Protection of human pancreatic islets using a lentiviral vector expressing two genes: cFLIP and GFP Journal Article
| Authors: | Fenjves, E. S.; Ochoa, M. S.; Cechin, S.; Gay-Rabinstein, C.; Pérez-Alvarez, I.; Ichii, H.; Mendez, A.; Ricordi, C.; Curran, M. A. |
| Article Title: | Protection of human pancreatic islets using a lentiviral vector expressing two genes: cFLIP and GFP |
| Abstract: | Pancreatic islet transplantation can provide insulin independence to diabetic patients. However, apoptosis of islets often leads to early graft failure. Genetic engineering with protective gene(s) can improve the viability of these cells. Here we show successful transduction of human islets with a feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vector expressing both a cytoprotective (cFLIP) gene and the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Despite using low virus titers to maximize safety, transduced islets expressed both genes, resulting in improved β-cell metabolic activity and viability. Although only ∼10% of total islet cells were transduced, the significant viability advantages suggest a "barrier" effect in which protecting the periphery of the islet shields the core. These results provide the first demonstration that a lentiviral vector can express two genes in islets. Furthermore, the engineered islets are resistant to a variety of apoptotic stimuli, suggesting the potential of this approach in enhancing the viability of transplanted cells. Copyright © 2008 Cognizant Comm. Corp. |
| Keywords: | controlled study; human tissue; human cell; genetics; doxorubicin; metabolism; cell viability; apoptosis; gene expression; fas antigen; green fluorescent protein; physiology; gene transfer; viral gene delivery system; gene vector; genetic vectors; cytokine; cytokines; gene therapy; lentivirus vector; insulin; green fluorescent proteins; glucose; graft rejection; antibiotics, antineoplastic; antineoplastic antibiotic; pancreas islet beta cell; cell protection; diabetes; gene transfer techniques; flice inhibitory protein; casp8 and fadd-like apoptosis regulating protein; antigens, cd95; pancreas islet; cflip; feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv); pancreatic islet transplantation; feline immunodeficiency virus; pancreas islet transplantation; immunodeficiency virus, feline; islets of langerhans |
| Journal Title: | Cell Transplantation |
| Volume: | 17 |
| Issue: | 7 |
| ISSN: | 0963-6897 |
| Publisher: | Cognizant Communication Corporation |
| Date Published: | 2008-01-01 |
| Start Page: | 793 |
| End Page: | 802 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.3727/096368908786516828 |
| PUBMED: | 19044206 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 6" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: CTRAE" - "Source: Scopus" |
