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WO2024215984A2 - Compositions et procédés comprenant une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée - Google Patents

Compositions et procédés comprenant une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024215984A2
WO2024215984A2 PCT/US2024/024208 US2024024208W WO2024215984A2 WO 2024215984 A2 WO2024215984 A2 WO 2024215984A2 US 2024024208 W US2024024208 W US 2024024208W WO 2024215984 A2 WO2024215984 A2 WO 2024215984A2
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Prior art keywords
tissue
tsp2
ecm
rna
hydrogels
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WO2024215984A3 (fr
Inventor
Themis Kyriakides
Zhuoyue CHEN
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Yale University
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Yale University
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
    • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
    • A61K35/32—Bones; Osteocytes; Osteoblasts; Tendons; Tenocytes; Teeth; Odontoblasts; Cartilage; Chondrocytes; Synovial membrane
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
    • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
    • A61K35/34—Muscles; Smooth muscle cells; Heart; Cardiac stem cells; Myoblasts; Myocytes; Cardiomyocytes

Definitions

  • ECM extracellular matrix
  • This non-cellular network of materials is present within all tissues and organs, and provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents, but also initiates crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues that are required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis.
  • Advantages of decellularized ECM over synthetic materials include: existence of native ECM structure, retention of matrix-bound growth factors and other bioactive components, and a favorable host response. Nevertheless, decellularized materials are not without limitations. While synthetic materials can be engineered to fit almost any need, decellularized materials can be difficult to customize, because they rely on a natural source (either animal tissues or cells grown in vitro).
  • Thrombospondin-2 is an anti-angiogenic, matricellular protein that interacts with ECM proteins and with a variety of cell surface receptors including CD36, CD47, heparin sulfate proteoglycan, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, and ⁇ v ⁇ 3 .
  • the phenotype of TSP2 knock-out (TSP2KO) mice is dominated by abnormalities in connective tissue and a platelet aggregation defect that manifests an abnormal bleeding tendency.
  • TSP2-null (“TSP2-null” or “TSP2KO” ECM) derived from cells or tissue has been used to generate tunable hydrogels (see, WO 2019/083842).
  • Hydrogels are materials composed of polymers swollen with water and can be fabricated with synthetic or natural starting materials. Hydrogels formulated from natural sources are attractive because they should maintain a level of biochemical complexity not achievable with purified polymers.
  • a method for promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2).
  • ECM decellularized extracellular matrix
  • TSP2 functional thrombospondin-2
  • a method for preparing a decellularized extracellular matrix comprising: (i) obtaining or having obtained a tissue lacking functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) from a mammal; and (ii) decellularizing the tissue to generate the decellularized ECM.
  • TSP2 thrombospondin-2
  • FIG.1A a series of photographs of various processing stages from freshly isolated muscle tissue to final ECM hydrogel product for muscle tissue from WT and -2- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) TSP2KO mice.
  • the muscle ECM was lyophilized, and the resulting hydrogel concentration was 10 mg ECM/mL.
  • FIG.1B histologically stained sections from various processing stages of freshly isolated muscle tissue to the ECM after Triton/SDC treatment. H&E and Trichrome staining each shows cumulative decellularization of the muscle tissue with each processing step and the subsequent retention of collagen proteins.
  • FIG.1C Quantification of DNA content for fresh muscle, ECM (“decell”), and final ECM hydrogel product for muscle tissue from WT and TSP2KO mice.
  • FIG.1D The proteins in each step of decellularizing mouse muscle were tested by SDS-PAGE.
  • FIG.1E Ponceau (Left) and Western Blot (Right) proved TSP2 was present in the WT ECM, however, it was absent within the TSP2KO ECM.
  • FIG.1F Western Blot indicated the presence of Col I for both WT and TSP2KO derived ECM hydrogels.
  • FIG.1G SEM images for muscle-derived ECM hydrogel microstructure.
  • FIG.1H The fibril diameter in the hydrogels was determined by SEM. Quantification of the diameter of the WT and TSP2KO hydrogels indicated that their diameter had no significant difference.
  • FIG.1K Collagen abundance from quantitative proteomics was found to differ between WT and TSP2KO mouse muscle ECM.
  • FIG.1L A volcano plot demonstrated differences between genotypes.
  • FIGs.2A-2M show data characterizing cell-hydrogel interactions.
  • FIG.2A Representative SEM images of C2C12 cells seeded on WT or TSP2KO hydrogels for 2 hrs and 4 hrs.
  • FIG.2B Cells on TSP2KO hydrogels for 4 hrs exhibited larger area and perimeter and were more elongated.
  • One-way ANOVA with post hoc Turkey HSD test, n 50 cells, ***p ⁇ 0.001.
  • FIG.2C Representative images of H&E-stained sections following seeding of -3- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) cells on hydrogels in a transwell system for 72 hr.
  • FIG.2E C2C12 muscle cells were cultured for 5 days on either WT or TSP2KO derived hydrogels. Nuclei were stained with DAPI, and the cytoskeleton was stained with rhodamine-phalloidin.
  • FIG.2G NIH3T3 fibroblasts were cultured for 5 days on either WT or TSP2KO derived hydrogels. Nuclei were stained with DAPI, and the cytoskeleton was stained with rhodamine-phalloidin.
  • FIG.2I C2C12 cells invasion in the hydrogels. The frequency distribution of C2C12 cells invasion distance in the hydrogels is indicated by H&E staining.
  • FIG.2J NIH3T3 cells invasion in the hydrogels.
  • FIG.2L Representative images of 2mg/ml WT and TSP2KO hydrogels formed on 6-well plates.
  • FIG.2M NIH3T3 cells were seeded and cultured on a 2 mg/ml WT or TSP2KO derived hydrogel for 2 hours.
  • FIGs.3A-3G show data characterizing cell-hydrogel interactions.
  • FIG.3A Fluorescence microscopy images of grouped proliferation assay of HUVEC on muscle hydrogels.
  • FIG.3C Representative merged fluorescent images of -4- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) HUVECs cultured on hydrogels for 24 hours and stained with DAPI (nuclei), and rhodamine- phalloidin (actin cytoskeleton).
  • FIG.3D Analysis of tube diameter for TSP2KO and WT hydrogels.
  • FIG.3F Fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize the morphology of the macrophages cultured on the muscle hydrogels for 3, 7 and 14 days.
  • FIGs.4A-4J show data for the evaluation of WT and TSP2KO muscle-derived ECM hydrogels biocompatibility in subcutaneous injection model.
  • FIG.4A Representative images of H&E-stained sections of WT and TSP2KO hydrogels injected SC in WT mice for 5 or 10 days.
  • FIG.4D H&E staining of the samples implanted into mice subcutaneously after 10 days.
  • FIG.4E Immunochemical staining (Neurofilament H) indicated that the TSP2KO hydrogel had nerves present 10 days after subcutaneous injection in mice but no nerve in the WT hydrogel.
  • FIG.4F Immunochemical staining ( ⁇ -SMA and CD31) indicated that the TSP2KO hydrogel had blood vessels present 10 days after subcutaneous injection in mice. Asterisks ( ⁇ ) represent the hydrogel.
  • FIG.4G Representative images of day 5 and day 10 hydrogel sections stained with Vimentin (Fibroblast/mesenchymal cells), F4/80 (macrophages), or CD3e (T cells) and visualized with the peroxidase reaction.
  • FIG.4H Image analysis revealed increased Vimentin-positive cells on day 5 and 10, no differences in F4/80-positive cells, and increased CD3e+ cells on day 5 in TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.4I Representative images of WT and TSP2KO hydrogels injected SC in WT mice for 10 days and stained with antibodies to detect neurofilament H as a marker for innervation. In contrast to TSP2KO, no innervation was detected in WT hydrogels.
  • FIGs.5A-5G show data for VML model and treatment with muscle-derived ECM hydrogel. Where present, stars ( ⁇ ) represent the hydrogel.
  • FIG.5A VML surgery procedure. A scalpel was used to make a 2 mm deep cut around the stencil removing a 2 ⁇ 7 -5- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) ⁇ 2 mm piece of the muscle. After creating the VML, the hydrogel was implanted directly into the injury.
  • FIG.5B Representative images of WT and TSP2KO hydrogels 3 days and 14 days after application to injured muscles and stained with Masson’s trichrome, H&E, antibodies to detect Laminin, Vimentin, F4/80, or CD3e.
  • FIG.5C Tissue samples from the VML model mice were obtained on day 3, day 14 or day 28 and imaged via Trichrome staining. Most of the blue areas represent the hydrogel proteins. The hydrogel almost disappeared 28 days after injection. Newly formed muscles were observed in the TSP2KO hydrogel on day 14.
  • FIG.5F Quantification of the number of cells analyzed using ImageJ.
  • FIGs.6A-6J show data related to detection of innervation and angiogenesis in the VML model.
  • FIG.6A Representative images of injured muscles treated with WT or TSP2KO hydrogels for 14 days and stained with antibodies to detect ⁇ -SMA, or CD31 as markers of neovessel formation.
  • FIG.6C Representative images of muscles treated with WT or TSP2KO hydrogels for 14 days and stained with antibodies to detect neurofilament H as a marker for innervation. In contrast to TSP2KO hydrogels, no innervation was detected in WT hydrogels.
  • FIG.6D Representative images of muscle treated with WT or TSP2KO hydrogels for 14 days and stained with antibodies of Laminin and PAX7 to detect remodeling and skeletal muscle satellite cells, respectively.
  • FIG.6E A western blot analysis of the newly formed tissue in VML model indicated the presence of neurofilament H in each specimen.
  • the integrated density of the protein band was analyzed by Image J.
  • FIG.6G Quantification of the ambulation distance of the mice before and after the VML surgery. Nine mice were traced.
  • FIG.6H Quantification of the max running speed of the mice before and after the VML surgery. Nine mice were traced.
  • FIG.7 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process for muscle-derived ECM hydrogel and in vivo and in vitro applications thereof.
  • FIGs.8A-8H show data for the preparation and characterization of bone matrix hydrogel.
  • FIG.8A A series of photographs illustrating the process of preparing bone matrix hydrogel.
  • FIG.8B From the H&E observation, the cells are removed from bone step by step. At final, the collagen is left in the bone ECM which can be observed in the Trichrome staining.
  • FIG.8D Western Blot indicated that TSP2 was present in the WT mice bone but absent within the TSP2KO mice bone.
  • FIG.8E The proteins in each step of decellularizing mouse bone were analyzed by SDS-PAGE.
  • FIGs.9A-9F show data from grouped attachment assay of mouse and human MSCs on bone hydrogels.
  • FIG.9A SEM images of mouse MSCs on WT or TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.9B SEM images of human MSCs on WT or TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.9C Representative images of mouse MSCs cultured for 2 hours and stained with phalloidin (cytoskeleton) and DAPI (nucleus).
  • FIG.9E Representative images of human MSCs cultured for 2 hours and stained with phalloidin (cytoskeleton) and DAPI (nucleus).
  • FIGs.10A-10E show data for MSC attachment and proliferation on the WT and TSP2KO bone ECM hydrogels.
  • FIG.10A SEM images were employed to assess the human MSCs attachment for the WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.10B Mouse MSCs cultured for 5 days on either WT or TSP2KO derived hydrogels. The nuclei are stained with DAPI, and the cytoskeleton stained with rhodamine-phalloidin.
  • FIG.10C Human MSCs cultured for 5 days on either WT or TSP2KO derived hydrogels.
  • FIGs.11A-11G show data for mouse and human MSC invasion and HUVEC tube formation on the WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.11A H&E stained sections of mouse MSC invasion in WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.11B H&E stained sections of human MSC invasion in WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.11E Fluorescence imaging of HUVECs seeded on WT or TSP2KO hydrogels. Nuclei are stained with DAPI and the cytoskeleton stained with rhodamine-phalloidin.
  • FIGs.12A-12C show data for MSC invasion in the WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.12A Quantification of the frequency distribution of mouse and human MSC invasion distance in WT and TSP2KO hydrogels as indicated by H&E staining.
  • FIG.12B H&E stained sections of human MSCs seeded on WT or TSP2KO hydrogel.
  • FIGs.13A-13F show data for osteogenic differentiation of MSCs on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • FIG.13B Representative Western blots of -8- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) Osteopontin (OPN) and Osteocalcin (OCN) expression in lysates collected 3-, 7- and 14-day post-culturing of mouse MSCs on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels and quantification thereof.
  • FIG.13D Representative Western blots of Osteopontin (OPN) and Osteocalcin (OCN) expression in lysates collected 3-, 7- and 14-day post-culturing of human MSCs on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels and quantification thereof.
  • FIG.13E Representative fluorescence images of OPN and OCN staining for mouse MSCs on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels at 3, 7 and 14 days.
  • FIG.13F Representative fluorescence images of OPN and OCN staining for human MSCs on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels at 3, 7 and 14 days.
  • FIGs.14A-14C show data related to analysis of the newly formed tissues in the calvarial defect model.
  • FIG.14A Micro-CT scan of implanted WT hydrogels, TSP2KO hydrogels and Control (without implant) skulls.
  • FIG. 14C H&E stained sections of the newly formed tissues.
  • FIG.15 illustrates IHC analysis of the skulls in the critical-size calvarial defect mouse model. Immunochemistry staining for Col I and OCN evaluated the ECM deposition and the regenerated bone tissue.
  • FIGs.16A-16B show data for histological analysis of the newly formed bone and cartilage.
  • FIG.16A Trichrome staining analysis of the bone healing with WT hydrogel in comparison to TSP2KO hydrogel group and control group.
  • FIG.16B Saffranin O/ Fast Staining analysis of the chondrocytes in the newly formed tissues. Arrows indicate chondrocyte and arrows indicate newly formed bone.
  • FIGs.17A-17C show data for immunofluorescence analysis of the blood vessels in the newly formed tissues.
  • FIG.17A Immunofluorescence staining for PECAM-1 (CD31,) and alpha smooth muscle actin ( ⁇ -SMA,) shows microvascular endothelium in adventitia and outer vessel wall.
  • FIG.18 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process for bone-derived ECM hydrogel and in vivo and in vitro testing thereof.
  • FIG.19 shows the localization and representative histology of the three types of cartilages.
  • Hyaline cartilage is located on the articular surface of major bones, as well as larynx, trachea and rib cage sternum.
  • Fibrocartilage comprises intervertebral disk and knee meniscus.
  • Elastic cartilage is present in the ear.
  • FIG.20 is a proposed workflow for pig cartilage decellularization.
  • FIG.21 is a proposed workflow for generating cartilage dECM derived hydrogels.
  • FIG.22 shows demonstration of successful pig ear cartilage decellularization and hydrogel fabrication.
  • FIG.22A-FIG.22B examine H&E staining images before and after decellularization show a significantly decreased nuclear content, identified by the dimmer purple color and decreased nuclei count in the cartilage.
  • FIG.22C shows quantification of ear cartilage layer thickness shows a higher thickness for WT, despite sex difference.
  • FIG. 22D shows DNA extraction results before and after decellularization shows a reduction in DNA content to below 50 ng/mg tissue for both genotypes, which is an indicator for successful decellularization.
  • FIG.22E examines representative pictures of neutralized hydrogels from both genotypes inside the 37°C incubator post neutralization.
  • FIG.22F shows representative pictures of crosslinked and fixed hydrogel pieces.
  • FIG.22G analyzes BCA assay result of pregels for total protein content measurement. Pregels are prepared from 10 mg dECM/ml digestion solution. TKO pregel has a slightly higher overall protein content than WT .
  • FIGs.23A-23D examines representative SEM images of hydrogels derived from FIG.23A WT and FIG.23B TKO pig ears at different magnifications.
  • FIG.23C-FIG.23D analyze quantification on SEM images shows WT dECM fibers have higher diameters but similar curvature compared to TKO.
  • FIGs.24A-24E show preliminary rheometry results on WT and TKO pig ear hydrogels
  • FIG.24A shows strain sweep on gel shows a defined region where WT complex viscosity is larger than TKO.
  • FIGs.24B-24C shows temperature sweep on both genotypes shows gelation behavior once temperature reaches 37°C. WT hydrogel has slightly slower gelation and higher maximum storage modulus.
  • FIGs.24D-24E show frequency sweep on both genotypes shows a storage modulus greater than the loss modulus, indicating gel-like behavior. The two hydrogels have different biomechanical properties.
  • FIG.25 shows the workflow of experimental setups for cell-hydrogel interaction.
  • FIG.26 shows the experimental approaches for evaluating cell-hydrogel interactions.
  • FIG.27 shows the in vivo workflow. Briefly, under general anesthesia, hind limb skin surrounding the patella is cut open. Lateral articular surface of the trochlear groove is exposed by opening the joint capsule, and a full thickness injury is created with a 21G needle on the patellar groove of femur. The injury must penetrate to the subchondral bone to be considered ‘full thickness’. Following injury, the parapatellar skin is sutured to close the wound with or without treatment. Mice are treated with antibiotics and analgesics and monitored for dehydration post surgery.
  • FIG.28 shows the workflow with WT mice only.
  • Within the defect group there are 6 subgroups in total: defect with no treatment, neutralized WT and TKO pregel injection, pregel with PLGA + growth factor injection, and hyaluronic acid injection.
  • the evaluation process would be similar to what is discussed previously.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION provides a method of promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof by administering a decellularized ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • the present invention provides a decellularized ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2).
  • TSP2 thrombospondin-2
  • thrombospondin-2 can be represented with TSP2, THBS2, or Thbs2 and can be used interchangeably.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising: (i) a hydrogel comprising a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2).
  • the tissue is from a mammal; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the present invention provides a method of preparing a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM), the method comprising decellularizing a tissue to generate the decellularized ECM, wherein the tissue lacks functional TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • allogeneic refers to organs, tissues, or cells originating from different individuals of the same species.
  • alteration is meant a change (increase or decrease) in the expression levels or activity of a marker or clinical indicator as detected by standard art known methods such as those described herein.
  • an alteration includes a 10%-100% change in measured levels (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100%).
  • autologous with reference to an organ, tissue, or cell denotes that the organ, tissue, or cell originates from the same individual.
  • biocompatibility refers to the properties of materials, such as a medical device or an implant, device being biologically compatible by not eliciting unwanted local or systemic responses from a living system or tissue. In other embodiments, the device does not elicit any significantly and/or measurably deleterious responses from the living system or tissue.
  • a biocompatible device is substantially non-toxic, non-injurious or non-inhibiting or non-inhibitory to cells, tissues, organs, and/or organ systems that would come into contact with the device, scaffold, composition, etc.
  • coating refers to a covering, layer or film, of a substance applied to the surface of a substrate.
  • the coating may be an all-over coating, completely covering the substrate, or it may only cover parts of the substrate.
  • the term “comminute” and any other word forms or cognates thereof, such as, without limitation, “comminuting”, refers to the process of reducing larger particles into smaller particles, including, without limitation, by grinding, blending, shredding, slicing, -12- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) milling, or cutting.
  • ECM can be comminuted while in any form, including, but not limited to, hydrated forms, frozen, air-dried, lyophilized, powdered, sheet-form.
  • difference in the level of refers to differences in the quantity and/or the frequency of a marker present in a sample taken from subjects having a disease as compared to a control subject.
  • a marker can be differentially present in terms of quantity, frequency or both.
  • a difference in the level of a polypeptide is present between two samples if the amount of the polypeptide in one sample is statistically significantly different from the amount of the polypeptide in the other sample.
  • a polypeptide is differentially present between two sets of samples if the frequency of detecting the polypeptide in a diseased subjects’ samples is statistically significantly higher or lower than in the control samples.
  • a marker that is present in one sample, but undetectable in another sample is differentially present.
  • a “disease” is a state of health of an animal wherein the animal cannot maintain homeostasis, and wherein if the disease is not ameliorated then the animal’s health continues to deteriorate.
  • Effective amount or “therapeutically effective amount” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to an amount of a compound, formulation, material, or composition, as described herein effective to achieve a particular biological result or provides a therapeutic or prophylactic benefit. Such results may include, but are not limited to, anti- tumor activity as determined by any means suitable in the art.
  • Encoding refers to the inherent property of specific sequences of nucleotides in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, a cDNA, or an mRNA, to serve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides (i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and the biological properties resulting therefrom.
  • a gene encodes a protein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to that gene produces the protein in a cell or other biological system.
  • Both the coding strand, the nucleotide sequence of which is identical to the mRNA sequence and is usually provided in sequence listings, and the non-coding strand, used as the template for transcription of a gene or cDNA, can be referred to as encoding the protein or other product of that gene or cDNA.
  • endogenous with reference to a material denotes that the material is from or produced inside an organism, cell, tissue or system.
  • exogenous with reference to a material denotes that the material is introduced from or produced outside an organism, cell, tissue or system.
  • extracellular matrix refers to proteins that are secreted by cells and assembled in a three dimensional manner to provide structural support for cells.
  • extracellular matrix comprises proteins such as collagens (e.g. type I, III, IV, and V collagens), vitronectin, fibronectin, laminin, thrombospondin, entactin, and nidogen; and glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.
  • ECMs include an isolated basement membrane produced by vascular endothelial cells and a membrane on which the cells rest in vivo.
  • ECMs are those originating from a tissue of a mammal, such as muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, or cardiac muscle), cartilage, a connective tissue, a tendon, a ligament, or bone.
  • matrices may differ somewhat in their composition, they are primarily composed of collagens (e.g. type I, III, IV, VI collagens), fibronectin, laminins, and other matricellular proteins.
  • ECMs that comprise extracellular molecules that form a three-dimensional structure supporting cell and tissue growth.
  • the ECMs of the present invention originate from a tissue lacking functional TSP2.
  • the term “hydrogel” as used herein refers to a gel in which the liquid component comprises water.
  • Identity refers to the subunit sequence identity between two polymeric molecules particularly between two amino acid molecules, such as, between two polypeptide molecules. When two amino acid sequences have the same residues at the same positions; e.g., if a position in each of two polypeptide molecules is occupied by an Arginine, then they are identical at that position.
  • the identity or extent to which two amino acid sequences have the same residues at the same positions in an alignment is often expressed as a percentage.
  • the identity between two amino acid sequences is a direct function of the number of matching or identical positions; e.g., if half (e.g., five positions in a polymer ten amino acids in length) of the positions in two sequences are identical, the two sequences are 50% identical; if 90% of the positions (e.g., 9 of 10), are matched or identical, the two amino acids sequences are 90% identical.
  • the term “immune response” as used herein is defined as a host response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify antigenic molecules as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and/or activate lymphocytes to remove the antigen.
  • immunosuppression or “immunosuppressive therapy (IST)” involve an act that reduces the activation or efficacy of the immune system. Deliberately induced immunosuppression is performed to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant, treating graft-versus-host disease after a bone marrow transplant, or for the treatment of auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
  • an “instructional material” includes a publication, a recording, a diagram, or any other medium of expression which can be used to communicate the usefulness of the compositions and methods of the invention.
  • the instructional material of the kit of the invention may, for example, be affixed to a container which contains the nucleic acid, peptide, and/or composition of the invention or be shipped together with a container which contains the nucleic acid, peptide, and/or composition.
  • the instructional material may be shipped separately from the container with the intention that the instructional material and the compound be used cooperatively by the recipient.
  • a tissue lacking or that lacks functional TSP2 comprises cells which comprise one or both of (a) a TSP2-null knockout (KO) allele; and (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • TSP2 nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence are disclosed by NCBI ascension numbers (NCBI Gene IDs: 7058 and 21826): NG_022911.2, NM_001381939.1, NM_001381940.1, NM_001381941.1, NM_001381942.1, NM_003247.5, NP_001368868.1, NP_001368869.1, NP_001368870.1, NP_001368871.1, NP_003238.2, NM_011581.3, and NP_035711.2, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the TSP2 nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence comprises a sequence as set forth in NG_022911.2, NM_001381939.1, NM_001381940.1, NM_001381941.1, NM_001381942.1, NM_003247.5, NP_001368868.1, NP_001368869.1, NP_001368870.1, NP_001368871.1, NP_003238.2, NM_011581.3, or NP_035711.2.
  • a TSP2 knock out allele or suppressed TSP2 gene expression can be obtained via a genetic engineering technique comprising a nuclease.
  • Exemplary nucleases include, but are not limited to, a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated nuclease, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and a zinc- finger nuclease.
  • CRISPR clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
  • TALEN transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • a TSP2KO allele may comprise a non-functional TSP2 variant and/or may comprise a mutation or variant which eliminates expression of functional TSP2.
  • -15- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201)
  • cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 may comprise an inhibitory RNA molecule which suppresses TSP2 gene expression.
  • RNA interference RNA
  • shRNA short hairpin RNA
  • siRNA small interfering RNA
  • tasiRNA trans-acting siRNA
  • miRNA micro RNA
  • asRNA antisense RNA
  • lncRNA long noncoding RNA
  • crRNA CRISPR RNA
  • tracrRNA trans-activating crRNA
  • gRNA guide RNA
  • sgRNA single guide RNA
  • dsRNA double-stranded RNA
  • ribozyme any combination thereof.
  • marker is meant any protein or polynucleotide having an alteration in level or activity that is associated with a disease or disorder.
  • modified as used herein, is meant a changed state or structure of a molecule or cell of the invention. Molecules may be modified in many ways, including chemically, structurally, and functionally. Cells may be modified through the introduction of nucleic acids therein.
  • model organism refers to a non-human species that is easy to maintain and breed in a laboratory setting and has particular experimental advantages. Model organisms as used herein provide an in vivo model to research the effects of a human disease or condition and/or biological activities associated with a disease or condition, such as thrombosis.
  • modulating mediating a detectable increase or decrease in the level of a response in a subject compared with the level of a response in the subject in the absence of a treatment or compound, and/or compared with the level of a response in an otherwise identical but untreated subject.
  • the term encompasses perturbing and/or affecting a native signal or response thereby mediating a beneficial therapeutic response in a subject, preferably, a human.
  • Monitoring refers to recording changes in a continuously varying parameter (e.g. monitoring progression of a disease). In the context of the present invention, the following abbreviations for the commonly occurring nucleic acid bases are used.
  • nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence.
  • the phrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA may also include introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein may in some version contain an intron(s).
  • parenteral administration of an immunogenic composition includes, e.g., subcutaneous (s.c.), intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), or intrasternal injection, or infusion techniques.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutically acceptable material, composition or carrier, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent or encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting a compound(s) of the present invention within or to the subject such that it may perform its intended function.
  • each salt or carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation, and not injurious to the subject.
  • materials that may serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as e
  • “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” also includes any and all coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, and absorption delaying agents, and the like that are compatible with the activity of the compound, and are physiologically acceptable to the subject. Supplementary active compounds may also be incorporated into the compositions.
  • polynucleotide as used herein is defined as a chain of nucleotides.
  • nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. Thus, nucleic acids and polynucleotides as used herein are interchangeable.
  • nucleic acids are polynucleotides, which can be hydrolyzed into the monomeric “nucleotides.”
  • the monomeric nucleotides can be hydrolyzed into nucleosides. -17- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201)
  • polynucleotides include, but are not limited to, all nucleic acid sequences which are obtained by any means available in the art, including, without limitation, recombinant means, i.e., the cloning of nucleic acid sequences from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and PCRTM, and the like, and by synthetic means.
  • peptide As used herein, the terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably, and refer to a compound comprised of amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds.
  • a protein or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and no limitation is placed on the maximum number of amino acids that can comprise a protein’s or peptide’s sequence.
  • Polypeptides include any peptide or protein comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds.
  • the term refers to both short chains, which also commonly are referred to in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, and to longer chains, which generally are referred to in the art as proteins, of which there are many types.
  • Polypeptides include, for example, biologically active fragments, substantially homologous polypeptides, oligopeptides, homodimers, heterodimers, variants of polypeptides, modified polypeptides, derivatives, analogs, fusion proteins, among others.
  • the polypeptides include natural peptides, recombinant peptides, synthetic peptides, or a combination thereof.
  • the terms “prevent,” “preventing,” “prevention,” “prophylactic treatment” and the like refer to reducing the probability of developing a disorder or condition in a subject, who does not have, but is at risk of or susceptible to developing a disorder or condition.
  • purified means having been increased in purity, wherein “purity” is a relative term, and not to be necessarily construed as absolute purity.
  • the purity of a substance for example, but not limited to a nucleic acid, can be at least about 50%, can be greater than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or can be 100%.
  • purified can be at least about 50%, can be greater than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or can be 100%.
  • purified refer to material that is free to varying degrees from components which normally accompany it as found in its native state. “Isolate” denotes a degree of separation from original source or surroundings. “Purify” denotes a degree of separation that is higher than isolation.
  • a “purified” or “biologically pure” protein is sufficiently free of other materials such that any impurities do not materially affect the biological properties of the protein or cause other adverse consequences. That is, a nucleic acid or peptide of this invention is purified if it is substantially free of cellular material, viral material, or culture medium when produced by -18- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) recombinant DNA techniques, or chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. Purity and homogeneity are typically determined using analytical chemistry techniques, for example, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or high performance liquid chromatography.
  • purified can denote that a nucleic acid or protein gives rise to essentially one band in an electrophoretic gel.
  • a protein that can be subjected to modifications for example, phosphorylation or glycosylation
  • different modifications may give rise to different isolated proteins, which can be separately purified.
  • a nucleic acid or a peptide naturally present in a living animal is not “isolated,” but the same nucleic acid or peptide partially or completely separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is “isolated.”
  • An isolated nucleic acid or protein can exist in substantially purified form, or can exist in a non-native environment such as, for example, a host cell.
  • sample refers to anything, which may contain an analyte (e.g., polypeptide, polynucleotide, or fragment thereof) for which an analyte assay is desired.
  • the sample may be a biological sample, such as a biological fluid or a biological tissue.
  • a biological sample is a salivary sample.
  • Such a sample may include diverse cells, proteins, and genetic material.
  • biological tissues also include organs, tumors, lymph nodes, arteries and individual cell(s).
  • biological fluids include urine, blood, plasma, serum, saliva, semen, stool, sputum, cerebral spinal fluid, tears, mucus, amniotic fluid or the like.
  • an antigen binding molecule which recognizes a specific antigen, but does not substantially recognize or bind other molecules in a sample.
  • an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to an antigen from one species may also bind to that antigen from one or more species. But, such cross-species reactivity does not itself alter the classification of an antigen binding molecule as specific.
  • an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to an antigen may also bind to different allelic forms of the antigen. However, such cross reactivity does not itself alter the classification of an antigen binding molecule as specific.
  • the terms “specific binding” or “specifically binding,” can be used in reference to the interaction of an antigen binding molecule, an antibody, a protein, or a peptide with a second chemical species, to mean that the interaction is dependent upon the presence of a particular structure (e.g., an antigenic determinant or epitope) on the chemical species; for example, an antigen binding molecule or an antibody recognizes and binds to a specific protein structure rather than to proteins generally.
  • a particular structure e.g., an antigenic determinant or epitope
  • an antigen binding molecule is specific for epitope “A”
  • the presence of a -19- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) molecule containing epitope A (or free, unlabeled A) in a reaction containing labeled “A” and the antigen binding molecule will reduce the amount of labeled A bound to the antigen binding molecule.
  • the term “subject” is intended to include living organisms in which an immune response can be elicited (e.g., mammals).
  • a “subject” or “patient,” as used therein, may be a human or non-human mammal.
  • Non-human mammals include, for example, non-human primates, livestock, and pets, such as simian, ovine, bovine, porcine, canine, feline, and murine mammals.
  • the subject is human.
  • a “target site” or “target sequence” refers to a genomic nucleic acid sequence that defines a portion of a nucleic acid to which a binding molecule may specifically bind under conditions sufficient for binding to occur.
  • the term “therapeutic” as used herein means a treatment and/or prophylaxis. A therapeutic effect is obtained by suppression, remission, or eradication of a disease state.
  • tissue refers to a mammalian tissue, such as connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, and epithelial tissue.
  • connective tissue include bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.
  • muscle tissue include skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.
  • Nervous tissue is found in the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
  • Epithelial tissue is found in the skin, the lining of the mouth and nose, and the lining of the digestive system.
  • the tissue of the present invention is not skin.
  • the tissue is muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle).
  • the tissue is bone.
  • cartilage is cartilage.
  • transplantation refers to the process of taking a cell, tissue, or organ, called a “transplant” or “graft” from one individual and placing it or them into a (usually) different individual.
  • the individual who provides the transplant is called the “donor” and the individual who received the transplant is called the “host” (or “recipient”).
  • An organ, or graft, transplanted between two genetically different individuals of the same species is called an “allograft”.
  • a graft transplanted between individuals of different species is called a “xenograft”.
  • transplant rejection refers to a functional and structural deterioration of the organ due to an active immune response expressed by the recipient, and independent of non-immunologic causes of organ dysfunction.
  • the term “tolerance” is a state of immune unresponsiveness specific to a particular antigen or set of antigens induced by previous exposure to that antigen or set. Tolerance is generally accepted to be an active process and, in essence, a learning experience -20- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) for T cells. Tolerance, as used herein, refers to the inhibition of a graft recipient’s ability to mount an immune response which would otherwise occur, e.g., in response to the introduction of a non-self MHC antigen into the recipient. Tolerance can involve humoral, cellular, or both humoral and cellular responses.
  • a disease as the term is used herein, means to reduce the frequency or severity of at least one sign or symptom of a disease or disorder experienced by a subject. It will be appreciated that, although not precluded, treating a disorder or condition does not require that the disorder, condition or symptoms associated therewith be completely eliminated.
  • xenogeneic with reference to an organ, tissue, or cell denotes that the organ, tissue, or cell originates from an individual that is of a different species than the recipient. Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention.
  • a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.
  • description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
  • ECM extracellular matrix
  • HA hyaluronic acid
  • H&E hematoxylin and eosin
  • HUVECs Human umbilical vein endothelial cell
  • KO knock-out
  • SEM scanning electron microscope
  • TSP2 thrombospondin-2
  • WT wild-type.
  • the present invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof.
  • the subject is administered a decellularized ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • the mammal is a human.
  • the invention provides a decellularized ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • the mammal is a human.
  • -21- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201)
  • the ECM is formulated as a hydrogel, such as a tunable hydrogel.
  • the decellularized ECM is chemoattractant to at least one cell type selected from the group consisting of endothelial cell, mesenchymal cell, myocyte, fibroblast, and osteoblast.
  • the ECM and compositions of the invention are useful for the methods recited elsewhere herein.
  • Methods of the invention Method of promoting tissue regeneration
  • the invention provides a method for promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a decellularized ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal. Promoting tissue regeneration in a subject includes, but is not necessarily limited to, promoting cellular migration, cellular invasion, vascular growth and maturation, and/or wound repair in the site of ECM administration.
  • promoting tissue regeneration comprises accelerating cellular migration, enhancing cellular invasion, enhancing vascular growth and maturation of a location to be treated, and enhancing wound repair in a subject in need thereof.
  • cellular migration, cellular invasion, vascular growth and maturation, and/or wound repair are enhanced or accelerated at the site of ECM administration to the subject as compared to a location administered an ECM originating from a wild-type tissue, or an untreated location.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is selected from the group consisting of connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, and epithelial tissue. Examples of connective tissue include bone, cartilage, blood, and fat. Examples of muscle tissue include skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.
  • Nervous tissue is found in the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Epithelial tissue is found in the skin, the lining of the mouth and nose, and the lining of the digestive system.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is not skin.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, or cardiac muscle).
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is skeletal muscle.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is bone.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is formulated as a hydrogel.
  • the ECM is dried and rehydrated in an aqueous solution to -22- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) form the hydrogel.
  • the ECM is treated to form a pre-gel as described herein and the pre-gel is further treated to form the hydrogel as described herein.
  • the method for promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof is performed at one or more treatment site(s) of the subject. That is, in certain embodiments, the ECM or hydrogel is administered to one or more treatment site(s) of the subject.
  • the treatment site(s) may be any site in need of tissue regeneration, such as, but not limited to, a wound or injury.
  • the ECM or hydrogel is administered by any method known in the art, e.g., subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, or topical administration.
  • tissue lacking functional TSP2 is obtained by a method described herein.
  • cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise one or both of (a) a TSP2 knockout allele, and (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • the method enhances at least one biological response at the treatment site, as compared to a site administered a decellularized ECM originating from a tissue comprising functional TSP2, or compared to an untreated site.
  • the biological response at the treatment site is selected from the group consisting of cellular migration towards the treatment site, cellular invasion of the treatment site, vascular growth and maturation, innervation, angiogenesis, and wound repair.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle and the subject suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a muscle injury, a myopathy, a genetic myopathy, an inflammatory myopathy, an endocrine myopathy, a neuromuscular disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, multiple sclerosis, a muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, Limb Girdle muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Pompe’s Disease, Drop Head Syndrome (floppy head syndrome), multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP is cartilage and the subject suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, costochondritis, a fracture, lupus, Maffucci syndrome, osteoporosis, achondroplasia, conclusion, and herniation.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is bone and the subject -23- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a bone injury, a bone disorder, osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, osteonecrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, lupus, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, infection of bone or joint, Paget’s Disease of Bone, fibrous dysplasia, tobacco use, and weight loss surgery.
  • the subject of the method is a mammal, such as, but not limited to, a human, a non-human primate, a pig, a sheep, or a mouse.
  • the subject is a human.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 originates from a mammal, such as, but not limited to, a mouse, a pig, a non-human primate, and a human.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is autologous, allogeneic, or xenogeneic relative to the subject. In the case of allogeneic or xenogeneic tissue, the tissue may be genetically engineered to be more immunologically compatible with the subject.
  • the decellularized ECM is formulated with at least one therapeutic agent.
  • the method for promoting tissue regeneration further comprises administering a therapeutic agent, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent, to the subject.
  • Suitable therapeutic agents to be formulated with the decellularized ECM or administered separately from the decellularized ECM are known to those in the art and include, but are not limited to, an immunosuppressive agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimetabolite, an antibiotic, an antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine, a gene therapy, an immunomodulator, and any combination thereof.
  • the invention provides a method for tissue formation, the method comprising seeding a decellularized ECM of a tissue with one or more types of cells, wherein the tissue lacks TSP2.
  • the decellularized ECM is a scaffold for seeding the one or more types of cells therein.
  • the method is performed ex vivo, in vivo, or a combination thereof.
  • the method further comprises implanting the decellularized ECM seeded with the one or more types of cells in a subject, wherein the one or more cells populate the decellularized ECM to form tissue in vivo.
  • the method further comprises providing a growth condition sufficient for the one or more cells to populate the decellularized ECM.
  • the growth condition comprises growth factors in amounts sufficient for the one or more types of cells to grow and/or proliferate.
  • the invention provides an engineered tissue comprising a decellularized ECM of a tissue lacking TSP2 and having one or more types of cells grown and/or proliferated therein. -24- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201)
  • the tissue e.g., bone, cartilage, muscle
  • the tissue that lacks functional TSP2 can be a source of material that provides for a decellularized ECM prepared therefrom that lacks the functional TSP2.
  • hydrogels, scaffolds, and other materials lacking the functional TSP2 can be prepared from the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2.
  • the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2 and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2 are capable of promoting re-endothelialization.
  • the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2 are capable of promoting re- endothelialization by the recipient's vascular endothelial cells post-transplantation or implantation, or by autologous or allogeneic vascular endothelial cells seeded onto and/or therein prior to transplantation or implantation.
  • vascular endothelial cells which grow onto and/or therein the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2, provide an interface between the vascular endothelial cells and the recipient's immune surveillance mechanisms, for the purpose of avoiding thrombosis and preventing or minimizing rejection.
  • the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2 are less adhesive for blood glycoprotein von Willebrand Factor (vWF) as compared to a reference wild-type decellularized ECM having functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom having TSP2.
  • vWF blood glycoprotein von Willebrand Factor
  • the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2 support vascular endothelial cell colonization by promoting adhesion, regulating growth factor activity, and/or modulating protease activity, and/or by directly activating intracellular second messenger systems.
  • the decellularized ECM lacking the functional TSP2, and the hydrogels, scaffolds, and other material prepared therefrom that also lack the functional TSP2 are: (a) non-thrombogenic; (b) pro-angiogenic, pro-migratory (i.e. supportive of, and efficiently promoting re-endothelialization); and/or (c) nonimmunogenic (with respect to a recipient).
  • Methods of preparing decellularized ECM In other aspects, the present invention relates to methods of preparing a decellularized -25- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) ECM of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks TSP2.
  • the tissue is from a mammal.
  • the ECM is obtained from a mammalian tissue lacking functional TSP2.
  • the tissue is obtained from a mammal using methods known to those skilled in the art, such as cutting, excision, and/or shaving.
  • tissue can be derived from aggregates of cells, an organ, portions of an organ, or combinations of organs.
  • the tissue is isolated from a mammal, for example and without limitation, human, non-human primate, monkey, pig, cattle, sheep, and mouse.
  • the tissue is isolated from any tissue of a subject (e.g., mammal), for example and without limitation, muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle, connective, myocardium), bone, urinary bladder, liver, central nervous system (CNS), adipose tissue, small intestine, large intestine, colon, esophagus, pancreas, vascular tissue (e.g., artery, vein) and heart.
  • muscle e.g., skeletal muscle, connective, myocardium
  • CNS central nervous system
  • adipose tissue small intestine, large intestine, colon, esophagus, pancreas
  • vascular tissue e.g., artery, vein
  • the ECM is the natural substrate on which cells migrate, proliferate, and differentiate. These components are linked in such a way that the resulting structure is tri-dimensional scaffolding in vivo.
  • the decellularized ECM of the invention provides scaffolding, support and strength to cells grown on and/or therein, allowing those cells to differentiate and mediate physiologic responses. ECMs from different anatomic sites may vary in their ability to support and allow for proper differentiation of cells not from that respective anatomic site.
  • the decellularized ECM is of tissues derived from the same species as the recipient or from species known to in the art to have compatibility with the recipient.
  • the decellularized ECM originates from a tissue of an animal known to have compatibilities with humans such as, but not limited to, a primate or a pig.
  • the animal has been genetically engineered, such as a genetically engineered pig or primate, to be more compatible with the human recipient compared to the wild-type tissue.
  • Tissue lacking functional TSP2 Generation of a tissue lacking functional TSP2 can be accomplished in a number of ways. In some aspects, the absence of a functional TSP2 in the tissue may be achieved by a full or partial knock-out of the TSP2 gene in the tissue. Methods of gene knock-out are well known in the art. In some embodiments, knock-out can be accomplished through a variety of well-established molecular techniques.
  • individual stem cells are -26- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) genetically transfected with the DNA construct for the goal of creating a transgenic organism (e.g., mammal) that has the altered gene.
  • Embryonic stem cells are genetically transformed and inserted into early embryos.
  • the resulting transgenic animals with the genetic alteration in their germline cells then pass the knock-out to future generations.
  • a knock- out mouse refers to a mouse in which a gene or genes have been mutated such that the activity of the gene has been reduced or eliminated.
  • the TSP2 gene is knocked out in a genetically engineered organism such as a mouse or a pig.
  • the TSP2 gene is knocked down in a tissue using molecular techniques known in the art such as, but not limited to, RNA interference (RNAi), small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs). Knocked-down expression of TSP2 is useful for generation of tissue lacking functional TSP2 in organisms where knock- out of TSP2 is not usually possible or desired, e.g., in humans.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprises a TSP2 knockout genotype.
  • expression of TSP2 in the tissue has been knocked down.
  • expression of TSP2 is diminished when compared with wild type expression, and/or is eliminated altogether.
  • the characteristics of an ECM produced from a TSP2 knock- down are optimized and similar to those of an ECM produced from a TSP2 knock-out.
  • cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise one or both of the following: (a) a TSP2-null knockout allele; and (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • the TSP2 null knockout allele or suppressed TSP2 gene expression is obtained via a genetic engineering technique comprising a nuclease selected from the group consisting of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (CAS) nuclease, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and a zinc-finger nuclease.
  • CRISPR clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
  • CAS transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • TALEN transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • zinc-finger nuclease a zinc-finger nuclease.
  • cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise an inhibitory RNA molecule which suppresses TSP2 gene expression.
  • RNA interference RNA
  • shRNA short hairpin RNA
  • siRNA small interfering RNA
  • tasiRNA trans-acting siRNA
  • miRNA micro RNA
  • asRNA antisense RNA
  • lncRNA long noncoding RNA
  • crRNA CRISPR RNA
  • tracrRNA trans-activating crRNA
  • gRNA guide RNA
  • sgRNA single guide RNA
  • dsRNA double-stranded RNA
  • ribozyme any combination thereof.
  • the tissue is a muscle, a cartilage, a connective tissue, a tendon, a ligament, or a bone.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle, such as skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, or cardiac muscle.
  • -27- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is bone.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is cartilage.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is not skin.
  • Decellularizing tissue The tissue of this invention can be decellularized by methods known in the art. In one aspect, decellularization of the tissue is performed to prevent a pro-inflammatory response in the subject.
  • a decellularized ECM refers to ECM material that is decellularized to the extent that a pro-inflammatory response, and thus growth of fibrotic tissue, is not elicited to any substantial degree in favor of constructive remodeling.
  • decellularization of the tissue comprises treating the tissue with a decellularization solution comprising one or more of trypsin-EDTA, TRIS, triton, sodium deoxycholate (SDC), and the like.
  • the decellularization solution does not comprise sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).
  • the decellularized ECM as described herein retains activity of at least a portion of its structural and non-structural biomolecules, including, but not limited to, collagens, elastins, laminins, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, antimicrobials, chemoattractants, cytokines, and/or growth factors.
  • the activity of the biomolecules within the ECM can be removed chemically or mechanically, for example, by cross-linking and/or by dialyzing the ECM.
  • the decellularized ECM composition of this invention is cross-linked by addition of a chemical cross-linking agent.
  • the ECM materials described herein essentially have not been cross-linked and/or dialyzed.
  • the ECM material is not cross-linked and/or dialyzed in anything but a trivial manner which does not substantially affect the gelation and functional characteristics of the ECM material in its uses described herein.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle.
  • decellularizing the muscle tissue comprises treating the muscle at room temperature (RT) sequentially with (i) an aqueous trypsin-EDTA solution for about 5-7 hours; (ii) an aqueous H 2 O 2 solution for about 15 minutes; (iii) an aqueous Triton X-100 / EDTA / Tris solution for about 5-7 hours; (iv) a fresh aqueous Triton X-100 / EDTA / Tris solution for about 5-15 hours; and (v) an aqueous Triton X-100 / sodium deoxycholate (SDC) solution for about 5-7 hours.
  • RT room temperature
  • concentrations for the decellularization solutions include: (i) 0.25% trypsin-EDTA solution; (ii) 3% H 2 O 2 solution; (iii) 1% Triton X-100 / 0.26% EDTA / 0.69% Tris; (iv) 1% Triton X-100 / 0.26% EDTA / 0.69% Tris; and (v) 1% -28- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) Triton X-100 / 0.2% SDC.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is cartilage. Generally, prior to decellularization, the sample has skin and fat remnants removed.
  • the sample is then sterilized with ethanol, and oxidized with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Decellularlization comprises mixing the sample with 1% Triton solution/EDTA/Tris for about 36 hours. After, the sample is washed with ethanol/peracetic acid/ddH2O. Finally, the sample is incubated in FBS free culture media with 1% antibiotics overnight and then lyophilized.
  • the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is bone. Generally, the bone is sectioned to produce fragments. The bone is then demineralized to generate demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Bone demineralization can be achieved using any method known in the art.
  • the bone is demineralized under agitation, e.g., at about 300 rpm, in an aqueous acid solution at about RT for about 24 hours (i.e., about 20-28 hours).
  • the aqueous acid solution comprises about 0.5 N HCl (approximately 25 ml/g bone).
  • decellularizing the tissue comprises decellularizing the DBM.
  • decellularizing the DBM comprises incubating the DBM with agitation with an aqueous trypsin-EDTA solution at approximately 37 °C for about 24 hours (i.e., about 20-28 hours).
  • the decellularized ECM of this invention is formulated as sheet of material such as but not limited to STRATTICE TM or ALLODERM TM regenerative tissue matrix (Allergan, Dublin, Ireland).
  • the decellularized ECM is formulated as a hydrogel.
  • the tissue is muscle and the ECM is dried, such as by lyophilization, and then rehydrated to generate the hydrogel.
  • Suitable solutions for rehydrating the ECM include, but are not limited to, water, saline, phosphate-buffered saline.
  • the tissue is bone
  • the decellularized ECM is formed into a pre-gel by removing residual cellular materials and digesting with pepsin for about 96 hours (e.g., for about 84 to about 108 hours) at RT.
  • the pepsin digestion is stopped and the digested ECM pre-gel is incubated for about 1 hour at higher temperature, such as at approximately 37 °C, whereby the pre-gel forms into a hydrogel.
  • the hydrogel is produced from a -29- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) reverse gel (i.e., a pre-gel), which forms a hydrogel upon an increase in temperature. As the temperature rises above a certain temperature in a reverse gel, a hydrogel is formed.
  • the general concept of reverse gelation of polymers and, e.g., its relation to lower critical solution temperature (LCST) are broadly known in the chemical arts.
  • the ECM compositions described herein are prepared, for example, from decellularized or devitalized, intact ECM as described elsewhere herein.
  • An ECM gel is prepared by digestion of the ECM material with an acid protease, neutralization of the material to form a pre-gel, and then raising the temperature of the pre-gel above a gelation temperature, for example the LCST of the pre-gel, to cause the pre-gel to become a gel.
  • a gelation temperature for example the LCST of the pre-gel
  • the term “gel” includes hydrogels.
  • the transition temperature for acid-protease-digested from solution to gel is typically within the range of from about 10 °C to 40 °C and any increments or ranges therebetween, for example from about 20 °C to 35 °C.
  • the pre-gel can be warmed to about 37 °C to form a hydrogel.
  • the decellularlized ECM is formed into a hydrogel by weighing lyophilized tissues and then the tissues undergo CryomillTM or cryogenic grinding prior to digestion.
  • Tissue for preparation of ECM, ECM-derived pre-gel solutions, and gels as described herein may be harvested in any useful manner.
  • Decellularized or devitalized ECM can be dried, either lyophilized (freeze-dried) or air dried.
  • the ECM composition is optionally comminuted at some point, for example prior to acid protease digestion in preparation of an ECM gel, for example prior to or after drying.
  • the decellularized TSP2-null ECM of the invention is comminuted.
  • the comminuted ECM can also be further processed into a powdered form by methods, for example and without limitation, such as grinding or milling in a frozen or freeze-dried state.
  • the ECM is digested with an acid protease in an acidic solution to form a digest solution.
  • acid protease refers to an enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds, wherein the enzyme has increased activity of cleaving peptide bonds in an acidic pH.
  • acid proteases include pepsin and trypsin and mixtures thereof.
  • the digest solution of ECM is kept at a constant stir for a certain amount of time at room temperature.
  • the pH is maintained at less than pH 4.0 or at pH 2.0 ⁇ 0.3 during acid protease digestion of the decellularized tissue as described herein.
  • the ECM digest can be used immediately or can be stored at -20 °C or frozen at, for example and without limitation, -20 °C or -80 °C.
  • the ECM digest is snap -30- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) frozen in liquid nitrogen.
  • the pH of the digest solution is raised to a pH between 6.8 and 7.8.
  • the pH can be raised by adding one or more of a base or an isotonic buffered solution, for example and without limitation, NaOH or PBS at pH 7.4.
  • a base or an isotonic buffered solution for example and without limitation, NaOH or PBS at pH 7.4.
  • the pre-gel solution is freeze dried and stored at -20 °C or -80 °C until needed.
  • the method optionally does not include a dialysis step prior to gelation, yielding a more complete ECM-like matrix that typically gels at 37 °C more slowly than comparable collagen or dialyzed ECM preparations.
  • the gel therefore retains more of the qualities of native ECM due to retention of many native soluble factors, such as, without limitation, cytokines.
  • the ECM is dialyzed prior to gelation to remove certain soluble components.
  • isotonic buffered solution refers to a solution that is buffered to a pH between 6.8 and 7.8, e.g., pH 7.4, and that has a balanced concentration of salts to promote an isotonic environment.
  • base refers to any compound or a solution of a compound with a pH greater than 7.
  • the base is an alkaline hydroxide or an aqueous solution of an alkaline hydroxide.
  • the base is NaOH, or NaOH in PBS.
  • This “pre-gel” solution can, at that point be incubated at a suitably warm temperature, for example and without limitation, at about 37 °C to gel.
  • the ECM may be partially or completely digested with the acid protease, such as pepsin.
  • the digested ECM is then neutralized to a pH of 6.8-7.8, e.g., 7.2-7.6, or 7.4 and the neutralized and digested ECM material is gelled by incubation at a temperature at which the material gels, e.g., at a temperature above 20, 25, 30, or 35 °C, such as at 37°.
  • the degree of digestion can be determined by comparison on a gel, or by ascertaining the degree of degradation of hyaluronic acid, for example by Western blot (anti-hyaluronic acid antibodies are commercially-available from multiple sources) or chromatographic methods, as are broadly known. For example in a partial digestion, hyaluronic acid is digested less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20% or 10%.
  • compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treatment of mammals, and particularly humans.
  • the mammal is immune compromised, suffers from an autoimmune disease, has or will have transplant, or suffers from a condition with high risk for wounds.
  • the mammal suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of: diabetes, hernia, -31- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) mastectomy, peripheral vascular disease, and neuropathy.
  • the mammal is in need for regenerative medicine to replace or repair a tissue or organ that has been damaged by a disease, a trauma or a congenital issue (such as, but not limited to, empty nose syndrome).
  • compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for aesthetic purposes.
  • Combination Therapies The decellularized ECM described herein is also useful when combined with at least one additional compound.
  • the additional compound may comprise commercially available compounds known to treat, prevent, or reduce the symptoms associated with graft transplants or implantation of a device into a subject.
  • the present invention contemplates that the decellularized ECM of the invention may be used in combination with a therapeutic agent such as an immunosuppressive agent.
  • immunosuppressive agents known in the art are cyclosporine, azathioprine, everolimus and glucocorticoids, mycophenolic acid, fingolimod.
  • the present invention provides the decellularized ECM of the invention as a delivery vehicle for one or more active pharmaceutical agents or drugs.
  • the decellularized ECM of the invention further comprises at least one active pharmaceutical agent selected from the group consisting of a Rac1 inhibitor, a NFKB inhibitor, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, a RhoA inhibitor, a growth factor (including, but not limited to, VEGF, PDGF and BMP-2), Fasudil, Ripasudil, antibiotics, immune modulators (including, but not limited to, IL-4, IL-33 and IL-10), an anti-inflammatory (including, but not limited to, glucocorticoids and NSAIDs), a cytokine and oligonucleotides (including, but not limited to, siRNA, shRNA, plasmid DNA, and/or virus for gene therapy).
  • active pharmaceutical agent selected from the group consisting of a Rac1 inhibitor, a NFKB inhibitor, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, a RhoA inhibitor, a growth factor (including, but not limited to, VEGF, PDGF and BMP-2), Fasudil, Ripasudi
  • the at least one active pharmaceutical agent is an anti-inflammatory drug that influences the response of macrophages, such as, but not limited to BAY-11.
  • the at least one pharmaceutical agent is selected from the group consisting of CAS 1177865-17-6, SB 202190 SB203580, RKI-1447, and Y-27632.
  • Pharmaceutical Compositions and Formulations The invention includes the use of a pharmaceutical composition combined with the -32- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) decellularized ECM preparation as described herein for use in the methods of the invention.
  • the invention also includes the use of a pharmaceutical composition combined with the hydrogel formulations as described herein for use in the methods of the invention.
  • the method for promoting tissue regeneration further comprises administering a therapeutic agent, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent, to the subject.
  • the method for promoting tissue regeneration further comprises administering a therapeutic agent, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent, to the subject.
  • Suitable therapeutic agents to be formulated with the ECM or administered separately from the ECM are known to those in the art and include, but are not limited to, an immunosuppressive agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimetabolite, an antibiotic, an antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine, a gene therapy, an immunomodulator, and any combination thereof.
  • Such a pharmaceutical composition is in a form suitable for administration to a subject, or the pharmaceutical composition may further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, one or more additional ingredients, or some combination of these.
  • the various components of the pharmaceutical composition may be present in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt, such as in combination with a physiologically acceptable cation or anion, as is well known in the art.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions useful for practicing the method of the invention may be administered to deliver a dose of between 1 ng/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions useful for practicing the invention may be administered to deliver a dose of between 1 ng/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day.
  • compositions of the invention will vary, depending upon the identity, size, and condition of the subject treated and further depending upon the route by which the composition is to be administered.
  • the composition may comprise between 0.1% and 100% (w/w) active ingredient.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions that are useful in the methods of the invention may be suitably developed for inhalational, oral, rectal, vaginal, parenteral, topical, transdermal, pulmonary, intranasal, buccal, ophthalmic, intrathecal, intravenous or another route of administration.
  • contemplated formulations include projected nanoparticles, liposomal preparations, resealed erythrocytes containing the active ingredient, and immunologically- based formulations.
  • the route(s) of administration is readily apparent to the skilled artisan and depends upon any number of factors including the type and severity of the disease or -33- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) wound being treated, the type and age of the veterinary or human patient being treated, and the like.
  • the formulations of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be prepared by any method known or hereafter developed in the art of pharmacology.
  • such preparatory methods include the step of bringing the active ingredient into association with a carrier or one or more other accessory ingredients, and then, if necessary or desirable, shaping or packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose unit.
  • a “unit dose” is a discrete amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising a predetermined amount of the active ingredient.
  • the amount of the active ingredient is generally equal to the dosage of the active ingredient that would be administered to a subject or a convenient fraction of such a dosage such as, for example, one-half or one- third of such a dosage.
  • the unit dosage form may be for a single daily dose or one of multiple daily doses (e.g., about 1 to 4 or more times per day).
  • the unit dosage form may be the same or different for each dose.
  • pharmaceutical compositions suitable for ethical administration to humans it is understood by the skilled artisan that such compositions are generally suitable for administration to animals of all sorts. Modification of pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to humans in order to render the compositions suitable for administration to various animals is well understood, and the ordinarily skilled veterinary pharmacologist can design and perform such modification with merely ordinary, if any, experimentation.
  • Subjects to which administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is contemplated include, but are not limited to, humans and other primates, mammals including commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, cats, and dogs.
  • compositions are formulated using one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, glycerol, water, saline, ethanol and other pharmaceutically acceptable salt solutions such as phosphates and salts of organic acids. Examples of these and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are described in Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1991, Mack Publication Co., New Jersey.
  • the carrier may be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils.
  • the proper fluidity may be -34- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms may be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, sodium chloride, or polyalcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol, in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions may be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate or gelatin.
  • Formulations may be employed in admixtures with conventional excipients, i.e., pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic carrier substances suitable for oral, parenteral, nasal, intravenous, subcutaneous, enteral, or any other suitable mode of administration, known to the art.
  • the pharmaceutical preparations may be sterilized and if desired mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure buffers, coloring, flavoring and/or aromatic substances and the like.
  • the composition of the invention may comprise a preservative from about 0.005% to 2.0% by total weight of the composition.
  • the preservative is used to prevent spoilage in the case of exposure to contaminants in the environment.
  • a particularly preferred preservative is a combination of about 0.5% to 2.0% benzyl alcohol and 0.05% to 0.5% sorbic acid.
  • the composition preferably includes an antioxidant and a chelating agent which inhibits the degradation of the compound.
  • Preferred antioxidants for some compounds are BHT, BHA, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in the preferred range of about 0.01% to 0.3% and more preferably BHT in the range of 0.03% to 0.1% by weight by total weight of the composition.
  • the chelating agent is present in an amount of from 0.01% to 0.5% by weight by total weight of the composition.
  • Particularly preferred chelating agents include edetate salts (e.g. disodium edetate) and citric acid in the weight range of about 0.01% to 0.20% and more preferably in the range of 0.02% to 0.10% by weight by total weight of the composition.
  • the chelating agent is useful for chelating metal ions in the composition which may be detrimental to the shelf life of the formulation.
  • kits comprising the decellularized ECM or composition comprising the decellularized ECM described herein.
  • a kit comprises suitable packaging material and the ECM or composition.
  • the kit comprises a decellularized ECM formulated as a sheet of material (e.g.
  • STRATTICE TM or ALLODERM TM or a digested decellularized ECM solution in a vessel, which may be the packaging, or which may be contained within packaging.
  • the sheet of material or digest solution may be frozen, cooled; e.g., kept at near-freezing temperatures, such as, without limitation, below about 4 °C or kept at room temperature, e.g., 20-25 °C.
  • the kit comprises a first vessel containing an acidic solution comprising a pre-neutralization digest as described elsewhere herein, and a second vessel comprising a neutralizing solution comprising a base and/or buffer(s) to bring the acidic solution of the first vessel to physiological ionic strength and pH, to form a neutralized digest.
  • the first vessel contains a terminally sterilized, lyophilized, pre-neutralization digest that can be hydrated using water or a suitable aqueous solution that optionally neutralizes the acid.
  • a second vessel is optionally provided comprising a neutralization solution as described above that is capable of both hydrating the lyophilized product and neutralizing it, or optionally a third vessel comprising water or any other suitable solution useful in hydrating the lyophilized product prior to neutralization with the neutralization solution.
  • This kit also optionally comprises a mixing needle and/or a cold-pack.
  • the vessel may be a vial, syringe, tube or any other container suitable for storage and transfer in commercial distribution routes of the kit.
  • Administration/Dosing The regimen of administration may affect what constitutes an effective amount. Several divided dosages, as well as staggered dosages may be administered daily or sequentially, or the dose may be continuously infused, or may be a bolus injection.
  • compositions described herein find use as, without limitation, an injectable graft (e.g., xenogeneic, allogeneic or autologous) for tissues, for example, bone or soft tissues, in -36- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) need of repair or augmentation most typically to correct a wound, a trauma or disease- induced tissue defects.
  • the compositions also may be used as a filler for implant constructs comprising, for example, a molded construct formed into a desired shape for use in cosmetic or trauma-treating surgical procedures.
  • compositions of the present invention may be carried out using known procedures, at dosages and for periods of time effective to treat the patient.
  • An effective amount of the therapeutic compound necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect may vary according to factors such as the activity of the particular compound employed; the time of administration; the rate of excretion of the compound; the duration of the treatment; other drugs, compounds or materials used in combination with the compound; the state of the disease or disorder, age, sex, weight, condition, general health and prior medical history of the patient being treated, and like factors well-known in the medical arts. Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum therapeutic response.
  • an effective dose range for a therapeutic compound of the invention is from about 0.01 and 50 mg/kg of body weight/per day.
  • the compound can be administered to an animal as frequently as several times daily, or it may be administered less frequently, such as once a day, once a week, once every two weeks, once a month, or even less frequently, such as once every several months or even once a year or less.
  • the amount of compound dosed per day may be administered, in non-limiting examples, every day, every other day, every 2 days, every 3 days, every 4 days, or every 5 days.
  • a 5 mg per day dose may be initiated on Monday with a first subsequent 5 mg per day dose administered on Wednesday, a second subsequent 5 mg per day dose administered on Friday, and so on.
  • the frequency of the dose is readily apparent to the skilled artisan and depends upon any number of factors, such as, but not limited to, the type and severity of the disease being treated, and the type and age of the animal.
  • Actual dosage levels of the active ingredients in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be varied so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the -37- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) patient.
  • a medical doctor e.g., physician or veterinarian, having ordinary skill in the art may readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition required.
  • the physician or veterinarian could start doses of the compounds of the invention employed in the pharmaceutical composition at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.
  • Dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the patients to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of therapeutic compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical vehicle.
  • the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the therapeutic compound and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding/formulating such a therapeutic compound for the treatment of wound in a patient.
  • Routes of Administration One skilled in the art will recognize that although more than one route can be used for administration, a particular route can provide a more immediate and more effective reaction than another route.
  • compositions of the invention include parenteral, sublingual, transdermal, transmucosal (e.g., sublingual, lingual, (trans)buccal, (trans)urethral, vaginal (e.g., trans- and perivaginally), (intra)nasal, and (trans)rectal), intravesical, intrapulmonary, intraduodenal, intragastrical, intrathecal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, intradermal, intra-arterial, intravenous, intrabronchial, inhalation, and topical administration.
  • Suitable compositions and dosage forms include, for example, sheets of material (e.g.
  • STRATTICE TM or ALLODERM TM or hydrogels that could be sutured into wounds or used as supporting meshes/slings, tablets, capsules, caplets, pills, gel caps, troches, dispersions, suspensions, solutions, syrups, granules, beads, transdermal patches, gels, powders, pellets, magmas, lozenges, creams, pastes, plasters, lotions, discs, suppositories, liquid sprays for nasal or oral administration, dry powder or aerosolized formulations for inhalation, compositions and formulations for intravesical administration and the like.
  • the formulations and compositions that would be useful in the present invention are not limited to the particular formulations and compositions -38- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) that are described herein.
  • the decellularized ECM formulation such as a sheet of material (e.g. STRATTICE TM or ALLODERM TM ) or a hydrogel, may be implanted into a patient, human or animal, by a number of known methods.
  • the ECM or ECM formulation is injected as a liquid into a desired site in the patient.
  • the term “seed,” “seeding,” or “seeded” refers to the addition, incorporation, propagation of, or spreading of a defined volume of a cell suspension or a defined cell number into a specific composition.
  • the composition may be pre-seeded with cells, and then preferably injected using a larger-bore, e.g.16 gauge needle, to prevent shearing of cells.
  • the composition is gelled within a mold (e.g. a silicone mold) or formulated as a hydrogel, and the gelled, molded product or the hydrogel product is then implanted into the patient at a desired site.
  • the gelled, molded product may be pre-seeded (laid onto the molded gel or mixed in during gelation) with cells, such as cells of the patient.
  • the administration of the decellularized ECM or ECM hydrogel is at least one selected from the group consisting of subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, and topical.
  • the composition of the invention is injected, seeded or surgically implanted to the region to be treated.
  • the composition of the invention is applied to a bandage or dressing, which is then applied to the wound or treatment site of a subject.
  • a dressing is soaked in a liquid solution or liquid suspension comprising decellularized ECM or ECM hydrogel.
  • an ointment comprising decellularized ECM is applied to a surface of a dressing or bandage.
  • the decellularized ECM or ECM hydrogel is incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation including topical ointments, creams, aerosol sprays, and the like.
  • the administration route is a continuous subcutaneous administration for at least 2 days.
  • the administration route is a continuous subcutaneous administration for at least 20 days.
  • the administration route is a continuous subcutaneous administration for at least 30 days.
  • Example 1 Preparation and characterization of ECM hydrogels originating from skeletal muscle Materials and methods Isolation and Decellularization of Muscle. All procedures involving animal use were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Yale University and abided by the regulations adopted by the National Institutes of Health.12-14-week-old mice on a C57BL/6J background or TSP2-null (“TSP2KO”) mice were executed by inhalation of overdose CO 2 and muscles were subsequently harvested.
  • TSP2KO TSP2-null
  • FIG.1A Secondly, the working concentration of these agents were adjusted to the minimum limit (FIG.1A). Meanwhile, to balance the effective decellularization with the protection of various proteins in ECM, a ‘cocktail decellularization method’ was used in this study. Specifically, various decellularization reagents were arranged and combined in the decellularization process (FIG.1A). After using this method, the various proteins remained in the ECM (FIG.1D). After the muscles were washed with ddH 2 O, they were incubated for 6 h in 0.25% Trypsin-EDTA (Gibco), followed by washes in ddH 2 O three times for 15 min.
  • Muscles were incubated in 70% ethanol for 12 h and 3% H 2 O 2 (J.T. Baker) for 15 min, followed by two 15 min washes in ddH 2 O. They were then incubated in 1% Triton X-100 (American Bioanalytical) in 0.26% Tris (American Bioanalytical)/0.69% EDTA (Sigma) for 6 h and then overnight. They were incubated for 6 h in 1% Triton X-100 /0.2% Sodium deoxycholate (SDC, Sigma) and terminally sterilized in 0.1% peracetic acid (Sigma) in 4% ethanol for 2 h. Finally, they were washed in ddH 2 O six times for 15 min each.
  • ECM-derived hydrogels buffered and solubilized ECM was diluted to a final concentration of 10 mg/mL with PBS to form the pre-gel solution and stored on ice until use. Quantitative Detection of DNA and Protein Content.
  • the DNA of the fresh muscle, ECM and hydrogel derived from muscle was extracted using a DNeasy® Kit (QIAGEN), respectively.
  • the membranes were incubated for 1 hour at 37 °C with secondary antibody conjugated with the fluorescent label (a21109, Invitrogen) diluted 1:1000 in TBST. Finally, the membranes were washed with TBST six times and observed by Infrared Imaging System (Licor Odyssey CLx). Morphology and Mechanical Properties of the Hydrogels. The SEM images were employed to assess the microstructure for the two hydrogel types. Firstly, the hydrogels were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde. The specimens were then dehydrated for roughly 15 minutes respectively to adjust for their concentration gradient (i.e., 30, 50, 70, 90 and 100% ethanol).
  • the proliferation was analyzed every day for 5 days using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8, ab228554, Abcam). Accompanied to the CCK-8 test, the cells were fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA, J.T. Baker), and then stained with DAPI (Invitrogen) and rhodamine-phalloidin (Invitrogen). A total of 1 ⁇ 10 5 C2C12 cells were seeded and cultured on a 10 mg/mL WT or TSP2KO hydrogel for 2 and 4 hours in a 48-well culture plate. A total of 1 ⁇ 10 5 NIH3T3 cells were seeded and cultured on a 2 mg/mL WT or TSP2KO hydrogel for 2 hours.
  • the hydrogels were rinsed with PBS to remove the unattached cells, and then the specimens were fixed, dehydrated. After drying and coated with Iridium, SEM was used to exam the specimens.
  • an in vitro assay was used to compare cell invasion through WT and TSP2KO hydrogel. Briefly, 10 mg/mL pre-gel was added into the top chamber of a Transwell (Corning) and placed in an incubator at 37 °C for 1h. After the gel formed, 5 ⁇ 10 4 C2C12 cells in 100 ⁇ L serum-free media were seeded into the top chamber of a Transwell.
  • the cell culture media with 10% FBS was added below the Transwells, and cells could migrate at 37 °C for 6, 8, 12, 48 and 72h, respectively.
  • a total of 5 ⁇ 10 4 NIH3T3 cells were seeded and cultured on the 2 mg/mL hydrogels at 37 °C for 4 and 12h according to the above method. After that, the samples were washed to remove the unattached cells and then were fixed with z-fix overnight. A 70% ethanol solution was used to exchange the z-fix and the samples were embedded in paraffin for sectioning. The sections were stained with H&E according to standard protocols.
  • iBMM Murine immortalized bone marrow macrophages
  • the bottom of the 6-well culture plate was coated with hydrogel firstly. Macrophages at a density of 2 ⁇ 10 5 /well were cultured on the WT and TSP2KO hydrogel for 3, 7 and 14 days, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize the morphology of the macrophages. Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of CD86, IL-1 ⁇ , Tnf ⁇ , Tgf ⁇ , IL-10, and Arg1. Gapdh was used as an internal control. RT-qPCR primers are shown in Table 1.
  • RT-qPCR primers Gene Primers CD86 5’- TCAATGGGACTGCATATCTGCC -3’(F) (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5’- GCCAAAATACTACCAGCTCACT -3’(R) (SEQ ID NO: 2) I L-1 ⁇ 5’- CAACCAACAAGTGATATTCTCC -3’(F) (SEQ ID NO: 3) 5’- GATCCACACTCTCCAGCTGCA -3’(R) (SEQ ID NO: 4) T nf ⁇ 5’- CATCTTCTCAAAATTCGAGTGACAA -3’(F) (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5’- TGGGAGTAGACAAGGTACAAC -3’(R) (SEQ ID NO: 6) T gf ⁇ 5’- TGACGTCACTGGAGTTGTACGG -3’(F) (SEQ ID NO: 7) 5’- GGTTCATGTCATGGATGGTGC -3’(R) (SEQ ID NO: 8) IL-10
  • Buprenorphine (0.05-0.1 mg/kg) and Rimadyl (5.0 mg/kg) were administered. After surgery for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days, animals were euthanized, and the specimens were excised and prepared for H&E and Trichrome staining.
  • samples were analyzed via immunohistochemistry with anti-Laminin (1:200, ab11575, Abcam), anti- Vimentin (1:500, AB5733, EMD Millipore), anti-F4/80 (1:200, NB600-404SS, Novus), anti- CD3e (1:200, 553058, BD Pharma), anti-CD31 (1:50, AF3628, R&D Systems), anti- ⁇ SMA (1:50, AF3628, R&D Systems) and anti-Neurofilament H (1:200, AB1989, EMD Millipore) antibodies.
  • mice were acclimatized to running on a Columbus Instruments Exer3/6 treadmill twice a week for two weeks. For all functional analyses, tests were performed in all groups at the same time of day as well as same day of the week for standardization purposes. Mice were unrestricted in terms of activity post- surgery. Analyses were performed 4 days pre-op and at 3, 7, 14, and 28 post-op. For the maximal speed test, mice ran at 5 m/min for 5 min, after which the speed was increased by 1 m/min every minute. A low voltage was applied to a grate at the end of the treadmill to encourage the mice to continue running for the duration.
  • mice were run to exhaustion, defined as when the mouse stayed on the pulsed shock grid for a continuous 30 seconds and was unresponsive to three hand brushes.
  • the max speed was recorded as the max speed attained prior to exhaustion.
  • the assessment of voluntary ambulation in a mouse model is a non-invasive and reproducible activity assay such as the 6-minute walk test and related mobility scores.
  • a six- minute video of a mouse voluntarily moving around its cage, which was performed in a quiet, temperature-controlled room.
  • Adobe Premier Rush is the program used to ensure each video was exactly 6 minutes in length.
  • a video analysis software (Kinovea) was used to track the mice in the ambulation test field and quantify the distance traveled.
  • Statistical Analysis Data are expressed as mean ⁇ standard error of the mean (SEM).
  • FIG.1B H&E and Masson’s trichrome
  • FIG. 1C DNA content
  • FIG. 1D-1F protein content
  • Histological analysis revealed the lack of cells and this was supported by the low DNA content in decellularized ECM and hydrogels.
  • WT and TSP2KO hydrogels contained (2.14 ⁇ 0.99 ng/mg) and (2.54 ⁇ 1.41 ng/mg), respectively, which is far below the suggested threshold of 50 ng DNA/mg ECM for decellularized constructs.
  • proteomic analysis identified 10 extracellular matrix proteins that were differentially expressed between WT and TSP2KO muscle ECM (FIGs.1K-1M). The majority of these were collagen-related proteins (FIG.1K). Specifically, Col2a1 and Col11a2 were highly expressed in the KO samples while Col3a1, Col4a4, Col5a1, and Col5a2 were lower (*p ⁇ 0.05, FIG.1K, FIG.1M). However, the major structural proteins like Collagen type I showed similar expression level between the two genotypes (FIGs.1K- 1M). Prepared hydrogels were also visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as shown in FIG.1G.
  • SEM scanning electron microscopy
  • TSP2KO hydrogels contained collagen fibrils that were equal to WT in diameter but displayed greater curvature (FIGs.1H-1I). Finally, rheology showed that TSP2KO hydrogels had altered biomechanical properties with a lower storage modulus (FIG.1J). Cell interactions with muscle ECM hydrogels. To assess the ability of hydrogels to support cell functions relevant to responses to injury, the morphology, proliferation and migration of C2C12 on WT or TSP2KO hydrogels (10 mg/ml) was analyzed. No differences in proliferation were detected (FIGs.2E-2F).
  • FIG.2A-2B SEM visualization and image analysis revealed that C2C12 cells spread faster on TSP2KO hydrogels and by 4 hrs displayed larger cell area and perimeter and were less circular and more elongated in shape.
  • FIG.2C Cell migration was investigated in a modified transwell assay where C2C12 were placed on pre-formed hydrogels and their invasion into the hydrogels was measured up to 72 hrs by histological analysis as shown in FIG.2C. Measurements revealed greater invasion of C2C12 cells into TSP2KO hydrogels after 72 hrs (FIG.2D).
  • NIH3T3 cells was utilized as a suitable fibroblast cell type.
  • HUVEC endothelial cells
  • macrophages murine immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages
  • iBMM cultured on either WT or TSP2KO hydrogels for up to 14 days exhibited similar densities and morphology (FIG.3F).
  • Possible activation and polarization of macrophages during the culture period was monitored by analyzing the expression of key cytokines and growth factors (CD86, IL-1E, TNF, TGF-E, IL-10, and Arg-1) by qRT-PCR and was found to be similar (FIG.3G).
  • ECM solutions were prepared and injected SC into mice to form hydrogels in situ, which were retrieved 5 or 10 days later. Histological evaluation following H&E stain of hydrogel sections revealed the progressive decrease in hydrogel area with the TSP2KO hydrogels displaying more elongated shape (FIGs.4A-4B). In addition, more cells were observed within TSP2KO hydrogels at day 5 (FIG.4C). The samples subcutaneously implanted in the mice were visualized by H&E staining 10 days post implantation (FIG.4D).
  • Immunochemical staining (Neurofilament H) indicated that the TSP2KO hydrogel had nerves present 10 days after subcutaneous injection in mice but no nerves were present in the WT hydrogel (FIG.4E).
  • Immunochemical staining ( ⁇ -SMA and CD31) indicated that the TSP2KO hydrogel had blood vessels present 10 days after subcutaneous injection in mice (FIG.4F).
  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to identify vimentin-positive cells as well as macrophages (F4/80 Ab) and T-cells (pan T-cell CD3e Ab) (FIG.4G).
  • TSP2KO hydrogels contained higher number of vimentin-positive cells (day 5 and 10) and T-cells (day 5) (FIG.4H). No differences in the number of macrophages were observed, which is consistent with the in vitro observations.
  • -47- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201)
  • Histological examination suggested an angiogenic response within TSP2KO but not WT hydrogels and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect newly formed blood vessels. Specifically, d 10 sections were stained with antibodies to CD31 and D-SMA to detect endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, respectively.
  • a VML model was created to evaluate muscle hydrogel function following surgical injury. Specifically, WT or TSP2KO preformed hydrogels were placed in a surgical defect and then the muscle and skin were sutured as shown in FIG.5A. Tissue samples were obtained on day 3, 14 or 28 post injury and analyzed via Trichrome staining (FIGs.5B-5C). Hydrogel area (blue stain) was measured using Image J and was found to be decreased at d 14 in the case of the TSP2KO (FIG.5D). Samples were also stained with H&E, which suggested that TSP2KO hydrogels contained more cells at d 3. In addition, immunohistochemical detection of laminin revealed remodeling of the hydrogels with increased deposition at d 14.
  • TSP2KO hydrogels show the enhanced presence of vimentin-positive cells (mesenchymal lineage, fibroblasts) in TSP2KO hydrogels (FIG. 5B, FIG.5E). TSP2KO hydrogels also contained less macrophages at d 14, while no difference in the number of CD3e-positive (Pan T cells) was observed (FIG.5B and FIGs. 5F-5G).
  • samples were stained with CD31 and ⁇ -SMA Abs to analyze newly formed blood vessels and neurofilament H Ab to detect innervation.
  • monitoring of voluntary ambulation revealed that mice treated with TSP2KO hydrogel covered a greater distance at day 3 post-op.
  • mice treated with TSP2KO hydrogel induce more robust muscle regeneration allowing them to achieve greater ambulation distance and maximum speed.
  • the preparation process for muscle-derived ECM hydrogel and in vivo and in vitro applications thereof is summarized in FIG.7.
  • mouse muscle-derived TSP2KO ECM hydrogel demonstrated a more curved fibril structure and unique biomechanical properties.
  • the TSP2KO hydrogel when compared to WT hydrogel, allowed enhanced invasion of C2C12 myocytes and chord formation by endothelial cells and was better able to support C2C12 and NIH3T3 cell adhesion and invasion, HUVEC in vitro tube formation, and in vivo microvascular and nerve formation.
  • mice treated with TSP2KO ECM hydrogels were better protected from muscle dysfunction following VML surgery.
  • muscle-derived TSP2KO ECM hydrogels can induce greater regeneration in the VML model compared to WT ECM hydrogel.
  • VML overwhelms regenerative processes leading to limited repair; thus, utilization of the VML model allowed rigorous evaluation of the hydrogel’s therapeutic potential.
  • the TSP2KO ECM hydrogel was demonstrated herein to be biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of encouraging cell growth, enhanced cell invasion and incorporation with surrounding tissue including formation of new vessels and peripheral nerves in the VML model.
  • WT ECM hydrogel the TSP2KO ECM hydrogel induced greater recruitment of repair cells, innervation, and blood vessel formation and reduced inflammation.
  • mice treated with TSP2KO hydrogel exhibited a blunted response to injury and ran at greater maximum speed.
  • TSP2KO hydrogels induce muscle regeneration in a VML model.
  • Example 2 Preparation and characterization of ECM hydrogels originating from bone
  • Preparation of bone-derived ECM hydrogels was performed according to the following steps: (i) mice bones were isolated from WT and TSP2KO mice; (ii) the bones were sectioned to produce fragments; (iii) the granules were demineralized under agitation at 300 rpm in 0.5 N HCl (25 ml/g bone) at RT for 24 h; (iv) the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was decellularized in 0.05% trypsin and 0.02% EDTA at 37 °C and 5% CO2 under continuous agitation for 24 .
  • DBM demineralized bone matrix
  • the images were quantified for the mouse (FIG. 9D) and human (FIG. 9F) MSCs for the area, perimeter, circularity, and elongation index (one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD test, n 50 cells, *p ⁇ 0.05, **p ⁇ 0.01, ***p ⁇ 0.001).
  • mice were stained with DAPI (blue), and the cytoskeleton was stained with rhodamine-phalloidin (red).
  • mouse and human MSC invasion on the WT and TSP2KO bone-derived ECM hydrogels was assessed. A transwell was coated with pre-gel and incubated at 37°C for 30 min.
  • FIG.11A 50 K mouse MSCs (FIG.11A) or 50 K human MSCs (FIG.11B) were seeded on each gel and cultured for 1 and 3 days. The samples were washed to remove the unattached cells and then were fixed with z-fix overnight. A 70% ethanol solution was used to exchange the z-fix and the samples were embedded in paraffin for sectioning. The sections were stained with H&E according to standard protocols. Mouse MSC (FIG. 11C) and human MSC (FIG. 11D) invasion distance were calculated by Image J and it was determined that each group had 72 cells at 24 cells per sample.
  • Mouse and human MSCs invasion was also assessed on 2 mg/mL bone-derived ECM hydrogels. A transwell was coated with pre-gel and incubated at 37°C for 30 min. 50k human MSCs were seeded on each 2mg/ml gel and cultured for 4 and 12h, respectively. The samples were washed, fixed and stained with H&E (FIG. 12B).
  • the frequency distribution of mouse MSC and human MSC invasion distance in the hydrogels was indicated by the H&E staining (FIG.12A).
  • HUVEC tube formation on the WT and TSP2KO bone-derived ECM hydrogels was assessed.10 K HUVECs were seeded on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels and cultured for 24 hours. The nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue), and the cytoskeleton was stained with rhodamine-phalloidin (red) (FIG.11E).
  • both WT and TSP2KO hydrogels were beneficial for osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, as demonstrated by Western blots (FIG.13B and FIG.13D) and fluorescence imaging (FIG.13E and FIG.13F) of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) expression in lysates collected 3-, 7- and 14-day post-culturing on WT and TSP2KO hydrogels.
  • the RT-qPCR primers are shown in Table 2.
  • Example 3 Decellularized ECM Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair
  • Cartilage is roughly classified into three types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage and -53- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) elastic cartilage. All three possess common features (e.g. chondrocytes inside lacuna chambers). However, they have different ECM composition and organization.
  • Hyaline cartilage is also known as articular cartilage since it often appears in joints. It is smooth in appearance, yet flexible and strong. Fibrocartilage is most commonly found in intervertebral disks and knee meniscus.
  • FIG. 19 shows distribution and structural differences of different cartilage types.
  • Major components of all cartilage types include collagen type II, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Since all contain adequate amount of proteins, hydrogels can be derived from the three types of cartilage for comparison of their properties.
  • Decellularized ECM (dECM) hydrogel is a novel biomaterial system that will be explored in this project.
  • dECM hydrogel is more biocompatible, biodegradable, and can promote tissue regeneration.
  • Cartilage dECM scaffolds have been fabricated, as reported in recent studies, with different approaches.
  • dECM can be digested with acetic acid and crushed into an ice bath to fabricate a gel-like bioink.
  • dECM can be digested with HCl, neutralized, and crosslinked at 37°C to form a hydrogel.
  • cartilage dECM scaffolds could be loaded with external components and induce regeneration in vivo.
  • TSP2 matricellular protein
  • TSP2 is known to participate in various molecular pathways. Its role in promoting chondrogenesis and inhibiting bone formation has been suggested in previous studies.
  • TSP2 is secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) and retroactively inhibits bmMSC proliferation.
  • bmMSCs bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
  • Recent studies have reported the supportive role of TSP2 in chondrogenesis by signaling to progenitor cells, which induces their differentiation via a range of pathways.
  • TSP2-knock-out (TSP2-KO, or TKO) genotype is associated with increased endosteal and corticol bone formation because of increased osteoblast differentiation. Despite this enhancement, TKO mice exhibit reduced osteoclast activity and chondrogenic marker expression. This is accompanied by more bone and less cartilage formation post fracture. It has been suggested that TKO induces vascularization in the fracture niche, inhibiting Hypoxia- -54- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) Inducible Factor (HIF) while promoting an oxygen-rich environment that favors progenitor differentiation into osteoblasts. TSP2 is also known to have prominent effect in ECM structure and organization.
  • TKO mice In ECM from different tissues, the TKO genotype is associated with increased proteolytic activity by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), increased tissue flexibility, and irregular organization of collagen fibrils. As a result, TKO mice have softer, more fragile ECM and improved wound healing. In contrast, elevated TSP2 is reported to be associated with delayed wound healing, especially in diabetic mice. dECM hydrogel derived from TKO skin has shown efficacy in a skin biopsy healing model. TKO’s regenerative advantages come, in part, from TSP2’s antiangiogenic role - the KO genotype promotes vascularization and ECM remodeling during wound healing. In avascular cartilage tissues, the pro-angiogenic effect may be less important, but differences in ECM structure may still promote tissue repair.
  • MMPs matrix metalloproteinases
  • dECM hydrogel itself may already provide increased regeneration
  • modification of hydrogel with external agents is a common approach to improve its potency.
  • Agents of modification could include nano/microparticles, cells, growth factors, exosomes, etc.
  • PLGA Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
  • PLGA Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
  • BMP-2 Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • TGF ⁇ Transforming Growth Factor ⁇
  • a cartilage dECM enriched hydrogel system is fabricated and characterized, with cross comparison between wild-type (WT) and TKO cartilage dECM. Then, the interaction between hydrogel and cells will be explored. In addition, modification of hydrogel function with external agents will be tested in vitro.
  • cartilage dECM-derived hydrogels will be introduced to in vivo cartilage defect models to validate therapeutic efficacy of the novel biomaterial. Fabrication and validation of WT/TKO cartilage dECM-derived hydrogels This is the foundation of the project by making and characterizing dECM hydrogels from various cartilage tissues. Cartilages from WT and TKO animals are collected and -55- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) decellularized, followed by solubilization and gelation. Successful decellularization is validated by DNA content and histology staining.
  • Native cartilage ECM has a unique composition and organization that likely plays a role in cell interaction and regenerative property.
  • Cartilages are processed by decellularization, which is an established process to remove immunogenic cellular materials and DNA from source tissue while preserving cytoskeletal structures and important proteins.
  • Hyaline, fibro and elastic cartilage have different ECM compositions, stiffness and elasticity, and which composition is optimal for hydrogel fabrication remains elusive. Therefore, it is necessary to fabricate and evaluate hydrogels from cartilage dECM from different tissue sources. Protocols for ECM decellularization have been established for multiple tissue types. However, they need to be modified for decellularizing cartilage tissues, which possess osseous remnants and ECM that is difficult to penetrate with conventional approaches.
  • FIG.20 Theworkflow of cartilage decellularization with representative images is shown in FIG.20, which has been shown to work on WT and TKO pig ear elastic cartilages. Briefly, skin and fat remnants are first removed by hand and tissues are cut into approximately 1cm x 1cm pieces. An optional demineralization step (for removing bone minerals) with 1M HCl precedes the initial processing with 0.25% trypsin-EDTA. After sterilization with ethanol, tissues undergo oxidation treatment with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Tissues are then decellularized in 1% Triton solution buffered with EDTA and Tris for 36 hours. Following decellularization, extensive sterilization and washing steps are performed with ethanol, peracetic acid and ddH2O to ensure cleanness.
  • Decellularized cartilages are finally incubated in FBS free culture media with 1% antibiotics overnight.
  • the product is then lyophilized.
  • Workflow for dECM hydrogel fabrication is shown in FIG.21.
  • lyophilized tissues are first weighed and cryomilled. They are then solubilized with a 2 mg/ml pepsin in 0.1M HCl solution with a concentration less or equal than 10 mg tissue/ml digestion -56- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) solution. This gives a pregel solution that can be used for a variety of experiments.
  • the absorbance measurements are normalized and compared between genotypes (adapted from Jeong, Sang Young, et al. "Thrombospondin-2 secreted by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes chondrogenic differentiation.” Stem Cells 31.10 (2013): 2136-2148 ).
  • genotypes adapted from Jeong, Sang Young, et al. "Thrombospondin-2 secreted by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes chondrogenic differentiation.” Stem Cells 31.10 (2013): 2136-2148 ).
  • gels are loaded onto a 20 mm sand-bottom parallel plate with a gap distance of 700 microns. Angular frequency and strain rate are fixed, while plate temperature is increased stepwise from 10 degrees to 37°C with a hold time of 10-15s for each step until gelation is observed.
  • Hydrogels are then sputter-coated with 3 nm iridium and imaged with a Hitachi SU-70 SEM to visualize organization of ECM fibrils.
  • gelated material is first lyophilized and then a cryomilled to convert to powder, which is analyzed with a Micrometrics ASAP 2460 for surface area and porosity.
  • protein gel electrophoresis and proteomics are performed.
  • the acidic pregel is first mixed with Laemmli loading buffer and denatured at 95 degrees. Denatured proteins from the two genotypes are then loaded at 50 ug/well inside a pre-cast polyacrylamide gel against a ladder reference.
  • FIGs. 23A-23D Preliminary SEM images of cartilage dECM hydrogels are shown in FIGs. 23A-23D.
  • cartilage hydrogels the organization of ECM fibrils from collagen self-assembly is distinct from what is observed in other tissues such as skin. Namely, layered structures are observed with collagen nanofiber ‘outposts’ in SEM images. This layered structure, which is absent from skin and muscle hydrogels, might be assemblies of proteoglycans.
  • TKO cartilage hydrogels show similar structures while having thinner collagen nanofibers than WT. This observation validates the hypothesized influence by the loss of TSP on cartilage tissue ECM organization. Quantification on fibers shows a larger diameter and comparable curvature in WT cartilage dECM hydrogels.
  • FIGs. 24A-24E Preliminary rheometry data on pig ear hydrogels are shown in FIGs. 24A-24E.
  • Frequency sweep shows different changes in storage modulus behavior between genotypes. There is a limited range of frequency in which WT storage modulus is larger than that of TKO, emphasizing proper control of experimental condition.
  • Temperature sweep on both genotype pregels shows an increase in storage modulus and complex viscosity with increasing -58- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) temperature.
  • the maximum storage modulus of WT is larger than TKO, which is consistent with results from skin hydrogels. This validates the hypothesis that TKO dECM hydrogel is more fragile than WT.
  • a cell-free dECM scaffold is best compensated by testing the interaction between the dECM network and cells in vitro.
  • Cell lines and primary cells wereutilized to study cell-on-pregel, cell-on-hydrogel, and cell-in-hydrogel interactions.
  • Basic cell morphology, viability, proliferation and transmigration were tested.
  • Chondrogenic marker expression of cells interacting with cartilage dECM was tested by quantification of relevant gene expression.
  • a cell-free scaffold can be modified into a delivery system by loading hydrogel with external agents, including nanoparticles/microspheres capable of carrying growth factors.
  • Osteochondral cells have different interactions and behavior in WT and TKO hydrogels, with the latter improving cell spreading, migration and differentiation. It is anticipated that inclusion of external components, such as nano/microparticles, will not alter the favorable properties of hydrogels.
  • the ‘enhanced’ hydrogel system could promote a more favorable environment for cartilage regeneration. This part of the project strives for a comprehensive understanding of TKO’s influence on hydrogel-cell interaction, providing foundation and rationale for in vivo experiments. It also probes enhancing hydrogel by agent modification. Identification of cell-hydrogel interaction and chondrogenic potential of WT and TKO hydrogels. dECM retains essential features of a native environment that favors cell proliferation.
  • Hydrogels derived from decellularized animal tissues provide a permissive environment for cells to adhere, stretch and grow.
  • dECM can modulate cell behavior by regulating molecular pathways with mechanotransduction and small molecule signaling factors.
  • TSP2 Based on available information on TSP2’s role in bone and cartilage development, cells interacting with hydrogels have different morphology and gene expression from cells on an uncoated tissue culture well bottom. Namely, TKO hydrogel enhances chondrogenesis and bmMSC differentiation.
  • TKO hydrogel enhances chondrogenesis and bmMSC differentiation.
  • Rat tail collagen I is used in every system together with fabricated hydrogels as a separate positive control and undergoes the same dilution, neutralization and gelation protocol.
  • Cells seeded on an uncoated tissue culture well bottom serve as a negative control.
  • Cell lines of interest for this sub-aim are -59- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) MC3T3-WT and ATDC5.
  • Experiments would move to primary human chondrocytes and bmMSCs once results are obtained from cell lines.
  • the three in vitro systems and their fabrication are explained as follows, with a simplified diagram of the workflow shown in FIG. 25.
  • Cell-on-pregel This was an experimental set up to observe cell behavior on monomeric collagen surface. Acidic pregel from both genotypes was diluted to 50-100 ⁇ g/ml in protein concentration. Well plates were coated with diluted pregel and then completely dried in a non- humidified incubator at 37°C. Remaining acid was washed away with PBS. Monomeric collagen was retained on the plate and ready for cell culture.
  • Cell-on-gel This was an experimental set up to observe cell behavior on fibrillar collagen surface. Pregel was diluted to 1 mg/ml in protein concentration. Buffering and titration were performed on ice for both genotypes and collagen I.
  • Neutralized pregel is immediately pipetted into well plates to fully cover plate bottom and gelated in a non-humidified incubator at 37°C for 30 minutes. Gels are gently removed from plate bottom with scalpel to prevent contraction- induced growth inhibition of cells. The gel surface is thereby ready for cell culture.
  • Cell-in-gel This is an experimental set up to observe cell behavior in 3D. Diluted pregel is buffered and titrated on ice. Pregel was immediately mixed with concentrated cell-media suspension with a concentration of 200K cell/ml pregel. Cell-pregel mixture was pipetted to well plates and incubated in a humidified incubator for 30 minutes, with manual flipping every 2-3 minutes to prevent cell sedimentation to plate bottom. Post gelation, gels were gently removed from plate bottom.
  • Chloroform is used as the organic solvent and 4% (concentrated)/0.3% (diluted) PVA in dH2O are used as the aqueous solvents.
  • 50:50 or 75:25 PLGA is solubilized in the organic phase.
  • Growth factors e.g. BMPs, TGF ⁇
  • DiD dye is loaded into a group of PLGA particles for confirmation of successful loading.
  • the mixture is then added into a more concentrated aqueous phase.
  • the W1/O (water 1/organic) mixture is poured into a second, more diluted organic phase and stirred at room temperature for 3 hours.
  • the resulting solution is centrifuged at 4 degrees at 3000 RPM for 3 x 15 mins, washing with dH2O each time.
  • the particle pellet is then lyophilized.
  • particles are lyophilized and weighed for yield calculation.
  • Particles are characterized by direct light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for their size distribution, and SEM for their shape homogeneity. Encapsulation of DiD is confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Release profile of growth factors from particles is measured by dialysis followed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • hydrogel incorporation particles are mixed with neutralized pregel on ice with a variety of concentrations (tentatively between ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ and ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ particles/ml pregel), and then gelated. Hydrogel property changes are quantified by approaches such as measurements of gelation time, rheometry, SEM, and in vitro toxicity to cells.
  • WT and TKO cartilage dECM hydrogels applied to a defect model are hypothesized to have regenerative property, with TKO behaving better than a gold standard hyaluronic acid injection.
  • Identification of differences with cartilage defect regeneration in WT and TKO animals Full thickness cartilage defect is a wound model involving tissue inflammation with very limited regeneration. The defect results in significant reduction in local chondrocyte and collagen II, as well as compromised biomechanics, which resemble pathological features in human OA.
  • Healing in WT animals is dominated by spontaneous migration of bmMSC from subchondral marrow to the defect site, which is considerably slow. If left untreated, the cartilage degeneration will lead to loss-of-function of the entire joint.
  • TKO animals are known to have a favorable wound healing profile in skin wound models because of their more permissive ECM and increased angiogenesis.
  • the TKO genotype is also associated with less chronic inflammation and fibrosis post injury.
  • TKO animals are more effective in forming bones and less effective in forming cartilage as suggested in literature. Whether cartilage damage will result in a more rapid, bony replacement in TKO animals is unclear. Therefore, healing from a full thickness cartilage defect in WT and TKO animals is worth investigation. This sub-aim performs a set of proof-of-concept experiments that explores the role of TSP2 in chondrogenesis.
  • N 4 young mice (approx.
  • Knee joints are imaged with ⁇ CT to visualize defect sites.
  • the femur head is collected, paraffin embedded, and sectioned in axial direction for staining with H&E, Alcian Blue (for proteoglycans) and Safranin O (for GAGs), as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) against type I/II collagens (for cartilage-specific proteins) and Mac3 (for inflammatory macrophages).
  • deidentified tissue sections collected at 8 weeks are scored according to International Cartilage Regeneration and joint preservation Society (ICRS) standard.
  • ICRS International Cartilage Regeneration and joint preservation Society
  • Full thickness cartilage defects are created with methods described. Simultaneously during surgery, 10 mg dECM/ml cartilage dECM pregels from WT or TKO pigs are neutralized on ice. A syringe with 23G needle tip is then used to inject pregel from WT or TKO to completely fill the defect area. Hydrogel is allowed to gelate in situ.
  • HA injections are performed in consistency with clinical practices - medical grade sterile 10 mg/ml HA solution is applied to the defect area.
  • Embodiment 1 provides a method for promoting tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2).
  • ECM extracellular matrix
  • Embodiment 2 provides the method of Embodiment 1, wherein the tissue is a musculoskeletal tissue.
  • Embodiment 3 provides the method of Embodiment 1, wherein the ECM is formulated as a hydrogel.
  • Embodiment 4 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the tissue is a muscle, a cartilage, a connective tissue, a tendon, a ligament, or a bone.
  • Embodiment 5 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the administering is performed at one or more treatment site(s) of the subject.
  • Embodiment 6 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the administering is performed by at least one method selected from the group consisting of subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, and topical administration.
  • Embodiment 7 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise: (a) a TSP2-null knockout allele; and/or (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 8 provides the method of Embodiment 7, wherein the TSP2 null knockout allele or suppressed TSP2 gene expression is obtained via a genetic engineering technique comprising a nuclease selected from the group consisting of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated nuclease, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and a zinc-finger nuclease.
  • CRISPR clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
  • TALEN transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • Embodiment 9 provides the method of Embodiment 7, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise an inhibitory RNA molecule which suppresses TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 10 provides the method of Embodiment 9, wherein the inhibitory RNA molecule is selected from the group consisting of: an RNA interference (RNAi) RNA, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA), a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a trans-acting siRNA (tasiRNA), a micro RNA (miRNA), an antisense RNA (asRNA), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a CRISPR RNA (crRNA), a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA), a guide RNA (gRNA), a single guide RNA (sgRNA), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a ribozyme, and any combination thereof.
  • RNAi RNA interference
  • shRNA short hairpin RNA
  • siRNA small interfering RNA
  • tasiRNA trans-acting siRNA
  • miRNA micro RNA
  • asRNA antisense RNA
  • Embodiment 11 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the method enhances at least one biological response at the treatment site, as compared to a site administered a decellularized ECM originating from a tissue comprising functional TSP2, or compared to an untreated site.
  • Embodiment 12 provides the method of Embodiment 11, wherein the biological response at the treatment site is selected from the group consisting of cellular migration towards the treatment site, cellular invasion of the treatment site, vascular growth and maturation, innervation, angiogenesis, and wound repair.
  • Embodiment 13 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle and wherein the subject suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a muscle injury, a myopathy, a genetic myopathy, an inflammatory myopathy, an endocrine myopathy, a neuromuscular disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, multiple sclerosis, a muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, Limb Girdle muscular -65- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Pompe’s Disease, Drop Head Syndrome (floppy head syndrome), multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart disease, a cardiomyopathy
  • Embodiment 14 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is bone and wherein the subject suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a bone injury, a bone disorder, osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, osteonecrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, lupus, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, infection of bone or joint, Paget’s Disease of Bone, fibrous dysplasia, tobacco use, and weight loss surgery.
  • a bone injury a bone disorder, osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, osteonecrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
  • type 1 diabetes type 2 diabetes
  • lupus celiac disease
  • hyperthyroidism infection of bone or joint
  • Paget’s Disease of Bone fibrous dysplasia
  • tobacco use and weight loss
  • Embodiment 15 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is cartilage and wherein the subject suffers from at least one condition selected from the group consisting of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, costochondritis, a fracture, lupus, Maffucci syndrome, osteoporosis, achondroplasia, conclusion, and herniation.
  • Embodiment 16 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the subject is a mammal.
  • Embodiment 17 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue originates from a mammal selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pig, a non- human primate, and a human.
  • Embodiment 18 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the subject is a human.
  • Embodiment 19 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is autologous, allogeneic, or xenogeneic relative to the subject.
  • Embodiment 20 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is not skin.
  • Embodiment 21 provides the method of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the ECM is formulated with at least one therapeutic agent.
  • Embodiment 22 provides the method of Embodiment 21, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of an immunosuppressive agent, an anti- inflammatory agent, an antimetabolite, an antibiotic, an antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine, a gene therapy, an immunomodulator, and any combination thereof.
  • Embodiment 23 provides a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tissue, wherein the tissue lacks functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2).
  • Embodiment 24 provides the decellularized ECM of Embodiment 23, wherein the tissue is a musculoskeletal tissue.
  • Embodiment 25 provides the decellularized ECM of Embodiment 23 or 24 , wherein the ECM is formulated as a hydrogel.
  • Embodiment 26 provides the decellularized ECM of any one of Embodiments 23-25, wherein the tissue is muscle, cartilage, a connective tissue, a tendon, a ligament, or a bone.
  • Embodiment 27 provides the decellularized ECM of any one of Embodiments 23-26, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise: (a) a TSP2-null knockout allele; and/or (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 28 provides rhe decellularized ECM of Embodiment 27, wherein the TSP2 null knockout allele or suppressed TSP2 gene expression is obtained via a genetic engineering technique comprising a nuclease selected from the group consisting of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated nuclease, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and a zinc-finger nuclease.
  • CRISPR clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
  • TALEN transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • Embodiment 29 provides the decellularized ECM of Embodiment 27, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise an inhibitory RNA molecule which suppresses TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 30 provides the decellularized ECM of Embodiment 29, wherein the inhibitory RNA molecule is selected from the group consisting of: an RNA interference (RNAi) RNA, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA), a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a trans-acting siRNA (tasiRNA), a micro RNA (miRNA), an antisense RNA (asRNA), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a CRISPR RNA (crRNA), a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA), a guide RNA (gRNA), a single guide RNA (sgRNA), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a ribozyme, and any combination thereof.
  • RNAi RNA interference
  • shRNA short hairpin RNA
  • siRNA small interfering RNA
  • tasiRNA trans-acting siRNA
  • miRNA micro RNA
  • asRNA antisense RNA
  • Embodiment 31 provides the decellularized ECM of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 originates from a mammal selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pig, a non-human primate, and a human.
  • Embodiment 32 provides the decellularized ECM of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is not skin.
  • Embodiment 33 provides the decellularized ECM of any one of the previous Embodiments, wherein the ECM is formulated with at least one therapeutic agent.
  • Embodiment 34 provides the decellularized ECM of Embodiment 33, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of an immunosuppressive agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimetabolite, an antibiotic, an antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine, a gene therapy, an immunomodulator, and any combination thereof.
  • Embodiment 35 provides a composition comprising the decellularized ECM of any one of claims and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Embodiment 36 provides a method for preparing a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM), the method comprising: (i) obtaining or having obtained a tissue lacking functional thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) from a mammal; and (ii) decellularizing the tissue to generate the decellularized ECM.
  • ECM extracellular matrix
  • TSP2 thrombospondin-2
  • Embodiment 37 provides the method of Embodiment 36, wherein the tissue is a musculoskeletal tissue.
  • Embodiment 38 provides the method of Embodiment 36, wherein the tissue is a muscle, a cartilage, a connective tissue, a tendon, a ligament, or a bone.
  • Embodiment 39 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-38, wherein the tissue lacking functional TSP2 is muscle and wherein decellularizing the tissue comprises treating the muscle at room temperature sequentially with (i) an aqueous Trypsin-EDTA solution for about 5-7 hours; (ii) an aqueous H2O2 solution for about 15 minutes; (iii) an aqueous Triton X-100 / EDTA / Tris solution for about 5-7 hours; (iv) a fresh aqueous Triton X-100 / EDTA / Tris solution for about 5-15 hours; and (v) an aqueous Triton X-100 / sodium deoxycholate (SDC) solution for about 5-7 hours.
  • SDC sodium deoxycholate
  • Embodiment 40 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-39, wherein the tissue is bone, wherein the method further comprises demineralizing the bone to generate demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and wherein decellularizing the tissue comprises decellularizing the DBM.
  • Embodiment 41 provides the method of Embodiment 40, wherein demineralizing the bone comprises incubating the fragmented bone with agitation in an aqueous acid solution at room temperature for about 20-28 hours, optionally wherein the aqueous acid solution comprises approximately 0.5 N HCl.
  • Embodiment 42 provides the method of Embodiment 40 or Embodiment 41, wherein decellularizing the DBM comprises incubating the DBM with agitation with an aqueous trypsin-EDTA solution at approximately 37 °C for about 20-28 hours.
  • Embodiment 43 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-42, further comprising fragmenting the bone.
  • Embodiment 44 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-43, wherein the tissue is cartilage, wherein the method further comprises prior to decellularization: i) removing skin -69- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) and fat remnants, ii) sterilizing with ethanol, and iii) oxidizing the sample with about 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Embodiment 45 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-44, wherein the decellularizing comprises about 1% Triton solution/ EDTA/Tris for about 36 hours.
  • Embodiment 46 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-45, further comprising washing the sample with ethanol/peracetic acid/ ddH2O.
  • Embodiment 47 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-46, further comprising incubating the sample in fetal bovine serum (FBS)free culture media with about 1% antibiotics overnight and then lyophilized.
  • Embodiment 48 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-47, further comprising formulating the decellularized ECM as a hydrogel.
  • FBS fetal bovine serum
  • Embodiment 49 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-48, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise: (a) a TSP2-null knockout allele; and/or (b) suppressed TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 50 provides the method of Embodiment 49, wherein the TSP2 null knockout allele or suppressed TSP2 gene expression is obtained via a genetic engineering technique comprising a nuclease selected from the group consisting of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated nuclease, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and a zinc-finger nuclease.
  • CRISPR clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
  • TALEN transcription activator-like effector nuclease
  • Embodiment 51 provides the method of Embodiment 50, wherein cells of the tissue lacking functional TSP2 comprise an inhibitory RNA molecule which suppresses TSP2 gene expression.
  • Embodiment 52 provides the method of Embodiment 51, wherein the inhibitory RNA molecule is selected from the group consisting of: an RNA interference (RNAi) RNA, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA), a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a trans-acting siRNA (tasiRNA), a micro RNA (miRNA), an antisense RNA (asRNA), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a -70- 51703638.4 Attorney Docket No.: 047162-7321WO1(02201) CRISPR RNA (crRNA), a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA), a guide RNA (gRNA), a single guide RNA (sgRNA), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a
  • Embodiment 53 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-52, wherein the mammal is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pig, and a human.
  • Embodiment 54 provides the method of any one of Embodiments 36-53, wherein the method further comprises formulating the decellularize ECM with at least one therapeutic agent.
  • Embodiment 55 provides the method of Embodiment 54, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of an immunosuppressive agent, an anti- inflammatory agent, an antimetabolite, an antibiotic, an antibody, a growth factor, a cytokine, a gene therapy, an immunomodulator, and any combination thereof.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée (ECM), l'ECM provenant d'un tissu dépourvu de thrombospondine-2 (TSP2). L'invention concerne en outre des compositions et des procédés destinés à favoriser la régénération tissulaire chez un sujet par l'administration d'une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée (ECM), l'ECM provenant d'un tissu dépourvu de thrombospondine-2 (TSP2). L'invention concerne en outre des procédés de préparation d'une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée (ECM), l'ECM provenant d'un tissu dépourvu de thrombospondine-2 (TSP2).
PCT/US2024/024208 2023-04-12 2024-04-12 Compositions et procédés comprenant une matrice extracellulaire décellularisée Pending WO2024215984A2 (fr)

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CN119792548A (zh) * 2025-03-13 2025-04-11 四川大学 一种siRNA递送载体在制备用于治疗骨关节炎的药物中的应用

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EP4442288A3 (fr) * 2016-04-27 2024-12-18 Yale University Compositions et procédés pour greffons modifiés avec une matrice extracellulaire dérivée de cellules non thrombogènes et pro-migrantes
US12186452B2 (en) * 2017-10-23 2025-01-07 Yale University Compositions and methods useful in regenerative medicine

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN119792548A (zh) * 2025-03-13 2025-04-11 四川大学 一种siRNA递送载体在制备用于治疗骨关节炎的药物中的应用

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