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Vali R, Azadi A, Tizno A, Farkhondeh T, Samini F, Samarghandian S. miRNA contributes to neuropathic pains. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126893. [PMID: 37730007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a kind of chronic pain caused by direct injury to the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS). microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that mostly interact with the 3 untranslated region of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to regulate the expression of multiple genes. NP is characterized by changes in the expression of receptors and mediators, and there is evidence that miRNAs may contribute to some of these alterations. In this review, we aimed to fully comprehend the connection between NP and miRNA; and also, to establish a link between neurology, biology, and dentistry. Studies have shown that targeting miRNAs may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic pain and potential target for the prevention of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Vali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Modern Science, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ali Azadi
- Dental Research Center, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Tizno
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kamyab Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fariborz Samini
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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2
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Wong B, Birtch R, Rezaei R, Jamieson T, Crupi MJF, Diallo JS, Ilkow CS. Optimal delivery of RNA interference by viral vectors for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3127-3145. [PMID: 37735876 PMCID: PMC10638062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge in the innovative modification and application of the viral vector-based gene therapy field. Significant and consistent improvements in the engineering, delivery, and safety of viral vectors have set the stage for their application as RNA interference (RNAi) delivery tools. Viral vector-based delivery of RNAi has made remarkable breakthroughs in the treatment of several debilitating diseases and disorders (e.g., neurological diseases); however, their novelty has yet to be fully applied and utilized for the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the most promising and emerging viral vector delivery tools for RNAi therapeutics while discussing the variables limiting their success and suitability for cancer therapy. Specifically, we outline different integrating and non-integrating viral platforms used for gene delivery, currently employed RNAi targets for anti-cancer effect, and various strategies used to optimize the safety and efficacy of these RNAi therapeutics. Most importantly, we provide great insight into what challenges exist in their application as cancer therapeutics and how these challenges can be effectively navigated to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Wong
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rayanna Birtch
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Reza Rezaei
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Taylor Jamieson
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mathieu J F Crupi
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Carolina S Ilkow
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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3
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Monty MA, Islam MA, Nan X, Tan J, Tuhin IJ, Tang X, Miao M, Wu D, Yu L. Emerging role of RNA interference in immune cells engineering and its therapeutic synergism in immunotherapy. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1741-1755. [PMID: 33608889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi effectors (e.g. siRNA, shRNA and miRNA) can trigger the silencing of specific genes causing alteration of genomic functions becoming a new therapeutic area for the treatment of infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In cancer treatment, RNAi effectors showed potential immunomodulatory actions by down-regulating immuno-suppressive proteins, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, which restrict immune cell function and present challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, compared with extracellular targeting by antibodies, RNAi-mediated cell-intrinsic disruption of inhibitory pathways in immune cells could promote an increased anti-tumour immune response. Along with non-viral vectors, DNA-based RNAi strategies might be a more promising method for immunomodulation to silence multiple inhibitory pathways in T cells than immune checkpoint blockade antibodies. Thus, in this review, we discuss diverse RNAi implementation strategies, with recent viral and non-viral mediated RNAi synergism to immunotherapy that augments the anti-tumour immunity. Finally, we provide the current progress of RNAi in clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Akter Monty
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Md Ariful Islam
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Nan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Tan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Israth Jahan Tuhin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Miao Miao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Depei Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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4
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MicroRNAs Regulating Autophagy in Neurodegeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1208:191-264. [PMID: 34260028 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-2830-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Social and economic impacts of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) become more prominent in our constantly aging population. Currently, due to the lack of knowledge about the aetiology of most NDs, only symptomatic treatment is available for patients. Hence, researchers and clinicians are in need of solid studies on pathological mechanisms of NDs. Autophagy promotes degradation of pathogenic proteins in NDs, while microRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate multiple signalling networks including autophagy. This chapter will critically discuss current research advancements in the area of microRNAs regulating autophagy in NDs. Moreover, we will introduce basic strategies and techniques used in microRNA research. Delineation of the mechanisms contributing to NDs will result in development of better approaches for their early diagnosis and effective treatment.
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Ritter B, Ferguson SM, De Camilli P, McPherson PS. A lentiviral system for efficient knockdown of proteins in neuronal cultures [version 1; referees: 2 approved]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 1. [PMID: 29355247 PMCID: PMC5771425 DOI: 10.12688/mniopenres.12766.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have devised a protocol for highly efficient and specific knockdown of proteins in neuronal cultures. Small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are embedded into a microRNA (miRNA) context by oligo annealing to create shRNAmiRs, which are expressed from within the 3′-UTR of a reporter protein. This reporter protein/synthetic miRNA cassette is transferred to a targeting vector and lentivirus is produced in HEK-293-T cells following co-transfection of the targeting vector with three additional vectors encoding essential lentiviral proteins. Mature virus is harvested by collecting culture medium from transfected HEK-293-T cells, the virus is purified by centrifugation, and virus titers are determined prior to addition to neuronal cultures. Near 100% transduction efficiency of cultured hippocampal neurons is routinely observed and allows for the population-wide inhibition of target protein expression and the simultaneous knockdown of multiple proteins with little or no toxicity. The lentivirus generated can be used for protein knockdown in multiple neuronal culture models and at a variety of developmental stages. The steps from shRNAmiR design to ready-to-use virus stocks can be completed in as little as two weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Ritter
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Shawn M Ferguson
- Department of Cell Biology, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Pietro De Camilli
- Department of Cell Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Kavli Institute for Neurosciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Peter S McPherson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
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Adams FF, Heckl D, Hoffmann T, Talbot SR, Kloos A, Thol F, Heuser M, Zuber J, Schambach A, Schwarzer A. An optimized lentiviral vector system for conditional RNAi and efficient cloning of microRNA embedded short hairpin RNA libraries. Biomaterials 2017; 139:102-115. [PMID: 28599149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas9-based screening systems have emerged as powerful and complementary tools to unravel genetic dependencies through systematic gain- and loss-of-function studies. In recent years, a series of technical advances helped to enhance the performance of virally delivered RNAi. For instance, the incorporation of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) into endogenous microRNA contexts (shRNAmiRs) allows the use of Tet-regulated promoters for synchronous onset of gene knockdown and precise interrogation of gene dosage effects. However, remaining challenges include lack of efficient cloning strategies, inconsistent knockdown potencies and leaky expression. Here, we present a simple, one-step cloning approach for rapid and efficient cloning of miR-30 shRNAmiR libraries. We combined a human miR-30 backbone retaining native flanking sequences with an optimized all-in-one lentiviral vector system for conditional RNAi to generate a versatile toolbox characterized by higher doxycycline sensitivity, reduced leakiness and enhanced titer. Furthermore, refinement of existing shRNA design rules resulted in substantially improved prediction of powerful shRNAs. Our approach was validated by accurate quantification of the knockdown potency of over 250 single shRNAmiRs. To facilitate access and use by the scientific community, an online tool was developed for the automated design of refined shRNA-coding oligonucleotides ready for cloning into our system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix F Adams
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hoffmann
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnold Kloos
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Felicitas Thol
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Adrian Schwarzer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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7
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O'Tuathaigh CMP, Desbonnet L, Moran PM, Kirby BP, Waddington JL. Molecular genetic models related to schizophrenia and psychotic illness: heuristics and challenges. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 7:87-119. [PMID: 21298380 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2010_111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heritable disorder that may involve several common genes of small effect and/or rare copy number variation, with phenotypic heterogeneity across patients. Furthermore, any boundaries vis-à-vis other psychotic disorders are far from clear. Consequently, identification of informative animal models for this disorder, which typically relate to pharmacological and putative pathophysiological processes of uncertain validity, faces considerable challenges. In juxtaposition, the majority of mutant models for schizophrenia relate to the functional roles of a diverse set of genes associated with risk for the disorder or with such putative pathophysiological processes. This chapter seeks to outline the evidence from phenotypic studies in mutant models related to schizophrenia. These have commonly assessed the degree to which mutation of a schizophrenia-related gene is associated with the expression of several aspects of the schizophrenia phenotype or more circumscribed, schizophrenia-related endophenotypes; typically, they place specific emphasis on positive and negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, and extend to structural and other pathological features. We first consider the primary technological approaches to the generation of such mutants, to include their relative merits and demerits, and then highlight the diverse phenotypic approaches that have been developed for their assessment. The chapter then considers the application of mutant phenotypes to study pathobiological and pharmacological mechanisms thought to be relevant for schizophrenia, particularly in terms of dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysfunction, and to an increasing range of candidate susceptibility genes and copy number variants. Finally, we discuss several pertinent issues and challenges within the field which relate to both phenotypic evaluation and a growing appreciation of the functional genomics of schizophrenia and the involvement of gene × environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm M P O'Tuathaigh
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland,
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Fowler DK, Williams C, Gerritsen AT, Washbourne P. Improved knockdown from artificial microRNAs in an enhanced miR-155 backbone: a designer's guide to potent multi-target RNAi. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:e48. [PMID: 26582923 PMCID: PMC4797272 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) sequences embedded in natural microRNA (miRNA) backbones have proven to be useful tools for RNA interference (RNAi). amiRNAs have reduced off-target and toxic effects compared to other RNAi-based methods such as short-hairpin RNAs (shRNA). amiRNAs are often less effective for knockdown, however, compared to their shRNA counterparts. We screened a large empirically-designed amiRNA set in the synthetic inhibitory BIC/miR-155 RNA (SIBR) scaffold and show common structural and sequence-specific features associated with effective amiRNAs. We then introduced exogenous motifs into the basal stem region which increase amiRNA biogenesis and knockdown potency. We call this modified backbone the enhanced SIBR (eSIBR) scaffold. Using chained amiRNAs for multi-gene knockdown, we show that concatenation of miRNAs targeting different genes is itself sufficient for increased knockdown efficacy. Further, we show that eSIBR outperforms wild-type SIBR (wtSIBR) when amiRNAs are chained. Finally, we use a lentiviral expression system in cultured neurons, where we again find that eSIBR amiRNAs are more potent for multi-target knockdown of endogenous genes. eSIBR will be a valuable tool for RNAi approaches, especially for studies where knockdown of multiple targets is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Fowler
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Carly Williams
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Alida T Gerritsen
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Philip Washbourne
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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9
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Role of Enhanced Central Leptin Activity in a Scoliosis Model Created in Bipedal Amputated Mice. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2015; 40:E1041-5. [PMID: 26192719 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An experimental study to investigate the role of enhanced central leptin activity in a bipedal mouse scoliosis model. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of enhanced central leptin activity on the development of scoliosis in mice, and to support Burwell's hypothesis that central leptin dysfunction is involved in the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Significantly lower level of circulating leptin and higher level of soluble leptin receptor have been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared with healthy adolescents, suggesting possible association between abnormal central leptin level and dysfunction. METHODS Amputation of forelimbs and tail was performed on 50 male C3H/HeJ mice at the age of 3 weeks. Then, the mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A consisted of 25 mice treated with injection into the hypothalamus with lentivirus vectors that overexpressed leptin; and Group B involved the remaining 25 mice receiving intracerebral injection with the control vectors. Radiographs were obtained at 20th week to determine the presence of spinal deformity. The incidence of scoliosis and curve magnitude were compared between groups. RESULTS The body weight was initially found to be slightly lower in mice of Group A when compared with Group B. Significantly higher peripheral serum leptin level was found in leptin-overexpressing mice than control mice. Scoliosis developed in 23 mice of Group A (92%), with an average Cobb angle of 30.2°, and in 13 of Group B (52%), with an average Cobb angle of 18.4°, respectively. A higher incidence (P = 0.002) and more severe curve (P <0.001) were observed in Group A. CONCLUSION In this bipedal mouse scoliosis model, enhanced central leptin activity might not only increase the risk of developing a scoliosis, but also contribute to the progression of scoliosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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10
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Parr-Brownlie LC, Bosch-Bouju C, Schoderboeck L, Sizemore RJ, Abraham WC, Hughes SM. Lentiviral vectors as tools to understand central nervous system biology in mammalian model organisms. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:14. [PMID: 26041987 PMCID: PMC4434958 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviruses have been extensively used as gene delivery vectors since the mid-1990s. Usually derived from the human immunodeficiency virus genome, they mediate efficient gene transfer to non-dividing cells, including neurons and glia in the adult mammalian brain. In addition, integration of the recombinant lentiviral construct into the host genome provides permanent expression, including the progeny of dividing neural precursors. In this review, we describe targeted vectors with modified envelope glycoproteins and expression of transgenes under the regulation of cell-selective and inducible promoters. This technology has broad utility to address fundamental questions in neuroscience and we outline how this has been used in rodents and primates. Combining viral tract tracing with immunohistochemistry and confocal or electron microscopy, lentiviral vectors provide a tool to selectively label and trace specific neuronal populations at gross or ultrastructural levels. Additionally, new generation optogenetic technologies can be readily utilized to analyze neuronal circuit and gene functions in the mature mammalian brain. Examples of these applications, limitations of current systems and prospects for future developments to enhance neuroscience knowledge will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss how these vectors may be translated from gene therapy trials into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C. Parr-Brownlie
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Lucia Schoderboeck
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rachel J. Sizemore
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C. Abraham
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M. Hughes
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
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11
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Wang CJ, Qu CQ, Zhang J, Fu PC, Guo SG, Tang RH. Lingo-1 inhibited by RNA interference promotes functional recovery of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 297:2356-63. [PMID: 25045138 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lingo-1 is a negative regulator of myelination. Repairment of demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)/experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), requires activation of the myelination program. In this study, we observed the effect of RNA interference on Lingo-1 expression, and the impact of Lingo-1 suppression on functional recovery and myelination/remyelination in EAE mice. Lentiviral vectors encoding Lingo-1 short hairpin RNA (LV/Lingo-1-shRNA) were constructed to inhibit Lingo-1 expression. LV/Lingo-1-shRNA of different titers were transferred into myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE mice by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. Meanwhile, lentiviral vectors carrying nonsense gene sequence (LVCON053) were used as negative control. The Lingo-1 expression was detected and locomotor function was evaluated at different time points (on days 1,3,7,14,21, and 30 after ICV injection). Myelination was investigated by luxol fast blue (LFB) staining.LV/Lingo-1-shRNA administration via ICV injection could efficiently down-regulate the Lingo-1 mRNA and protein expression in EAE mice on days 7,14,21, and 30 (P < 0.01), especially in the 5 × 10(8) TU/mL and 5 × 10(9) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA groups. The locomotor function score in the LV/Lingo-1-shRNA treated groups were significantly lower than the untreated or LVCON053 group from day 7 on. The 5 × 10(8) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA group achieved the best functional improvement (0.87 ± 0.11 vs. 3.05 ± 0.13, P < 0.001). Enhanced myelination/remyelination was observed in the 5 × 10(7) , 5 × 10(8) , 5 × 10(9) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA groups by LFB staining (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05).The data showed that administering LV/Lingo-1-shRNA by ICV injection could efficiently knockdown Lingo-1 expression in vivo, improve functional recovery and enhance myelination/remyelination. Antagonism of Lingo-1 by RNA interference is, therefore, a promising approach for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as MS/EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Juan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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12
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King MV, Kurian N, Qin S, Papadopoulou N, Westerink BHC, Cremers TI, Epping-Jordan MP, Le Poul E, Ray DE, Fone KCF, Kendall DA, Marsden CA, Sharp TV. Lentiviral delivery of a vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1)-targeting short hairpin RNA vector into the mouse hippocampus impairs cognition. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:464-76. [PMID: 24037344 PMCID: PMC3870793 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the principle excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, and dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission is implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric and neurological diseases. This study utilized novel lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vectors to target expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) following injection into the dorsal hippocampus of adult mice, as partial reductions in VGLUT1 expression should attenuate glutamatergic signaling and similar reductions have been reported in schizophrenia. The VGLUT1-targeting vector attenuated tonic glutamate release in the dorsal hippocampus without affecting GABA, and selectively impaired novel object discrimination (NOD) and retention (but not acquisition) in the Morris water maze, without influencing contextual fear-motivated learning or causing any adverse locomotor or central immune effects. This pattern of cognitive impairment is consistent with the accumulating evidence for functional differentiation along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus, and supports the involvement of dorsal hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmission in both spatial and nonspatial memory. Future use of this nonpharmacological VGLUT1 knockdown mouse model could improve our understanding of glutamatergic neurobiology and aid assessment of novel therapies for cognitive deficits such as those seen in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine V King
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nisha Kurian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Si Qin
- Department of Biomonitoring and Sensoring, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Brains On-Line BV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nektaria Papadopoulou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ben HC Westerink
- Department of Biomonitoring and Sensoring, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Brains On-Line BV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas I Cremers
- Department of Biomonitoring and Sensoring, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Brains On-Line BV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - David E Ray
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kevin CF Fone
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - David A Kendall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Charles A Marsden
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tyson V Sharp
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Nielsen TT, Nielsen JE. Antisense gene silencing: therapy for neurodegenerative disorders? Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:457-84. [PMID: 24705213 PMCID: PMC3924827 DOI: 10.3390/genes4030457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first reports that double-stranded RNAs can efficiently silence gene expression in C. elegans, the technology of RNA interference (RNAi) has been intensively exploited as an experimental tool to study gene function. With the subsequent discovery that RNAi could also be applied to mammalian cells, the technology of RNAi expanded from being a valuable experimental tool to being an applicable method for gene-specific therapeutic regulation, and much effort has been put into further refinement of the technique. This review will focus on how RNAi has developed over the years and how the technique is exploited in a pre-clinical and clinical perspective in relation to neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troels T Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Neurogenetics Clinic, Department of Neurology, Section 6702, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Jørgen E Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Neurogenetics Clinic, Department of Neurology, Section 6702, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Glazkova DV, Vetchinova AS, Bogoslovskaya EV, Zhogina YA, Markelov ML, Shipulin GA. Downregulation of human CCR5 gene expression with artificial microRNAs. Mol Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893313030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nielsen TT, Mizielinska S, Hasholt L, Isaacs AM, Nielsen JE. Reversal of pathology in CHMP2B-mediated frontotemporal dementia patient cells using RNA interference. J Gene Med 2013; 14:521-9. [PMID: 22786763 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia is the second most common form of young-onset dementia after Alzheimer's disease, and several genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia are known. A rare genetic variant is caused by a point mutation in the CHMP2B gene. CHMP2B is a component of the ESCRT-III complex, which is involved in endosomal trafficking of proteins targeted for degradation in lysosomes. Mutations in CHMP2B result in abnormal endosomal structures in patient fibroblasts and patient brains, probably through a gain-of-function mechanism, suggesting that the endosomal pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. METHODS In the present study, we used lentiviral vectors to efficiently knockdown CHMP2B by delivering microRNA embedded small hairpin RNAs. RESULTS We show that CHMP2B can be efficiently knocked down in patient fibroblasts using an RNA interference approach and that the knockdown causes reversal of the abnormal endosomal phenotype observed in patient fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of a treatment that reverses the cellular pathology caused by mutant CHMP2B and suggests that RNA interference might be a feasible therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, it provides the first proof of a direct link between the disease-causing mutation and the cellular phenotype in cells originating from CHMP2B mutation patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troels Tolstrup Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
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Abstract
Since the first application of RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells, the expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for targeted gene silencing has become a benchmark technology. Using plasmid and viral vectoring systems, the transcription of shRNA precursors that are effectively processed by the RNAi pathway can lead to potent gene knockdown. The past decade has seen continual advancement and improvement to the various strategies that can be used for shRNA delivery, and the use of shRNAs for clinical applications is well underway. Driving these developments has been the many benefits afforded by shRNA technologies, including the stable integration of expression constructs for long-term expression, infection of difficult-to-target cell lines and tissues using viral vectors, and the temporal control of shRNA transcription by inducible promoters. The use of different effector molecule formats, promoters, and vector types, has meant that experiments can be tailored to target specific cell types and minimize cellular toxicities. Through the application of combinatorial RNAi (co-RNAi), multiple shRNA delivery strategies can improve gene knockdown, permit multiple transcripts to be targeted simultaneously, and curtail the emergence of viral escape mutants. This chapter reviews the history, cellular processing, and various applications of shRNAs in mammalian systems, including options for effector molecule design, vector and promoter types, and methods for multiple shRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Hutson TH, Foster E, Dawes JM, Hindges R, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Moon LDF. Lentiviral vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs efficiently transduce and knockdown LINGO-1 but induce an interferon response and cytotoxicity in central nervous system neurones. J Gene Med 2012; 14:299-315. [PMID: 22499506 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knocking down neuronal LINGO-1 using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) might enhance axon regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors have great potential as a therapeutic delivery system for CNS injuries. However, recent studies have revealed that shRNAs can induce an interferon response resulting in off-target effects and cytotoxicity. METHODS CNS neurones were transduced with integration-deficient lentiviral vectors in vitro. The transcriptional effect of shRNA expression was analysed using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction and northern blots were used to assess shRNA production. RESULTS Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors efficiently transduced CNS neurones and knocked down LINGO-1 mRNA in vitro. However, an increase in cell death was observed when lentiviral vectors encoding an shRNA were applied or when high vector concentrations were used. We demonstrate that high doses of vector or the use of vectors encoding shRNAs can induce an up-regulation of interferon-stimulated genes (2',5'-oligoadenylate synthase 1 and protein kinase R although not myxovirus resistance 1) and a down-regulation of off-target genes (including p75(NTR) and Nogo receptor 1). Furthermore, the northern blot demonstrated that these negative consequences occur even when lentiviral vectors express low levels of shRNAs. Taken together, these results may explain why neurite outgrowth was not enhanced on an inhibitory substrate following transduction with lentiviral vectors encoding an shRNA targeting LINGO-1. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of including appropriate controls to verify silencing specificity and the requirement to check for an interferon response when conducting RNA interference experiments. However, the potential benefits that RNA interference and viral vectors offer to gene-based therapies to CNS injuries cannot be overlooked and demand further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Hutson
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK. thomas.hutson@kcl. ac.uk
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Wettergren EE, Gussing F, Quintino L, Lundberg C. Novel disease-specific promoters for use in gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Lett 2012; 530:29-34. [PMID: 23063686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic tool for Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is a lack of evaluated cell specific promoters that are relevant for the disease. We have chosen PD relevant promoter candidates for gene therapy vectors based on either previous studies; Drd1a, Drd2 and pDyn, or from a microarray study on parkinsonian patients; ACE, DNAJC3, GALNS, MAP1a and RNF25. These candidates have been evaluated in rat striatum to determine their suitability for use in cell specific vectors. The promoters had a neuronal specificity of 91-100%. The efficiency of the promoters was variable, but RNF25, DNAJC3 and MAP1a were comparable to widely used ubiquitous promoters. MAP1a was also affected by dopamine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Elgstrand Wettergren
- CNS Gene Therapy Unit, BMC A11, Dept. of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, S-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Tai K, Quintino L, Isaksson C, Gussing F, Lundberg C. Destabilizing domains mediate reversible transgene expression in the brain. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46269. [PMID: 23029456 PMCID: PMC3460874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulating transgene expression in vivo by delivering oral drugs has been a long-time goal for the gene therapy field. A novel gene regulating system based on targeted proteasomal degradation has been recently developed. The system is based on a destabilizing domain (DD) of the Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) that directs fused proteins to proteasomal destruction. Creating YFP proteins fused to destabilizing domains enabled TMP based induction of YFP expression in the brain, whereas omission of TMP resulted in loss of YFP expression. Moreover, induction of YFP expression was dose dependent and at higher TMP dosages, induced YFP reached levels comparable to expression of unregulated transgene., Transgene expression could be reversibly regulated using the DD system. Importantly, no adverse effects of TMP treatment or expression of DD-fusion proteins in the brain were observed. To show proof of concept that destabilizing domains derived from DHFR could be used with a biologically active molecule, DD were fused to GDNF, which is a potent neurotrophic factor of dopamine neurons. N-terminal placement of the DD resulted in TMP-regulated release of biologically active GDNF. Our findings suggest that TMP-regulated destabilizing domains can afford transgene regulation in the brain. The fact that GDNF could be regulated is very promising for developing future gene therapies (e.g. for Parkinson's disease) and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cecilia Lundberg
- CNS Gene Therapy Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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20
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Sibley CR, Seow Y, Curtis H, Weinberg MS, Wood MJA. Silencing of Parkinson's disease-associated genes with artificial mirtron mimics of miR-1224. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:9863-75. [PMID: 22848108 PMCID: PMC3479180 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mirtrons are a recently described category of microRNA (miRNA) relying on splicing rather than processing by the microprocessor complex to generate pre-miRNA precursors of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Their discovery and subsequent verification provides important information about a distinct class of miRNA and inherent advantages that could be exploited to silence genes of interest. These include micro-processor-independent biogenesis, pol-II-dependent transcription, accurate species generation and the delivery of multiple artificial mirtrons as introns within a single host transcript. Here we determined the sequence motifs required for correct processing of the mmu-miR-1224 mirtron and incorporated these into artificial mirtrons targeting Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 and α-synuclein genes. By incorporating these rules associated with processing and splicing, artificial mirtrons could be designed and made to silence complementary targets either at the mRNA or protein level. We further demonstrate with a LRRK2 targeting artificial mirtron that neuronal-specific silencing can be directed under the control of the human synapsin promoter. Finally, multiple mirtrons were co-delivered within a single host transcript, an eGFP reporter, to allow simultaneous targeting of two or more targets in a combinatorial approach. Thus, the unique characteristics of artificial mirtrons make this an attractive approach for future RNAi applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Sibley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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21
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Little things on which happiness depends: microRNAs as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Mol Psychiatry 2012; 17:359-76. [PMID: 22182940 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are devastating mental illnesses that are a significant public health concern. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are the first-line treatment strategy for these disorders, which despite being a significant advantage over older treatments, are hampered by a limited efficacy in a significant subset of patients, delayed onset of action and side effects that affect compliance. Thus, there is much impetus to develop novel therapeutic strategies. However, this goal can only be rationally realised with a better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of these disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a newly discovered class of gene-expression regulators that may represent a novel class of therapeutic targets to treat a variety of disorders including psychiatric diseases. miRNAs are heavily involved in regulating many physiological processes including those fundamental to the functioning of the central nervous system. Evidence collected to date has already demonstrated that miRNA-expression levels are altered in patients suffering from depression and anxiety and in pre-clinical models of psychological stress. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that psychoactive agents including antidepressants and mood stabilisers utilise miRNAs as downstream effectors. Altering miRNA levels has been shown to alter behaviour in a therapeutically desirable manner in pre-clinical models. This review aims to outline the evidence collected to date demonstrating miRNAs role in anxiety and depression, the potential advantages of targeting these small RNA molecules as well as some of the hurdles that will have to be overcome to fully exploit their therapeutic potential.
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Abstract
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions resulting in abnormal postures. Although common in the clinic, the etiology of dystonia remains unclear. Most dystonias are idiopathic and are not associated with clear pathological brain abnormalities. Attempts to genetically model these dystonias in rodents have failed to replicate dystonic symptoms. This is at odds with the fact that rodents can exhibit dystonia. Because of this discrepancy, it is necessary to consider alternative approaches to generate phenotypically and genotypically faithful models of dystonia. Conditional knockout of dystonia-related genes is 1 technique that may prove useful for modeling genetic dystonias. Lentiviral-mediated small or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of particular genes is another approach. Finally, in cases in which the function of a dystonia-related gene is well-known, pharmacological blockade of the protein product can be used. Such an approach was successfully implemented in the case of rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism, DYT12. This (DYT12) is a hereditary dystonia caused by mutations in the α₃ isoform of the sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) pump (sodium pump), which partially hampers its physiological function. It was found that partial selective pharmacological block of the sodium pumps in the cerebellum and basal ganglia of mice recapitulates all of the salient features of DYT12, including dystonia and parkinsonism induced by stress. This DYT12 model is unique in that it faithfully replicates human symptoms of DYT12, while targeting the genetic cause of this disorder. Acute disruption of proteins implicated in dystonia may prove a generally fruitful method to model dystonia in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Fremont
- Dominic P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461 USA
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Dominic P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461 USA
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Zhang L, Qu Y, Tang B, Zhao F, Xiong T, Ferriero D, Mu D. Integrin β8 Signaling in Neonatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury. Neurotox Res 2012; 22:280-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-012-9312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Although platelets are the smallest cells in the blood, they are implied in various processes ranging from immunology and oncology to thrombosis and hemostasis. Many large-scale screening programs, genome-wide association, and "omics" studies have generated lists of genes and loci that are probably involved in the formation or physiology of platelets under normal and pathologic conditions. This creates an increasing demand for new and improved model systems that allow functional assessment of the corresponding gene products in vivo. Such animal models not only render invaluable insight in the platelet biology, but in addition, provide improved test systems for the validation of newly developed anti-thrombotics. This review summarizes the most important models to generate transgenic platelets and to study their influence on platelet physiology in vivo. Here we focus on the zebrafish morpholino oligonucleotide technology, the (platelet-specific) knockout mouse, and the transplantation of genetically modified human or murine platelet progenitor cells in myelo-conditioned mice. The various strengths and pitfalls of these animal models are illustrated by recent examples from the platelet field. Finally, we highlight the latest developments in genetic engineering techniques and their possible application in platelet research.
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Horvath L, van Marion I, Taï K, Nielsen TT, Lundberg C. Knockdown of GAD67 protein levels normalizes neuronal activity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. J Gene Med 2011; 13:188-97. [PMID: 21449035 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dopamine depletion of the striatum is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The loss of dopamine upregulates GAD67 expression in the striatal projection neurons and causes other changes in the activity of the basal ganglia circuit. METHODS To normalize the GAD67 expression in the striatum after dopamine depletion, we developed several lentiviral vectors that express RNA interference (RNAi) directed against GAD67 mitochondrial RNA. The vectors were injected into the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats and the level of GAD67 protein as well as a marker of neuronal activity, mtCO1, was analyzed using western blots. RESULTS Unilateral lesions of the dopamine neurons in substantia nigra resulted in an increased level of GAD67 protein in the ipsilateral striatum. Furthermore, we detected significantly higher levels of mtCO1, after dopamine depletion in the striatum. Using a lentiviral vectors with a synthetic miRNA scaffold to deliver RNAi, we were able to normalize the GAD67 protein levels in the parkinsonian rat striatum. In addition, we were able to normalize the increased neural activity, which resulted from the loss of dopamine as measured by the marker mtCO1. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that RNAi directed against GAD67 may be a valid approach to correct the dysregulation of the basal ganglia circuit in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The possibility to correct for a loss of dopamine using nondopamimetic tools is interesting because it may be more directed towards the casual mechanisms of the motor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazlo Horvath
- CNS Gene Therapy Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Walder RY, Gautam M, Wilson SP, Benson CJ, Sluka KA. Selective targeting of ASIC3 using artificial miRNAs inhibits primary and secondary hyperalgesia after muscle inflammation. Pain 2011; 152:2348-2356. [PMID: 21843914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are activated by acidic pH and may play a significant role in the development of hyperalgesia. Earlier studies show ASIC3 is important for induction of hyperalgesia after muscle insult using ASIC3-/- mice. ASIC3-/- mice lack ASIC3 throughout the body, and the distribution and composition of ASICs could be different from wild-type mice. We therefore tested whether knockdown of ASIC3 in primary afferents innervating muscle of adult wild-type mice prevented development of hyperalgesia to muscle inflammation. We cloned and characterized artificial miRNAs (miR-ASIC3) directed against mouse ASIC3 (mASIC3) to downregulate ASIC3 expression in vitro and in vivo. In CHO-K1 cells transfected with mASIC3 cDNA in culture, the miR-ASIC3 constructs inhibited protein expression of mASIC3 and acidic pH-evoked currents and had no effect on protein expression or acidic pH-evoked currents of ASIC1a. When miR-ASIC3 was used in vivo, delivered into the muscle of mice using a herpes simplex viral vector, both muscle and paw mechanical hyperalgesia were reduced after carrageenan-induced muscle inflammation. ASIC3 mRNA in DRG and protein levels in muscle were decreased in vivo by miR-ASIC3. In CHO-K1 cells co-transfected with ASIC1a and ASIC3, miR-ASIC3 reduced the amplitude of acidic pH-evoked currents, suggesting an overall inhibition in the surface expression of heteromeric ASIC3-containing channels. Our results show, for the first time, that reducing ASIC3 in vivo in primary afferent fibers innervating muscle prevents the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia in wild-type mice, and thus, may have applications in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Y Walder
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA Neuroscience Graduate Program, Pain Research Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA Department of Internal Medicine, Pain Research Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Han Y, Khodr CE, Sapru MK, Pedapati J, Bohn MC. A microRNA embedded AAV α-synuclein gene silencing vector for dopaminergic neurons. Brain Res 2011; 1386:15-24. [PMID: 21338582 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (SNCA), an abundantly expressed presynaptic protein, is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Since over-expression of human SNCA (hSNCA) leads to death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in human, rodent and fly brain, hSNCA gene silencing may reduce levels of toxic forms of SNCA and ameliorate degeneration of DA neurons in PD. To begin to develop a gene therapy for PD based on hSNCA gene silencing, two AAV gene silencing vectors were designed, and tested for efficiency and specificity of silencing, as well as toxicity in vitro. The same hSNCA silencing sequence (shRNA) was used in both vectors, but in one vector, the shRNA was embedded in a microRNA backbone and driven by a pol II promoter, and in the other the shRNA was not embedded in a microRNA and was driven by a pol III promoter. Both vectors silenced hSNCA to the same extent in 293T cells transfected with hSNCA. In DA PC12 cells, neither vector decreased expression of rat SNCA, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) or the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT). However, the mir30 embedded vector was significantly less toxic to both PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells. Our in vitro data suggest that this miRNA-embedded silencing vector may be ideal for chronic in vivo SNCA gene silencing in DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Han
- Neurobiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University,Chicago, IL 60614, USA
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Li F, Mahato RI. RNA interference for improving the outcome of islet transplantation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2011; 63:47-68. [PMID: 21156190 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Islet transplantation has the potential to cure type 1 diabetes. Despite recent therapeutic success, it is still not common because a large number of transplanted islets get damaged by multiple challenges including instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction, hypoxia/reperfusion injury, inflammatory cytokines, and immune rejection. RNA interference (RNAi) is a novel strategy to selectively degrade target mRNA. The use of RNAi technologies to downregulate the expression of harmful genes has the potential to improve the outcome of islet transplantation. The aim of this review is to gain a thorough understanding of biological obstacles to islet transplantation and discuss how to overcome these barriers using different RNAi technologies. This eventually will help improve islet survival and function post transplantation. Chemically synthesized small interferring RNA (siRNA), vector based short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and their critical design elements (such as sequences, promoters, and backbone) are discussed. The application of combinatorial RNAi in islet transplantation is also discussed. Last but not the least, several delivery strategies for enhanced gene silencing are discussed, including chemical modification of siRNA, complex formation, bioconjugation, and viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
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de Backer MWA, Fitzsimons CP, Brans MAD, Luijendijk MCM, Garner KM, Vreugdenhil E, Adan RAH. An adeno-associated viral vector transduces the rat hypothalamus and amygdala more efficient than a lentiviral vector. BMC Neurosci 2010; 11:81. [PMID: 20626877 PMCID: PMC2912914 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-11-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study compared the transduction efficiencies of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, which was pseudotyped with an AAV1 capsid and encoded the green fluorescent protein (GFP), with a lentiviral (LV) vector, which was pseudotyped with a VSV-G envelop and encoded the discosoma red fluorescent protein (dsRed), to investigate which viral vector transduced the lateral hypothalamus or the amygdala more efficiently. The LV-dsRed and AAV1-GFP vector were mixed and injected into the lateral hypothalamus or into the amygdala of adult rats. The titers that were injected were 1 × 108 or 1 × 109 genomic copies of AAV1-GFP and 1 × 105 transducing units of LV-dsRed. Results Immunostaining for GFP and dsRed showed that AAV1-GFP transduced significantly more cells than LV-dsRed in both the lateral hypothalamus and the amygdala. In addition, the number of LV particles that were injected can not easily be increased, while the number of AAV1 particles can be increased easily with a factor 100 to 1000. Both viral vectors appear to predominantly transduce neurons. Conclusions This study showed that AAV1 vectors are better tools to overexpress or knockdown genes in the lateral hypothalamus and amygdala of adult rats, since more cells can be transduced with AAV1 than with LV vectors and the titer of AAV1 vectors can easily be increased to transduce the area of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke W A de Backer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Junn HJ, Kim JY, Seol DW. Effective knockdown of multiple target genes by expressing the single transcript harbouring multi-cistronic shRNAs. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 396:861-5. [PMID: 20451494 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) using short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) has become a valuable tool for evaluating the target gene function. Here, we report an approach for silencing multiple target genes simultaneously by expressing one single transcript encoding different target shRNAs. We first constructed the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven expression vectors, each of which expresses microRNA mir-30-mimicked shRNA specifically targeting X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), Akt, or Bcl-2. Adenovirus harbouring each shRNA expression cassette silenced corresponding target gene expression. Using these mono-cistronic shRNA cassettes, we again constructed the CMV promoter-driven expression vector, into which multi-cistronic shRNAs for XIAP, Akt and Bcl-2 in order were cloned. Adenovirus delivering this multi-cistronic expression cassette silenced each of the target genes as effectively as adenovirus containing individual shRNA did. Our data indicate that single promoter-driven multi-cistronic shRNAs effectively silence multiple target genes. Our approach provides a new smart tool for silencing multiple target genes and will potentially serve as an RNAi-based tailored therapy requiring suppression of target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Junn
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University School of Pharmacy, Seoul 156-756, Republic of Korea
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Sibley CR, Seow Y, Wood MJA. Novel RNA-based strategies for therapeutic gene silencing. Mol Ther 2010; 18:466-76. [PMID: 20087319 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen intense scientific interest in non-coding RNAs. In particular, the discovery and subsequent exploitation of gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi) has revolutionized the way in which gene expression is now studied and understood. It is now well established that post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) by the microRNA (miRNA) and other RNAi-associated pathways represents an essential layer of complexity to gene regulation. Gene silencing using RNAi additionally demonstrates huge potential as a therapeutic strategy for eliminating pathogenic gene expression. Yet despite the early promise and excitement of gene-specific silencing, several critical hurdles remain to be overcome before widespread clinical adoption. These include off-target effects, toxicity due to saturation of the endogenous RNAi functions, limited duration of silencing, and effective targeted delivery. In recent years, a range of novel strategies for producing RNA-mediated silencing have been developed that can circumvent many of these hurdles, including small internally segmented interfering RNAs, tandem hairpin RNAs, and pri-miRNA cluster mimics. This review discusses RNA-mediated silencing in light of this recent research, and highlights the benefits and limitations conferred by these novel gene-silencing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Sibley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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