Title:Investigation on Cross-correction of Cystinosis through Genetically
Engineered Cells Secreting Cystinosin
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Valeria Graceffa*
Affiliation:
- Cellular Health & Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
Keywords:
Cystinosis, cross-correction, recombinant protein secretion, cystinosin (CTNS), lysosomal storage diseases, lysosomes.
Abstract:
Background: Cystinosis is a rare inherited lysosomal storage disease (LSD), caused by
a mutation in the Cystinosin Lysosomal Cystine Transporter (CTNS). Novel therapies and strategies
are needed to improve patients' clinical conditions and quality of life.
Objectives and Methods: This study assessed whether CTNS can be secreted, and investigated a
method to enhance its secretion, by adding a secretion signal to the N-terminus. Human Embryonic
Kidney (HEK) 293 cells were transfected with the resulting construct. The amount of protein
secreted was then measured. Uptake by monolayer cultures of cystinotic cells and enzyme activity
were also assessed.
Results: The recombinant protein could effectively be secreted, and the secretion signal slightly
further increased its secretion. The secreted recombinant protein was taken up by cystinotic cells,
and, after internalization, still retained its biological activity.
Conclusion: Optimization of the proposed method to increase the secretion of CTNS would provide
new insights into the production of recombinant proteins for medical and industrial use. Further
identification and screening of alternative signalling peptides and cell types can maximise the
secretion and production of recombinant CNTS, to be used as a therapeutic agent in human
healthcare.