Restoration of hemoglobin A synthesis in erythroid cells from peripheral blood of thalassemic patients

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Aug 15;97(17):9591-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.97.17.9591.

Abstract

Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood of thalassemic patients were treated with morpholino oligonucleotides antisense to aberrant splice sites in mutant beta-globin precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). The oligonucleotides restored correct splicing and translation of beta-globin mRNA, increasing the hemoglobin (Hb) A synthesis in erythroid cells from patients with IVS2-654/beta(E), IVS2-745/IVS2-745, and IVS2-745/IVS2-1 genotypes. The maximal Hb A level for repaired IVS2-745 mutation was approximately 30% of normal; Hb A was still detectable 9 days after a single treatment with oligonucleotide. Thus, expression of defective beta-globin genes was repaired and significant level of Hb A was restored in a cell population that would be targeted in clinical applications of this approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Erythroid Precursor Cells / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Globins / genetics
  • Hemoglobin A / biosynthesis*
  • Hemoglobin A / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / genetics
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use
  • RNA Precursors / genetics
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA Splicing / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Spliceosomes / genetics
  • Time Factors
  • beta-Thalassemia / blood*
  • beta-Thalassemia / genetics
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Globins
  • Hemoglobin A