SUMMARY
Research in the laboratory of David R. Deyle, M.D., focuses on developing gene and cell therapies for the treatment of genetic disorders by correcting and altering the genome in human stem cells. Dr. Deyle and his colleagues are working on improved methods for targeted genomic editing using viral vectors for the precise alteration of the human genome.
Dr. Deyle's research team studies the genetic modification of mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent cells. The team also examines the molecular mechanisms that control stem cell differentiation for the regeneration of skeletal tissue. Additionally, the group develops oncolytic viral therapy using measles virus for the treatment of neurofibromatosis 1 tumors.
Focus areas
Genomic editing
Dr. Deyle's laboratory develops genomic editing technologies for the treatment of genetic disorders. These technologies include:
- Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene targeting.
- Ttranscription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENS).
- Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR).
His team studies how these approaches may be used in tissue culture and in the human body to specifically modify the human genome in stem cells.
Gene and cell therapy to treat osteogenesis imperfecta
Brittle bone disease, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta, is a common inherited bone disorder that leads to fractures and other nonskeletal manifestations. Dr. Deyle's team develops new treatment strategies for osteogenesis imperfecta using induced pluripotent cells and gene therapy approaches.
In vivo modeling of genetic skeletal disease
Alterations in bone homeostasis can affect the integrity of bone and other tissues. Dr. Deyle's group has developed a mouse model that allows for the monitoring of stem cell fate in vivo and the effects of corrected stem cells on bone biology and other tissues.
Development of measles virus therapy to treat neurofibromatosis 1 tumors
Neurofibromatosis 1 is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3,000 people worldwide and leads to the development of nerve sheath tumors. Dr. Deyle's laboratory is testing a measles virus, MV-NIS, as a new therapeutic agent to treat tumors that arise in patients with neurofibromatosis 1.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Deyle's research goal is to develop new treatments for genetic disorders. Modified human stem cells may play an important role in therapies that help repair, replace or restore damaged tissues. This approach is known as regenerative medicine. What researchers learn from studying and treating genetic disorders also may help lead to treatments for more common diseases.
People with neurofibromatosis 1 have few options to treat their tumors. A new treatment that uses a measles virus to stop or shrink tumor growth provides more options for people with neurofibromatosis 1.
Professional highlights
- Grant award, for "Gene Therapy To Treat Neurofibromatosis Using a Foamy Viral Vector," Regenerative Medicine Minnesota, 2026.
- Grant award, for "Treating Osteogenesis Imperfecta by Inhibiting the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2," Regenerative Medicine Minnesota, 2020-2022.