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Pohane MR, Dafre R, Sontakke NG. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN): A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e46135. [PMID: 37900501 PMCID: PMC10612532 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific type of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) falls under the omit phenotypic continuum-early childhood development of progressive pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Classic PKAN is distinguished from atypical PKAN by stiffness, dystonia, dysarthria, and choreoathetosis. Pigmentary retinal degeneration is a widespread cause of classic PKAN. Atypical PKAN is distinguished by a later onset (>10 years), noticeable speech abnormalities, psychological disorders, and slower disease development. Studies designed to support various PKAN therapeutic strategies have highlighted the intricacy of coenzyme A (CoA) metabolism and the limitations of our present understanding of disease causation. Therefore, improvements in our knowledge of the causes and therapy of PKAN may have ramifications for our comprehension of other, more prevalent diseases. They may also shed fresh light on the physiological significance of CoA, a cofactor essential for the operation of several cellular metabolic processes. The existence of low but considerable PANK2 expression, which can be elevated in some mutations, provides necessary information that can justify using a hefty dose of pantothenate as a treatment. A more effective therapeutic approach can be achieved by comparing the effects of various currently available pharmacological alternatives on the pathophysiological alterations in fibroblasts and neuronal cells obtained from PKAN patients. The objective of this study is to educate and inform people about PKAN disease conditions such as treatment, diagnosis, and complications. These cell models will also help evaluate the effectiveness of future medicinal innovations. This review discusses the neurodegeneration generated by pantothenate kinase in cellular models, iron/lipofuscin in pantothenate kinase-related neurodegeneration, and treatment and diagnosis of PKAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera R Pohane
- Medical Surgical Nursing, Shalinitai Meghe College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Rajshri Dafre
- Health Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Nikhil G Sontakke
- Health Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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2
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. The DST gene in neurobiology. J Neurogenet 2023; 37:131-138. [PMID: 38465459 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2024.2319880] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
DST is a gene whose alternative splicing yields epithelial, neuronal, and muscular isoforms. The autosomal recessive Dstdt (dystonia musculorum) spontaneous mouse mutation causes degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts as well as peripheral sensory nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and cranial nerve ganglia. In addition to Dstdt mutants, axonopathy and neurofilament accumulation in perikarya are features of two other murine lines with spontaneous Dst mutations, targeted Dst knockout mice, DstTg4 transgenic mice carrying two deleted Dst exons, DstGt mice with trapped actin-binding domain-containing isoforms, and conditional Schwann cell-specific Dst knockout mice. As a result of nerve damage, Dstdt mutants display dystonia and ataxia, as seen in several genetically modified models and their motor coordination deficits have been quantified along with the spontaneous Dst nonsense mutant, the conditional Schwann cell-specific Dst knockout, the conditional DstGt mutant, and the Dst-b isoform specific Dst mutant. Recent findings in humans have associated DST mutations of the Dst-b isoform with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies type 6 (HSAN-VI). These data should further encourage the development of genetic techniques to treat or prevent ataxic and dystonic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes (EA7300), Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes (EA7300), Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
- CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
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3
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Toledano-Díaz A, Álvarez MI, Toledano A. The relationships between neuroglial and neuronal changes in Alzheimer's disease, and the related controversies II: gliotherapies and multimodal therapy. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221123896. [PMID: 36407561 PMCID: PMC9666878 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221123896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the original description of Alzheimer´s disease (AD), research into this condition has mainly focused on assessing the alterations to neurons associated with dementia, and those to the circuits in which they are involved. In most of the studies on human brains and in many models of AD, the glial cells accompanying these neurons undergo concomitant alterations that aggravate the course of neurodegeneration. As a result, these changes to neuroglial cells are now included in all the "pathogenic cascades" described in AD. Accordingly, astrogliosis and microgliosis, the main components of neuroinflammation, have been integrated into all the pathogenic theories of this disease, as discussed in this part of the two-part monograph that follows an accompanying article on gliopathogenesis and glioprotection. This initial reflection verified the implication of alterations to the neuroglia in AD, suggesting that these cells may also represent therapeutic targets to prevent neurodegeneration. In this second part of the monograph, we will analyze the possibilities of acting on glial cells to prevent or treat the neurodegeneration that is the hallmark of AD and other pathologies. Evidence of the potential of different pharmacological, non-pharmacological, cell and gene therapies (widely treated) to prevent or treat this disease is now forthcoming, in most cases as adjuncts to other therapies. A comprehensive AD multimodal therapy is proposed in which neuronal and neuroglial pharmacological treatments are jointly considered, as well as the use of new cell and gene therapies and non-pharmacological therapies that tend to slow down the progress of dementia.
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4
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Munshi MI, Yao SJ, Ben Mamoun C. Redesigning therapies for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101577. [PMID: 35041826 PMCID: PMC8861153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an incurable rare genetic disorder of children and young adults caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene, which encodes an enzyme critical for the biosynthesis of Coenzyme A. Although PKAN affects only a small number of patients, it shares several hallmarks of more common neurodegenerative diseases of older adults such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Advances in etiological understanding and treatment of PKAN could therefore have implications for our understanding of more common diseases and may shed new lights on the physiological importance of Coenzyme A, a cofactor critical for the operation of various cellular metabolic processes. The large body of knowledge which accumulated over the years around PKAN pathology, including but not limited to studies of various PKAN models and therapies, has contributed not only to progress in our understanding of the disease, but as importantly, to the crystallization of key questions that guide future investigations of the disease. In this Review, we will summarize this knowledge and demonstrate how it forms the backdrop to new avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad I Munshi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sarah J Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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5
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AAV capsid variants with brain-wide transgene expression and decreased liver targeting after intravenous delivery in mouse and marmoset. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:106-115. [PMID: 34887588 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Genetic intervention is increasingly being explored as a therapeutic option for debilitating disorders of the central nervous system. The safety and efficacy of gene therapies rely upon expressing a transgene in affected cells while minimizing off-target expression. Here we show organ-specific targeting of adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids after intravenous delivery, which we achieved by employing a Cre-transgenic-based screening platform and sequential engineering of AAV-PHP.eB between the surface-exposed AA452 and AA460 of VP3. From this selection, we identified capsid variants that were enriched in the brain and targeted away from the liver in C57BL/6J mice. This tropism extends to marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), enabling robust, non-invasive gene delivery to the marmoset brain after intravenous administration. Notably, the capsids identified result in distinct transgene expression profiles within the brain, with one exhibiting high specificity to neurons. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier with neuronal specificity in rodents and non-human primates enables new avenues for basic research and therapeutic possibilities unattainable with naturally occurring serotypes.
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Wang S, Leem JS, Podvin S, Hook V, Kleschevnikov N, Savchenko P, Dhanani M, Zhou K, Kelly IC, Zhang T, Miyanohara A, Nguyen P, Kleschevnikov A, Wagner SL, Trojanowski JQ, Roth DM, Patel HH, Patel PM, Head BP. Synapsin-caveolin-1 gene therapy preserves neuronal and synaptic morphology and prevents neurodegeneration in a mouse model of AD. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:434-450. [PMID: 33981778 PMCID: PMC8065227 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Identifying molecular signals that mitigate and reverse neurodegeneration in AD may be exploited therapeutically. Transgenic AD mice (PSAPP) exhibit learning and memory deficits at 9 and 11 months, respectively, with associated decreased expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a membrane/lipid raft (MLR) scaffolding protein necessary for synaptic and neuroplasticity. Neuronal-targeted gene therapy using synapsin-Cav-1 cDNA (SynCav1) was delivered to the hippocampus of PSAPP mice at 3 months using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9). Bilateral SynCav1 gene therapy was able to preserve MLRs profile, learning and memory, hippocampal dendritic arbor, synaptic ultrastructure, and axonal myelin content in 9- and 11-month PSAPP mice, independent of reducing toxic amyloid deposits and astrogliosis. Our data indicate that SynCav1 gene therapy may be an option for AD and potentially in other forms of neurodegeneration of unknown etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Joseph S. Leem
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Sonia Podvin
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Kleschevnikov
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Paul Savchenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Mehul Dhanani
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Kimberly Zhou
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Isabella C. Kelly
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Tong Zhang
- Campus Microscopy & Imaging Facility (CMIF)/Microscopy Shared Resource (MSR), The Ohio State University, OH, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Steve L. Wagner
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Q. Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
| | - David M. Roth
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Hemal H. Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Piyush M. Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Brian P. Head
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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7
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Latimer CS, Lucot KL, Keene CD, Cholerton B, Montine TJ. Genetic Insights into Alzheimer's Disease. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2021; 16:351-376. [PMID: 33497263 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012419-032551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a pervasive, relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder that includes both hereditary and sporadic forms linked by common underlying neuropathologic changes and neuropsychological manifestations. While a clinical diagnosis is often made on the basis of initial memory dysfunction that progresses to involve multiple cognitive domains, definitive diagnosis requires autopsy examination of the brain to identify amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary degeneration. Over the past 100 years, there has been remarkable progress in our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic processes, pathologic changes, and clinical phenotypes of AD, largely because genetic pathways that include but expand beyond amyloid processing have been uncovered. This review discusses the current state of understanding of the genetics of AD with a focus on how these advances are both shaping our understanding of the disease and informing novel avenues and approaches for development of potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Latimer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
| | - Katherine L Lucot
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA;
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
| | - Brenna Cholerton
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA;
| | - Thomas J Montine
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA;
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8
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MacDougall G, Brown LY, Kantor B, Chiba-Falek O. The Path to Progress Preclinical Studies of Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Perspective on Rodent and hiPSC-Derived Models. Mol Ther 2021; 29:949-972. [PMID: 33429080 PMCID: PMC7934639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and currently no effective clinical treatments exist for either, despite decades of clinical trials. The failure to translate preclinical findings into effective treatments is indicative of a problem in the current evaluation pipeline for potential therapeutics. At present, there are no useful animal models for AD and PD research that reflect the entire biology of the diseases, specifically, the more common non-Mendelian forms. Whereas the field continues to seek suitable rodent models for investigating potential therapeutics for these diseases, rodent models have still been used primarily for preclinical studies. Here, we advocate for a paradigm shift toward the application of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived systems for PD and AD modeling and the development of improved human-based models in a dish for drug discovery and preclinical assessment of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella MacDougall
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Logan Y Brown
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Boris Kantor
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Viral Vector Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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9
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Wegmann S, DeVos SL, Zeitler B, Marlen K, Bennett RE, Perez-Rando M, MacKenzie D, Yu Q, Commins C, Bannon RN, Corjuc BT, Chase A, Diez L, Nguyen HOB, Hinkley S, Zhang L, Goodwin A, Ledeboer A, Lam S, Ankoudinova I, Tran H, Scarlott N, Amora R, Surosky R, Miller JC, Robbins AB, Rebar EJ, Urnov FD, Holmes MC, Pooler AM, Riley B, Zhang HS, Hyman BT. Persistent repression of tau in the brain using engineered zinc finger protein transcription factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/12/eabe1611. [PMID: 33741591 PMCID: PMC7978433 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal tau reduction confers resilience against β-amyloid and tau-related neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Here, we introduce a novel translational approach to lower expression of the tau gene MAPT at the transcriptional level using gene-silencing zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZFP-TFs). Following a single administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV), either locally into the hippocampus or intravenously to enable whole-brain transduction, we selectively reduced tau messenger RNA and protein by 50 to 80% out to 11 months, the longest time point studied. Sustained tau lowering was achieved without detectable off-target effects, overt histopathological changes, or molecular alterations. Tau reduction with AAV ZFP-TFs was able to rescue neuronal damage around amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1 line). The highly specific, durable, and controlled knockdown of endogenous tau makes AAV-delivered ZFP-TFs a promising approach for the treatment of tau-related human brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wegmann
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah L DeVos
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel E Bennett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Marta Perez-Rando
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Danny MacKenzie
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Qi Yu
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Caitlin Commins
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Riley N Bannon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Bianca T Corjuc
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alison Chase
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lisa Diez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen Lam
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | - Hung Tran
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashley B Robbins
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amy M Pooler
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Brigit Riley
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | - Bradley T Hyman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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10
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Complexity and diversity of bioanalytical support for gene therapy modalities. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:65-68. [PMID: 33496630 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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11
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Di Maria V, Moindrot M, Ryde M, Bono A, Quintino L, Ledri M. Development and Validation of CRISPR Activator Systems for Overexpression of CB1 Receptors in Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:168. [PMID: 33013319 PMCID: PMC7506083 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy approaches using viral vectors for the overexpression of target genes have been for several years the focus of gene therapy research against neurological disorders. These approaches deliver robust expression of therapeutic genes, but are typically limited to the delivery of single genes and often do not manipulate the expression of the endogenous locus. In the last years, the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have revolutionized many areas of scientific research by providing novel tools that allow simple and efficient manipulation of endogenous genes. One of the applications of CRISPR-Cas9, termed CRISPRa, based on the use of a nuclease-null Cas9 protein (dCas9) fused to transcriptional activators, enables quick and efficient increase in target endogenous gene expression. CRISPRa approaches are varied, and different alternatives exist with regards to the type of Cas9 protein and transcriptional activator used. Several of these approaches have been successfully used in neurons in vitro and in vivo, but have not been so far extensively applied for the overexpression of genes involved in synaptic transmission. Here we describe the development and application of two different CRISPRa systems, based on single or dual Lentiviral and Adeno-Associated viral vectors and VP64 or VPR transcriptional activators, and demonstrate their efficiency in increasing mRNA and protein expression of the Cnr1 gene, coding for neuronal CB1 receptors. Both approaches were similarly efficient in primary neuronal cultures, and achieved a 2–5-fold increase in Cnr1 expression, but the AAV-based approach was more efficient in vivo. Our dual AAV-based VPR system in particular, based on Staphylococcus aureus dCas9, when injected in the hippocampus, displayed almost complete simultaneous expression of both vectors, high levels of dCas9 expression, and good efficiency in increasing Cnr1 mRNA as measured by in situ hybridization. In addition, we also show significant upregulation of CB1 receptor protein in vivo, which is reflected by an increased ability in reducing neurotransmitter release, as measured by electrophysiology. Our results show that CRISPRa techniques could be successfully used in neurons to target overexpression of genes involved in synaptic transmission, and can potentially represent a next-generation gene therapy approach against neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Maria
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Epilepsy Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marine Moindrot
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Epilepsy Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Ryde
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Epilepsy Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Antonino Bono
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Epilepsy Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Luis Quintino
- Laboratory of CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marco Ledri
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Epilepsy Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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12
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Bioanalysis of adeno-associated virus gene therapy therapeutics: regulatory expectations. Bioanalysis 2019; 11:2011-2024. [DOI: 10.4155/bio-2019-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of gene therapy (GTx) modality therapies in development has grown significantly in the last few years. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based delivery approach has become most prevalent among other virus-based GTx vectors. Several regulatory guidelines provide the industry with general considerations related to AAV GTx development including discussion and recommendations related to highly diverse bioanalytical support of the AAV-based therapeutics. This includes assessment of pre- and post-treatment immunity, evaluation of post-treatment viral shedding and infectivity, as well as detection of transgene protein expression. An overview of the current regulatory recommendations as found in currently active and published draft US FDA and EMA guidance or guideline documents is presented herein.
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13
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Pena SA, Iyengar R, Eshraghi RS, Bencie N, Mittal J, Aljohani A, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements. J Drug Target 2019; 28:111-128. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1630415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Pena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aljohani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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14
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Gerakis Y, Hetz C. Brain organoids: a next step for humanized Alzheimer's disease models? Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:474-478. [PMID: 30617271 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Gerakis
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile. .,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA. .,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Serrano-Larrea C, Clavijo-Calderón D. Alzheimer’s disease: An overview of the current treatments. BIONATURA 2019. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/cs/2019.02.01.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects millions of people around the world and although there are treatments that help control symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease, there is still no cure. Current treatments include three acetylcholine inhibitors, a glutamate inhibitor and a combination of the two. Due to the failure of hundreds of clinical trials with monotherapies, multitarget treatments are currently being investigated that consider both brain and peripheral factors. Gene therapy is one of the most promising therapies to treat and prevent the development of AD. Nowadays, there is no available medical treatment based on gene therapy to treat AD; however, there are treatments in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials with promising results. In this review, we will focus on the most important gene therapy treatments, CERE-110 (adeno-associated virus AAV2-Nerve Growth Factor), Intracerebral AAV gene delivery of APOE2 and gene therapy using PPARγ-coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)
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16
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The contribution of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models in Alzheimer's disease drug research and development. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:95-111. [PMID: 28177983 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, several papers have become available in the literature on both the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the several intracellular pathways whose alteration is responsible for its onset and progression. The use of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models has played a key role in achieving such a remarkable amount of preclinical data, allowing researchers to dissect the cellular changes occurring in the AD brain. In addition, the huge amount of preclinical evidence arising from these animal models was necessary for the further clinical development of pharmacological agents capable of interfering with most of the impaired neural pathways in AD patients. In this respect, a significant role is played by the dysfunction of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission responsible for the cognitive and behavioral symptoms described in AD patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the main animal models that contributed toward unraveling the pathological changes in neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and receptor binding in AD preclinical studies. The review also provides an updated description of the current pharmacological agents - still under clinical development - acting on the neurotransmitter systems.
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17
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Kneynsberg A, Combs B, Christensen K, Morfini G, Kanaan NM. Axonal Degeneration in Tauopathies: Disease Relevance and Underlying Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:572. [PMID: 29089864 PMCID: PMC5651019 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a diverse group of diseases featuring progressive dying-back neurodegeneration of specific neuronal populations in association with accumulation of abnormal forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau. It is well-established that the clinical symptoms characteristic of tauopathies correlate with deficits in synaptic function and neuritic connectivity early in the course of disease, but mechanisms underlying these critical pathogenic events are not fully understood. Biochemical in vitro evidence fueled the widespread notion that microtubule stabilization represents tau's primary biological role and that the marked atrophy of neurites observed in tauopathies results from loss of microtubule stability. However, this notion contrasts with the mild phenotype associated with tau deletion. Instead, an analysis of cellular hallmarks common to different tauopathies, including aberrant patterns of protein phosphorylation and early degeneration of axons, suggests that alterations in kinase-based signaling pathways and deficits in axonal transport (AT) associated with such alterations contribute to the loss of neuronal connectivity triggered by pathogenic forms of tau. Here, we review a body of literature providing evidence that axonal pathology represents an early and common pathogenic event among human tauopathies. Observations of axonal degeneration in animal models of specific tauopathies are discussed and similarities to human disease highlighted. Finally, we discuss potential mechanistic pathways other than microtubule destabilization by which disease-related forms of tau may promote axonopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kneynsberg
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Benjamin Combs
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Kyle Christensen
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Gerardo Morfini
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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18
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Polinski NK, Manfredsson FP, Benskey MJ, Fischer DL, Kemp CJ, Steece-Collier K, Sandoval IM, Paumier KL, Sortwell CE. Impact of age and vector construct on striatal and nigral transgene expression. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2016; 3:16082. [PMID: 27933309 PMCID: PMC5142515 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic protein delivery using viral vectors has shown promise in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease (PD) but clinical trial success remains elusive. This may partially be due to a failure to include advanced age as a covariate despite aging being the primary risk factor for PD. We investigated transgene expression following intracerebral injections of recombinant adeno-associated virus pseudotypes 2/2 (rAAV2/2), 2/5 (rAAV2/5), 2/9 (rAAV2/9), and lentivirus (LV) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in aged versus young adult rats. Both rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5 yielded lower GFP expression following injection to either the aged substantia nigra or striatum. rAAV2/9-mediated GFP expression was deficient in the aged striatonigral system but displayed identical transgene expression between ages in the nigrostriatal system. Young and aged rats displayed equivalent GFP levels following LV injection to the striatonigral system but LV-delivered GFP was deficient in delivering GFP to the aged nigrostriatal system. Notably, age-related transgene expression deficiencies revealed by protein quantitation were poorly predicted by GFP-immunoreactive cell counts. Further, in situ hybridization for the viral CβA promoter revealed surprisingly limited tropism for astrocytes compared to neurons. Our results demonstrate that aging is a critical covariate to consider when designing gene therapy approaches for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Polinski
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew J Benskey
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - D Luke Fischer
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Ivette M Sandoval
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Katrina L Paumier
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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