1. Lentiviral gene therapy reverts GPIX expression and phenotype in Bernard-Soulier syndrome type C.
- Author
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Martinez-Navajas G, Ceron-Hernandez J, Simon I, Lupiañez P, Diaz-McLynn S, Perales S, Modlich U, Guerrero JA, Martin F, Sevivas T, Lozano ML, Rivera J, Ramos-Mejia V, Tersteeg C, and Real PJ
- Abstract
Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare congenital disease characterized by macrothrombocytopenia and frequent bleeding. It is caused by pathogenic variants in three genes ( GP1BA , GP1BB, or GP9 ) that encode for the GPIbα, GPIbβ, and GPIX subunits of the GPIb-V-IX complex, the main platelet surface receptor for von Willebrand factor, being essential for platelet adhesion and aggregation. According to the affected gene, we distinguish BSS type A1 ( GP1BA ), type B ( GP1BB ), or type C ( GP9 ). Pathogenic variants in these genes cause absent, incomplete, or dysfunctional GPIb-V-IX receptor and, consequently, a hemorrhagic phenotype. Using gene-editing tools, we generated knockout (KO) human cellular models that helped us to better understand GPIb-V-IX complex assembly. Furthermore, we developed novel lentiviral vectors capable of correcting GPIX expression, localization, and functionality in human GP9 -KO megakaryoblastic cell lines. Generated GP9 -KO induced pluripotent stem cells produced platelets that recapitulated the BSS phenotype: absence of GPIX on the membrane surface and large size. Importantly, gene therapy tools reverted both characteristics. Finally, hematopoietic stem cells from two unrelated BSS type C patients were transduced with the gene therapy vectors and differentiated to produce GPIX-expressing megakaryocytes and platelets with a reduced size. These results demonstrate the potential of lentiviral-based gene therapy to rescue BSS type C., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2023 The Authors.)
- Published
- 2023
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