Long-term expression of the human β-globin gene after retroviral transfer into pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells of the mouse

Abstract

We have studied the regulation of the human β-globin gene after retroviral transfer into a variety of transformed and normal hematopoietic cells. After transfer into murine erythroleukemia cells (MEL) expression from the human β-globin gene responds to inducers of erythroid maturation in parallel to the endogenous murine globin genes. After infection of human BFU-E, RNA expression from the virally-transferred β-globin gene was measured at 2.5%-5% of the endogenous β-globin level. The most improved globin vectors can transfer the human β-globin gene into pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells in mouse bone marrow. Mice reconstituted with infected marrow show human β-globin RNA and protein expression in peripheral blood cells for over 4 months. In these animals, both myeloid and lymphoid cells carry the integrated provirus at a level of about 1 copy per cell. In serial transplantation experiments, bone marrow from these animals is capable or repopulating secondary and tertiary recipient animals which go on to show long-term human β-globin expression. Retroviral vectors thus provide a practical way to refine models of globin gene regulation through in vivo tests and to evaluate the feasibility of protocols for gene addition therapy.