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Abstract
Somatic cell gene therapy has made considerable progress last five years and has shown clear success in some clinical trials. In the field of nephrology, both the elucidation of pathophysiology of renal diseases and the development of gene transfer technique have become driving force for new therapy of incurable renal diseases, such as Alport syndrome and polycystic kidney disease. Gene therapy of renal cancer, although its application is limited to advanced cancer, is the front-runner of clinical application. Erythropoietin gene therapy has provided encouraging results for the treatment of anemia in uremic rats and recently progressed to the inducible one in response to hypoxia. Gene therapy for glomerulonephritis and renal fibrosis showed prominent impact on experimental models, although the safety must be confirmed for prolonged treatment. Transplant kidney is an ideal material for gene modification and induction of tolerance in the transplant kidney is an attractive challenge. Emerging techniques are becoming available such as stem cell technology and messenger RNA silencing strategies. We believe that the future of gene therapy research is exciting and promising and it holds an enormous potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Imai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871
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Matsuki A, Yamamoto S, Nakagami H, Aoki M, Tamai K, Matsumoto K, Nakamura T, Ogihara T, Kaneda Y, Morishita R. No influence of tumor growth by intramuscular injection of hepatocyte growth factor plasmid DNA: safety evaluation of therapeutic angiogenesis gene therapy in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 315:59-65. [PMID: 15013425 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a novel therapeutic treatment for ischemic diseases using angiogenic growth factors to augment collateral artery development has been proposed. As intramuscular injection of naked human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plasmid DNA induced therapeutic angiogenesis in several animal test subjects, we have started a clinical trial to treat peripheral arterial disease. However, one might assume that over-expression of angiogenic growth factors could enhance tumor growth. To resolve this issue, we examined the over-expression of HGF in tumor bearing mice. Tumors on their backs were prepared with an intradermal inoculation of A431, human epidermoid cancer cells expressing c-Met. These mice were intramuscularly injected with human HGF plasmid or control plasmid into the femoral muscle. Human HGF concentration was increased only in the femoral muscle, but not in blood. Although recombinant HGF stimulated the growth of A431 cells in vitro, temporally and locally HGF elevation in hindlimb had no effect on tumor growth in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Matsuki
- Division of Gene therapy Science, Biomedical Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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53
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Abstract
Electroporation has proven to be a highly effective technique for the in vivo delivery of genes to a number of solid tissues. In most of the reported methods, DNA is injected into the target tissue and electrodes are placed directly on or in the tissue for application of the electric field. While this works well for solid tissues, there are many tissues and organs that are not amenable to such an approach. In this review I will focus on the development of electroporation protocols for two such tissues: the vasculature and the lung. Several methods for in vivo electroporation of the vasculature have been developed in recent years that deliver DNA to vessel segments from either the inside or outside of the vessel. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed, as are the applications for which they have been used. In more recent work, our laboratory has developed a novel method to deliver genes to the rodent lung that results in high level, uniform, gene expression throughout all cell types of the lung. Most importantly, this technique is safe, and causes no inflammatory response or alterations in normal physiology of the organs. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the utility of electroporation for gene transfer to non injectible tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Dean
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
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54
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Suzuki A, Iwatani H, Ito T, Imai E, Okabe M, Nakamura H, Isaka Y, Yamato M, Hori M. Platelet-derived growth factor plays a critical role to convert bone marrow cells into glomerular mesangial-like cells. Kidney Int 2004; 65:15-24. [PMID: 14675032 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2004.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing interest in bone marrow-derived stem cells, little is known about critical factors that determine their fates both in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have reported that bone marrow is a reservoir for glomerular mesangial cells in rats. To find a key factor responsible for the differentiation of bone marrow-derived cells into mesangial cells, we established a new culture system of rat bone marrow, which is based on serial replating and differential attachment to collagen types I and IV. METHODS Bone marrow cells that did not adhere to collagen type I within 24 hours were transferred to collagen type IV-coated dishes. Then, the cells attached to collagen type IV in the following 24 hours were maintained in the presence of 2% horse serum, 200 ng/mL of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and 1 micromol/L of all-trans retinoic acid. In vivo effect of PDGF-B was also examined by introducing human PDGF-B gene into glomeruli. RESULTS After cultivation under the above condition for 7 days, approximately 14% of cells expressed Thy-1 and desmin, both of which are markers for rat mesangial cells. Thy-1++/desmin+ cells were stellate-shaped, and contracted in response to angiotensin II. When human PDGF-B gene was overexpressed in the glomeruli of chimeric rats whose bone marrow was transplanted from enhanced green florescent protein (EGFP) transgenic rats, the number of EGFP+ mesangial cells increased. This effect was canceled by prior introduction of a neutralizing molecule that is composed of PDGF receptor-beta ligand binding site and IgG-Fc. CONCLUSION These results indicate that PDGF-B plays a critical role to direct bone marrow-derived cells toward mesangial-like cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Suzuki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Osaka University School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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55
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Oshima K, Shimamura M, Mizuno S, Tamai K, Doi K, Morishita R, Nakamura T, Kubo T, Kaneda Y. Intrathecal injection of HVJ-E containing HGF gene to cerebrospinal fluid can prevent and ameliorate hearing impairment in rats. FASEB J 2003; 18:212-4. [PMID: 14630698 DOI: 10.1096/fj.03-0567fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hearing impairment, which is the most prevalent sensory deficit of human beings, needs a breakthrough in therapeutic technologies. One technology is the usage of a vector system to reach the inner ear, and another is by a therapeutic molecule. Here we developed a novel gene therapy strategy by combining hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) vector. When HVJ-E containing human HGF gene was injected intrathecally into the cerebrospinal fluid via cisterna magna of rats, the vector reached the inner ear region, and human HGF gene expression was detected in the spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) of the inner ear. Expression of endogenous rat HGF and its receptor, c-Met, was also induced in SGCs by human HGF. Kanamycin treatment results in hearing impairment by inducing degeneration of hair cells (HCs) and apoptosis of SGCs in rats. By HGF gene transfer before kanamycin treatment, both loss of HCs and apoptosis of SGCs were prevented. Furthermore, hearing function, evaluated by auditory brainstem response, was maintained at a normal level. When HGF gene transfer was performed 2 wk after kanamycin treatment, hearing impairment was significantly recovered. These results indicate a novel and effective therapeutic strategy against sensorineural hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Oshima
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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56
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Nunamaker EA, Zhang HY, Shirasawa Y, Benoit JN, Dean DA. Electroporation-mediated delivery of catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides for manipulation of vascular gene expression. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 285:H2240-7. [PMID: 12881213 PMCID: PMC4400177 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00350.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of inexpensive and effective approaches to transiently decrease gene expression in vivo would be useful for the study of physiological processes in living animals. DNAzymes are a novel class of DNA oligonucleotides that can catalytically cleave target mRNAs and thereby reduce protein production. However, current methods for their delivery in vivo are limited and inefficient. In this study, we show that electroporation can be used to deliver DNAzymes to the intact mesenteric vasculature of rats. With the use of PKC-epsilon as a target, a set of wild-type and mutant control DNAzymes was designed and shown to reduce both PKC-epsilon mRNA and protein levels in cultured smooth muscle cells in a specific manner. The wild-type DNAzyme reduced PKC-epsilon protein levels by 70% at 24 h in two different cell lines without decreasing the levels of the five other PKC isoforms tested. When delivered to the intact vasculature using electroporation, the DNAzyme reduced PKC-epsilon protein levels by >60% without affecting these other PKC isoforms. Electroporation was required for oligonucleotide transfer and was able to deliver the DNAzymes to multiple cell layers in the vessel wall. Protein levels were reduced maximally by 24 h postelectroporation and returned to normal by 48 h. These results suggest that electroporation can be used to deliver DNAzymes and other DNA oligonucleotides to the vasculature in vivo and can decrease gene expression for a window of time that can be used for experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Nunamaker
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Tarry 14-707, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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57
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Dean DA, Machado-Aranda D, Blair-Parks K, Yeldandi AV, Young JL. Electroporation as a method for high-level nonviral gene transfer to the lung. Gene Ther 2003; 10:1608-15. [PMID: 12907953 PMCID: PMC5576138 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To increase the levels of pulmonary gene transfer by nonviral vectors, we have adopted electroporation protocols for use in the lung. A volume of 100-200 microl of purified plasmid DNA suspended in saline was instilled into the lungs of anesthetized mice. Plasmids expressed luciferase, or beta-galactosidase under control of the CMV immediate-early promoter and enhancer. Immediately following delivery, a series of eight square wave electric pulses of 10 ms duration each at an optimal field strength of 200 V/cm were administered to the animals using 10 mm Tweezertrodes (Genetronics, San Diego, CA, USA). The electrodes were placed on either side of the chest, which had been wetted with 70% ethanol. The animals recovered and survived with no apparent trauma until the experiments were terminated at the desired times, between 1 and 7 days post-treatment. Gene expression was detected by 1 day postelectroporation and peaked between 2 and 5 days. By 7 days, expression was back to baseline. By contrast, essentially no gene expression was detected in the absence of electric pulses. Using a beta-galactosidase-expressing plasmid, the distribution of gene expression appeared to be concentrated in the periphery of the lung, but was also present throughout the parenchyma. The primary cell types expressing gene product include alveolar type I and type II epithelial cells. No inflammation or lung injury was detected histologically or by cytokine measurements in lungs at either 1 or 24 h following electroporation treatment. These results provide evidence that electroporation is a safe and effective means for introducing naked DNA into the lung and form the basis for future studies on targeted pulmonary gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Dean
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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58
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Daniel C, Takabatake Y, Mizui M, Isaka Y, Kawashi H, Rupprecht H, Imai E, Hugo C. Antisense oligonucleotides against thrombospondin-1 inhibit activation of tgf-beta in fibrotic renal disease in the rat in vivo. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2003; 163:1185-92. [PMID: 12937160 PMCID: PMC1868256 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Specific treatment of chronic progressive renal disease is very limited. TGF-beta, considered as the major cytokine causing tissue scarring, must be activated extracellularly before it can bind to its receptors. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) has been identified as an activator of latent TGF-beta in in vitro systems and in pancreas and lung homeostasis in mouse pups in vivo, but whether this is also true in inflammatory fibrotic disease is unknown. We examined a rat model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, where TGF-beta has been demonstrated to mediate renal fibrosis. In this study, antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides against TSP1 were successfully transferred into almost all glomeruli of perfused diseased kidneys and markedly inhibited de novo synthesis of TSP1. This effect was accompanied by decreased activation but not expression of TGF-beta and by the inhibition of the TGF-beta-dependent smad-signaling pathway, as well as transcription of TGF-beta target genes such as EDA-fibronectin, resulting in a markedly suppressed accumulation of extracellular matrix. In sharp contrast, neither glomerular cell proliferation nor influx of macrophages was affected by this therapy in experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. These results demonstrate that TSP1 is the major endogenous activator of TGF-beta in experimental inflammatory kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Daniel
- Division of Nephrology, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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59
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Kobayashi S, Dono K, Takahara S, Isaka Y, Imai E, Zhenhui L, Nagano H, Tomoaki K, Umeshita K, Nakamori S, Sakon M, Monden M. Electroporation-mediated ex vivo gene transfer into graft not requiring injection pressure in orthotopic liver transplantation. J Gene Med 2003; 5:510-7. [PMID: 12797116 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated optimum conditions for ex vivo gene transfer into liver grafts by plasmid injection via the portal vein combined with electroporation in rat liver transplantation. METHODS Anesthetized 9-week-old male Shionogi-Wistar rats were used as donors and recipients. After harvest of the liver graft from the donor rat, a tapered 3Fr. catheter was inserted into the portal vein of the liver graft ex vivo. After clamping the afferent vessels around the right and caudal liver lobes, pCAGGS-luciferase, which was diluted with one of several osmotic pressure solutions, or pCAGGS-green fluorescence protein (GFP) plasmid was injected into these lobes to keep the efferent vessels patent. Electrical pulses were applied to the liver graft during cold preservation in lactated Ringer's solution, University of Wisconsin solution, and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution. RESULTS Transfection efficacy was estimated by measurement of luciferase activity. Luciferase activity in the liver was dependent on both the voltage and electric current of the electrical pulse, and also on the type of preservation solution and plasmid osmotic pressure. Luciferase activity was noted only in plasmid-injected lobes of the liver graft. GFP-transfected cells were identified by GFP fluorescence. GFP was observed predominantly in perivascular cells, including hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated successful ex vivo gene transfection into liver grafts without injection pressure by using a non-viral method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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61
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Kobayashi S, Dono K, Tanaka T, Takahara S, Isaka Y, Imai E, Nagano H, Tomoaki K, Umeshita K, Nakamori S, Sakon M, Monden M. Gene transfer into the liver by plasmid injection into the portal vein combined with electroporation. J Gene Med 2003; 5:201-8. [PMID: 12666186 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the optimum conditions for gene transfer into the liver by injection of plasmid via the portal vein combined with electroporation. METHODS In anesthetized 7-week-old male Shionogi Wistar rats, a tapered 3Fr. catheter was inserted through a branch of the colonic vein and its tip was secured into the portal vein. After clamping the vessels around the right and caudal lobes of the liver, FITC-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), green fluorescence protein (GFP) plasmid, or pCAGGS-luciferase was injected into the right and caudal lobes during electroporation using electric pulses applied to the caudal lobe only. RESULTS Transfected cells were identified by FITC-ODN and GFP fluorescence, and transfection efficacy was estimated by measurement of luciferase activity. FITC-ODN and GFP were detected in the caudal lobes of the liver. FITC-ODN was particularly present in hepatocytes surrounding the Glisson capsule and central veins, while GFP was detected in only hepatocytes surrounding the Glisson capsule. Luciferase activity in the liver was dependent on the plasmid concentration and voltage of the electric pulse, but independent of the volume of plasmid solution. Luciferase activity was limited in the right lobe, in which plasmid solution was injected but no electroporation was applied. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed local expression of the induced gene at the electroporation site, suggesting it is potentially useful for liver function support during recovery after extensive liver surgery and for the treatment of chronic and/or diffuse liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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62
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Shimamura M, Morishita R, Endoh M, Oshima K, Aoki M, Waguri S, Uchiyama Y, Kaneda Y. HVJ-envelope vector for gene transfer into central nervous system. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 300:464-71. [PMID: 12504107 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02807-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To overcome some problems of virus vectors, we developed a novel non-viral vector system, the HVJ-envelope vector (HVJ-E). In this study, we investigated the feasibility of gene transfer into the CNS using the HVJ-E both in vitro and in vivo. Using the Venus reporter gene, fluorescence could be detected in cultured rat cerebral cortex neurons and glial cells. In vivo, the reporter gene (Venus) was successfully transfected into the rat brain by direct injection into the thalamus, intraventricular injection, or intrathecal injection, without inducing immunological change. When the vector was injected after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, fluorescence due to EGFP gene or luciferase activity could be detected only in the injured hemisphere. Finally, luciferase activity was markedly enhanced by the addition of 50 U/ml heparin (P<0.01). Development of efficient HVJ-E for gene transfer into the CNS will be useful for research and clinical gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munehisa Shimamura
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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63
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Abstract
The use of electrotransfer for DNA delivery to prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells in vitro, has been well known and widely used for many years. However, it is only recently that electric fields have been used to enhance DNA transfer to animal cells in vivo, and this is known as DNA electrotransfer or in vivo DNA electroporation. Some of the advantages of this method of somatic cell gene transfer are that it is a simple method that can be used to transfer almost any DNA construct to animal cells and tissues in vivo; multiple constructs can be co-transfected; it is equally applicable to dividing and nondividing cells; the DNA of interest does not need to be subcloned into a specific viral transfer vector and there is no need for the production of high titre viral stocks; and, as no viral genes are expressed there is less chance of an adverse immunologic reaction to vector sequences. The ease with which efficient in vivo gene transfer can be achieved with in vivo DNA electrotransfer is now allowing genetic analysis to be applied to a number of classic animal model systems where transgenic and embryonic stem cell techniques are not well developed, but for which a wealth of detailed descriptive embryological information is available, or surgical manipulation is much more feasible. As well as exciting applications in developmental biology, in vivo DNA electrotransfer is also being used to transfer genes to skeletal muscle and drive expression of therapeutically active proteins, and to examine exogenous gene and protein function in normal adult cells situated within the complex environment of a tissue and organ system in vivo. Thus, in effect providing the in vivo equivalent of the in vitro transient transfection assay. As the widespread use of in vivo electroporation has really only just begun, it is likely that the future will hold many more applications for this technology in basic research, biotechnology and clinical research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E O Trezise
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld., Australia.
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64
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Tanaka T, Ichimaru N, Takahara S, Yazawa K, Hatori M, Suzuki K, Isaka Y, Moriyama T, Imai E, Azuma H, Nakamura T, Okuyama A, Yamanaka H. In vivo gene transfer of hepatocyte growth factor to skeletal muscle prevents changes in rat kidneys after 5/6 nephrectomy. Am J Transplant 2002; 2:828-36. [PMID: 12392288 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-6143.2002.20904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been reported to be a renal regeneration factor. We previously reported that HGF acts as a renotropic factor, inducing cell recovery from ischemic injury or drug toxicity. Gene transfer by electroporation, which uses plasmid DNA as the vector, has several advantages over the conventional gene transfer method using viral vectors, inducing the ability to perform repeated transfers without apparent immunologic responses to the DNA vector. We recently demonstrated that electroporation of the HGF gene into skeletal muscle was an effective treatment for liver injury in an animal model. We presently investigated prevention of development of chronic renal disease by repetitive HGF gene transfer in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy. Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer-treated rats showed better growth in body weight than untreated rats. Histologic changes such as glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were significantly ameliorated by HGF gene transfer compared with untreated rats. Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer by electroporation into skeletal muscle is feasible and effective against morphologic injury in subtotally nephrectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Tanaka
- Department of Urology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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65
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Endoh M, Koibuchi N, Sato M, Morishita R, Kanzaki T, Murata Y, Kaneda Y. Fetal gene transfer by intrauterine injection with microbubble-enhanced ultrasound. Mol Ther 2002; 5:501-8. [PMID: 11991740 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2002.0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine injection of naked DNA expressing luciferase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled oligodeoxynucleotide (FITC-ODN), in combination with microbubble-enhanced ultrasound (US), referred to as the "shotgun method" (SGM), produced high-level protein expression in fetal mice. With the SGM, luciferase expression increased approximately 10(3)-fold in comparison with expression after injection of naked DNA alone. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated transient formation of pores on the skin surface after intraamniotic (i.a.) injection with the SGM. Widespread expression of GFP and beta-gal and delivery of FITC-ODN were observed in multiple fetal tissues adjacent to the injection points. PCR analysis indicated that germline transfection was only transient following intraperitoneal (i.p) injection, and there was no evidence of transfer of the reporter gene to the offspring. Thus, SGM might provide a useful means to clarify the molecular mechanisms of genetic diseases in utero, as well as a tool to develop gene therapies in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Endoh
- Department of Gene Therapy Science, Osaka University Medical School, Yamada-oka 2-2, Suita, Japan
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66
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Nakamura H, Isaka Y, Tsujie M, Rupprecht HD, Akagi Y, Ueda N, Imai E, Hori M. Introduction of DNA enzyme for Egr-1 into tubulointerstitial fibroblasts by electroporation reduced interstitial alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Gene Ther 2002; 9:495-502. [PMID: 11948374 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2001] [Accepted: 01/18/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The phenotypic alteration of interstitial fibroblasts into 'myofibroblasts', acquiring characteristics of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells is a key event in the formation of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The up-regulation of the early growth response gene 1 (Egr-1) preceded the increased interstitial expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), a marker of phenotypic changes, in obstructed kidney, a model of interstitial fibrosis. To target Egr-1 expression in the interstitium of obstructed kidneys, we introduced a DNA enzyme for Egr-1 (ED5) or scrambled DNA (SCR) into interstitial fibroblasts by electroporation-mediated gene transfer. Northern blot analysis confirmed an increase in the cortical mRNA expression of Egr-1 in the obstructed kidneys from untreated or SCR-treated rats, while ED5 transfection blocked Egr-1 expression with a concomitant reduction in TGF-beta, alphaSMA and type I collagen mRNA expression. Consequently, ED5 inhibited interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, electroporation-mediated retrograde gene transfer can be an ideal vehicle into interstitial fibroblasts, and molecular intervention of Egr-1 in the interstitium may become a new therapeutic strategy for interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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67
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Gusella GL, Fedorova E, Hanss B, Marras D, Klotman ME, Klotman PE. Lentiviral gene transduction of kidney. Hum Gene Ther 2002; 13:407-14. [PMID: 11860707 DOI: 10.1089/10430340252792530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer into kidney holds great potential as a novel therapeutic approach. We have studied the transduction of kidney in vivo after delivery of lentiviral vectors by various routes of administration. A lentiviral vector expressing the bacterial lacZ gene from the cytomegalovirus early promoter was used. The lentiviral vector was delivered into the kidneys of BALB/c mice by retrograde infusion into the ureter, by injection into the renal vein or artery, or by direct injection into the renal parenchyma. Expression of the reporter gene was achieved independently of the route of administration, although it appeared more efficient after parenchymal or ureteral administration. After parenchymal or ureteral infusion, expression of the transgene was localized to the outer medulla and corticomedullary junction. In the case of parenchymal injection, expression of the reporter gene extended to the cortex. Detection of the transgene in the renal proximal tubules was confirmed by in situ polymerase chain reaction after parenchymal or ureteral infusion. On delivery of the lentiviral vector through the renal artery or vein, expression of the reporter gene was markedly lower than was observed with parenchymal or ureteral infusion and was limited to the inner medullary collecting ducts. No apparent histological abnormality was observed after virus administration and transgene expression was stable for at least 3 months. These results provide the first evidence that lentiviral vectors can stably transduce renal cells in vivo and may be effective vehicles for gene delivery to the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Luca Gusella
- Division of Nephrology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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68
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Abstract
The ability to pursue gene therapy has been limited by the availability of an effective and safe system for gene delivery, especially to the kidney. Electroporation is an efficient method to transfer physiologically the gene to the cells without complicated preparation. Given that the systemic delivery of the functional protein can serve for the therapy of the renal diseases, skeletal muscle targeting gene therapy might be an alternative strategy for treatment of renal disease. Gene therapy to the transplant kidney may potentially improve the graft outcome by reducing acute and chronic rejections. We review on an emerging strategy of gene electrotransfer and discuss the potential application of gene therapy to renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Imai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Division of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
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69
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Abstract
Growth factors and cytokines play a crucial role in the progression of renal diseases. A growing body of evidence has been obtained from experimental studies, suggesting that manipulation of the activity of growth factors and cytokines is a potential form of therapy for renal diseases. To preserve the renal function structure in progressive renal diseases, this approach is achieved by inhibition of apoptosis of renal intrinsic cells and by decrease in the fibrotic signal. Inhibition of transforming growth factor beta, platelet-derived growth factor, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and supplementation of hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenic protein-7 may be beneficial. Recent progress in therapeutic implements including humanized antibodies, chimeric soluble receptors, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene therapy allow us to target the causal molecules. Administration of a combination of growth factors and cytokines is a potential therapeutic approach. Targeting signal transduction molecules and their co-factors and regulators is another possibility because the signals from various growth factors use a common pathway. Thus, targeting growth factors and cytokines in renal diseases could be a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Imai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Osaka University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
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