Department of Biological Sciences: Leading the way to Prominence

Eric B. Kmiec, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor

Director, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR), Marshall University

Kmiec

Phone: (304) 696-3830
Email: kmiec@marshall.edu

Address:
Robert Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, Room 241R
1700 3rd Avenue
Huntington, WV 25755

Education

B.A. - Rutgers University
M.S. - Southern Illinois University
Ph.D. - University of Florida School of Medicine

Research Interests

The research focus of this laboratory, centers on the development of nucleic acid therapeutics particularly on molecules that can either direct genetic changes in the chromosomes of mammalian cells and animal models or adopt unique conformations to block mutant protein activity. We use biochemical and genetic assay systems to study the mechanism by which these changes occur and how the cell regulates these genetic manipulations. Presently, the vector of choice for gene repair is a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide that directs the reversal of single base mutations by engaging the endogenous DNA repair and recombination activities of the cell. The repair of single base mutations by these oligonucleotides is being tested as a gene therapy approach for several inherited disorders including muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Single-stranded vectors are also being tested for efficacy in animal models of human diseases through multiple collaborations at major medical centers. These targets include Criglar-Najjar Disease and osteogenesis imperfecta.

The laboratory continues to explore the molecular mechanism by which single base changes are made. In 2005, the Kmiec group proposed a model in which the oligonucleotide is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA during replication. Independent laboratories have now confirmed that his mechanism likely accounts for the initial phases of gene repair although others are still possible. Thus, the laboratory is engaged in developing novel techniques that can alter the rate of DNA replication in order to increase the efficiency and with which gene repair occurs. Importantly, full chromosomal replication need not occur for the oligo to direct the change. The elevation of recombination and replication proteins in the cell suffices to increase the frequency of gene repair.

Single-stranded oligonucleotides are also being used as aptamers to inhibit the pathogenecity of Huntington's Disease (HD). Molecules of monomeric guanosine sequence capable of adopting a G-quartet conformation have been found to efficiently block HD micro-aggregation processes. This small nontoxic structure appears to bind to the mis-folded HD protein as well as the mRNA and prevent nucleation of aggregation events. Our lab is utilizing both biochemical and cell-based assays to identify variant molecules that exhibit the highest level of efficacy and to understand the mechanism of this unique activity in detail. G-quartets are also being used to induce an apoptosis event in esophageal cancer cells. These molecules are displaying unique properties that allow them to distinguish between normal and malignant cell types. The mechanism by which this occurs is being investigated at the cell and animal models.

Current Projects

Mechanism of oligonucleotide-directed gene repair - Using a genetic readout system and cell free extracts from human and plant cells, the molecular and biochemical events underlying gene repair are being studied in yeast, bacteria and mammalian cells.
Development of DNA base therapeutics for Huntington's Disease - A cell-based assay system is being employed to explore ways to prevent the aggregation activity of the Huntington protein.
Gene therapy for inherited disorders - Primary patient cells are being used to test the efficacy of gene editing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Muscular Dystrophy.
Collaborative cancer research - Introduction of oligonucleotides that form G-quartet conformations, to induce apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells.

Research Group

Takayuki Suzuki, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral Researcher (Ph.D., Nagoya University, Japan). Gene editing as a therapy for Muscular Dystrophy, oligonucleotide delivery and increasing gene repair efficiency in mouse models.
Darlise M. DiMatteo, B.A. - Research Associate (B.A,. University of Delaware). Gene editing as a therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Carly Falgowksi, B.S. - Research Specialist (B.S., College of William and Mary). Gene correction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Kerry Falgowksi, B.S. - Graduate Student (B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). C. elegans as a model system for treatment of muscular dystrophy.
Hetal Parekh-Olmedo, B.S. - Senior Research Associate/Lab Manager (B.S., Holy Family University). Mechanism and therapeutic applications of oligonucleotides for the treatment of human disease.
Jennifer Illuzzi, B.S. - Graduate Student (B.S., Susquehanna University). DNA damage pathways and genetic events surrounding the expression of mutant huntingtin protein.
Sarah Yerkes, B.S. - Graduate Student (B.S., University of Delaware). Use of oligonucleotides as a therapeutic in Huntington's Disease and study of the interaction of G-rich oligonucleotides with the huntingtin protein.
Stephanie Callahan - Undergraduate Student. Gene editing as a treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Selected Publications

DiMatteo D, Callahan S, Kmiec EB. Genetic conversion of an SMN2 gene to SMN1: a novel approach to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Exp Cell Res. 2008;314(4):878–886.
Engstrom JU, Kmiec EB. DNA replication, cell cycle progression and the targeted gene repair reaction. Cell Cycle. 2008;7(10):1402–1414.
Schwartz TR, Vasta CA, Bauer TL, Parekh-Olmedo H, Kmiec EB. G-rich oligonucleotides alter cell cycle progression and induce apoptosis specifically in OE19 esophageal tumor cells. Oligonucleotides. 2008;18(1):51–63.
Engstrom JU, Kmiec EB. Manipulation of cell cycle progression can counteract the apparent loss of correction frequency following oligonucleotide-directed gene repair. BMC Mol Biol. 2007;8:9.
Ferrara L, Engstrom JU, Schwartz T, Parekh-Olmedo H, Kmiec EB. Recovery of cell cycle delay following targeted gene repair by oligonucleotides. DNA Repair (Amst). 2007;6(10):1529–1535.
Maguire KK, Kmiec EB. Multiple roles for MSH2 in the repair of a deletion mutation directed by modified single-stranded oligonucleotides. Gene. 2007;386(1-2):107–114.
Parekh-Olmedo H, Kmiec EB. Progress and prospects: targeted gene alteration (TGA). Gene Ther. 2007;14(24):1675–1680.
Schwartz TR, Kmiec EB. Reduction of gene repair by selenomethionine with the use of single-stranded oligonucleotides. BMC Mol Biol. 2007;8:7.
Ferrara L, Kmiec EB. Targeted gene repair activates Chk1 and Chk2 and stalls replication in corrected cells. DNA Repair (Amst). 2006;5(4):422–431.
Skogen M, Roth J, Yerkes S, Parekh-Olmedo H, Kmiec E. Short G-rich oligonucleotides as a potential therapeutic for Huntington's Disease. BMC Neurosci. 2006;7:65.
Brachman EE, Kmiec EB. Gene repair in mammalian cells is stimulated by the elongation of S phase and transient stalling of replication forks. DNA Repair (Amst). 2005;4(4):445–457.
Drury MD, Skogen MJ, Kmiec EB. A tolerance of DNA heterology in the mammalian targeted gene repair reaction. Oligonucleotides. 2005;15(3):155–171.
Engstrom J, Kmiec EB. Caffeine elevates and stabilizes gene repair efficiencies in mammalian cells. Gene Ther Mol Biol. 2005;9:445–456.
Hu Y, Parekh-Olmedo H, Drury M, Skogen M, Kmiec EB. Reaction parameters of targeted gene repair in mammalian cells. Mol Biotechnol. 2005;29(3):197–210.
Parekh-Olmedo H, Ferrara L, Brachman E, Kmiec EB. Gene therapy progress and prospects: targeted gene repair. Gene Ther. 2005;12(8):639–646.
Schwartz T, Kmiec EB. Using methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) to stimulate targeted gene repair activity in mammalian cells. Gene Ther Mol Biol. 2005;9:193–202.
Brachman EE, Kmiec EB. DNA replication and transcription direct a DNA strand bias in the process of targeted gene repair in mammalian cells. J Cell Sci. 2004;117(Pt 17):3867–3874.
Drury MD, Kmiec EB. Double displacement loops (double d-loops) are templates for oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis and gene repair. Oligonucleotides. 2004;14(4):274–286.
Ferrara L, Kmiec EB. Camptothecin enhances the frequency of oligonucleotide-directed gene repair in mammalian cells by inducing DNA damage and activating homologous recombination. Nucleic Acids Res. 2004;32(17):5239–5248.
Ferrara L, Parekh-Olmedo H, Kmiec EB. Enhanced oligonucleotide-directed gene targeting in mammalian cells following treatment with DNA damaging agents. Exp Cell Res. 2004;300(1):170–179.