pm}4.7%$, $54.0{\pm}6.4%$, $85.7{\pm}8.7%$, and $98.4{\pm}1.3%$ at MOI 1, 5, 20, and 100, respectively. The hNIS expressions in lenti-hNIS-rMSC or adeno-hNIS-rMSC were assessed by immunocytochemistry, western blot, and 1-125 uptake. Results: Immunocytochemistry and western blot analyses revealed that hNIS expressions in lenti-hNIS-rMSC were greater than those in adeno-hNIS-rMSC at MOI 20 but lower than at MOI 50. However in vitro 1-125 uptake test demonstrated that iodide uptake in lenti-hNIS-rMSC ($29,704{\pm}6,659\; picomole/10^6\;cells$) was greater than that in adeno-hNIS-rMSC at MOI 100 ($6,168{\pm}2,134\;picomole/10^6\;cells$). Conclusion: Despite lower amount of expressed protein, hNIS function in rMSC was greater by lentivirus than by adenovirus mediated expression. Stem cell tracking using hNIS as a reporter gene should be conducted in consideration of relative vector efficiency for transgene expression.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7825-7829
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• 2014

Objective: To investigate the effect of high expression of XAF1 in vivo or in vitro on lung cancer cell growth and apoptosis. Methods: 1. The A549 human lung cancer cell line was transfected with Ad5/F35 - XAF1, or Ad5/F35 - Null at the same multiplicity of infection (MOI); (hereinafter referred to as transient transfected cell strain); XAF1 gene mRNA and protein expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. 2. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis before and after infection of Ad5/F35 - XAF1 with Western blotting for apoptosis related proteins, caspase 3, caspase - 8 and PARP. 3. After the XAF1 gene was transfected into lung cancer A549 cells by lentiviral vectors, and selected by screening with Blasticidin, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression, to establish a line with a stable high expression of XAF1 (hereinafter referred to as stable expression cell strain). Twenty nude mice were randomly divided into groups A and B, 10 in each group: A549/XAF1 stable expression cell strain was subcutaneously injected in group A, and A549/Ctrl stable cell line stable expression cell strain in group B (control group), to observe transplanted tumor growth in nude mice. Results: The mRNA and protein expression of XAF1 in A549 cells transfected by Ad5/F35 - XAF1 was significantly higher than in the control group. XAF1 mediated by adenovirus vector demonstrated a dose dependent inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. This was accompanied by cleavage of caspase -3, -8, -9 and PARP, suggesting activation of intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic pathways. A cell strain of lung cancer highly expressing XAF1 was established, and this demonstrated delayed tumor growth after transplantation in vivo. Conclusion: Adenovirus mediated XAF1 gene expression could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells in vitro; highly stable expression of XAF1 could also significantly inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors in nude mouse, with no obvious adverse reactions observed. Therefore, the XAF1 gene could become a new target for lung cancer treatment.