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Mével M, Pichard V, Bouzelha M, Alvarez-Dorta D, Lalys PA, Provost N, Allais M, Mendes A, Landagaray E, Ducloyer JB, Toublanc E, Galy A, Brument N, Lefevre GM, Gouin SG, Isiegas C, Le Meur G, Cronin T, Le Guiner C, Weber M, Moullier P, Ayuso E, Deniaud D, Adjali O. Mannose-coupled AAV2: A second-generation AAV vector for increased retinal gene therapy efficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101187. [PMID: 38327809 PMCID: PMC10847035 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases are a leading and untreatable cause of blindness and are therefore candidate diseases for gene therapy. Recombinant vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (rAAV) are currently the most promising vehicles for in vivo therapeutic gene delivery to the retina. However, there is a need for novel AAV-based vectors with greater efficacy for ophthalmic applications, as underscored by recent reports of dose-related inflammatory responses in clinical trials of rAAV-based ocular gene therapies. Improved therapeutic efficacy of vectors would allow for decreases in the dose delivered, with consequent reductions in inflammatory reactions. Here, we describe the development of new rAAV vectors using bioconjugation chemistry to modify the rAAV capsid, thereby improving the therapeutic index. Covalent coupling of a mannose ligand, via the formation of a thiourea bond, to the amino groups of the rAAV capsid significantly increases vector transduction efficiency of both rat and nonhuman primate retinas. These optimized rAAV vectors have important implications for the treatment of a wide range of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mével
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Pichard
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Mohammed Bouzelha
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Nathalie Provost
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Marine Allais
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Alexandra Mendes
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | | | - Jean-Baptiste Ducloyer
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Estelle Toublanc
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Anne Galy
- Coave Therapeutics (formerly, Horama), 75012 Paris, France
| | - Nicole Brument
- Coave Therapeutics (formerly, Horama), 75012 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Carolina Isiegas
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Guylène Le Meur
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Thérèse Cronin
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Michel Weber
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Moullier
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Eduard Ayuso
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - David Deniaud
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM UMR 6230, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, TaRGeT-Translational Research in Gene Therapy Laboratory, 44200 Nantes, France
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2
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McGrady NR, Boal AM, Risner ML, Taiel M, Sahel JA, Calkins DJ. Ocular stress enhances contralateral transfer of lenadogene nolparvovec gene therapy through astrocyte networks. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2005-2013. [PMID: 37016579 PMCID: PMC10362393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenadogene nolparvovec (GS010) was developed to treat a point mutation in mitochondrial ND4 that causes Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. GS010 delivers human cDNA encoding wild-type ND4 packaged into an rAAV2/2 vector that transduces retinal ganglion cells, to induce allotopic expression of hybrid mitochondrial ND4. GS010 clinical trials improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) up to 5 years after treatment. Interestingly, unilateral treatment improved BCVA bilaterally. Subsequent studies revealed GS010 DNA in visual tissues contralateral to the injected eye, suggesting migration. Here we tested whether unilateral intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation could influence the transfer of viral ND4 RNA in contralateral tissues after GS010 delivery to the IOP-elevated eye and probed a potential mechanism mediating translocation in mice. We found IOP elevation enhanced viral ND4 RNA transcripts in contralateral visual tissues, including retinas. Using conditional transgenic mice, we depleted astrocytic gap junction connexin 43 (Cx43), required for distant redistribution of metabolic resources between astrocytes during stress. After unilateral IOP elevation and GS010 injection, Cx43 knockdown eradicated ND4 RNA transcript detection in contralateral retinal tissues, while transcript was still detectable in optic nerves. Overall, our study indicates long-range migration of GS010 product to contralateral visual tissues is enhanced by Cx43-linked astrocyte networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew M Boal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Jose A Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; Fondation Ophtalmologique A. de Rothschild, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire FOReSIGHT, INSERM-DGOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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3
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Hakim A, Guido B, Narsineni L, Chen DW, Foldvari M. Gene therapy strategies for glaucoma from IOP reduction to retinal neuroprotection: progress towards non-viral systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114781. [PMID: 36940751 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the result of the gradual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) whose axons form the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factors thatcontributes to RGC apoptosis and axonal loss at the lamina cribrosa, resulting in progressive reduction and eventual anterograde-retrograde transport blockade of neurotrophic factors. Current glaucoma management mainly focuses on pharmacological or surgical lowering of IOP, to manage the only modifiable risk factor. Although IOP reduction delays disease progression, it does not address previous and ongoing optic nerve degeneration. Gene therapy is a promising direction to control or modify genes involved in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Both viral and non-viral gene therapy delivery systems are emerging as promising alternatives or add-on therapies to traditional treatments for improving IOP control and provide neuroprotection. The specific spotlight on non-viral gene delivery systems shows further progress towards improving the safety of gene therapy and implementing neuroprotection by targeting specific tissues and cells in the eye and specifically in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Hakim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Benjamin Guido
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Lokesh Narsineni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Ding-Wen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1; Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1.
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4
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Gallego I, Villate-Beitia I, Saenz-Del-Burgo L, Puras G, Pedraz JL. Therapeutic Opportunities and Delivery Strategies for Brain Revascularization in Stroke, Neurodegeneration, and Aging. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:439-461. [PMID: 35302047 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases, especially acute ischemic events and neurodegenerative disorders, constitute a public health problem with no effective treatments to allow a persistent solution. Failed therapies targeting neuronal recovery have revealed the multifactorial and intricate pathophysiology underlying such CNS disorders as ischemic stroke, Alzheimeŕs disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, vascular Parkisonism, vascular dementia, and aging, in which cerebral microvasculature impairment seems to play a key role. In fact, a reduction in vessel density and cerebral blood flow occurs in these scenarios, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and leading to loss of cognitive function. In this review, we provide an overview of healthy brain microvasculature structure and function in health and the effect of the aforementioned cerebral CNS diseases. We discuss the emerging new therapeutic opportunities, and their delivery approaches, aimed at recovering brain vascularization in this context. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The lack of effective treatments, mainly focused on neuron recovery, has prompted the search of other therapies to treat cerebral central nervous system diseases. The disruption and degeneration of cerebral microvasculature has been evidenced in neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and aging, constituting a potential target for restoring vascularization, neuronal functioning, and cognitive capacities by the development of therapeutic pro-angiogenic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Gallego
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P); Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.); and Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.)
| | - Ilia Villate-Beitia
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P); Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.); and Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.)
| | - Laura Saenz-Del-Burgo
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P); Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.); and Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.)
| | - Gustavo Puras
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P); Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.); and Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.)
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P); Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.); and Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (I.G., I.V.-B., L.S.-B., G.P., J.L.P.)
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5
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Zhang F, Wu LB, Yu Q, Wang MJ, Zeng XL, Wei XT, Wu ZJ, Cai RL, Hu L. Neurotropic Viruses as a Tool for Neural Circuit-Tracing. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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6
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Ducloyer JB, Le Meur G, Cronin T, Adjali O, Weber M. La thérapie génique des rétinites pigmentaires héréditaires. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:607-615. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Les rétinites pigmentaires, ou dystrophies rétiniennes héréditaires, sont des maladies dégénératives cécitantes d’origine génétique. La thérapie génique est une approche révolutionnaire en plein essor qui ouvre la voie au traitement de maladies jusqu’ici incurables. Une thérapie génique, le Luxturna®, a obtenu une autorisation de mise sur le marché par la FDA (Food and Drug Administration) fin 2017 et l’EMA (European Medicines Agency) fin 2018. Ce traitement, à l’efficacité démontrée, destiné aux patients porteurs d’une amaurose congénitale de Leber ou d’une rétinopathie pigmentaire en lien avec une mutation bi-allélique du gène RPE65, apporte beaucoup plus de questions que de réponses. Nous présentons, dans cette revue, les avancées actuelles, puis les défis technologiques, économiques et éthiques à surmonter pour que la thérapie génique améliore nos pratiques médicales.
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Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Gallego I, Villate-Beitia I, Martínez-Navarrete G, Menéndez M, López-Méndez T, Soto-Sánchez C, Zárate J, Puras G, Fernández E, Pedraz JL. Non-viral vectors based on cationic niosomes and minicircle DNA technology enhance gene delivery efficiency for biomedical applications in retinal disorders. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 17:308-318. [PMID: 30790710 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Low transfection efficiency is a major challenge to overcome in non-viral approaches to reach clinical practice. Our aim was to explore new strategies to achieve more efficient non-viral gene therapies for clinical applications and in particular, for retinal diseases. Cationic niosomes and three GFP-encoding genetic materials consisting on minicircle (2.3 kb), its parental plasmid (3.5 kb) and a larger plasmid (5.5 kb) were combined to form nioplexes. Once fully physicochemically characterized, in vitro experiments in ARPE-19 retina epithelial cells showed that transfection efficiency of minicircle nioplexes doubled that of plasmids ones, maintaining good cell viability in all cases. Transfections in retinal primary cells and injections of nioplexes in rat retinas confirmed the higher capacity of cationic niosomes vectoring minicircle to deliver the genetic material into retina cells. Therefore, nioplexes based on cationic niosomes vectoring minicircle DNA represent a potential tool for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Gallego
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ilia Villate-Beitia
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Gema Martínez-Navarrete
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Margarita Menéndez
- Rocasolano Physical Chemistry Institute, Superior Council of Scientific Investigations (IQFR-CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Tania López-Méndez
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Cristina Soto-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Jon Zárate
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Gustavo Puras
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Eduardo Fernández
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
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9
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Barani M, Nematollahi MH, Zaboli M, Mirzaei M, Torkzadeh-Mahani M, Pardakhty A, Karam GA. In silico and in vitro study of magnetic niosomes for gene delivery: The effect of ergosterol and cholesterol. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2018; 94:234-246. [PMID: 30423705 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A low transfection efficiency and failure to deliver therapeutic genes to target organs limit the use of vesicular systems in gene therapy. In this study, magnetic niosomes were used to improve transfection efficiency and overcome limitations. In this light, Tween 60 and Span 60 molecules were employed as the bilayer component and ergosterol and/or cholesterol as membrane-stabilizing agents. We studied the structural and dynamical properties of cholesterol-containing niosomes (ST60/Chol) and ergosterol-containing vesicles (ST60/Ergo) using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. In in vitro experiments, the protamine-condensed DNA along with magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and incorporated into the niosome to form magnetic niosome-entrapped protamine-condensed DNA (M-NPD). The MD simulation comparison of two bilayers showed that the ST60/Ergo vesicles have better properties for gene delivery. Our in vitro results confirmed the in silico results and revealed that Ergo-niosomes have smaller size, better polydispersity, and slower release of plasmid than Chol-niosome. Moreover, M-NPD-Ergo showed higher cellular uptake and gene expresssion in HEK-293T cell line compared to M-NPD-Chol vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Barani
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Zaboli
- Department of chemistry, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzaei
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Torkzadeh-Mahani
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Asadi Karam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A 165 Expression Induces the Mouse Model of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090438. [PMID: 30200369 PMCID: PMC6162490 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression induces age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a common vision-threatening disease due to choroidal neovascularization and a fibrovascular membrane. We describe a mouse model of neovascular AMD with the local expression of human VEGF-A165 in the eye. We use a transgenic mouse in which human VEGF-A165 has been silenced with the loxP-STOP fragment. The choroidal neovascularization and human VEGF-A165 expression in the mouse are induced by subretinal adenoviral Cre gene delivery. Cre gene transfer is compared with adenoviral LacZ gene transfer control. We characterize the AMD phenotype and changes in the vasculature by using fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and immunohistochemistry. At early time points, mice exhibit increases in retinal thickness (348 ± 114 µm vs. 231 ± 32 µm) and choroidal neovascularization area (12000 ± 15174 µm² vs. 2169 ± 3495 µm²) compared with the control. At later time points, choroidal neovascularization develops into subretinal fibrovascular membrane. Human VEGF-A165 expression lasts several weeks. In conclusion, the retinas display vascular abnormalities consistent with choroidal neovascularization. Together with immunohistochemical findings, these changes resemble clinical AMD-like ocular pathologies. We conclude that this mouse model of Cre-induced choroidal neovascularization is useful for mimicking the pathogenesis of AMD, studying the effects of human VEGF-A165 in the retina, and evaluating anti-VEGF treatments for choroidal neovascularization.
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Ezra-Elia R, Obolensky A, Ejzenberg A, Ross M, Mintz D, Banin E, Ofri R. Can an in vivo imaging system be used to determine localization and biodistribution of AAV5-mediated gene expression following subretinal and intravitreal delivery in mice? Exp Eye Res 2018; 176:227-234. [PMID: 30171858 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno associated viruses (AAV) are the most commonly used vectors in animal model studies of gene therapy for retinal diseases. The ability of a vector to localize and remain in the target tissue, and in this manner to avoid off-target effects beyond the site of delivery, is critical to the efficacy and safety of the treatment. The in vivo imaging system (IVIS) is a non-invasive imaging tool used for detection and quantification of bioluminescence activity in rodents. Our aim was to investigate whether IVIS can detect localization and biodistribution of AAV5 vector in mice following subretinal (SR) and intravitreal (IVT) injections. AAV5 carrying firefly luciferase DNA under control of the ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter was injected unilaterally IVT or SR (in the central or peripheral retina) of forty-one mice. Luciferase activity was tracked for up to 60 weeks in the longest surviving animals, using repeated (up to 12 times) IVIS bioluminescence imaging. Luciferase presence was also confirmed immunohistochemically (IHC) and by PCR in representative animals. In the SR group, IVIS readings demonstrated luciferase activity in all (32/32) eyes, and luciferase presence was confirmed by IHC (4/4 eyes) and PCR (12/12 eyes). In the IVT group, IVIS readings demonstrated luciferase activity in 7/9 eyes, and luciferase presence was confirmed by PCR in 5/5 eyes and by IHC (2/2 eyes). In two SR-injected animals (one each from the central and peripheral injection sites), PCR detected luciferase presence in the ipsilateral optic nerves, a finding that was not detected by IVIS or IHC. Our results show that when evaluating SR delivery, IVIS has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% compared with the gold standard PCR. When evaluating IVT delivery, IVIS has a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 100%. These finding confirm the ability of IVIS to detect in-vivo localized expression of AAV following SR delivery in the retina up to 60 weeks post-treatment, using repeated imaging for longitudinal evaluation, without fading of the biological signal, thereby replacing the need for post mortem processing in order to confirm vector expression. However, IVIS is probably not sensitive enough, compared with genome detection, to demonstrate biodistribution to the optic nerve, as it could not detect luciferase activity in ipsilateral optic nerves following SR delivery in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raaya Ezra-Elia
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexey Obolensky
- Center for Retinal and Macular Degenerations (CRMD), Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayala Ejzenberg
- Center for Retinal and Macular Degenerations (CRMD), Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maya Ross
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dvir Mintz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Center for Retinal and Macular Degenerations (CRMD), Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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12
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Kelley RA, Conley SM, Makkia R, Watson JN, Han Z, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. DNA nanoparticles are safe and nontoxic in non-human primate eyes. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1361-1379. [PMID: 29563793 PMCID: PMC5849385 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s157000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA nanoparticles (NPs) comprising polylysine conjugated to polyethylene glycol efficiently target murine photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and lead to long-term phenotypic improvement in models of retinal degeneration. Advancing this technology requires testing in a large animal model, particularly with regard to safety. So, herein we evaluate NPs in non-human primates (baboon). METHODS AND RESULTS NPs with plasmids carrying GFP and a ubiquitous, RPE-specific, or photoreceptor-specific promoter were delivered by either subretinal or intravitreal injection. We detected GFP message and protein in the retina/RPE from eyes dosed with NPs carrying ubiquitously expressed and RPE-specific vectors, and GFP message in eyes injected with NPs carrying photoreceptor-specific vectors. Importantly, we observed NP DNA in the retina/RPE following intravitreal injection, indicating the inner limiting membrane does not prevent NP diffusion into the outer retina. We did not observe any adverse events in any baboon, and there were no NP-associated changes in retinal function. Furthermore, no systemic or local inflammatory reaction to the vectors/injections was observed, and no NP DNA was found outside the eye. CONCLUSION Taken together with the well-established rodent safety and efficacy data, these findings suggest that DNA NPs may be a safe and potentially clinically viable nonviral ocular therapy platform for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Kelley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jamie N Watson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Tshilenge KT, Ameline B, Weber M, Mendes-Madeira A, Nedellec S, Biget M, Provost N, Libeau L, Blouin V, Deschamps JY, Le Meur G, Colle MA, Moullier P, Pichard V, Rolling F. Vitrectomy Before Intravitreal Injection of AAV2/2 Vector Promotes Efficient Transduction of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Dogs and Nonhuman Primates. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 27:122-34. [PMID: 27229628 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a promising vector for retinal gene delivery to restore visual function in certain forms of inherited retinal dystrophies. Several studies in rodent models have shown that intravitreal injection of the AAV2/2 vector is the optimal route for efficient retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transduction. However, translation of these findings to larger species, including humans, is complicated by anatomical differences in the eye, a key difference being the comparatively smaller volume of the vitreous chamber in rodents. Here, we address the role of the vitreous body as a potential barrier to AAV2/2 diffusion and transduction in the RGCs of dogs and macaques, two of the most relevant preclinical models. We intravitreally administered the AAV2/2 vector carrying the CMV-eGFP reporter cassette in dog and macaque eyes, either directly into the vitreous chamber or after complete vitrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous body. Our findings suggest that the vitreous body appears to trap the injected vector, thus impairing the diffusion and transduction of AAV2/2 to inner retinal neurons. We show that vitrectomy before intravitreal vector injection is an effective means of overcoming this physical barrier, improving the transduction of RGCs in dog and macaque retinas. These findings support the use of vitrectomy in clinical trials of intravitreal gene transfer techniques targeting inner retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Baptiste Ameline
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Michel Weber
- 2 CHU de Nantes, Service d'Ophtalmologie, Nantes, France
| | | | - Steven Nedellec
- 3 Cellular and Tissular Imaging Core Facility of Nantes University, SFR Santé Francois Bonamy INSERM UMS016/CNRS UMS3556, Nantes, France
| | - Marine Biget
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Nathalie Provost
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Lyse Libeau
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Blouin
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jack-Yves Deschamps
- 4 Emergency and Critical Care Unit, ONIRIS, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | | | - Marie-Anne Colle
- 5 UMR 703 PAnTher INRA/ONIRIS, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Moullier
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France.,6 Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Virginie Pichard
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Fabienne Rolling
- 1 Atlantic Gene Therapies, INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
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Martens TF, Peynshaert K, Nascimento TL, Fattal E, Karlstetter M, Langmann T, Picaud S, Demeester J, De Smedt SC, Remaut K, Braeckmans K. Effect of hyaluronic acid-binding to lipoplexes on intravitreal drug delivery for retinal gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 103:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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15
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Sun D, Sahu B, Gao S, Schur RM, Vaidya AM, Maeda A, Palczewski K, Lu ZR. Targeted Multifunctional Lipid ECO Plasmid DNA Nanoparticles as Efficient Non-viral Gene Therapy for Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624218 PMCID: PMC5363681 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Development of a gene delivery system with high efficiency and a good safety profile is essential for successful gene therapy. Here we developed a targeted non-viral delivery system using a multifunctional lipid ECO for treating Leber’s congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2) and tested this in a mouse model. ECO formed stable nanoparticles with plasmid DNA (pDNA) at a low amine to phosphate (N/P) ratio and mediated high gene transfection efficiency in ARPE-19 cells because of their intrinsic properties of pH-sensitive amphiphilic endosomal escape and reductive cytosolic release (PERC). All-trans-retinylamine, which binds to interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), was incorporated into the nanoparticles via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer for targeted delivery of pDNA into the retinal pigmented epithelium. The targeted ECO/pDNA nanoparticles provided high GFP expression in the RPE of 1-month-old Rpe65−/− mice after subretinal injection. Such mice also exhibited a significant increase in electroretinographic activity, and this therapeutic effect continued for at least 120 days. A safety study in wild-type BALB/c mice indicated no irreversible retinal damage following subretinal injection of these targeted nanoparticles. All-trans-retinylamine-modified ECO/pDNA nanoparticles provide a promising non-viral platform for safe and effective treatment of RPE-specific monogenic eye diseases such as LCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Sun
- Case Center for Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Bhubanananda Sahu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Songqi Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44140, USA
| | - Rebecca M Schur
- Case Center for Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Amita M Vaidya
- Case Center for Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44140, USA
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Case Center for Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Correction of Monogenic and Common Retinal Disorders with Gene Therapy. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8020053. [PMID: 28134823 PMCID: PMC5333042 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen major advances in gene-based therapies, many of which show promise for translation to human disease. At the forefront of research in this field is ocular disease, as the eye lends itself to gene-based interventions due to its accessibility, relatively immune-privileged status, and ability to be non-invasively monitored. A landmark study in 2001 demonstrating successful gene therapy in a large-animal model for Leber congenital amaurosis set the stage for translation of these strategies from the bench to the bedside. Multiple clinical trials have since initiated for various retinal diseases, and further improvements in gene therapy techniques have engendered optimism for alleviating inherited blinding disorders. This article provides an overview of gene-based strategies for retinal disease, current clinical trials that engage these strategies, and the latest techniques in genome engineering, which could serve as the next frontline of therapeutic interventions.
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18
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Foldvari M, Chen DW. The intricacies of neurotrophic factor therapy for retinal ganglion cell rescue in glaucoma: a case for gene therapy. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:875-7. [PMID: 27482199 PMCID: PMC4962568 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.184448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons is an important aspect of reversing vision loss in glaucoma patients. While current therapies can effectively lower intraocular pressure, they do not provide extrinsic support to RGCs to actively aid in their protection and regeneration. The unmet need could be addressed by neurotrophic factor gene therapy, where plasmid DNA, encoding neurotrophic factors, is delivered to retinal cells to maintain sufficient levels of neurotrophins in the retina. In this review, we aim to describe the intricacies in the design of the therapy including: the choice of neurotrophic factor, the site and route of administration and target cell populations for gene delivery. Furthermore, we also discuss the challenges currently being faced in RGC-related therapy development with special considerations to the existence of multiple RGC subtypes and the lack of efficient and representative in vitro models for rapid and reliable screening in the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ding Wen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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19
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Constable IJ, Blumenkranz MS, Schwartz SD, Barone S, Lai CM, Rakoczy EP. Gene Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2016; 5:300-3. [PMID: 27488071 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to evaluate safety and signals of efficacy of gene therapy with subretinal rAAV.sFlt-1 for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). A phase 1 dose-escalating single-center controlled unmasked human clinical trial was followed up by extension of the protocol to a phase 2A single-center trial. rAAV.sFlt-1 vector was used to deliver a naturally occurring anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent, sFlt-1, into the subretinal space. In phase 1, step 1 randomized 3 subjects to low-dose rAAV.sFlt-1 (1 × 10 vector genomes) and 1 subject to the control arm; step 2 randomized an additional 3 subjects to treatment with high-dose rAAV.sFlt-1 (1 × 10 vector genomes) and 1 subject to the control arm. Follow-up studies demonstrated that rAAV.sFlt-1 was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in these elderly subjects with wet AMD. Subretinal injection was highly reproducible, and no drug-related adverse events were reported. Procedure-related adverse events were mild and self-resolving. Two phakic patients developed cataract and underwent cataract surgery. Four of the 6 patients responded better than the small control group in this study and historical controls in terms of maintaining vision and a relatively dry retina with zero ranibizumab retreatments per annum. Two patients required 1 ranibizumab injection over the 52-week follow-up period. rAAV.sFlt-1 gene therapy may prove to be a potential adjunct or alternative to conventional intravitreal injection for patients with wet AMD by providing extended delivery of a naturally occurring antiangiogenic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Jeffery Constable
- From the *Lions Eye Institute; †Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands; ‡Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; §University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles; ¶Byers Eye Institute at Stanford, Palo Alto; and ‖Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc, Menlo Park, CA
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Battaglia L, Serpe L, Foglietta F, Muntoni E, Gallarate M, Del Pozo Rodriguez A, Solinis MA. Application of lipid nanoparticles to ocular drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 13:1743-1757. [PMID: 27291069 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1201059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although eye drops are widely used as drug delivery systems for the anterior segment of the eye, they are also associated with poor drug bioavailability due to transient contact time and rapid washout by tearing. Moreover, effective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye is challenging, and alternative routes of administration (periocular and intravitreal) are generally needed, the blood-retinal barrier being the major obstacle to systemic drug delivery. Areas covered: Nanotechnology, and especially lipid nanoparticles, can improve the therapeutic efficiency, compliance and safety of ocular drugs, administered via different routes, to both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. This review highlights the main ocular barriers to drug delivery, as well as the most common eye diseases suitable for pharmacological treatment in which lipid nanoparticles have proved efficacious as alternative delivery systems. Expert opinion: Lipid-based nanocarriers are among the most biocompatible and versatile means for ocular delivery. Mucoadhesion with consequent increase in pre-corneal retention time, and enhanced permeation due to cellular uptake by corneal epithelial cells, are the essential goals for topical lipid nanoparticle delivery. Gene delivery to the retina has shown very promising results after intravitreal administration of lipid nanoparticles as non-viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Battaglia
- a Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Loredana Serpe
- a Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Federica Foglietta
- a Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Muntoni
- a Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Marina Gallarate
- a Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Torino , Torino , Italy
| | - Ana Del Pozo Rodriguez
- b Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy , Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Solinis
- b Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy , Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain
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21
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Rakoczy EP, Lai CM, Magno AL, Wikstrom ME, French MA, Pierce CM, Schwartz SD, Blumenkranz MS, Chalberg TW, Degli-Esposti MA, Constable IJ. Gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated vectors for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1 year follow-up of a phase 1 randomised clinical trial. Lancet 2015; 386:2395-403. [PMID: 26431823 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)00345-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular, or wet, age-related macular degeneration causes central vision loss and represents a major health problem in elderly people, and is currently treated with frequent intraocular injections of anti-VEGF protein. Gene therapy might enable long-term anti-VEGF therapy from a single treatment. We tested the safety of rAAV.sFLT-1 in treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration with a single subretinal injection. METHODS In this single-centre, phase 1, randomised controlled trial, we enrolled patients with wet age-related macular degeneration at the Lions Eye Institute and the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Nedlands, WA, Australia). Eligible patients had to be aged 65 years or older, have age-related macular degeneration secondary to active subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 3/60-6/24 and 6/60 or better in the other eye. Patients were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive either 1 × 10(10) vector genomes (vg; low-dose rAAV.sFLT-1 group) or 1 × 10(11) vg (high-dose rAAV.sFLT-1 group), or no gene-therapy treatment (control group). Randomisation was done by sequential group assignment. All patients and investigators were unmasked. Staff doing the assessments were masked to the study group at study visits. All patients received ranibizumab at baseline and week 4, and rescue treatment during follow-up based on prespecified criteria including BCVA measured on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (EDTRS) scale, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. The primary endpoint was ocular and systemic safety. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01494805. FINDINGS From Dec 16, 2011, to April 5, 2012, we enrolled nine patients of whom eight were randomly assigned to receive either intervention (three patients in the low-dose rAAV.sFLT-1 group and three patients in the high-dose rAAV.sFLT-1 group) or no treatment (two patients in the control group). Subretinal injection of rAAV.sFLT-1 was highly reproducible. No drug-related adverse events were noted; procedure-related adverse events (subconjunctival or subretinal haemorrhage and mild cell debris in the anterior vitreous) were generally mild and self-resolving. There was no evidence of chorioretinal atrophy. Clinical laboratory assessments generally remained unchanged from baseline. Four (67%) of six patients in the treatment group required zero rescue injections, and the other two (33%) required only one rescue injection each. INTERPRETATION rAAV.sFLT-1 was safe and well tolerated. These results support ocular gene therapy as a potential long-term treatment option for wet age-related macular degeneration. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Richard Pearce Bequest, Lions Save Sight Foundation, Brian King Fellowship, and Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P Rakoczy
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| | - Chooi-May Lai
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Matthew E Wikstrom
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Martyn A French
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Ian J Constable
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Benayoun Y, Petellat F, Leclerc O, Dost L, Dallaudière B, Reddy C, Robert PY, Salomon JL. [Current treatments for corneal neovascularization]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2015; 38:996-1008. [PMID: 26522890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The extension of blood vessels into the normally avascular stroma defines corneal neovascularization. Though this phenomenon, pathophysiological and clinical features are well characterized, therapeutic modalities have been hindered by a lack of safe, efficacious and non-controversial treatments. In this literature review, we focus on available therapeutic options in light of recent evidence provided by animal and clinical studies. First, this review will focus on pharmacological treatments that target angiogenesis. The low cost and market availability of bevacizumab make it the first anti-angiogenic therapy choice, and it has demonstrable efficacy in reducing corneal neovascularization when administered topically or subconjunctivally. However, novel anti-angiogenic molecules targeting the intracellular pathways of angiogenesis (siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides) provide a promising alternative. Laser therapy (direct photocoagulation or photo-dynamic therapy) and fine needle diathermy also find a place in the treatment of stabilized corneal neovascularization alone or in association with anti-angiogenic therapy. Additionally, ocular surface reconstruction using amniotic membrane graft or limbal stem cell transplantation is essential when corneal neovascularization is secondary to primary or acquired limbal deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Benayoun
- Clinique ophtalmologique François-Chénieux, 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France; Institut de recherche et d'innovation en sciences de la vision (IRIS-Vision), 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France.
| | - F Petellat
- Clinique ophtalmologique François-Chénieux, 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France; Institut de recherche et d'innovation en sciences de la vision (IRIS-Vision), 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France
| | - O Leclerc
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Dupuytren, CHU de Limoges, 87042 Limoges cedex, France
| | - L Dost
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Dupuytren, CHU de Limoges, 87042 Limoges cedex, France
| | - B Dallaudière
- Service de radiologie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - C Reddy
- Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Texas A&M University, Texas, États-Unis
| | - P-Y Robert
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Dupuytren, CHU de Limoges, 87042 Limoges cedex, France
| | - J-L Salomon
- Clinique ophtalmologique François-Chénieux, 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France; Institut de recherche et d'innovation en sciences de la vision (IRIS-Vision), 18, rue du Général-Catroux, 87039 Limoges cedex, France
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Johnson BA, Frostig RD. Long, intrinsic horizontal axons radiating through and beyond rat barrel cortex have spatial distributions similar to horizontal spreads of activity evoked by whisker stimulation. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3617-39. [PMID: 26438334 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Stimulation of a single whisker evokes a peak of activity that is centered over the associated barrel in rat primary somatosensory cortex, and yet the evoked local field potential and the intrinsic signal optical imaging response spread symmetrically away from this barrel for over 3.5 mm to cross cytoarchitectonic borders into other "unimodal" sensory cortical areas. To determine whether long horizontal axons have the spatial distribution necessary to underlie this activity spread, we injected adeno-associated viral vectors into barrel cortex and characterized labeled axons extending from the injection site in transverse sections of flattened cortex. Combined qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed labeled axons radiating diffusely in all directions for over 3.5 mm from supragranular injection sites, with density declining over distance. The projection pattern was similar at four different cortical depths, including infragranular laminae. Infragranular vector injections produced patterns similar to the supragranular injections. Long horizontal axons were detected both using a vector with a permissive cytomegalovirus promoter to label all neuronal subtypes and using a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α vector to restrict labeling to excitatory cortical pyramidal neurons. Individual axons were successfully reconstructed from series of supragranular sections, indicating that they traversed gray matter only. Reconstructed axons extended from the injection site, left the barrel field, branched, and sometimes crossed into other sensory cortices identified by cytochrome oxidase staining. Thus, radiations of long horizontal axons indeed have the spatial characteristics necessary to explain horizontal activity spreads. These axons may contribute to multimodal cortical responses and various forms of cortical neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Johnson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697-4550, USA
| | - R D Frostig
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697-4550, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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24
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Sun D, Maeno H, Gujrati M, Schur R, Maeda A, Maeda T, Palczewski K, Lu ZR. Self-Assembly of a Multifunctional Lipid With Core-Shell Dendrimer DNA Nanoparticles Enhanced Efficient Gene Delivery at Low Charge Ratios into RPE Cells. Macromol Biosci 2015; 15:1663-72. [PMID: 26271011 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201500192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Development of safe and effective gene delivery systems is essential in treating ocular genetic disorders. A hybrid nonviral system composed of a multifunctional lipid ECO and a G4 nanoglobule was designed for efficient gene delivery into RPE cells at low charge ratios. This system formed stable DNA nanoparticles at low N/P ratios, exhibited low cytotoxicity, and induced higher GFP expression in ARPE-19 cells at N/P = 6. The hybrid nanoparticles mediated significant reporter gene GFP expression ex-vivo in the retina from wild type C57 mice and in vivo in BALB/c mice. These hybrid nanoparticles are promising for in vitro and in vivo gene delivery at low charge ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio , 44140, USA
| | - Hiroshi Maeno
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44140, USA
| | - Maneesh Gujrati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio , 44140, USA
| | - Rebecca Schur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio , 44140, USA
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44140, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44140, USA
| | - Tadao Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44140, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44140, USA
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio , 44140, USA.
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25
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Wan C, Li F, Li H. Gene therapy for ocular diseases meditated by ultrasound and microbubbles (Review). Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:4803-14. [PMID: 26151686 PMCID: PMC4581786 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye is an ideal target organ for gene therapy as it is easily accessible and immune‑privileged. With the increasing insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of ocular diseases, gene therapy has been proposed as an effective approach. Successful gene therapy depends on efficient gene transfer to targeted cells to prove stable and prolonged gene expression with minimal toxicity. At present, the main hindrance regarding the clinical application of gene therapy is not the lack of an ideal gene, but rather the lack of a safe and efficient method to selectively deliver genes to target cells and tissues. Ultrasound‑targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), with the advantages of high safety, repetitive applicability and tissue targeting, has become a potential strategy for gene‑ and drug delivery. When gene‑loaded microbubbles are injected, UTMD is able to enhance the transport of the gene to the targeted cells. High‑amplitude oscillations of microbubbles act as cavitation nuclei which can effectively focus ultrasound energy, produce oscillations and disruptions that increase the permeability of the cell membrane and create transient pores in the cell membrane. Thereby, the efficiency of gene therapy can be significantly improved. The UTMD‑mediated gene delivery system has been widely used in pre‑clinical studies to enhance gene expression in a site‑specific manner in a variety of organs. With reasonable application, the effects of sonoporation can be spatially and temporally controlled to improve localized tissue deposition of gene complexes for ocular gene therapy applications. In addition, appropriately powered, focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles can induce a reversible disruption of the blood‑retinal barrier with no significant side effects. The present review discusses the current status of gene therapy of ocular diseases as well as studies on gene therapy of ocular diseases meditated by UTMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caifeng Wan
- Department of Ultrasound, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
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26
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Thompson DA, Ali RR, Banin E, Branham KE, Flannery JG, Gamm DM, Hauswirth WW, Heckenlively JR, Iannaccone A, Jayasundera KT, Khan NW, Molday RS, Pennesi ME, Reh TA, Weleber RG, Zacks DN. Advancing therapeutic strategies for inherited retinal degeneration: recommendations from the Monaciano Symposium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:918-31. [PMID: 25667399 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare in the general population, retinal dystrophies occupy a central position in current efforts to develop innovative therapies for blinding diseases. This status derives, in part, from the unique biology, accessibility, and function of the retina, as well as from the synergy between molecular discoveries and transformative advances in functional assessment and retinal imaging. The combination of these factors has fueled remarkable progress in the field, while at the same time creating complex challenges for organizing collective efforts aimed at advancing translational research. The present position paper outlines recent progress in gene therapy and cell therapy for this group of disorders, and presents a set of recommendations for addressing the challenges remaining for the coming decade. It is hoped that the formulation of these recommendations will stimulate discussions among researchers, funding agencies, industry, and policy makers that will accelerate the development of safe and effective treatments for retinal dystrophies and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Division of Molecular Therapy, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kari E Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert S Molday
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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27
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Treatment of ocular disorders by gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 95:331-42. [PMID: 25536112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy to treat ocular disorders is still starting, and current therapies are primarily experimental, with most human clinical trials still in research state, although beginning to show encouraging results. Currently 33 clinical trials have been approved, are in progress, or have been completed. The most promising results have been obtained in clinical trials of ocular gene therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis, which have prompted the study of several ocular diseases that are good candidates to be treated with gene therapy: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or choroideremia. The success of gene therapy relies on the efficient delivery of the genetic material to target cells, achieving optimum long-term gene expression. Although viral vectors have been widely used, their potential risk associated mainly with immunogenicity and mutagenesis has promoted the design of non-viral vectors. In this review, the main administration routes and the most studied delivery systems, viral and non-viral, for ocular gene therapy are presented. The primary ocular disease candidates to be treated with gene therapy have been also reviewed, including the genetic basis and the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies.
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28
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Löw K, Aebischer P, Schneider BL. Direct and retrograde transduction of nigral neurons with AAV6, 8, and 9 and intraneuronal persistence of viral particles. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:613-29. [PMID: 23600720 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors of serotypes 6, 8, and 9 were characterized as tools for gene delivery to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra for future gene therapeutic applications in Parkinson's disease. While vectors of all three serotypes transduced nigral dopaminergic neurons with equal efficiency when directly injected to the substantia nigra, AAV6 was clearly superior to AAV8 and AAV9 for retrograde transduction of nigral neurons after striatal delivery. For sequential transduction of nigral dopaminergic neurons, the combination of AAV9 with AAV6 proved to be more powerful than AAV8 with AAV6 or repeated AAV6 administration. Surprisingly, single-stranded viral genomes persisted in nigral dopaminergic neurons within cell bodies and axon terminals in the striatum, and intact assembled AAV capsid was enriched in nuclei of nigral neurons, 4 weeks after virus injections to the substantia nigra. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra reduced the number of viral genomes in the striatum, in line with viral genome persistence in axon terminals. However, 6-OHDA-induced axonal degeneration did not induce any transsynaptic spread of AAV infection in the striatum. Therefore, the potential presence of viral particles in axons may not represent an important safety issue for AAV gene therapy applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Löw
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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29
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Martens TF, Vercauteren D, Forier K, Deschout H, Remaut K, Paesen R, Ameloot M, Engbersen JFJ, Demeester J, De Smedt SC, Braeckmans K. Measuring the intravitreal mobility of nanomedicines with single-particle tracking microscopy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2013; 8:1955-68. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop a robust assay to evaluate and compare the intravitreal mobility of nanoparticles in the intact vitreous body. Materials & methods: Excised bovine eyes were prepared to preserve the fragile structure of the vitreous humor, while permitting high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and single-particle tracking analysis of intravitreally injected nanoparticles. This assay was validated by analyzing polystyrene beads and further employed to evaluate gene nanomedicines composed of poly(amido amine)s and plasmid DNA. Results: The assay was able to distinguish immobilized cationic nanoparticles from mobile PEGylated nanoparticles. PEGylation of the polyplexes resulted in a drastic improvement of their mobility. Conclusion: An ex vivo eye model is presented for studying nanoparticle mobility in intact vitreous humor by single-particle tracking microscopy. These results give important guidelines for developing gene- and drug-delivery nanomedicines that are compatible with intravitreal administration. Original submitted 20 April 2012; Revised submitted 22 November 2012
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Martens
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Nano- & Biophotonics (NB-Photonics), Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dries Vercauteren
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Nano- & Biophotonics (NB-Photonics), Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Forier
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Nano- & Biophotonics (NB-Photonics), Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Deschout
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Nano- & Biophotonics (NB-Photonics), Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Paesen
- University Hasselt & Transnational University Limburg, BIOMED, Agoralaan building C, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- University Hasselt & Transnational University Limburg, BIOMED, Agoralaan building C, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Johan FJ Engbersen
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology & Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jo Demeester
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Nano- & Biophotonics (NB-Photonics), Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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30
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Puras G, Mashal M, Zárate J, Agirre M, Ojeda E, Grijalvo S, Eritja R, Diaz-Tahoces A, Martínez Navarrete G, Avilés-Trigueros M, Fernández E, Pedraz JL. A novel cationic niosome formulation for gene delivery to the retina. J Control Release 2013; 174:27-36. [PMID: 24231407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Niosomes represent a recent promising approach for gene delivery purposes. We elaborated on a novel niosome formulation based on the 2,3-di(tetradecyloxy)propan-1-amine cationic lipid, combined with squalene and polysorbate 80 to evaluate the transfection efficiency in rat retinas. Niosomes prepared by the solvent emulsification-evaporation technique were mixed with the pCMSEGFP plasmid to form lipoplexes which were characterized in terms of morphology, size, surface charge, and DNA condensation, protection and release. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate transfection efficiency, viability and internalization mechanism in HEK-293 and ARPE-19 cells. The efficacy of the most promising formulation was evaluated in rat eyes by monitoring the expression of the EGFP after intravitreal and subretinal injections. Lipoplexes at 15/1 ratio were 200nm in size, 25mV in zeta potential and exhibited spherical morphology. At this ratio, niosomes condensed and protected the DNA from enzymatic digestion. Lipoplexes successfully transfected HEK-293 and specially ARPE-19 cells, without affecting the viability. Whereas lipoplexes entered mainly retinal cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, HEK-293 cells showed a higher caveolae-dependent entry. After ocular administration, the expression of EGFP was detected in different cells of the retina depending on the administration route. This novel niosome formulation represents a promising approach to deliver genetic material into the retina to treat inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Puras
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain
| | - M Mashal
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - J Zárate
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain
| | - M Agirre
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain
| | - E Ojeda
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain
| | - S Grijalvo
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain; Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Eritja
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain; Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Diaz-Tahoces
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - G Martínez Navarrete
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - M Avilés-Trigueros
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Murcia, Spain
| | - E Fernández
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain; Neuroprothesis and Neuroengineering Research Group, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - J L Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Group, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza Spain.
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31
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Long-term efficacy of ciliary muscle gene transfer of three sFlt-1 variants in a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Gene Ther 2013; 20:1093-103. [PMID: 23804076 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has become the standard of care for patients presenting with wet age-related macular degeneration. However, monthly intravitreal injections are required for optimal efficacy. We have previously shown that electroporation enabled ciliary muscle gene transfer results in sustained protein secretion into the vitreous for up to 9 months. Here, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of ciliary muscle gene transfer of three soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1) variants in a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). All three sFlt-1 variants significantly diminished vascular leakage and neovascularization as measured by fluorescein angiography (FA) and flatmount choroid at 3 weeks. FA and infracyanine angiography demonstrated that inhibition of CNV was maintained for up to 6 months after gene transfer of the two shortest sFlt-1 variants. Throughout, clinical efficacy was correlated with sustained VEGF neutralization in the ocular media. Interestingly, treatment with sFlt-1 induced a 50% downregulation of VEGF messenger RNA levels in the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid. We demonstrate for the first time that non-viral gene transfer can achieve a long-term reduction of VEGF levels and efficacy in the treatment of CNV.
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32
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del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Delgado D, Gascón AR, Solinís MÁ. Lipid Nanoparticles as Drug/Gene Delivery Systems to the Retina. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2013; 29:173-88. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2012.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetics, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group, Pharmacy Faculty, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Diego Delgado
- Pharmacokinetics, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group, Pharmacy Faculty, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia R. Gascón
- Pharmacokinetics, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group, Pharmacy Faculty, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetics, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group, Pharmacy Faculty, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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33
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Lipinski DM, Thake M, MacLaren RE. Clinical applications of retinal gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:22-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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34
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Han Z, Conley SM, Makkia R, Guo J, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Comparative analysis of DNA nanoparticles and AAVs for ocular gene delivery. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52189. [PMID: 23272225 PMCID: PMC3525534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical tool for the treatment of monogenic retinal diseases. However, the limited vector capacity of the current benchmark delivery strategy, adeno-associated virus (AAV), makes development of larger capacity alternatives, such as compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs), critical. Here we conduct a side-by-side comparison of self-complementary AAV and CK30PEG NPs using matched ITR plasmids. We report that although AAVs are more efficient per vector genome (vg) than NPs, NPs can drive gene expression on a comparable scale and longevity to AAV. We show that subretinally injected NPs do not leave the eye while some of the AAV-injected animals exhibited vector DNA and GFP expression in the visual pathways of the brain from PI-60 onward. As a result, these NPs have the potential to become a successful alternative for ocular gene therapy, especially for the multitude of genes too large for AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Junjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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35
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Boye SE, Alexander JJ, Boye SL, Witherspoon CD, Sandefer KJ, Conlon TJ, Erger K, Sun J, Ryals R, Chiodo VA, Clark ME, Girkin CA, Hauswirth WW, Gamlin PD. The human rhodopsin kinase promoter in an AAV5 vector confers rod- and cone-specific expression in the primate retina. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1101-15. [PMID: 22845794 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has proven an effective gene delivery vehicle for the treatment of retinal disease. Ongoing clinical trials using a serotype 2 AAV vector to express RPE65 in the retinal pigment epithelium have proven safe and effective. While many proof-of-concept studies in animal models of retinal disease have suggested that gene transfer to the neural retina will also be effective, a photoreceptor-targeting AAV vector has yet to be used in the clinic, principally because a vector that efficiently but exclusively targets all primate photoreceptors has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we evaluate a serotype 5 AAV vector containing the human rhodopsin kinase (hGRK1) promoter for its ability to target transgene expression to rod and cone photoreceptors when delivered subretinally in a nonhuman primate (NHP). In vivo fluorescent fundus imaging confirmed that AAV5-hGRK1-mediated green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression was restricted to the injection blebs of treated eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a lack of gross pathology after injection. Neutralizing antibodies against AAV5 were undetectable in post-injection serum samples from subjects receiving uncomplicated subretinal injections (i.e., no hemorrhage). Immunohistochemistry of retinal sections confirmed hGRK1 was active in, and specific for, both rods and cones of NHP retina. Biodistribution studies revealed minimal spread of vector genomes to peripheral tissues. These results suggest that AAV5-hGRK1 is a safe and effective AAV serotype/promoter combination for targeting therapeutic transgene expression protein to rods and cones in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise for the treatment of many inherited and acquired diseases of the eye. Successful ocular gene therapy interventions depend on efficient gene transfer to targeted cells with minimal toxicity. A major challenge is to overcome both intracellular and extracellular barriers associated with ocular gene delivery. Numerous viral and nonviral vectors were explored to improve transfection efficiency. Among nonviral delivery systems, polymeric vectors have gained significant attention in recent years owing to their nontoxic and non-immunogenic nature. Polyplexes or nanoparticles can be prepared by interaction of cationic polymers with DNA, which facilitate cellular uptake, endolysosomal escape and nuclear entry through active mechanisms. Chemical modification of these polymers allows for the generation of flexible delivery vectors with desirable properties. In this article several synthetic and natural polymeric systems utilized for ocular gene delivery are discussed.
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Palfi A, Chadderton N, McKee AG, Blanco Fernandez A, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Farrar GJ. Efficacy of Codelivery of Dual AAV2/5 Vectors in the Murine Retina and Hippocampus. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:847-58. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Palfi
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Flow Cytometry Core Facilities, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Alex G. McKee
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Humphries
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - G. Jane Farrar
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Alqawlaq S, Huzil JT, Ivanova MV, Foldvari M. Challenges in neuroprotective nanomedicine development: progress towards noninvasive gene therapy of glaucoma. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:1067-83. [PMID: 22846092 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade the application of gene therapy of retinal diseases such as glaucoma has produced promising results. However, optic nerve regeneration and restoration of vision in patients with glaucoma is still far from reality. Neuroprotective approaches in the form of gene therapy may provide significant advantages, but are still limited by many factors both at the organ and cellular levels. In general, gene delivery systems for eye diseases range from simple eye drops and ointments to more advanced bio- and nanotechnology-based systems such as muco-adhesive systems, polymers, liposomes and ocular inserts. Most of these technologies were developed for front-of-the-eye ophthalmic therapies and are not applicable as back-of-the-eye delivery systems. Currently, only the invasive intravitreal injections are capable of successfully delivering genes to the retina. Here we review the challenges and possible strategies for the noninvasive gene therapy of glaucoma including the barriers in the eye and in neural cells, and present a cross-sectional view of gene delivery as it pertains to the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samih Alqawlaq
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - J Torin Huzil
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marina V Ivanova
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Ni W, Le Guiner C, Moullier P, Snyder RO. Development and utility of an internal threshold control (ITC) real-time PCR assay for exogenous DNA detection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36461. [PMID: 22570718 PMCID: PMC3343023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitive and specific tests for detecting exogenous DNA molecules are useful for infectious disease diagnosis, gene therapy clinical trial safety, and gene doping surveillance. Taqman real-time PCR using specific sequence probes provides an effective approach to accurately and quantitatively detect exogenous DNA. However, one of the major challenges in these analyses is to eliminate false positive signals caused by either non-targeted exogenous or endogenous DNA sequences, or false negative signals caused by impurities that inhibit PCR. Although multiplex Taqman PCR assays have been applied to address these problems by adding extra primer-probe sets targeted to endogenous DNA sequences, the differences between targets can lead to different detection efficiencies. To avoid these complications, a Taqman PCR-based approach that incorporates an internal threshold control (ITC) has been developed. In this single reaction format, the target sequence and ITC template are co-amplified by the same primers, but are detected by different probes each with a unique fluorescent dye. Sample DNA, a prescribed number of ITC template molecules set near the limit of sensitivity, a single pair of primers, target probe and ITC probe are added to one reaction. Fluorescence emission signals are obtained simultaneously to determine the cycle thresholds (Ct) for amplification of the target and ITC sequences. The comparison of the target Ct with the ITC Ct indicates if a sample is a true positive for the target (i.e. Ct less than or equal to the ITC Ct) or negative (i.e. Ct greater than the ITC Ct). The utility of this approach was demonstrated in a nonhuman primate model of rAAV vector mediated gene doping in vivo and in human genomic DNA spiked with plasmid DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Ni
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Philippe Moullier
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Laboratoire de Thérapie Génique, INSERM UMR1089, IRT UN, Nantes, France
| | - Richard O. Snyder
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Laboratoire de Thérapie Génique, INSERM UMR1089, IRT UN, Nantes, France
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Health Biotechnology, University of Florida, Alachua, Florida, United States of America
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Delgado D, del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ, Avilés-Triqueros M, Weber BHF, Fernández E, Gascón AR. Dextran and protamine-based solid lipid nanoparticles as potential vectors for the treatment of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:345-55. [PMID: 22295905 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to analyze the potential application of nonviral vectors based on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for the treatment of ocular diseases by gene therapy, specifically X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS). Vectors were prepared with SLN, dextran, protamine, and a plasmid (pCMS-EGFP or pCEP4-RS1). Formulations were characterized and the in vitro transfection capacity as well as the cellular uptake and the intracellular trafficking were studied in ARPE-19 cells. Formulations were also tested in vivo in Wistar rat eyes, and the efficacy was studied by monitoring the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) after intravitreal, subretinal, and topical administration. The presence of dextran and protamine in the SLN improved greatly the expression of retinoschisin and EGFP in ARPE-19 cells. The nuclear localization signals of protamine, its ability to protect the DNA, and a shift in the entry mechanism from caveola-mediated to clathrin-mediated endocytosis promoted by the dextran, justify the increase in transfection. After ocular administration of the dextran-protamine-DNA-SLN complex to rat eyes, we detected the expression of EGFP in various types of cells depending on the administration route. Our vectors were also able to transfect corneal cells after topical application. We have demonstrated the potential usefulness of our nonviral vectors loaded with XLRS1 plasmid and provided evidence for their potential application for the management or treatment of degenerative retinal disorders as well as ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Delgado
- Pharmacokinetics, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Suprachoroidal electrotransfer: a nonviral gene delivery method to transfect the choroid and the retina without detaching the retina. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1559-70. [PMID: 22252448 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) targeting remains challenging in ocular gene therapy. Viral gene transfer, the only method having reached clinical evaluation, still raises safety concerns when administered via subretinal injections. We have developed a novel transfection method in the adult rat, called suprachoroidal electrotransfer (ET), combining the administration of nonviral plasmid DNA into the suprachoroidal space with the application of an electrical field. Optimization of injection, electrical parameters and external electrodes geometry using a reporter plasmid, resulted in a large area of transfected tissues. Not only choroidal cells but also RPE, and potentially photoreceptors, were efficiently transduced for at least a month when using a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. No ocular complications were recorded by angiographic, electroretinographic, and histological analyses, demonstrating that under selected conditions the procedure is devoid of side effects on the retina or the vasculature integrity. Moreover, a significant inhibition of laser induced-choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was achieved 15 days after transfection of a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFlt-1)-encoding plasmid. This is the first nonviral gene transfer technique that is efficient for RPE targeting without inducing retinal detachment. This novel minimally invasive nonviral gene therapy method may open new prospects for human retinal therapies.
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Preclinical safety evaluation of subretinal AAV2.sFlt-1 in non-human primates. Gene Ther 2011; 19:999-1009. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) may be a physiological response to various stimuli, but a chronic and persistent upregulation of neoangiogenesis can result in pathological CNV. Pathological blood vessels are immature and lack structural integrity, predisposing the cornea to lipid exudation, inflammation, and scarring. CNV can therefore become a potentially blinding condition. In this review, we frame CNV in an epidemiological perspective, consider risk factors for CNV, provide an overview of CNV pathogenesis, and consider the impact of CNV on corneal transplantation. We consider treatments that are of largely historical interest, before reviewing contemporary medical and surgical treatments. Within medical treatments, we report on steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, and cyclosporine. Within surgical treatments, we report on the use of lasers, photodynamic therapy, superficial keratectomy, and diathermy/cautery-based treatments.
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44
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Boye SL, Conlon T, Erger K, Ryals R, Neeley A, Cossette T, Pang J, Dyka FM, Hauswirth WW, Boye SE. Long-term preservation of cone photoreceptors and restoration of cone function by gene therapy in the guanylate cyclase-1 knockout (GC1KO) mouse. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:7098-108. [PMID: 21778276 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-7867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The authors previously showed that subretinal delivery of AAV5 vectors containing murine guanylate cyclase-1 (GC1) cDNA driven by either photoreceptor-specific (hGRK1) or ubiquitous (smCBA) promoters was capable of restoring cone-mediated function and visual behavior and preserving cone photoreceptors in the GC1 knockout (GC1KO) mouse for 3 months. Here, the authors compared therapy conferred by the aforementioned vectors to that achieved with the highly efficient capsid tyrosine mutant AAV8(Y733F) and asked whether long-term therapy is achievable in this model. METHODS AAV5-hGRK1-mGC1, AAV5-smCBA-mGC1, or AAV8(Y733F)-hGRK1-mGC1 was delivered subretinally to GC1KO mice between postnatal day (P)14 and P25. Retinal function was assayed by electroretinography. Localization of AAV-mediated GC1 expression and cone survival were assayed with immunohistochemistry, and the spread of vector genomes beyond the retina was quantified by PCR of optic nerve and brain tissue. RESULTS Cone function was restored with all vectors tested, with AAV8(Y733F) being the most efficient. Electroretinographic responses were clearly measurable out to 1 year after treatment. AAV-mediated expression of GC1 was found exclusively in photoreceptors out to 15 months after injection. Cones were preserved for at least 11 months after treatment. AAV5- and AAV8(733)-delivered vector genomes were recovered primarily from optic nerve of the treated eye and, in only instance, from brain (1 of 20 samples). CONCLUSIONS The authors demonstrate for the first time that long-term therapy (∼1 year) is achievable in a mammalian model of GC1 deficiency. These data provide additional justification for the development of an AAV-based gene therapy vector for the clinical treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanford L Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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45
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Tian L, Yang P, Lei B, Shao J, Wang C, Xiang Q, Wei L, Peng Z, Kijlstra A. AAV2-mediated subretinal gene transfer of hIFN-α attenuates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19542. [PMID: 21611186 PMCID: PMC3096632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent reports show that gene therapy may provide a long-term, safe and
effective intervention for human diseases. In this study, we investigated
the effectiveness of adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) based human
interferon-alpha (hIFN-α) gene therapy in experimental autoimmune
uveoretinitis (EAU), a classic model for human uveitis. Methodology/Principal Findings An AAV2 vector harboring the hIFN-α gene (AAV2.hIFN-α) was
subretinally injected into B10RIII mice at two doses
(1.5×106 vg, 1.5×108 vg). AAV2 vector
encoding green fluorescent protein (AAV2.GFP) was used as a control
(5×108 vg). The expression of hIFN-α in homogenized
eyes and serum was detected by ELISA three weeks after injection. The
biodistribution of vector DNA in the injected eyes, contralateral eyes and
distant organs was determined by PCR. EAU was induced by immunization with
IRBP161–180 three weeks following vector injections,
and evaluated clinically and pathologically. IRBP-specific proliferation and
IL-17 expression of lymphocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes were assayed
to test the influence of the subretinal delivery of AAV2.hIFN-α on the
systemic immune response. hIFN-α was effectively expressed in the eyes
from three weeks to three months following subretinal injection of
AAV2.hIFN-α vector. DNA of AAV2.GFP was observed only in the injected
eyes, but not in the distant organs or contralateral eyes. Subretinal
injection of both doses significantly attenuated EAU activity clinically and
histologically. For the lower dose, there was no difference concerning
lymphocyte proliferation and IL-17 production among the AAV2.hIFN-α,
AAV2.GFP and PBS injected mice. However, the higher dose of AAV2.hIFN-α
significantly suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and IL-17 production. Conclusions/Significance Subretinal delivery of AAV2.hIFN-α lead to an effective expression within
the eye for at least three months and significantly attenuated EAU activity.
AAV2.hIFN-α was shown to inhibit the systemic IRBP-specific immune
response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Tian
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Bo Lei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ju Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaokui Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhougui Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- Eye Research Institute Maastricht, Department
of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
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46
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Longevity of rAAV vector and plasmid DNA in blood after intramuscular injection in nonhuman primates: implications for gene doping. Gene Ther 2011; 18:709-18. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Petrs-Silva H, Dinculescu A, Li Q, Deng WT, Pang JJ, Min SH, Chiodo V, Neeley AW, Govindasamy L, Bennett A, Agbandje-McKenna M, Zhong L, Li B, Jayandharan GR, Srivastava A, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW. Novel properties of tyrosine-mutant AAV2 vectors in the mouse retina. Mol Ther 2010; 19:293-301. [PMID: 21045809 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vectors based on adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) have been used extensively in many gene-delivery applications, including several successful clinical trials for one type of Leber congenital amaurosis in the retina. Many studies have focused on improving AAV2 transduction efficiency and cellular specificity by genetically engineering its capsid. We have previously shown that vectors-containing single-point mutations of capsid surface tyrosines in serotypes AAV2, AAV8, and AAV9 displayed significantly increased transduction efficiency in the retina compared with their wild-type counterparts. In the present study, we evaluated the transduction characteristics of AAV2 vectors containing combinations of multiple tyrosine to phenylalanine mutations in seven highly conserved surface-exposed capsid tyrosine residues following subretinal or intravitreal delivery in adult mice. The multiply mutated vectors exhibited different in vivo transduction properties, with some having a unique ability of transgene expression in all retinal layers. Such novel vectors may be useful in developing valuable new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Farjo KM, Ma JX. The potential of nanomedicine therapies to treat neovascular disease in the retina. JOURNAL OF ANGIOGENESIS RESEARCH 2010; 2:21. [PMID: 20932321 PMCID: PMC2958857 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2384-2-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neovascular disease in the retina is the leading cause of blindness in all age groups. Thus, there is a great need to develop effective therapeutic agents to inhibit and prevent neovascularization in the retina. Over the past decade, anti-VEGF therapeutic agents have entered the clinic for the treatment of neovascular retinal disease, and these agents have been effective for slowing and preventing the progression of neovascularization. However, the therapeutic benefits of anti-VEGF therapy can be diminished by the need for prolonged treatment regimens of repeated intravitreal injections, which can lead to complications such as endophthalmitis, retinal tears, and retinal detachment. Recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer the opportunity to improve bioactivity and prolong bioavailability of drugs in the retina to reduce the risks associated with treating neovascular disease. This article reviews recent advances in the development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems which could be utilized to improve the treatment of neovascular disease in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krysten M Farjo
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
| | - Jian-xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
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Kachi S, Binley K, Yokoi K, Umeda N, Akiyama H, Muramatu D, Iqball S, Kan O, Naylor S, Campochiaro PA. Equine infectious anemia viral vector-mediated codelivery of endostatin and angiostatin driven by retinal pigmented epithelium-specific VMD2 promoter inhibits choroidal neovascularization. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 20:31-9. [PMID: 20377369 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a nonprimate lentivirus that does not cause human disease. Subretinal injection into mice of a recombinant EIAV lentiviral vector in which lacZ is driven by a CMV promoter (EIAV CMV LacZ) resulted in rapid and strong expression of LacZ in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells and some other cells including ganglion cells, resulting in the presence of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside within the optic nerve. Substitution of the RPE-specific promoter from the vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD2) gene for the CMV promoter resulted in prolonged (at least 1 year) expression of LacZ that was restricted to RPE cells, albeit reduced 6- to 10-fold compared with the CMV promoter. Similarly, the amount of FLAG-tagged endostatin detected in eyes injected with the EIAV VMD2 Endo(FLAG) vector was similar to that seen in eyes injected with a vector that expressed both endostatin and angiostatin [EIAV VMD2 Endo(FLAG)/Angio]; expression was approximately 6-fold lower than with identical vectors in which the CMV promoter drove expression. Compared with murine eyes treated with a control EIAV vector, subretinal injection of EIAV vectors expressing murine endostatin alone or in combination with angiostatin driven by either the CMV or VMD2 promoter caused significant suppression of choroidal neovascularization (NV) at laser-induced rupture sites in Bruch's membrane. These data support proceeding toward clinical studies with EIAV-based gene therapy for choroidal NV, using the VMD2 promoter to selectively drive expression of a combination of endostatin and angiostatin in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Kachi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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50
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Beltran WA, Boye SL, Boye SE, Chiodo VA, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW, Aguirre GD. rAAV2/5 gene-targeting to rods:dose-dependent efficiency and complications associated with different promoters. Gene Ther 2010; 17:1162-74. [PMID: 20428215 PMCID: PMC2914811 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A prerequisite for using corrective gene therapy to treat humans with inherited retinal degenerative diseases that affect primarily rods is to develop viral vectors that target specifically this population of photoreceptors. The delivery of a viral vector with photoreceptor tropism coupled with a rod-specific promoter is likely to be the safest and most efficient approach to target expression of the therapeutic gene to rods. Three promoters that included a fragment of the proximal mouse opsin promoter (mOP), the human G-protein coupled receptor protein kinase 1 promoter (hGRK1), or the cytomegalovirus immediate early enhancer combined with the chicken beta actin proximal promoter CBA) were evaluated for their specificity and robustness in driving GFP reporter gene expression in rods, when packaged in a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector of serotype 2/5 (AAV2/5), and delivered via subretinal injection to the normal canine retina. Photoreceptor specific promoters (mOP, hGRK1) targeted robust GFP expression to rods, while the ubiquitously expressed CBA promoter led to transgene expression in the retinal pigment epithelium, rods, cones and rare Müller, horizontal and ganglion cells. Late onset inflammation was frequently observed both clinically and histologically with all three constructs when the highest viral titers were injected. Cone loss in the injected regions of the retinas that received the highest titers occurred with both the hGRK1 and CBA promoters. Efficient and specific rod transduction, together with preservation of retinal structure was achieved with both mOP and hGRK1 promoters when viral titers in the order of 1011 vg/ml were used.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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