51
|
Simonato M, Bennett J, Boulis NM, Castro MG, Fink DJ, Goins WF, Gray SJ, Lowenstein PR, Vandenberghe LH, Wilson TJ, Wolfe JH, Glorioso JC. Progress in gene therapy for neurological disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2013; 9:277-91. [PMID: 23609618 PMCID: PMC3908892 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the nervous system have devastating effects and are widely distributed among the population, being especially prevalent in the elderly. These diseases are often caused by inherited genetic mutations that result in abnormal nervous system development, neurodegeneration, or impaired neuronal function. Other causes of neurological diseases include genetic and epigenetic changes induced by environmental insults, injury, disease-related events or inflammatory processes. Standard medical and surgical practice has not proved effective in curing or treating these diseases, and appropriate pharmaceuticals do not exist or are insufficient to slow disease progression. Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful approach with potential to treat and even cure some of the most common diseases of the nervous system. Gene therapy for neurological diseases has been made possible through progress in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, particularly those involving sensory neurons, and also by improvement of gene vector design, therapeutic gene selection, and methods of delivery. Progress in the field has renewed our optimism for gene therapy as a treatment modality that can be used by neurologists, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons. In this Review, we describe the promising gene therapy strategies that have the potential to treat patients with neurological diseases and discuss prospects for future development of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Simonato
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy. michele.simonato@ unife.it
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
52
|
Goto S, Kawarai T, Morigaki R, Okita S, Koizumi H, Nagahiro S, Munoz EL, Lee LV, Kaji R. Defects in the striatal neuropeptide Y system in X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism. Brain 2013; 136:1555-67. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
53
|
Pavlov I, Kaila K, Kullmann DM, Miles R. Cortical inhibition, pH and cell excitability in epilepsy: what are optimal targets for antiepileptic interventions? J Physiol 2013; 591:765-74. [PMID: 22890709 PMCID: PMC3591695 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.237958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterised by the propensity of the brain to generate spontaneous recurrent bursts of excessive neuronal activity, seizures. GABA-mediated inhibition is critical for restraining neuronal excitation in the brain, and therefore potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission is commonly used to prevent seizures. However, data obtained in animal models of epilepsy and from human epileptic tissue suggest that GABA-mediated signalling contributes to interictal and ictal activity. Prolonged activation of GABA(A) receptors during epileptiform bursts may even initiate a shift in GABAergic neurotransmission from inhibitory to excitatory and so have a proconvulsant action. Direct targeting of the membrane mechanisms that reduce spiking in glutamatergic neurons may better control neuronal excitability in epileptic tissue. Manipulation of brain pH may be a promising approach and recent advances in gene therapy and optogenetics seem likely to provide further routes to effective therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Pavlov
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Wykes RC, Heeroma JH, Mantoan L, Zheng K, MacDonald DC, Deisseroth K, Hashemi KS, Walker MC, Schorge S, Kullmann DM. Optogenetic and potassium channel gene therapy in a rodent model of focal neocortical epilepsy. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:161ra152. [PMID: 23147003 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neocortical epilepsy is frequently drug-resistant. Surgery to remove the epileptogenic zone is only feasible in a minority of cases, leaving many patients without an effective treatment. We report the potential efficacy of gene therapy in focal neocortical epilepsy using a rodent model in which epilepsy is induced by tetanus toxin injection in the motor cortex. By applying several complementary methods that use continuous wireless electroencephalographic monitoring to quantify epileptic activity, we observed increases in high frequency activity and in the occurrence of epileptiform events. Pyramidal neurons in the epileptic focus showed enhanced intrinsic excitability consistent with seizure generation. Optogenetic inhibition of a subset of principal neurons transduced with halorhodopsin targeted to the epileptic focus by lentiviral delivery was sufficient to attenuate electroencephalographic seizures. Local lentiviral overexpression of the potassium channel Kv1.1 reduced the intrinsic excitability of transduced pyramidal neurons. Coinjection of this Kv1.1 lentivirus with tetanus toxin fully prevented the occurrence of electroencephalographic seizures. Finally, administration of the Kv1.1 lentivirus to an established epileptic focus progressively suppressed epileptic activity over several weeks without detectable behavioral side effects. Thus, gene therapy in a rodent model can be used to suppress seizures acutely, prevent their occurrence after an epileptogenic stimulus, and successfully treat established focal epilepsy.
Collapse
|
55
|
Gonçalves J, Baptista S, Olesen MV, Fontes-Ribeiro C, Malva JO, Woldbye DP, Silva AP. Methamphetamine-induced changes in the mice hippocampal neuropeptide Y system: implications for memory impairment. J Neurochem 2012; 123:1041-53. [PMID: 23061411 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that causes irreversible brain damage leading to several neurological and psychiatric abnormalities, including cognitive deficits. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abundant in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and has several important functions, being involved in learning and memory processing. It has been demonstrated that METH induces significant alteration in mice striatal NPY, Y(1) and Y(2) receptor mRNA levels. However, the impact of this drug on the hippocampal NPY system and its consequences remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of METH intoxication on mouse hippocampal NPY levels, NPY receptors function, and memory performance. Results show that METH increased NPY, Y(2) and Y(5) receptor mRNA levels, as well as total NPY binding accounted by opposite up- and down-regulation of Y(2) and Y(1) functional binding, respectively. Moreover, METH-induced impairment in memory performance and AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway were both prevented by the Y(2) receptor antagonist, BIIE0246. These findings demonstrate that METH interferes with the hippocampal NPY system, which seems to be associated with memory failure. Overall, we concluded that Y(2) receptors are involved in memory deficits induced by METH intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
|
57
|
Decressac M, Barker RA. Neuropeptide Y and its role in CNS disease and repair. Exp Neurol 2012; 238:265-72. [PMID: 23022456 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is widely expressed throughout the CNS and exerts a number of important physiological functions as well as playing a role in pathological conditions such as obesity, anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we highlight some of the recent advances in our understanding of NPY biology and how this may help explain not only its role in health and disease, but also its possible use therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Decressac
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|
58
|
Gonçalves J, Ribeiro CF, Malva JO, Silva AP. Protective role of neuropeptide Y Y2receptors in cell death and microglial response following methamphetamine injury. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:3173-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08232.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
59
|
VEGF receptor-2 (Flk-1) overexpression in mice counteracts focal epileptic seizures. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40535. [PMID: 22808185 PMCID: PMC3395684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was first described as an angiogenic agent, but has recently also been shown to exert various neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects in the nervous system. These effects of VEGF are mainly mediated by its receptor, VEGFR-2, which is also referred to as the fetal liver kinase receptor 1 (Flk-1). VEGF is up-regulated in neurons and glial cells after epileptic seizures and counteracts seizure-induced neurodegeneration. In vitro, VEGF administration suppresses ictal and interictal epileptiform activity caused by AP4 and 0 Mg2+ via Flk-1 receptor. We therefore explored whether increased VEGF signaling through Flk-1 overexpression may regulate epileptogenesis and ictogenesis in vivo. To this extent, we used transgenic mice overexpressing Flk-1 postnatally in neurons. Intriguingly, Flk-1 overexpressing mice were characterized by an elevated threshold for seizure induction and a decreased duration of focal afterdischarges, indicating anti-ictal action. On the other hand, the kindling progression in these mice was similar to wild-type controls. No significant effects on blood vessels or glia cells, as assessed by Glut1 and GFAP immunohistochemistry, were detected. These results suggest that increased VEGF signaling via overexpression of Flk-1 receptors may directly affect seizure activity even without altering angiogenesis. Thus, Flk-1 could be considered as a novel target for developing future gene therapy strategies against ictal epileptic activity.
Collapse
|
60
|
Somatostatin and neuropeptide Y neurons undergo different plasticity in parahippocampal regions in kainic acid-induced epilepsy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2012; 71:312-29. [PMID: 22437342 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e31824d9882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parahippocampal brain areas including the subiculum, presubiculum and parasubiculum, and entorhinal cortex give rise to major input and output neurons of the hippocampus and exert increased excitability in animal models and human temporal lobe epilepsy. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for somatostatin and neuropeptide Y, we investigated plastic morphologic and neurochemical changes in parahippocampal neurons in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Although constitutively contained in similar subclasses of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons, both neuropeptide systems undergo distinctly different changes in their expression. Somatostatin messenger RNA (mRNA) is rapidly but transiently expressed de novo in pyramidal neurons of the subiculum and entorhinal cortex 24 hours after KA. Surviving somatostatin interneurons display increased mRNA levels at late intervals (3 months) after KA and increased labeling of their terminals in the outer molecular layer of the subiculum; the labeling correlates with the number of spontaneous seizures, suggesting that the seizures may trigger somatostatin expression. In contrast, neuropeptide Y mRNA is consistently expressed in principal neurons of the proximal subiculum and the lateral entorhinal cortex and labeling for the peptide persistently increased in virtually all major excitatory pathways of the hippocampal formation. The pronounced plastic changes differentially involving both neuropeptide systems indicate marked rearrangement of parahippocampal areas, presumably aiming at endogenous seizure protection. Their receptors may be targets for anticonvulsive drug therapy.
Collapse
|
61
|
Olesen MV, Christiansen SH, Gøtzsche CR, Holst B, Kokaia M, Woldbye DPD. Y5 neuropeptide Y receptor overexpression in mice neither affects anxiety- and depression-like behaviours nor seizures but confers moderate hyperactivity. Neuropeptides 2012; 46:71-9. [PMID: 22342800 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been implicated in anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like behaviour as well as seizure-suppressant effects in rodents. Although these effects appear to be predominantly mediated via other NPY receptors (Y1 and/or Y2), several studies have also indicated a role for Y5 receptors. Gene therapy using recombinant viral vectors to induce overexpression of NPY, Y1 or Y2 receptors in the hippocampus or amygdala has previously been shown to modulate emotional behaviour and seizures in rodents. The present study explored the potential effects of gene therapy with the Y5 receptor, by testing effects of recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) encoding Y5 (rAAV-Y5) in anxiety- and depression-like behaviour as well as in kainate-induced seizures in adult mice. The rAAV-Y5 vector injected into the hippocampus and amygdala induced a pronounced and sustained increase in Y5 receptor mRNA expression and functional Y5 receptor binding, but no significant effects were found with regard to anxiety- and depression-like behaviours or seizure susceptibility. Instead, rAAV-mediated Y5 receptor transgene overexpression resulted in moderate hyperactivity in the open field test. These results do not support a potential role for single transgene overexpression of Y5 receptors for modulating anxiety-/depression-like behaviours or seizures in adult mice. Whether the induction of hyperactivity by rAAV-Y5 could be relevant for other conditions remains to be studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M V Olesen
- Protein Laboratory & Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
62
|
Wu G, Feder A, Wegener G, Bailey C, Saxena S, Charney D, Mathé AA. Central functions of neuropeptide Y in mood and anxiety disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 15:1317-31. [PMID: 21995655 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.628314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved neuropeptide belonging to the pancreatic polypeptide family. Its potential role in the etiology and pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders has been extensively studied. NPY also has effects on feeding behavior, ethanol intake, sleep regulation, tissue growth and remodeling. Findings from animal studies have delineated the physiological and behavioral effects mediated by specific NPY receptor subtypes, of which Y1 and Y2 are the best understood. AREAS COVERED Physiological roles and alterations of the NPYergic system in anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence and epilepsy. For each disorder, studies in animal models and human investigations are outlined and discussed, focusing on behavior, neurophysiology, genetics and potential for novel treatment targets. EXPERT OPINION The wide implications of NPY in psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD make the NPYergic system a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. These include intranasal NPY administration, currently under study, and the development of agonists and antagonists targeting NPY receptors. Therefore, we are proposing that via this mode of administration, NPY might exert CNS therapeutic actions without untoward systemic effects. Future work will show if this is a feasible approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wu
- Karolinska Institutet-Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
Gøtzsche CR, Nikitidou L, Sørensen AT, Olesen MV, Sørensen G, Christiansen SH, Ängehagen M, Woldbye DP, Kokaia M. Combined gene overexpression of neuropeptide Y and its receptor Y5 in the hippocampus suppresses seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 45:288-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
|
64
|
Weinberg MS, McCown TJ. Current prospects and challenges for epilepsy gene therapy. Exp Neurol 2011; 244:27-35. [PMID: 22008258 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses the state of gene therapy research for the treatment of epilepsy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-seizure efficacy of viral vector-based gene transfer through the use of a variety of strategies - from modulating classic neurotransmitter systems to targeting or overexpressing of neuropeptide receptors in seizure-specific brain regions. While these studies provide substantive proof of principle for viral vector gene therapy, future studies must address the challenges of vector immunity, cellular specificity and effective global delivery. As these issues are resolved, viral vector gene therapy should significantly impact the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Weinberg
- University of North Carolina Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
65
|
Olesen MV, Christiansen SH, Gøtzsche CR, Nikitidou L, Kokaia M, Woldbye DPD. Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor hippocampal overexpression via viral vectors is associated with modest anxiolytic-like and proconvulsant effects in mice. J Neurosci Res 2011; 90:498-507. [PMID: 21971867 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) exerts anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in rodents that appear to be mediated via Y1 receptors. Gene therapy using recombinant viral vectors to induce overexpression of NPY in the hippocampus or amygdala has previously been shown to confer anxiolytic-like effect in rodents. The present study explored an alternative and more specific approach: overexpression of Y1 receptors. Using a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) encoding the Y1 gene (rAAV-Y1), we, for the first time, induced overexpression of functional transgene Y1 receptors in the hippocampus of adult mice and tested the animals in anxiety- and depression-like behavior. Hippocampal Y1 receptors have been suggested to mediate seizure-promoting effect, so the effects of rAAV-induced Y1 receptor overexpression were also tested in kainate-induced seizures. Y1 receptor transgene overexpression was found to be associated with modest anxiolytic-like effect in the open field and elevated plus maze tests, but no effect was seen on depression-like behavior using the tail suspension and forced swim tests. However, the rAAV-Y1 vector modestly aggravated kainate-induced seizures. These data indicate that rAAV-induced overexpression of Y1 receptors in the hippocampus could confer anxiolytic-like effect accompanied by a moderate proconvulsant adverse effect. Further studies are clearly needed to determine whether Y1 gene therapy might have a future role in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M V Olesen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Protein Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
66
|
Zalachoras I, Evers MM, van Roon-Mom WMC, Aartsma-Rus AM, Meijer OC. Antisense-mediated RNA targeting: versatile and expedient genetic manipulation in the brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2011; 4:10. [PMID: 21811437 PMCID: PMC3142880 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A limiting factor in brain research still is the difficulty to evaluate in vivo the role of the increasing number of proteins implicated in neuronal processes. We discuss here the potential of antisense-mediated RNA targeting approaches. We mainly focus on those that manipulate splicing (exon skipping and exon inclusion), but will also briefly discuss mRNA targeting. Classic knockdown of expression by mRNA targeting is only one possible application of antisense oligonucleotides (AON) in the control of gene function. Exon skipping and inclusion are based on the interference of AONs with splicing of pre-mRNAs. These are powerful, specific and particularly versatile techniques, which can be used to circumvent pathogenic mutations, shift splice variant expression, knock down proteins, or to create molecular models using in-frame deletions. Pre-mRNA targeting is currently used both as a research tool, e.g., in models for motor neuron disease, and in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. AONs are particularly promising in relation to brain research, as the modified AONs are taken up extremely fast in neurons and glial cells with a long residence, and without the need for viral vectors or other delivery tools, once inside the blood brain barrier. In this review we cover (1). The principles of antisense-mediated techniques, chemistry, and efficacy. (2) The pros and cons of AON approaches in the brain compared to other techniques of interfering with gene function, such as transgenesis and short hairpin RNAs, in terms of specificity of the manipulation, spatial, and temporal control over gene expression, toxicity, and delivery issues. (3) The potential applications for Neuroscience. We conclude that there is good evidence from animal studies that the central nervous system can be successfully targeted, but the potential of the diverse AON-based approaches appears to be under-recognized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Zalachoras
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|