Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The pivotal role of microglia in injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a series of pathological changes, including vascular spasm, cellular apoptosis, blood-brain barrier damage, cerebral edema, and white matter injury. Microglia, which are the key immune cells in the central nervous system, maintain homeostasis in the neural environment, support neurons, mediate apoptosis, participate in immune regulation, and have neuroprotective effects. Increasing evidence has shown that microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage and affect the process of injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Moreover, microglia play certain neuroprotective roles in the recovery phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Several approaches aimed at modulating microglia function are believed to attenuate subarachnoid hemorrhage injury. This provides new targets and ideas for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, an in-depth and comprehensive summary of the role of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage is still lacking. This review describes the activation of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage and their roles in the pathological processes of vasospasm, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and cerebral white matter lesions. It also discusses the neuroprotective roles of microglia during recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage and therapeutic advances aimed at modulating microglial function after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Currently, microglia in subarachnoid hemorrhage are targeted with TLR inhibitors, nuclear factor-κB and STAT3 pathway inhibitors, glycine/tyrosine kinases, NLRP3 signaling pathway inhibitors, Gasdermin D inhibitors, vincristine receptor α receptor agonists, ferroptosis inhibitors, genetic modification techniques, stem cell therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine. However, most of these are still being evaluated at the laboratory stage. More clinical studies and data on subarachnoid hemorrhage are required to improve the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A comprehensive review of advanced focused ultrasound (FUS) microbubbles-mediated treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, memory loss, and cognitive impairment leading to dementia and death. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the delivery of drugs into the brain, which can limit their therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD. Therefore, there is a need to develop new approaches to bypass the BBB for appropriate treatment of AD. Recently, focused ultrasound (FUS) has been shown to disrupt the BBB, allowing therapeutic agents to penetrate the brain. In addition, microbubbles (MBs) as lipophilic carriers can penetrate across the BBB and deliver the active drug into the brain tissue. Therefore, combined with FUS, the drug-encapsulated MBs can pass through the ultrasound-disrupted zone of the BBB and diffuse into the brain tissue. This review provides clear and concise statements on the recent advances of the various FUS-mediated MBs-based carriers developed for delivering AD-related drugs. In addition, the sonogenetics-based FUS/MBs approaches for the treatment of AD are highlighted. The future perspectives and challenges of ultrasound-based MBs drug delivery in AD are then discussed.

Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference targeting HMGB1 modulates AQP1 to reduce pain induced by chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglia

Backgrounds

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a kind of chronic pain that has attracted much attention in clinical practice, characterized by high morbidity, complex mechanisms, and difficulties in clinical treatment, with which the activation of High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is closely related. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lentivirus-mediated RNA interference gene therapy targeting HMGB1 on neuropathic pain in rats with chronic dorsal root ganglion compression (CCD) and its specific mechanisms, so as to explore new pharmacological targets.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were surgically subjected to chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglia (CCD). Behavioral tests were performed by calculating the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and the thermal paw withdrawal latency (TPWL). Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) was used to clarify protein interactions. Gene silencing was induced by injecting lentivirus expressing HMGB1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into rats. An LPS-inflammation-stimulated rat astrocyte model was established to validate the animal experiment results further. Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR were used to detect pathway protein expression.

Results

After first establishing the rat CCD model, both PWMT and PTWL were significantly reduced in rats, indicating that the model construction was successful. After lentiviral silencing of HMGB1 expression, NP was significantly alleviated in CCD rats. CO-IP experiments showed a link between HMGB1 and AQP1; After silencing HMGB1 expression, the expression of AQP1 was significantly reduced, and HMGB1 was able to modulate the effect of AQP1 on NP. Further use of an inhibitor of the HMGB1 receptor showed that after inhibition of RAGE, AQP1 was significantly reduced; HMGB1 may regulate AQP1 through its receptor RAGE to affect NP. Silencing of HMGB1 resulted in a significant decrease in NF-κB, and HMGB1 affects the inflammatory pathways it mediates. After silencing AQP1, NF-κB also decreased significantly, indicating that AQP1 is an upstream regulator of NF-κB.

Conclusion

Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) silencing targeting HMGB1 may play a key role in the development of neuropathic pain in rats by regulating AQP1 expression via RAGE and ultimately activating NF-κB.

Consensus review on strategies to improve delivery across the blood-brain barrier including focused ultrasound

Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) has been a major challenge for CNS tumors due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). There has been a multitude of techniques aimed at overcoming the BBB obstacle aimed at utilizing natural transport mechanisms or bypassing the BBB which we review here. Another approach that has generated recent interest in the recently published literature is to use new technologies (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy, LITT; or Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, LIFU) to temporarily increase BBB permeability. This review overviews the advantages, disadvantages, and major advances of each method. LIFU has been a major area of research to allow for chemotherapeutics to cross the BBB which has a particular emphasis in this review. While most of the advances remain in animal studies, there are an increasing number of translational clinical trials that will have results in the next few years.

Development and characterization of a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system

INTRODUCTION

Despite significant potential, gene therapy has been relegated to the treatment of rare diseases, due in part to an inability to adjust dosage following initial administration. Other significant constraints include cost, specificity, antigenicity, and systemic toxicity of current generation technologies. To overcome these challenges, we developed a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system, with optimized biocompatibility, localization, durability, and cost.

METHODS

A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system was developed and characterized by dynamic light scattering for size, zeta potential, and polydispersity. Cytocompatibility and transfection efficiency were optimized in vitro using primary human adipocytes and preadipocytes. Durability, immunogenicity, and adjustment of expression were evaluated in C57BL/6 and B6 albino mice using in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Biodistribution was assessed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry; therapeutic protein expression was quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

Following LNP optimization, in vitro transfection efficiency of primary human adipocytes reached 81.3 % ± 8.3 % without compromising cytocompatibility. Critical physico-chemical properties of the system (size, zeta potential, polydispersity) remained stable over a broad range of genetic cassette sizes (1,871-6,203 bp). Durable expression was observed in vivo over 6 months, localizing to subcutaneous adipose tissues at the injection site with no detectable transgene in the liver, heart, spleen, or kidney. Gene expression was adjustable using several physical and pharmacological approaches, including cryolipolysis, focused ultrasound, and pharmacologically inducible apoptosis. The ability of transfected adipocytes to express therapeutic transgenes ranging from peptides to antibodies, at potentially clinically relevant levels, was confirmed in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We report the development of a novel, low-cost therapeutic platform, designed to enable the replacement of subcutaneously administered protein treatments with a single-injection, adjustable-dose gene therapy.

The future of medicine: an outline attempt using state-of-the-art business and scientific trends

Introduction

Currently, there is a lot of discussion about the future of medicine. From research and development to regulatory approval and access to patients until the withdrawal of a medicinal product from the market, there have been many challenges and a lot of barriers to overcome. In parallel, the business environment changes rapidly. So, the big question is how the pharma ecosystem will evolve in the future.

Methods

The current literature about the latest business and scientific evolutions and trends was reviewed.

Results

In the business environment, vast changes have taken place via the development of the internet as well as the Internet of Things. A new approach to production has emerged in a frame called Creative Commons; producer and consumer may be gradually identified in the context of the same process. As technology rapidly evolves, it is dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), its subset, Machine Learning, and the use of Big Data and Real-World Data (RWD) to produce Real-World Evidence (RWE). Nanotechnology is an inter-science field that gives new opportunities for the manufacturing of devices and products that have dimensions of a billionth of a meter. Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning (DL) are mimicking the use of the human brain, combining computer science with new theoretical foundations for complex systems. The implementation of these evolutions has already been initiated in the medicinal products' lifecycle, including screening of drug candidates, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance (PV), marketing authorization, manufacturing, and the supply chain. This has emerged as a new ecosystem which features characteristics such as free online tools and free data available online. Personalized medicine is a breakthrough field where tailor-made therapeutic solutions can be provided customized to the genome of each patient.

Conclusion

Various interactions take place as the pharma ecosystem and technology rapidly evolve. This can lead to better, safer, and more effective treatments that are developed faster and with a more solid, data-driven and evidence-concrete approach, which will drive the benefit for the patient.

Spotlight on plasticity-related genes: Current insights in health and disease

The development of the central nervous system is highly complex, involving numerous developmental processes that must take place with high spatial and temporal precision. This requires a series of complex and well-coordinated molecular processes that are tighly controlled and regulated by, for example, a variety of proteins and lipids. Deregulations in these processes, including genetic mutations, can lead to the most severe maldevelopments. The present review provides an overview of the protein family Plasticity-related genes (PRG1-5), including their role during neuronal differentiation, their molecular interactions, and their participation in various diseases. As these proteins can modulate the function of bioactive lipids, they are able to influence various cellular processes. Furthermore, they are dynamically regulated during development, thus playing an important role in the development and function of synapses. First studies, conducted not only in mouse experiments but also in humans, revealed that mutations or dysregulations of these proteins lead to changes in lipid metabolism, resulting in severe neurological deficits. In recent years, as more and more studies have shown their involvement in a broad range of diseases, the complexity and broad spectrum of known and as yet unknown interactions between PRGs, lipids, and proteins make them a promising and interesting group of potential novel therapeutic targets.

The road ahead to successful BBB opening and drug-delivery with focused ultrasound

This review delves into the innovative technology of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) opening with low-intensity focused ultrasound in combination with microbubbles (LIFU-MB), a promising therapeutic modality aimed at enhancing drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The BBB's selective permeability, while crucial for neuroprotection, significantly hampers the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for CNS disorders. LIFU-MB emerges as a non-invasive and localized method to transiently increase BBB permeability, facilitating the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Here, we review the procedural stages of LIFU-MB interventions, including planning and preparation, sonication, evaluation, and delivery, highlighting the technological diversity and methodological challenges encountered in current clinical applications. With an emphasis on safety and efficacy, we discuss the crucial aspects of ultrasound delivery, microbubble administration, acoustic feedback monitoring and assessment of BBB permeability. Finally, we explore the critical choices for effective BBB opening with LIFU-MB, focusing on selecting therapeutic agents, optimizing delivery methods, and timing for delivery. Overcoming existing barriers to integrate this technology into clinical practice could potentially revolutionize CNS drug delivery and treatment paradigms in the near future.

Aerosol Inhalation of Gene Delivery Therapy for Pulmonary Diseases

Gene delivery therapy has emerged as a popular approach for the treatment of various diseases. However, it still poses the challenges of accumulation in target sites and reducing off-target effects. Aerosol gene delivery for the treatment of pulmonary diseases has the advantages of high lung accumulation, specific targeting and fewer systemic side effects. However, the key challenge is selecting the appropriate formulation for aerosol gene delivery that can overcome physiological barriers. There are numerous existing gene carriers under study, including viral vectors and non-viral vectors. With the development of biomaterials, more biocompatible substances have applied gene delivery via inhalation. Furthermore, many types of genes can be delivered through aerosol inhalation, such as DNA, mRNA, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9. Aerosol delivery of different types of genes has proven to be efficient in the treatment of many diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the ongoing research on aerosol gene delivery therapy, including the basic respiratory system, different types of gene carriers, different types of carried genes and clinical applications.

Neurosurgical gene therapy for central nervous system diseases

Viral vector mediated gene therapies for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions that require neurosurgical administration continue to expand. We systematically reviewed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ClinicalTrials.gov database to identify all clinical trials studying in-vivo viral vector mediated gene therapies targeted to the CNS for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. We isolated studies which delivered therapies using neurosurgical approaches: intracisternal, intraventricular, and/or intraparenchymal. Clinical trials primarily registered in international countries were included if they were referenced by an NIH registered clinical trial. We performed a scoping review to identify the preclinical studies that supported each human clinical trial. Key preclinical and clinical data were aggregated to characterize vector capsid design, delivery methods, gene expression profile, and clinical benefit. A total of 64 clinical trials were identified in active, completed, terminated, and long-term follow-up stages. A range of CNS conditions across pediatric and adult populations are being studied with CNS targeted viral vector gene therapy, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, AADC deficiency, sphingolipidoses, mucopolysaccharidoses, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, spinal muscular atrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, Canavan disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease, Rett syndrome, Dravet syndrome, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, and glutaric acidemia. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) were utilized by the majority of tested therapies, with vector serotypes, regulatory elements, delivery methods, and vector monitoring varying based on the disease being studied. Intraparenchymal delivery has evolved significantly, with MRI-guided convection-enhanced delivery established as a gold standard method for pioneering novel gene targets.

Developing AAV-delivered nonsense suppressor tRNAs for neurological disorders

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is a clinical stage therapeutic modality for neurological disorders. A common genetic defect in myriad monogenic neurological disorders is nonsense mutations that account for about 11% of all human pathogenic mutations. Stop codon readthrough by suppressor transfer RNA (sup-tRNA) has long been sought as a potential gene therapy approach to target nonsense mutations, but hindered by inefficient in vivo delivery. The rapid advances in AAV delivery technology have not only powered gene therapy development but also enabled in vivo preclinical assessment of a range of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as sup-tRNA. Compared with conventional AAV gene therapy that delivers a transgene to produce therapeutic proteins, AAV-delivered sup-tRNA has several advantages, such as small gene sizes and operating within the endogenous gene expression regulation, which are important considerations for treating some neurological disorders. This review will first examine sup-tRNA designs and delivery by AAV vectors. We will then analyze how AAV-delivered sup-tRNA can potentially address some neurological disorders that are challenging to conventional gene therapy, followed by discussing available mouse models of neurological diseases for in vivo preclinical testing. Potential challenges for AAV-delivered sup-tRNA to achieve therapeutic efficacy and safety will also be discussed.

Stem cell therapeutics and gene therapy for neurologic disorders

Rapid advances in biological knowledge and technological innovation have greatly advanced the fields of stem cell and gene therapies to combat a broad spectrum of neurologic disorders. Researchers are currently exploring a variety of stem cell types (e.g., embryonic, progenitor, induced pluripotent) and various transplantation strategies, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Similarly, various gene modification techniques (zinc finger, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9) are employed with various delivery vectors to modify underlying genetic contributors to neurologic disorders. While these two individual fields continue to blaze new trails, it is the combination of these technologies which enables genetically engineered stem cells and vastly increases investigational and therapeutic opportunities. The capability to culture and expand stem cells outside the body, along with their potential to correct genetic abnormalities in patient-derived cells or enhance cells with extra gene products, unleashes the full biological potential for innovative, multifaceted approaches to treat complex neurological disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of stem cell and gene therapies in the context of neurologic disorders, highlighting recent advances and current shortcomings, and discuss prospects for future therapies in clinical settings.

A review of the advances, insights, and prospects of gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A novel target for therapeutic medicine

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still an important issue for scientists because it is difficult to cure with the available molecular medications and conventional treatments. Due to the complex nature of the brain structures and heterogeneous morphological and physiological properties of neuronal cells, interventions for cerebral-related disorders using surgical approaches, and classical and ongoing treatments remain hard for physicians. Furthermore, the development of newly designed medications attempts to target AD are not successful in improving AD, because abnormalities of tau protein, aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, inflammatory responses, etc lead to advanced neurodegeneration processes that conventional treatments cannot stop them. In recent years, novel diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches have been developed to identify and cure early pathological events of AD. Accordingly, many gene-based therapies have been developed and introduce the therapeutic potential to prevent and cure AD. On the other hand, genetic investigations and postmortem assessments have detected a large number of factors associated with AD pathology. Also, genetically diverse animal models of AD help us to detect and prioritize novel resilience mechanisms. Hence, gene therapy can be considered an effective and powerful tool to identify and treat human diseases. Ultimately, gene study and gene-based therapy with a critical role in the detection and cure of various human disorders will have a fundamental role in our lives forever. This scientific review paper discusses the present status of different therapeutic strategies, particularly gene-based therapy in treating AD, along with its challenges.

Novel Gene Therapy Approaches for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focusing on Delivering Neurotrophic Genes

Neurodegenerative illnesses (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington's disease have demonstrated considerable potential for gene therapy as a viable therapeutic intervention. NDDs are marked by the decline of neurons, resulting in changes in both behavior and pathology within the body. Strikingly, only symptomatic management is available without a cure for the NDDs. There is an unmet need for a permanent therapeutic approach. Many studies have been going on to target the newer therapeutic molecular targets for NDDs including gene-based therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to provide therapeutic benefits to a large number of patients with NDDs by offering mechanisms including neuroprotection, neuro-restoration, and rectification of pathogenic pathways. Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to modify the biological characteristics of living cells by controlling the expression of specific genes in certain neurological disorders. Despite being the most complex and well-protected organ in the human body, there is clinical evidence to show that it is possible to specifically target the central nervous system (CNS). This provides hope for the prospective application of gene therapy in treating NDDs in the future. There are several advanced techniques available for using viral or non-viral vectors to deliver the therapeutic gene to the afflicted region. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) in the brain are crucial for the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons in the CNS, making them important in the context of various neurological illnesses. Gene delivery of NTF has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological problems in the brain. This review primarily focuses on the methodologies employed for delivering the genes of different NTFs to treat neurological disorders. These techniques are currently being explored as a viable therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The article exclusively addresses gene delivery approaches and does not cover additional therapy strategies for NDDs. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative treatment for NDDs by stimulating neuronal growth instead of solely relying on symptom relief from drugs and their associated adverse effects. It can serve as a long-lasting and advantageous treatment choice for the management of NDDs. The likelihood of developing NDDs increases with age as a result of neuronal degradation in the brain. Gene therapy is an optimal approach for promoting neuronal growth through the introduction of nerve growth factor genes.

Advanced micro/nano-electroporation for gene therapy: recent advances and future outlook

Gene therapy is a promising disease treatment approach by editing target genes, and thus plays a fundamental role in precision medicine. To ensure gene therapy efficacy, the effective delivery of therapeutic genes into specific cells is a key challenge. Electroporation utilizes short electric pulses to physically break the cell membrane barrier, allowing gene transfer into the cells. It dodges the off-target risks associated with viral vectors, and also stands out from other physical-based gene delivery methods with its high-throughput and cargo-accelerating features. In recent years, with the help of advanced micro/nanotechnology, micro/nanostructure-integrated electroporation (micro/nano-electroporation) techniques and devices have significantly improved cell viability, transfection efficiency and dose controllability of the electroporation strategy, enhancing its application practicality especially in vivo. This technical advancement makes micro/nano-electroporation an effective and versatile tool for gene therapy. In this review, we first introduce the evolution of electroporation technique with a brief explanation of the perforation mechanism, and then provide an overview of the recent advancements and prospects of micro/nano-electroporation technology in the field of gene therapy. To comprehensively showcase the latest developments of micro/nano-electroporation technology in gene therapy, we focus on discussing micro/nano-electroporation devices and current applications at both in vitro and in vivo levels. Additionally, we outline the ongoing clinical studies of gene electrotransfer (GET), revealing the tremendous potential of electroporation-based gene delivery in disease treatment and healthcare. Lastly, the challenges and future directions in this field are discussed.

Emerging Pro-neurogenic Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Pre-clinical and Clinical Research

The neuroscience community has largely accepted the notion that functional neurons can be generated from neural stem cells in the adult brain, especially in two brain regions: the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, impaired neurogenesis has been observed in some neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, and also in Lewy Body dementia. Therefore, restoration of neurogenic function in neurodegenerative diseases emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract, or at least delay, disease progression. Considering this, the present study summarizes the different neuronal niches, provides a collection of the therapeutic potential of different pro-neurogenic strategies in pre-clinical and clinical research, providing details about their possible modes of action, to guide future research and clinical practice.

A novel arylpiperazine derivative (LQFM181) protects against neurotoxicity induced by 3- nitropropionic acid in in vitro and in vivo models

In the pursuit of novel antioxidant therapies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, three new arylpiperazine derivatives (LQFM181, LQFM276, and LQFM277) were synthesized through a molecular hybridization approach involving piribedil and butylated hydroxytoluene lead compounds. To evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of the arylpiperazine derivatives, we employed an integrated approach using both in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) and in vivo (neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in Swiss mice) models. In the in vitro tests, LQFM181 showed the most promising antioxidant activity at the neuronal membrane and cytoplasmic levels, and significant neuroprotective activity against the neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid. Hence, this compound was further subjected to in vivo evaluation, which demonstrated remarkable antioxidant capacity such as reduction of MDA and carbonyl protein levels, increased activities of succinate dehydrogenase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Interestingly, using the same in vivo model, LQFM181 also reduced locomotor behavior and memory dysfunction through its ability to decrease cholinesterase activity. Consequently, LQFM181 emerges as a promising candidate for further investigation into its neuroprotective potential, positioning it as a new therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.

Ceria nanoparticles: biomedical applications and toxicity

Ceria nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have become popular materials in biomedical and industrial fields due to their potential applications in anti-oxidation, cancer therapy, photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, sensors, etc. Many methods, including gas phase, solid phase, liquid phase, and the newly proposed green synthesis method, have been reported for the synthesis of CeO2 NPs. Due to the wide application of CeO2 NPs, concerns about their adverse impacts on human health have been raised. This review covers recent studies on the biomedical applications of CeO2 NPs, including their use in the treatment of various diseases (e.‍g., Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, retinal damage, chronic inflammation, and cancer). CeO2 NP toxicity is discussed in terms of the different systems of the human body (e.‍g., cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity). This comprehensive review covers both fundamental discoveries and exploratory progress in CeO2 NP research that may lead to practical developments in the future.

Epigenetic and gene therapy in human and veterinary medicine

Gene therapy is a focus of interest in both human and veterinary medicine, especially in recent years due to the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Another relatively new approach is that of epigenetic therapy, which involves an intervention based on epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and post-transcription modifications of distinct RNAs. The epigenome results from enzymatic reactions, which regulate gene expression without altering DNA sequences. In contrast to conventional CRISP/Cas9 techniques, the recently established methodology of epigenetic editing mediated by the CRISPR/dCas9 system is designed to target specific genes without causing DNA breaks. Both natural epigenetic processes and epigenetic editing regulate gene expression and thereby contribute to maintaining the balance between physiological functions and pathophysiological states. From this perspective, knowledge of specific epigenetic marks has immense potential in both human and veterinary medicine. For instance, the use of epigenetic drugs (chemical compounds with therapeutic potential affecting the epigenome) seems to be promising for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Also, there is evidence that an epigenetic diet (nutrition-like factors affecting epigenome) should be considered as part of a healthy lifestyle and could contribute to the prevention of pathophysiological processes. In summary, epigenetic-based approaches in human and veterinary medicine have increasing significance in targeting aberrant gene expression associated with various diseases. In this case, CRISPR/dCas9, epigenetic targeting, and some epigenetic nutrition factors could contribute to reversing an abnormal epigenetic landscape to a healthy physiological state.

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 System in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's are some of the most common neurological disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide. Although there have been many treatments for these diseases, there are still no effective treatments to treat or completely stop these disorders. Perhaps the lack of proper treatment for these diseases can be related to various reasons, but the poor results related to recent clinical research also prompted doctors to look for new treatment approaches. In this regard, various researchers from all over the world have provided many new treatments, one of which is CRISPR/Cas9. Today, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is mostly used for genetic modifications in various species. In addition, by using the abilities available in the CRISPR/Cas9 system, researchers can either remove or modify DNA sequences, which in this way can establish a suitable and useful treatment method for the treatment of genetic diseases that have undergone mutations. We conducted a non-systematic review of articles and study results from various databases, including PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, in recent years. and have investigated new treatment methods in neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. Then, in the following sections, the treatment methods were classified into three groups: anti-tau, anti-amyloid, and anti-APOE regimens. Finally, we discussed various applications of the CRISPR/Cas-9 system in Alzheimer's disease. Today, using CRISPR/Cas-9 technology, scientists create Alzheimer's disease models that have a more realistic phenotype and reveal the processes of pathogenesis; following the screening of defective genes, they establish treatments for this disease.

Microglia cells treated with synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide or transduced with LentiVIP protect neuronal cells against degeneration

A common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is neuronal cell death, accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a pleiotropic peptide that combines neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions. The gene therapy field shows long-term promise for treating a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of transduction of microglia using lentiviral gene therapy vectors encoding VIP (LentiVIP). Additionally, we tested the protective effects of the secretome derived from LentiVIP-infected "immortalized human" microglia HMC3 cells, and cells treated with Synthetic VIP (SynVIP), against toxin-induced neurodegeneration. First, LentiVIP, which stably expresses VIP, was generated and purified. VIP secretion in microglial conditioned media (MG CM) for LentiVIP-infected HMC3 microglia cells was confirmed. Microglia cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide, and groups were formed as follows: 1) Control, 2) SynVIP-treated, or 3) LentiVIP-transduced. These MG CM were applied on an in vitro neurodegenerative model formed by differentiated (d)-SH-SY5Y cells. Then, cell survival analysis and apoptotic nuclear staining, besides measurement of oxidative/inflammatory parameters in CM of cells were performed. Activated MG CM reduced survival rates of both control and toxin-applied (d)-SH-SY5Y cells, whereas LentiVIP-infected MG CM and SynVIP-treated ones exhibited better survival rates. These findings were supported by apoptotic nuclear evaluations of (d)-SH-SY5Y cells, alongside oxidative/inflammatory parameters in their CM. LentiVIP seems worthy of further studies for the treatment of ND because of the potential of gene therapy to treat diseases effectively with a single injection.

Unveiling the role of iPLA2β in neurodegeneration: From molecular mechanisms to advanced therapies

Calcium-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β), a member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) superfamily, is encoded by the PLA2G6 gene. Mutations in the PLA2G6 gene have been identified as the primary cause of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and, less commonly, as a contributor to Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have revealed that iPLA2β deficiency leads to neuroinflammation, iron accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, and other pathological changes, forming a complex pathogenic network. These discoveries shed light on potential mechanisms underlying PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) and offer valuable insights for therapeutic development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental characteristics of iPLA2β, its association with neurodegeneration, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in PLAN, and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. It offers an overview of the latest advancements in this field, aiming to contribute to ongoing research endeavors and facilitate the development of effective therapies for PLAN.

An Emerging Approach of Age-Related Hearing Loss Research: Application of Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis

As one of the most common otologic diseases in the elderly, age-related hearing loss (ARHL) usually characterized by hearing loss and cognitive disorders, which have a significant impact on the elderly's physical and mental health and quality of life. However, as a typical disease of aging, it is unclear why aging causes widespread hearing impairment in the elderly. As molecular biological experiments have been conducted for research recently, ARHL is gradually established at various levels with the application and development of integrated multi-omics analysis in the studies of ARHL. Here, the recent progress in the application of multi-omics analysis in the molecular mechanisms of ARHL development and therapeutic regimens, including the combined analysis of different omics, such as transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, to screen for risk sites, risk genes, and differences in lipid metabolism, etc., is outlined and the integrated histological data further promote the profound understanding of the disease process as well as physiological mechanisms of ARHL. The advantages and disadvantages of multi-omics analysis in disease research are also discussed and the authors speculate on the future prospects and applications of this part-to-whole approach, which may provide more comprehensive guidance for ARHL and aging disease prevention and treatment.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction improves the suppression and magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic cancer with polyethyleneimine nanogels

The chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer tumors urgently needs to be addressed. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an abundant stroma, with significant fibrous connective tissue formation that encapsulates the tumor parenchyma and forms an interstitial microenvironment. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in this microenvironment and specially secrete periosteal protein (periostin), which can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Therefore, periostin has become a specific target of chemotherapy resistance intervention methods. The proposed polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanogels have multiple modification and efficient drug-loading properties. Additionally, ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) supports the breakdown of the tough interstitial barrier of pancreatic cancer. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to downregulated the periostin gene, while sustained release of gemcitabine can promote killing of tumor cells. This method achieves a combination of gene silencing and chemotherapy. The imaging effect can be evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ultimate goal of this work is to support individualized and effective therapeutic methods and help develop new strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Impaired brain equanimity and neurogenesis in the diet-induced overweight mouse: a preventive role by syringic acid treatment

OBJECTIVES

In this study mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish diet-induced obesity and syringic acid (SA) was assessed for anti-obese, neuroprotective, and neurogenesis.

METHOD

Animals were given HFD for 12 weeks to measure metabolic characteristics and then put through the Barns-maze and T-maze tests to measure memory. Additionally, the physiology of the blood-brain barrier, oxidative stress parameters, the expression of inflammatory genes, neurogenesis, and histopathology was evaluated in the brain.

RESULT

DIO raised body weight, BMI, and other metabolic parameters after 12 weeks of overfeeding. A reduced spontaneous alternation in behavior (working memory, reference memory, and total time to complete a task), decreased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative biomarkers, increased neurogenesis, and impaired blood-brain barrier were all seen in DIO mice. SA (50 mg/kg) treatment of DIO mice (4 weeks after 8 weeks of HFD feeding) reduced diet-induced changes in lipid parameters associated with obesity, hepatological parameters, memory, blood-brain barrier, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis. SA also reduced the impact of malondialdehyde and enhanced the effects of antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total thiol (MDA). Syringic acid improved neurogenesis, cognition, and the blood-brain barrier while reducing neurodegeneration in the hippocampal area.

DISCUSSION

According to the results of the study, syringic acid therapy prevented neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, DIO, and memory loss. Syringic acid administration may be a useful treatment for obesity, memory loss, and neurogenesis, but more research and clinical testing is needed.

Protective effect of Tetrandrine on optic nerve by inhibiting glial activation through NF-κB pathway

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the effect and molecular mechanism of Tetrandrine (Tet) onlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induceduveitis andoptic nerve injury in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

Uveitis was induced by LPS injected into the hindlimb foot pad of Wistar rats and was intervened by retroeyeball injection of Tet (100 nM, 1 μM or 10 μM).The anterior segment inflammation was observed by slit lamp. Tunelassay was used to detect the survival state of ganglion cells and nuclear layers of inner and outer. The detection of characteristic markers in different activation states of glial cells were performed by qualitative and quantitative test of immunofluorescence and western blotting. Also, western blotting was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in retina and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway. Meanwhile, routine blood test and function of liver and renal were performed.

Results

The ciliary hyperemia was obvious, and the iris vessels were dilated and tortuous in rats with LPS-induced uveitis. Tet-pretreated obviously elieved these symptoms. In addition, the dilation and hyperemia in Tet group were alleviated compared with LPS group, and the inflammatory scores in Tetgroup were significantly lower than those of LPS group. TUNEL Staining showed that the number ofretinal ganglion cell (RGCs) in Tetgroup was slightly less than that in normal group, but significantly more than that in LPS group, and the cells arranged orderly. Besides, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly less than that in LPS group. Tet reduced LPS-activated gliocyte in a dose-dependent manner. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon gamma (γ-IFN) and IL-2 in retina were increased by LPS but decreased significantly viaTet-pretreatment. Moreover, LPS activate NF-κB signal pathway, while Tet efficiently inhibited this effect.Furthermore, injection of Tet did not damage theroutineblood, liver and kidney.

Conclusions

Retrobulbar injection of Tet significantly alleviatedLPS-induced uveitisand optic nerve injuryof rats by activating gliocyte and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Frameless Stereotactic Injections of the Bilateral Cerebellar Dentate Nuclei in Nonhuman Primates: Technical Note

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are important preclinical models for evaluating therapeutics because of their anatomophysiological similarities to humans, and can be especially useful for testing new delivery targets. With the growing promise of cell and gene therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases, it is important to ensure the accurate and safe delivery of these agents to target structures in the brain. However, a standard guideline or method has not been developed for stereotactic targeting in NHPs. In this article, we describe the safe use of a magnetic resonance imaging-guided frameless stereotactic system to target bilateral cerebellar dentate nuclei for accurate, real-time delivery of viral vector in NHPs.

METHODS

Seventeen rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) underwent stereotactic surgery under real-time MRI guidance using the ClearPoint® system. Bilateral cerebellar dentate nuclei were targeted through a single parietal entry point with a transtentorial approach. Fifty microliters of contrast-impregnated infusate was delivered to each dentate nucleus, and adjustments were made as necessary according to real-time MRI monitoring of delivery. Perioperative clinical outcomes and postoperative volumes of distribution were recorded.

RESULTS

All macaques underwent bilateral surgery successfully. Superficial pin site infection occurred in 4/17 (23.5%) subjects, which resolved with antibiotics. Two episodes of transient neurological deficit (anisocoria and unilateral weakness) were recorded, which did not require additional postoperative treatment and resolved over time. Volume of distribution of infusate achieved satisfactory coverage of target dentate nuclei, and only 1 incidence (2.9%) of cerebrospinal fluid penetration was recorded. Mean volume of distribution was 161.22 ± 39.61 mm3 (left, 173.65 ± 48.29; right, 148.80 ± 23.98).

CONCLUSION

MRI-guided frameless stereotactic injection of bilateral cerebellar dentate nuclei in NHPs is safe and feasible. The use of this technique enables real-time modification of the surgical plan to achieve adequate target coverage and can be readily translated to clinical use.

Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy for Epilepsy: What Does the Future Hold?

In recent years, many pre-clinical studies have tested gene therapy approaches as possible treatments for epilepsy, following the idea that they may provide an alternative to conventional pharmacological and surgical options. Multiple gene therapy approaches have been developed, including those based on anti-sense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, and viral vectors. In this opinion article, we focus on translational issues related to viral vector-mediated gene therapy for epilepsy. Research has advanced dramatically in addressing issues like viral vector optimization, target identification, strategies of gene expression, editing or regulation, and safety. Some of these pre-clinically validated potential gene therapies are now being tested in clinical trials, in patients with genetic or focal forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. Here, we discuss the ongoing translational research and the advancements that are needed and expected in the near future. We then describe the clinical trials in the pipeline and the further challenges that will need to be addressed at the clinical and economic levels. Our optimistic view is that all these issues and challenges can be overcome, and that gene therapy approaches for epilepsy will soon become a clinical reality.

The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma: the dream that has not come true yet

Gene therapies, despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach, have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma. Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease, the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, especially, in intraocular-pressure-independent manner. The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tropism to retinal ganglion cells, resulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile. The gene therapy studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy, like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model. Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors (i.e., brain derived neurotrophic factor, and its receptor TrkB), regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration (i.e., Bcl-xl, Xiap, FAS system, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2, Digit3 and Sarm1), immunomodulation (i.e., Crry, C3 complement), modulation of neuroinflammation (i.e., erythropoietin), reduction of excitotoxicity (i.e., CamKIIα) and transcription regulation (i.e., Max, Nrf2). On the other hand, some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intraocular pressure, by impacting genes involved in both, decreasing aqueous humor production (i.e., aquaporin 1), and increasing outflow facility (i.e., COX2, prostaglandin F2α receptor, RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway, MMP1, Myocilin). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.

Nano biomaterials based strategies for enhanced brain targeting in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: an up-to-date perspective

Neurons and their connecting axons gradually degenerate in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), leading to dysfunctionality of the neuronal cells and eventually their death. Drug delivery for the treatment of effected nervous system is notoriously complicated because of the presence of natural barriers, i.e., the blood-brain barrier and the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Palliative care is currently the standard care for many diseases. Therefore, treatment programs that target the disease's origin rather than its symptoms are recommended. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery platforms offer an innovative way to circumvent these obstacles and deliver medications directly to the central nervous system, thereby enabling treatment of several common neurological problems, i.e., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interestingly, the combination of nanomedicine and gene therapy enables targeting of selective mutant genes responsible for the progression of NDs, which may provide a much-needed boost in the struggle against these diseases. Herein, we discussed various central nervous system delivery obstacles, followed by a detailed insight into the recently developed techniques to restore neurological function via the differentiation of neural stem cells. Moreover, a comprehensive background on the role of nanomedicine in controlling neurogenesis via differentiation of neural stem cells is explained. Additionally, numerous phytoconstituents with their neuroprotective properties and molecular targets in the identification and management of NDs are also deliberated. Furthermore, a detailed insight of the ongoing clinical trials and currently marketed products for the treatment of NDs is provided in this manuscript.

Stem cells in central nervous system diseases: Promising therapeutic strategies

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are a leading cause of death and disability. Due to CNS neurons have no self-renewal and regenerative ability as they mature, their loss after injury or disease is irreversible and often leads to functional impairments. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for CNS diseases are still limited, and effective treatments for these notorious diseases are warranted to be explored. At present, stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of CNS diseases. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidences have demonstrated that multiple molecular mechanisms, such as cell replacement, immunoregulation and neurotrophic effect, underlie the use of stem cell therapy for CNS diseases. However, several issues have yet to be addressed to support its clinical application. Thus, this review article aims to summarize the role and underlying mechanisms of stem cell therapy in treating CNS diseases. And it is worthy of further evaluation for the potential therapeutic applications of stem cell treatment in CNS disease.

Nano-drug delivery system targeting tumor microenvironment: A prospective strategy for melanoma treatment

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of cutaneous malignancy arising from melanocytes, is frequently characterized by metastasis. Despite considerable progress in melanoma therapies, patients with advanced-stage disease often have a poor prognosis due to the limited efficacy, off-target effects, and toxicity associated with conventional drugs. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges with nanoparticles capable of delivering therapeutic agents specifically to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the clinical approval of nanomedicines for melanoma treatment remains limited, necessitating further research to develop nanoparticles with improved biocompatibility and precise targeting capabilities. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the current research on nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment, focusing on liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles. It discusses the potential of these nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, as well as their ability to enhance the efficacy of conventional drugs while minimizing toxicity. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from various fields to advance the development of nanomedicines. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the potential of nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment and offers insights into future directions for research in this field.

Multifunctional fibers enable modulation of cortical and deep brain activity during cognitive behavior in macaques

Recording and modulating neural activity in vivo enables investigations of the neurophysiology underlying behavior and disease. However, there is a dearth of translational tools for simultaneous recording and localized receptor-specific modulation. We address this limitation by translating multifunctional fiber neurotechnology previously only available for rodent studies to enable cortical and subcortical neural recording and modulation in macaques. We record single-neuron and broader oscillatory activity during intracranial GABA infusions in the premotor cortex and putamen. By applying state-space models to characterize changes in electrophysiology, we uncover that neural activity evoked by a working memory task is reshaped by even a modest local inhibition. The recordings provide detailed insight into the electrophysiological effect of neurotransmitter receptor modulation in both cortical and subcortical structures in an awake macaque. Our results demonstrate a first-time application of multifunctional fibers for causal studies of neuronal activity in behaving nonhuman primates and pave the way for clinical translation of fiber-based neurotechnology.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome: A monogenic type I interferonopathy

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare monogenic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the brains of children patients. Its main clinical features include encephalatrophy, basal ganglia calcification, leukoencephalopathy, lymphocytosis and increased interferon-α (IFN-α) levels in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. AGS may be caused by mutations in any one of nine genes (TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR1, IFIH1, LSM11 and RNU7-1) that result in accumulation of self-nucleic acids in the cytoplasm or aberrant sensing of self-nucleic acids. This triggers overproduction of type I interferons (IFNs) and subsequently causes AGS, the prototype of type I interferonopathies. This review describes the discovery history of AGS with various genotypes and provides the latest knowledge of clinical manifestations and causative genes of AGS. The relationship between AGS and type I interferonopathy and potential therapeutic methods for AGS are also discussed in this review.

The role of microRNAs in neurobiology and pathophysiology of the hippocampus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding and well-conserved RNAs that are linked to many aspects of development and disorders. MicroRNAs control the expression of genes related to different biological processes and play a prominent role in the harmonious expression of many genes. During neural development of the central nervous system, miRNAs are regulated in time and space. In the mature brain, the dynamic expression of miRNAs continues, highlighting their functional importance in neurons. The hippocampus, as one of the crucial brain structures, is a key component of major functional connections in brain. Gene expression abnormalities in the hippocampus lead to disturbance in neurogenesis, neural maturation and synaptic formation. These disturbances are at the root of several neurological disorders and behavioral deficits, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and schizophrenia. There is strong evidence that abnormalities in miRNAs are contributed in neurodegenerative mechanisms in the hippocampus through imbalanced activity of ion channels, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and neuronal apoptosis. Some miRNAs affect oxidative stress, inflammation, neural differentiation, migration and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, major signaling cascades in neurodegeneration, such as NF-Kβ signaling, PI3/Akt signaling and Notch pathway, are closely modulated by miRNAs. These observations, suggest that microRNAs are significant regulators in the complicated network of gene regulation in the hippocampus. In the current review, we focus on the miRNA functional role in the progression of normal development and neurogenesis of the hippocampus. We also consider how miRNAs in the hippocampus are crucial for gene expression mechanisms in pathophysiological pathways.

Prospects for Nerve Regeneration and Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent neurological disorder and a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The high mortality rates result in a tremendous burden on society and families in terms of public health and economic costs. Despite advances in biomedical research, treatment options for TBI still remain limited, and there is no effective therapy to restore the structure and function of the injured brain. Regrettably, due to the excessive heterogeneity of TBI and the lack of objective and reliable efficacy evaluation indicators, no proven therapeutic drugs or drugs with clear benefits on functional outcomes have been successfully developed to date. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new therapeutic approaches to protect or regenerate the injured brain from different perspectives. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the causes and current status of TBI and then summarize the preclinical and clinical research status of cutting-edge treatment methods, including nerve regeneration therapy and gene therapy, with the aim of providing valuable references for effective therapeutic strategies for TBI.

A Biosafety Study of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Transduced with Adenoviral Vector Carrying Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor cDNA In Vitro

The biosafety of gene therapy remains a crucial issue for both the direct and cell-mediated delivery of recombinant cDNA encoding biologically active molecules for the pathogenetic correction of congenital or acquired disorders. The diversity of vector systems and cell carriers for the delivery of therapeutic genes revealed the difficulty of developing and implementing a safe and effective drug containing artificial genetic material for the treatment of human diseases in practical medicine. Therefore, in this study we assessed changes in the transcriptome and secretome of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MCs) genetically modified using adenoviral vector (Ad5) carrying cDNA encoding human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) or reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP). A preliminary analysis of UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5-VEGF165 and Ad5-GFP with MOI of 10 showed efficient transgene expression in gene-modified UCB-MCs at mRNA and protein levels. The whole transcriptome sequencing of native UCB-MCs, UCB-MC+Ad5-VEGF165, and UCB-MC+Ad5-GFP demonstrated individual sample variability rather than the effect of Ad5 or the expression of recombinant vegf165 on UCB-MC transcriptomes. A multiplex secretome analysis indicated that neither the transduction of UCB-MCs with Ad5-GFP nor with Ad5-VEGF165 affects the secretion of the studied cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors by gene-modified cells. Here, we show that UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5 carrying cDNA encoding human VEGF165 efficiently express transgenes and preserve transcriptome and secretome patterns. This data demonstrates the biosafety of using UCB-MCs as cell carriers of therapeutic genes.

New strategies of neurodegenerative disease treatment with extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and intricate interactions between different cell types within the affected regions. Reliable biomarkers that can accurately reflect disease activity, diagnose, and monitor the progression of neurodegenerative diseases are crucial for the development of effective therapies. However, identifying suitable biomarkers has been challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of these diseases, affecting specific subsets of neurons in different brain regions. One promising approach for promoting brain regeneration and recovery involves the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have demonstrated the ability to modulate the immune system, promote neurite outgrowth, stimulate angiogenesis, and repair damaged tissues, partially through the release of their extracellular vesicles (EVs). MSC-derived EVs retain some of the therapeutic characteristics of their parent MSCs, including their ability to regulate neurite outgrowth, promote angiogenesis, and facilitate tissue repair. This review aims to explore the potential of MSC-derived EVs as an emerging therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their role in modulating disease progression and promoting neuronal recovery. By elucidating the mechanisms by which MSC-derived EVs exert their therapeutic effects, we can advance our understanding and leverage their potential for the development of novel treatment approaches in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.

Progress and prospects of gene therapy in ophthalmology from 2000 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Gene therapy is a treatment approach at the genetic level, which brings great advances in many diseases and develops rapidly in recent years. Currently, its mechanism of action is mainly through the replacement of missing or defective genes, or the reduction of harmful gene products. However, the application of gene therapy in ophthalmology remains limited.

Methods

A total of 1143 articles and reviews published in the field of ocular gene therapies were found in the Web of Science Core Collection database and used for the bibliometric analysis. CiteSpace was mainly applied to the network analysis of countries, institutions, keywords, and dual-map overlay of journals. The visual analysis of authors, journals, and references was used by VOSviewer. The geographical distribution of publications was conducted by R language.

Results

The annual publications are increasing in general. Currently, the USA and the UK are two main sources of publications in this field. Switzerland, Denmark, and Finland are the top 3 countries that establish the most cooperation and exchanges with other countries or regions. The most cited and co-cited journal in this field is Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Gene therapy studies for eye diseases are mainly focused on retinal dysfunctions by the analysis of references, keywords, and counting of original research, including Leber's congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa.

Conclusion

This study used bibliometrics to analyze overall characteristics and put forward prospects for the future in the field of gene therapy in ophthalmology. Ocular diseases, especially hereditary retinal diseases, will be the major focus of gene therapy in the future.

The Emerging Role of Autophagy-Associated lncRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) have become a significant global public health problem and a major societal burden. The World Health Organization predicts that NDDs will overtake cancer as the second most common cause of human mortality within 20 years. Thus, it is urgently important to identify pathogenic and diagnostic molecular markers related to neurodegenerative processes. Autophagy is a powerful process for removing aggregate-prone proteins in neurons; defects in autophagy are often associated with the pathogenesis of NDDs. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested as key regulators in neurodevelopment; aberrant regulation of lncRNAs contributes to neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the study of lncRNAs and autophagy in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The information presented here should provide guidance for future in-depth investigations of neurodegenerative processes and related diagnostic molecular markers and treatment targets.

Recent advances in novel mutation genes of Parkinson's disease

With increasing life expectancy, a growing number of individuals are being affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD), a Neurodegenerative Disease (ND). Approximately, 5-10% of PD is explained by genetic causes linked to known PD genes. With improvements in genetic testing and high-throughput technologies, more PD-associated susceptibility genes have been reported in recent years. However, a comprehensive review of the pathogenic mechanisms and physiological roles of these genes is still lacking. This article reviews novel genes with putative or confirmed pathogenic mutations in PD reported since 2019, summarizes the physiological functions and potential associations with PD. Newly reported PD-related genes include ANK2, DNAH1, STAB1, NOTCH2NLC, UQCRC1, ATP10B, TFG, CHMP1A, GIPC1, KIF21B, KIF24, SLC25A39, SPTBN1 and TOMM22. However, the evidence for pathogenic effects of many of these genes is inconclusive. A variety of novel PD-associated genes have been identified through clinical cases of PD patients and analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). However, more evidence is needed in confirm the strong association of novel genes with disease.

Psychosocial Basis of Human Sufferings and Poverty in Patients with Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Neurological disorders and psychiatric ailments often lead to cognitive disabilities and low attainment of education, pivoting misconceptions, myths, and misbeliefs. Poverty and low educational attainment are intriguingly associated with poor awareness and perception of these diseases that add to the suffering. Poverty goes parallel with a low level of education and is intricately associated with neuropsychiatric ailments, which have the potential to spread transgenerationally. Robust education policies, proper government rules and regulations against the spread of disease-related myths and misconceptions, uplifting medical education in its true sense, voices against consanguinity, and programs to raise scientific perception about diseases can help to throw light at the end of this dark tunnel. In this article, the authors intend to 1) decipher the potential psychosocial basis of human suffering and poverty in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, and 2) discuss the apropos way-outs that would potentially mitigate suffering, and alleviate the economic burden and cognitive disabilities of families with neuropsychiatric diseases.

Multifunctionalized Cationic Chitosan Polymeric Micelles Polyplexed with pVGF for Noninvasive Delivery to the Mouse Brain through the Intranasal Route for Developing Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease

Multifunctionalized Chitosan-based polymeric micelles were used to deliver pVGF to the brain. VGF (non-acronymic) plays significant roles in neurogenesis and learning as well as synaptic and cognitive functions. Therefore, VGF gene therapy could be a better approach in developing effective therapeutics against Alzheimer's disease. Multifunctionalized chitosan polymeric micelles were developed by grafting oleic acid (OA) on the chitosan (CS) skeleton followed by penetratin (PEN) and mannose (MAN) conjugation. The OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN graft polymer formed cationic nanomicelles in an aqueous medium and polyplexed with pVGF. The polymeric micelles were nontoxic and cationic in charge and had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 199.8 ± 15.73 nm. Qualitative in vitro transfection efficiency of OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pGFP polyplex was investigated in bEnd.3, primary neurons, and astrocyte cells. In vivo transfection efficiency of OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF polyplexes was analyzed in C57BL6/J mice after intranasal administration for 7 days. The VGF expression levels in primary astrocytes and neurons after OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF treatment were 2.4 ± 0.24 and 1.49 ± 0.02 pg/μg of protein, respectively. The VGF expression in the OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF polyplex-treated animal group was 64.9 ± 12.7 pg/mg of protein, significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the unmodified polymeric micelles. The in vivo transfection outcomes revealed that the developed multifunctionalized OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN polymeric micelles could effectively deliver pVGF to the brain, transfect brain cells, and express VGF in the brain after noninvasive intranasal administration.

BBB opening with focused ultrasound in nonhuman primates and Parkinson's disease patients: Targeted AAV vector delivery and PET imaging

Intracerebral vector delivery in nonhuman primates has been a major challenge. We report successful blood-brain barrier opening and focal delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors into brain regions involved in Parkinson's disease using low-intensity focus ultrasound in adult macaque monkeys. Openings were well tolerated with generally no associated abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signals. Neuronal green fluorescent protein expression was observed specifically in regions with confirmed blood-brain barrier opening. Similar blood-brain barrier openings were safely demonstrated in three patients with Parkinson's disease. In these patients and in one monkey, blood-brain barrier opening was followed by ¹⁸F-Choline uptake in the putamen and midbrain regions based on positron emission tomography. This indicates focal and cellular binding of molecules that otherwise would not enter the brain parenchyma. The less-invasive nature of this methodology could facilitate focal viral vector delivery for gene therapy and might allow early and repeated interventions to treat neurodegenerative disorders.

Gene Therapy Strategies Targeting Aging-Related Diseases

Rapid advancements have taken place in gene therapy technology. However, effective methods for treating aging- or age-related chronic diseases, which are often closely related to genes or even multiple genes, are still lacking. The path to developing cures is winding, while gene therapy that targets genes related to aging represents an exciting research direction with tremendous potential. Among aging-related genes, some candidates have been studied at different levels, from cell to organismal levels (e.g., mammalian models) with different methods, from overexpression to gene editing. The TERT and APOE have even entered the stage of clinical trials. Even those displaying only a preliminary association with diseases have potential applications. This article discusses the foundations and recent breakthroughs in the field of gene therapy, providing a summary of current mainstream strategies and gene therapy products with clinical and preclinical applications. Finally, we review representative target genes and their potential for treating aging or age-related diseases.

A neuron-specific Isca1 knockout rat developments multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes

BACKGROUND

Multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes (MMDS) are rare mitochondrial diseases caused by mutation of mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster synthesis proteins. This study established a rat model simulating MMDS5 disease in the nervous system to investigate its pathological features and neuronal death.

METHODS

We generated neuron-specific Isca1 knockout rat (Isca1^flox/flox -NeuN-Cre) using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The brain structure changes of CKO rats were studied with MRI, and the behavior abnormalities were analyzed through gait analysis and open field tests, Y maze tests and food maze tests. The pathological changes of neurons were analyzed through H&E staining, Nissl staining, and Golgi staining. Mitochondrial damage was assessed by TEM, western blot and ATP assay, and the morphology of neurons was assessed by WGA immunofluorescence to detect the death of neurons.

RESULTS

This study established the disease model of MMDS5 in the nervous system for the first time, and found that after Isca1 loss, the rats suffered from developmental retardation, epilepsy, memory impairment, massive neuronal death, reduced number of Nissl bodies and dendritic spines, mitochondrial fragmentation, cristae fracture, reduced content of respiratory chain complex protein, and reduced production of ATP. Isca1 knockout caused neuronal oncosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This rat model can be used to study the pathogenesis of MMDS. In addition, compared with human MMDS5, the rat model can survive up to 8 weeks of age, effectively extending the window of clinical treatment research, and can be used for the treatment of neurological symptoms in other mitochondrial diseases.

AAV vectors applied to the treatment of CNS disorders: Clinical status and challenges

In recent years, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become the most important vector for central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy. AAV has already shown promising results in the clinic, for several CNS diseases that cannot be treated with drugs, including neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and lysosomal storage disorders. Currently, three of the four commercially available AAV-based drugs focus on neurological disorders, including Upstaza for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency, Luxturna for hereditary retinal dystrophy, and Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy. All these studies have provided paradigms for AAV-based therapeutic intervention platforms. AAV gene therapy, with its dual promise of targeting disease etiology and enabling 'long-term correction' of disease processes, has the advantages of immune privilege, high delivery efficiency, tissue specificity, and cell tropism in the CNS. Although AAV-based gene therapy has been shown to be effective in most CNS clinical trials, limitations have been observed in its clinical applications, which are often associated with side effects. In this review, we summarized the therapeutic progress, challenges, limitations, and solutions for AAV-based gene therapy in 14 types of CNS diseases. We focused on viral vector technologies, delivery routes, immunosuppression, and other relevant clinical factors. We also attempted to integrate several hurdles faced in clinical and preclinical studies with their solutions, to seek the best path forward for the application of AAV-based gene therapy in the context of CNS diseases. We hope that these thoughtful recommendations will contribute to the efficient translation of preclinical studies and wide application of clinical trials.

Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier for Gene Therapy via Systemic Administration of GSH-Responsive Silica Nanocapsules

CRISPR genome editing can potentially treat the root causes of many genetic diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the promise of brain-targeted therapeutic genome editing relies on the efficient delivery of biologics bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which represents a major challenge in the development of CRISPR therapeutics. We created and screened a library of glutathione (GSH)-responsive silica nanocapsules (SNCs) for brain targeted delivery of biologics via systemic administration. In vivo studies demonstrate that systemically delivered SNCs conjugated with glucose and rabies virus glycoprotein peptide under glycemic control can efficiently bypass the intact BBB, enabling brain-wide delivery of various biologics including CRISPR genome editors targeting different genes in both Ai14 reporter mice and wild-type mice. In particular, up to 28% neuron editing via systemic delivery of Cre mRNA in Ai14 mice, up to 6.1% amyloid precursor protein (App) gene editing (resulting in 19.1% reduction in the expression level of intact APP), and up to 3.9% tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) gene editing (resulting in 30.3% reduction in the expression level of TH) in wild-type mice are observed. This versatile SNC nanoplatform may offer a novel strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.