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Navabpour S, Kwapis JL, Jarome TJ. A neuroscientist's guide to transgenic mice and other genetic tools. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:732-748. [PMID: 31843544 PMCID: PMC8049509 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has produced an explosion in the number and variety of genetic tools available to neuroscientists, resulting in an unprecedented ability to precisely manipulate the genome and epigenome in behaving animals. However, no single resource exists that describes all of the tools available to neuroscientists. Here, we review the genetic, transgenic, and viral techniques that are currently available to probe the complex relationship between genes and cognition. Topics covered include types of traditional transgenic mouse models (knockout, knock-in, reporter lines), inducible systems (Cre-loxP, Tet-On, Tet-Off) and cell- and circuit-specific systems (TetTag, TRAP, DIO-DREADD). Additionally, we provide details on virus-mediated and siRNA/shRNA approaches, as well as a comprehensive discussion of the myriad manipulations that can be made using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, including single base pair editing and spatially- and temporally-regulated gene-specific transcriptional control. Collectively, this review will serve as a guide to assist neuroscientists in identifying and choosing the appropriate genetic tools available to study the complex relationship between the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Navabpour
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Janine L Kwapis
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College Park, PA, USA; Center for the Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders (CMIND), Pennsylvania State University, College Park, PA, USA.
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Roanoke, VA, USA; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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2
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Kuramoto E. Method for labeling and reconstruction of single neurons using Sindbis virus vectors. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 100:101648. [PMID: 31181303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal dendrites and axons are key substrates for the input and output of information, respectively, so establishing the precise and complete morphological description of dendritic and axonal processes of a single neuron is essential for understanding the neuron's functional role in the neuronal circuits. The whole structure of single neurons was originally revealed using Golgi staining, and later the intracellular labeling method was developed, although this is technically too difficult to stain entire neurons in vivo. Since the late 1980s, molecular biology techniques have been applied to neuroscience research, leading to the development of various virus vectors, such as the Sindbis and adeno-associated virus vectors, which have facilitated the reconstruction of neurons at a single cell level. In the present review, we focus on a method for labeling and reconstruction of single neurons using Sindbis virus vectors that express membrane-targeted fluorescent proteins. We describe in detail a protocol for single-neuron labeling using Sindbis virus vectors, and we provide an example of a recent project at our laboratory in which we successfully applied these methods to study thalamocortical projection neurons. Further, we discuss the strengths and limitations of Sindbis virus vectors for single neuron reconstruction, comparing them with adeno-associated virus vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Kuramoto
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
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3
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Ma Y, Ratnasabapathy R, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Nguyen-Tu MS, Richardson E, Hussain S, De Backer I, Holton C, Norton M, Carrat G, Schwappach B, Rutter GA, Dhillo WS, Gardiner J. Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus glucokinase regulates insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20:2246-2254. [PMID: 29748994 PMCID: PMC6099255 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the role of arcuate glucokinase (GK) in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing either GK or an antisense GK construct was used to alter GK activity specifically in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (arc). GK activity in this nucleus was also increased by stereotactic injection of the GK activator, compound A. The effect of altered arc GK activity on glucose homeostasis was subsequently investigated using glucose and insulin tolerance tests. RESULTS Increased GK activity specifically within the arc increased insulin secretion and improved glucose tolerance in rats during oral glucose tolerance tests. Decreased GK activity in this nucleus reduced insulin secretion and increased glucose levels during the same tests. Insulin sensitivity was not affected in either case. The effect of arc GK was maintained in a model of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a role for arc GK in systemic glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Risheka Ratnasabapathy
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marie-Sophie Nguyen-Tu
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Errol Richardson
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sufyan Hussain
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ivan De Backer
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Holton
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mariana Norton
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gaelle Carrat
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Blanche Schwappach
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Heart Research Centre Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Guy A Rutter
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Gardiner
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
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4
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Blits B, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. Pharmacological, Cell, and Gene Therapy Strategies to Promote Spinal Cord Regeneration. Cell Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.3727/000000002783985521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, recent studies using pharmacological treatment, cell transplantation, and gene therapy to promote regeneration of the injured spinal cord in animal models will be summarized. Pharmacological and cell transplantation treatments generally revealed some degree of effect on the regeneration of the injured ascending and descending tracts, but further improvements to achieve a more significant functional recovery are necessary. The use of gene therapy to promote repair of the injured nervous system is a relatively new concept. It is based on the development of methods for delivering therapeutic genes to neurons, glia cells, or nonneural cells. Direct in vivo gene transfer or gene transfer in combination with (neuro)transplantation (ex vivo gene transfer) appeared powerful strategies to promote neuronal survival and axonal regrowth following traumatic injury to the central nervous system. Recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth have enabled the design of experiments aimed at viral vector-mediated transfer of genes encoding neurotrophic factors, growth-associated proteins, cell adhesion molecules, and antiapoptotic genes. Central to the success of these approaches was the development of efficient, nontoxic vectors for gene delivery and the acquirement of the appropriate (genetically modified) cells for neurotransplantation. Direct gene transfer in the nervous system was first achieved with herpes viral and E1-deleted adenoviral vectors. Both vector systems are problematic in that these vectors elicit immunogenic and cytotoxic responses. Adeno-associated viral vectors and lentiviral vectors constitute improved gene delivery systems and are beginning to be applied in neuroregeneration research of the spinal cord. Ex vivo approaches were initially based on the implantation of genetically modified fibroblasts. More recently, transduced Schwann cells, genetically modified pieces of peripheral nerve, and olfactory ensheathing glia have been used as implants into the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Blits
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-ZO, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. Boer
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-ZO, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam-ZO, The Netherlands
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5
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Goganau I, Blesch A. Gene Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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6
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Serguera C, Bemelmans AP. Gene therapy of the central nervous system: general considerations on viral vectors for gene transfer into the brain. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2014; 170:727-38. [PMID: 25459120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has nourished strong doubts on the beneficial prospects of gene therapy for curing fatal diseases. However, this climate of reservation is currently being transcended by the publication of several successful clinical protocols, restoring confidence in the appropriateness of therapeutic gene transfer. A strong sign of this present enthusiasm for gene therapy by clinicians and industrials is the market approval of the therapeutic viral vector Glybera, the first commercial product in Europe of this class of drug. This new field of medicine is particularly attractive when considering therapies for a number of neurological disorders, most of which are desperately waiting for a satisfactory treatment. The central nervous system is indeed a very compliant organ where gene transfer can be stable and successful if provided through an appropriate strategy. The purpose of this review is to present the characteristics of the most efficient virus-derived vectors used by researchers and clinicians to genetically modify particular cell types or whole regions of the brain. In addition, we discuss major issues regarding side effects, such as genotoxicity and immune response associated to the use of these vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Serguera
- CEA, DSV, I(2)BM, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen) and CNRS, CEA URA 2210, 18, route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - A-P Bemelmans
- CEA, DSV, I(2)BM, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen) and CNRS, CEA URA 2210, 18, route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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7
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Negro-Demontel ML, Saccardo P, Giacomini C, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Ferrer-Miralles N, Vazquez E, Villaverde A, Peluffo H. Comparative analysis of lentiviral vectors and modular protein nanovectors for traumatic brain injury gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14047. [PMID: 26015985 PMCID: PMC4362363 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and there are no effective treatments currently available. Gene therapy applications have emerged as important alternatives for the treatment of diverse nervous system injuries. New strategies are evolving with the notion that each particular pathological condition may require a specific vector. Moreover, the lack of detailed comparative studies between different vectors under similar conditions hampers the selection of an ideal vector for a given pathological condition. The potential use of lentiviral vectors versus several modular protein-based nanovectors was compared using a controlled cortical impact model of TBI under the same gene therapy conditions. We show that variables such as protein/DNA ratio, incubation volume, and presence of serum or chloroquine in the transfection medium impact on both nanovector formation and transfection efficiency in vitro. While lentiviral vectors showed GFP protein 1 day after TBI and increased expression at 14 days, nanovectors showed stable and lower GFP transgene expression from 1 to 14 days. No toxicity after TBI by any of the vectors was observed as determined by resulting levels of IL-1β or using neurological sticky tape test. In fact, both vector types induced functional improvement per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luciana Negro-Demontel
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay ; Departmento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paolo Saccardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Giacomini
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vazquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hugo Peluffo
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay ; Departmento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
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8
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Savastano LE, Laurito SR, Fitt MR, Rasmussen JA, Gonzalez Polo V, Patterson SI. Sciatic nerve injury: A simple and subtle model for investigating many aspects of nervous system damage and recovery. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 227:166-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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9
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Siddiq I, Park E, Liu E, Spratt SK, Surosky R, Lee G, Ando D, Giedlin M, Hare GMT, Fehlings MG, Baker AJ. Treatment of traumatic brain injury using zinc-finger protein gene therapy targeting VEGF-A. J Neurotrauma 2012; 29:2647-59. [PMID: 23016562 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a role in angiogenesis and has been shown to be neuroprotective following central nervous system trauma. In the present study we evaluated the pro-angiogenic and neuroprotective effects of an engineered zinc-finger protein transcription factor transactivator targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-ZFP). We used two virus delivery systems, adeno-virus and adeno-associated virus, to examine the effects of early and delayed VEGF-A upregulation after brain trauma, respectively. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to a unilateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) of moderate severity (2.2-2.5 atm) followed by intracerebral microinjection of either adenovirus vector (Adv) or an adeno-associated vector (AAV) carrying the VEGF-ZFP construct. Adv-VEGF-ZFP-treated animals had significantly fewer TUNEL positive cells in the injured penumbra of the cortex (p<0.001) and hippocampus (p=0.001) relative to untreated rats at 72 h post-injury. Adv-VEGF-ZFP treatment significantly improved fEPSP values (p=0.007) in the CA1 region relative to injury alone. Treatment with AAV2-VEGF-ZFP resulted in improved post-injury microvascular diameter and improved functional recovery on the balance beam and rotarod task at 30 days post-injury. Collectively, the results provide supportive evidence for the concept of acute and delayed treatment following TBI using VEGF-ZFP to induce angiogenesis, reduce cell death, and enhance functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Siddiq
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Li BH, Kim SM, Yoo SB, Kim MJ, Jahng JW, Lee JH. Recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF-β) gene transfer promotes regeneration of crush-injured mental nerve in rats. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012; 113:e26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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11
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Jenkins SI, Pickard MR, Granger N, Chari DM. Magnetic nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer to oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplant populations is enhanced by magnetofection strategies. ACS NANO 2011; 5:6527-38. [PMID: 21721568 DOI: 10.1021/nn2018717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study has tested the feasibility of using physical delivery methods, employing static and oscillating field "magnetofection" techniques, to enhance magnetic nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer to rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived for transplantation therapies. These cells are a major transplant population to mediate repair of damage as occurs in spinal cord injury and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We show for the first time that magnetic nanoparticles mediate effective transfer of reporter and therapeutic genes to oligodendrocyte precursors; transfection efficacy was significantly enhanced by applied static or oscillating magnetic fields, the latter using an oscillating array employing high-gradient NdFeB magnets. The effects of oscillating fields were frequency-dependent, with 4 Hz yielding optimal results. Transfection efficacies obtained using magnetofection methods were highly competitive with or better than current widely used nonviral transfection methods (e.g., electroporation and lipofection) with the additional critical advantage of high cell viability. No adverse effects were found on the cells' ability to divide or give rise to their daughter cells, the oligodendrocytes-key properties that underpin their regeneration-promoting effects. The transplantation potential of transfected cells was tested in three-dimensional tissue engineering models utilizing brain slices as the host tissue; modified transplanted cells were found to migrate, divide, give rise to daughter cells, and integrate within host tissue, further evidencing the safety of the protocols used. Our findings strongly support the concept that magnetic nanoparticle vectors in conjunction with state-of-the-art magnetofection strategies provide a technically simple and effective alternative to current methods for gene transfer to oligodendrocyte precursor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart I Jenkins
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
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12
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Kusano K, Enomoto M, Hirai T, Wakabayashi Y, Itoh S, Ichinose S, Okabe S, Shinomiya K, Okawa A. Enhancement of sciatic nerve regeneration by adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant negative RhoA and Rac1. Neurosci Lett 2011; 492:64-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Tan W, Pagliardini S, Yang P, Janczewski WA, Feldman JL. Projections of preBötzinger complex neurons in adult rats. J Comp Neurol 2010; 518:1862-78. [PMID: 20235095 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) contains neural microcircuitry essential for normal respiratory rhythm generation in rodents. A subpopulation of preBötC neurons expresses somatostatin, a neuropeptide with a modulatory action on breathing. Acute silencing of a subpopulation of preBötC neurons transfected by a virus driving protein expression under the somatostatin promoter results in persistent apnea in awake adult rats. Given the profound effect of silencing these neurons, their projections are of interest. We used an adeno-associated virus to overexpress enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the somatostatin promoter in preBötC neurons to label their axons and terminal fields. These neurons send brainstem projections to: 1) contralateral preBötC; 2) ipsi- and contralateral Bötzinger Complex; 3) ventral respiratory column caudal to preBötC; 4) parafacial respiratory group/retrotrapezoid nucleus; 5) parahypoglossal nucleus/nucleus of the solitary tract; 6) parabrachial/Kölliker-Fuse nuclei; and 7) periaqueductal gray. We did not find major projections to either cerebellum or spinal cord. We conclude that there are widespread projections from preBötC somatostatin-expressing neurons specifically targeted to brainstem regions implicated in control of breathing, and provide a network basis for the profound effects and the essential role of the preBötC in breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Tan
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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14
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Liu Y, Figley S, Spratt SK, Lee G, Ando D, Surosky R, Fehlings MG. An engineered transcription factor which activates VEGF-A enhances recovery after spinal cord injury. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 37:384-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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15
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Aspalter M, Vyas A, Feiner J, Griffin J, Brushart T, Redett R. Modification of Schwann cell gene expression by electroporation in vivo. J Neurosci Methods 2009; 176:96-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2008] [Revised: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Targeting adenoviral transgene expression to neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 39:411-7. [PMID: 18722531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2008] [Revised: 07/14/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad) is an efficient and safe vector for CNS gene delivery since it infects non-replicating neurons and does not cause insertional mutagenesis of host cell genomes. However, the promiscuous Ad CAR receptor targets cells non-specifically and activates a host immune response. Using Ad5 containing an expression cassette encoding the gene for green fluorescent protein, gfp, regulated by the neuron specific promoter synapsin-1 and the woodchuck post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE), we demonstrate efficient, prolonged and promoter-restricted gfp expression in neurons of mixed primary adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and retinal cell cultures. We also demonstrate restricted gfp expression in DRG neurons after direct injections of Ad5 containing the synapsin-1(gfp)/WPRE construct into L4 DRG in vivo, while Ad5 CMV(gfp) transfected both DRG glia and neurons. Moreover, since the effective titres of delivered Ad5 are reduced with this neuron specific promoter/WPRE expression cassette, the viral immune challenge should be attenuated when used in vivo.
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Tannemaat MR, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J, Malessy MJ. GENETIC MODIFICATION OF HUMAN SURAL NERVE SEGMENTS BY A LENTIVIRAL VECTOR ENCODING NERVE GROWTH FACTOR. Neurosurgery 2007; 61:1286-94; discussion 1294-6. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000306108.78044.a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martijn R. Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of The Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. Boer
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of The Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of The Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J.A. Malessy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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van Tijn P, de Vrij FMS, Schuurman KG, Dantuma NP, Fischer DF, van Leeuwen FW, Hol EM. Dose-dependent inhibition of proteasome activity by a mutant ubiquitin associated with neurodegenerative disease. J Cell Sci 2007; 120:1615-23. [PMID: 17405812 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is the main regulated intracellular proteolytic pathway. Increasing evidence implicates impairment of this system in the pathogenesis of diseases with ubiquitin-positive pathology. A mutant ubiquitin, UBB(+1), accumulates in the pathological hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, polyglutamine diseases, liver disease and muscle disease and serves as an endogenous reporter for proteasomal dysfunction in these diseases. UBB(+1) is a substrate for proteasomal degradation, however it can also inhibit the proteasome. Here, we show that UBB(+1) properties shift from substrate to inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner in cell culture using an inducible UBB(+1) expression system. At low expression levels, UBB(+1) was efficiently degraded by the proteasome. At high levels, the proteasome failed to degrade UBB(+1), causing its accumulation, which subsequently induced a reversible functional impairment of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also in brain slice cultures, UBB(+1) accumulation and concomitant proteasome inhibition was only induced at high expression levels. Our findings show that by varying UBB(+1) expression levels, the dual proteasome substrate and inhibitory properties can be optimally used to serve as a research tool to study the ubiquitin-proteasome system and to further elucidate the role of aberrations of this pathway in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula van Tijn
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Tomioka R, Rockland KS. Improved Golgi-like Visualization in Retrogradely Projecting Neurons after EGFP-Adenovirus Infection in Adult Rat and Monkey. J Histochem Cytochem 2006; 54:539-48. [PMID: 16344324 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.5a6838.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An adenovirus vector was generated using a neuron-specific promoter synapsin I and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter (AdSynEGFP). In addition, two modifications were identified that resulted in robust and reliable retrograde transport and EGFP expression after injection of the virus into three different brain regions in adult rats (medial prefrontal cortex, posterior thalamic nuclear group, and CA1). These are post-injection survival times of 14 days and addition of high concentrations of NaCl (≥600 mM) to the injection buffer. These modifications resulted in obvious improvement in the intensity of the EGFP signal and in the number of labeled cells. Use of anti-EGFP in immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase processing further enhanced the signal so that Golgi-like filling of dendritic spines and axon collaterals was routinely achieved. Effectiveness of the AdSynEGFP for Golgi-like filling was confirmed in one rhesus monkey with injections in visual area V4. Because of the long-term viability of the infected neurons (at least up to 28 days in rats and 22 days in monkey), this AdSynEGFP is suitable for use in microcircuitry studies in combination with other fluorescently tagged elements, including anterogradely labeled extrinsic projections. The native EGFP signal (without antibody enhancement) may be sufficient for studies involving cultured cells or slices. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:539-548, 2006)
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Tomioka
- Laboratory for Cortical Organization and Systematics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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20
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Watanabe TS, Ohtori S, Koda M, Aoki Y, Doya H, Shirasawa H, Yamazaki M, Moriya H, Takahashi K, Yamashita T. Adenoviral gene transfer in the peripheral nervous system. J Orthop Sci 2006; 11:64-9. [PMID: 16437351 DOI: 10.1007/s00776-005-0971-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral vectors have gained widespread use as vehicles for somatic gene transfer, and the targeted expression of foreign proteins by these vectors offers advantages over the systemic administration of the drugs in some therapeutic situations. Selective virus-mediated gene transfer to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), however, remains to be established. There are no data showing efficiency of protein transduction in the PNS, which consists of a variety of cell types, many of which are postmitotic. METHODS We prepared the first-generation replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vectors engineered to express LacZ. Eight-week-old Wister rats were used in this study. Adenovirus vector (5 microl) containing the LacZ gene (5 x 10(8) pfu) was injected into rat sciatic nerves or the dorsal root ganglia at the level of L5. The sciatic nerves, the dorsal root ganglia, and the spinal cords were obtained 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injection. Expression of LacZ was assessed by X-gal histochemistry and beta-gal immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Following injection of the adenovirus carrying the LacZ gene into the sciatic nerve, LacZ expression was seen mainly in the Schwann cells and the small neurons in the dorsal root ganglion. In contrast, expression was observed in the primary nerve terminals of the spinal dorsal horn and the small to large dorsal root ganglion neurons and the Schwann cells after injection of the vectors into the L5 dorsal root ganglion. There were no side effects in rats with injection in the dorsal root ganglia or the sciatic nerve. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows efficient protein transduction by adenovirus vectors in the PNS. It is noted that injection of the virus into the dorsal root ganglia leads to extensive expression of LacZ in the spinal cord, the dorsal root ganglia, and the sciatic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Saito Watanabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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21
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Youngentob SL, Pyrski MM, Margolis FL. Adenoviral vector-mediated rescue of the OMP-null behavioral phenotype: enhancement of odorant threshold sensitivity. Behav Neurosci 2004; 118:636-42. [PMID: 15174942 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.118.3.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mice from which the olfactory marker protein (OMP) gene has been deleted demonstrate a number of neurophysiologic and behavioral defects that suggest OMP is an important component in olfactory signal transduction and is critically involved in odor processing. Recently, the potential pleiotropic effects of gene deletion were addressed by adenoviral vector-mediated rescue of the neurophysiologic defects, in vivo. As a complement to this study, the authors used a recombinant adenoviral vector to transiently introduce OMP into olfactory sensory neurons of adult OMP-null mice and, using psychophysical methods, demonstrated the resulting reacquisition of behavioral function subsequent to gene replacement. The rescue of the OMP-null behavioral phenotype further supports the hypothesis that OMP is an important component in olfactory signal amplification and/or transduction processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Youngentob
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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22
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Durham PL, Dong PX, Belasco KT, Kasperski J, Gierasch WW, Edvinsson L, Heistad DD, Faraci FM, Russo AF. Neuronal expression and regulation of CGRP promoter activity following viral gene transfer into cultured trigeminal ganglia neurons. Brain Res 2004; 997:103-10. [PMID: 14715155 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2003.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) promoter activity in primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia neurons. A viral vector was used to circumvent the potential complication of examining only a small subpopulation of cells in the heterogeneous cultures. Infection with high titers of recombinant adenovirus containing 1.25 kb of the rat CGRP promoter linked to the beta-galactosidase reporter gene (AdCGRP-lacZ) yielded expression in about 50% of the CGRP-expressing neurons. The CGRP-lacZ reporter gene was preferentially expressed in neurons, with 91% co-expression with endogenous CGRP. In contrast, an adenoviral vector containing a CMV-lacZ reporter was predominantly expressed in non-neuronal cells, with only 29% co-expression with CGRP. We then asked whether the CGRP promoter in the viral vector could be regulated by serotonin receptor type 1 (5-HT(1)) agonists. Promoter activity was decreased two- to threefold by treatment with five 5-HT(1B/D) agonists, including the triptan drugs sumatriptan, eletriptan, and rizatriptan that are used for migraine treatment. As controls, CMV promoter activity was not affected, and 5-HT(1B/D) receptor antagonists blocked the repression caused by sumatriptan and eletriptan. Thus, adenoviral gene transfer can be used in trigeminal ganglia neurons for studying the mechanisms of triptan drug action on CGRP synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Durham
- Department of Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65804, USA
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23
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Seijffers R, Woolf CJ. Utilization of an HSV-based amplicon vector encoding the axonal marker hPLAP to follow neurite outgrowth in cultured DRG neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2004; 132:169-76. [PMID: 14706714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2003.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of genes into DRG neurons by viral vectors is a powerful tool for the study of axonal outgrowth. In order to achieve efficient transfer of growth-related genes and simultaneously label neuronal processes, we have utilized the HSV-based amplicon vector system. A bicistronic expression cassette encoding the growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and the axonal marker human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPLAP) reporter gene under translation control of an internal ribosomal entry site was cloned into the HGCX amplicon vector. This hPLAP reporter enabled efficient labeling of neurites in both dissociated adult DRG neurons and embryonic DRG explants. Using this reporter, the effect of GAP-43 on neurite outgrowth in transduced DRG neurons could be demonstrated. HSV-based amplicon vectors can contribute to the study of axonal growth and guidance in cultured neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona Seijffers
- Neural Plasticity Research Group, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Room 4309, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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24
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Ex vivo adenoviral vector-mediated neurotrophin gene transfer to olfactory ensheathing glia: effects on rubrospinal tract regeneration, lesion size, and functional recovery after implantation in the injured rat spinal cord. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 12904465 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-18-07045.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study uniquely combines olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) implantation with ex vivo adenoviral (AdV) vector-based neurotrophin gene therapy in an attempt to enhance regeneration after cervical spinal cord injury. Primary OEG were transduced with AdV vectors encoding rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), or bacterial marker protein beta-galactosidase (LacZ) and subsequently implanted into adult Fischer rats directly after unilateral transection of the dorsolateral funiculus. Implanted animals received a total of 2 x 105 OEG that were subjected to transduction with neurotrophin-encoding AdV vector, AdV-LacZ, or no vector, respectively. At 4 months after injury, lesion volumes were smaller in all OEG implanted rats and significantly reduced in size after implantation of neurotrophin-encoding AdV vector-transduced OEG. All OEG grafts were filled with neurofilament-positive axons, and AdV vector-mediated expression of BDNF by implanted cells significantly enhanced regenerative sprouting of the rubrospinal tract. Behavioral analysis revealed that OEG-implanted rats displayed better locomotion during horizontal rope walking than unimplanted lesioned controls. Recovery of hind limb function was also improved after implantation of OEG that were transduced with a BDNF- or NT-3-encoding AdV vector. Hind limb performance during horizontal rope locomotion did directly correlate with lesion size, suggesting that neuroprotective effects of OEG implants contributed to the level of functional recovery. Thus, our results demonstrate that genetic engineering of OEG not only resulted in a cell that was more effective in promoting axonal outgrowth but could also lead to enhanced recovery after injury, possibly by sparing of spinal tissue.
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25
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Ruitenberg MJ, Eggers R, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. Adeno-associated viral vectors as agents for gene delivery: application in disorders and trauma of the central nervous system. Methods 2002; 28:182-94. [PMID: 12413416 DOI: 10.1016/s1046-2023(02)00222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of viral vectors as agents for gene delivery provides a direct approach to manipulate gene expression in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). The present article describes in detail the methodology for the injection of viral vectors, in particular adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, into the adult rat brain and spinal cord to obtain reproducible and successful transduction of neural tissue. Surgical and injection procedures are based on the extensive experience of our laboratory to deliver viral vectors to the adult rat CNS and have been optimized over the years. First, a brief overview is presented on the use and potential of viral vectors to treat neurological disorders or trauma of the CNS. Next, methods to deliver AAV vectors to the rat brain and spinal cord are described in great detail with the intent of providing a practical guide to potential users. Finally, some data on the experimental outcomes following AAV vector-mediated gene transfer to the adult rat CNS are presented as is a brief discussion on both the advantages and limitations of AAV vectors as tools for somatic gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Ruitenberg
- Graduate School for Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam ZO, The Netherlands
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26
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Yukawa Y, Lou J, Fukui N, Lenke LG. Optimal treatment timing to attenuate neuronal apoptosis via Bcl-2 gene transfer in vitro and in vivo. J Neurotrauma 2002; 19:1091-103. [PMID: 12482121 DOI: 10.1089/089771502760341992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Bcl-2 gene transfer can rescue cells from neuronal apoptosis, the temporal relationship between treatment initiation time and effectiveness is unknown. The purpose of present study is to investigate the optimal treatment timing of Bcl-2 gene transfer in saving cells after neural insults. Bcl-2 gene transfer was mediated by recombinant adenovirus carrying human bcl-2 oncogene (Adv-Bcl-2). Adenovirus carrying beta-galactosidase gene (Adv-Bgal) served as a control. A serum withdrawal model of NSC-19 cell culture was used to induce apoptosis in vitro. At various time points before or after serum withdrawal, the motor neuron cells (NSC-19 cells) were infected with either Adv-Bcl-2 or Adv-Bgal. At 72 h after serum withdrawal, the number of apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation were examined to evaluate the effect of Bcl-2 gene transfer. A weight-drop spinal cord injury model in rats was used as in vivo model. At various time points before or after experimental spinal injury, virus solution, including Adv-Bcl-2 or Adv-Bgal, was injected at the spinal cord in injured rats. The degree of cord injury was measured at 72 h after injury. TUNEL staining was performed to count cells that have undergone DNA damage in sections. Bcl-2 protein overexpression was confirmed by immunostaining both in vitro and in vivo model. In vitro, Adv-Bcl-2 infection produced a less prominent DNA laddering pattern. Adv-Bcl-2 infection between 24 h before and 4 h after serum withdrawal significantly reduced the apoptotic cell death. In vivo Adv-Bcl-2 injection immediately after injury effectively suppressed the injury lesion by blocking DNA fragmentation and irreversible cellular injury. Our data demonstrate that earlier initiation of Bcl-2 gene transfer can produce improved neural cell rescue following neural insults. These results stress important temporal considerations in future gene therapy strategies for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutsugu Yukawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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27
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Kaspar BK, Erickson D, Schaffer D, Hinh L, Gage FH, Peterson DA. Targeted retrograde gene delivery for neuronal protection. Mol Ther 2002; 5:50-6. [PMID: 11786045 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular heterogeneity and complex circuitry of the central nervous system make it difficult to achieve precise delivery of experimental and therapeutic agents. We report here an in vivo retrograde gene delivery strategy to target mature projection neurons using adeno-associated virus, a vector with low toxicity and the capacity for long-term gene expression. Viral delivery to axon terminal fields in the hippocampus and striatum resulted in viral internalization, retrograde transport, and transgene expression in specific projection neurons in entorhinal cortex and substantia nigra. Retrograde delivery of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2l (also known as Bcl-xL) protected entorhinal projection neurons from subsequent damage-induced cell death. Given the broad distribution of neurons affected by neurodegenerative diseases, gene delivery to both the terminal fields and the projection neurons through retrograde infection provides for strategic therapeutic intervention at both levels of the neural circuit. This approach may also facilitate experimental studies of defined neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Kaspar
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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28
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Ruitenberg MJ, Plant GW, Christensen CL, Blits B, Niclou SP, Harvey AR, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. Viral vector-mediated gene expression in olfactory ensheathing glia implants in the lesioned rat spinal cord. Gene Ther 2002; 9:135-46. [PMID: 11857072 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2001] [Accepted: 11/28/2001] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation of olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) is a promising strategy to augment long-distance regeneration in the injured spinal cord. In this study, implantation of OEG following unilateral hemisection of the dorsal cervical spinal cord was combined with ex vivo gene transfer techniques. We report, to our knowledge for the first time, that purified cultures of primary OEG are capable of expressing a foreign gene following adenoviral (AdV) and lentiviral (LV) vector-mediated gene transfer. OEG implants subjected to AdV vector-mediated gene transfer expressed high levels of transgenic protein in both intact and lesioned spinal cord at 7 days after implantation. However, the levels of transgene expression gradually declined between 7 and 30 days after implantation in lesioned spinal cord. Infection with LV vectors resulted in stable transduction of primary OEG cultures and transgene expression persisted for at least 4 months after implantation. Genetic engineering of OEG opens the possibility of expressing additional neurotrophic genes and create optimal 'bridging' substrates to support spinal axon regeneration. Furthermore, stable transduction of OEG allows us to reliably study the behaviour of implanted cells and to obtain better understanding of their regeneration supporting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Ruitenberg
- Graduate School for Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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29
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De Vrij FM, Sluijs JA, Gregori L, Fischer DF, Hermens WT, Goldgaber D, Verhaagen J, Van Leeuwen FW, Hol EM. Mutant ubiquitin expressed in Alzheimer's disease causes neuronal death. FASEB J 2001; 15:2680-8. [PMID: 11726544 DOI: 10.1096/fj.01-0438com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-B+1 (UBB+1) is a mutant ubiquitin that accumulates in the neurones of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we report on the biochemical and functional differences between ubiquitin and UBB+1 and the effect of the mutant protein on neuronal cells. UBB+1 lacks the capacity to ubiquitinate, and although it is ubiquitinated itself, UBB+1 is not degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasomal system and is quite stable in neuronal cells. Overexpression of UBB+1 in neuroblastoma cells significantly induces nuclear fragmentation and cell death. Our results demonstrate that accumulation of UBB+1 in neurones is detrimental and may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M De Vrij
- Graduate School for Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Research Group Molecular Misreading, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Zermansky AJ, Bolognani F, Stone D, Cowsill CM, Morrissey G, Castro MG, Löwenstein PR. Towards global and long-term neurological gene therapy: unexpected transgene dependent, high-level, and widespread distribution of HSV-1 thymidine kinase throughout the CNS. Mol Ther 2001; 4:490-8. [PMID: 11708886 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of neurological gene therapy for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, is achieving high levels, widespread distribution, and long-lived transgene expression in the brain. Here, following the intracerebral injection of a recombinant adenovirus (RAd) encoding herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK), we detect very high levels of HSV1-TK immunoreactivity throughout the brain both ipsilaterally and contralaterally to the injection site, for up to 12 months following vector administration. This study concludes that long-term, high-level, and anatomically distributed HSV1-TK immunoreactivity can be obtained, and that this is most likely due to transgene-specific properties, because neither the distribution nor the longevity were observed for the transgene beta-galactosidase encoded by a co-injected vector. Thus, we demonstrate that transgene expression can be achieved over widespread areas of the rodent brain, even 12 months after a single injection of first-generation adenovirus vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Zermansky
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, Room 1.302 Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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31
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Jackson CA, Cobbs C, Peduzzi JD, Novak M, Morrow CD. Repetitive intrathecal injections of poliovirus replicons result in gene expression in neurons of the central nervous system without pathogenesis. Hum Gene Ther 2001; 12:1827-41. [PMID: 11589826 DOI: 10.1089/104303401753153893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Poliovirus-based vectors (replicons) can be used for gene delivery to motor neurons of the CNS. In the current study, a replicon encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was encapsidated into authentic poliovirions, using established procedures. Intrathecal delivery of encapsidated replicons encoding GFP to the CNS of mice transgenic for the human poliovirus receptor did not result in any functional deficits as judged by behavioral testing. Histological analysis of the CNS of mice given a single intrathecal injection of poliovirus replicons encoding GFP revealed no obvious pathogenesis in neurons (or other cell types) within the CNS. The expression of GFP was confined to motor neurons throughout the neuroaxis; a time course of expression of GFP revealed that expression was detectable 24 hr postinoculation and returned to background levels by 120 hr postinoculation. A procedure was devised to allow repetitive inoculation of replicons within the same animal. Behavioral testing of animals that had received 6 to 13 independent inoculations of replicons revealed no functional deficits. Histological analysis of the CNS from animals that had received 6 to 13 sequential inoculations of replicons revealed no obvious abnormalities in neurons or other cell types in the CNS; expression of GFP was demonstrated in neurons 24 to 72 hr after the final inoculation of the replicon. Furthermore, there was no obvious inflammatory response in the CNS after the multiple inoculations. These studies establish the safety and efficacy of replicons for gene delivery to the CNS and are discussed with respect to use of replicons as new therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injuries and/or neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Jackson
- Department of Physiological Optics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA
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32
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Boer GJ, van Esseveldt KE, Dijkhuizen PA, Hermens WT, te Beek ET, van Heerikhuize JJ, Poldervaart HA, Verhaagen J. Adenoviral Vector-Mediated Expression of Neurotrophin-3 Increases Neuronal Survival in Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Grafts. Exp Neurol 2001; 169:364-75. [PMID: 11358449 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2001.7683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
To improve transplantation results of fetal suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in SCN-lesioned (SCNX) rats, grafts were ex vivo transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding for neurotrophin-3 (AdNT-3) before implantation. Mock- and AdLacZ-transduced grafts were used as controls. First, transplants were evaluated microscopically and by image analysis for the presence of vasopressinergic (VPergic) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptidergic (VIPergic) SCN neurons at 10 weeks or later postgrafting. Ex vivo AdNT-3-transduced transplants displayed increased volume areas of VPergic and VIPergic SCN cells in comparison with those in mock- and AdLacZ-transduced transplants, but significantly improved graft-to-host VPergic and VIPergic SCN fiber growth was not reached (though AdNT-3-transduced transplants tended to grow more VPergic fibers into the brain of VP-deficient SCNX Brattleboro rat recipients, which were chosen as recipients to circumvent the presence of non-SCN VP fiber staining). Second, a small group of arrhythmic Wistar rats received AdNT-3- or control-treated SCN grafts while continuously on-line for the monitoring of overt circadian activities in the pre- and postgrafting periods. The results indicated that ex vivo transduced SCN grafts can still restore arrhythmia, but that the NT-3-mediated anatomical improvements of the grafting results were not sufficient to enhance efficacy of reinstatement of circadian rhythm in SCN-lesioned rats. However, in this group VIP staining volume area, not VP staining volume area, correlated significantly with reinstatement of circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Boer
- Graduate School of Neurosciences of Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam ZO, The Netherlands
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33
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Zou L, Yuan X, Zhou H, Lu H, Yang K. Helper-dependent adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer in aged rat brain. Hum Gene Ther 2001; 12:181-91. [PMID: 11177555 DOI: 10.1089/104303401750061249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer of the neurotrophin gene into brain can attenuate age-related deficits such as neuronal atrophy and memory loss, but a suitable vector for this procedure has been lacking. The toxicity and immunogenicity of first-generation adenoviral vectors with E1 deletion (fgAdv) prohibit the application of gene transfer in the majority of central nervous system disorders. Here, we report less toxic and persistent gene expression mediated by helper-dependent adenovirus (hdAdv) in aged rat brain. After intrahippocampal or intraventricular inoculation of the vector, transgene expression was monitored by X-Gal staining and compared with fgAdv-mediated expression. Host inflammatory and immune responses against these vectors were evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of microglia, astrocytes, and infiltrating macrophages, as well as by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Transgene expression mediated by hdAdv persisted for more than 183 days regardless of inoculation site, as compared with 33 and 66 days for fgAdv-mediated expression after intraventricular and intrahippocampal inoculation, respectively. Inoculation with hdAdv was also associated with reduced numbers of activated microglial cells, astrocytes, and infiltrating macrophages in brain tissue. Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta was minimal after hdAdv but not after fgAdv inoculation. These findings indicate that hdAdv would provide a safe and effective means to transfer therapeutic genes into aged brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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34
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Alisky JM, Davidson BL. Gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2000; 11:2315-29. [PMID: 11096437 DOI: 10.1089/104303400750038435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several incurable diseases of motor neuron degeneration, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic hemiplegia, spinal muscular atrophy, and bulbospinal atrophy. Advances in gene transfer techniques coupled with new insights into molecular pathology have opened promising avenues for gene therapy aimed at halting disease progression. Nonviral preparations and recombinant adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpesviruses, and lentiviruses may ultimately transduce sufficient numbers of cerebral, brainstem, and spinal cord neurons for therapeutic applications. This could be accomplished by direct injection, transduction of lower motor neurons via retrograde transport after intramuscular injection, or cell-based therapies. Studies using transgenic mice expressing mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a model for one form of ALS, established that several proteins were neuroprotective, including calbindin, bcl-2, and growth factors. These same molecules promoted neuronal survival in other injury models, suggesting general applicability to all forms of ALS. Potentially correctable genetic lesions have also been identified for hereditary spastic hemiplegia, bulbospinal atrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy. Finally, it may be possible to repopulate lost corticospinal and lower motor neurons by transplanting stem cells or stimulating native progenitor populations. The challenge ahead is to translate these basic science breakthroughs into workable clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Alisky
- Program in Gene Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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35
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Etessami R, Conzelmann KK, Fadai-Ghotbi B, Natelson B, Tsiang H, Ceccaldi PE. Spread and pathogenic characteristics of a G-deficient rabies virus recombinant: an in vitro and in vivo study. J Gen Virol 2000; 81:2147-2153. [PMID: 10950970 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-81-9-2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies virus (RV), a highly neurotropic enveloped virus, is known to spread within the CNS by means of axonal transport. Although the envelope spike glycoprotein (G) of cell-free virions is required for attachment to neuronal receptors and for virus entry, its necessity for transsynaptic spread remains controversial. In this work, a G gene-deficient recombinant RV (SAD delta G) complemented phenotypically with RV G protein (SAD delta G+G) has been used to demonstrate the absolute requirement for G in virus transfer from one neuron to another, both in vitro, in neuronal cell cultures (cell line and primary cultures), and in vivo, in murine animal models. By using a model of stereotaxic inoculation into the rat striatum, infection is shown to be restricted to initially infected cells and not transferred to secondary neurons. In mouse as in rat models of infection, the limited infection did not cause any detectable symptoms, suggesting that G-deficient RV recombinants might be valuable as non-pathogenic, single-round vectors for expression of foreign genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réza Etessami
- Rabies Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France1
| | | | - Babak Fadai-Ghotbi
- Rabies Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France1
| | - Benjamin Natelson
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, East Orange, Newark, NJ, USA3
| | - Henri Tsiang
- Rabies Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France1
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Ceccaldi
- Rabies Unit, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France1
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van Esseveldt KE, Lehman MN, Boer GJ. The suprachiasmatic nucleus and the circadian time-keeping system revisited. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2000; 33:34-77. [PMID: 10967353 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(00)00025-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many physiological and behavioral processes show circadian rhythms which are generated by an internal time-keeping system, the biological clock. In rodents, evidence from a variety of studies has shown the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to be the site of the master pacemaker controlling circadian rhythms. The clock of the SCN oscillates with a near 24-h period but is entrained to solar day/night rhythm by light. Much progress has been made recently in understanding the mechanisms of the circadian system of the SCN, its inputs for entrainment and its outputs for transfer of the rhythm to the rest of the brain. The present review summarizes these new developments concerning the properties of the SCN and the mechanisms of circadian time-keeping. First, we will summarize data concerning the anatomical and physiological organization of the SCN, including the roles of SCN neuropeptide/neurotransmitter systems, and our current knowledge of SCN input and output pathways. Second, we will discuss SCN transplantation studies and how they have contributed to knowledge of the intrinsic properties of the SCN, communication between the SCN and its targets, and age-related changes in the circadian system. Third, recent findings concerning the genes and molecules involved in the intrinsic pacemaker mechanisms of insect and mammalian clocks will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss exciting new possibilities concerning the use of viral vector-mediated gene transfer as an approach to investigate mechanisms of circadian time-keeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E van Esseveldt
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ ZO, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zou L, Zhou H, Pastore L, Yang K. Prolonged transgene expression mediated by a helper-dependent adenoviral vector (hdAd) in the central nervous system. Mol Ther 2000; 2:105-13. [PMID: 10947937 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2000.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional adenoviral vectors such as E1-deleted first-generation adenovirus (fgAd) elicit striking host immune response, resulting in limited expression of the transgene. A recently described helper-dependent, or gutless, adenoviral vector (hdAd) can promote stable transgene expression in peripheral organs, including the liver. We therefore investigated the safety and durability of hdAd-mediated gene transfer to the central nervous system (CNS) of rats compared with gene delivery by fgAd. Equal amounts of either fgAd or hdAd carrying the beta geo transgene were stereotactically injected into the right hippocampus of adult rats. Transgene expression was assessed by histochemical staining, transgene stability by PCR analysis, and immune infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages by immunocytochemical methods. Strong transgene expression from either vector was detected in brain tissue examined on day 6 postinoculation. Thereafter, fgAd-mediated gene expression rapidly decreased, becoming undetectable by day 66, while expression from the hdAd vector persisted throughout the test period. PCR confirmed the presence of hdAd-associated DNA at 66 days postinoculation. The hdAd injection elicited apparently lower numbers of brain-infiltrating macrophages and T cells than did administration of fgAd. These results indicate improved transgene expression and reduced immunogenicity with use of hdAd to deliver genes to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Blits B, Dijkhuizen PA, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. Intercostal nerve implants transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding neurotrophin-3 promote regrowth of injured rat corticospinal tract fibers and improve hindlimb function. Exp Neurol 2000; 164:25-37. [PMID: 10877912 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2000.7413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Following injury to central nervous tissues, damaged neurons are unable to regenerate their axons spontaneously. Implantation of peripheral nerves into the CNS, however, does result in axonal regeneration into these transplants and is one of the most powerful strategies to promote CNS regeneration. In the present study implantation of peripheral nerve bridges following dorsal hemisection is combined with ex vivo gene transfer with adenoviral vectors encoding neurotrophin-3 (Ad-NT-3) to examine whether this would stimulate regeneration of one of the long descending tracts of the spinal cord, the corticospinal tract (CST), into and beyond the peripheral nerve implant. We chose to use an adenoviral vector encoding NT-3 because CST axons are sensitive to this neurotrophin and Schwann cells in peripheral nerve implants do not express this neurotrophin. At 16 weeks postimplantation of Ad-NT-3-transduced intercostal nerves, approximately three- to fourfold more of the anterogradely traced corticospinal tract fibers had regrown their axons through gray matter below the lesion site when compared to control animals. Regrowth of CST fibers occurred over more than 8 mm distal to the lesion site. No regenerating CST fibers were, however, observed into the transduced peripheral implant. Animals with a peripheral nerve transduced with Ad-NT-3 also exhibited improved function of the hindlimbs when compared to control animals treated with an adenoviral vector encoding LacZ. Thus, transient overexpression of NT-3 in peripheral nerve tissue bridges is apparently sufficient to stimulate regrowth of CST fibers and to promote recovery of hindlimb function, but does not result in regeneration of CST fibers into such transplants. Taken together, combining an established neurotransplantation approach with viral vector-gene transfer promotes the regrowth of injured CST fibers through gray matter and improves the recovery of hindlimb function.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blits
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research
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39
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Extensive sprouting of sensory afferents and hyperalgesia induced by conditional expression of nerve growth factor in the adult spinal cord. J Neurosci 2000. [PMID: 10844012 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.20-12-04435.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic transfer of growth-promoting molecules was proposed as a potential strategy to modify the nonpermissive nature of the adult CNS to induce axonal regeneration. To evaluate whether overexpression of neurotrophins or cellular adhesion molecules would effect axonal plasticity, adenoviruses encoding fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2/Adts), nerve growth factor (NGF/Adts), neurotrophin-3, and the cell adhesion molecules N-cadherin and L1 were injected into the dorsal horn of the adult spinal cord. Transgene expression was primarily localized to astrocytes in the dorsal horn and motor neurons within the ventral horn. Overexpression of these factors, with the exception of NGF/Adts, failed to increase axonal sprouting. Eight days after NGF/Adts injections, axonal sprouting within the dorsal horn was apparent, and after 4 weeks, extensive spouting was observed throughout the entire dorsal horn, extending into the ventral horn and the white matter of the lateral funiculus. These axons were identified primarily as a subpopulation of nociceptive fibers expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance-P. Behavioral analysis revealed thermal hyperalgesia and perturbation of accurate paw placement on grid-walking tasks for both FGF-2- and NGF-treated animals. These results indicate that the administration of growth-promoting molecules can induce robust axonal plasticity of normal adult primary sensory neurons into areas of transgene expression, causing significant alterations in behavioral responses. This observation also indicates that gene transfer protocols that aim to reconstruct diseased or injured pathways should also be designed to prevent the sprouting of the normal circuitry from adjacent unaffected neurons.
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Pasterkamp RJ, Giger RJ, Baker RE, Hermens WT, Verhaagen J. Ectopic adenoviral vector-directed expression of Sema3A in organotypic spinal cord explants inhibits growth of primary sensory afferents. Dev Biol 2000; 220:129-41. [PMID: 10753505 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2000.9627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sema3A (Sema III, SemD, collapsin-1) can induce neuronal growth cone collapse and axon repulsion of distinct neuronal populations. To study Sema3A function in patterning afferent projections into the developing spinal cord, we employed the recombinant adenoviral vector technique in embryonic rat spinal cord slices. Virus solution was injected in the dorsal aspect of organotypic spinal cord cultures with segmentally attached dorsal root ganglia (sc-DRG). In cultures grown in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), injected either with the control virus AdCMVLacZ or with vehicle only, afferent innervation patterns were similar to those of control. However, unilateral injection of AdCMVSema3A/AdCMVLacZ in sc-DRG slices revealed a strong inhibitory effect on NGF-dependent sensory afferent growth. Ectopic Sema3A in the dorsal spinal cord, the target area of NGF-responsive DRG fibers in vivo, created an exclusion zone for these fibers and as a result they failed to reach and innervate their appropriate target zones. Taken together, gain of Sema3A function in the dorsal aspect of sc-DRG cultures revealed a dominant inhibitory effect on NGF-dependent, nociceptive sensory DRG afferents, an observation in line with the model proposed by E. K. Messersmith et al. (1995, Neuron 14, 949-959), suggesting that Sema3A secreted by spinal cord cells can act to repel central sensory fibers during the formation of lamina-specific connections in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Pasterkamp
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, The Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
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41
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Bigbee JW, Sharma KV, Chan EL, Bögler O. Evidence for the direct role of acetylcholinesterase in neurite outgrowth in primary dorsal root ganglion neurons. Brain Res 2000; 861:354-62. [PMID: 10760497 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(00)02046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons show a transient peak expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) during periods of axonal outgrowth prior to synaptogenesis, suggesting that AChE has a non-enzymatic role during development. We have previously shown that perturbation of cell surface AChE in cultured embryonic rat DRG neurons results in decreased neurite outgrowth and neurite detachment. In this report, we demonstrate a direct correlation between endogenous AChE content and neurite outgrowth in primary DRG neurons. Adenoviral vectors were constructed using full-length rat AChE(T) cDNA in either the sense or antisense orientations to overexpress or knock down AChE expression, respectively. Treatment with the sense-expressing vector produced a 2.5-fold increase in AChE expression and a 2-fold increase in neurite length compared with either untreated or null virus-treated control cells. Conversely, treatment with the antisense-expressing vector reduced AChE expression by 40% and resulted in a reduction in neurite length of similar magnitude. We also observed that overexpression of AChE resulted in greater branching at the distal tips of each primary neurite as well as an increase in cell body size. These findings further indicate that AChE expressed on the axonal surface of developing DRG neurons may modulate their adhesive properties and thereby support axonal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Bigbee
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980709, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
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42
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Blits B, Dijkhuizen PA, Hermens WT, Van Esseveldt LK, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. The use of adenoviral vectors and ex vivo transduced neurotransplants: towards promotion of neuroregeneration. Cell Transplant 2000; 9:169-78. [PMID: 10811391 DOI: 10.1177/096368970000900204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of injured axons following injury depends on a delicate balance between growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting factors. Overexpression of neurotrophin genes seems a promising strategy to promote regeneration. Trophic genes can be overexpressed at the site of injury at the axonal stumps, or at the perikaryal level of the injured neuron. Transduction of the neural cells can be achieved by applying adenoviral vectors, either directly in vivo or-in the case of neurotransplantation as an ex vivo approach. In both cases it would create a more permissive environment for axonal growth and therefore in functional regeneration. In this article, the feasibility of the use of adenoviral vectors in several neuroregeneration models--in particularly in spinal cord lesion models and the biological clock transplantation model--is illustrated. The results show that the adenoviral vectors can be a powerful tool to study the effects of overexpression of genes in an in vivo paradigm of nerve regeneration or nerve outgrowth. The potential use of adenoviral vectors and ex vivo transduced neurotransplants is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blits
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research
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43
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Eriksson C, Bergman U, Franzén A, Sjöblom M, Brittebo EB. Transfer of some carboxylic acids in the olfactory system following intranasal administration. J Drug Target 2000; 7:131-42. [PMID: 10617298 DOI: 10.3109/10611869909085497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The uptake of [14C]benzoic acid, 4-chloro[14C]benzoic acid, [3H]phthalic acid and [14C]salicylic acid in the nasal passages and brain was determined following a unilateral intranasal instillation in mice. An uptake of radioactivity from the nasal mucosa to the ipsilateral olfactory bulb was observed up to 4 h after administration following intranasal instillation of these carboxylic acids whereas the level was low in the contralateral olfactory bulb. Autoradiography of mice given [14C]benzoic acid and [14C]salicylic acid by intranasal instillation showed a preferential localization of radioactivity in the axonal and glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb 1 h after the administration. Four hours after administration the radioactivity was present as a gradient from the axonal layer towards the center of the olfactory bulb. Pretreatment of mice with a compound known to damage the olfactory neuroepithelium resulted in a decreased uptake of [14C]benzoic acid in the olfactory bulb. Thin layer chromatography of supernatants from the ipsilateral olfactory bulbs of mice given [14C]benzoic acid by nasal instillation indicated that the radioactivity in the bulbs represented unchanged compound. These results suggest that there is a transfer of some aromatic carboxylic acids in the olfactory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala
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44
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Glatzel M, Flechsig E, Navarro B, Klein MA, Paterna JC, Büeler H, Aguzzi A. Adenoviral and adeno-associated viral transfer of genes to the peripheral nervous system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000; 97:442-7. [PMID: 10618437 PMCID: PMC26682 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.1.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted expression of foreign genes to the peripheral nervous system is interesting for many applications, including gene therapy of neuromuscular diseases, neuroanatomical studies, and elucidation of mechanisms of axonal flow. Here we describe a microneurosurgical technique for injection of replication-defective viral vectors into dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Adenovirus- and adeno-associated virus-based vectors with transcriptional competence for DRG neurons led to expression of the gene of interest throughout the first neuron of the sensory system, from the distal portions of the respective sensory nerve to the ipsilateral nucleus gracilis and cuneatus, which contains the synapses to the spinothalamic tracts. Use of Rag-1 ablated mice, which lack all B and T lymphocytes, allowed for sustained expression for periods exceeding 100 days. In immunocompetent mice, long-term (52 days) expression was achieved with similar efficiency by using adeno-associated viral vectors. DRG injection was vastly superior to intraneural injection into the sciatic nerve, which mainly transduced Schwann cells in the vicinity of the site of inoculation site but only inefficiently transduced nerve fibers, whereas i.m. injection did not lead to any significant expression of the reporter gene in nerve fibers. The versatile and efficient transduction of genes of interest should enable a wide variety of functional studies of peripheral nervous system pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Blits B, Dijkhuizen PA, Carlstedt TP, Poldervaart H, Schiemanck S, Boer GJ, Verhaagen J. Adenoviral vector-mediated expression of a foreign gene in peripheral nerve tissue bridges implanted in the injured peripheral and central nervous system. Exp Neurol 1999; 160:256-67. [PMID: 10630210 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.1999.7204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Axons of the CNS do normally not regenerate after injury, in contrast to axons of the PNS. This is due to a different microenvironment at the site of the lesion as well as a particular intrinsic program of axonal regrowth. Although transplantation of peripheral nerve tissue bridges is perhaps the most successful approach to promoting regeneration in the CNS, ingrowth of CNS nerve fibers with such transplants is limited. Genetic modification of peripheral nerve bridges to overexpress outgrowth-promoting proteins should, in principle, improve the permissive properties of peripheral nerve transplants. The present study shows that pieces of peripheral intercostal nerve, subjected to ex vivo adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer and implanted as nerve bridges in transected sciatic nerve, avulsed ventral root, hemi-sected spinal cord and intact brain, are capable of expressing a foreign gene. In vitro studies showed expression of the reporter gene LacZ up to 30 days in Schwann cells. After implantation, LacZ expression could be detected at 7 days postimplantation, but had virtually disappeared at 14 days. Schwann cells of the transduced nerve bridges retained the capacity of guiding regenerative peripheral and central nerve fiber ingrowth. Transduction of intercostal nerve pieces prior to implantation should, in principle, enable enhanced local production of neurotrophic factors within the transplant and has the potential to improve the regeneration of injured axons into the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blits
- Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, The Netherlands
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46
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Romano G, Pacilio C, Giordano A. Gene transfer technology in therapy: current applications and future goals. Stem Cells 1999; 17:191-202. [PMID: 10437982 DOI: 10.1002/stem.170191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has attracted much interest since the first submissions of phase I clinical trials in the early 1990s, for the treatment of inherited genetic diseases. Preliminary results were very encouraging and prompted many investigators to submit protocols for phase I and phase II clinical trials for the treatment of inherited genetic diseases and cancer. The possible application of gene transfer technology to treat AIDS, cardiopathies, and neurologic diseases is under evaluation. Some viral vectors have already been used to deliver HIV-1 subunits to immunize volunteers who are participating in the AIDS vaccine programs in the USA. However, gene delivery systems still need to be optimized in order to achieve effective therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest achievements in improving gene delivery systems, their current application in preclinical studies and in therapy, and the most pressing issues that must be addressed in the area of vector design.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Romano
- Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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47
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Franklin RM, Quick MM, Haase G. Adenoviral vectors for in vivo gene delivery to oligodendrocytes: transgene expression and cytopathic consequences. Gene Ther 1999; 6:1360-7. [PMID: 10467360 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3300971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Replication defective viral vectors provide a potentially useful means of gene transfer to oligodendrocytes and thus for studying the pathogenesis of white matter disease. In this study we have examined the expression pattern of E1/E3 deleted adenoviral vectors expressing the reporter gene LacZ (AdlacZ) as a means of establishing the value of these vectors for gene delivery to oligodendrocytes in adult rat white matter. Our results indicate that although such an approach can be used to induce transgene expression in oligodendrocytes, it is complicated by both immunogenic and cytopathic effects. Thus, in normal animals, injection of DeltaE1/E3 adenoviral vectors was associated with a robust immune response that led to a lack of expression by 40 days after injection. In order to overcome this complication, virus was injected into the white matter of immuno-deficient athymic rats. These experiments indi- cated that even in the absence of a T cell response high viral titres of DeltaE1/E3 adenoviral vectors had a profound cytopathic effect leading to death of oligodendrocytes and hence demyelination. A similar cytopathic effect was demonstrated using an adenoviral vector expressing the neurocytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor (AdCNTF). As the titre of injected virus was decreased there was a significant decrease in the number of transgene expressing cells. These experiments therefore indicated that in immunodeficient recipients there is a narrow window of virus titre that results in a high rate of infectivity and expression without significant cytopathic consequences. At higher viral titres the cytopathic effects include oligodendrocyte death and demyelination, while at lower titres there is a significant decrease in the efficiency of the number of cells expressing the transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- R m Franklin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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48
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Houweling DA, Bär PR, Gispen WH, Joosten EA. Spinal cord injury: bridging the lesion and the role of neurotrophic factors in repair. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1999; 117:455-71. [PMID: 9932425 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)64032-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D A Houweling
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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49
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Gu�nard V, Schweitzer B, Flechsig E, Hemmi S, Martini R, Suter U, Schachner M. Effective gene transfer oflacZ andP0 into Schwann cells of P0-deficient mice. Glia 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-1136(19990115)25:2<165::aid-glia7>3.0.co;2-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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50
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA.
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