51
|
Occelli LM, Pasmanter N, Ayoub EE, Petersen-Jones SM. Changes in retinal layer thickness with maturation in the dog: an in vivo spectral domain - optical coherence tomography imaging study. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:225. [PMID: 32605619 PMCID: PMC7329457 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal diseases are common in dogs. Some hereditary retinal dystrophies in dogs are important not only because they lead to vision loss but also because they show strong similarities to the orthologous human conditions. Advances in in vivo non-invasive retinal imaging allow the capture of retinal cross-section images that parallel low power microscopic examination of histological sections. Spectral domain - optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows the measurement of retinal layer thicknesses and gives the opportunity for repeat examination to investigate changes in thicknesses in health (such as changes with maturation and age) and disease (following the course of retinal degenerative conditions). The purpose of this study was to use SD-OCT to measure retinal layer thicknesses in the dog during retinal maturation and over the first year of life. SD-OCT was performed on normal beagle cross dogs from 4 weeks of age to 52 weeks of age. To assess changes in layer thickness with age, measurements were taken from fixed regions in each of the 4 quadrants and the area centralis (the region important for most detailed vision). Additionally, changes in retinal layer thickness along vertical and horizontal planes passing through the optic nerve head were assessed. RESULTS In the four quadrants an initial thinning of retinal layers occurred over the first 12 to 15 weeks of life after which there was little change in thickness. However, in the area centralis there was a thickening of the photoreceptor layer over this time period which was mostly due to a lengthening of the photoreceptor inner/outer segment layer. The retina thinned with greater distances from the optic nerve head in both vertical and horizontal planes with the dorsal retina being thicker than the ventral retina. Most of the change in thickness with distance from the optic nerve head was due to difference in thickness of the inner retinal layers. The outer retinal layers remained more constant in thickness, particularly in the horizontal plane and dorsal to the optic nerve head. CONCLUSIONS These measurements will provide normative data for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M. Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Nate Pasmanter
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elias E. Ayoub
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Song C, Dufour VL, Cideciyan AV, Ye GJ, Swider M, Newmark JA, Timmers AM, Robinson PM, Knop DR, Chulay JD, Jacobson SG, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Shearman MS. Dose Range Finding Studies with Two RPGR Transgenes in a Canine Model of X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Treated with Subretinal Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:743-755. [PMID: 32414297 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated gene therapy is being developed to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) in patients with mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. In preparation for a clinical gene therapy trial, we conducted dose range finding (DRF) studies with an AAV2 capsid with three surface tyrosine residues changed to phenylalanine (AAV2tYF) vector administered by subretinal injection in a naturally occurring RPGR-mutant canine model (XLPRA2) to compare two different human RPGR (hRPGR) transgenes and to establish a reasonable starting dose for a clinical trial. Different dose levels of two candidate vectors (0.15 mL at 1.2 × 1010-3.0 × 1012 vg/mL of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco or 4 × 1010-3.0 × 1012 vg/mL of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb), 6.0 × 1011 vg/mL rAAV5-GRK1-hRPGRco reference vector or Vehicle were subretinally administered, and the dogs were followed for 8 weeks postdose. Ophthalmic examinations, analyses of retinal structure by in vivo imaging using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO)/optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the Lower (4.0 × 1010 vg/mL) and Lowest (1.2 × 1010 vg/mL) Doses, immunological responses by cell based assays or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RPGR transgene expression, and reversal of opsin mislocalization by immunohistochemistry were performed. No sustained signs of ocular discomfort or ophthalmic complications were noted in any of the injected eyes except some in the High Dose group (3.0 × 1012 vg/mL), which showed signs of retinal detachment and inflammation. A change in fundus reflectivity suggestive of a rescue effect was seen in the High, Mid (6.0 × 1011 vg/mL), and Low (1.2 × 1011 vg/mL) Dose groups. cSLO/OCT demonstrated qualitative and quantitative evidence of rescue effect in eyes treated with the Lower Dose. Anti-hRPGR antibodies were absent, but neutralizing antibody titers against AAV2 were detected in all animals dosed with rAAV2tYF in an apparent dose-related pattern. RPGR expression was stronger for rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco compared to rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb at all dose levels. Subretinal administration of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco and rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb both corrected rod and cone opsin mislocalization, two early markers of disease in the XLPRA2 canine model of RPGR-XLRP. These results support the selection and use of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco (AGTC-501) and guided the initial doses in clinical studies in patients with XLRP caused by RPGR mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjuan Song
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - David R Knop
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | | | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark S Shearman
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Cogné B, Latypova X, Senaratne LDS, Martin L, Koboldt DC, Kellaris G, Fievet L, Le Meur G, Caldari D, Debray D, Nizon M, Frengen E, Bowne SJ, Cadena EL, Daiger SP, Bujakowska KM, Pierce EA, Gorin M, Katsanis N, Bézieau S, Petersen-Jones SM, Occelli LM, Lyons LA, Legeai-Mallet L, Sullivan LS, Davis EE, Isidor B, Buckley RM, Aberdein D, Alves PC, Barsh GS, Bellone RR, Bergström TF, Boyko AR, Brockman JA, Casal ML, Castelhano MG, Distl O, Dodman NH, Ellinwood NM, Fogle JE, Forman OP, Garrick DJ, Ginns EI, Häggström J, Harvey RJ, Hasegawa D, Haase B, Helps CR, Hernandez I, Hytönen MK, Kaukonen M, Kaelin CB, Kosho T, Leclerc E, Lear TL, Leeb T, Li RH, Lohi H, Longeri M, Magnuson MA, Malik R, Mane SP, Munday JS, Murphy WJ, Pedersen NC, Rothschild MF, Rusbridge C, Shapiro B, Stern JA, Swanson WF, Terio KA, Todhunter RJ, Warren WC, Wilcox EA, Wildschutte JH, Yu Y. Mutations in the Kinesin-2 Motor KIF3B Cause an Autosomal-Dominant Ciliopathy. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 106:893-904. [PMID: 32386558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesin-2 enables ciliary assembly and maintenance as an anterograde intraflagellar transport (IFT) motor. Molecular motor activity is driven by a heterotrimeric complex comprised of KIF3A and KIF3B or KIF3C plus one non-motor subunit, KIFAP3. Using exome sequencing, we identified heterozygous KIF3B variants in two unrelated families with hallmark ciliopathy phenotypes. In the first family, the proband presents with hepatic fibrosis, retinitis pigmentosa, and postaxial polydactyly; he harbors a de novo c.748G>C (p.Glu250Gln) variant affecting the kinesin motor domain encoded by KIF3B. The second family is a six-generation pedigree affected predominantly by retinitis pigmentosa. Affected individuals carry a heterozygous c.1568T>C (p.Leu523Pro) KIF3B variant segregating in an autosomal-dominant pattern. We observed a significant increase in primary cilia length in vitro in the context of either of the two mutations while variant KIF3B proteins retained stability indistinguishable from wild type. Furthermore, we tested the effects of KIF3B mutant mRNA expression in the developing zebrafish retina. In the presence of either missense variant, rhodopsin was sequestered to the photoreceptor rod inner segment layer with a concomitant increase in photoreceptor cilia length. Notably, impaired rhodopsin trafficking is also characteristic of recessive KIF3B models as exemplified by an early-onset, autosomal-recessive, progressive retinal degeneration in Bengal cats; we identified a c.1000G>A (p.Ala334Thr) KIF3B variant by genome-wide association study and whole-genome sequencing. Together, our genetic, cell-based, and in vivo modeling data delineate an autosomal-dominant syndromic retinal ciliopathy in humans and suggest that multiple KIF3B pathomechanisms can impair kinesin-driven ciliary transport in the photoreceptor.
Collapse
|
55
|
Shim S, Eom K, Jeong J, Kim SJ. Retinal Prosthetic Approaches to Enhance Visual Perception for Blind Patients. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E535. [PMID: 32456341 PMCID: PMC7281011 DOI: 10.3390/mi11050535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinal prostheses are implantable devices that aim to restore the vision of blind patients suffering from retinal degeneration, mainly by artificially stimulating the remaining retinal neurons. Some retinal prostheses have successfully reached the stage of clinical trials; however, these devices can only restore vision partially and remain insufficient to enable patients to conduct everyday life independently. The visual acuity of the artificial vision is limited by various factors from both engineering and physiological perspectives. To overcome those issues and further enhance the visual resolution of retinal prostheses, a variety of retinal prosthetic approaches have been proposed, based on optimization of the geometries of electrode arrays and stimulation pulse parameters. Other retinal stimulation modalities such as optics, ultrasound, and magnetics have also been utilized to address the limitations in conventional electrical stimulation. Although none of these approaches have been clinically proven to fully restore the function of a degenerated retina, the extensive efforts made in this field have demonstrated a series of encouraging findings for the next generation of retinal prostheses, and these could potentially enhance the visual acuity of retinal prostheses. In this article, a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of retinal prosthetic strategies is provided, with a specific focus on a quantitative assessment of visual acuity results from various retinal stimulation technologies. The aim is to highlight future directions toward high-resolution retinal prostheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinyong Shim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyungsik Eom
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Joonsoo Jeong
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, College of Information and Biomedical Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Sung June Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Institute on Aging, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Switonski M. Impact of gene therapy for canine monogenic diseases on the progress of preclinical studies. J Appl Genet 2020; 61:179-186. [PMID: 32189222 PMCID: PMC7148265 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapid progress in knowledge of the organization of the dog genome has facilitated the identification of the mutations responsible for numerous monogenic diseases, which usually present a breed-specific distribution. The majority of these diseases have clinical and molecular counterparts in humans. The affected dogs have thus become valuable models for preclinical studies of gene therapy for problems such as eye diseases, immunodeficiency, lysosomal storage diseases, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy. Successful gene therapies in dogs have significantly contributed to decisions to run clinical trials for several human diseases, such as Leber's congenital amaurosis 2-LCA2 (caused by a mutation of RPE65), X-linked retinitis pigmentosa-XLRP (caused by mutation RPGR), and achromatopsia (caused by mutation of CNGB3). Promising results were also obtained for canine as follows: hemophilia (A and B), mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I, MPS IIIB, MPS VII), leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), and muscular dystrophy (a counterpart of human Duchenne dystrophy). Present knowledge on molecular background of canine monogenic diseases and their successful gene therapies prove that dogs have an important contribution to preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Appelbaum T, Santana E, Aguirre GD. Critical Decrease in the Level of Axon Guidance Receptor ROBO1 in Rod Synaptic Terminals Is Followed by Axon Retraction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:11. [PMID: 32176262 PMCID: PMC7405958 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To define remodeling of photoreceptor synaptic terminals and second-order retinal neurons in canine X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 caused by a five-nucleotide deletion in the RPGR exon ORF15. Methods Retinas of normal and mutant dogs were used for gene expression, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Cell-specific markers were used to examine disease-dependent retinal remodeling. Results In mutant retinas, a number of rod axon terminals retract into the outer nuclear layer. This neuritic atrophy preceded significant loss of rods and was evident early in disease. Rod bipolar and horizontal cell processes were found to extend into the outer nuclear layer, where they seemed to form contacts with the spherules of rod photoreceptors. No ectopic rewiring was observed. Because cytoskeletal reorganization was previously shown to underlie photoreceptor axon retraction, we examined normal and mutant retinas for expression of axon guidance receptors ROBO1 and ROBO2, which are known to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. We found that the overall expression of both ROBO1 and ROBO2 is retained at the same level in premature and fully developed normal retinas. However, analysis of predisease and early disease retinas identified markedly decreased levels of ROBO1 in rod spherules compared with controls. In contrast, no differences in ROBO1 signals were noted in cone pedicles in normal and mutant retinas, where ROBO1 levels remained similarly low. Conclusions Depletion of ROBO1 in rod synaptic terminals correlates with the remodeling of axonal and dendritic processes in the outer retina of dogs with X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 and may play a role in the retraction of rod axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Appelbaum
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Dufour VL, Cideciyan AV, Ye GJ, Song C, Timmers A, Habecker PL, Pan W, Weinstein NM, Swider M, Durham AC, Ying GS, Robinson PM, Jacobson SG, Knop DR, Chulay JD, Shearman MS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Toxicity and Efficacy Evaluation of an Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Expressing Codon-Optimized RPGR Delivered by Subretinal Injection in a Canine Model of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:253-267. [PMID: 31910043 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) is developing a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector AGTC-501, also designated rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco, to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) in patients with mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. The vector contains a codon-optimized human RPGR cDNA (hRPGRco) driven by a photoreceptor-specific promoter (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 [GRK1]), and is packaged in an AAV2 capsid variant with three surface tyrosine residues changed to phenylalanine (AAV2tYF). We conducted a toxicity and efficacy study of this vector administered by subretinal injection in the naturally occurring RPGR mutant (X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 2 [XLPRA2]) dog model. Sixteen RPGR mutant dogs divided into four groups of three to five animals each received either a subretinal injection of 0.07 mL of AGTC-501 at low (1.2 × 1011 vector genome [vg]/mL), mid (6 × 1011 vg/mL), or high dose (3 × 1012 vg/mL), or of vehicle control in the right eye at early-stage disease. The left eye remained untreated. Subretinal injections were well tolerated and were not associated with systemic toxicity. Electroretinography, in vivo retinal imaging, and histological analysis showed rescue of photoreceptor function and structure in the absence of ocular toxicity in the low- and mid-dose treatment groups when compared with the vehicle-treated group. The high-dose group showed evidence of both photoreceptor rescue and posterior segment toxicity. These results support the use of AGTC-501 in clinical studies with patients affected with XLRP caused by RPGR mutations and define the no-observed-adverse-effect level at 6 × 1011 vg/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Chunjuan Song
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Adrian Timmers
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Perry L Habecker
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicole M Weinstein
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy C Durham
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David R Knop
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | | | | | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
RPGR-Associated Dystrophies: Clinical, Genetic, and Histopathological Features. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030835. [PMID: 32012938 PMCID: PMC7038140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the clinical, genetic, and histopathological features in patients with RPGR-associated retinal dystrophies. Nine male patients from eight unrelated families underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Additionally, the histopathology of the right eye from a patient with an end-stage cone-rod-dystrophy (CRD)/sector retinitis pigmentosa (RP) phenotype was examined. All RPGR mutations causing a CRD phenotype were situated in exon ORF15. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, decimals) was 0.58 (standard deviation (SD)): 0.34; range: 0.05-1.13); and the mean spherical refractive error was -4.1 D (SD: 2.11; range: -1.38 to -8.19). Hyperautofluorescent rings were observed in six patients. Full-field electroretinography responses were absent in all patients. The visual field defects ranged from peripheral constriction to central islands. The mean macular sensitivity on microperimetry was 11.6 dB (SD: 7.8; range: 1.6-24.4) and correlated significantly with BCVA (r = 0.907; p = 0.001). A histological examination of the donor eye showed disruption of retinal topology and stratification, with a more severe loss found in the peripheral regions. Reactive gliosis was seen in the inner layers of all regions. Our study demonstrates the highly variable phenotype found in RPGR-associated retinal dystrophies. Therapies should be applied at the earliest signs of photoreceptor degeneration, prior to the remodeling of the inner retina.
Collapse
|
60
|
Cook L, Byron J, Moore S. Urological Sequelae to Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Pet Dogs: A Natural Disease Model of Neuropathic Bladder Dysfunction. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2020; 25:205-213. [PMID: 31548787 DOI: 10.1310/sci2503-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The authors review urologic dysfunction, including urine retention, incontinence, and recurrent and resistant urinary tract infection, in dogs as a sequela to acute spinal cord injury. Urologic sequelae to acute spinal cord injury (SCI) pose significant complications in human and canine patients impacting quality of life and long-term cost of treatment. Dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion may serve as a natural disease model of acute SCI for investigating translational interventions, both prophylactic and therapeutic, for urologic dysfunction in human SCI patients.
Collapse
|
61
|
Fahim AT, Sullivan LS, Bowne SJ, Jones KD, Wheaton DKH, Khan NW, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera KT, Branham KH, Andrews CA, Othman MI, Karoukis AJ, Birch DG, Daiger SP. X-Chromosome Inactivation Is a Biomarker of Clinical Severity in Female Carriers of RPGR-Associated X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmol Retina 2019; 4:510-520. [PMID: 31953110 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE X-linked retinitis pigmentosa can manifest in female carriers with widely variable severity, whereas others remain unaffected. The contribution of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) to phenotypic variation has been postulated but not demonstrated. Furthermore, the impact of genotype and genetic modifiers has been demonstrated in affected males but has not been well established in female carriers. The purpose of this study was to describe the scope of clinical phenotype in female carriers with mutations in RPGR and quantify the contribution of genotype, genetic modifiers, and XCI to phenotypic severity. DESIGN Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-seven female carriers with RPGR mutations from 41 pedigrees. METHODS Coding single nucleotide polymorphisms were sequenced in candidate genetic modifier genes encoding known RPGR-interacting proteins. X-chromosome inactivation ratios were determined in genomic DNA isolated from blood (n = 42) and saliva (n = 20) using methylation status of X-linked polymorphic repeats. These genetic data were compared with disease severity based on quantitative clinical parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual acuity, Humphrey visual field (HVF) results, full-field electroretinography results, and dark adaptation. RESULTS Most individuals at all ages were mildly affected or unaffected, whereas those who progressed to moderate or severe vision loss were older than 30 years. RPGR genotype was not associated with clinical severity. The D1264N variant in RPGRIP1L was associated with more severe disease. Skewed XCI toward inactivation of the normal RPGR allele was associated with more severe disease. The XCI ratio in both blood and saliva was a predictor of visual function as measured by HVF diameter, rod amplitude, flicker amplitude, and flicker implicit time. For carriers with extreme XCI skewing of 80:20 or more, 57% were affected severely compared with 8% for those with XCI of less than 80:20 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Female carriers with mutations in RPGR demonstrate widely variable clinical severity. X-chromosome inactivation ratios correlate with clinical severity and may serve as a predictor of clinically significant disease. Because RPGR gene therapy trials are underway, a future imperative exists to determine which carriers require intervention and when to intervene. X-chromosome inactivation analysis may be useful for identifying candidates for early intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Lori S Sullivan
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara J Bowne
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kari H Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chris A Andrews
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mohammad I Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Athanasios J Karoukis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Stephen P Daiger
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Gene Therapy in Retinal Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225722. [PMID: 31739639 PMCID: PMC6888000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous degenerative disorders. To date, mutations have been associated with IRDs in over 270 disease genes, but molecular diagnosis still remains elusive in about a third of cases. The methodologic developments in genome sequencing techniques that we have witnessed in this last decade have represented a turning point not only in diagnosis and prognosis but, above all, in the identification of new therapeutic perspectives. The discovery of new disease genes and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying IRDs has laid the groundwork for gene therapy approaches. Several clinical trials are ongoing, and the recent approval of Luxturna, the first gene therapy product for Leber congenital amaurosis, marks the beginning of a new era. Due to its anatomical and functional characteristics, the retina is the organ of choice for gene therapy, although there are quite a few difficulties in the translational approaches from preclinical models to humans. In the first part of this review, an overview of the current knowledge on methodological issues and future perspectives of gene therapy applied to IRDs is discussed; in the second part, the state of the art of clinical trials on the gene therapy approach in IRDs is illustrated.
Collapse
|
63
|
Shivanna M, Anand M, Chakrabarti S, Khanna H. Ocular Ciliopathies: Genetic and Mechanistic Insights into Developing Therapies. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3120-3131. [PMID: 30221600 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180917102557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Developing suitable medicines for genetic diseases requires a detailed understanding of not only the pathways that cause the disease, but also the identification of the genetic components involved in disease manifestation. This article focuses on the complexities associated with ocular ciliopathies - a class of debilitating disorders of the eye caused by ciliary dysfunction. Ciliated cell types have been identified in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Photoreceptors (rods and cones) are the most studied ciliated neurons in the retina, which is located in the posterior eye. The photoreceptors contain a specialized lightsensing outer segment, or cilium. Any defects in the development or maintenance of the outer segment can result in severe retinal ciliopathies, such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. A role of cilia in the cell types involved in regulating aqueous fluid outflow in the anterior segment of the eye has also been recognized. Defects in these cell types are frequently associated with some forms of glaucoma. Here, we will discuss the significance of understanding the genetic heterogeneity and the pathogenesis of ocular ciliopathies to develop suitable treatment strategies for these blinding disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Shivanna
- School of Optometry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Manisha Anand
- UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | | | - Hemant Khanna
- UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Kim YJ, Kim J. Therapeutic perspectives for structural and functional abnormalities of cilia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3695-3709. [PMID: 31147753 PMCID: PMC11105626 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03158-6] [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: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ciliopathies are a group of hereditary disorders that result from structural or functional abnormalities of cilia. Recent intense research efforts have uncovered the genetic bases of ciliopathies, and our understanding of the assembly and functions of cilia has been improved significantly. Although mechanism-specific therapies for ciliopathies have not yet received regulatory approval, the use of innovative therapeutic modalities such as oligonucleotide therapy, gene replacement therapy, and gene editing in addition to symptomatic treatments are expected to provide valid treatment options in the near future. Moreover, candidate chemical compounds for developing small molecule drugs to treat ciliopathies have been identified. This review introduces the key features of cilia and ciliopathies, and summarizes the advances as well as the challenges that remain with the development of therapies for treating ciliopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Joon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Cehajic Kapetanovic J, McClements ME, Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara C, MacLaren RE. Molecular Strategies for RPGR Gene Therapy. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10090674. [PMID: 31487940 PMCID: PMC6770968 DOI: 10.3390/genes10090674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR) gene are the commonest cause of X-linked and recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), accounting for 10%-20% of all cases of RP. The phenotype is one of the most severe amongst all causes of RP, characteristic for its early onset and rapid progression to blindness in young people. At present there is no cure for RPGR-related retinal disease. Recently, however, there have been important advances in RPGR research from bench to bedside that increased our understanding of RPGR function and led to the development of potential therapies, including the progress of adeno-associated viral (AAV)-mediated gene replacement therapy into clinical trials. This manuscript discusses the advances in molecular research, which have connected the RPGR protein with an important post-translational modification, known as glutamylation, that is essential for its optimal function as a key regulator of photoreceptor ciliary transport. In addition, we review key pre-clinical research that addressed challenges encountered during development of therapeutic vectors caused by high infidelity of the RPGR genomic sequence. Finally, we discuss the structure of three current phase I/II clinical trials based on three AAV vectors and RPGR sequences and link the rationale behind the use of the different vectors back to the bench research that led to their development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Cehajic Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. '
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. '
| | | | - Cristina Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Gardiner KL, Cideciyan AV, Swider M, Dufour VL, Sumaroka A, Komáromy AM, Hauswirth WW, Iwabe S, Jacobson SG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Long-Term Structural Outcomes of Late-Stage RPE65 Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 28:266-278. [PMID: 31604676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.013] [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] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The form of hereditary childhood blindness Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by biallelic RPE65 mutations is considered treatable with a gene therapy product approved in the US and Europe. The resulting vision improvement is well accepted, but long-term outcomes on the natural history of retinal degeneration are controversial. We treated four RPE65-mutant dogs in mid-life (age = 5-6 years) and followed them long-term (4-5 years). At the time of the intervention at mid-life, there were intra-ocular and inter-animal differences in local photoreceptor layer health ranging from near normal to complete degeneration. Treated locations having more than 63% of normal photoreceptors showed robust treatment-related retention of photoreceptors in the long term. Treated regions with less retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention showed progressive degeneration similar to untreated regions with matched initial stage of disease. Unexpectedly, both treated and untreated regions in study eyes tended to show less degeneration compared to matched locations in untreated control eyes. These results support the hypothesis that successful long-term arrest of progression with RPE65 gene therapy may only occur in retinal regions with relatively retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention, and there may be heretofore unknown mechanisms causing long-distance partial treatment effects beyond the region of subretinal injection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Gardiner
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Giacalone JC, Andorf JL, Zhang Q, Burnight ER, Ochoa D, Reutzel AJ, Collins MM, Sheffield VC, Mullins RF, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA. Development of a Molecularly Stable Gene Therapy Vector for the Treatment of RPGR-Associated X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:967-974. [PMID: 31106594 PMCID: PMC6703244 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a screen of 1,000 consecutively ascertained families, we recently found that mutations in the gene RPGR are the third most common cause of all inherited retinal disease. As the two most frequent disease-causing genes, ABCA4 and USH2A, are far too large to fit into clinically relevant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, RPGR is an obvious early target for AAV-based ocular gene therapy. In generating plasmids for this application, we discovered that those containing wild-type RPGR sequence, which includes the highly repetitive low complexity region ORF15, were extremely unstable (i.e., they showed consistent accumulation of genomic changes during plasmid propagation). To develop a stable RPGR gene transfer vector, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify predicted regions of genomic instability within ORF15 (i.e., potential non-B DNA conformations). Synonymous substitutions were made in these regions to reduce the repetitiveness and increase the molecular stability while leaving the encoded amino acid sequence unchanged. The resulting construct was subsequently packaged into AAV serotype 5, and the ability to drive transcript expression and functional protein production was demonstrated via subretinal injection in rat and pull-down assays, respectively. By making synonymous substitutions within the repetitive region of RPGR, we were able to stabilize the plasmid and subsequently generate a clinical-grade gene transfer vector (IA-RPGR). Following subretinal injection in rat, we demonstrated that the augmented transcript was expressed at levels similar to wild-type constructs. By performing in vitro pull-down experiments, we were able to show that IA-RPGR protein product retained normal protein binding properties (i.e., analysis revealed normal binding to PDE6D, INPP5E, and RPGRIP1L). In summary, we have generated a stable RPGR gene transfer vector capable of producing functional RPGR protein, which will facilitate safety and toxicity studies required for progression to an Investigational New Drug application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jeaneen L. Andorf
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin R. Burnight
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Dalyz Ochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Austin J. Reutzel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Malia M. Collins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Val C. Sheffield
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Gene delivery to the rat retina by non-viral vectors based on chloroquine-containing cationic niosomes. J Control Release 2019; 304:181-190. [PMID: 31071372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of chloroquine within nano formulations, rather than as a co-treatment of the cells, could open a new avenue for in vivo retinal gene delivery. In this manuscript, we evaluated the incorporation of chloroquine diphosphate into the cationic niosome formulation composed of poloxamer 188, polysorbate 80 non-ionic surfactants, and 2,3-di (tetradecyloxy) propan-1-amine (hydrochloride salt) cationic lipid, to transfect rat retina. Niosome formulations without and with chloroquine diphosphate (DPP80, and DPP80-CQ, respectively) were prepared by the reverse phase evaporation technique and characterized in terms of size, PDI, zeta potential, and morphology. After the incorporation of the pCMS-EGFP plasmid, the resultant nioplexes -at different cationic lipid/DNA mass ratios- were further evaluated to compact, liberate, and secure the DNA against enzymatic digestion. In vitro procedures were achieved in ARPE-19 cells to assess transfection efficacy and intracellular transportation. Both nioplexes formulations transfected efficiently ARPE-19 cells, although the cell viability was clearly better in the case of DPP80-CQ nioplexes. After subretinal and intravitreal injections, DPP80 nioplexes were not able to transfect the rat retina. However, chloroquine containing vector showed protein expression in many retinal cells, depending on the administration route. These data provide new insights for retinal gene delivery based on chloroquine-containing niosome non-viral vectors.
Collapse
|
69
|
Khanna H. More Than Meets the Eye: Current Understanding of RPGR Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1074:521-538. [PMID: 29721984 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of a major retinal disease gene RPGR (retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator), mutations in which are associated with majority of X-linked forms of retinal degenerations. A great deal of work has been done to uncover the ciliary localization of RPGR and its interacting proteins in the retina. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of RPGR in the photoreceptors are still unclear. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the intracellular pathways in which RPGR is likely involved. The deregulation of such pathways may underlie the pathogenesis of severe retinal degeneration associated with RPGR. With the recent advances in the gene augmentation therapy for RPGR-associated disease, there is a lot of excitement in the field. Patients with RPGR mutations, however, present with clinically heterogeneous manifestations. It is therefore imperative to examine the function of RPGR in detail, so that we can design patient-oriented therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Wheway G, Mitchison HM. Opportunities and Challenges for Molecular Understanding of Ciliopathies-The 100,000 Genomes Project. Front Genet 2019; 10:127. [PMID: 30915099 PMCID: PMC6421331 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are highly specialized cellular organelles that serve multiple functions in human development and health. Their central importance in the body is demonstrated by the occurrence of a diverse range of developmental disorders that arise from defects of cilia structure and function, caused by a range of different inherited mutations found in more than 150 different genes. Genetic analysis has rapidly advanced our understanding of the cell biological basis of ciliopathies over the past two decades, with more recent technological advances in genomics rapidly accelerating this progress. The 100,000 Genomes Project was launched in 2012 in the UK to improve diagnosis and future care for individuals affected by rare diseases like ciliopathies, through whole genome sequencing (WGS). In this review we discuss the potential promise and medical impact of WGS for ciliopathies and report on current progress of the 100,000 Genomes Project, reviewing the medical, technical and ethical challenges and opportunities that new, large scale initiatives such as this can offer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wheway
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M. Mitchison
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Tee JJL, Yang Y, Kalitzeos A, Webster A, Bainbridge J, Weleber RG, Michaelides M. Characterization of Visual Function, Interocular Variability and Progression Using Static Perimetry-Derived Metrics in RPGR-Associated Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2422-2436. [PMID: 29847648 PMCID: PMC5947973 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize bilateral visual function, interocular variability and progression by using static perimetry-derived volumetric and pointwise metrics in subjects with retinitis pigmentosa associated with mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal observational study of 47 genetically confirmed subjects. Visual function was assessed with ETDRS and Pelli-Robson charts; and Octopus 900 static perimetry using a customized, radially oriented 185-point grid. Three-dimensional hill-of-vision topographic models were produced and interrogated with the Visual Field Modeling and Analysis software to obtain three volumetric metrics: VTotal, V30, and V5. These were analyzed together with Octopus mean sensitivity values. Interocular differences were assessed with the Bland-Altman method. Metric-specific exponential decline rates were calculated. Results Baseline symmetry was demonstrated by relative interocular difference values of 1% for VTotal and 8% with V30. Degree of symmetry varied between subjects and was quantified with the subject percentage interocular difference (SPID). SPID was 16% for VTotal and 17% for V30. Interocular symmetry in progression was greatest when quantified by VTotal and V30, with 73% and 64% of subjects possessing interocular rate differences smaller in magnitude than respective annual progression rates. Functional decline was evident with increasing age. An overall annual exponential decline of 6% was evident with both VTotal and V30. Conclusions In general, good interocular symmetry exists; however, there was both variation between subjects and with the use of various metrics. Our findings will guide patient selection and design of RPGR treatment trials, and provide clinicians with specific prognostic information to offer patients affected by this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J L Tee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yesa Yang
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Ludwig PE, Freeman SC, Janot AC. Novel stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa. Int J Retina Vitreous 2019; 5:7. [PMID: 30805203 PMCID: PMC6373096 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-019-0158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease leads to significant visual morbidity worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are leading causes of blindness in the developed world. While current therapies for these diseases slow disease progression, stem cell and gene therapy may also reverse the effects of these, and other, degenerative retinal conditions. Novel therapies being investigated include the use of various types of stem cells in the regeneration of atrophic or damaged retinal tissue, the prolonged administration of neurotrophic factors and/or drug delivery, immunomodulation, as well as the replacement of mutant genes, and immunomodulation through viral vector delivery. This review will update the reader on aspects of stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other less common inherited retinal dystrophies. These therapies include the use of adeno-associated viral vector-based therapies for treatment of various types of retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration. Other potential therapies reviewed include the use of mesenchymal stem cells in local immunomodulation, and the use of stem cells in generating structures like three-dimensional retinal sheets for transplantation into degenerative retinas. Finally, aspects of stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other less common inherited retinal dystrophies will be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parker E Ludwig
- 1Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - S Caleb Freeman
- 1Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Adam C Janot
- Vitreoretinal Institute, 7698 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 USA.,3Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA USA
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Nghiem PP, Kornegay JN. Gene therapies in canine models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Genet 2019; 138:483-489. [PMID: 30734120 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01976-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) must first be tested in animal models to determine proof-of-concept, efficacy, and importantly, safety. The murine and canine models for DMD are genetically homologous and most commonly used in pre-clinical testing. Although the mouse is a strong, proof-of-concept model, affected dogs show more analogous clinical and immunological disease progression compared to boys with DMD. As such, evaluating genetic therapies in the canine models may better predict response at the genetic, phenotypic, and immunological levels. We review the use of canine models for DMD and their benefits as it pertains to genetic therapy studies, including gene replacement, exon skipping, and gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Nghiem
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Ong T, Pennesi ME, Birch DG, Lam BL, Tsang SH. Adeno-Associated Viral Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Disease. Pharm Res 2019; 36:34. [PMID: 30617669 PMCID: PMC6534121 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare, heterogenous eye disorders caused by gene mutations that result in degeneration of the retina. There are currently limited treatment options for IRDs; however, retinal gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of different forms of inherited blindness. One such IRD for which gene therapy has shown positive initial results is choroideremia, a rare, X-linked degenerative disorder of the retina and choroid. Mutation of the CHM gene leads to an absence of functional Rab escort protein 1 (REP1), which causes retinal pigment epithelium cell death and photoreceptor degeneration. The condition presents in childhood as night blindness, followed by progressive constriction of visual fields, generally leading to vision loss in early adulthood and total blindness thereafter. A recently developed adeno-associated virus-2 (AAV2) vector construct encoding REP1 (AAV2-REP1) has been shown to deliver a functional version of the CHM gene into the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. Phase 1 and 2 studies of AAV2-REP1 in patients with choroideremia have produced encouraging results, suggesting that it is possible not only to slow or stop the decline in vision following treatment with AAV2-REP1, but also to improve visual acuity in some patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuyen Ong
- Nightstar Therapeutics, 203 Crescent Street, Suite 303, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, USA.
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David G Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Byron L Lam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology and of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Ramlogan-Steel CA, Murali A, Andrzejewski S, Dhungel B, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Gene therapy and the adeno-associated virus in the treatment of genetic and acquired ophthalmic diseases in humans: Trials, future directions and safety considerations. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 47:521-536. [PMID: 30345694 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl was recently approved for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, and the use of gene therapy for eye disease is attracting even greater interest. The eye has immune privileged status, is easily accessible, requires a reduced dosage of therapy due to its size and is highly compartmentalized, significantly reducing systemic spread. Adeno-associated virus (AAV), with its low pathogenicity, prolonged expression profile and ability to transduce multiple cell types, has become the leading gene therapy vector. Target diseases have moved beyond currently untreatable inherited dystrophies to common, partially treatable acquired conditions such as exudative age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, but use of the technology in these conditions imposes added obligations for caution in vector design. This review discusses the current status of AAV gene therapy trials in genetic and acquired ocular diseases, and explores new scientific developments, which could help ensure effective and safe use of the therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Medical and Applied Science, Central Queensland University, School of Health, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bijay Dhungel
- Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- Medical and Applied Science, Central Queensland University, School of Health, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Lee JH, Wang JH, Chen J, Li F, Edwards TL, Hewitt AW, Liu GS. Gene therapy for visual loss: Opportunities and concerns. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 68:31-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
77
|
Schlegel J, Hoffmann J, Röll D, Müller B, Günther S, Zhang W, Janise A, Vössing C, Fühler B, Neidhardt J, Khanna H, Lorenz B, Stieger K. Toward genome editing in X-linked RP-development of a mouse model with specific treatment relevant features. Transl Res 2019; 203:57-72. [PMID: 30213530 PMCID: PMC6294733 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing represents a powerful tool to treat inherited disorders. Highly specific endonucleases induce a DNA double strand break near the mutant site, which is subsequently repaired by cellular DNA repair mechanisms that involve the presence of a wild type template DNA. In vivo applications of this strategy are still rare, in part due to the absence of appropriate animal models carrying human disease mutations and knowledge of the efficient targeting of endonucleases. Here we report the generation and characterization of a new mouse model for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) carrying a point mutation in the mutational hotspot exon ORF15 of the RPGR gene as well as a recognition site for the homing endonuclease I-SceI. Presence of the genomic modifications was verified at the RNA and protein levels. The mutant protein was observed at low levels. Optical coherence tomography studies revealed a slowly progressive retinal degeneration with photoreceptor loss starting at 9 months of age, paralleling the onset of functional deficits as seen in the electroretinogram. Early changes to the outer retinal bands can be used as biomarker during treatment applications. We further show for the first time efficient targeting using the I-SceI enzyme at the genomic locus in a proof of concept in photoreceptors following adeno-associated virus mediated gene transfer in vivo. Taken together, our studies not only provide a human-XLRP disease model but also act as a platform to design genome editing technology for retinal degenerative diseases using the currently available endonucleases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Schlegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - J Hoffmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Röll
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - B Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - S Günther
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - A Janise
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - C Vössing
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - B Fühler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - J Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - H Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - B Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - K Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Gamlin PD, Alexander JJ, Boye SL, Witherspoon CD, Boye SE. SubILM Injection of AAV for Gene Delivery to the Retina. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:249-262. [PMID: 30783978 PMCID: PMC6700748 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as the vector of choice for delivering genes to the retina. Indeed, the first gene therapy to receive FDA approval in the United States is an AAV-based treatment for the inherited retinal disease, Leber congenital amaurosis-2. Voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna™) is delivered to patients via subretinal (SR) injection, an invasive surgical procedure that requires detachment of photoreceptors (PRs) from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). It has been reported that subretinal administration of vector under the cone-exclusive fovea leads to a loss of central retinal structure and visual acuity in some patients. Due to its technical difficulty and potential risks, alternatives to SR injection have been explored in primates. Intravitreally (Ivt) delivered AAV transduces inner retina and foveal cones, but with low efficiency. Novel AAV capsid variants identified via rational design or directed evolution have offered only incremental improvements, and have failed to promote pan-inner retinal transduction or significant outer retinal transduction beyond the fovea. Problems with retinal transduction by Ivt-delivered AAV include dilution in the vitreous, potential antibody-mediated neutralization of capsid in this nonimmune privileged space, and the presence of the inner limiting membrane (ILM), a basement membrane separating the vitreous from the neural retina. We have developed an alternative "subILM" injection method that overcomes all three hurdles. Specifically, vector is placed in a surgically induced, hydrodissected space between the ILM and neural retina. We have shown that subILM injection promotes more efficient retinal transduction by AAV than Ivt injection, and results in uniform and extensive transduction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) beneath the subILM bleb. We have also demonstrated transduction of Muller glia, ON bipolar cells, and photoreceptors by subILM injection. Our results confirm that the ILM is a major barrier to transduction by AAV in primate retina and that, when it is circumvented, the efficiency and depth to which AAV2 promotes transduction of multiple retinal cell classes is greatly enhanced. Here we describe in detail methods for vector preparation, vector dilution, and subILM injection as performed in macaque (Macaca sp.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - John J Alexander
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sanford L Boye
- Department of Pediatrics and the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C Douglas Witherspoon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Rajala RVS. Therapeutic Benefits from Nanoparticles: The Potential Significance of Nanoscience in Retinal Degenerative Diseases. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS 2019; 1:44-55. [PMID: 34528026 PMCID: PMC8439377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Several nanotechnology podiums have gained remarkable attention in the area of medical sciences, including diagnostics and treatment. In the past decade, engineered multifunctional nanoparticles have served as drug and gene carriers. The most important aspect of translating nanoparticles from the bench to bedside is safety. These nanoparticles should not elicit any immune response and should not be toxic to humans or the environment. Lipid-based nanoparticles have been shown to be the least toxic for in vivo applications, and significant progress has been made in gene and drug delivery employing lipid-based nanoassemblies. Several excellent reviews and reports discuss the general use and application of lipid-based nanoparticles; our review focuses on the application of lipid-based nanoparticles for the treatment of ocular diseases, and recent advances in and updates on their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raju V S Rajala
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Rodrigues GA, Shalaev E, Karami TK, Cunningham J, Slater NKH, Rivers HM. Pharmaceutical Development of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Products for the Eye. Pharm Res 2018; 36:29. [PMID: 30591984 PMCID: PMC6308217 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A resurgence of interest and investment in the field of gene therapy, driven in large part by advances in viral vector technology, has recently culminated in United States Food and Drug Administration approval of the first gene therapy product targeting a disease caused by mutations in a single gene. This product, LUXTURNA™ (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl; Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA), delivers a normal copy of the RPE65 gene to retinal cells for the treatment of biallelic RPE65 mutation–associated retinal dystrophy, a blinding disease. Many additional gene therapy programs targeting both inherited retinal diseases and other ocular diseases are in development, owing to an improved understanding of the genetic basis of ocular disease and the unique properties of the ocular compartment that make it amenable to local gene therapy. Here we review the growing body of literature that describes both the design and development of ocular gene therapy products, with a particular emphasis on target and vector selection, and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Evgenyi Shalaev
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - Thomas K Karami
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - James Cunningham
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - Nigel K H Slater
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Hongwen M Rivers
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Baehr W, Hanke-Gogokhia C, Sharif A, Reed M, Dahl T, Frederick JM, Ying G. Insights into photoreceptor ciliogenesis revealed by animal models. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 71:26-56. [PMID: 30590118 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptors are polarized neurons, with very specific subcellular compartmentalization and unique requirements for protein expression and trafficking. Each photoreceptor contains an outer segment, the site of photon capture that initiates vision, an inner segment that houses the biosynthetic machinery and a synaptic terminal for signal transmission to downstream neurons. Outer segments and inner segments are connected by a connecting cilium (CC), the equivalent of a transition zone (TZ) of primary cilia. The connecting cilium is part of the basal body/axoneme backbone that stabilizes the outer segment. This report will update the reader on late developments in photoreceptor ciliogenesis and transition zone formation, specifically in mouse photoreceptors, focusing on early events in photoreceptor ciliogenesis. The connecting cilium, an elongated and narrow structure through which all outer segment proteins and membrane components must traffic, functions as a gate that controls access to the outer segment. Here we will review genes and their protein products essential for basal body maturation and for CC/TZ genesis, sorted by phenotype. Emphasis is given to naturally occurring mouse mutants and gene knockouts that interfere with CC/TZ formation and ciliogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Baehr
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Christin Hanke-Gogokhia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Ali Sharif
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michelle Reed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Tiffanie Dahl
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Jeanne M Frederick
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Guoxin Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Jiang DJ, Xu CL, Tsang SH. Revolution in Gene Medicine Therapy and Genome Surgery. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E575. [PMID: 30486314 PMCID: PMC6315778 DOI: 10.3390/genes9120575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there have been revolutions in the development of both gene medicine therapy and genome surgical treatments for inherited disorders. Much of this progress has been centered on hereditary retinal dystrophies, because the eye is an immune-privileged and anatomically ideal target. Gene therapy treatments, already demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in numerous clinical trials, are benefitting from the development of new viral vectors, such as dual and triple adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. CRISPR/Cas9, which revolutionized the field of gene editing, is being adapted into more precise "high fidelity" and catalytically dead variants. Newer CRISPR endonucleases, such as CjCas9 and Cas12a, are generating excitement in the field as well. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, allowing human embryo-derived stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells to be edited precisely in vitro and then reintroduced into the body. This article highlights recent progress made in gene therapy and genome surgery for retinal disorders, and it provides an update on precision medicine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treatment trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Jiang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Christine L Xu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Abstract
Recently, there have been revolutions in the development of both gene medicine therapy and genome surgical treatments for inherited disorders. Much of this progress has been centered on hereditary retinal dystrophies, because the eye is an immune-privileged and anatomically ideal target. Gene therapy treatments, already demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in numerous clinical trials, are benefitting from the development of new viral vectors, such as dual and triple adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. CRISPR/Cas9, which revolutionized the field of gene editing, is being adapted into more precise "high fidelity" and catalytically dead variants. Newer CRISPR endonucleases, such as CjCas9 and Cas12a, are generating excitement in the field as well. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, allowing human embryo-derived stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells to be edited precisely in vitro and then reintroduced into the body. This article highlights recent progress made in gene therapy and genome surgery for retinal disorders, and it provides an update on precision medicine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treatment trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Jiang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Christine L Xu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Sluch VM, Banks A, Li H, Crowley MA, Davis V, Xiang C, Yang J, Demirs JT, Vrouvlianis J, Leehy B, Hanks S, Hyman AM, Aranda J, Chang B, Bigelow CE, Rice DS. ADIPOR1 is essential for vision and its RPE expression is lost in the Mfrp rd6 mouse. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14339. [PMID: 30254279 PMCID: PMC6156493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The knockout (KO) of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) gene causes retinal degeneration. Here we report that ADIPOR1 protein is primarily found in the eye and brain with little expression in other tissues. Further analysis of AdipoR1 KO mice revealed that these animals exhibit early visual system abnormalities and are depleted of RHODOPSIN prior to pronounced photoreceptor death. A KO of AdipoR1 post-development either in photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) resulted in decreased expression of retinal proteins, establishing a role for ADIPOR1 in supporting vision in adulthood. Subsequent analysis of the Mfrprd6 mouse retina demonstrated that these mice are lacking ADIPOR1 in their RPE layer alone, suggesting that loss of ADIPOR1 drives retinal degeneration in this model. Moreover, we found elevated levels of IRBP in both the AdipoR1 KO and the Mfrprd6 models. The spatial distribution of IRBP was also abnormal. This dysregulation of IRBP hypothesizes a role for ADIPOR1 in retinoid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Sluch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
| | - Angela Banks
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Maura A Crowley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Vanessa Davis
- Global Scientific Operations, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Chuanxi Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Junzheng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John T Demirs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Joanna Vrouvlianis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Barrett Leehy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Shawn Hanks
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Alexandra M Hyman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jorge Aranda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States
| | - Chad E Bigelow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dennis S Rice
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
DuBose T, Nankivil D, LaRocca F, Waterman G, Hagan K, Polans J, Keller B, Tran-Viet D, Vajzovic L, Kuo AN, Toth CA, Izatt JA, Farsiu S. Handheld Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope. OPTICA 2018; 5:1027-1036. [PMID: 31745495 PMCID: PMC6863352 DOI: 10.1364/optica.5.001027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) has enabled in vivo visualization and enhanced understanding of retinal structure and function. Current generation AOSLOs have a large footprint and are mainly limited to imaging cooperative adult subjects. To extend the application of AOSLO to new patient populations, we have designed the first portable handheld AOSLO (HAOSLO) system. By incorporating a novel computational wavefront sensorless AO algorithm and custom optics, we have miniaturized our HAOSLO to weigh less than 200 grams. HAOSLO imaged the cones closest to the fovea with a handheld probe in adults and captured the first AO-enhanced image of cones in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore DuBose
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Derek Nankivil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Francesco LaRocca
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Gar Waterman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Kristen Hagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - James Polans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Brenton Keller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Du Tran-Viet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Lejla Vajzovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Anthony N. Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Toth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Joseph A. Izatt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sina Farsiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Hardcastle AJ, Sieving PA, Sahel JA, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Translational Retinal Research and Therapies. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 30225158 PMCID: PMC6138060 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.5.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The following review summarizes the state of the art in representative aspects of gene therapy/translational medicine and evolves from a symposium held at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania on November 16, 2017 honoring Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, recipient of ARVO's 2017 Proctor Medal. Focusing on the retina, speakers highlighted current work on moving therapies for inherited retinal degenerative diseases from the laboratory bench to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Director, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Director of the UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA and Director, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université-Inserm-CNRS, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Cideciyan AV, Charng J, Roman AJ, Sheplock R, Garafalo AV, Heon E, Jacobson SG. Progression in X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Due toORF15-RPGRMutations: Assessment of Localized Vision Changes Over 2 Years. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:4558-4566. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Mutation-independent rhodopsin gene therapy by knockdown and replacement with a single AAV vector. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E8547-E8556. [PMID: 30127005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1805055115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations are caused by mutations in >250 genes that affect photoreceptor cells or the retinal pigment epithelium and result in vision loss. For autosomal recessive and X-linked retinal degenerations, significant progress has been achieved in the field of gene therapy as evidenced by the growing number of clinical trials and the recent commercialization of the first gene therapy for a form of congenital blindness. However, despite significant efforts to develop a treatment for the most common form of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) caused by >150 mutations in the rhodopsin (RHO) gene, translation to the clinic has stalled. Here, we identified a highly efficient shRNA that targets human (and canine) RHO in a mutation-independent manner. In a single adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector we combined this shRNA with a human RHO replacement cDNA made resistant to RNA interference and tested this construct in a naturally occurring canine model of RHO-adRP. Subretinal vector injections led to nearly complete suppression of endogenous canine RHO RNA, while the human RHO replacement cDNA resulted in up to 30% of normal RHO protein levels. Noninvasive retinal imaging showed photoreceptors in treated areas were completely protected from retinal degeneration. Histopathology confirmed retention of normal photoreceptor structure and RHO expression in rod outer segments. Long-term (>8 mo) follow-up by retinal imaging and electroretinography indicated stable structural and functional preservation. The efficacy of this gene therapy in a clinically relevant large-animal model paves the way for treating patients with RHO-adRP.
Collapse
|
89
|
Takahashi VKL, Takiuti JT, Jauregui R, Tsang SH. Gene therapy in inherited retinal degenerative diseases, a review. Ophthalmic Genet 2018; 39:560-568. [PMID: 30040511 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2018.1495745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary diseases of the retina represent a group of diseases with several heterogeneous mutations that have the common end result of progressive photoreceptor death leading to blindness. Retinal degenerations encompass multifactorial diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Leber congenital amaurosis, Stargardt disease, and retinitis pigmentosa. Although there is currently no cure for degenerative retinal diseases, ophthalmology has been at the forefront of the development of gene therapy, which offers hope for the treatment of these conditions. This article will explore an overview of the clinical trials of gene supplementation therapy for retinal diseases that are underway or planned for the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitor K L Takahashi
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Institute of Human Nutrition , Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,c Department of Ophthalmology , Federal University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Júlia T Takiuti
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Institute of Human Nutrition , Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,d Division of Ophthalmology , University of São Paulo Medical School , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Ruben Jauregui
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Institute of Human Nutrition , Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,e Weill Cornell Medical College , New York , NY , USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Institute of Human Nutrition , Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,f Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Bakall B, Klein KA, Hariprasad SM. Emerging Gene Therapy Treatments for Inherited Retinal Diseases. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2018; 49:472-478. [DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20180628-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
91
|
Martinez-Fernandez De La Camara C, Nanda A, Salvetti AP, Fischer MD, MacLaren RE. Gene therapy for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018; 6:167-177. [PMID: 30057863 PMCID: PMC6059358 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1444476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene is the most common form of recessive RP. The phenotype is characterised by its severity and rapid disease progression. Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors is currently the most promising therapeutic approach. However, the construction of a stable vector encoding the full-length RPGR transcript has previously proven to be a limiting step towards gene therapy clinical trials. Recently however, a codon optimised version of RPGR has been shown to increase the stability and fidelity of the sequence, conferring a therapeutic effect in murine and canine animal models. AREAS COVERED This manuscript reviews the natural history of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and the research performed from the discovery of the causative gene, RPGR, to the preclinical testing of potential therapies that have led to the initiation of three clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION X-linked retinitis pigmentosa is an amenable disease to be treated by gene therapy. Codon optimisation has overcome the challenge of designing an RPGR vector without mutations, and with a therapeutic effect in different animal models. With the RPGR gene therapy clinical trials still in the early stages, the confirmation of the safety, tolerability and potency of the therapy is still ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Nanda
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Paola Salvetti
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - M. Dominik Fischer
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Weiland JD, Walston ST, Humayun MS. Electrical Stimulation of the Retina to Produce Artificial Vision. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2018; 2:273-294. [PMID: 28532361 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-111815-114425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Retinal prostheses aim to restore vision to blind individuals suffering from retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. These devices function by electrically stimulating surviving retinal neurons, whose activation is interpreted by the brain as a visual percept. Many prostheses are currently under development. They are categorized as epiretinal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal prostheses on the basis of the placement of the stimulating microelectrode array. Each can activate ganglion cells through direct or indirect stimulation. The response of retinal neurons to these modes of stimulation are discussed in detail and are placed in context of the visual percept they are likely to evoke. This article further reviews challenges faced by retinal prosthesis and discusses potential solutions to address them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James D Weiland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007; .,USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033.,Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Steven T Walston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007;
| | - Mark S Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007; .,USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033.,Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Zhang W, Li L, Su Q, Gao G, Khanna H. Gene Therapy Using a miniCEP290 Fragment Delays Photoreceptor Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:42-50. [PMID: 28679290 PMCID: PMC5770090 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cilia-centrosomal protein CEP290 are frequently observed in autosomal recessive childhood blindness disorder Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). No treatment or cure currently exists for this disorder. The Cep290rd16 (retinal degeneration 16) mouse (a model of LCA) carries a mutation in the Cep290 gene. This mutation leads to shorter cilia formation and defective photoreceptor structure and function. A roadblock to developing a gene replacement strategy for CEP290 using conventional adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is its large size. The identification and characterization is reported of a miniCEP290 gene that is amenable to AAV2/8-mediated delivery and delaying retinal degeneration in the Cep290rd16 mice. Using the ability of Cep290rd16 mouse embryonic fibroblasts to from shorter cilia as a platform, a human CEP290 domain encoded by amino acids 580-1180 (miniCEP290580-1180) was identified that can recover the cilia length in vitro. Furthermore, subretinal injection of AAV particles carrying the cDNA expressing miniCEP290580-1180 into neonatal Cep290rd16 mice resulted in significantly improved photoreceptor survival, morphology, and function compared to control injected mice. These studies show the potential of using a truncated CEP290 to treat this fast progressing and devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Linjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Schön C, Becirovic E, Biel M, Michalakis S. Design and Development of AAV-based Gene Supplementation Therapies for Achromatopsia and Retinitis Pigmentosa. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1715:33-46. [PMID: 29188504 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7522-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Achromatopsia (ACHM) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are inherited disorders caused by mutations in cone and rod photoreceptor-specific genes, respectively. ACHM strongly impairs daylight vision, whereas RP initially affects night vision and daylight vision at later stages. Currently, gene supplementation therapies utilizing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are being developed for various forms of ACHM and RP. In this chapter, we describe the procedure of designing and developing specific and efficient rAAV vectors for cone- and rod-specific gene supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schön
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Beitelshees M, Hill A, Rostami P, Jones CH, Pfeifer B. Pressing diseases that represent promising targets for gene therapy. DISCOVERY MEDICINE 2017; 24:313-322. [PMID: 29373809 PMCID: PMC9890200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Over time, there has been a growing interest in the application of gene therapy within the healthcare industry as demonstrated by the nearly 3,000 clinical trials associated with gene therapy that are listed in clinicaltrials.gov. However, there are various difficulties associated with gene therapy that have limited the realization of licensed gene therapies to only a handful of treatments. Furthermore, efforts to develop gene therapeutics have been narrowly focused and most clinical trials have sought to develop treatments for cancer (64.6%), monogenic diseases (10.5%), infectious diseases (7.4%), and cardiovascular diseases (7.4%). In addition, nearly 70% of clinical trials have utilized viral-based delivery systems, despite various concerns associated with this strategy. Each of these factors highlights the lack of diversity in the development of gene therapeutics that should be addressed. In recent years, developments in gene manipulation and delivery such as CRISPR and non-viral vectors (e.g., liposomes) demonstrate promise for improving outcomes for gene therapy. The increased fidelity and capacity afforded by these technologies provide the potential to improve upon contemporary gene therapy approaches and enable the development of treatments for less-emphasized disorders. In this review, we provide a summary of gene delivery technology and discuss various developments in gene therapy technology. We conclude by proposing several genetic conditions that represent promising targets for gene therapy given recent developments in gene delivery and manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Beitelshees
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - A. Hill
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA,Abcombi Biosciences Inc., Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - P. Rostami
- Abcombi Biosciences Inc., Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - C. H. Jones
- Abcombi Biosciences Inc., Buffalo, New York, USA,Correspondence to: ,
| | - B.A. Pfeifer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA,Correspondence to: ,
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Moore NA, Morral N, Ciulla TA, Bracha P. Gene therapy for inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:37-49. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1389886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Moore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nuria Morral
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A. Ciulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Retina Service, Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter Bracha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D. Aguirre
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Campochiaro PA, Mir TA. The mechanism of cone cell death in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 62:24-37. [PMID: 28962928 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of diseases in which one of a large number of mutations causes death of rod photoreceptors. After rods die, cone photoreceptors slowly degenerate in a characteristic pattern. The mechanism of rod cell death varies depending upon the gene that is mutated and the rate that rods degenerate is an important prognostic feature, because cones do not begin to degenerate until almost all rods have been eliminated. Rod cell death causes night blindness, but visual disability and blindness result from cone degeneration and therefore it is critical to determine the mechanisms by which it occurs. The death of rods reduces oxygen consumption resulting in high tissue levels of oxygen in the outer retina. The excess oxygen stimulates superoxide radical production by mismatches in the electron transport chain in mitochondria and by stimulation of NADPH oxidase activity in cytoplasm. The high levels of superoxide radicals overwhelm the antioxidant defense system and generate more reactive species including peroxynitrite which is extremely damaging and difficult to detoxify. This results in progressive oxidative damage in cones which contributes to cone cell death and loss of function because drugs or gene transfer that reduce oxidative stress promote cone survival and maintenance of function. Compared with aqueous humor samples from control patients, those from patients with RP show significant elevation of carbonyl content on proteins indicating oxidative damage and a reduction in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione indicating depletion of a major component of the antioxidant defense system from ongoing oxidative stress. The first step in clinical trials will be to identify doses of therapeutic agents that reverse these biomarkers of disease to assist in design of much longer trials with functional and anatomic endpoints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Campochiaro
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Tahreem A Mir
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Gupta PR, Huckfeldt RM. Gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerations: initial successes and future challenges. J Neural Eng 2017; 14:051002. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa7a27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
100
|
Disease mechanisms of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa due to RP2 and RPGR mutations. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1235-1244. [PMID: 27911705 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration is the prominent characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal dystrophies resulting in blindness. Although abnormalities in many pathways can cause photoreceptor degeneration, one of the most important causes is defective protein transport through the connecting cilium, the structure that connects the biosynthetic inner segment with the photosensitive outer segment of the photoreceptors. The majority of patients with X-linked RP have mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) or RP2 genes, the protein products of which are both components of the connecting cilium and associated with distinct mechanisms of protein delivery to the outer segment. RP2 and RPGR proteins are associated with severe diseases ranging from classic RP to atypical forms. In this short review, we will summarise current knowledge generated by experimental studies and knockout animal models, compare and discuss the prominent hypotheses about the two proteins' functions in retinal cell biology.
Collapse
|