1
|
Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu F, Li R, Zhu Z, Yang Y, Lu F. Current developments of gene therapy in human diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e645. [PMID: 39156766 PMCID: PMC11329757 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has witnessed substantial advancements in recent years, becoming a constructive tactic for treating various human diseases. This review presents a comprehensive overview of these developments, with a focus on their diverse applications in different disease contexts. It explores the evolution of gene delivery systems, encompassing viral (like adeno-associated virus; AAV) and nonviral approaches, and evaluates their inherent strengths and limitations. Moreover, the review delves into the progress made in targeting specific tissues and cell types, spanning the eye, liver, muscles, and central nervous system, among others, using these gene technologies. This targeted approach is crucial in addressing a broad spectrum of genetic disorders, such as inherited lysosomal storage diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent clinical trials and successful outcomes in gene therapy, particularly those involving AAV and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated proteins, are highlighted, illuminating the transformative potentials of this approach in disease treatment. The review summarizes the current status of gene therapy, its prospects, and its capacity to significantly ameliorate patient outcomes and quality of life. By offering comprehensive analysis, this review provides invaluable insights for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders, enriching the ongoing discourse on the trajectory of disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanfei Liu
- Department of OphthalmologyWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
| | - Zilin Zhu
- College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of OphthalmologyWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of OphthalmologyWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou Y, Sheng P, Li J, Li Y, Xie M, Green AA. Conditional RNA interference in mammalian cells via RNA transactivation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6855. [PMID: 39127751 PMCID: PMC11316766 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50600-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for sequence-specific gene knockdown in therapeutic and research applications. However, spatiotemporal control of RNAi is required to decrease nonspecific targeting, potential toxicity, and allow targeting of essential genes. Herein we describe a class of de-novo-designed RNA switches that enable sequence-specific regulation of RNAi in mammalian cells. Using cis-repressing RNA elements, we engineer RNA devices that only initiate microRNA biogenesis when binding with cognate trigger RNAs. We demonstrate that this conditional RNAi system, termed Orthogonal RNA Interference induced by Trigger RNA (ORIENTR), provides up to 14-fold increases in artificial miRNA biogenesis upon activation in orthogonal libraries. We show that integration of ORIENTR triggers with dCas13d enhances dynamic range to up to 31-fold. We further demonstrate that ORIENTR can be applied to detect endogenous RNA signals and to conditionally knockdown endogenous genes, thus enabling regulatory possibilities including cell-type-specific RNAi and rewiring of transcriptional networks via RNA profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- UF Center for NeuroGenetics (CNG), Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (MGM), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peike Sheng
- UF Center for NeuroGenetics (CNG), Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine (COM), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yudan Li
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- UF Center for NeuroGenetics (CNG), Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine (COM), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Alexander A Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kish WS, Lightholder J, Zeković T, Berrill A, Roach M, Wellborn WB, Vorst E. Removal of empty capsids from high-dose adeno-associated virus 9 gene therapies. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:2500-2523. [PMID: 38807330 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 (rAAV9) has shown promise as a gene therapy vector for muscle and central nervous diseases. High-dose requirements of these therapies present critical safety considerations and biomanufacturing challenges. Notably, the reduction of empty capsids (ECs), which lack therapeutic transgene, from rAAV9 products is critical to maximize efficacy. Removal of rAAV ECs from full capsids is a major downstream challenge because of their highly similar biophysical characteristics. Ultracentrifugation (UC) reduces ECs but is laborious and difficult to scale. In this paper, to replace a poorly scalable UC process, we developed an anion exchange (AEX) chromatography for rAAV9 EC reduction from full capsids. AEX load preparation by dilution incurred major product loss. The addition of histidine and surfactants to dilution buffers increased yield and reduced aggregation. Elution salts were screened and sodium acetate was found to maximize yield and EC reduction. The most promising load dilution buffer and elution salt were used in combination to form an optimized AEX method. The process reduced ECs three-fold, demonstrated robustness to a broad range of EC load challenges, and was scaled for large-scale manufacture. Compared to UC, the AEX method simplified scale-up, reduced ECs to comparable levels (20%), afforded similar purity and product quality, and increased yield by 14%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William S Kish
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Lightholder
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara Zeković
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alex Berrill
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew Roach
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| | - William B Wellborn
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric Vorst
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Pfizer Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brandt N, Köper F, Hausmann J, Bräuer AU. Spotlight on plasticity-related genes: Current insights in health and disease. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108687. [PMID: 38969308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The development of the central nervous system is highly complex, involving numerous developmental processes that must take place with high spatial and temporal precision. This requires a series of complex and well-coordinated molecular processes that are tighly controlled and regulated by, for example, a variety of proteins and lipids. Deregulations in these processes, including genetic mutations, can lead to the most severe maldevelopments. The present review provides an overview of the protein family Plasticity-related genes (PRG1-5), including their role during neuronal differentiation, their molecular interactions, and their participation in various diseases. As these proteins can modulate the function of bioactive lipids, they are able to influence various cellular processes. Furthermore, they are dynamically regulated during development, thus playing an important role in the development and function of synapses. First studies, conducted not only in mouse experiments but also in humans, revealed that mutations or dysregulations of these proteins lead to changes in lipid metabolism, resulting in severe neurological deficits. In recent years, as more and more studies have shown their involvement in a broad range of diseases, the complexity and broad spectrum of known and as yet unknown interactions between PRGs, lipids, and proteins make them a promising and interesting group of potential novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Research Group Anatomy, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Köper
- Research Group Anatomy, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jens Hausmann
- Research Group Anatomy, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anja U Bräuer
- Research Group Anatomy, Department of Human Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Słyk Ż, Stachowiak N, Małecki M. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy of the Central Nervous System: Delivery Routes and Clinical Aspects. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1523. [PMID: 39062095 PMCID: PMC11274884 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is vulnerable to a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative and oncological conditions, which present significant treatment challenges. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts molecule penetration, complicating the achievement of therapeutic concentrations in the CNS following systemic administration. Gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors emerges as a promising strategy for treating CNS diseases, demonstrated by the registration of six gene therapy products in the past six years and 87 ongoing clinical trials. This review explores the implementation of rAAV vectors in CNS disease treatment, emphasizing AAV biology and vector engineering. Various administration methods-such as intravenous, intrathecal, and intraparenchymal routes-and experimental approaches like intranasal and intramuscular administration are evaluated, discussing their advantages and limitations in different CNS contexts. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of optimizing therapeutic efficacy through the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of rAAV vectors. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials reveals successes and challenges, including barriers to commercialization. This review provides insights into therapeutic strategies using rAAV vectors in neurological diseases and identifies areas requiring further research, particularly in optimizing rAAV PK/PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Słyk
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Stachowiak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Małecki
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li B, Wadhwa P, Lerchner W, Zanotti-Fregonara P, Liow JS, Yan X, Zoghbi SS, Nerella SG, Telu S, Morse CL, Solis O, Gomez JL, Holt DP, Dannals RF, Cummins AC, Innis RB, Pike VW, Richmond BJ, Michaelides M, Eldridge MAG. Evaluation of [ 18F]fluoroestradiol and ChRERα as a gene expression PET reporter system in rhesus monkey brain. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2223-2231. [PMID: 38796702 PMCID: PMC11286805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) reporter systems are a valuable means of estimating the level of expression of a transgene in vivo. For example, the safety and efficacy of gene therapy approaches for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders could be enhanced via the monitoring of exogenous gene expression levels in the brain. The present study evaluated the ability of a newly developed PET reporter system [18F]fluoroestradiol ([18F]FES) and the estrogen receptor-based PET reporter ChRERα, to monitor expression levels of a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) designed to suppress choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression in rhesus monkey brain. The ChRERα gene and shRNA were expressed from the same transcript via lentivirus injected into monkey striatum. In two monkeys that received injections of viral vector, [18F]FES binding increased by 70% and 86% at the target sites compared with pre-injection, demonstrating that ChRERα expression could be visualized in vivo with PET imaging. Post-mortem immunohistochemistry confirmed that ChAT expression was significantly suppressed in regions in which [18F]FES uptake was increased. The consistency between PET imaging and immunohistochemical results suggests that [18F]FES and ChRERα can serve as a PET reporter system in rhesus monkey brain for in vivo evaluation of the expression of potential therapeutic agents, such as shRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Palak Wadhwa
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Walter Lerchner
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Paolo Zanotti-Fregonara
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jeih-San Liow
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Xuefeng Yan
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Sami S Zoghbi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Sridhar Goud Nerella
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Sanjay Telu
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Cheryl L Morse
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Oscar Solis
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Daniel P Holt
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert F Dannals
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alex C Cummins
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Robert B Innis
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Victor W Pike
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Barry J Richmond
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Mark A G Eldridge
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Singh K, Sethi P, Datta S, Chaudhary JS, Kumar S, Jain D, Gupta JK, Kumar S, Guru A, Panda SP. Advances in gene therapy approaches targeting neuro-inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102321. [PMID: 38723752 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have increased in frequency. About 15% of the world's population suffers from NDs in some capacity, which causes cognitive and physical impairment. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and others represent a significant and growing global health challenge. Neuroinflammation is recognized to be related to all NDs, even though NDs are caused by a complex mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Numerous genes and pathways such as NFκB, p38 MAPK, Akt/mTOR, caspase, nitric oxide, and COX are involved in triggering brain immune cells like astrocytes and microglia to secrete inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In AD, the binding of Aβ with CD36, TLR4, and TLR6 receptors results in activation of microglia which start to produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Consequently, the pro-inflammatory cytokines worsen and spread neuroinflammation, causing the deterioration of healthy neurons and the impairment of brain functions. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to modulate the inflammatory response in NDs, offering potential neuroprotective effects and disease-modifying benefits. This review article focuses on recent advances in gene therapy strategies targeting neuroinflammation pathways in NDs. We discussed the molecular pathways involved in neuroinflammation, highlighted key genes and proteins implicated in these processes, and reviewed the latest preclinical and clinical studies utilizing gene therapy to modulate neuroinflammatory responses. Additionally, this review addressed the prospects and challenges in translating gene therapy approaches into effective treatments for NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institue of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pranshul Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Samaresh Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Birbhum Pharmacy School, Sadaipur, Dist-Birbhum, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Sunil Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, P. K. University, Village, Thanra, District, Karera, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Divya Jain
- Department of Microbiology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jeetendra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Institue of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shivendra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Rajiv Academy for Pharmacy, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Siva Prasad Panda
- Department of Pharmacology, Institue of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Suriano CM, Kumar N, Verpeut JL, Ma J, Jung C, Dunn CE, Carvajal BV, Nguyen AV, Boulanger LM. An innate immune response to adeno-associated virus genomes decreases cortical dendritic complexity and disrupts synaptic transmission. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1721-1738. [PMID: 38566414 PMCID: PMC11184335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) allow rapid and efficient gene delivery to the nervous system, are widely used in neuroscience research, and are the basis of FDA-approved neuron-targeting gene therapies. Here we find that an innate immune response to the AAV genome reduces dendritic length and complexity and disrupts synaptic transmission in mouse somatosensory cortex. Dendritic loss is apparent 3 weeks after injection of experimentally relevant viral titers, is not restricted to a particular capsid serotype, transgene, promoter, or production facility, and cannot be explained by responses to surgery or transgene expression. AAV-associated dendritic loss is accompanied by a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and an increase in the proportion of GluA2-lacking, calcium-permeable AMPA receptors. The AAV genome is rich in unmethylated CpG DNA, which is recognized by the innate immunoreceptor Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), and acutely blocking TLR9 preserves dendritic complexity and AMPA receptor subunit composition in AAV-injected mice. These results reveal unexpected impacts of an immune response to the AAV genome on neuronal structure and function and identify approaches to improve the safety and efficacy of AAV-mediated gene delivery in the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos M Suriano
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Biology, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA; Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
| | - Neerav Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Jessica L Verpeut
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Jie Ma
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Caroline Jung
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Connor E Dunn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Brigett V Carvajal
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Ai Vy Nguyen
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Lisa M Boulanger
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Giannelli SG, Luoni M, Iannielli A, Middeldorp J, Philippens I, Bido S, Körbelin J, Broccoli V. New AAV9 engineered variants with enhanced neurotropism and reduced liver off-targeting in mice and marmosets. iScience 2024; 27:109777. [PMID: 38711458 PMCID: PMC11070337 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Although adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) has been highly exploited as delivery platform for gene-based therapies, its efficacy is hampered by low efficiency in crossing the adult blood-brain barrier (BBB) and pronounced targeting to the liver upon intravenous delivery. We generated a new galactose binding-deficient AAV9 peptide display library and selected two new AAV9 engineered capsids with enhanced targeting in mouse and marmoset brains after intravenous delivery. Interestingly, the loss of galactose binding greatly reduced undesired targeting to peripheral organs, particularly the liver, while not compromising transduction of the brain vasculature. However, the galactose binding was necessary to efficiently infect non-endothelial brain cells. Thus, the combinatorial actions of the galactose-binding domain and the incorporated displayed peptide are crucial to enhance BBB crossing along with brain cell transduction. This study describes two novel capsids with high brain endothelial infectivity and extremely low liver targeting based on manipulating the AAV9 galactose-binding domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Gea Giannelli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Luoni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Philippens
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Bido
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Klementieva NV, Lunev EA, Shmidt AA, Loseva EM, Savchenko IM, Svetlova EA, Galkin II, Polikarpova AV, Usachev EV, Vassilieva SG, Marina VI, Dzhenkova MA, Romanova AD, Agutin AV, Timakova AA, Reshetov DA, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. RNA Interference Effectors Selectively Silence the Pathogenic Variant GNAO1 c.607 G > A In Vitro. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:90-99. [PMID: 38215303 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics hold the potential for dominant genetic disorders, enabling sequence-specific inhibition of pathogenic gene products. We aimed to direct RNAi for the selective suppression of the heterozygous GNAO1 c.607 G > A variant causing GNAO1 encephalopathy. By screening short interfering RNA (siRNA), we showed that GNAO1 c.607G>A is a druggable target for RNAi. The si1488 candidate achieved at least twofold allelic discrimination and downregulated mutant protein to 35%. We created vectorized RNAi by incorporating the si1488 sequence into the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The shRNA stem and loop were modified to improve the transcription, processing, and guide strand selection. All tested shRNA constructs demonstrated selectivity toward mutant GNAO1, while tweaking hairpin structure only marginally affected the silencing efficiency. The selectivity of shRNA-mediated silencing was confirmed in the context of AAV vector transduction. To conclude, RNAi effectors ranging from siRNA to AAV-RNAi achieve suppression of the pathogenic GNAO1 c.607G>A and discriminate alleles by the single-nucleotide substitution. For gene therapy development, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefit of these RNAi effectors in patient-specific neurons and animal models of the GNAO1 encephalopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Klementieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgenii A Lunev
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Irina M Savchenko
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Svetlova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan I Galkin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Usachev
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana G Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | | | - Marina A Dzhenkova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Anna D Romanova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton V Agutin
- State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of Moscow Region "Balashikha Hospital," Balashikha, Russia
| | - Anna A Timakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Maryana V Bardina
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Flynn MJ, Mayfield AM, Du R, Gradinaru V, Elowitz MB. Synthetic dosage-compensating miRNA circuits allow precision gene therapy for Rett syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584179. [PMID: 38559034 PMCID: PMC10980028 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A longstanding challenge in gene therapy is expressing a dosage-sensitive gene within a tight therapeutic window. For example, loss of MECP2 function causes Rett syndrome, while its duplication causes MECP2 duplication syndrome. Viral gene delivery methods generate variable numbers of gene copies in individual cells, creating a need for gene dosage-invariant expression systems. Here, we introduce a compact miRNA-based, incoherent feed-forward loop circuit that achieves precise control of Mecp2 expression in cells and brains, and improves outcomes in an AAV-based mouse model of Rett syndrome gene therapy. Single molecule analysis of endogenous and ectopic Mecp2 mRNA revealed precise, sustained expression across a broad range of gene dosages. Delivered systemically in a brain-targeting AAV capsid, the circuit strongly suppressed Rett behavioral symptoms for over 24 weeks, outperforming an unregulated gene therapy. These results demonstrate that synthetic miRNA-based regulatory circuits can enable precise in vivo expression to improve the safety and efficacy of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Flynn
- Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Acacia M.H. Mayfield
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Rongrong Du
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Michael B. Elowitz
- Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Perera A, Brock O, Ahmed A, Shaw C, Ashkan K. Taking the knife to neurodegeneration: a review of surgical gene therapy delivery to the CNS. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2024; 166:136. [PMID: 38483631 PMCID: PMC10940433 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Gene supplementation and editing for neurodegenerative disorders has emerged in recent years as the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying several neurodegenerative disorders increases. The most common medium to deliver genetic material to cells is via viral vectors; and with respect to the central nervous system, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a popular choice. The most successful example of AAV-based gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders is Zolgensma© which is a transformative intravenous therapy given to babies with spinal muscular atrophy. However, the field has stalled in achieving safe drug delivery to the central nervous system in adults for which treatments for disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are desperately needed. Surgical gene therapy delivery has been proposed as a potential solution to this problem. While the field of the so-called regenerative neurosurgery has yielded pre-clinical optimism, several challenges have emerged. This review seeks to explore the field of regenerative neurosurgery with respect to AAV-based gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, its progress so far and the challenges that need to be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perera
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Olivier Brock
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Aminul Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Keyoumars Ashkan
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ryckman AE, Deschenes NM, Quinville BM, Osmon KJ, Mitchell M, Chen Z, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Intrathecal delivery of a bicistronic AAV9 vector expressing β-hexosaminidase A corrects Sandhoff disease in a murine model: A dosage study. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101168. [PMID: 38205442 PMCID: PMC10777117 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The pathological accumulation of GM2 ganglioside associated with Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and Sandhoff disease (SD) occurs in individuals who possess mutant forms of the heterodimer β-hexosaminidase A (Hex A) because of mutation of the HEXA and HEXB genes, respectively. With a lack of approved therapies, patients experience rapid neurological decline resulting in early death. A novel bicistronic vector carrying both HEXA and HEXB previously demonstrated promising results in mouse models of SD following neonatal intravenous administration, including significant reduction in GM2 accumulation, increased levels of Hex A, and a 2-fold extension of survival. The aim of the present study was to identify an optimal dose of the bicistronic vector in 6-week-old SD mice by an intrathecal route of administration along with transient immunosuppression, to inform possible clinical translation. Three doses of the bicistronic vector were tested: 2.5e11, 1.25e11, and 0.625e11 vector genomes per mouse. The highest dose provided the greatest increase in biochemical and behavioral parameters, such that treated mice lived to a median age of 56 weeks (>3 times the lifespan of the SD controls). These results have direct implications in deciding a human equivalent dose for TSD/SD and have informed the approval of a clinical trial application (NCT04798235).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex E. Ryckman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Natalie M. Deschenes
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Brianna M. Quinville
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Karlaina J.L. Osmon
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Melissa Mitchell
- Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Zhilin Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Steven J. Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mîndru DE, Țarcă E, Braha EE, Curpăn AȘ, Roșu ST, Anton-Păduraru DT, Adumitrăchioaiei H, Bernic V, Pădureț IA, Luca AC. Congenital Heart Malformations Masked by Infantile Gangliosidosis-Case Report and Growing Evidence for Metabolic Disease-Associated Aortopathies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:491. [PMID: 38472963 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gangliosidosis (ORPHA: 79255) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSD) with a variable phenotype and an incidence of 1:200000 live births. The underlying genotype is comprised GLB1 mutations that lead to β-galactosidase deficiency and subsequently to the accumulation of monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) in the brain and other organs. In total, two diseases have been linked to this gene mutation: Morquio type B and Gangliosidosis. The most frequent clinical manifestations include dysmorphic facial features, nervous and skeletal systems abnormalities, hepatosplenomegaly, and cardiomyopathies. The correct diagnosis of GM1 is a challenge due to the overlapping clinical manifestation between this disease and others, especially in infants. Therefore, in the current study we present the case of a 3-month-old male infant, admitted with signs and symptoms of respiratory distress alongside rapid progressive heart failure, with minimal neurologic and skeletal abnormalities, but with cardiovascular structural malformations. The atypical clinical presentation raised great difficulties for our diagnostic team. Unfortunately, the diagnostic of GM1 was made postmortem based on the DBS test and we were able to correlate the genotype with the unusual phenotypic findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Elena Mîndru
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Țarcă
- Department of Surgery II-Pediatric Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Emanuela Braha
- Department of Genetics Endocrinology, National Institute of Endocrinology CI Parhon, 011863 Bucureşti, Romania
| | | | - Solange Tamara Roșu
- Department of Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dana-Teodora Anton-Păduraru
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Heidrun Adumitrăchioaiei
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Valentin Bernic
- Department of Surgery II, "Saint Spiridon" Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Alina Costina Luca
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Amrani N, Chen Z, Gaston N, Wagh A, Newby G, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe S, Khvorova A, Watts J, Sontheimer E. Self-delivering, chemically modified CRISPR RNAs for AAV co-delivery and genome editing in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:977-997. [PMID: 38033325 PMCID: PMC10810193 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a 'protecting oligo'), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Amrani
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Atish Wagh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu Y, Tai J, Yu C, Xu D, Xiao D, Pang J. Unlocking therapeutic potential: dual gene therapy for ameliorating the disease phenotypes in a mouse model of RPE65 Leber congenital amaurosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1291795. [PMID: 38264046 PMCID: PMC10803578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1291795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is the most common genetic cause of congenital visual impairment in infants and children. Patients with LCA who harbor RPE65 mutations exhibit a deficiency in photoreceptor rhodopsin, leading to severe night blindness and visual impairment following birth. Since either gene replacement therapy or anti-apoptosis therapy alone cannot maintain both functional and morphological normality for a long time in the animal model, we propose a robust treatment strategy, that is, gene replacement therapy combined with anti-apoptotic therapy to protect photoreceptors from further degeneration while compensating for lost RPE65 function. Here, rd12 mice were injected subretinally at postnatal day 14 with four vector administrations, respectively. At 6 months after treatment, it was discovered that injection of three vectors, AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65, AAV8(Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65-BCL-2-L10 and mixture of half-dose AAV8(Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65 and half-dose AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-BCL-2-L10, could partially restore the visual function of rd12 mice. Meanwhile, these treated eyes also exhibited a thicker outer nuclear layer (ONL) structure. However, despite the fact that the eyes of rd12 mice injected with the AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-BCL-2-L10 vector displayed a slightly thicker ONL structure compared to untreated eyes, the visual function of the treated eyes did not recover. Continuing the observation period to 12 months after treatment, we found that compared to rd12 mice at 6-month post-treatment, rd12 mice injected with AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65 or mixture of half-dose AAV8(Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65 and half-dose AAV8 (Y733F)-CBA-BCL-2-L10 exhibited varying degrees of decline in both visual function and ONL thickness. However, in the case of rd12 mice injected with the AAV8(Y733F)-CBA-hRPE65-BCL-2-L10 vector, the ONL thickness remains consistent at both 6 and 12 months after treatment. These mice continued to maintain a relatively strong visual function and showed restoration in the levels of RPE65 and Rhodopsin protein expression. Our findings illustrate that early postnatal treatment with AAV vectors containing both the hRPE65 gene and the Bcl-2L10 anti-apoptotic gene provide enhanced and sustained retinal protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Liu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingjie Tai
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chaofeng Yu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Shenyang Weijing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Xiao
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Jijing Pang
- Shenyang Weijing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenyang, China
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
- Shenyang He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang, China
- Institute of Innovation Research for Precision Medical Treatment, He University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gao Y, Guo L, Wang F, Wang Y, Li P, Zhang D. Development of mitochondrial gene-editing strategies and their potential applications in mitochondrial hereditary diseases: a review. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:11-24. [PMID: 37930294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a critical genome contained within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, with many copies present in each mitochondrion. Mutations in mtDNA often are inherited and can lead to severe health problems, including various inherited diseases and premature aging. The lack of efficient repair mechanisms and the susceptibility of mtDNA to damage exacerbate the threat to human health. Heteroplasmy, the presence of different mtDNA genotypes within a single cell, increases the complexity of these diseases and requires an effective editing method for correction. Recently, gene-editing techniques, including programmable nucleases such as restriction endonuclease, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated 9 and base editors, have provided new tools for editing mtDNA in mammalian cells. Base editors are particularly promising because of their high efficiency and precision in correcting mtDNA mutations. In this review, we discuss the application of these techniques in mitochondrial gene editing and their limitations. We also explore the potential of base editors for mtDNA modification and discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with their application in mitochondrial gene editing. In conclusion, this review highlights the advancements, limitations and opportunities in current mitochondrial gene-editing technologies and approaches. Our insights aim to stimulate the development of new editing strategies that can ultimately alleviate the adverse effects of mitochondrial hereditary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Guo
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dejiu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ereej N, Hameed H, Khan MA, Faheem S, Hameed A. Nanoparticle-based Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1723-1745. [PMID: 38676491 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575301011240407082559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders present a formidable challenge in modern medicine due to the intricate obstacles set for the brain and the multipart nature of genetic interventions. This review article delves into the promising realm of nanoparticle-based gene therapy as an innovative approach to addressing the intricacies of neurological disorders. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide a multipurpose podium for the conveyance of therapeutic genes, offering unique properties such as precise targeting, enhanced stability, and the potential to bypass blood-brain barrier (BBB) restrictions. This comprehensive exploration reviews the current state of nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy in neurological disorders, highlighting recent advancements and breakthroughs. The discussion encompasses the synthesis of nanoparticles from various materials and their conjugation to therapeutic genes, emphasizing the flexibility in design that contributes to specific tissue targeting. The abstract also addresses the low immunogenicity of these nanoparticles and their stability in circulation, critical factors for successful gene delivery. While the potential of NP-based gene therapy for neurological disorders is vast, challenges and gaps in knowledge persist. The lack of extensive clinical trials leaves questions about safety and potential side effects unanswered. Therefore, this abstract emphasizes the need for further research to validate the therapeutic applications of NP-mediated gene therapy and to address nanosafety concerns. In conclusion, nanoparticle-based gene therapy emerges as a promising avenue in the pursuit of effective treatments for neurological disorders. This abstract advocates for continued research efforts to bridge existing knowledge gaps, unlocking the full potential of this innovative approach and paving the way for transformative solutions in the realm of neurological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelofer Ereej
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Huma Hameed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mahtab Ahmad Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lubeck 23566 Lubeck, Germany
| | - Saleha Faheem
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Anam Hameed
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Gulberg III, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shastry S, Chu W, Barbieri E, Greback-Clarke P, Smith WK, Cummings C, Minzoni A, Pancorbo J, Gilleskie G, Ritola K, Daniele MA, Johnson TF, Menegatti S. Rational design and experimental evaluation of peptide ligands for the purification of adeno-associated viruses via affinity chromatography. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300230. [PMID: 37728197 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have acquired a central role in modern medicine as delivery agents for gene therapies targeting rare diseases. While new AAVs with improved tissue targeting, potency, and safety are being introduced, their biomanufacturing technology is lagging. In particular, the AAV purification pipeline hinges on protein ligands for the affinity-based capture step. While featuring excellent AAV binding capacity and selectivity, these ligands require strong acid (pH <3) elution conditions, which can compromise the product's activity and stability. Additionally, their high cost and limited lifetime has a significant impact on the price tag of AAV-based therapies. Seeking to introduce a more robust and affordable affinity technology, this study introduces a cohort of peptide ligands that (i) mimic the biorecognition activity of the AAV receptor (AAVR) and anti-AAV antibody A20, (ii) enable product elution under near-physiological conditions (pH 6.0), and (iii) grant extended reusability by withstanding multiple regenerations. A20-mimetic CYIHFSGYTNYNPSLKSC and AAVR-mimetic CVIDGSQSTDDDKIC demonstrated excellent capture of serotypes belonging to distinct clones/clades - namely, AAV1, AAV2, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9. This corroborates the in silico models documenting their ability to target regions of the viral capsid that are conserved across all serotypes. CVIDGSQSTDDDKIC-Toyopearl resin features binding capacity (≈1014 vp mL-1 ) and product yields (≈60%-80%) on par with commercial adsorbents, and purifies AAV2 from HEK293 and Sf9 cell lysates with high recovery (up to 78%), reduction of host cell proteins (up to 700-fold), and high transduction activity (up to 65%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shriarjun Shastry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wenning Chu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eduardo Barbieri
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul Greback-Clarke
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - William K Smith
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Cummings
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arianna Minzoni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Pancorbo
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gary Gilleskie
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly Ritola
- Neuroscience Center, Brain Initiative Neurotools Vector Core, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- North Carolina Viral Vector Initiative in Research and Learning (NC-VVIRAL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael A Daniele
- North Carolina Viral Vector Initiative in Research and Learning (NC-VVIRAL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas F Johnson
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefano Menegatti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- North Carolina Viral Vector Initiative in Research and Learning (NC-VVIRAL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- LigaTrap Technologies LLC, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bakavayev S, Stavsky A, Argueti-Ostrovsky S, Yehezkel G, Fridmann-Sirkis Y, Barak Z, Gitler D, Israelson A, Engel S. Blocking an epitope of misfolded SOD1 ameliorates disease phenotype in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:4594-4607. [PMID: 37394908 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The current strategies to mitigate the toxicity of misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via blocking SOD1 expression in the CNS are indiscriminative for misfolded and intact proteins, and as such, entail a risk of depriving CNS cells of their essential antioxidant potential. As an alternative approach to neutralize misfolded and spare unaffected SOD1 species, we developed scFv-SE21 antibody that blocks the β6/β7 loop epitope exposed exclusively in misfolded SOD1. The β6/β7 loop epitope has previously been proposed to initiate amyloid-like aggregation of misfolded SOD1 and mediate its prion-like activity. The adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of scFv-SE21 in the CNS of hSOD1G37R mice rescued spinal motor neurons, reduced the accumulation of misfolded SOD1, decreased gliosis and thus delayed disease onset and extended survival by 90 days. The results provide evidence for the role of the exposed β6/β7 loop epitope in the mechanism of neurotoxic gain-of-function of misfolded SOD1 and open avenues for the development of mechanism-based anti-SOD1 therapeutics, whose selective targeting of misfolded SOD1 species may entail a reduced risk of collateral oxidative damage to the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamchal Bakavayev
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Alexandra Stavsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shirel Argueti-Ostrovsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Galit Yehezkel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Yael Fridmann-Sirkis
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Zeev Barak
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Daniel Gitler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Adrian Israelson
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Stanislav Engel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Han Z, Luo N, Ma W, Liu X, Cai Y, Kou J, Wang J, Li L, Peng S, Xu Z, Zhang W, Qiu Y, Wu Y, Ye C, Lin K, Xu F. AAV11 enables efficient retrograde targeting of projection neurons and enhances astrocyte-directed transduction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3792. [PMID: 37365155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral tracers that enable efficient retrograde labeling of projection neurons are powerful vehicles for structural and functional dissections of the neural circuit and for the treatment of brain diseases. Currently, some recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) based on capsid engineering are widely used for retrograde tracing, but display undesirable brain area selectivity due to inefficient retrograde transduction in certain neural connections. Here we developed an easily editable toolkit to produce high titer AAV11 and demonstrated that it exhibits potent and stringent retrograde labeling of projection neurons in adult male wild-type or Cre transgenic mice. AAV11 can function as a powerful retrograde viral tracer complementary to AAV2-retro in multiple neural connections. In combination with fiber photometry, AAV11 can be used to monitor neuronal activities in the functional network by retrograde delivering calcium-sensitive indicator under the control of a neuron-specific promoter or the Cre-lox system. Furthermore, we showed that GfaABC1D promoter embedding AAV11 is superior to AAV8 and AAV5 in astrocytic tropism in vivo, combined with bidirectional multi-vector axoastrocytic labeling, AAV11 can be used to study neuron-astrocyte connection. Finally, we showed that AAV11 allows for analyzing circuit connectivity difference in the brains of the Alzheimer's disease and control mice. These properties make AAV11 a promising tool for mapping and manipulating neural circuits and for gene therapy of some neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengpeng Han
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Nengsong Luo
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Wenyu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Cai
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Kou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Siqi Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
| | - Zihong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Qiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chaohui Ye
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kunzhang Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
St Martin T, Seabrook TA, Gall K, Newman J, Avila N, Hayes A, Kivaa M, Lotterhand J, Mercaldi M, Patel K, Rivas IJ, Woodcock S, Wright TL, Seymour AB, Francone OL, Gingras J. Single Systemic Administration of a Gene Therapy Leading to Disease Treatment in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Arsa Knock-Out Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3567-3581. [PMID: 36977578 PMCID: PMC10184740 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1829-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, inherited, demyelinating lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the arylsulfatase-A gene (ARSA). In patients, levels of functional ARSA enzyme are diminished and lead to deleterious accumulation of sulfatides. Herein, we demonstrate that intravenous administration of HSC15/ARSA restored the endogenous murine biodistribution of the corresponding enzyme, and overexpression of ARSA corrected disease biomarkers and ameliorated motor deficits in Arsa KO mice of either sex. In treated Arsa KO mice, when compared with intravenously administered AAV9/ARSA, significant increases in brain ARSA activity, transcript levels, and vector genomes were observed with HSC15/ARSA Durability of transgene expression was established in neonate and adult mice out to 12 and 52 weeks, respectively. Levels and correlation between changes in biomarkers and ARSA activity required to achieve functional motor benefit was also defined. Finally, we demonstrated blood-nerve, blood-spinal and blood-brain barrier crossing as well as the presence of circulating ARSA enzyme activity in the serum of healthy nonhuman primates of either sex. Together, these findings support the use of intravenous delivery of HSC15/ARSA-mediated gene therapy for the treatment of MLD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Herein, we describe the method of gene therapy adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid and route of administration selection leading to an efficacious gene therapy in a mouse model of metachromatic leukodystrophy. We demonstrate the therapeutic outcome of a new naturally derived clade F AAV capsid (AAVHSC15) in a disease model and the importance of triangulating multiple end points to increase the translation into higher species via ARSA enzyme activity and biodistribution profile (with a focus on the CNS) with that of a key clinically relevant biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jenn Newman
- Homology Medicines, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
| | - Nancy Avila
- Homology Medicines, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
| | - April Hayes
- Homology Medicines, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
| | | | | | | | - Kruti Patel
- Homology Medicines, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Blesa J, Pineda-Pardo JA, Inoue KI, Gasca-Salas C, Balzano T, Del Rey NLG, Reinares-Sebastián A, Esteban-García N, Rodríguez-Rojas R, Márquez R, Ciorraga M, del Álamo M, García-Cañamaque L, Ruiz de Aguiar S, Rachmilevitch I, Trigo-Damas I, Takada M, Obeso JA. BBB opening with focused ultrasound in nonhuman primates and Parkinson's disease patients: Targeted AAV vector delivery and PET imaging. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf4888. [PMID: 37075119 PMCID: PMC10115413 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf4888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebral vector delivery in nonhuman primates has been a major challenge. We report successful blood-brain barrier opening and focal delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors into brain regions involved in Parkinson's disease using low-intensity focus ultrasound in adult macaque monkeys. Openings were well tolerated with generally no associated abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signals. Neuronal green fluorescent protein expression was observed specifically in regions with confirmed blood-brain barrier opening. Similar blood-brain barrier openings were safely demonstrated in three patients with Parkinson's disease. In these patients and in one monkey, blood-brain barrier opening was followed by 18F-Choline uptake in the putamen and midbrain regions based on positron emission tomography. This indicates focal and cellular binding of molecules that otherwise would not enter the brain parenchyma. The less-invasive nature of this methodology could facilitate focal viral vector delivery for gene therapy and might allow early and repeated interventions to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Blesa
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Pineda-Pardo
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ken-ichi Inoue
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Neuroscience, Primate Research Institute, and Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University; Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Carmen Gasca-Salas
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- University CEU-San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tiziano Balzano
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia López-González Del Rey
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience Autónoma de Madrid University-Cajal Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Reinares-Sebastián
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia Esteban-García
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience Autónoma de Madrid University-Cajal Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Rodríguez-Rojas
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Márquez
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ciorraga
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta del Álamo
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lina García-Cañamaque
- University CEU-San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Inés Trigo-Damas
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Masahiko Takada
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Neuroscience, Primate Research Institute, and Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University; Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - José A. Obeso
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- University CEU-San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Morelli KH, Smargon AA, Yeo GW. Programmable macromolecule-based RNA-targeting therapies to treat human neurological disorders. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:489-497. [PMID: 36693761 PMCID: PMC10019361 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079519.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disruptions in RNA processing play critical roles in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. In this Perspective, we discuss recent progress in the development of RNA-targeting therapeutic modalities. We focus on progress, limitations, and opportunities in a new generation of therapies engineered from RNA binding proteins and other endogenous RNA regulatory macromolecules to treat human neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Morelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
| | - Aaron A Smargon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang H, Kelly K, Lee J, Echeverria D, Cooper D, Panwala R, Chen Z, Gaston N, Newby GA, Xie J, Liu DR, Gao G, Wolfe SA, Khvorova A, Watts JK, Sontheimer EJ. Self-delivering CRISPR RNAs for AAV Co-delivery and Genome Editing in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533459. [PMID: 36993169 PMCID: PMC10055305 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Guide RNAs offer programmability for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing but also add challenges for delivery. Chemical modification, which has been key to the success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, can enhance the stability, distribution, cellular uptake, and safety of nucleic acids. Previously, we engineered heavily and fully modified SpyCas9 crRNA and tracrRNA, which showed enhanced stability and retained activity when delivered to cultured cells in the form of the ribonucleoprotein complex. In this study, we report that a short, fully stabilized oligonucleotide (a "protecting oligo"), which can be displaced by tracrRNA annealing, can significantly enhance the potency and stability of a heavily modified crRNA. Furthermore, protecting oligos allow various bioconjugates to be appended, thereby improving cellular uptake and biodistribution of crRNA in vivo. Finally, we achieved in vivo genome editing in adult mouse liver and central nervous system via co-delivery of unformulated, chemically modified crRNAs with protecting oligos and AAV vectors that express tracrRNA and either SpyCas9 or a base editor derivative. Our proof-of-concept establishment of AAV/crRNA co-delivery offers a route towards transient editing activity, target multiplexing, guide redosing, and vector inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David Cooper
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zexiang Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Nicholas Gaston
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Erik J. Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Critchley BJ, Gaspar HB, Benedetti S. Targeting the central nervous system in lysosomal storage diseases: Strategies to deliver therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier. Mol Ther 2023; 31:657-675. [PMID: 36457248 PMCID: PMC10014236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are multisystem inherited metabolic disorders caused by dysfunctional lysosomal activity, resulting in the accumulation of undegraded macromolecules in a variety of organs/tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Treatments include enzyme replacement therapy, stem/progenitor cell transplantation, and in vivo gene therapy. However, these treatments are not fully effective in treating the CNS as neither enzymes, stem cells, nor viral vectors efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. Here, we review the latest advancements in improving delivery of different therapeutic agents to the CNS and comment upon outstanding questions in the field of neurological LSDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethan J Critchley
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - H Bobby Gaspar
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK; Orchard Therapeutics Ltd., London EC4N 6EU, UK
| | - Sara Benedetti
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London WC1N 1DZ, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
AAV vectors applied to the treatment of CNS disorders: Clinical status and challenges. J Control Release 2023; 355:458-473. [PMID: 36736907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become the most important vector for central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy. AAV has already shown promising results in the clinic, for several CNS diseases that cannot be treated with drugs, including neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and lysosomal storage disorders. Currently, three of the four commercially available AAV-based drugs focus on neurological disorders, including Upstaza for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency, Luxturna for hereditary retinal dystrophy, and Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy. All these studies have provided paradigms for AAV-based therapeutic intervention platforms. AAV gene therapy, with its dual promise of targeting disease etiology and enabling 'long-term correction' of disease processes, has the advantages of immune privilege, high delivery efficiency, tissue specificity, and cell tropism in the CNS. Although AAV-based gene therapy has been shown to be effective in most CNS clinical trials, limitations have been observed in its clinical applications, which are often associated with side effects. In this review, we summarized the therapeutic progress, challenges, limitations, and solutions for AAV-based gene therapy in 14 types of CNS diseases. We focused on viral vector technologies, delivery routes, immunosuppression, and other relevant clinical factors. We also attempted to integrate several hurdles faced in clinical and preclinical studies with their solutions, to seek the best path forward for the application of AAV-based gene therapy in the context of CNS diseases. We hope that these thoughtful recommendations will contribute to the efficient translation of preclinical studies and wide application of clinical trials.
Collapse
|
29
|
Selles MC, Fortuna JTS, Cercato MC, Santos LE, Domett L, Bitencourt ALB, Carraro MF, Souza AS, Janickova H, Azevedo CV, Campos HC, de Souza JM, Alves-Leon S, Prado VF, Prado MAM, Epstein AL, Salvetti A, Longo BM, Arancio O, Klein WL, Sebollela A, De Felice FG, Jerusalinsky DA, Ferreira ST. AAV-mediated neuronal expression of an scFv antibody selective for Aβ oligomers protects synapses and rescues memory in Alzheimer models. Mol Ther 2023; 31:409-419. [PMID: 36369741 PMCID: PMC9931599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of soluble oligomers of the amyloid-β peptide (AβOs) in the brain has been implicated in synapse failure and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we initially show that treatment with NUsc1, a single-chain variable-fragment antibody (scFv) that selectively targets a subpopulation of AβOs and shows minimal reactivity to Aβ monomers and fibrils, prevents the inhibition of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices and memory impairment induced by AβOs in mice. As a therapeutic approach for intracerebral antibody delivery, we developed an adeno-associated virus vector to drive neuronal expression of NUsc1 (AAV-NUsc1) within the brain. Transduction by AAV-NUsc1 induced NUsc1 expression and secretion in adult human brain slices and inhibited AβO binding to neurons and AβO-induced loss of dendritic spines in primary rat hippocampal cultures. Treatment of mice with AAV-NUsc1 prevented memory impairment induced by AβOs and, remarkably, reversed memory deficits in aged APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Alzheimer's disease model mice. These results support the feasibility of immunotherapy using viral vector-mediated gene delivery of NUsc1 or other AβO-specific single-chain antibodies as a potential therapeutic approach in Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara Selles
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Juliana T S Fortuna
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Magali C Cercato
- Laboratorio de Neuroplasticidad y Neurotoxinas, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor Eduardo De Robertis," Universidad de Buenos Aires/CONICET, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
| | - Luis Eduardo Santos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luciana Domett
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Andre L B Bitencourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Mariane Favero Carraro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Amanda S Souza
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Helena Janickova
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada
| | - Caroline Vieira Azevedo
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henrique Correia Campos
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jorge M de Souza
- Division of Neurosurgery and Division of Neurology/Epilepsy Program, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Soniza Alves-Leon
- Division of Neurosurgery and Division of Neurology/Epilepsy Program, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Vania F Prado
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada
| | - Marco A M Prado
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada
| | - Alberto L Epstein
- UMR INSERM U1179-UVSQ, Université de Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Beatriz Monteiro Longo
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William L Klein
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Adriano Sebollela
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences & Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Diana A Jerusalinsky
- Laboratorio de Neuroplasticidad y Neurotoxinas, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor Eduardo De Robertis," Universidad de Buenos Aires/CONICET, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil; Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Intracerebral lentiviral ABCD1 gene therapy in an early disease onset ALD mouse model. Gene Ther 2023; 30:18-30. [PMID: 35790794 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disorder of the ABCD1 gene. We aimed to treat ALD via direct intracerebral injection of lentiviral ABCD1 (LV.ABCD1). Lentiviral vectors (LVs) were injected into the brain of wild type mice to access toxicities and biodistribution. Confocal microscopy illustrated supraphysiological ABCD1 expression surrounding the injection sites, and LVs were also detected in the opposite site of the unilaterally injected brain. In multi-site bilateral injections (4, 6, 8, and 9 sites), LV.ABCD1 transduced most brain regions including the cerebellum. Investigation of neuronal loss, astrogliosis and microglia activation did not detect abnormality. For efficacy evaluation, a novel ALD knockout (KO) mouse model was established by deleting exons 3 to 9 of the ABCD1 gene based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The KO mice showed behavioral deficit in open-field test (OFT) and reduced locomotor activities in rotarod test at 6 and 7 months of age, respectively. We treated 3-month-old KO mice with bilateral LV.ABCD1 injections into the external capsule and thalamus. ABCD1 expression was detected 15 days later, and the impaired motor ability was gradually alleviated. Our studies established an early onset ALD model and illustrated neurological improvement after LV.ABCD1 intracerebral injection without immunopathological toxicity.
Collapse
|
31
|
Lin Y, Li C, Wang W, Li J, Huang C, Zheng X, Liu Z, Song X, Chen Y, Gao J, Wu J, Wu J, Tu Z, Lai L, Li XJ, Li S, Yan S. Intravenous AAV9 administration results in safe and widespread distribution of transgene in the brain of mini-pig. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1115348. [PMID: 36762127 PMCID: PMC9902950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1115348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models are important for understanding the pathogenesis of human diseases and for developing and testing new drugs. Pigs have been widely used in the research on the cardiovascular, skin barrier, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems as well as organ transplantation. Recently, pigs also become an attractive large animal model for the study of neurodegenerative diseases because their brains are very similar to human brains in terms of mass, gully pattern, vascularization, and the proportions of the gray and white matters. Although adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV9) has been widely used to deliver transgenes in the brain, its utilization in large animal models remains to be fully characterized. Here, we report that intravenous injection of AAV9-GFP can lead to widespread expression of transgene in various organs in the pig. Importantly, GFP was highly expressed in various brain regions, especially the striatum, cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, without detectable inflammatory responses. These results suggest that intravenous AAV9 administration can be used to establish large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases caused by gene mutations and to treat these animal models as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Lin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caijuan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhui Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell, Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xichen Song
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiale Gao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxi Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuchi Tu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell, Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shihua Li, ; Sen Yan,
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shihua Li, ; Sen Yan,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stanton AC, Lagerborg KA, Tellez L, Krunnfusz A, King EM, Ye S, Solomon IH, Tabebordbar M, Sabeti PC. Systemic administration of novel engineered AAV capsids facilitates enhanced transgene expression in the macaque CNS. MED 2023; 4:31-50.e8. [PMID: 36417917 PMCID: PMC9840684 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are a promising vehicle for noninvasive gene delivery to the central nervous system via intravenous infusion. However, naturally occurring serotypes have a limited ability to transduce the brain, and translating engineered capsids from mice to nonhuman primates has proved challenging. METHODS In this study, we use an mRNA-based directed-evolution strategy in multiple strains of mice as well as a de novo selection in cynomolgus macaques to identify families of engineered vectors with increased potency in the brain and decreased tropism for the liver. FINDINGS We compare the transgene expression capabilities of several engineered vectors and show that while some of our novel macaque-derived variants significantly outperform AAV9 in transducing the macaque brain following systemic administration, mouse-derived variants-both those identified in this study and those reported by other groups-universally do not. CONCLUSIONS Together, the results of this work introduce a class of primate-derived engineered AAV capsids with increased therapeutic potential and highlight the critical need for using appropriate animal models to both identify and evaluate novel AAVs intended for delivery to the human central nervous system. FUNDING This work was funded primarily through an anonymous philanthropic gift to the P.C.S. lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to P.C.S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Stanton
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142,Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Lead Contact,Correspondence: (A.C.S); (P.C.S.)
| | - Kim A. Lagerborg
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142,Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Liana Tellez
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142
| | | | - Emily M. King
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142
| | - Simon Ye
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142,Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142
| | - Isaac H. Solomon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | | | - Pardis C. Sabeti
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA 02138,Correspondence: (A.C.S); (P.C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shahcheraghi SH, Ayatollahi J, Lotfi M, Aljabali AAA, Al-Zoubi MS, Panda PK, Mishra V, Satija S, Charbe NB, Serrano-Aroca Á, Bahar B, Takayama K, Goyal R, Bhatia A, Almutary AG, Alnuqaydan AM, Mishra Y, Negi P, Courtney A, McCarron PA, Bakshi HA, Tambuwala MM. Gene Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Potential Targets and Tools. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:51-65. [PMID: 35249508 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220304153719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders that affect the central nervous system cause considerable pressures on the health care system and have a substantial economic burden on modern societies. The present treatments based on available drugs are mostly ineffective and often costly. The molecular process of neuropsychiatric disorders is closely connected to modifying the genetic structures inherited or caused by damage, toxic chemicals, and some current diseases. Gene therapy is presently an experimental concept for neurological disorders. Clinical applications endeavor to alleviate the symptoms, reduce disease progression, and repair defective genes. Implementing gene therapy in inherited and acquired neurological illnesses entails the integration of several scientific disciplines, including virology, neurology, neurosurgery, molecular genetics, and immunology. Genetic manipulation has the power to minimize or cure illness by inducing genetic alterations at endogenous loci. Gene therapy that involves treating the disease by deleting, silencing, or editing defective genes and delivering genetic material to produce therapeutic molecules has excellent potential as a novel approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. With the recent advances in gene selection and vector design quality in targeted treatments, gene therapy could be an effective approach. This review article will investigate and report the newest and the most critical molecules and factors in neuropsychiatric disorder gene therapy. Different genome editing techniques available will be evaluated, and the review will highlight preclinical research of genome editing for neuropsychiatric disorders while also evaluating current limitations and potential strategies to overcome genome editing advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed H Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jamshid Ayatollahi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Abortion Research Center, Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mazhar S Al-Zoubi
- Yarmouk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Pritam K Panda
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin B Charbe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Translational Research Centre San Alberto Magno, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, C/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Bojlul Bahar
- Nutrition Sciences and Applied Food Safety Studies, Research Centre for Global Development, School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for IPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8397, Japan
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box No. 9, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212, India
| | - Amit Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Punjab 151001, India
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Shri Shakti Degree College, Sankhahari, Ghatampur 209206, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173 212, India
| | - Aaron Courtney
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A McCarron
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid A Bakshi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lopes MM, Paysan J, Rino J, Lopes SM, Pereira de Almeida L, Cortes L, Nobre RJ. A new protocol for whole-brain biodistribution analysis of AAVs by tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy and semi-automated spatial quantification. Gene Ther 2022; 29:665-679. [PMID: 36316447 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has become one of the most promising gene delivery systems for both in vitro and in vivo applications. However, a key challenge is the lack of suitable imaging technologies to evaluate delivery, biodistribution and tropism of rAAVs and efficiently monitor disease amelioration promoted by AAV-based therapies at a whole-organ level with single-cell resolution. Therefore, we aimed to establish a new pipeline for the biodistribution analysis of natural and new variants of AAVs at a whole-brain level by tissue clearing and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). To test this platform, neonatal C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with rAAV9 encoding EGFP and, after sacrifice, brains were processed by standard immunohistochemistry and a recently released aqueous-based clearing procedure. This clearing technique required no dedicated equipment and rendered highly cleared brains, while simultaneously preserving endogenous fluorescence. Moreover, three-dimensional imaging by LSFM allowed the quantitative analysis of EGFP at a whole-brain level, as well as the reconstruction of Purkinje cells for the retrieval of valuable morphological information inaccessible by standard immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, the pipeline herein described takes the AAVs to a new level when coupled to LSFM, proving its worth as a bioimaging tool in tropism and gene therapy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel M Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - José Rino
- iMM - Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara M Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- ViraVector - Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- FFUC - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Cortes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- MICC-CNC - Microscopy Imaging Center of Coimbra - CNC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- ViraVector - Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Markowicz-Piasecka M, Darłak P, Markiewicz A, Sikora J, Kumar Adla S, Bagina S, Huttunen KM. Current approaches to facilitate improved drug delivery to the central nervous system. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 181:249-262. [PMID: 36372271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Although many pharmaceuticals have therapeutic potentials for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, few of these agents have been effectively administered. It is due to the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) restrict them from crossing the brain to exert biological activity. This article reviews the current approaches aiming to improve penetration across these barriers for effective drug delivery to the CNS. These issues are summarized into direct systemic delivery and invasive delivery, including the BBB disruption and convection enhanced delivery. Furthermore, novel drug delivery systems used at the nanoscale, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and micelles are discussed. These nanocarriers could contribute to a breakthrough in the treatment of many different CNS diseases. However, further broadened studies are needed to assess the biocompatibility and safety of these medical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Darłak
- Students Research Group, Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agata Markiewicz
- Students Research Group, Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Joanna Sikora
- Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, POB 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542/2, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Sreelatha Bagina
- Charles River Discovery Research Services Finland Oy, Neulaniementie 4, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, POB 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Prasad S, Dimmock DP, Greenberg B, Walia JS, Sadhu C, Tavakkoli F, Lipshutz GS. Immune Responses and Immunosuppressive Strategies for Adeno-Associated Virus-Based Gene Therapy for Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders: Current Knowledge and Approaches. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:1228-1245. [PMID: 35994385 PMCID: PMC9808800 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are being increasingly used as gene therapy vectors in clinical studies especially targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Correspondingly, host immune responses to the AAV capsid or the transgene-encoded protein have been observed in various clinical and preclinical studies. Such immune responses may adversely impact patients' health, prevent viral transduction, prevent repeated dosing strategies, eliminate transduced cells, and pose a significant barrier to the potential effectiveness of AAV gene therapy. Consequently, multiple immunomodulatory strategies have been used in attempts to limit immune-mediated responses to the vector, enable readministration of AAV gene therapy, prevent end-organ toxicity, and increase the duration of transgene-encoded protein expression. Herein we review the innate and adaptive immune responses that may occur during CNS-targeted AAV gene therapy as well as host- and treatment-specific factors that could impact the immune response. We also summarize the available preclinical and clinical data on immune responses specifically to CNS-targeted AAV gene therapy and discuss potential strategies for incorporating prophylactic immunosuppression regimens to circumvent adverse immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David P. Dimmock
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Greenberg
- Department of Neurology, O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | | | | | - Gerald S. Lipshutz
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Surgery, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Correspondence: Prof. Gerald S. Lipshutz, Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Surgery, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhou K, Han J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhu C. Routes of administration for adeno-associated viruses carrying gene therapies for brain diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988914. [PMID: 36385771 PMCID: PMC9643316 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a powerful tool to treat various central nervous system (CNS) diseases ranging from monogenetic diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been widely used as the delivery vehicles for CNS gene therapies due to their safety, CNS tropism, and long-term therapeutic effect. However, several factors, including their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, the efficiency of transduction, their immunotoxicity, loading capacity, the choice of serotype, and peripheral off-target effects should be carefully considered when designing an optimal AAV delivery strategy for a specific disease. In addition, distinct routes of administration may affect the efficiency and safety of AAV-delivered gene therapies. In this review, we summarize different administration routes of gene therapies delivered by AAVs to the brain in mice and rats. Updated knowledge regarding AAV-delivered gene therapies may facilitate the selection from various administration routes for specific disease models in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhou
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Variants of the adeno-associated virus serotype 9 with enhanced penetration of the blood-brain barrier in rodents and primates. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:1257-1271. [PMID: 36217021 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The development of gene therapies for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system has been hindered by the limited availability of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) that efficiently traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we report the rational design of AAV9 variants displaying cell-penetrating peptides on the viral capsid and the identification of two variants, AAV.CPP.16 and AAV.CPP.21, with improved transduction efficiencies of cells of the central nervous system on systemic delivery (6- to 249-fold across 4 mouse strains and 5-fold in cynomolgus macaques, with respect to the AAV9 parent vector). We also show that the neurotropism of AAV.CPP.16 is retained in young and adult macaques, that this variant displays enhanced transcytosis at the BBB as well as increased efficiency of cellular transduction relative to AAV9, and that it can be used to deliver antitumour payloads in a mouse model of glioblastoma. AAV capsids that can efficiently penetrate the BBB will facilitate the clinical translation of gene therapies aimed at the central nervous system.
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhu L, Tan B, Dwight SS, Beahm B, Wilsey M, Crawford BE, Schweighardt B, Cook JW, Wechsler T, Mueller WF. AAV9-NGLY1 gene replacement therapy improves phenotypic and biomarker endpoints in a rat model of NGLY1 Deficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:259-271. [PMID: 36320418 PMCID: PMC9593239 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
N-glycanase 1 (NGLY1) Deficiency is a progressive, ultra-rare, autosomal recessive disorder with no approved therapy and five core clinical features: severe global developmental delay, hyperkinetic movement disorder, elevated liver transaminases, alacrima, and peripheral neuropathy. Here, we confirmed and characterized the Ngly1 -/- / rat as a relevant disease model. GS-100, a gene therapy candidate, is a recombinant, single-stranded adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9 vector designed to deliver a functional copy of the human NGLY1 gene. Using the Ngly1 -/- rat, we tested different administration routes for GS-100: intracerebroventricular (ICV), intravenous (IV), or the dual route (IV + ICV). ICV and IV + ICV administration resulted in widespread biodistribution of human NGLY1 DNA and corresponding mRNA and protein expression in CNS tissues. GS-100 delivered by ICV or IV + ICV significantly reduced levels of the substrate biomarker N-acetylglucosamine-asparagine (GlcNAc-Asn or GNA) in CSF and brain tissue compared with untreated Ngly1-/- rats. ICV and IV + ICV administration of GS-100 resulted in behavioral improvements in rotarod and rearing tests, whereas IV-only administration did not. IV + ICV did not provide additional benefit compared with ICV administration alone. These data provide evidence that GS-100 could be an effective therapy for NGLY1 Deficiency using the ICV route of administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Grace Science, LLC, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Brandon Tan
- Grace Science, LLC, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | | | | | - Matt Wilsey
- Grace Science, LLC, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - William F. Mueller
- Grace Science, LLC, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Corresponding author William F. Mueller, Grace Science, LLC, 1142 Crane Street, Ste 4, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rajan DS, Escolar ML. Evolving therapies in neuronopathic LSDs: opportunities and challenges. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2245-2256. [PMID: 35442005 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are multisystemic progressive disorders caused by genetic mutations involving lysosomal function. While LSDs are individually considered rare diseases, the overall true prevalence of these disorders is likely higher than our current estimates. More than two third of the LSDs have associated neurodegeneration and the neurological phenotype often defines the course of the disease and treatment outcomes. Addressing the neurological involvement in LSDs has posed a significant challenge in the rapidly evolving field of therapies for these diseases. In this review, we summarize current approaches and clinical trials available for patients with neuronopathic lysosomal storage disorders, exploring the opportunities and challenges that have emerged with each of these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa S Rajan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maria L Escolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Premature delivery in the domestic sow in response to in utero delivery of AAV9 to fetal piglets. Gene Ther 2022; 29:513-519. [PMID: 34803165 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Numerous pediatric neurogenetic diseases may be optimally treated by in utero gene therapy (IUGT); but advancing such treatments requires animal models that recapitulate developmental physiology relevant to humans. One disease that could benefit from IUGT is the autosomal recessive motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Current SMA gene-targeting therapeutics are more efficacious when delivered shortly after birth, however postnatal treatment is rarely curative in severely affected patients. IUGT may provide benefit for SMA patients. In previous studies, we developed a large animal porcine model of SMA using AAV9 to deliver a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed at porcine survival motor neuron gene (Smn) mRNA on postnatal day 5. Here, we aimed to model developmental features of SMA in fetal piglets and to demonstrate the feasibility of prenatal gene therapy by delivering AAV9-shSmn in utero. Saline (sham), AAV9-GFP, or AAV9-shSmn was injected under direct ultrasound guidance between gestational ages 77-110 days. We developed an ultrasound-guided technique to deliver virus under direct visualization to mimic the clinic setting. Saline injection was tolerated and resulted in viable, healthy piglets. Litter rejection occurred within seven days of AAV9 injection for all other rounds. Our real-world experience of in utero viral delivery followed by AAV9-related fetal rejection suggests that the domestic sow may not be a viable model system for preclinical in utero AAV9 gene therapy studies.
Collapse
|
42
|
Alajangi HK, Kaur M, Sharma A, Rana S, Thakur S, Chatterjee M, Singla N, Jaiswal PK, Singh G, Barnwal RP. Blood-brain barrier: emerging trends on transport models and new-age strategies for therapeutics intervention against neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:49. [PMID: 35650613 PMCID: PMC9158215 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is essential for normal central nervous system (CNS) functioning. Considering the significance of BBB in maintaining homeostasis and the neural environment, we aim to provide an overview of significant aspects of BBB. Worldwide, the treatment of neurological diseases caused by BBB disruption has been a major challenge. BBB also restricts entry of neuro-therapeutic drugs and hinders treatment modalities. Hence, currently nanotechnology-based approaches are being explored on large scale as alternatives to conventional methodologies. It is necessary to investigate the in-depth characteristic features of BBB to facilitate the discovery of novel drugs that can successfully cross the barrier and target the disease effectively. It is imperative to discover novel strategies to treat life-threatening CNS diseases in humans. Therefore, insights regarding building blocks of BBB, activation of immune response on breach of this barrier, and various autoimmune neurological disorders caused due to BBB dysfunction are discussed. Further, special emphasis is given on delineating BBB disruption leading to CNS disorders. Moreover, various mechanisms of transport pathways across BBB, several novel strategies, and alternative routes by which drugs can be properly delivered into CNS are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hema Kumari Alajangi
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.,University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.,University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sumedh Rana
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Shipali Thakur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Mary Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, UIET, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Neha Singla
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lunev E, Karan A, Egorova T, Bardina M. Adeno-Associated Viruses for Modeling Neurological Diseases in Animals: Achievements and Prospects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051140. [PMID: 35625877 PMCID: PMC9139062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have become an attractive tool for efficient gene transfer into animal tissues. Extensively studied as the vehicles for therapeutic constructs in gene therapy, AAVs are also applied for creating animal models of human genetic disorders. Neurological disorders are challenging to model in laboratory animals by transgenesis or genome editing, at least partially due to the embryonic lethality and the timing of the disease onset. Therefore, gene transfer with AAV vectors provides a more flexible option for simulating genetic neurological disorders. Indeed, the design of the AAV expression construct allows the reproduction of various disease-causing mutations, and also drives neuron-specific expression. The natural and newly created AAV serotypes combined with various delivery routes enable differentially targeting neuronal cell types and brain areas in vivo. Moreover, the same viral vector can be used to reproduce the main features of the disorder in mice, rats, and large laboratory animals such as non-human primates. The current review demonstrates the general principles for the development and use of AAVs in modeling neurological diseases. The latest achievements in AAV-mediated modeling of the common (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ataxias, etc.) and ultra-rare disorders affecting the central nervous system are described. The use of AAVs to create multiple animal models of neurological disorders opens opportunities for studying their mechanisms, understanding the main pathological features, and testing therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Lunev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Anna Karan
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Tatiana Egorova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Maryana Bardina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rossini L, Durante C, Marzollo A, Biffi A. New Indications for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy in Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Front Oncol 2022; 12:885639. [PMID: 35646708 PMCID: PMC9136164 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.885639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogenous group of disorders due to genetically determined deficits of lysosomal enzymes. The specific molecular mechanism and disease phenotype depends on the type of storage material. Several disorders affect the brain resulting in severe clinical manifestations that substantially impact the expectancy and quality of life. Current treatment modalities for LSDs include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from allogeneic healthy donors, but are available for a limited number of disorders and lack efficacy on several clinical manifestations. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC GT) based on integrating lentiviral vectors resulted in robust clinical benefit when administered to patients affected by Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, for whom it is now available as a registered medicinal product. More recently, HSC GT has also shown promising results in Hurler syndrome patients. Here, we discuss possible novel HSC GT indications that are currently under development. If these novel drugs will prove effective, they might represent a new standard of care for these disorders, but several challenges will need to be addresses, including defining and possibly expanding the patient population for whom HSC GT could be efficacious.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rossini
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Durante
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Marzollo
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Fondazione Citta’ della Speranza, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Padua University, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Biffi,
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lunev EA, Shmidt AA, Vassilieva SG, Savchenko IM, Loginov VA, Marina VI, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. Effective Viral Delivery of Genetic Constructs to Neuronal Culture for Modeling and Gene Therapy of GNAO1 Encephalopathy. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322040069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
46
|
Mueller JS, Tescarollo FC, Sun H. DREADDs in Epilepsy Research: Network-Based Review. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:863003. [PMID: 35465094 PMCID: PMC9021489 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.863003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy can be interpreted as altered brain rhythms from overexcitation or insufficient inhibition. Chemogenetic tools have revolutionized neuroscience research because they allow "on demand" excitation or inhibition of neurons with high cellular specificity. Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are the most frequently used chemogenetic techniques in epilepsy research. These engineered muscarinic receptors allow researchers to excite or inhibit targeted neurons with exogenous ligands. As a result, DREADDs have been applied to investigate the underlying cellular and network mechanisms of epilepsy. Here, we review the existing literature that has applied DREADDs to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The aim of this review is to provide a general introduction to DREADDs with a focus on summarizing the current main findings in experimental epilepsy research using these techniques. Furthermore, we explore how DREADDs may be applied therapeutically as highly innovative treatments for epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lin CH, Sun Y, Chan CSY, Wu MR, Gu L, Davis AE, Gu B, Zhang W, Tanasa B, Zhong LR, Emerson MM, Chen L, Ding JB, Wang S. Identification of cis-regulatory modules for adeno-associated virus-based cell-type-specific targeting in the retina and brain. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101674. [PMID: 35148987 PMCID: PMC8980332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) targeting specific cell types are powerful tools for studying distinct cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). Cis-regulatory modules (CRMs), e.g., enhancers, are highly cell-type-specific and can be integrated into AAVs to render cell type specificity. Chromatin accessibility has been commonly used to nominate CRMs, which have then been incorporated into AAVs and tested for cell type specificity in the CNS. However, chromatin accessibility data alone cannot accurately annotate active CRMs, as many chromatin-accessible CRMs are not active and fail to drive gene expression in vivo. Using available large-scale datasets on chromatin accessibility, such as those published by the ENCODE project, here we explored strategies to increase efficiency in identifying active CRMs for AAV-based cell-type-specific labeling and manipulation. We found that prescreening of chromatin-accessible putative CRMs based on the density of cell-type-specific transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) can significantly increase efficiency in identifying active CRMs. In addition, generation of synthetic CRMs by stitching chromatin-accessible regions flanking cell-type-specific genes can render cell type specificity in many cases. Using these straightforward strategies, we generated AAVs that can target the extensively studied interneuron and glial cell types in the retina and brain. Both strategies utilize available genomic datasets and can be employed to generate AAVs targeting specific cell types in CNS without conducting comprehensive screening and sequencing experiments, making a step forward in cell-type-specific research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hui Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Candace S Y Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Man-Ru Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lei Gu
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Alexander E Davis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Baokun Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wenlin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bogdan Tanasa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lei R Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mark M Emerson
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jun B Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Richner M, Gonçalves NP, Jensen PH, Nyengaard JR, Vægter CB, Jan A. Recombinant adeno-associated virus mediated gene delivery in the extracranial nervous system of adult mice by direct nerve immersion. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101181. [PMID: 35243373 PMCID: PMC8861814 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This protocol outlines a minimally invasive and quickly performed approach for transgene delivery in the extracranial nervous system of adult mice using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV). The technique, named Sciatic Nerve Direct Immersion (SciNDi), relies on the direct bilateral immersion of the exposed sciatic nerve with AAV. We show that in comparison with intramuscular AAV delivery, SciNDi results in widespread transduction in connected neuroanatomical tracts both in the sciatic nerve trunk and the lumbar spinal cord. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Jan et al. (2019) and Richner et al. (2011, 2017). A facile approach for AAV delivery in the peripheral nervous system of adult mice Transduction of sciatic nerve and modestly in spinal cord ventral horn neurons Avoids tissue trauma associated with direct intraparenchymal injection of AAV
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Richner
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Corresponding author
| | - Nádia Pereira Gonçalves
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Poul Henning Jensen
- DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jens Randel Nyengaard
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christian Bjerggaard Vægter
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Asad Jan
- DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Singh RK, Soliman A, Guaitoli G, Störmer E, von Zweydorf F, Dal Maso T, Oun A, Van Rillaer L, Schmidt SH, Chatterjee D, David JA, Pardon E, Schwartz TU, Knapp S, Kennedy EJ, Steyaert J, Herberg FW, Kortholt A, Gloeckner CJ, Versées W. Nanobodies as allosteric modulators of Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2112712119. [PMID: 35217606 PMCID: PMC8892280 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112712119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene coding for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a leading cause of the inherited form of Parkinson's disease (PD), while LRRK2 overactivation is also associated with the more common idiopathic form of PD. LRRK2 is a large multidomain protein, including a GTPase as well as a Ser/Thr protein kinase domain. Common, disease-causing mutations increase LRRK2 kinase activity, presenting LRRK2 as an attractive target for drug discovery. Currently, drug development has mainly focused on ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a variety of nanobodies that bind to different LRRK2 domains and inhibit or activate LRRK2 in cells and in in vitro. Importantly, nanobodies were identified that inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity while binding to a site that is topographically distinct from the active site and thus act through an allosteric inhibitory mechanism that does not involve binding to the ATP pocket or even to the kinase domain. Moreover, while certain nanobodies completely inhibit the LRRK2 kinase activity, we also identified nanobodies that specifically inhibit the phosphorylation of Rab protein substrates. Finally, in contrast to current type I kinase inhibitors, the studied kinase-inhibitory nanobodies did not induce LRRK2 microtubule association. These comprehensively characterized nanobodies represent versatile tools to study the LRRK2 function and mechanism and can pave the way toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan K Singh
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Soliman
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eliza Störmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biology, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Dal Maso
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Asmaa Oun
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Molecular Pharmacology XB10, 9700AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Van Rillaer
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven H Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biology, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Deep Chatterjee
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Joshua A David
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Els Pardon
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas U Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Jan Steyaert
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Friedrich W Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biology, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Arjan Kortholt
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Johannes Gloeckner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Core Facility for Medical Bioanalytics, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wim Versées
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ozgür-Günes Y, Chedik M, LE Stunff C, Fovet CM, Bougneres P. Long-term disease prevention with a gene therapy targeting oligodendrocytes in a mouse model of adrenomyeloneuropathy. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:936-949. [PMID: 35166123 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) is a late-onset axonopathy of spinal cord tracts caused by mutations of the ABCD1 gene that encodes ALDP, a peroxisomal transporter of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA). Disturbed metabolic interaction between oligodendrocytes (OL) and axons is suspected to play a major role in AMN axonopathy. To develop a vector targeting OL, the human ABCD1 gene driven by a short 0.3 kb part of the human myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) promoter was packaged into an adeno-associated viral serotype 9 (rAAV9). An intravenous injection of this vector at postnatal day 10 (P10) in Abcd1-/- mice, a model of AMN, allowed a near normal motor performance to persist for 24 months, while age-matched untreated mice developed major defects of balance and motricity. Three weeks post vector, 50-54% of spinal cord white matter OL were expressing ALDP at the cervical level, and only 6-7% after 24 months. In addition, 29-32% of cervical spinal cord astrocytes at 3 weeks and 16-19% at 24 months also expressed ALDP. C26:0-lysoPC, a sensitive VLCFA marker of AMN, was lower by 41% and 50%, respectively in the spinal cord and brain of vector-treated compared with untreated mice. In a non-human primate (NHP), the intrathecal injection of the rAAV9-MAG vector induced abundant ALDP expression at 3 weeks in spinal cord OL (43%, 29%, 26% at cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels) and cerebellum OL (35%). In addition, 33-41 % of spinal cord astrocytes expressed hALDP, and 27% of cerebellar astrocytes. To our knowledge, OL targeting had not been obtained before in primates with other vectors or promoters. The current results thus provide a robust proof-of-concept not only for the gene therapy of AMN but for other CNS diseases where the targeting of OL with the rAAV9-MAG vector may be of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Malha Chedik
- INSERM, 27102, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France;
| | | | | | - Pierre Bougneres
- INSERM, 27102, 80 rue du Général Leclercc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France, 94276;
| |
Collapse
|