
I am a researcher actively developing viral vectors for improved gene therapies. My focus in recent years has been to address the unmet need for targeted vectors that can regulate gene expression in specific cell lines. We use elements from super-enhancers which are clusters of enhancers in the genome, to regulate the expression of transgenes to endothelial cells. Our interest in endothelial cells goes hand-in-hand with our aim to improve angiogenic gene therapy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. In addition, to the translational projects that I manage, we are also pursuing new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis. For this endeavour, we are studying the non-coding genome. Our aim is to better understand the different regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (including enhancers, small and circular RNAs) in affecting gene expression. Gained knowledge and new discoveries will open new avenues for therapeutic developments.
Publications
18 items-
Deletion of the murine ortholog of human 9p21.3 locus promotes atherosclerosis by increasing macrophage proinflammatory activity
Kettunen, Sanna; Ruotsalainen, Anna-Kaisa; Örd, Tiit; Suoranta, Tuisku; Heikkilä, Janne; Kaikkonen, Minna U.; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2023. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 10: A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Strategies to improve safety profile of AAV vectors
Suoranta, Tuisku; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2022. Frontiers in molecular medicine. 2: A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review -
Characterization of a functional endothelial super-enhancer that regulates ADAMTS18 and angiogenesis
Mushimiyimana, I; Niskanen. H; Beter, M; Laakkonen, JP; Kaikkonen, MU; Ylä-Herttuala, S; Laham-Karam, N. 2021. Nucleic acids research. 49: 8078-8096 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Efficacy and Safety of Clinical Grade hVEGF-D [delta]N[delta]C Gene Therapy Containing Residual Replication-Competent Adenoviruses
Leikas, Aleksi Johannes; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Agtereek, Eline; Peltonen, Hanna Marjaana; Selander, Tuomas; Korpisalo, Petra; Holappa, Lari; Hartikainen, Juha EK; Heikura, Tommi; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2021. Human gene therapy. 32: 761-770 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Genomic landscapes of non-coding RNAs regulating VEGFA and VEGFC expression in endothelial cells
Mushimiyimana, Isidore; Tomas Bosch, Vanesa; Niskanen, Henri; Downes, Nicholas; Moreau, Pierre; Hartigan, Kiley; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Kaikkonen, Minna U.. 2021. Molecular and cellular biology. 41: e00594-20 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Optimized Protocol for Accurate Titration of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors
Suoranta, Tuisku; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2021. Human gene therapy. 32: 1270-1279 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Studying non-cell-autonomous neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease with induced pluripotent stem cells
Sonninen, Tuuli-Maria; Plotnikova, Lidiia; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Goldsteins, Gundars; Koistinaho, Jari; Lehtonen, ¦árka. Teoksessa: Birbrair, Alexander, 2021. iPSCs for Modeling Central Nervous System Disorders. s. 251-276. Academic press A3 Book section, Chapters in research books -
Metabolic alterations in Parkinson's disease astrocytes
Sonninen, Tuuli-Maria; Hämäläinen, Riikka H; Koskuvi, Marja; Oksanen, Minna; Shakirzyanova, Anastasia; Wojciechowski, Sara; Puttonen, Katja; Naumenko, Nikolay; Goldsteins, Gundars; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Lehtonen, Marko; Tavi, Pasi; Koistinaho, Jari; Lehtonen, ¦árka. 2020. Scientific reports. 10: 14474 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research -
Proteostasis Disturbances and Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Sonninen, Tuuli-Maria; Goldsteins, Gundars; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Koistinaho, Jari; Lehtonen, Sarka. 2020. Cells. 9: 2183 A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review -
Susceptibility to Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sympathetic Nerve Growth in VEGF-B Overexpressing Myocardium
Lähteenvuo, Johanna; Hätinen, Olli-Pekka; Kuivanen, Antti; Huusko, Jenni; Paananen, Jussi; Lähteenvuo, Markku; Nurro, Jussi; Hedman, Marja; Hartikainen, Juha; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Mäkinen, Petri; Räsänen, Markus; Alitalo, Kari; Rosenzweig, Anthony; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2020. Molecular therapy. 28: 1-10 A1 Journal article (refereed), original research