51
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Hsu HL, Brown A, Loveland AB, Lotun A, Xu M, Luo L, Xu G, Li J, Ren L, Su Q, Gessler DJ, Wei Y, Tai PWL, Korostelev AA, Gao G. Structural characterization of a novel human adeno-associated virus capsid with neurotropic properties. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3279. [PMID: 32606306 PMCID: PMC7327033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are currently considered the safest and most reliable gene delivery vehicles for human gene therapy. Three serotype capsids, AAV1, AAV2, and AAV9, have been approved for commercial use in patients, but they may not be suitable for all therapeutic contexts. Here, we describe a novel capsid identified in a human clinical sample by high-throughput, long-read sequencing. The capsid, which we have named AAVv66, shares high sequence similarity with AAV2. We demonstrate that compared to AAV2, AAVv66 exhibits enhanced production yields, virion stability, and CNS transduction. Unique structural properties of AAVv66 visualized by cryo-EM at 2.5-Å resolution, suggest that critical residues at the three-fold protrusion and at the interface of the five-fold axis of symmetry likely contribute to the beneficial characteristics of AAVv66. Our findings underscore the potential of AAVv66 as a gene therapy vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Lun Hsu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander Brown
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna B Loveland
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Meiyu Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R., China
| | - Guangchao Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R., China
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lingzhi Ren
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R., China
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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52
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Lan Y, Tao Y, Wang Y, Ke J, Yang Q, Liu X, Su B, Wu Y, Lin CP, Zhong G. Recent development of AAV-based gene therapies for inner ear disorders. Gene Ther 2020; 27:329-337. [PMID: 32424232 PMCID: PMC7445886 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy for auditory diseases is gradually maturing. Recent progress in gene therapy treatments for genetic and acquired hearing loss has demonstrated the feasibility in animal models. However, a number of hurdles, such as lack of safe viral vector with high efficiency and specificity, robust deafness large animal models, translating animal studies to clinic etc., still remain to be solved. It is necessary to overcome these challenges in order to effectively recover auditory function in human patients. Here, we review the progress made in our group, especially our efforts to make more effective and cell type-specific viral vectors for targeting cochlea cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Lan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Junzi Ke
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiuxiang Yang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bing Su
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yiling Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Guisheng Zhong
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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53
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Smargon AA, Shi YJ, Yeo GW. RNA-targeting CRISPR systems from metagenomic discovery to transcriptomic engineering. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:143-150. [PMID: 32015437 PMCID: PMC8008746 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deployment of RNA-guided DNA endonuclease CRISPR-Cas technology has led to radical advances in biology. As the functional diversity of CRISPR-Cas and parallel systems is further explored, RNA manipulation is emerging as a powerful mode of CRISPR-based engineering. In this Perspective, we chart progress in the RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas (RCas) field and illustrate how continuing evolution in scientific discovery translates into applications for RNA biology and insights into mysteries, obstacles, and alternative technologies that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Smargon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yilan J Shi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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54
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Hirbec H, Déglon N, Foo LC, Goshen I, Grutzendler J, Hangen E, Kreisel T, Linck N, Muffat J, Regio S, Rion S, Escartin C. Emerging technologies to study glial cells. Glia 2020; 68:1692-1728. [PMID: 31958188 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Development, physiological functions, and pathologies of the brain depend on tight interactions between neurons and different types of glial cells, such as astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Assessing the relative contribution of different glial cell types is required for the full understanding of brain function and dysfunction. Over the recent years, several technological breakthroughs were achieved, allowing "glio-scientists" to address new challenging biological questions. These technical developments make it possible to study the roles of specific cell types with medium or high-content workflows and perform fine analysis of their mutual interactions in a preserved environment. This review illustrates the potency of several cutting-edge experimental approaches (advanced cell cultures, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human glial cells, viral vectors, in situ glia imaging, opto- and chemogenetic approaches, and high-content molecular analysis) to unravel the role of glial cells in specific brain functions or diseases. It also illustrates the translation of some techniques to the clinics, to monitor glial cells in patients, through specific brain imaging methods. The advantages, pitfalls, and future developments are discussed for each technique, and selected examples are provided to illustrate how specific "gliobiological" questions can now be tackled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Hirbec
- Institute for Functional Genomics (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lynette C Foo
- Neuroimmunology and Neurodegeneration Section, The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Inbal Goshen
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jaime Grutzendler
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emilie Hangen
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Département de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Tirzah Kreisel
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nathalie Linck
- Institute for Functional Genomics (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Regio
- Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sybille Rion
- Neuroimmunology and Neurodegeneration Section, The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carole Escartin
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Département de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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55
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Whelan L, Dockery A, Wynne N, Zhu J, Stephenson K, Silvestri G, Turner J, O’Byrne JJ, Carrigan M, Humphries P, Keegan D, Kenna PF, Farrar GJ. Findings from a Genotyping Study of Over 1000 People with Inherited Retinal Disorders in Ireland. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E105. [PMID: 31963381 PMCID: PMC7016747 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Irish national registry for inherited retinal degenerations (Target 5000) is a clinical and scientific program to identify individuals in Ireland with inherited retinal disorders and to attempt to ascertain the genetic cause underlying the disease pathology. Potential participants first undergo a clinical assessment, which includes clinical history and analysis with multimodal retinal imaging, electrophysiology, and visual field testing. If suitable for recruitment, a sample is taken and used for genetic analysis. Genetic analysis is conducted by use of a retinal gene panel target capture sequencing approach. With over 1000 participants from 710 pedigrees now screened, there is a positive candidate variant detection rate of approximately 70% (495/710). Where an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern is observed, an additional 9% (64/710) of probands have tested positive for a single candidate variant. Many novel variants have also been detected as part of this endeavor. The target capture approach is an economic and effective means of screening patients with inherited retinal disorders. Despite the advances in sequencing technology and the ever-decreasing associated processing costs, target capture remains an attractive option as the data produced is easily processed, analyzed, and stored compared to more comprehensive methods. However, with decreasing costs of whole genome and whole exome sequencing, the focus will likely move towards these methods for more comprehensive data generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Whelan
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
| | - Adrian Dockery
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
| | - Niamh Wynne
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Julia Zhu
- Clinical Genetics Centre for Ophthalmology, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (J.Z.); (K.S.); (J.T.); (J.J.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Kirk Stephenson
- Clinical Genetics Centre for Ophthalmology, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (J.Z.); (K.S.); (J.T.); (J.J.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland, UK;
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jacqueline Turner
- Clinical Genetics Centre for Ophthalmology, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (J.Z.); (K.S.); (J.T.); (J.J.O.); (D.K.)
| | - James J. O’Byrne
- Clinical Genetics Centre for Ophthalmology, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (J.Z.); (K.S.); (J.T.); (J.J.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
| | - Peter Humphries
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
| | - David Keegan
- Clinical Genetics Centre for Ophthalmology, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (J.Z.); (K.S.); (J.T.); (J.J.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - G. Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland; (A.D.); (M.C.); (P.H.); (P.F.K.); (G.J.F.)
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56
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Batista AR, King OD, Reardon CP, Davis C, Shankaracharya, Philip V, Gray-Edwards H, Aronin N, Lutz C, Landers J, Sena-Esteves M. Ly6a Differential Expression in Blood-Brain Barrier Is Responsible for Strain Specific Central Nervous System Transduction Profile of AAV-PHP.B. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 31:90-102. [PMID: 31696742 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy for neurological diseases was revolutionized by the discovery that AAV9 crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after systemic administration. Transformative results have been documented in various inherited diseases, but overall neuronal transduction efficiency is relatively low. The recent development of AAV-PHP.B with ∼60-fold higher efficiency than AAV9 in transducing the adult mouse brain was the major first step toward acquiring the ability to deliver genes to the majority of cells in the central nervous system (CNS). However, little is known about the mechanism utilized by AAV to cross the BBB, and how it may diverge across species. In this study, we show that AAV-PHP.B is ineffective for systemic CNS gene transfer in the inbred strains BALB/cJ, BALB/cByJ, A/J, NOD/ShiLtJ, NZO/HILtJ, C3H/HeJ, and CBA/J mice, but it is highly potent in C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, DBA/2J, 129S1/SvImJ, and AKR/J mice and also the outbred strain CD-1. We used the power of classical genetics to uncover the molecular mechanisms AAV-PHP.B engages to transduce CNS at high efficiency, and by quantitative trait locus mapping we identify a 6 Mb region in chromosome 15 with an logarithm of the odds (LOD) score ∼20, including single nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of 9 different genes. Comparison of the publicly available data on the genome sequence of 16 different mouse strains, combined with RNA-seq data analysis of brain microcapillary endothelia, led us to conclude that the expression level of Ly6a is likely the determining factor for differential efficacy of AAV-PHP.B in transducing the CNS across different mouse strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Batista
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Oliver D King
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher P Reardon
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Crystal Davis
- Rare and Orphan Disease Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Shankaracharya
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Vivek Philip
- Rare and Orphan Disease Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Neil Aronin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Cathleen Lutz
- Rare and Orphan Disease Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - John Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.,Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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57
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Cui M, Lu Y, Tang C, Zhang R, Wang J, Si Y, Cheng S, Ding W. A Generic Method for Fast and Sensitive Detection of Adeno-Associated Viruses Using Modified AAV Receptor Recombinant Proteins. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213973. [PMID: 31684125 PMCID: PMC6864843 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAV) are widely used gene-therapy vectors for both clinical applications and laboratory investigations. The titering of different AAV preparations is important for quality control purposes, as well as in comparative studies. However, currently available methods are limited in their ability to detect various serotypes with sensitivity and convenience. Here, we took advantage of a newly discovered AAV receptor protein with high affinity to multiple AAV serotypes, and developed an ELISA-like method named “VIRELISA” (virus receptor-linked immunosorbent assay) by adopting fusion with a streptavidin-binding peptide (SBP). It was demonstrated that optimized VIRELISA assays exhibited satisfactory performance for the titering of AAV2. The linear range of AAV2 was 1 × 105 v.g. to 5 × 109 v.g., with an LOD (limit of detection) of 5 × 104 v.g. Testing of VIRELISA for the quantification of AAV1 was also successful. Our study indicated that a generic protocol for the quantification of different serotypes of AAVs was feasible, reliable and cost-efficient. The applications of VIRELISA will not only be of benefit to laboratory research due to its simplicity, but could also potentially be used for monitoring the circulation AAV loads both in clinical trials and in wild type infection of a given AAV serotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Cui
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yabin Lu
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Can Tang
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Ran Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Protein Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yang Si
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Shan Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer & Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Wei Ding
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer & Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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58
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Schacker M, Seimetz D. From fiction to science: clinical potentials and regulatory considerations of gene editing. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:27. [PMID: 31637541 PMCID: PMC6803602 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-019-0244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 have emerged as an attractive tool not only for scientific research but also for the development of medicinal products. Their ability to induce precise double strand breaks into DNA enables targeted modifications of the genome including selective knockout of genes, correction of mutations or precise insertion of new genetic material into specific loci. Gene editing-based therapies hold a great potential for the treatment of numerous diseases and the first products are already being tested in clinical trials. The treatment indications include oncological malignancies, HIV, diseases of the hematopoietic system and metabolic disorders. This article reviews ongoing preclinical and clinical studies and discusses how gene editing technologies are altering the gene therapy landscape. In addition, it focusses on the regulatory challenges associated with such therapies and how they can be tackled during the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schacker
- Biopharma Excellence GmbH, Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1, 80992, Munich, Germany.
| | - Diane Seimetz
- Biopharma Excellence GmbH, Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1, 80992, Munich, Germany
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59
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Pan X, Sands SA, Yue Y, Zhang K, LeVine SM, Duan D. An Engineered Galactosylceramidase Construct Improves AAV Gene Therapy for Krabbe Disease in Twitcher Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1039-1051. [PMID: 31184217 PMCID: PMC6761594 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the galactosylceramidase gene. In the infantile form, patients die before 3 years of age. Systemic adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) gene therapy was recently shown to reverse the disease course in human patients in another lethal infantile neurodegenerative disease. To explore AAV9 therapy for Krabbe disease, we engineered a codon-optimized AAV9 galactosylceramidase vector. We further incorporated features to allow AAV9-derived galactosylceramidase to more efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and be secreted from transduced cells. We tested the optimized vector by a single systemic injection in the twitcher mouse, an authentic Krabbe disease model. Untreated twitcher mice showed characteristic neuropathology and motion defects. They died prematurely with a median life span of 41 days. Intravenous injection in 2-day-old twitcher mice reduced central and peripheral neuropathology and significantly improved the gait pattern and body weight. Noticeably, the median life span was extended to 150 days. Intraperitoneal injection in 6- to 12-day-old twitcher mice also significantly improved the motor function, body weight, and median life span (to 104 days). Our results far exceed the ≤70 days median life span seen in all reported stand-alone systemic AAV therapies. Our study highlights the importance of vector engineering for Krabbe disease gene therapy. The engineered vector warrants further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Pan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Scott A. Sands
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Keqing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Steven M. LeVine
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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60
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Xu M, Li J, Xie J, He R, Su Q, Gao G, Tai PW. High-Throughput Quantification of In Vivo Adeno-Associated Virus Transduction with Barcoded Non-Coding RNAs. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:946-956. [PMID: 31072208 PMCID: PMC6703241 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have become favorable gene delivery vehicles for expressing therapeutic transgenes. Capsid engineering efforts to produce novel AAVs with improved transduction efficiencies, unique tissue specificities, and reduced host immunities are a direct response to the high demand for treatment needs that preexisting rAAVs cannot currently fulfill. New AAV capsids discovered by directed evolution methods, in silico design, or from natural proviral sequences ultimately require extensive characterization in relevant in vivo models. Consequently, quantitative screening of candidate capsid libraries now requires reliable high-throughput sequencing approaches. In this study, we have developed a vector/transgene tracking system that employs the indexing of a non-coding RNA. Specifically, a barcoded Tough Decoy (bcTuD) that express highly stable RNA transcripts that can be used as readouts for transduction efficiency. The pseudo-hairpin structure of the bcTuD contains a variable region that is amenable to barcode insertion, which can be detected by target amplicon sequencing. The described approach, named AAV-bcTuD screening, offers a new alternative for in vivo assessment of rAAV that can accurately quantify vector genomes and transcript abundances in tissues, as exampled by the demonstration in liver and brain infections. Proof-of-concept is provided to show that vector genome and transcript detection in tissues with this method is accurate and consistent for a vector dose range of upwards to four logs in a mixed vector injection, showing that this technique is robust, sensitive, and applicable for multiplexed screening of capsid performance in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Ran He
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Phillip W.L. Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Williams JJ, Watson AM, Vazquez AL, Schwartz AB. Viral-Mediated Optogenetic Stimulation of Peripheral Motor Nerves in Non-human Primates. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:759. [PMID: 31417342 PMCID: PMC6684788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Reanimation of muscles paralyzed by disease states such as spinal cord injury remains a highly sought therapeutic goal of neuroprosthetic research. Optogenetic stimulation of peripheral motor nerves expressing light-sensitive opsins is a promising approach to muscle reanimation that may overcome several drawbacks of traditional methods such as functional electrical stimulation (FES). However, the utility of these methods has only been demonstrated in rodents to date, while translation to clinical practice will likely first require demonstration and refinement of these gene therapy techniques in non-human primates. Approach: Three rhesus macaques were injected intramuscularly with either one or both of two optogenetic constructs (AAV6-hSyn-ChR2-eYFP and/or AAV6-hSyn-Chronos-eYFP) to transduce opsin expression in the corresponding nerves. Neuromuscular junctions were targeted for virus delivery using an electrical stimulating injection technique. Functional opsin expression was periodically evaluated up to 13 weeks post-injection by optically stimulating targeted nerves with a 472 nm fiber-coupled laser while recording electromyographic (EMG) responses. Main Results: One monkey demonstrated functional expression of ChR2 at 8 weeks post-injection in each of two injected muscles, while the second monkey briefly exhibited contractions coupled to optical stimulation in a muscle injected with the Chronos construct at 10 weeks. A third monkey injected only in one muscle with the ChR2 construct showed strong optically coupled contractions at 5 ½ weeks which then disappeared by 9 weeks. EMG responses to optical stimulation of ChR2-transduced nerves demonstrated graded recruitment relative to both stimulus pulse-width and light intensity, and followed stimulus trains up to 16 Hz. In addition, the EMG response to prolonged stimulation showed delayed fatigue over several minutes. Significance: These results demonstrate the feasibility of viral transduction of peripheral motor nerves for functional optical stimulation of motor activity in non-human primates, a variable timeline of opsin expression in a animal model closer to humans, and fundamental EMG response characteristics to optical nerve stimulation. Together, they represent an important step in translating these optogenetic techniques as a clinically viable gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J. Williams
- Department of Neurobiology, Systems Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alan M. Watson
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alberto L. Vazquez
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrew B. Schwartz
- Department of Neurobiology, Systems Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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62
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Korlimarla A, Lim JA, Kishnani PS, Sun B. An emerging phenotype of central nervous system involvement in Pompe disease: from bench to bedside and beyond. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:289. [PMID: 31392201 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.04.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid-alpha glucosidase (GAA). Pathogenic variants in the GAA gene lead to excessive accumulation of lysosomal glycogen primarily in the cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles. There is growing evidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in PD. Current research is focused on determining the true extent of CNS involvement, its effects on behavior and cognition, and effective therapies that would correct the disease in both muscle and the CNS. This review article summarizes the CNS findings in patients, highlights the importance of research on animal models, explores the probable success of gene therapy in reversing CNS pathologies as reported by some breakthrough preclinical studies, and emphasizes the need to follow patients and monitor for CNS involvement over time. Lessons learned from animal models (bench) and from the literature available to date on patients will guide future clinical trials in patients (bedside) with PD. Our preliminary studies in infantile PD show that some patients are susceptible to early and extensive CNS pathologies, as assessed by neuroimaging and developmental assessments. This article highlights the importance of neuroimaging which could serve as useful tools to diagnose and monitor certain CNS pathologies such as white matter hyperintense foci (WMF) in the brain. Longitudinal studies with large sample sizes are warranted at this time to better understand the emergence, progression and consequences of CNS involvement in patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Korlimarla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeong-A Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Priya S Kishnani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Baodong Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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63
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Giorgio E, Lorenzati M, Rivetti di Val Cervo P, Brussino A, Cernigoj M, Della Sala E, Bartoletti Stella A, Ferrero M, Caiazzo M, Capellari S, Cortelli P, Conti L, Cattaneo E, Buffo A, Brusco A. Allele-specific silencing as treatment for gene duplication disorders: proof-of-principle in autosomal dominant leukodystrophy. Brain 2019; 142:1905-1920. [PMID: 31143934 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allele-specific silencing by RNA interference (ASP-siRNA) holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for downregulating a single mutant allele with minimal suppression of the corresponding wild-type allele. This approach has been effectively used to target autosomal dominant mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms linked with aberrantly expanded trinucleotide repeats. Here, we propose ASP-siRNA as a preferable choice to target duplicated disease genes, avoiding potentially harmful excessive downregulation. As a proof-of-concept, we studied autosomal dominant adult-onset demyelinating leukodystrophy (ADLD) due to lamin B1 (LMNB1) duplication, a hereditary, progressive and fatal disorder affecting myelin in the CNS. Using a reporter system, we screened the most efficient ASP-siRNAs preferentially targeting one of the alleles at rs1051644 (average minor allele frequency: 0.45) located in the 3' untranslated region of the gene. We identified four siRNAs with a high efficacy and allele-specificity, which were tested in ADLD patient-derived fibroblasts. Three of the small interfering RNAs were highly selective for the target allele and restored both LMNB1 mRNA and protein levels close to control levels. Furthermore, small interfering RNA treatment abrogates the ADLD-specific phenotypes in fibroblasts and in two disease-relevant cellular models: murine oligodendrocytes overexpressing human LMNB1, and neurons directly reprogrammed from patients' fibroblasts. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ASP-silencing by RNA interference is a suitable and promising therapeutic option for ADLD. Moreover, our results have a broad translational value extending to several pathological conditions linked to gene-gain in copy number variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giorgio
- University of Torino, Department of Medical Sciences, Torino, Italy
| | - Martina Lorenzati
- University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Pia Rivetti di Val Cervo
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Cernigoj
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Marta Ferrero
- University of Torino, Department of Medical Sciences, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- University of Trento, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Laboratory of Computational Oncology, Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- University of Torino, Department of Medical Sciences, Torino, Italy
- Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Medical Genetics Unit, Torino, Italy
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64
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Anderson HE, Schaller KL, Caldwell JH, Weir RFF. Intravascular injections of adenoassociated viral vector serotypes rh10 and PHP.B transduce murine sciatic nerve axons. Neurosci Lett 2019; 706:51-55. [PMID: 31078676 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Adenoassociated viral vectors provide a safe and robust method for expression of transgenes in nondividing cells such as neurons. Intravenous injections of these vectors provide a means of transducing motoneurons of peripheral nerves. Previous research has demonstrated that serotypes 1, rh10 and PHP.B can transduce motor neuron cell bodies in the spinal cord, but has not quantified expression in the peripheral nerve axon. Axonal labeling is crucial for optogenetic stimulation and detection of action potentials in peripheral nerve. Therefore, in this study, serotypes 1, PHP.B, and rh10 were tested for their ability to label axons of the murine sciatic and tibial nerve following intravenous injection. Serotype rh10 elicits expression in 10% of acetylcholine transferase positive axons of the sciatic nerve in immunohistochemically-stained sections. Serotype rh10 transduces a variety of axon diameters from <1-12 μm, while PHP.B transduces larger axons of diameter (4-16 μm). Expression was not seen with serotype 1. These results show the potential of serotypes PHP.B and rh10 delivery of transgenic products to axons of the peripheral nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans E Anderson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Kristin L Schaller
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John H Caldwell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard F Ff Weir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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65
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Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are the leading platform for gene delivery for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. Recent advances in developing clinically desirable AAV capsids, optimizing genome designs and harnessing revolutionary biotechnologies have contributed substantially to the growth of the gene therapy field. Preclinical and clinical successes in AAV-mediated gene replacement, gene silencing and gene editing have helped AAV gain popularity as the ideal therapeutic vector, with two AAV-based therapeutics gaining regulatory approval in Europe or the United States. Continued study of AAV biology and increased understanding of the associated therapeutic challenges and limitations will build the foundation for future clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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66
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Goswami R, Subramanian G, Silayeva L, Newkirk I, Doctor D, Chawla K, Chattopadhyay S, Chandra D, Chilukuri N, Betapudi V. Gene Therapy Leaves a Vicious Cycle. Front Oncol 2019; 9:297. [PMID: 31069169 PMCID: PMC6491712 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genetic code encrypted in thousands of genes holds the secret for synthesis of proteins that drive all biological processes necessary for normal life and death. Though the genetic ciphering remains unchanged through generations, some genes get disrupted, deleted and or mutated, manifesting diseases, and or disorders. Current treatment options—chemotherapy, protein therapy, radiotherapy, and surgery available for no more than 500 diseases—neither cure nor prevent genetic errors but often cause many side effects. However, gene therapy, colloquially called “living drug,” provides a one-time treatment option by rewriting or fixing errors in the natural genetic ciphering. Since gene therapy is predominantly a viral vector-based medicine, it has met with a fair bit of skepticism from both the science fraternity and patients. Now, thanks to advancements in gene editing and recombinant viral vector development, the interest of clinicians and pharmaceutical industries has been rekindled. With the advent of more than 12 different gene therapy drugs for curing cancer, blindness, immune, and neuronal disorders, this emerging experimental medicine has yet again come in the limelight. The present review article delves into the popular viral vectors used in gene therapy, advances, challenges, and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Goswami
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Gayatri Subramanian
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Liliya Silayeva
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Isabelle Newkirk
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Deborah Doctor
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Karan Chawla
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Dhyan Chandra
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Nageswararao Chilukuri
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Venkaiah Betapudi
- Neuroscience Branch, Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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67
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Hudry E, Vandenberghe LH. Therapeutic AAV Gene Transfer to the Nervous System: A Clinical Reality. Neuron 2019; 101:839-862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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68
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Anderson HE, Weir RFF. On the development of optical peripheral nerve interfaces. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:425-436. [PMID: 30539808 PMCID: PMC6334609 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.245461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb loss and spinal cord injury are two debilitating conditions that continue to grow in prevalence. Prosthetic limbs and limb reanimation present two ways of providing affected individuals with means to interact in the world. These techniques are both dependent on a robust interface with the peripheral nerve. Current methods for interfacing with the peripheral nerve tend to suffer from low specificity, high latency and insufficient robustness for a chronic implant. An optical peripheral nerve interface may solve some of these problems by decreasing invasiveness and providing single axon specificity. In order to implement such an interface three elements are required: (1) a transducer capable of translating light into a neural stimulus or translating neural activity into changes in fluorescence, (2) a means for delivering said transducer and (3) a microscope for providing the stimulus light and detecting the fluorescence change. There are continued improvements in both genetically encoded calcium and voltage indicators as well as new optogenetic actuators for stimulation. Similarly, improvements in specificity of viral vectors continue to improve expression in the axons of the peripheral nerve. Our work has recently shown that it is possible to virally transduce axons of the peripheral nerve for recording from small fibers. The improvements of these components make an optical peripheral nerve interface a rapidly approaching alternative to current methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans E. Anderson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard F. ff. Weir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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69
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Gessler DJ, Tai PWL, Li J, Gao G. Intravenous Infusion of AAV for Widespread Gene Delivery to the Nervous System. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:143-163. [PMID: 30783972 PMCID: PMC7339923 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a fascinating and intricate set of biological structures that we have yet to fully understand. Studying the in vivo function of the CNS and finding novel methods for treating neurological disorders have been particularly challenging. One difficulty is correcting genetic disorders afflicting the CNS in a targeted manner. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for treating genetic defects of the CNS, due to their excellent safety profile and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While stereotactic injection of AAV is promising for localized gene delivery, it is less desirable for some applications because of the technique's invasiveness and limited intraparenchymal spread. Alternatively, intravascular administration can achieve widespread delivery of rAAV to the CNS. In this chapter, we will discuss the prevalent routes of administration to deliver rAAV to the CNS via intravenous (IV) injection in mice. We will highlight key considerations for using rAAV, and the advantages and disadvantages of each administration method. We will also briefly discuss intravenous delivery in larger animal models, factors that may impact experimental interpretations, and outlooks for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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70
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Perocheau DP, Cunningham SC, Lee J, Antinao Diaz J, Waddington SN, Gilmour K, Eaglestone S, Lisowski L, Thrasher AJ, Alexander IE, Gissen P, Baruteau J. Age-Related Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against AAV-LK03 in a UK Population Cohort. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:79-87. [PMID: 30027761 PMCID: PMC6343184 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are a promising platform for in vivo gene therapy. The presence of neutralizing antibodies (Nab) against AAV capsids decreases cell transduction efficiency and is a common exclusion criterion for participation in clinical trials. Novel engineered capsids are being generated to improve gene delivery to the target cells and facilitate success of clinical trials; however, the prevalence of antibodies against such capsids remains largely unknown. We therefore assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against a novel synthetic liver-tropic capsid AAV-LK03. We measured seroprevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (i.e., neutralizing and nonneutralizing) antibodies and Nab to AAV-LK03 in a cohort of 323 UK patients (including 260 pediatric) and 52 juvenile rhesus macaques. We also performed comparative analysis of seroprevalence of Nab against wild-type AAV8 and AAV3B capsids. Overall IgG seroprevalence for AAV-LK03 was 39% in human samples. The titer increased with age. Prevalence of Nab was 23%, 35%, and 18% for AAV-LK03, AAV3B, and AAV8, respectively, with the lowest seroprevalence between 3 and 17 years of age for all serotypes. Presence of Nab against AAV-LK03 decreased from 36% in the youngest cohort (birth to 6 months) to 7% in older primary school-age children (9-11 years) and then progressively increased to 54% in late adulthood. Cross-reactivity between serotypes was >60%. Nab seroprevalence in macaques was 62%, 85%, and 40% for AAV-LK03, AAV3B, and AAV8, respectively. When planning for AAV gene therapy clinical trials, knowing the seropositivity of the target population is critical. In the population studied, AAV seroprevalence for AAV serotypes tested was low. However, high cross-reactivity between AAV serotypes remains a barrier for re-injection. Shifts in Nab seroprevalence during the first decade need to be confirmed by longitudinal studies. This possibility suggests that pediatric patients could respond differently to AAV therapy according to age. If late childhood is an ideal age window, intervention at an early age when maternal Nab levels are high may be challenging. Nab-positive children excluded from trials could be rescreened for eligibility at regular intervals because this status may change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany P. Perocheau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon C. Cunningham
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Juhee Lee
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kimberly Gilmour
- Clinical Immunology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Eaglestone
- Translational Research Office, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
- Translational Vectorology Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, The Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre, Puławy, Poland
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Clinical Immunology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian E. Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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71
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A Novel FLVCR1 Variant Implicated in Retinitis Pigmentosa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:203-207. [PMID: 31884612 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe the identification and evaluation of a rare novel autosomal recessive mutation in FLVCR1 which is implicated solely in RP, with no evidence of posterior column ataxia in a number of affected patients. The mutation was detected as part of an ongoing target capture NGS study (Target 5000), aimed at identifying candidate variants in pedigrees with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) in Ireland. The mutation, FLVCR1 p.Tyr341Cys, was observed homozygously in seven affected patients across four pedigrees. FLVCR1 p.Tyr341Cys is a very rare mutation, with no previous reports of pathogenicity and no homozygous cases reported in online allele frequency databases. Our sequencing study identified seven homozygotes across multiple pedigrees, all with similar clinical presentations of RP without ataxia, a scenario extremely unlikely to occur by chance for a benign allele, particularly given the low population frequency of p.Tyr341Cys.
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72
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Hudry E, Andres-Mateos E, Lerner EP, Volak A, Cohen O, Hyman BT, Maguire CA, Vandenberghe LH. Efficient Gene Transfer to the Central Nervous System by Single-Stranded Anc80L65. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2018; 10:197-209. [PMID: 30109242 PMCID: PMC6083902 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have demonstrated potential in applications for neurologic disorders, and the discovery that some AAVs can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after intravenous injection has further expanded these opportunities for non-invasive brain delivery. Anc80L65, a novel AAV capsid designed from in silico reconstruction of the viral evolutionary lineage, has previously demonstrated robust transduction capabilities after local delivery in various tissues such as liver, retina, or cochlea, compared with conventional AAVs. Here, we compared the transduction efficacy of Anc80L65 with conventional AAV9 in the CNS after intravenous, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), or intraparenchymal injections. Anc80L65 was more potent at targeting the brain and spinal cord after intravenous injection than AAV9, and mostly transduced astrocytes and a wide range of neuronal subpopulations. Although the efficacy of Anc80L65 and AAV9 is similar after direct intraparenchymal injection in the striatum, Anc80L65's diffusion throughout the CNS was more extensive than AAV9 after i.c.v. infusion, leading to widespread EGFP expression in the cerebellum. These findings demonstrate that Anc80L65 is a highly efficient gene transfer vector for the murine CNS. Systemic injection of Anc80L65 leads to notable expression in the CNS that does not rely on a self-complementary genome. These data warrant further testing in larger animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Hudry
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eli P. Lerner
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Adrienn Volak
- Department of Neurology, The Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Olivia Cohen
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Bradley T. Hyman
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Casey A. Maguire
- Department of Neurology, The Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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73
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Cwetsch AW, Pinto B, Savardi A, Cancedda L. In vivo methods for acute modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 168:69-85. [PMID: 29694844 PMCID: PMC6080705 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Accurate and timely expression of specific genes guarantees the healthy development and function of the brain. Indeed, variations in the correct amount or timing of gene expression lead to improper development and/or pathological conditions. Almost forty years after the first successful gene transfection in in vitro cell cultures, it is currently possible to regulate gene expression in an area-specific manner at any step of central nervous system development and in adulthood in experimental animals in vivo, even overcoming the very poor accessibility of the brain. Here, we will review the diverse approaches for acute gene transfer in vivo, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages with respect to the efficiency and specificity of transfection as well as to brain accessibility. In particular, we will present well-established chemical, physical and virus-based approaches suitable for different animal models, pointing out their current and future possible applications in basic and translational research as well as in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; DulbeccoTelethon Institute, Italy.
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74
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McDougald DS, Dine KE, Zezulin AU, Bennett J, Shindler KS. SIRT1 and NRF2 Gene Transfer Mediate Distinct Neuroprotective Effects Upon Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Function in Experimental Optic Neuritis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:1212-1220. [PMID: 29494741 PMCID: PMC5839257 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Optic neuritis is a condition defined by autoimmune-mediated demyelination of the optic nerve and death of retinal ganglion cells. SIRT1 and NRF2 stimulate anti-inflammatory mechanisms and have previously demonstrated therapeutic value in preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease. Here we investigated the neuroprotective potential of SIRT1 or NRF2 gene transfer using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. Methods C57Bl/6J mice were administered intravitreal doses of AAV2 vectors and immunized to induce EAE symptoms. Visual function was examined by recording the optokinetic response (OKR) just prior to EAE induction and once every 7 days postinduction for 7 weeks. Retina and optic nerves were harvested to investigate retinal ganglion cell survival (immunolabeling with Brn3a antibodies); inflammation (hematoxylin and eosin staining); and demyelination (luxol fast blue staining). Results Animals modeling EAE demonstrate reduced visual acuity compared to sham-induced controls. Intravitreal delivery of AAV2-NRF2 did not preserve visual function. However, AAV2-SIRT1 mediated significant preservation of the OKR compared to AAV2-eGFP controls. Treatment with AAV2-NRF2 promoted RGC survival while AAV2-SIRT1 mediated an upward trend in protection compared to vehicle and AAV2-eGFP controls. Neither NRF2 nor SIRT1 gene augmentation was able to suppress optic nerve inflammation or demyelination. Conclusions AAV-mediated overexpression of NRF2 or SIRT1 within RGCs mediates distinct neuroprotective effects upon visual function and RGC survival. This study expands our understanding of SIRT1 and NRF2-mediated neuroprotection in the context of MS pathogenesis and optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin S McDougald
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kimberly E Dine
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra U Zezulin
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kenneth S Shindler
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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75
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Keeler AM, Zieger M, Todeasa SH, McCall AL, Gifford JC, Birsak S, Choudhury SR, Byrne BJ, Sena-Esteves M, ElMallah MK. Systemic Delivery of AAVB1-GAA Clears Glycogen and Prolongs Survival in a Mouse Model of Pompe Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 30:57-68. [PMID: 29901418 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive glycogen storage disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). GAA deficiency results in systemic lysosomal glycogen accumulation and cellular disruption in muscle and the central nervous system (CNS). Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy is ideal for Pompe disease, since a single systemic injection may correct both muscle and CNS pathologies. Using the Pompe mouse (B6;129-GaaTm1Rabn/J), this study sought to explore if AAVB1, a newly engineered vector with a high affinity for muscle and CNS, reduces systemic weakness and improves survival in adult mice. Three-month-old Gaa-/- animals were injected with either AAVB1 or AAV9 vectors expressing GAA and tissues were harvested 6 months later. Both AAV vectors prolonged survival. AAVB1-treated animals had a robust weight gain compared to the AAV9-treated group. Vector genome levels, GAA enzyme activity, and histological analysis indicated that both vectors transduced the heart efficiently, leading to glycogen clearance, and transduced the diaphragm and CNS at comparable levels. AAVB1-treated mice had higher GAA activity and greater glycogen clearance in the tongue. Finally, AAVB1-treated animals showed improved respiratory function comparable to wild-type animals. In conclusion, AAVB1-GAA offers a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of muscle and CNS in Pompe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Keeler
- 1 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Marina Zieger
- 1 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Sophia H Todeasa
- 2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,3 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Angela L McCall
- 4 Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer C Gifford
- 2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,3 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Samantha Birsak
- 1 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Sourav R Choudhury
- 2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,3 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Barry J Byrne
- 5 Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,6 Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- 2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,3 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Mai K ElMallah
- 1 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts.,4 Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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76
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Duan D. Systemic AAV Micro-dystrophin Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2337-2356. [PMID: 30093306 PMCID: PMC6171037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin gene mutation. Conceptually, replacing the mutated gene with a normal one would cure the disease. However, this task has encountered significant challenges due to the enormous size of the gene and the distribution of muscle throughout the body. The former creates a hurdle for viral vector packaging and the latter begs for whole-body therapy. To address these obstacles, investigators have invented the highly abbreviated micro-dystrophin gene and developed body-wide systemic gene transfer with adeno-associated virus (AAV). Numerous microgene configurations and various AAV serotypes have been explored in animal models in many laboratories. Preclinical data suggests that intravascular AAV micro-dystrophin delivery can significantly ameliorate muscle pathology, enhance muscle force, and attenuate dystrophic cardiomyopathy in animals. Against this backdrop, several clinical trials have been initiated to test the safety and tolerability of this promising therapy in DMD patients. While these trials are not powered to reach a conclusion on clinical efficacy, findings will inform the field on the prospects of body-wide DMD therapy with a synthetic micro-dystrophin AAV vector. This review discusses the history, current status, and future directions of systemic AAV micro-dystrophin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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77
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Sun S, Schaffer DV. Engineered viral vectors for functional interrogation, deconvolution, and manipulation of neural circuits. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 50:163-170. [PMID: 29614429 PMCID: PMC5984719 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Optimization of traditional replication-competent viral tracers has granted access to immediate synaptic partners of target neuronal populations, enabling the dissection of complex brain circuits into functional neural pathways. The excessive virulence of most conventional tracers, however, impedes their utility in revealing and genetically perturbing cellular function on long time scales. As a promising alternative, the natural capacity of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to safely mediate persistent and robust gene expression has stimulated strong interest in adapting them for sparse neuronal labeling and physiological studies. Furthermore, increasingly refined engineering strategies have yielded novel AAV variants with enhanced target specificity, transduction, and retrograde trafficking in the CNS. These potent vectors offer new opportunities for characterizing the identity and connectivity of single neurons within immense networks and modulating their activity via robust delivery of functional genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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78
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Zhang X, He T, Chai Z, Samulski RJ, Li C. Blood-brain barrier shuttle peptides enhance AAV transduction in the brain after systemic administration. Biomaterials 2018; 176:71-83. [PMID: 29860139 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector has been used in preclinical and clinical trials of gene therapy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. One of the biggest challenges of effectively delivering AAV to the brain is to surmount the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Herein, we identified several potential BBB shuttle peptides that significantly enhanced AAV8 transduction in the brain after a systemic administration, the best of which was the THR peptide. The enhancement of AAV8 brain transduction by THR is dose-dependent, and neurons are the primary THR targets. Mechanism studies revealed that THR directly bound to the AAV8 virion, increasing its ability to cross the endothelial cell barrier. Further experiments showed that binding of THR to the AAV virion did not interfere with AAV8 infection biology, and that THR competitively blocked transferrin from binding to AAV8. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that BBB shuttle peptides are able to directly interact with AAV and increase the ability of the AAV vectors to cross the BBB for transduction enhancement in the brain. These results will shed important light on the potential applications of BBB shuttle peptides for enhancing brain transduction with systemic administration of AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Zhang
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ting He
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zheng Chai
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27510, USA.
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79
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Raikwar SP, Thangavel R, Dubova I, Ahmed ME, Selvakumar PG, Kempuraj D, Zaheer S, Iyer S, Zaheer A. Neuro-Immuno-Gene- and Genome-Editing-Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease: Are We There Yet? J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 65:321-344. [PMID: 30040732 PMCID: PMC6130335 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly complex neurodegenerative disorder and the current treatment strategies are largely ineffective thereby leading to irreversible and progressive cognitive decline in AD patients. AD continues to defy successful treatment despite significant advancements in the field of molecular medicine. Repeatedly, early promising preclinical and clinical results have catapulted into devastating setbacks leading to multi-billion dollar losses not only to the top pharmaceutical companies but also to the AD patients and their families. Thus, it is very timely to review the progress in the emerging fields of gene therapy and stem cell-based precision medicine. Here, we have made sincere efforts to feature the ongoing progress especially in the field of AD gene therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Further, we also provide highlights in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis and describe novel AD therapeutic targets and strategies for the new drug discovery. We hope that the quantum leap in the scientific advancements and improved funding will bolster novel concepts that will propel the momentum toward a trajectory leading to a robust AD patient-specific next generation precision medicine with improved cognitive function and excellent life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu P. Raikwar
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ramasamy Thangavel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Iuliia Dubova
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mohammad Ejaz Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pushpavathi Govindhasamy Selvakumar
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Smita Zaheer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Shankar Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Asgar Zaheer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
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80
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Nass SA, Mattingly MA, Woodcock DA, Burnham BL, Ardinger JA, Osmond SE, Frederick AM, Scaria A, Cheng SH, O'Riordan CR. Universal Method for the Purification of Recombinant AAV Vectors of Differing Serotypes. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 9:33-46. [PMID: 29349097 PMCID: PMC5767896 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The generation of clinical good manufacturing practices (GMP)-grade adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors requires purification strategies that support the generation of vectors of high purity, and that exhibit a good safety and efficacy profile. To date, most reported purification schemas are serotype dependent, requiring method development for each AAV gene therapy product. Here, we describe a platform purification process that is compatible with the purification of multiple AAV serotypes. The method generates vector preparations of high purity that are enriched for capsids with full vector genomes, and that minimizes the fractional content of empty capsids. The two-column purification method, a combination of affinity and ion exchange chromatographies, is compatible with a range of AAV serotypes generated by either the transient triple transfection method or the more scalable producer cell line platform. In summary, the adaptable purification method described can be used for the production of a variety of high-quality AAV vectors suitable for preclinical testing in animal models of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley A Nass
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | | | | | - Brenda L Burnham
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | | | - Shayla E Osmond
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | - Amy M Frederick
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | - Abraham Scaria
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
| | - Seng H Cheng
- Gene Therapy, Sanofi, 49 New York Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
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81
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Lau CH, Suh Y. In vivo genome editing in animals using AAV-CRISPR system: applications to translational research of human disease. F1000Res 2017; 6:2153. [PMID: 29333255 PMCID: PMC5749125 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11243.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown promising therapeutic efficacy with a good safety profile in a wide range of animal models and human clinical trials. With the advent of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based genome-editing technologies, AAV provides one of the most suitable viral vectors to package, deliver, and express CRISPR components for targeted gene editing. Recent discoveries of smaller Cas9 orthologues have enabled the packaging of Cas9 nuclease and its chimeric guide RNA into a single AAV delivery vehicle for robust
in vivo genome editing. Here, we discuss how the combined use of small Cas9 orthologues, tissue-specific minimal promoters, AAV serotypes, and different routes of administration has advanced the development of efficient and precise
in vivo genome editing and comprehensively review the various AAV-CRISPR systems that have been effectively used in animals. We then discuss the clinical implications and potential strategies to overcome off-target effects, immunogenicity, and toxicity associated with CRISPR components and AAV delivery vehicles. Finally, we discuss ongoing non-viral-based
ex vivo gene therapy clinical trials to underscore the current challenges and future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for human therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cia-Hin Lau
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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82
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Yusuf IH, Shanks ME, Clouston P, MacLaren RE. A splice-site variant in FLVCR1 produces retinitis pigmentosa without posterior column ataxia. Ophthalmic Genet 2017; 39:263-267. [PMID: 29192808 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2017.1408848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
FLVCR1 (feline leukemia virus subgroup c receptor 1) is a transmembrane protein involved in the trafficking of intracellular heme. Homozygous variants in FLVCR1 have been described in association with a clinical syndrome of posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP). Here, we describe a patient with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa homozygous for a splice-site variant in FLVCR1 (c.1092 + 5G>A) without evidence of posterior column ataxia or cerebellar degeneration. We suggest an association between intronic splice-site variants in FLVCR1 and the absence of posterior column degeneration and suggest a hypothesis to explain this observation. Should this association be proven, it would provide valuable prognostic information for patients. Retinal degeneration appears to be the sole clinical manifestation of this FLVCR1 variant; gene therapy approaches using an adeno-associated viral vector with sub-retinal delivery may therefore represent a therapeutic approach to halting retinal degeneration in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran H Yusuf
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford, UK.,b Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
| | - Morag E Shanks
- c Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratories, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Churchill Hospital , Oxford , UK
| | - Penny Clouston
- c Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratories, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Churchill Hospital , Oxford , UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford, UK.,b Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
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83
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Gruntman AM, Su L, Flotte TR. Retro-Orbital Venous Sinus Delivery of rAAV9 Mediates High-Level Transduction of Brain and Retina Compared with Temporal Vein Delivery in Neonatal Mouse Pups. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:228-230. [PMID: 28319444 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to pursue a clinical gene therapy for a human neurologic disease, it is often necessary to perform proof-of-concept trials in mouse models of that disease. In order to demonstrate a potential clinical efficacy, one must be able to select an appropriate vector and route of delivery for the appropriate age group in the disease model. Since many diseases require correction early in life, investigators often need to deliver recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors to neonatal mice. Herein, general central nervous system expression patterns of nuclear GFP following delivery of rAAV by three different routes are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Gruntman
- 1 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine , North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Lin Su
- 4 Center of Geriatrics and Gerontology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Terence R Flotte
- 1 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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84
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Abstract
Novel affinity agents with high specificity are needed to make progress in disease diagnosis and therapy. Over the last several years, peptides have been considered to have fundamental benefits over other affinity agents, such as antibodies, due to their fast blood clearance, low immunogenicity, rapid tissue penetration, and reproducible chemical synthesis. These features make peptides ideal affinity agents for applications in disease diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of afflictions. Virus-derived peptide techniques provide a rapid, robust, and high-throughput way to identify organism-targeting peptides with high affinity and selectivity. Here, we will review viral peptide display techniques, how these techniques have been utilized to select new organism-targeting peptides, and their numerous biomedical applications with an emphasis on targeted imaging, diagnosis, and therapeutic techniques. In the future, these virus-derived peptides may be used as common diagnosis and therapeutics tools in local clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kegan Sunderland
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Science Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Science Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
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85
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Baruteau J, Waddington SN, Alexander IE, Gissen P. Gene therapy for monogenic liver diseases: clinical successes, current challenges and future prospects. J Inherit Metab Dis 2017; 40:497-517. [PMID: 28567541 PMCID: PMC5500673 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, pioneering liver-directed gene therapy trials for haemophilia B have achieved sustained clinical improvement after a single systemic injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) derived vectors encoding the human factor IX cDNA. These trials demonstrate the potential of AAV technology to provide long-lasting clinical benefit in the treatment of monogenic liver disorders. Indeed, with more than ten ongoing or planned clinical trials for haemophilia A and B and dozens of trials planned for other inherited genetic/metabolic liver diseases, clinical translation is expanding rapidly. Gene therapy is likely to become an option for routine care of a subset of severe inherited genetic/metabolic liver diseases in the relatively near term. In this review, we aim to summarise the milestones in the development of gene therapy, present the different vector tools and their clinical applications for liver-directed gene therapy. AAV-derived vectors are emerging as the leading candidates for clinical translation of gene delivery to the liver. Therefore, we focus on clinical applications of AAV vectors in providing the most recent update on clinical outcomes of completed and ongoing gene therapy trials and comment on the current challenges that the field is facing for large-scale clinical translation. There is clearly an urgent need for more efficient therapies in many severe monogenic liver disorders, which will require careful risk-benefit analysis for each indication, especially in paediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Baruteau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, UK
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86
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Wykes RC, Lignani G. Gene therapy and editing: Novel potential treatments for neuronal channelopathies. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:108-117. [PMID: 28564577 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical treatment can be inadequate, non-effective, or intolerable for many people suffering from a neuronal channelopathy. Development of novel treatment options, particularly those with the potential to be curative is warranted. Gene therapy approaches can permit cell-specific modification of neuronal and circuit excitability and have been investigated experimentally as a therapy for numerous neurological disorders, with clinical trials for several neurodegenerative diseases ongoing. Channelopathies can arise from a wide array of gene mutations; however they usually result in periods of aberrant network excitability. Therefore gene therapy strategies based on up or downregulation of genes that modulate neuronal excitability may be effective therapy for a wide range of neuronal channelopathies. As many channelopathies are paroxysmal in nature, optogenetic or chemogenetic approaches may be well suited to treat the symptoms of these diseases. Recent advances in gene-editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system could in the future result in entirely novel treatment for a channelopathy by repairing disease-causing channel mutations at the germline level. As the brain may develop and wire abnormally as a consequence of an inherited or de novo channelopathy, the choice of optimal gene therapy or gene editing strategy will depend on the time of intervention (germline, neonatal or adult). This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Wykes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
| | - G Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
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87
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Keeler AM, ElMallah MK, Flotte TR. Gene Therapy 2017: Progress and Future Directions. Clin Transl Sci 2017; 10:242-248. [PMID: 28383804 PMCID: PMC5504480 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M K ElMallah
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - T R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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88
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Valdmanis PN, Kay MA. Future of rAAV Gene Therapy: Platform for RNAi, Gene Editing, and Beyond. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:361-372. [PMID: 28073291 PMCID: PMC5399734 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) ushered in a new millennium of gene transfer for therapeutic treatment of a number of conditions, including congenital blindness, hemophilia, and spinal muscular atrophy. rAAV vectors have remarkable staying power from a therapeutic standpoint, withstanding several ebbs and flows. As new technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat genome editing emerge, it is now the delivery tool-the AAV vector-that is the stalwart. The long-standing safety of this vector in a multitude of clinical settings makes rAAV a selling point in the advancement of approaches for gene replacement, gene knockdown, gene editing, and genome modification/engineering. The research community is building on these advances to develop more tailored delivery approaches and to tweak the genome in new and unique ways. Intertwining these approaches with newly engineered rAAV vectors is greatly expanding the available tools to manipulate gene expression with a therapeutic intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N. Valdmanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mark A. Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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89
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Aslamy A, Thurmond DC. Exocytosis proteins as novel targets for diabetes prevention and/or remediation? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 312:R739-R752. [PMID: 28356294 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00002.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting an estimated 422 million adults. In the US, it is predicted that one in every three children born as of 2000 will suffer from diabetes in their lifetime. Type 2 diabetes results from combinatorial defects in pancreatic β-cell glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and in peripheral glucose uptake. Both processes, insulin secretion and glucose uptake, are mediated by exocytosis proteins, SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes, Sec1/Munc18 (SM), and double C2-domain protein B (DOC2B). Increasing evidence links deficiencies in these exocytosis proteins to diabetes in rodents and humans. Given this, emerging studies aimed at restoring and/or enhancing cellular levels of certain exocytosis proteins point to promising outcomes in maintaining functional β-cell mass and enhancing insulin sensitivity. In doing so, new evidence also shows that enhancing exocytosis protein levels may promote health span and longevity and may also harbor anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer's disease capabilities. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the described capabilities of certain exocytosis proteins and how these might be targeted for improving metabolic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Aslamy
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
| | - Debbie C Thurmond
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; and .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
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90
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Fu H, McCarty DM. Crossing the blood–brain-barrier with viral vectors. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 21:87-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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91
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Jackson KL, Dayton RD, Deverman BE, Klein RL. Better Targeting, Better Efficiency for Wide-Scale Neuronal Transduction with the Synapsin Promoter and AAV-PHP.B. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:116. [PMID: 27867348 PMCID: PMC5095393 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread genetic modification of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) with a viral vector has become possible and increasingly more efficient. We previously applied an AAV9 vector with the cytomegalovirus/chicken beta-actin (CBA) hybrid promoter and achieved wide-scale CNS transduction in neonatal and adult rats. However, this method transduces a variety of tissues in addition to the CNS. Thus we studied intravenous AAV9 gene transfer with a synapsin promoter to better target the neurons. We noted in systematic comparisons that the synapsin promoter drives lower level expression than does the CBA promoter. The engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B serotype was compared with AAV9, and AAV-PHP.B did enhance the efficiency of expression. Combining the synapsin promoter with AAV-PHP.B could therefore be advantageous in terms of combining two refinements of targeting and efficiency. Wide-scale expression was used to model a disease with widespread pathology. Vectors encoding the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related protein transactive response DNA-binding protein, 43 kDa (TDP-43) with the synapsin promoter and AAV-PHP.B were used for efficient CNS-targeted TDP-43 expression. Intracerebroventricular injections were also explored to limit TDP-43 expression to the CNS. The neuron-selective promoter and the AAV-PHP.B enhanced gene transfer and ALS disease modeling in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey L Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Robert D Dayton
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ronald L Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
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92
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Hocquemiller M, Giersch L, Audrain M, Parker S, Cartier N. Adeno-Associated Virus-Based Gene Therapy for CNS Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:478-96. [PMID: 27267688 PMCID: PMC4960479 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is at the cusp of a revolution for treating a large spectrum of CNS disorders by providing a durable therapeutic protein via a single administration. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer is of particular interest as a therapeutic tool because of its safety profile and efficiency in transducing a wide range of cell types. The purpose of this review is to describe the most notable advancements in preclinical and clinical research on AAV-based CNS gene therapy and to discuss prospects for future development based on a new generation of vectors and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mickael Audrain
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1169, Université Paris-Sud,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- CEA, DSV, IBM, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Nathalie Cartier
- INSERM UMR1169, Université Paris-Sud,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- CEA, DSV, IBM, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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